Chapter 248

Mamie really didn’t want to bother Dorothea. She just didn’t have any other options. She’d only just come back to the country, didn’t know many people, and the so- called experts she’d found online hadn’t impressed her at all.

Dorothea, though, always seemed to know someone. Maybe she could help. Mamie couldn’t possibly ask her adoptive parents about this. At this point, friends were all she had.

“I have a classmate who’s in that field. Her advisor is pretty well-known, actually p>

“Thank you, Dorothea p>

Dorothea laughed. “Don’t thank me. We’re friends, aren’t we p>

“Still, I need you to keep this just between us p>

Dorothea nodded. “Of course p>

She reached out to her classmate right away and sent Mamie the contact info, then headed off to the police station.

Dorothea didn’t expect to run into Elise there again.

One of the officers offered her a sympathetic smile. “Your mother provided a letter of understanding. You might not agree with it, but as Bertha’s aunt, her opinion carries weight. We checked the invoice you gave us. Since it’s a pair of rings, we’re valuing each at a hundred and fifty thousand. That qualifies as a major amount, so we can move forward with prosecution. The video you submitted is solid evidence of the theft, but technically, the stolen property has been returned p>

Dorothea understood exactly what that meant. Most likely, there would be a reduced sentence, maybe even some leniency.

“She confessed, too p>

Dorothea shot Elise a glance. “Officer, I cut ties with her ages ago. It was even in the papers p>

“But you’re still related by blood p>

“Fine, I get it. Just do what you have to do p>

Elise met Dorothea’s eyes and realized this letter had finally, completely ended whatever was left of their relationship.

Did she regret it? Elise couldn’t handle her father’s pressure, and Bertha was still her niece. She couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. She knew she was at fault. “Dorothea p>

“Don’t say my name.” Dorothea’s voice was ice-cold. “Just seeing you makes my skin crawl p>

A sharp pain pricked Elise’s heart, but she told herself it was alright. She still had Alonzo. Losing a daughter was a price she could live with.

Dorothea left the station, weighed down and quiet. Latham’s car was waiting right outside.

“You heard p>

He nodded. “Yeah. Don’t let it get to you.” He reached over and patted her head “Let’s go buy rings. We’re getting married next week No way we’re showing up without wedding bands. Leave the rest to me, okay? Don’t let this garbage ruin your day.” Cóntent

Dorothea managed a small smile. “Okay p>

“Latham, I think I like you even more right now. What am I supposed to do about that p>

Her words were soft, almost shy, but they hit him right in the heart.

Latham froze, forgetting to breathe for a second. All the sounds around them—the

crowd, the vendors, the distant chatter-just faded away.

All he could see was her sweet, blushing face, her eyes full of shy affection.

He pulled her close and held her tight. “Say that again p>

Dorothea wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyelashes fluttering. She looked

right at him. “I think I love you a little more than before p>

Joy surged through him, warm and overwhelming.

He squeezed her tighter, his voice coming out low and rough. “Forget the rings for now. Let’s just go home p>

It was obvious what he meant.

Dorothea’s legs felt weak at the

thought. She leaned in and pressed

a soft kiss to the corner of his

mouth teasing “Maybe we should get the rings first

Latham didn’t let go. He opened the back door for her. “Let’s go home. We’ll buy them first thing in the morning. Baby, I need you p>

Dorothea was at a loss for words.

Mamie was nervous about meeting Felice, but learning she was a woman put her a little more at ease.

“Have a seat. I heard you lost your memory seven years ago. Do you think your amnesia has more to do with your mind than your body p>

Mamie had seen brain and nerve specialists before. Both had told her it was probably psychological.

“Yes. That’s why I wanted to see you. I heard you do hypnosis, and I’d like to try p>

Felice nodded. “Alright. It might not

work right away, and we shouldn’t go too long for a first session Next

time you can bring a family member if you want p>

Mamie hesitated. “I’m sorry, I don’t have any family who can come with me p>

Felice looked surprised, then smiled gently and turned over the hourglass on her desk. “That’s okay. Let’s get started p>