Chapter 153

When Carmen got home, she waved to Dorothea and slipped inside without another word.

Up on the second-floor balcony, Albert narrowed his eyes, watching everything that happened at the gate. He was pretty sure that license plate belonged to Latham. Why on earth was Carmen getting out of Latham’s car?

Carmen was in a great mood, humming to herself as she headed upstairs. She was almost to her room when Albert called out to her.

“Carmen, who dropped you off just now?” His voice was cold, almost accusing.

Carmen hadn’t expected to run into him. She barely lifted an eyebrow. “Albert, it was just a friend p>

Albert refused to let it go. “Which friend p>

She was already losing patience. “Albert, I don’t think I need to report who I hang out with. My parents don’t even ask, and Grandpa definitely doesn’t care p>

She didn’t say it, but the message was clear. Why do you?

Carmen used to treat Albert with a lot of respect, almost like he was some wise elder in the family. He’d definitely earned that reputation. But after what he’d done to her best friend, all that respect had shattered. Now, every time she looked at him, all she could think was that men really weren’t worth the trouble.

Albert’s expression darkened. “So you’ve grown up now? Is this how you talk to me p>

“I recognized that car. It was Latham’s, wasn’t it?” His tone softened, but only a little. “But there’s no way our families are going to arrange a marriage with the Stephens. If Grandpa finds out, he’ll be the first to put a stop to it p>

That’s when Carmen realized Albert had completely misunderstood. The idea made her want to laugh. She decided to play along.

“Albert, you seriously need to get your eyes checked. It was Dorothea and her husband who gave me a ride p>

She smiled, almost teasing. “No worries. Dorothea’s husband said they’ll definitely show up to your wedding. By the way, does Grandpa know you sent an invitation to your ex-girlfriend? Anyway, I’m tired. I’m going to bed. If you’re so concerned about someone, maybe try focusing on your fiancée. She showed up at our class reunion today, you know p>

Carmen didn’t care what he thought. She wanted to push his buttons.

Albert stood there for a couple of seconds, completely thrown off. No way. There was no chance Dorothea had dropped Carmen off. Carmen must have figured out about his history with Dorothea so she was just saying this to get under his skin. That had to be it.

And Dorothea’s husband? Albert would make sure that guy knew he was just a stand-in. But wait, Carola went to their class reunion today?

He didn’t waste any time looking up the details. Scanning through his phone, he skipped over Carola’s name and called Jared.

Jared had just gotten home when he saw the call. He was surprised. “Albert p>

“Hey, Jared. I heard you had a dinner with some former students today. My niece was there too p>

Jared was caught off guard. “Your niece p>

“Carmen is your niece? No wonder ↓ never realized. It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other. I heard you’re getting married. Congratulations

Your fiancee is very

beautiful.

Albert let out a dry laugh. “Come on, don’t tease me p>

Jared was still wondering why Albert had called out of the blue.

“Jared, I hope my girlfriend didn’t cause you any trouble?” Albert asked, testing the waters.

Jared just smiled. “No, not at all. Girls just like to ask questions sometimes. She’s really into you, you know. She kept asking about your love life p>

Albert’s brows knit together. “Did she say anything weird p>

Jared shook his head, even though Albert couldn’t see it. “No, it’s normal for her to want to know more about your school days. You should treat her well p>

Albert’s smile was barely there. “Got it. Thanks, Jared. I’ll let you go. I’ll visit another time p>

After hanging up, Jared couldn’t shake the odd feeling. Something about Albert’s attitude just seemed. off He had a hunch that Albert wasn’t as into his fiancée as everyone assumed.