Chapter 152

A flicker of sadness crossed Jasper’s eyes. “Congratulations, Dorothea p>

Someone couldn’t resist teasing. “Wow, Jasper looks pretty let down p>

Jasper shot back, cheeks red with frustration. “Knock it off p>

Some of Carola’s friends had heard of Dorothea before and knew a little about her connection with Jasper. One of them decided to stir the pot. “So, Dorothea, what does your husband do? Is he one of your coworkers at the hotel p>

Dorothea and Carmen were already halfway out the door in their minds. Dorothea didn’t bother pretending anymore. “I didn’t know you were so interested in my husband p>

She paused, her expression cool. “Sorry, but I’m not answering that p>

The firmness in her voice took everyone by surprise.

Jared watched with a small, approving smile. She really had grown up, hadn’t she? She finally had some fight in her. No more just quietly taking whatever people threw at her. That was good to see.

Dorothea turned to Jared. “My husband’s nearby. He said he’d pick me up, so Carmen and I are heading out. I’ll come visit you properly next time p>

Jared nodded warmly. “Go ahead. Drive safe p>

As soon as Dorothea and Carmen left, the room fell silent.

Zack scoffed. “Who even knows who she married p>

He turned to Leonie. “Hey, Leonie, aren’t you going to walk your good friend out? Maybe you can get a look at this mysterious husband of hers p>

Leonie had no choice but to play along. She stood up. “Sure p>

Jared shook his head. “Zack, you’re just the same as ever p>

He held back from saying how tiresome that was.

As they stepped outside, Carmen frowned. “Wait, is Latham really coming p>

Dorothea shrugged. “Nah, I just made that up p>

Carmen laughed. “I thought he was actually on his way. Let me call my driver then. Hang tight p>

They’d barely made it to the entrance when the headlights of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan flashed. The window rolled down, and there he was.

IM

Dorothea stared, caught off guard. “You actually showed up p>

Latham leaned his arm on the window and raised an eyebrow. “What, are you saying we’re on the same wavelength now, honey p>

Dorothea could only stare. If she could take back her words, she would have in a heartbeat.

Carmen grinned. “Latham, perfect timing. Seriously, you’ve got this down p>

Carmen noticed an old classmate lurking behind them, trying to stay out of sight.

She nudged Dorothea. “Come on,

let’s getin” Then in a low voice,

“Leone’s following us. No clube

whose idea that was.”.net>

Latham stepped out and opened the door for them, all gentlemanly charm. “Please, ladies p>

Dorothea felt her cheeks heat up. She mumbled, “Thanks p>

Latham closed the door behind them and shot a cold look at the shadows where someone was hiding.

Leonie’s eyes widened. She looked stunned, like she couldn’t believe what she’d just seen.

Back in

private room, someone

Could it to start in on her.

Dorothea’s husband?”Wet

beonie, did you get a look

Leonie hesitated, biting her lip before she finally spoke up. “I think I saw Latham pick

her up p>

The group erupted. “Latham? Wait, you mean the Latham? No way p>

“There’s no chance Dorothea’s husband is Latham p>

Leonie wasn’t sure herself. Latham’s face was all over the tabloids, but it was hard to say in the fog.

Zack dismissed it without a second thought. “Impossible. Latham would never marry Dorothea. You must have seen wrong p>

Leonie forced a weak smile. “Maybe you’re right p>

Carola pressed her nails into her palm, forcing a small smile. “There was so much

fog tonight. Easy mistake to make p>

By now, even Leonie was starting to wonder if she really had imagined it.