The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1209

"Wait... You're giving it to me?"

Kevin was completely dumbfounded.

He had just been thrilled about getting a raise, and now the CEO was gifting him a house? A house in Quill Estate, no less! The homes there were massive, starting at 4,000 square feet. Kevin had once dreamt of living there but had quickly dismissed it as fantasy.

"Yes, as a reward," Everett nodded, a small smile on his face. "The missus mentioned you should start dating, but you said you wanted to wait because of housing issues. So, what choice did I have but to gift you one?"

He glanced over at Dorothy, who winked at Kevin, "Take it, Kevin! The boss here has deep pockets; he won't miss it. Miss an offer like this, and who knows if the next Mrs. Lopez will be as generous!"

"The next Mrs. Lopez?"

Everett's ears pricked up at the hint of mischief in her words.

Dorothy nodded playfully, "Yeah, who says there'll only be one Mrs. Lopez at the helm of Lopez Corporation?"

"Dorothy!" His voice turned stern as he pulled her close, "There's only one."

"Come on, I was just joking."

"I don't like those kinds of jokes."

She sighed, "Alright, just one."

Kevin found himself smirking, tasting what felt suspiciously like couple dynamics in the air.

...

Nighttime.

Whenever Everett wasn't caught up in international video conferences, he'd make it a point to tuck Abigail and Langston into bed himself. He wanted to make up for the fatherly love he hadn't been able to provide before, knowing well that some things couldn't be compensated for. Still, it eased his conscience.

Abigail, after her bedtime routine, was already dozing off with her teddy bear in her arms.

Exiting her room, Everett expected Langston to be asleep too, but upon opening his door—

Langston was still up, glued to his computer.

Langston looked up, grinning mischievously, "Dad, how do you know everything? Did you sneak a peek at my computer?"

"..."

"He always asks about mom. Last time, he even wanted me to sneak a picture of her for him! I refused, so he stopped contacting me for days."

Everett raised an eyebrow, "And then?"

"So, I took the picture."

"You're certainly my son," Everett said, his smile not reaching his eyes as he patted Langston's shoulder a bit too firmly, causing the boy to yelp.

"Dad! That's bullying!"

"You dare spy on your mom for another man?! Miles Lopez, consider yourself lucky you're my son!"

Everett was calling Langston by his full name now, a clear sign of his fury.