Chapter 797


    She got to say that Jeffrey had a knack for hitting where it hurt. Dorothy’s face fell at his words, her


    lashes casting a shadow over her grim face.


    Karen shot Jeffrey a sharp elbow to the ribs, signaling for him to zip it.


    The dinner was a minefield, saved only by Karen’s relentless efforts to smooth things over.


    After they''d finished eating, Jeffrey offered to drive Dorothy back to her office.


    She waved goodbye without a hint of changing her mind regarding his earlier proposition, and yet,


    Jeffrey couldn’t help but press, “Dorothy, about that getaway at the resort—you in? If you say yes,


    I’ll book it right now!”


    Karen tried to silence him, but it was toote.


    Dorothy paused, then turned, "I''ll think about it. I’ll let Karen know if I decide to go."


    “Alright, we’ll be waiting for your word.”


    Watching her head inside, Karen frowned, clearly miffed. “I signaled you to drop it. Why poke the


    bear? Dorothy doesn’t like that!”


    Jeff started the car with a click and a sigh, “Aren’t you rooting for her to patch things up with


    Everett? I’m just ying Cupid here!”


    “Even Cupid has to know his limits. You can’t keep reminding Dorothy of parent stuff; you know her


    history as a kid.”


    “Why should something from her childhood still cast a shadow now? I didn’t mean anything by it. I


    just want us to chill out and have some fun. Could she get all sensitive?”


    Karen waved it off, “Dorothy has always been like this—sensitive and distant. If a guy wants to get


    close, be it as a friend or lover, he needs the patience of a saint. With your approach? Good luck


    getting her to dine out with you again—I’ll let you do whatever you want if she agrees!”


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    “Is she really that averse to men?”


    “More than you can imagine.”


    Jeffrey frowned, “Well, I’ve got no ulterior motives with her!”


    “I told you she’s extremely cautious with men, even just as friends.”


    Jeff grumbled, finally understanding why Everett couldn’t make a direct move or pressure her into


    anything. Instead, he could only resort to a slow and steady approach.


    …


    Back in her office, Dorothy was surprised to find a bouquet of flowers on her desk. Her mind raced


    through countless possibilities, but she was sure they weren''t from Everett.


    She reached for the apanying card.


    It was from Ophelia. The card was apologizing for being rash and petty, admitting her narrow


    perspective on things, and hoping Dorothy could be magnanimous.


    Dorothy initially wanted to return the flowers, but that seemed petty, and she could do without the


    drama.


    So, she settled down, booted up herputer, found Ophelia on thepany messenger, and sent


    a simple “Thanks for the flowers.”


    The day’s work left her drained.


    Thankfully, she didn’t have to head to West Legal Services today; the case was already on its way


    to investigation.


    Dragging her weary body, Dorothy hailed a cab to her apartment with the bouquet still in hand.


    If she didn’t get them in water today, they’d wilt by morning.


    After picking up some veggies and fruit from the grocery store at the bottom of her building, she


    finally made it upstairs.


    She had just unwrapped the flowers when her phone buzzed.


    It was Karen.


    “Dorothy! Have you seen the gossip on the Lopez Corporation forum?”


    “No…” Dorothy rarely visited that digital rumor mill, a yground for the idle and the curious. And


    the so-called gossip was just half-true and not interesting at all .


    “Check it out now! There’s a buzz about you today!”