"


    "Hey... when did you get here?"


    "I saw you hustling out in a hurry." Everett strode over, his long legs closing the distance quickly, and wrapped her in an embrace.


    That distinct scent of his enveloped her, offering Dorothy an endless sense of security.


    "Why didn''t you give me a heads up?"


    Dorothy pouted.


    "Since when do you announce a surprise check in advance?" Everett raised an eyebrow, his warm smile spreading.


    "You''re doing surprise checks on me now?"


    "Of course! With all these rivals around, who knows if Keh Nelson hears about your new venture andes running to help, trying to sweep you off your feet!" That got Dorothyughing.


    "So, what you''re saying is, unless Keh is married, you''re going to be on guard against him no matter what?"


    "Even marriage wouldn''t cut it."


    It''s not like Keh never had a girlfriend. Still ended up the same, right?


    Dorothy lifted a finger to poke his side, "Jealous much?"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Absolutely!"


    "Childish!"


    "Guilty as charged."


    Everett hade to realize that persistence was indeed effective.


    After all, why bother with pride in front of his woman?


    "I''m done here. How about we pick up Abigail and Langston together?"


    "Kevin''s on it. They prefer him picking them up anyway. We might as well do something else."


    Dorothy was puzzled, "Why''s that?"


    "Because of your daughter, of course. Kevin''s always got candy in his pockets."


    She found it both infuriating and


    hrious! Going forward, Abigail''s et


    dating life would be a


    breeze-whomever had the most


    candy would win her


    What a silly girl.


    Content


    Everett, holding Dorothy''s hand, led her outside, magically producing two movie tickets from his jacket pocket.


    "Would Ms. Sanchez honor me with herpany at a movie?"


    Dorothy took the tickets, nced at the time, "You bought these in the morning? Been a slow day at Lopez Corp?"


    Everett lightly tapped her forehead, "Way to kill the mood! I always have time for you."


    But truth be told, he owed his current leisure to Dorothy.


    During her absence, apart from work, he had little else to console him, so he took the chance to get ahead on some projects. Now, he could afford this free time.


    "Well, alright, I''ll join you for a movie! But once Ms. Sanchez takes her seat, I won''t have time for these outings."


    "That''s no issue. Eldorria City''s


    business scene is bustling, and there are plenty of opportunities not yet linked to Lopez Corp. I can represent Lopez Corp and talk business with yourpany directly! Ideally, we wrap up just in time to clock out."


    Dorothy grimaced.


    That was exactly what she was afraid of!


    "Everett, I want to seed on my own merit. Please, don''t interfere too much."


    "Why shouldn''t Lopez Corp coborate with a powerhouse like yours? Ms. Sanchez, isn''t this business discrimination?" Dorothy looked up at him.


    Just as she was about to roll her eyes, Everett pinned her against the elevator wall for a kiss.


    Luckily, they were alone.


    Dorothy''s cheeks med red as she pushed him away, "What are you doing? There are cameras!"


    "Is it illegal? And since when are we camera shy?"


    "...Why must you always have aeback?"


    Everett wasn''t always like this!


    "So, it''s fine for you to learn from Karen Miller, but I can''t pick up a few tricks from Jeffrey?" He nodded solemnly, "Maybe if I''d listened to Jeffrey sooner, adopting a bit of his rogue charm, you would''ve been with me since middle school."