The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1031

"I've got money, get her a doctor, the best damn doctor you can find! Go!"

Everett clenched his teeth, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

He knew this day was inevitable.

Ever since his mom started making those frequent trips to the ER, it felt like a countdown had begun on her life.

But when the moment actually arrived, he realized just how powerless humans are.

No matter if you're a CEO or an average Joe, when death stares you down, all you can do is cry or scream in despair. There’s nothing you can do to turn back time, not even by a minute, not even by ten seconds.

Not even a chance to say goodbye.

…

Dorothy didn't know when she had fallen asleep.

It was only when Abigail and Langston had to leave for school that she woke up, realizing she was still on the couch.

"Mommy! Where's Daddy?"

Abigail was always the enthusiastic one, rushing to give her mommy a warm hug as soon as she saw her.

"Daddy's busy, sweetheart. You and your brother be good and head to school."

"Can we see him after school?"

"Maybe, but once Daddy's done with his work, he'll have time for you!" Dorothy said, patting her daughter's head before turning to Langston, "Look after your sister at school, okay?"

"Yeah, I got it."

After sending them off, Dorothy went back to the couch and took out her phone.

She wanted to call Everett to check on him.

But then she thought he might have been up all night. What if her call woke him up?

Just as Dorothy was about to put the phone down, Ephraim's call came through.

"Ms. Sanchez."

"Yeah, what's up?"

"It's like this... I just got a call from the court clerk, saying... saying the defendant passed away early this morning."

"..." Dorothy felt her mind go blank for a moment, then asked with a trembling voice, "Was it Heather?"

"No."

When she arrived at the hospital, Dorothy rushed towards the ER!

But there was nobody in sight.

Just as she was about to ask Jeffrey, Everett finally called back.

Dorothy immediately answered, "Everett, where are you?"

"The funeral home." Everett's voice was so hoarse it barely sounded like him.

"I’m coming to you! Don’t shut me out!"

"Don’t."

"…"

Everett repeated, "Don’t come, my mom... she wouldn’t want to see you."

Dorothy stopped in her tracks, suddenly feeling like anything she could say would be inadequate, hollow.

"I... I just want to be there for you."

"I told you, she wouldn't want to see you." Everett's voice was heavy, each word weighed down with grief, "This time, your mom's debt is paid."