When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 88

Layton waited all day, from sunrise until the office lights flickered off and almost everyone at The Stephens Group had gone home. He tried to keep his cool as he turned to Latham’s assistant. “Has Mr. Stephens finished his meeting yet?”

The assistant glanced at the clock. It was nearly eight.

“Give me a minute, I’ll check.”

Layton watched as the assistant disappeared into the office, then reemerged a moment later. “Layton, Mr. Stephens just finished up. You can go in now.”

He knew Latham was making him wait on purpose, but Layton didn’t complain. He just nodded. “Thanks for your trouble.”

Latham was putting his signature on the last document when Layton walked in.

“Mr. Stephens, I’m sorry to bother you so late.”

Latham barely looked up. “Sorry about that. I’ve been swamped today. Thanks for waiting.”

He said the words, but there wasn’t even a hint of apology in his eyes.

“My assistant said you needed to see me pretty urgently. What’s going on?” Latham’s tone was calm, almost bored.

Layton tried to smile. “Actually, it’s me who should apologize for showing up unannounced. Latham, here’s the thing. I had my eye on that plot of land in the East District, but I heard you closed the deal.”

Latham’s lips curled into an easy, lazy smile. “Oh, that place? It’s important to The Stephens Group. We’re planning a resort over there. You wanted it too? Well, there’s nothing I can do about that.”

His eyes darkened. “Layton, if someone bullied your wife three times, what would you do? I’m not asking Elise to apologize anymore. Honestly, I just want her to act like she never had this daughter. She doesn’t love Dorothea anyway. From now on, I’ll be the one to care for her.”

He checked his watch. “I’ve got a dinner to get to, so I won’t keep you.”

Layton’s heart dropped. There was no room for negotiation.

When he got home, his face was clouded with worry.

Elise didn’t even dare to speak, afraid his anger would land on her.

Layton shot her a hard look. “There’s nothing you can do to fix this now. Either you go apologize to Dorothea and beg for her forgiveness, or you pretend you never had this daughter. However Dorothea lives her life from now on, it’s got nothing to do with you.”