Chapter 277
Dorothea showed up right on time for the auction and slipped quietly into the last row. She didn’t bother bidding, just watched with a cool detachment while Bonita waved her paddle, clearly racking up quite a few wins.
As the night wound down, Bonita made her way toward the exit. Dorothea followed, catching up with her. “Bonita, do you have a minute p>
Bonita shot her a look that couldn’t have been more dismissive. “I’m on my way to another event now. No time, sorry. If you really want, you can tag along p>
So Dorothea did, trailing Bonita all the way to a private club. She figured she’d let Bonita vent a little, if that’s what she needed.
But Bonita wasn’t done. “Actually, this is a private gathering. You’ll have to wait outside for a bit p>
Dorothea didn’t seem bothered. She just smiled, easy and unbothered. “Sure, I’ll wait. Doesn’t matter how late it gets p>
Bonita couldn’t help but be surprised. Was Dorothea really this calm? She didn’t look back, just sauntered into the private room.
A few minutes later, Beatty arrived. She paused outside, noticing a woman sitting alone, quietly scrolling on her phone. She recognized her almost immediately. That had to be Latham’s wife.
Beatty walked in and glanced at Bonita. “Hey, is that woman outside a friend of yours p>
Bonita’s laugh was sharp. “Friend? Not even close. That’s my fiancé’s first love. Albert still has her photo as his lock screen, believe it or not p>
“She wants to work with me. Realized she couldn’t, so now she’s trying to get to Manley instead. I’m leaving her out there on purpose. Maybe she’ll finally get the picture p>
Beatty frowned, surprised by the connection, She remembered Latham whispering Dorothea’s name more than once. So this was the woman he’d loved for years. She couldn’t help but wonder just what it was about Dorothea that kept Latham so hooked even insisting on marrying her once he was back home.
“Beatty, you zoned out,” Bonita snapped, annoyed.
Beatty just smiled. “Sorry, I was thinking about a patient p>
“Still, Bonita, if your fiancé finds out you’re treating her this way, it might stir up trouble. Why not let it go p>
Bonita knew she was being petty, but she couldn’t shake her irritation. “Relax. I’m just making her wait tonight. I’ll sign the contract in a few days p>
Beatty nodded, a little smile on her lips. “Alright, if you say so p>
She excused herself to the restroom and caught sight of Dorothea sitting phone Dorothea’s face was small and
outside, head bent over
delicate, but her beauty was impossible. to ignore. She wore, white tweed jacket and seemed completely absorbed in a video. Suddenly, she smiled, lips curving softly, her eyes lighting up like she’d just heard the best joke in the world.
Sensing someone watching, Dorothea looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Can I help you p>
Dorothea didn’t really remember Beatty from before, just a quick glance that hadn’t stuck.
Beatty smiled. “Hi. I’m a friend of your husband. My name’s Beatty. If you’re waiting for the people inside, I wouldn’t hold your breath tonight p>
“Beatty?” Dorothea echoed, surprised. She hadn’t expected this mysterious Beatty to know Bonita.
“That’s me. Sounds like Latham’s
told you about me.” Beatty said his name lightly, a hint of warmthin her voice, as if they were closer than
Dorothea might have guessed.