Chapter 56

Albert’s pupils narrowed, sharp and searching, like he was trying to spot even a hint of a joke on Dorothea’s face. The playful smirk that had just curled at the corner of his mouth froze in place, neither a smile nor a frown.

“Dorothea, I’ve told you before, don’t play games with me p>

Dorothea’s lips curled ever so slightly, barely a smile. “I’m not joking. But Albert, it’s already been a minute p>

Albert’s long fingers flexed, knuckles suddenly tense. “I heard you fought with your mom. Look, I know that’s your business, but don’t let it get too messy. Layton’s so upset about it, he almost hit Alonzo. If you keep this up, Elise will be caught in the middle and have no idea what to do p>

He paused, his tone quieter but just as serious. “Dorothea, you never used to handle things like this, so reckless and impulsive. What’s changed? Why are you so restless now p>

It was as though every word out of her mouth lately was just meant to provoke him. Even making up a husband out of thin air, just to get under his skin.

Albert hated this version of Dorothea.

She just shrugged, a teasing light in her eyes. “Didn’t expect you to still love bossing people around. You’re not my boss, Albert, and we’re not even family. Maybe try not to be so overbearing p>

Albert clenched his jaw. “Dorothea, I’m just looking out for you p>

“For me?” Dorothea let out a short laugh. “Right. So Alonzo locks me up and I’m supposed to just take it, no hard feelings? He should be apologizing, but honestly, I don’t really care to hear it anymore. Save your lectures, Albert. I don’t need them.” Albert’s eyes turned cold, his voice almost a whisper. “When did you become like this, Dorothea? Are you really saying all this just to hurt me p>

Dorothea rolled her eyes in her mind. “Albert, I’m not trying to upset you. I really did get married. That’s why I don’t want to get tangled up with you again p>

“If you can have a new, young, beautiful girlfriend, why can’t I find a young, handsome, and energetic husband p>

Albert’s face darkened. She might as well have called him old and out of shape right to his face. Dorothea had no idea if Latham was actually energetic, but she wasn’t about to lose her momentum.

“We’re done, Albert. No need to drag this out. You don’t have any claim to tell me what to do anymore p>

She glanced down at her watch, her voice brisk. “Alright, that’s five minutes. My husband’s downstairs. I’m leaving p>

She didn’t give him a chance to reply, striding away and disappearing into the elevator. The doors slid shut before Albert could even process what had happened. By the time he snapped out of it, she was already on the basement level.

He stood there, replaying every heated word in his mind, and the more he thought about it, the more it stung. In the end, he couldn’t even tell what was real and what was just Dorothea trying to get a rise out of him.

SWE

Dorothea, meanwhile, really was meeting Latham for dinner at his place. She fished her phone out of her bag, only to freeze in horror when she saw she’d been on a call for over seven minutes. Latham name was right there on the screen. Cóntent

“Hello?” she said, her voice a little shaky.

A low chuckle came through the speaker. “Just walk straight ahead. My car’s the

one with the hazards on. See it p>

Dorothea pressed her lips together. “Yeah, I see it p>

She tried to remember when she’d accidentally picked up his call. How much of her argument with Albert had Latham overheard?

She slid into the passenger seat and glanced at him. “Sorry, I must have hit the call button by mistake. When did you call me, anyway p>