Chapter 11
“Dorothea, what happened to you p>
Dorothea let out a short laugh, cool and sharp. “The problem was, I used to be too gullible. That’s why you could mess with me so easily. But I’m done being the fool, that’s all p>
She could hear her stepfather’s voice faintly in the background.
And sure enough, a second later, Layton’s voice came through. “Dorothea, it’s me. Your mom’s just a little worked up, so I’m apologizing for her. Since your engagement with the Stevens family is set, both families will meet this Saturday to talk about the wedding. I promise, you’ll get everything you deserve p>
“Alright. See you Saturday p>
After she hung up, Layton turned to Elise, clearly annoyed. “You can’t even handle her p>
Elise was at a loss. “I honestly didn’t expect Dorothea to change this much p>
Layton’s face darkened. “She’s grown up. She’s not easy to figure out anymore, and that’s normal. Don’t make things worse for now. Once the wedding is settled, we’ll deal with the rest. And don’t mention any of this to Carola yet p>
Elise pouted. “I know p>
Dorothea carried a bag of supplements as she made her way to the nursing home.
Her grandfather had passed away three years ago. After her grandmother’s stroke, Dorothea had wanted to hire a nurse so her grandmother could stay at home. But her grandmother insisted on moving into a care facility. Dorothea had picked out a really nice place, and she visited every weekend. Out of everything, her grandmother worried most about her marriage.
Dorothea walked up to Pauline with a bright smile.
Pauline’s eyes lit up the moment she saw her. “Dorothea, you’re here p>
“Grandma, have your legs been hurting lately p>
Pauline waved her off, still smiling. “I’m fine, really p>
Dorothea pulled out her marriage certificate. “Grandma, I got married p>
Pauline froze for a second, then broke into a huge grin. “Is it that tall, handsome boyfriend you told me about p>
Dorothea’s eyes dimmed for a moment. She’d only ever mentioned Albert to Pauline once. She hadn’t
even dared show her a full phot
photo
just a blurry side shot. She didn’t
want her grandma to worry.
She nodded and lied gently. “Yeah, Grandma, we’re married. I don’t want a big wedding, just keeping things simple. Once he’s less busy, I’ll bring him to see you p>
“That’s wonderful! What great news p>
Pauline squeezed her hand and led her to the room. She dug through a bunch of carefully wrapped clothes before pulling out a small box.
“Dorothea, these arethes
gifts I saved for you. They were left by your grandfather and your dad p>
Dorothea felt her nose sting as she watched Pauline pull out a bank card, handling it
with such care. “Grandma, I can’t take it. You should keep it for yourself p>
Pauline shot her a look. “I’m here in the nursing home every day. I barely spend anything. Your dad used to put money in this account for me every year. There’s around five million in there. You keep it safe. And if you want to go back to work at your dad’s hotel, just say the word and I’ll talk to your mom p>
Dorothea squeezed Pauline’s hand. “Grandma, there’s no rush. If I need your help,
I’ll let you know p>
“Alright, I’ll listen to you p>
Meanwhile, at the corporate offices.
“Mr. Stephens, the Stevens family and the Brown family are set to meet this Saturday p>
Latham narrowed his eyes. “Which venue p>
“It’s at our Summit Vista club p>
A sly smile played on Latham’s lips. “Clear my whole schedule for that day. And
make sure there’s a room reserved for me right next to theirs p>