"Where do you want me to start with all these questions you're throwing at me?" Stefan asked dryly."Somewhere, Stefan." Dorothy folded her arms under her chest, staring at him impatiently.Stefan sighed and moved to sit on the bed. He pointed to the empty space beside him, signaling for Dorothy to sit. Dorothy rolled her eyes but sat beside him anyway."No, I have not been pretending about my injury, and yes, I don't want anyone to know I'm recovered. That's why I'm putting up an act now," Stefan answered her questions."But why are you hiding it? Isn't this something you should be happy about?" Dorothy asked, her face scrunching up in confusion."You're right, it is something to be happy about—and I am—but I still think I should keep it a secret for now. So, do me a favor and play along. Can you do that?" Stefan asked softly.Dorothy was silent for a moment before nodding. Stefan smiled a little and patted her hair."Thank you," he said."Why do you love doing that?" Dorothy asked.
Tasha smirked when she saw Dorothy sit opposite her, but her smirk immediately shifted to a worried, gentle expression—one that Dorothy found instantly unsettling."Dorothy, you're here already. I thought you weren’t going to show up, and I got anxious, so I ordered an orange juice before you what to you want some?," Tasha said, raising the glass of juice to Dorothy's face. She did so gently yet manipulatively and Dorothy knew she should be careful "Cut to the chase. What do you want from me?" Dorothy asked, her expression serious and unamused."Nothing, I promise. I just..." Tasha sniffled, opening her fancy little purse and pulling out a handkerchief to gently dab her teary eyes. "I just want to be close to my family again... I don’t want to fight anymore. And I’ve been thinking—you’re a good person. I shouldn’t have conspired with your mother to force you into marrying Stefan against your will," she said, crying.Dorothy stared at her, still feeling confused. "What do you want exa
"When did you—?" Kai had never looked this confused in his life. He stared at Griffin, hoping to see the same bewilderment reflected in his expression, but Griffin remained calm."We’ll answer all your questions later, Kai. Just do what Mr. Stefan said so we can find the young mistress in time," Griffin told him.Kai glanced between Stefan and Griffin before nodding and dashing out of the office. Stefan settled into his wheelchair while Griffin wheeled him out. They reached the car, and as Griffin drove, Stefan operated a small machine."I just found where the phone is," Stefan muttered.In a small, unkempt house, a familiar phone sat on the table, surrounded by some dangerous-looking equipment. A pair of black leather-clad legs crossed as someone sat on a worn-out chair. Chole stared at the phone, frowning."How do I get the stupid battery out? None of my tools seem to be working," she thought to herself, biting her fingers thoughtfully.Earlier, she had been eyeing Dorothy ever sinc
If you're unlocking Chapter 20 with me, then wow—congratulations, you must be really rich! I might just have to marry you… Just kidding! (Or am I?)But seriously, thank you so much for supporting this book. I’m beyond grateful for every coin, ad, review, and gift you've used to show your love. It truly means the world to me. I promise to keep updating and making this story worth your time.With love,Rhema J.
Dorothy bit her lip as she stared at Stefan. He looked so blank, so disappointed. He wouldn’t even talk to her."I shouldn’t have lied about where I was going. If I had told you, you wouldn’t have let me meet her. And the only reason I wanted to talk to her in the first place was because she’s still your mother," Dorothy mumbled. But Stefan showed no reaction. He just sat still in his armchair, watching her."I didn’t expect her to still have no good left in her," she continued. "She told me she wanted me to marry Tristan, but I told her that was absurd. I warned her to stay away from me.""She will never be a good person. She will never see me as her son, and I will never see her as my mother. Do your best to stay away from her," Stefan finally spoke, his voice firm. Dorothy couldn't help but nod.Stefan studied her for a few minutes. She stood there, playing with her fingers, looking so cute—like a child. It was strange because he had never found children cute before."Come here," h
Griffin stood in a corner, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. Chloe stared at him, speechless for a few seconds."I'm going to pay you back," she mumbled.Griffin looked confused as he stared at her. "You want to pay me back? I thought you liked money?" he asked."Well, yes, I do love money, but this is just too much. I don’t want to believe this is real life. You're such a fool! Do you even know how much money that is?" she asked, her eyes wide.Griffin simply shrugged, looking nonchalant."Why are you out here? Shouldn't you be with your boss?" she asked again.Griffin sighed. "You love asking so many questions, don’t you?"Chloe rolled her eyes. "Why did you do this? What do you want from me?" she asked, then her eyes widened. "Don’t tell me you're in love with me already? You were the one who ditched me for some other girl."Griffin stared at her quietly for a moment before taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. His hands remained in his pockets, and his in
At Everest Stock Exchange, the company was busy as usual. Stefan had stepped out with Griffin for a business meeting, leaving Dorothy alone in the office.A knock sounded at the door before an unfamiliar yet stunningly well-dressed woman entered."You must be Mrs. Dorothy Everest. Nice to meet you," she said politely, extending her hand for a handshake.Dorothy was confused, but she had been taught to be polite, so she accepted the handshake."My name is Gloria. I work with Florida Designs," she introduced herself, showing Dorothy her ID card.Florida Designs. Who wouldn't know it? It was one of the top design companies in the world."Recently, Everest Stock Exchange partnered with us, and we were given orders from Mr. Stefan to take you on a tour so you can choose whatever you like. We'll also take your measurements to design a custom outfit for you based on your preferred style," Gloria explained.Dorothy was speechless until Kai entered the office."I would have accompanied her ins
Clarissa was furious when she got home. She threw her purse to the ground in frustration, and as if that wasn’t enough, she began picking up flower vases and hurling them against the wall. The maids stood watching, but none dared say a word."What is going on?" Agnes emerged from her room, looking confused. She glanced at the broken vases, then at Clarissa."Mom, it's that good-for-nothing, ungrateful Dorothy! She humiliated me today!" Clarissa screamed.Agnes walked toward her cautiously."Do you want to sit and talk about it?" she asked gently, taking Clarissa’s hand and leading her to the couch. As she walked away, she turned to a maid and gestured for her to clean up the mess Clarissa had made.Once they were seated, Agnes rubbed Clarissa's back soothingly, waiting for her to calm down before speaking."I was shopping at Florida’s Designs, one of my usual places, and I bumped into that slut! She was with another man, and they were shopping together," Clarissa began angrily. "I ask
It was the weekend. Dorothy was set to leave VitMed and head back home. She couldn’t wait to see Stefan again—he had promised to come pick her up.“I should use that opportunity to introduce myself to him. Please tell him I’ve been very good to you in school, so he could do something nice for me too,” Kristin, who was sitting beside Dorothy, exclaimed.“Stefan doesn’t do anything nice for anyone if they aren’t me,” Dorothy replied with a smirk and a proud look.“That’s because he hasn’t met me yet,” Kristin replied. When Dorothy gave her a serious look, she quickly corrected herself. “Not as someone who’s gonna steal your man—because obviously, I stand a chance—but he’s gonna love me as your best friend. Maybe someday he’ll take me out for a treat for being such a good friend to you,” Kristin added, feeling herself.Dorothy couldn’t help but smile and shook her head. Her phone rang—it was Stefan. She knew he was already outside.“I’m leaving now. Don’t miss me too much,” Dorothy tease
The Holmes Residence.Clarissa admired herself in the mirror, twirling slightly. She loved how expensive she looked. Ever since she married Sherlock, he’d showered her with nothing but luxury.A knock came at the door before Agnes stepped in, her face lighting up at the sight of Clarissa.“Gold and diamonds were made just for you,” Agnes praised, her eyes full of admiration.Clarissa’s smile widened. “I know,” she replied proudly.“So, where to?” Agnes asked, leaning against the doorframe.“Sherlock’s taking me to his company today. When I walk in, I want every single person to turn and stare. I wasn’t born to be ordinary,” Clarissa said with a confident smirk.“And that’s the spirit,” Agnes grinned.Clarissa glanced at the time on her Rolex. “Ugh, I’m almost late. That old man’s been waiting forever,” she huffed, grabbing her sunglasses and rushing out.Agnes simply watched her go, shaking her head.Downstairs, Sherlock looked up the moment he saw her coming. “You’re not planning to
The next morning at VitMed, Dorothy stepped out of the bathroom wearing her bathrobe. She massaged her back as she picked up her phone and dialed Stefan’s number.He picked up immediately.“Good morning, love,” his voice was a bit groggy, like he was just waking up.“Good morning. Did I wake you?” she asked with concern.“Not at all, sweetheart.”“Okay. Did you talk to your mom yesterday? How did it go?” Dorothy asked, and Stefan sighed.“I did talk to her yesterday, and she explained everything—but I can’t just forgive her like that, love. It’s too hard to just let it go,” Stefan grumbled.“I understand, Stefan. But baby steps, okay?”“If Finn were still alive and told you he was sorry for killing your parents, do you think you could ever forgive him?” Stefan asked. Even though Dorothy couldn’t see him, she could tell he was looking for an honest answer.“And that’s the difference between Finn and your mother. She did what she thought would protect you. She didn’t kill innocent peopl
Beatrice had an impatient look on her face as she sat in the restaurant. The moment Kai informed her that Stefan wanted to see her, she rushed over as quickly as she could.The restaurant's glass door swung open, and Stefan stepped inside. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on her, and then he made his way to her table."Stefan, thank you for agreeing to see me again," Beatrice said, moving in for a hug, but he stepped back."We don’t want to go too far now. I only agreed to talk to you because of my wife. Please, don’t touch me."Beatrice nodded and tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear before sitting down. Stefan took the seat across from her, and silence fell between them. He just sat there, staring at her intensely.Beatrice sighed."I didn’t come here to be stared at and sighed over. I have other places to be, so please don’t waste my time," Stefan said, frowning.Beatrice never imagined that Stefan would one day treat her like this."First, I want to say I’m
Behind her veil, she had a confused look. Was Abraham late, or did he not remember they were supposed to have a wedding ceremony here today? While she was lost in thought, Agnes hugged Clarissa but whispered in her ear.“Abraham isn’t coming because he’s not the one you’re getting married to. You’re actually getting married to his grandfather. And act cool—there are so many businessmen here, you don’t want to blow things up in front of them,” Agnes said before stepping back.Clarissa couldn’t believe her ears. She was getting married to Sherlock instead of Abraham. She was marrying a ninety-two-year-old man—and she had already invited her friends, even Dorothy.The priest began reciting the wedding speech and prayers.“Clarissa Florence, do you take Sherlock Holmes as your lawful wedded husband, to be with him through all seasons of life, till death do you both part?”There was no reply from Clarissa, causing murmurs from the crowd. Agnes sat still, tense, hoping Clarissa wouldn’t mes
As promised, some guards came to pick Clarissa and took her to the mall. It was a private mall owned by the Holmes family, filled with stunning designs and luxurious brands."Ma'am, may I help you with anything?" an employee asked respectfully, approaching her with a polite tone.Clarissa smirked and took off her glasses. "I'm getting married tomorrow, and I'm looking for the perfect wedding dress that complements my beauty," she said proudly."Aww, congratulations on your marriage in advance," the employee replied cheerfully."Whatever. Just find a dress for me," Clarissa said, rolling her eyes. The employee gave her an understanding nod, though she silently noted how rude Clarissa was.After a few minutes of trying on different styles, Clarissa finally found one that suited her best."I'm picking this one," she declared, and the employee nodded, sending staff to package it."You have good eyes. That’s one of the best wedding dresses we have," the employee said with a small smile."I
Since Dorothy wasn't coming back until the weekend, Kade felt like he had no reason to stay at school and was set to leave when a familiar lady blocked his path."Where to, Kade? Don’t tell me you're leaving so soon," Kristina said with a smirk."What do you want?" Kade asked, frowning."Come on, lighten up at least. We’re not fighting, Kade. Since Dorothy is out with her husband, how about you and I go grab a drink?" Kristina asked, wiggling her brows playfully."I don’t drink, so I don’t care for one. Now excuse me," Kade tried to walk past, but Kristina blocked him."Then we can take a walk or do something else. Please don’t let me spend this Saturday alone," she pleaded.Kade sighed helplessly, and Kristina smiled widely. She knew what that look meant. Happily, she grabbed his arm and led him away."You won’t regret hanging out with me today. We’re going to have so much fun," she said excitedly as they left together.—In Stefan’s mansion, Dorothy was still sleeping. He had spent
It was a free Saturday. Dorothy had just finished taking her shower and was getting ready. She had spoken with Stefan yesterday, and he promised to come pick her up today. Maybe she could tell him about his mom.Someone knocked on her door, and her smile widened, thinking it was Stefan. She was still dressed in a revealing gown when she opened it—but to her dismay, it was Kai. He immediately turned his back while she quickly grabbed a bathrobe to cover herself, her cheeks flushing red."Do you go around answering your door dressed like that?" Kai couldn't help but ask."I'm sorry, I thought it was Stefan. He told me he was coming," Dorothy mumbled."Well, Stefan isn't here," Kai replied."Why?" Dorothy asked, a little disappointed. She had been excited to have him come over."An important business matter came up. He couldn't miss it, so he asked me to get you. Buzz me when you're completely dressed," Kai said before walking away.Dorothy sighed and was about to close the door, but a w
"Hi, my name is Beatrice," the woman introduced herself, and Dorothy paused, thinking hard about where she’d heard the name before. Then it clicked. Her eyes widened."You're... You..." the words caught in her throat. This had to be Stefan's mom. The resemblance was unmistakable."Can I come in, please?" Beatrice asked gently. Dorothy didn't know what to do. Should she kick her out or let her in? In the end, she went with the second option, opening the door for Beatrice.Silence followed. Dorothy stood six feet away, watching her closely, waiting for her to speak."I’ve been looking for you for some time now because... I need your help," Beatrice said, her eyes glassy with tears. "My son wants nothing to do with me—and I understand that. But I need you to bring us back together."Dorothy sat down for a moment, quiet, then finally responded, "You want me to help fix your relationship with your son?" she asked slowly, trying to grasp it."I just don't know what to do anymore...""Then w