Chapter 286

Garth spent the whole ride home chatting about everything that had happened at school, big and small.

Aaron watched him through the rearview mirror more than once.

Garth was clearly in a great mood.

For the past few days, Dorothea had barely spared Latham a glance. But when they

got back to the Stephens Estate, she slipped her arm through his like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Latham grinned at her. “I thought you didn’t want me anywhere near you p>

Dorothea ignored him, eyes fixed straight ahead.

Latham let out a quiet sigh. “Come on, babe. What are you even upset about p>

The moment they walked inside, Dorothea released his hand and called out, “Dad, we’re home p>

Latham was left hanging.

Ladd’s face lit up when he saw Dorothea. He hurried over, full of enthusiasm.

“Dorothea, Scott’s bringing his girlfriend over too. I actually thought they broke up. Haven’t seen Mamie around in a while. Glad they’re still together p>

Dorothea avoided looking at Latham the whole time, just occasionally making small talk with Mamie.

She thought she was being discreet, but Ladd and Scott had already picked up on the tension.

“Did you piss off your wife?” Ladd asked, genuinely confused.

Funny enough, Scott had just finished having his own fight with his girlfriend-now it was Latham’s turn, apparently.

Latham pressed his lips together, refusing to admit anything. “She’s not mad. We’re fine. She even put some food on my plate just now p>

Ladd arched a brow. “Really? That piece of lettuce she gave you looked half-dead p>

Was he really going to keep pretending?

Latham just shoved his hands in his pockets, acting cool. “Anyway, we’re good p>

Out in the garden, Mamie finally got some rare alone time with Garth.

He was busy working on a puzzle, then looked up at her. “Mamie, you’re so nice to me. I wish you could be my mom p>

The words made Mamie’s heart pound. She wanted so badly to tell him the truth— that she really was his mom.

But she couldn’t.

Garth suddenly realized he might’ve gone too far. He looked worried.

“Sorry, Mandre. didn’t mean

anything by it. Just talking ve

.net>

Mamie smiled softly. “How about I be your mom for one hour, just today p>

Garth stared at her, wide-eyed. “Really? I can call you Mom p>

Even if it was just for an hour, he wanted to know what it felt like.

Mamie nodded, her smile gentle and bright.

She could barely contain her excitement.

Then Garth called out, clear as a bell, “Mom p>

Mamie bit her lip, fighting back tears.

“Yes, Garth p>

He threw his arms around her, practically bursting with joy. “Mom! I have a mom today p>

Not far off, Scott watched them, his expression unreadable.

Latham nudged him. “What’s with the secret glances at your girlfriend p>

Scott shot him a look. “You seem pretty free. Maybe spend your time figuring out how to fix things with Dorothea p>

Latham had nothing to say to that.

On the way home, Latham sat in silence, lips pressed tight, looking a little wounded. “Are you still mad at me p>

Dorothea answered with barely a hint of emotion. “No p>

But it was that cold tone that really got to him.

Aldin was still in the car, so Latham kept quiet, waiting until they pulled into the villa.

Once they stopped, his voice came out cold. “Get out p>

Dorothea unbuckled her seatbelt, reaching for the door, but before she

could, Latham pulled herent. his grip hot and urgent.

his arms,

He leaned down, brushing her ear with his lips, his gaze intense. “L didn’t mean you should actually get. out. We still have things to settle p>