Chapter 37

“I’m just looking out for you, you know. Try to appreciate my good intentions. Trust me, it’s the middle of the day. What could I possibly do to you p>

If he hadn’t tacked on that last line, Dorothea might have believed him. But since he did, she was absolutely sure she couldn’t go.

She accepted the document with a cheerful smile. “Alright, thanks. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get going p>

Walton put on a satisfied smile. “Go ahead p>

As soon as she left, Walton picked up the phone to report in. “Everything’s set. Don’t worry, she’ll definitely show up p>

Ever since the camping trip, Carola hadn’t seen Albert for three days.

Every time she called, he either said he was busy or tied up in a meeting.

Panic crept in, settling heavy in her chest. As luck would have it, she ran into Harper at a restaurant, just as he was getting out of the hospital, still nursing his injuries.

When Harper spotted her, he felt a mix of awkwardness and resentment, especially since he knew she was Albert’s girlfriend now. “Carola, you’re here too p>

Carola shot him a look of pure dislike. “Do you want something p>

Harper let out a cold laugh and pointed at the cast on his arm. “Do you know who I have to thank for this p>

Carola’s eyelid twitched. Something told her this wasn’t going anywhere good. “Who p>

“Your fiancé, Albert. All I did was tease his ex, and he beat me up like this. Was that really necessary p>

He leaned in a little, voice dropping just enough to sting. “Honestly, I shouldn’t say this, but I doubt you mean as much to him as his ex does p>

He watched, satisfied, as Carola’s face darkened.

“Enjoy your meal. I’ll leave you to it p>

Harper whistled as he walked away, feeling lighter after days of stewing in frustration. Finally, he’d let out some of his anger.

Carola sat there, stunned. Was Harper really hurt by Albert? For Dorothea? Was Dorothea really that important to him?

Her anxiety only grew. She quickly called Albert’s assistant. “Where is Albert p>

She bit her lip, like she’d made up her mind about something.

No matter what, she wasn’t going to let anyone steal Albert from her. Not even Dorothea.

In the presidential suite at The

Gresham, amber whiskey swirledet

a glass between long pale.

ce cubes gently clink

Albert lounged back on the velvet

sofa, but his eyes stayed sharp, fixed on the suite’s main door, wat and waiting

He looked every bit the predator, calm but ready, waiting for prey to wander into his territory.

The doorbell rang. Albert thought for sure it was Dorothea. Instead, he saw the

nervous face of a hotel attendant.

He frowned. “Yes p>

“Sir, here’s the meal you ordered p>

Albert nodded, letting him roll the cart inside.

A steak landed on his table. He waved the attendant away and, with practiced ease, cut off a small piece to eat. He finished the whole steak, but Dorothea still hadn’t shown up.

His patience snapped. He grabbed his phone, ready to call and demand some answers.

Suddenly, a strange heat shot up from his stomach, spreading through his body like wildfire.

A burning restlessness surged in his veins, slowly drowning out his thoughts.

He stared at the empty plate in shock. The steak was definitely drugged.

It was so hot. Every inch of his skin ached for relief.

He felt like he was about to lose his mind.

The doorbell rang again, and something dark flickered in his eyes.

This time, it had to be Dorothea.

Using the wall for support, he staggered over and pulled open the door.

But it was Nash standing there. Albert’s eyes narrowed. “Where’s Dorothea p>

Nash looked startled. “Dorothea couldn’t make it. She asked me to drop off a document p>

“Get out,” Albert snapped, slamming the door shut.

He leaned against the wall, making his shaky way toward the bathroom for a cold shower, when the door opened again.