Dorothy dreamed Amanda taunted her with that typical snooty tone of hers, "See, even if I killed your mom, you couldn't do a thing about it!"
Every time, that nightmare jolted her awake, leaving her staring at the ceiling until dawn's early light.
"I really thought you two were inseparable," Karen confessed after seeing the Bay Residence listing marked as 'sold'. That was when she began to believe their story was coming to an end.
Dorothy pondered for a moment, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Truth be told, right from the start, I felt we were never meant to be."
Such a vast chasm between them, so many hurdles; how could it last with only Everett hacking through the brambles alone?
"Let's drop the gloom and doom! From now on, I won't even mention that name around you. Besties forever, right? So, let's put this behind us. Are you dropping by after work?"
"Not today, got plans."
The last thing Dorothy wanted was another uncomfortable run-in with Jeffrey after their last bitter encounter.
"Alright then, you're busy; I won't keep you."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Dorothy noticed several WhatsApp messages from Stephen.
Stephen: [Ms. Sanchez, I came across a few points in the due diligence files that I'm unclear about. Would you be able to clarify?]
Dorothy frowned slightly but replied: [Send them over.]
Stephen: [It's a bit complicated. I think it might be easier to discuss in person. Can I swing by your office?]
Her office? Dorothy definitely wouldn't agree to that.
[Wait for me at Austin's office, I'll come to you.]
She wasn't keen on being alone with a man, especially since she'd become more aware of the undercurrents in the workplace over the years.
After all, a new acquaintance asking to meet privately in her office? Anyone could guess what Stephen was insinuating.
A while later, Stephen replied: [No need to trouble yourself then; I'll ask Austin for help. You carry on with your work, Ms. Sanchez. Sorry to bother you.]
Dorothy snorted softly and put down her phone. Leaning back in her chair, her thoughts were a jumbled mess, feeling empty, unable to grasp onto anything solid. Her gaze caught the calendar on her desk.
Seven days left at Lopez Corporation, seventeen until the court date.
...
At the villa, Karen lounged on the couch, sighing deeply. Her belly was growing larger by the day, and she found the bedroom less comfortable, preferring the softness and back support of the couch.
"What's wrong? Feeling uncomfortable?" Jeffrey approached with freshly cut fruit, "Need help sitting up?"
"No need," Karen waved him off, not even in the mood for fruit. "I saw your phone."
Jeffrey froze, then quickly responded, "What on my phone upset you? Or did someone say something out of line?"
Since the Paige incident, his fair-weather friends had mostly kept their distance.
"Look at you, all guilty. Got something to hide?" Karen eyed him skeptically, arching an eyebrow.
"Absolutely not! My phone's pass code is even your birthday! I'm just worried you're upset about something and not telling me. Just say the word, and I'll make it right."
Karen settled back down. "You can't fix this."
"I can! Just tell me!"
"I don't want Everett to give up on Dorothy."
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