When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 79

Dorothea just stood there, not saying a word. Now that everything was out in the open, she actually felt a little better.

[Dorothea, can you open the door?]

She opened it, though she clearly wasn’t thrilled. Latham leaned against the doorframe, giving her a casual smile. “Garth just told me he misses you. He wants to invite you out for dinner.”

“I didn’t get any invitation from him.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Dorothea’s phone rang.

“Aunt Dorothea! Grandpa gave me some pocket money today. I want to treat you to dinner! Let’s go out together!”

Dorothea couldn’t help smiling at Garth’s excitement. “Alright. Thank you.”

Seriously, who could turn down someone as adorable as Garth?

Latham was just starting to smile when Garth, the little traitor, piped up, “Aunt Dorothea, just the two of us, okay? Latham can eat at home!”

Dorothea glanced up at Latham, who had frozen in place. She tried not to laugh. “You really don’t want to invite Latham?”

“Hmph. Aunt Dorothea, it’s just our date. No Latham!”

“Garth.” Latham’s jaw tightened as he lunged for the phone, but Dorothea was too quick. She hung up before he could grab it.

She shot Latham a smug little grin. “You’re too old to pick on kids. Let him have his fun.”

***

In the end, Latham had to drive them to the mall himself. Garth didn’t hesitate for a second before telling Latham to go home and not bother them.

Latham walked off, jaw clenched.

Garth grabbed Dorothea’s hand, his little fingers warm and sticky. “Aunt Dorothea, can you help me buy something?”

She looked down at him, her voice gentle. “What do you want to get?”

After plenty of back and forth, they finally picked out a crystal hair clip. Dorothea was amazed at how generous kids were these days. That little clip cost a few hundred bucks, and Garth handed over the money without a second thought.

Of course, Dorothea wouldn’t actually let him pay for dinner. They picked a restaurant, and Garth ate like he was the happiest kid in the world.

About half an hour before they finished, Dorothea sent Latham a message.

He hadn’t gone far and replied that he’d come right over.

Dorothea took Garth’s hand and headed toward the elevators. Across the way, Albert, who was also out for dinner, watched them with a frown.

“Albert, the restaurant’s this way. Why are you just standing there?”

He gently brushed off Carola’s hand. “Hang on. I left something in the car. You go ahead to the private room.”

Carola could only watch as Albert hurried after them, disappearing into the crowd.