The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 716

Dorothy's mind raced back to the look in Everett's eyes that day.

His gaze, red and raw, bore into her as he asked whether she had ever considered him, even just a little.

At the time, Dorothy thought he was pleading for her to forgive his mother for his sake, to spare him from being stuck in the middle. But now, it struck her that he was actually questioning the trust she had never given him.

Yes.

Dorothy was at a loss for words.

She truly hadn't trusted Everett. Right from the start, she was wary of letting him get involved, fearing he might show favoritism or shield his mother.

There was no excuse she could make for that.

...

After returning home, Karen locked herself in her room, refusing to come out.

This had Derek and Serena beside themselves with worry.

But they didn't dare push too hard, pacing anxiously outside her door like a sentinel.

Suddenly, her bedroom door swung open.

Serena leapt from her chair, "Karen, are you..."

"Mom, I'm fine! I want to visit the hospital to check on Kenneth, to see if he's been eating well, and find out if he can be discharged today."

"Oh, yes! Kenneth might be discharged today. It's good for you to go see him!" Serena had been fretting over her daughter stewing in her room, so Karen wanting to step out was a welcome relief. "I'll have your dad drive you!"

"No need, I'll just grab a taxi," Karen said with a smile, taking her mother's hand. "Mom, it's just a breakup. It's not my first rodeo with boyfriends. You don't have to fear I'll do anything rash! Sure, it hurts, but life can't stop for Jeffrey, can it?"

"It's good to hear you're dealing with it. That eases my mind!" Serena sighed in relief. "Go ahead. Do you have money? Let me give you some."

Karen waved her off, "No need, I've got some. I've made a bit from a recent job."