GoodReadEverett could sense the unease creeping into the woman beside him, a discomfort he never intended to foster.
Lost in his own surge of jealousy just moments ago, he had failed to consider the awkward position he had placed Dorothy in.
"It's not like | said anything, right?" Kenneth stuffed the brown paper bag back into the cupboard, then looked up at Everett with a level gaze. "I don't need your thanks, because my help was for Dorothy, not you. You have no reason to give me anything. It doesn't mean much to me." If Kenneth had wanted money, he could've easily spent his time earning it, but he chose not to.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNot because he couldn't, but because he wanted to take some of the load off Dorothy's shoulders.
"Kenneth, Everett was just trying to..." Kenneth cut her off with a smile, "Dorothy, | know. Seeing you two doing well actually makes me happy for you. It's been almost five years since I've seen such a smile on your face. But | hope you understand that bumping into Mr. Lopez doesn't exactly thrill me." Who would be thrilled to see a love rival? Dorothy bit her lips.
"Can | have a word with you in private?" Kenneth ignored Everett's presence, focusing solely on Dorothy.
"Uh?" Dorothy glanced unconsciously in Everett's direction.
Kenneth offered a reassuring smile, "It's about Byte 7. Mr. Lopez can relax; it's strictly business, nothing to do with love affairs.” "No worries here." Surprisingly, Everett let go of Dorothy's hand. "Go ahead, I'll wait for you." Relieved, Dorothy exhaled deeply.
"Okay." She followed Kenneth to what used to be Abigail's bedroom. Once the door was closed behind them, Kenneth got straight to the point.
"How much more do you need for Byte 7's final payment?" Learning the issue was not that serious, she huffed, "Not much. I've got it covered on my own." "I saw you selling off stocks and property, Dorothy. | bought them all." Dorothy was taken aback, "What? Kenneth, you shouldn't have!" "That's why you should just tell me how much you need. It's a loan, not a gift! Stop liquidating your assets. The Lopez family might notice you're gathering funds." If they dug deeper and found out before the video surveillance was restored, and managed to bribe Byte 7 first, it would be a disaster.
After a long talk, Dorothy finally nodded in agreement.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBut she set a condition: her assets would be transferred to Kenneth first. If she couldn't pay him back, they'd be his. It was a deal where he wouldn't lose out.
Kenneth understood her stubbornness so he didn't argue. Instead, he just nodded, "Alright, we'll do it your way." "Then let's get going.” She didn’t want Everett to wait for such a long time.
As she moved to open the door, Kenneth suddenly stepped in front of her.
"What?" He pursed his lips, "Will you still insist on the truth even if it means turning against Everett?" "Of course. I'm this close to having evidence so | won't give up now." "And do you love Everett?" he furrowed his thick brows and stared at her.
"...Nothing will stop me from bringing my mother's killer to justice! If his mother committed a crime, she must be held accountable!" "I understand.” Kenneth released her and whispered reassuringly in her ear, "I'll help you with everything I've got." "Kenneth..." "When the truth is out, | promise you I'll find someone and settle down.” Dorothy's face stiffened; she knew no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
When Dorothy stepped out of the room, Everett immediately stood up, "Are we ready to leave?" "Yeah." Dorothy nodded, walking over to join Everett.
As they reached the foyer of Kenneth's house, he called out to Dorothy.
"When you come back this time, visit your mom's grave."
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