Chapter 24
Dolores hesitated for a few seconds, then stopped walking away
Then was tipsy, with a noticeable drunkenness in his eyes, and his shirt was a bit wrinkled. His voice was husky as he said softly, “Abour what happened back then. Tm sorry
Dolor eyes clouded over for a moment. She knew exactly what he referred to as the audio recording of her proposal. Back then, she was drowning in debt, scrambling for money, and that audio clip’s sudden exposure had plunged her into an even deeper abyss.
For a while, the most common remark she heard was that since Ms. Sherry was willing to go that far, she might as well sleep with a few more men. She shouldn’t have trouble covering a few billion in debt.
Even though three years had passed. Dolores couldn’t forget the events of that time. And they remained fresh and painful.
“When we talked about manage back then, it was merely a mutually beneficial transaction,” Dolores said, her tone calm, though it didn’t mean she
es unaffected.
“You could have refused, even mocked me for being a fool aiming too high. You could have ridiculed me all you wanted, but why did you expose that audio online? No matter how much you disliked me, you shouldn’t have done something so low. It’s unworthy of a man,” she continued.
By the end. Dolores emotions had gotten the better of her.
The let her finish before he chuckled suddenly. “You think I exposed the audio?”
Dolores didn’t respond, which was answered enough. The recording only included the two of them, and the coffee shop where they talked was chosen by Theo, known for its privacy.
And the audio was clear, clearly recorded up close. Other than Theo, in couldn’t have been anyone else.
Theos gentle smile faded. After a moment of silence, he said seriously. “It wasn’t me
Beyond those three words. Theo offered no further explanation. Whether Dolores believed him or not, was unclear. She glanced at her watch. wanting to leave. But the lively atmosphere outside meant the party wouldn’t end anytime soon.
Meanwhile. Dolores had arrived with Adam, and this entire area only had Seldora Leaving now would mean not being able to get a taxi. The terrace was spacious, so Dolores packed a spot not too close nor too far from Theo, scrolling through her phone idly.
The silence lasted a long time before Theo broke it. “How have you been these years?”
Dolores paused, knowing he was asking about her marriage with Adam. She smiled lightly and replic
replied. “Not great. I should have listened to you”
Sure enough, the men understood each other best. When news of Dolores and Adam’s marriage broke, Theo wamed her. “You and Adam arent suited for each other. His heart belongs to someone else. You won’t find happiness in this marriage”
But Dolores had been desperate back then. Whether they were suited or not didn’t matter. To her, Adam was a lifeline. Looking back, it was indeed
“Lasten to him?” The sudden intrusion of Adam’s cold voice startled Dolores.
Then Dolores turned and saw Adam walking in from outside, his noble demeanor unable to hide the gloom in his eyes. “Listen to hum and go and thuer loan sharks! Be sold abroad to work as a prostitute!” Adam added.
bering Adam. Then Howord, ferling his friends hostility for the first time. “Adam, don’t be so harsh, and don’t twist my work.
Adam glanced at Then, is expression indifferent. “This is your party, shouldn’t you be busy?
Then surfed his nose awkwardly. Now wasn’t the time to argue, so he left the terrace with his wine glass. Dolores also wanted to leave. Adun was drarly looking for someone to vent his anger on, and she wasnt been on being the target
But as Dolores reached as de Adam graded her as voice cold and sharp. “Dolores, don’t forget wh nothing Where was Theo then Probably with some other woman”
who paid i
(off your debts when you had
Dolores didn’t want to discuss the past anymore. So she chose to remain len, and Adam, in his fury, dragged her out of Seldora
As soon as they hit the main road. Dolores said,
1,“Pullover lige ab home”
1/2
10:01 AM ď ď.
Chapter 24
Adam kept driving, not looking at her. “We’re going to Elmore Estate tonight. Mom’s been asking about you all day, wondering if I’ve been bullying you again
“Does the report come out?” Hearing they were going to se health.
see Yara, Dolores dropped her plan to get out. She was genuinely concerned about Yara’s
Adam didn’t want to discuss it further. “Some results will be out tomorrow.”
It was late when they arrived, but Yara was still up, waiting in the living room. As soon as she saw Dolores, she took her hand and asked, “Are y
you hungry? Ann made clam chowder, it’s warming in the kitchen. I’ll get it for your
“Mom” Dolores stopped her quickly. “I’ll get it myself. Not wanting Yara to notice anything amiss, she also served a bowl for Adam.
Seeing this, Yara rolled her eyes. “Why serve him? Wasting the soup
Yara was still mad about the mark on Adam’s neck, which she suspected was from another woman.
Then Adam chuckled and said, “Mom, that’s not fair.”
“It’s only because we’re family that I don’t smack you” Yara couldn’t stay up late and headed upstairs after making sure Dolores finished her soup. “Don’t go easy on him. Sometimes, the one like him needs to be put in his place.”
Yara wasn’t worried about most women, but Alison was tricky. She had seen her manipulative ways Ersthand. Dolores found Yara’s description amusing but felt warm inside.
Dolores mother had passed away early, and her father was a scumbag. After marrying Adam, Yara had filled the void of maternal love. Dolores. wanted to care for Yara, but once the divorce happened, they wouldn’t be family anymore.
Back in the bedroom, Dolores took a bath first. While Adam was in the bathroom, she grabbed a quilt from the closet and tossed it onto the couch. When Adam came out, his hair damp, he saw the quilt and raised an eyebrow before climbing into bed.
Dolores frowned deeply. “Sleep on the couch.”
We’re getting divorced. There is no need to share a bed, Dolores thought.
Adam looked at her and laughed suddenly, his eyes full of mockery. “Sleep on the couch so you can accuse me of being sexually frustrated and
demand a divorce?”
Dolores retorted, “It’s not sexually frustrated. It’s your problem because you’re impotent. I need a real marriage. Don’t blame me for your issues and ruin my future marriage.”
“Future marriage?” Adam sneered. To whom Theo?”
