The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1347

"Better watch out, or some 18-year-old heartthrob might just snag your spot!"

But jest aside, what truly weighed on Everett's mind was Dorothy's health.

"I get that the company's just getting off the ground, and you want to handle everything personally, but you've got to consider your own health."

"I know, don't worry," Dorothy chuckled on the other end of the line. "You've practically sent over all the hotshots from the Lopez Corporation to help out. What do I have to be tired about? At this rate, my company will just become another branch of the Lopez Corporation."

"That'll never happen." Just hearing Dorothy's voice made Everett's eyes soften with an undeniable warmth, "I promise, the Lopez Corporation will never take over your business."

"So, it's not worthy?" Dorothy teased.

"It's not that. It's that I wouldn't dare."

And he meant every word of it.

The last thing he needed was Dorothy feeling sidelined after her company was absorbed. Then he'd have to worry about losing her attention altogether.

"I might be a bit late picking you up tonight. If you wrap up early, have Kevin drive you back to Bay Residence."

"Alright! And you, take care of yourself," Dorothy paused deliberately, "especially since you're a man in his thirties now."

"..."

The call ended, but the smile lingered on Everett's face.

Dorothy was joking with him again.

It wasn't just for laughs; it signified her moving on from her past, which brought Everett immense happiness.

Those bygone days were heavy, and he'd always feared Dorothy might succumb to despair.

Soon after, Kevin knocked on his office door again.

"Mr. Lopez, the hospital called. They've managed to stabilize Lane again, but he's back to seeking an end. He says... he just wants to see you once."

Kevin shared this, adhering to his principle of keeping Mr. Lopez informed, without expecting a yes.

Lane's voice was a raspy shadow of its former self, his expression one of surprise upon seeing Everett.

"What do you want to say?" Everett didn't come closer, stopping about three meters away.

Struggling to sit up, Lane's body simply didn't have the strength.

He weakly extended a hand, "Everett... considering I... in a way, eliminated a rival for you... grant me a swift end."

Lane was at his limit.

Physical torture was bearable, but the psychological torment was unbearable.

Every day was a living hell for him!

"Even if Kenneth was my rival, he was an honorable one, not sneaking around like you, engaging in petty schemes."

Lane attempted a smile, "He would've laid down his life for... Dorothy... You might've had to worry about him stealing her from you one day! But now, that worry is gone."