Chapter 296
“The internet says this helps you have a girl. Aren’t little girls supposed to be all sweet and adorable p>
Dorothea just stared at him, lost for words.
Her stomach hadn’t even given the slightest sign of pregnancy, but Latham was already picking out the baby’s gender.
“Aren’t you worried I might not even get pregnant?” she teased.
Latham pressed two fingers gently to her lips. “Don’t say that. The baby could be listening, and you’ll hurt their feelings p>
He was being so superstitious, like a few stray words could make or break their chances.
“You should be fair,” she said, shaking her head. “If it ends up being a boy, you’ll be crushed p>
Dorothea could never figure out why so many men dreamed of having daughters.
“I wouldn’t be crushed,” he insisted. Though, honestly, he’d probably have less patience with a son.
Changing the subject, Latham asked, “Do you want to have dinner with Beatty p>
Dorothea hesitated, thinking it over. “I mean, if you want to. Didn’t you say Beatty helped you out a lot before p>
“She did, but I paid her for it. We don’t have to get together. It’s not a big deal p>
“Then I’d rather not.” Dorothea didn’t see the point in making herself uncomfortable.
She had a feeling, maybe just a woman’s instinct, that Beatty had feelings for Latham.
But how could she explain that to him? Beatty hadn’t done anything wrong. Dorothea couldn’t complain about someone just because of a vibe.
“If you don’t want to, we won’t. I’ll tell her we’re not coming p>
When Beatty got turned down for the third time, her eyes went dark with disappointment.
Bonita, noticing her sour mood, took her out for drinks to cheer her up. “Last time you were defending Dorothea, but I told you she’s not as simple as she looks. It’s just dinner, and she won’t even let you eat with Latham p>
“It’s not her fault. I was out of line. He’s married. It’s normal to check with his wife first p>
“If you really think it’s normal, then why are your eyes all red p>
Beatty emptied her wine glass in one go.
She couldn’t even explain how she felt it was envy, a pinch of jealousy, and a lot of unwillingness to give up.
Bonita watched her with an unreadable look. “Don’t worry, Beatty. We’re friends. I’ll help you p>
But Beatty was so wrapped up in her own thoughts, she barely heard her.
Two weeks later, Dorothea realized she was late. Heart pounding, she bought a pregnancy test.
One clear line appeared. Not pregnant.
A stab of disappointment hit her before she could even process it, and then her phone rang.
“Dorothea, it’s urgent. Something’s gone wrong at the Veridian branch. They need you there right away p>
She frowned, already shifting into work mode. “Tell them to stay calm.
No decisions. Come picket
me up
sw
at home. We’ll drive there..net>
She’d barely been home before she was heading out again.
Latham looked confused. “Where are you going p>
“Emergency business trip. The Veridian branch is having problems p>
“Let Aldin drive you,” he offered, trying to help.
He’d promised not to get involved with her work.
Dorothea shook her head. “My assistant’s coming. I’ll probably be gone two days. I’ll call you p>
A flicker of worry crossed Latham’s
face. Watching her get in the car, he called after her, “Be careful. Text me when you get there.
Dorothea gave him a reassuring smile. “I will. It’s only a two-hour drive p>
She got in the car and called the branch manager right away. “Don’t do anything untiky, arive. No confrontations p>
“Yes, Dorothea. It’s just-they’re really pushing us around p>
“Listen, the bar owner there has a lot of power. Be extra careful p>
Dorothea stared out at the city lights, her voice calm and steady. “Wait for me. We’ll handle it together p>