The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

When Karen vented her frustration, not even Everett and Dorothy could find the words to defend Jeffrey. They exchanged glances, and Dorothy, with a light chuckle, steered Karen aside. "You've been looking forward to this trip to Everglow City for ages, right? Why let a little hiccup ruin your mood? That's all in the past now."

That was about the best consolation Dorothy could muster.

Karen waved dismissively, "I'm not upset he has an ex. I'm upset because his ex called me fat! How am I fat? I'm pregnant for heaven's sake. What's wrong with eating a bit more? Besides, it's not like I'm raiding their pantry!" Well, that settled it.

Dorothy had to admit she was at a loss. Karen wasn't jealous; she was offended about a comment on her figure!

Meanwhile, Jeffrey, looking utterly distressed, approached Everett and suddenly rested his head on his shoulder. "Man, you're the wise one. Only ever had one girlfriend who turned into a wife. None of this drama for you! I'm at the point where I wish I could just go 'John Wick' on my exes!"

Everett stepped back, then patted his shoulder sympathetically.

"You asked for it."

"Hey! Are you even my brother? Kicking me when I'm down?" Jeffrey glared. "And what's with the pat? I'm not dirty, man. I took a shower, for crying out loud!" Throughout their night market adventure, Jeffrey lamented his choice in friends more than a dozen times.

Back at the hotel, Everett suggested Dorothy take a break while he took Abigail and Langston to the hotel's playground.

Once the kids were bathed and in bed, he finally joined Dorothy, who was on a business call. Karen was here purely for vacation, but Dorothy still had work obligations. After the call, Everett had already prepared a tray of washed and cut fruits for her, accompanied by some chilled lemonade, always thoughtful of her needs. "Got a meeting tomorrow?"

Dorothy leaned against the headboard, nibbling on some apple slices.

"Yeah, want to get things settled quickly so I can relax."

"I'll come with you."

"Let's not," Dorothy sat up, popping a

cherry into his mouth before he

could protest. "It's a small project,

and the dient is a mid-sized company. If they see you coming with me, they'd be starstruck. They might think they're dreaming."

She didn't want their relationship to turn into tabloid fodder.

"If I come, it won't be as the CEO of Lopez Corporation. Consider me your...bodyguard."

"How much is this bodyguard charging per day, then?"

Everett smirked, "You decide."

"Enough joking! Seriously, it'll be a quick meeting. Just look after

Abigail and Langston, that's all

swnovel

As she reached for her phone again, Everett gently took it from her hands.

"What now?"

"I feel like you love your job more than you love me these days."

"Dorothy, what's more important? Your work or me?"

She sighed, moving closer to wrap her arms around Everett's waist, Do I even have to answer that? Of course, you're more important! When did you start getting jealous

он

work?"