Chapter 69

Scott worked in politics, so he was always extra careful about boundaries and appearances. Because of that, nobody at school knew Garth was connected to the Stephens family. That was also why Adelina always played favorites with Jim. She knew Jim had a seriously powerful uncle in his corner.

Jim stuck out his tongue and pulled a face. “Fatty, you don’t have a mom! You’re just a motherless brat p>

Dorothea’s eyes flashed with anger. “That’s enough! Adelina, did you hear what he just called Garth p>

Adelina suddenly looked flustered. “Let’s all calm down, okay p>

She tried to act strict as she turned to Jim. “Jim, haven’t I told you to be kind to others p>

Jim huffed and turned away. “But he really doesn’t have a mom p>

Dorothea was about to reply when a pair of shiny leather shoes appeared in the doorway, catching the light. She looked up and found herself face-to-face with Albert, his expression icy and distant. Just like yesterday, when he’d looked at her as if he were above it all, like some king in his own world.

Dorothea hadn’t expected Jim’s guardian to be Albert.

The moment Albert saw Dorothea, his heart clenched tight, then loosened all at once. He turned to Adelina. “Adelina, I’m Jim’s uncle p>

Adelina’s face immediately brightened. Of course, Jim’s uncle looked expensive. She couldn’t help but wonder if a man this striking was still single.

“Uncle!” Jim ran to Albert like he’d just found a lifeline. A second ago he’d been all tough and loud, but the moment he saw his uncle, his lips began to tremble and tears welled up in his eyes. “Uncle, Garth was so mean to me. He hit me. It really hurt p>

Albert’s dark eyes finally landed on Dorothea. “And you are p>

“I’m Garth’s aunt p>

Albert’s gaze sharpened. Aunt? Even now, she’s still playing this role?

Dorothea met his stare head-on, steady and unafraid. “Jim started it by insulting Garth. Garth only hit him because he couldn’t take it anymore. If you want to talk about cause and effect, Jim’s the one who started this.”

им

Albert let out a low, mocking laugh. “Dorothea, you really do know how to argue your case. Still hitting someone isn’t right. If you don’t want Garth suspended, the least you could do is apologize to Jim p>

Dorothea’s eyes narrowed. So, he was going to use his influence.

“What if I refuse to apologize?” Her voice was cold.

Albert’s face grew even colder. “Dorothea, let’s take this outside for a minute p>

Dorothea didn’t want to make a

but

scene in front of Adelina or the kids, so she followed Albert out into the hallway Albert gave her a faint. smile’ll drop this whole thing you have to spend a day with me Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything. I just miss your cooking p>

Albert still hadn’t figured out his feelings for Dorothea. He wanted to understand why his heart felt so empty after she left. Just one day with her, maybe then he’d know.

Dorothea laughed but there was no warmth in it. “Albert, why would I spend any time with you? First, I’m married. Second, you two should be the ones apologizing for what happened today p>

“Dorothea, you really don’t get it, do you? The rules in this world are decided by a handful of people. It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong. If I say you’re wrong, then you’re wrong p>

Dorothea stared at him, shaking slightly as she took in his arrogance.

Meanwhile, Garth, who had been eavesdropping just outside the door, didn’t care if he got in trouble with Latham. He quickly used his smartwatch to call.

“Uncle, someone’s trying to steal your wife p>