The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 653

Everett mulled over it for what felt like hours, trying to understand why Dorothy was adamant about him not attending her mother's memorial. Surely, it was not just because her mom appreciated peace and quiet, as she had claimed.

Kenneth was welcome while he was not, and the only logical explanation Everett could come up with was the bitter truth surrounding Dorothy's mother's passing.

After much contemplation, he figured that the crux of the matter must lie with Heather. Dorothy probably believed that if it were not for his presence, Heather would not have been green with envy and lash out in a fit of jealousy, and her mother would still be alive.

Everett was indirectly responsible for the tragedy. That must be why Dorothy could not bear the thought of him paying his respects.

After all, he had never hurt Bella. In fact, he was the one to arrange for her top-notch surgery with a renowned doctor from abroad.

Now that he thought he had pinpointed the cause, he was determined to unearth the real culprit. He wanted Dorothy to be able to settle her scores and release the pent-up anger in her heart.

Plus, it would also prevent Kenneth from exploiting the situation.

"I can't just say 'yes' to this. I need to talk it over with your mother." Jonathan sighed heavily into the phone. "You've got to understand the tough spot I'm in here! When Heather stabbed you, and your life was hanging by a thread, I had someone deal with her already. But your mother insisted on stopping it. Otherwise, Heather would have been long gone."

Jonathan was not one to mince words; a menace like Heather needed to be dealt with once and for all.

He disagreed with his wife's constant talk of gratitude and repaying kindness.

In fact, Heather's boldness was bolstered by the very backing of the Lopez family. She grew more audacious over time, even daring to dabble in murderous plots.

"When you've settled things with Mom, I'll talk to Dorothy about changing my children’s surname," Everett said, setting his terms.

"Changing their surnames needs her approval?”

"I mean just what I said."

"Of course not! Your mother was just propping Heather up, that's all. She never liked Dorothy, and you knew that. Your mother thought she could break you up if she kept opposing you two. And even if Heather had those murderous intentions, do you think she'd dare to confess them to your mother? Heather has played the timid and gentle woman before your mother and me all these years. Even I was fooled."

Everett's brow furrowed deeper. "I hope what you're saying is true."

"Dorothy didn’t tell you anything, did she?" Jonathan quickly asked.

"No, it's just something I wanted to ask."

"Everett, do you really see your mother as cold-hearted and cruel like Heather? Don't forget, you're her flesh and blood! If it wasn’t for her carrying you for nine months, enduring labor to bring you into this world, Dorothy wouldn’t have had the fortune of being connected to the Lopez family in any way!"