Chapter 84
Elise glared at the closing door, her anger practically radiating off her. “Walton, did you hear what she just said p>
What was that supposed to mean, acting like she wasn’t family anymore?
Dorothea didn’t have anyone else in this world. Was she really willing to cut off the only relative she had left?
Walton had seen the whole thing. Dorothea hadn’t been pretending. She had really blocked Elise. His eyes flickered, and he couldn’t help but see Dorothea in a slightly different light.
“Elise, just calm down. She’s young. People say things they don’t mean when they’re upset. You did slap her… maybe she’s embarrassed p>
Of course, Walton wasn’t going to spell it out. He just wanted to smooth things over and move on.
Elise’s chest rose and fell as she tried to get her breathing under control, but she was still fuming. When the security guards walked in, her anger spiked even more.
“What, are you seriously going to throw me out now p>
Walton chuckled, trying to lighten things up. “Elise, relax. No one’s kicking you out.” He turned to the two guards, eyes narrowing. “You two, you can go. Everything’s fine here p>
The guards exchanged a look. “But Dorothea just told us p>
“Who’s in charge here, her or me?” Walton’s gaze sharpened. “Why is it you only listen to the director? Does the general manager’s word mean nothing around here p>
“Of course not, sir!” The guards bowed their heads quickly, but they didn’t budge an inch.
Elise realized there was no point in staying. “I’m leaving. No need for any of you to show me out.” She stormed off, bristling with indignation.
Walton watched her go, thoughtful. When did Dorothea’s word start to carry more weight than his in this company?
After leaving Walton’s office,
Dorothea slipped into the restroom. She stared at her reflection, at the angry red mark swelling on her cheek There was no way she could finish out the workday like this.
Luckily, she had a mask in her bag. She grabbed her things and left early, not bothering with goodbyes.
When she got home, Dorothea headed straight to her room, ignoring whatever Linda was saying from the hallway. She washed up, but her cheek still throbbed with pain. Elise hadn’t held back.
She let out a bitter laugh. Not long ago, she’d slapped Carola and Albert. Was this her payback?
There was no way she could do her usual skincare routine, so she just pulled the curtains tight and collapsed into bed. Before drifting off, she texted Linda not to wake her for dinner.
Latham had messaged earlier to say he wouldn’t be home that night—he had a work dinner. He texted her at five, but by six thirty, she still hadn’t replied.
That evening, Latham strolled into the private dining room, moving with his usual lazy grace. He paused when he saw Albert already there.
Around the room, people sucked in their breath. Someone mentally cursed whoever thought it was a good idea to invite Latham and Albert to the same dinner.
Trying to defuse the tension, one of the guests offered a smile. “Mr. Stephens, there’s another group next door. Would you like me to take you over p>
The suggestion was clear-split them up before things got awkward.
But Latham wasn’t having it. Why should he be the one to leave?
He walked over to the sofa, sat down, and crossed his legs, his long fingers tapping absently on his knee. “Fe not in the mood to move. If someone wants to go next door, they can. I’m staying put p>
He put a special emphasis on “they.” Everyone got the message he wanted Albert to leave.
Albert barely glanced at Latham, his face calm and unbothered. “It’s fine. No need to make a fuss for us. I trust Mr. Stephens isn’t that petty. Isn’t that right, Mr. Stephens p>
Latham’s eyes narrowed, a cold smile flickering on his lips. “Sure, whatever you say p>
He looked around. “No one brought a date tonight? Come on, drinks are on me. Call up your girlfriends p>
A few people jumped at the chance, eager to fighten the mood. Phones came out. Latham’s cool gaze moved around the room, his brows lifting ever so slightly. Alberarent you going to call someone p>