When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 89

“The choice is yours.”

Layton threw those words over his shoulder and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Elise pressed her lips together, grabbed a new phone she hadn’t used before, and typed out a long message. She hit send, not even sure if Dorothea would ever forgive her.

***

Dorothea saw the text pop up from an unfamiliar number. She skimmed through it in seconds. It sounded heartfelt, but really, it was just empty promises.

She glanced at Latham, who sat at the dining table. “Did you see my mom today?”

“No.” Latham was calm as ever, picking the bones out of her fish for her. “Layton came to make peace. I gave him a piece of my mind.”

Dorothea could tell it wasn’t that simple. “What did you do to The Brown Group?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Latham shrugged. “Nothing big. Just took a piece of land Layton’s been wanting forever.”

Dorothea stared at him, speechless. She didn’t even want to know how much something like that was worth.

Still, she couldn’t help asking, “You did all that just for me?”

Latham gave her a soft smile. “Yeah, just for you.”

She didn’t get what was going on in his head. She was moved, sure, but also kind of shocked. Wasn’t he supposed to like men?

“Mr. Stephens, why are you so nice to me?”

Latham raised an eyebrow, not even looking up. “This is me being nice?”

“Dorothea, sit up straight. Don’t embarrass me.”

His words caught her off guard, and her eyes sparkled a little. “Thank you.”

“No need.”

Latham’s eyes flicked to his phone and he let out a small laugh. “Looks like another messenger is trying to get to me.”

“Who is it?”

***

This time, it was Albert organizing things, pulling strings to get Latham to show up.

Layton had gone to Albert for help. When Albert asked why Latham was going after The Brown Group, Layton just dodged the question.

He didn’t mention a word about Latham and Dorothea’s marriage.

Latham pushed open the door to the private room, one hand in his pocket, looking relaxed.

Albert got up to greet him. “Mr. Stephens, come in.”

Latham’s lips curled ever so slightly. “Albert, this is the first time you’ve been so polite with me. Need something?”

Albert kept his tone even. “I wouldn’t say it’s for me. Layton’s the one asking for help. I’m just hoping you’ll give me this favor.”

Latham drew out a chair and sat down, moving at his own pace. There was a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes stayed cold. “A favor, huh.”

He looked at Albert. “Tell me, why should I do anything for you?”