Chapter 31

Albert’s assistant didn’t even have time to complain. The moment the message came through, they were scrambling for their laptop, already bracing for a long night.

[I want everything on Dorothea’s new company. You have thirty minutes p>

After getting out of the car, Carmen made a decision. She was going to steer clear of Albert and his group. No way was she about to waste her energy on them today.

But as soon as she spotted Carola among the crowd, her mood tanked even further. Carmen felt her stomach twist. Great, just what she needed.

She leaned closer to Dorothea and whispered, “I honestly cannot stand her p>

Without missing a beat, Carola bounced over and practically threw herself into Albert’s arms. He greeted her with a soft smile and that infuriatingly gentle tone. “Slow down, Carola. You’ll trip if you keep running like that p>

Carmen rolled her eyes so hard she almost hurt herself. She turned to share her annoyance with Dorothea, but Dorothea had her back turned, picking up some leaves like she was already over this whole scene.

Albert couldn’t help glancing at Dorothea from time to time, probably thinking he was being subtle. But Dorothea didn’t even spare him a look.

Was she really that indifferent, or was she just pretending?

Tents and canopies went up while everyone settled in for their camping trip.

Someone rented a portable stove, and soon the air was filled with the promise of barbecue.

Dorothea didn’t join the chatter. She sat off to the side, looking perfectly content to be left alone.

Then someone suggested a game. “Let’s play Truth or Dare. But only Dares. Whoever refuses gets punished p>

Dorothea finally spoke up, her voice calm. “I’ll pass on the game p>

Carola flashed a sweet, fake smile. “You’re already here. Come on, just have some fun with us p>

The others piled on. “Yeah, don’t be a buzzkill! What’s the point of coming if you’re not even going to join in p>

Carmen was ready to fire back, but Dorothea just gave her hand a reassuring pat and smiled. “Fine, I’ll play p>

The bottle spun. The first few dares were harmless and nobody got too close for comfort. Then the bottle pointed straight at Dorothea.

She picked a card, her face changing just a little.

“What’s it say? Read it out loud p>

Dorothea stayed silent. Someone couldn’t wait and snatched the card from her. “Whoa, it says you have to kiss any guy here for a whole minute content

The guys around the circle all perked up. For them, just the idea of

Dorothea kissing of Sed

enough to get them grinning.

One of them piped up with a sly smile. “I volunteer. I’m single. You can kiss me

anytime, Dorothea p>

Dorothea’s expression soured instantly.

Albert just watched her, his gaze dark and intense, like he was waiting for her to ask for help so he could swoop in and save her.

Dorothea didn’t even look at him. She turned to the group and said, “I’ll take the punishment instead p>

A couple people groaned. “Lame. Pick your punishment then p>

She reached into the pile, pulled out a card, and handed it to the so-called referee.

“Please say ‘I’m sorry’ ten times to any girl here wearing pink p>

Dorothea swept her eyes over the group. Only one person had on a pink dress. Carola.

Carola gave a coy smile. “Oh, so it’s me? That’s kind of embarrassing. Maybe we should just skip this one p>

Albert’s voice cut through the

conversation, cold and sharp. “And why would we skip it? you’r playing, you have to accept the consequences p>

He gave Dorothea a mocking look. “Isn’t that right p>

Dorothea caught on instantly. This whole setup was payback for the slap she’d given him the other day.

She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, a tall, lean figure strolled up behind the group.

“Well, this looks lively. Aren’t you all a little old to be playing high school bullying games p>

Albert froze, eyes narrowing. “Latham p>

What was Latham doing here?