GoodReadJeffrey had made his grand declaration without ever consulting Karen, never even dropping her a hint while at home! So the looks of sheer astonishment on Karen and Derek's faces were identical.
"I'm all in with Karen for life," Jeffrey proclaimed. "I won't leave even if she's mad at me, yells or throws a shoe at me! And if she kicks me out, I'll just camp out on the doorstep until she cools off!" Silence hung in the air.
Derek continued to watch his daughter.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Dad, don't be mad. He... well, he's got heart.” "Let's talk upstairs.” Finally, Derek conceded. He inhaled deeply and continued, "We don't want the whole neighborhood thinking the Millers are bullying their future son-in-law, do we?" Whenever Dorothy had a spare moment during the day, she pondered over who sent the bouquet of roses.
But deep down, she felt the odds were on Everett. It was just like him to be so stubborn about admitting to such a gesture! As the workday drew to a close, Dorothy waited for the office to clear out before she reluctantly picked up the roses and made her way downstairs.
Just as she was about to hail a cab, a sleek black Volkswagen pulled up beside her.
The window rolled down, revealing Austin.
"Ms. Sanchez, didn't drive today, huh?" "Yeah, parking's a nightmare." "Let me give you a lift!" Austin was already out of the car, moving to help her with the flowers.
Dorothy shook her head so fast it could've spun off.
"No, no! Really. | can take a cab." "Why the formality? We developed a bond at East Star Enterprises, remember?" Austin's tone was warm and friendly.
But the friendlier he got, the more Dorothy retreated.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Austin, really, it's fine. You should head home." Seeing her reaction, Austin paused, and then it clicked.
"Ah! | get it! Worried about Mr. Lopez getting jealous, right? Well, | won't be the one to upset him then!" Dorothy sighed, "Everett and |—" "Had a fight?" "Not exactly..." "I didn't realize Mr. Lopez was so possessive. But | guess it makes sense; you're beautiful, and he's got to keep an eye out.
Wouldn't want another Mr. Lane situation.” Lane's name seemed to only exist in Austin's conversations now.
Ever since Everett had crushed him, Lane had disappeared without a trace. Of course, Dorothy had no desire to keep tabs on him.
"Lane's had it rough,” Austin continued. "Heard he's starting from scratch again. And he has to avoid the Lopez Corporation's turf. If he wants business, he has to partner up with their rivals. | mean, why'd he even tried to compete for affection with Mr.
Lopez?" Dorothy's expression darkened, her voice stern, "Lane and | were just colleagues, Austin. I'd rather not hear about him." "Ah, my bad! | shouldn't have brought him up. I'll head out now; see you tomorrow." "Sure." As Dorothy watched Austin's car drive away, she let out a sigh of relief, only to be interrupted by a call from Kevin.
The moment she saw his number, her lips couldn't help but curl into a smile.
This must be Everett claiming the flowers, right? "Hello, Kevin, what's up?" "Ms. Sanchez, | thought you said you didn't like flowers. So... why did you accept someone else's today? Mr. Lopez knows, and he's trying to play it cool, but he's insisting | cancel his appointment for shots at the clinic today!"
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