Chapter 258
The second the car exploded out in the wilderness, the police swooped in and made an arrest.
The evidence was ironclad. Attempted murder, planned in advance. Even though she hadn’t succeeded, the extra charges were enough to get her locked up for more than ten years.
Latham wanted her behind bars for good, with no way out.
In the dressing room, Carmen leaned in close to Dorothea, her eyes bright with gossip. “I was in the car behind yours,” she whispered. “I saw the cops take someone away across the street. Couldn’t see her face, but I’m pretty sure it was a woman p>
Dorothea just knew, deep down, that it had to be Carola.
She forced herself to steady her breathing, still feeling a little dazed, like she’d just dodged a bullet.
Latham had planned everything perfectly. She was safe, untouched, and their wedding was moving forward.
“Dorothea, are you alright p>
Dorothea shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. “I’m okay. It just feels like I’m dreaming p>
The ceremony began.
Ladd mingled with guests, smiling warmly, and shot a glance at Scott. “Why didn’t you bring your girlfriend today p>
Scott looked unfazed. “She’s working late. Audit season. She wanted me to let you know she couldn’t make it p>
Ladd, who had seemed a little suspicious before, relaxed. “You know, you should show her more attention. Don’t be so cold, or you’ll be the one crying if she walks away p>
Scott’s face tightened, obviously annoyed. “Dad, can you wish me well, just once p>
Meanwhile, Garth, fresh from his flower boy duties, tugged at Scott’s sleeve. “Daddy, I haven’t seen Mamie in forever p>
“We’ll go visit her next time, I promise p>
“Really p>
“Really p>
Scott managed a small smile, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Taking your son to see you might shake loose those memories you lost.
The ceremony went off without a hitch. After they exchanged rings, Latham leaned in, his voice low. “Are you still scared p>
Dorothea shook her head. “Not with you here p>
Latham kissed her, tender and fierce all at once. “Good. All those pests are out of the way now p>
At the reception, Wade stepped in as best man, dutifully blocking drinks for Latham.
Carmen was a real one too. Since Dorothea was getting married and Latham had given her a generous red envelope, she joined in on the drinking.
Dorothea frowned, not liking it. “Don’t actually drink all that. Just fake it with coke or water p>
Carmen waved her off. “Please, I can handle it p>
By the end of the first round, Carmen was definitely tipsy.
She steadied herself against the wall, her
warlanded on her shoulder.
steps unsteady. Sudden et
“Careful there p>
The hand disappeared almost as quickly as it came.
Carmen blinked, seeing double, her words slurring. “Thanks p>
Pearson gave her a gentle smile. “You sure you can walk back on your own p>
Carmen nodded. “I won’t get lost p>
It’s just the bathroom, after all.
Pearson raised his eyebrow, but didn’t say anything else. He drifted away.
Nearby, another party casualty was sore stomach. Wade sat
xel
a plate of food trying lo
soak up the alcohol content.net>
“Want some soup?” The guy next to him asked, voice calm.
Wade shot him a cocky grin. “If you’re offering, I’m drinking. Bring it over p>
“You sure?” The man raised his eyebrows.
Wade glanced over. “Of course. We’re friends, aren’t we p>
Then he caught a pair of teasing eyes and his smile froze. “Wait… why is it you p>
Just then, Latham and Dorothea walked up.
“What’s this? Wade, you know Patrick p>
Wade sobered up fast.
Wasn’t this the jerk who’d flipped his world upside down last month?