Chapter 8
“Get the fuck out of my car?” Adam thundered.
They were on
re on the main road, a prime spot for hailing cabs.
Dolores figured Adam was bolting off to see Alison at the hospital. She sure as hell didn’t want to shoved the door open and stepped out with determined strides.
there and watch them smooch. Swiftly, she
The car sped away, whipping up a cloud of dust that plastered her face. She shouted after the dwindling tail lights, “In such a goddamn hurry. Adam? What did she drop dead and you’re off to pick up her remains!”
The only response was the relentless silence.
Left standing by the curb. Dolores waited for a taxi. Unexpectedly, a polished black Bentley pulled to a stop in front of her.
James emerged with a polite nod. “Mrs. Walcott, Mr. Walcott asked me to take you home” The message was clear, though unspoken: Adam had left her stranded but had managed the details.
Quick to catch on. Dolores hopped into the car. As they drove off, she mulled over their situation. Announcing a divorce now would surely set off Adam’s temper like a tinderbox. But pissing him off wasn’t the smart move.
She sighed, resigned. Three months would fly by, I could suck it up until then:
But considering Alison’s impatient nature, Dolores thought waiting three months was probably not on her agenda now that she was back.
The next day, Dolores woke up without the dread of her nanny–like duties at Walcott Group.
had already headed to her store and texted her: [Set up tom
up tomorrow’s meet with Mr. Wood. Got a client, can’t make it.]
Since graduating. Gail had set up an antique shop with her family’s backing, and Dolores had snagged quite a few jobs through her connections. Dolores replied: [Got it.]
After breakfast, she then embarked on her quest for a new home. Leaving behind the grandeur of Calancho Manor, her priority was finding a place that made work many.
a studio. What sealed the
the zeroed in on a two–bedroom apartment via an agency–great location, sparse furniture, perfect for converting into a st deal was the strict security ID checks at the door meant safety was a given.
Gail. She had her heart set on a seasonal
With the lease signed and time on her hands Dolores headed to the mall to pick out a birthday gift for Cail limited–edition bag from a particular brand, Gail’s latest obsession, available at a specific boutique.
On the seventh floor, a salesperson approached her with a welcoming smile. “Looking for something s
id, a clear missIORI
“Any chance you still have the limited edition summer bag?” Dolores asked.
specific?” she inquired, recognizing a customer
With a regretful smile, the salesperson responded, “Sorry, that one is a limited run and it has been pre–booked” “Alright tanks anyway: Dolores saul, disappointed
As sur turned to leave, a professonal–looking woman entered and spoke to the sale
sales associate. I’m here to collect the limited–edition bag Mr
Delores amped dead in her tracki, ber fingers involuntarily tightening. The summe “Walcott” was rare, and more startling was the wor Plemuly– Madly May, Alison’s manager, a familiar face from the news.
associate said, “Alright, but I need to conting with Mr. Walcott Could I have your name and some IDP
Cofanity, Molly replied. “Tin Molly May, Ms Jennings‘ manager. She sent me to pick it up”
The male jetrin maakted and turned to pull up Adants contact detaily
9:52 AM c d
Chapter 8
Dolores had no plans to hang around longer than necessary. The sharp sting of heartache she had felt moments ago had quickly numbed. She thought to herself. Fuck it, we’re getting divorced anyway. He can toss those fancy bags at anyone he likes, it’s none of my damn business.
As she was about to leave, Molly’s voice stopped her. “Ms. Sherry, wait up.”
Surprised that Molly knew her. Dolores raised an eyebrow. “What’s up?”
Without wasting words, Molly got straight to the point. “Ms. Sherry, you’re young and stunning. Why hang onto a guy who doesn’t love you? Drop him and find someone better while you still got the looks,”
A smirk played on Dolores’s lips. “Really? Did Alison feed you those lines? God, mistresses these days are bold as hell, parading around right in front of the wife”
Molly, not willing to be overshadowed, retorted sharply. “In love, the one who is not loved is the actual third wheel. Alice and Mr. Walcott, they’re the real deal”
Dolores’s eyes flashed fiercely, her look oozing charm. “Still single, Ms. May? Once you find Mr. Right, I’ll happily send a few dazzling friends his way as a little thank–you for your big–hearted advice today.”
Molly’s lips quivered, about to argue back, but Dolores softened her tone, her voice gentle yet filled with undeniable authority. “As for that bag–tell Ms. Jennings since Adam bought it, and we haven’t split our stuff yet, it belongs to both of us. She has three days to transfer half the cost to my account. Otherwise, she’ll be unwrapping legal papers as her next gift.
Molly stood there, speechless, blindsided by Dolores’s fierce words and decisive stance–something she hadn’t expected from the usually reserved
Dolores
Just as Dolores was about to stride away, the salesgirl’s trembling voice broke the silence. “Mrs. Walcott, please hold on… Mr. Walcott just called, he… he asked you to wait here for a bit.”
The salesgirl was overwhelmed, never anticipating this sudden twist or that she’d end up talking directly to Adam himself when she’d aimed to reach his assistant.
Chapter 9
