The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1013

As she made a move to stand, Everett quickly grabbed her arm. "Dorothy! The money's already with the Caldwell family; there's no taking it back. And it's an investment, not just me throwing money their way."

"You're lying! Did you even calculate the return on investment? Do you have any idea how risky this project is? What's the profit-sharing ratio?"

"I did the math."

"No, you didn't! Because this money didn't come out of the company's accounts." Dorothy had done her homework, pretending to track the cash flow for her project while sneakily checking the date of the transfer to the Caldwell family.

Turns out, it was from Everett's personal account!

"I told you, I've calculated it." Everett didn't want her to get too worked up; it could trigger her depression. So, he wrapped his arms around her, gently trying to calm her down, "This is the best investment I've ever made because Quincy promised it could cure your condition."

What's a little money in the grand scheme of things?

"Everett... please, can we not do this? It's my fault. I shouldn't have been so paranoid, trapping myself in this vicious circle and refusing to step out! But I don't feel that way anymore, really! Look, I'm not obsessing over the lawsuit anymore! We don't need Quincy to cure me; I can get better on my own!"

"Yeah, I believe you're getting better. Tomorrow's just a check-up, no prescription or anything."

"But the money—"

"Dorothy, you know Quincy saved my life twice. When she asked to help the Caldwell family, I couldn't say no," Everett said, towering over her so she couldn't catch his gaze, "Yes, I made a deal with Quincy. She cures you, I help the Caldwell family, but that's just part of it! Even without this, I wouldn't have stood by idly."

She couldn't fully trust him, but her mood had somewhat stabilized.

"Is there anything else you're not telling me? Any other deals?"

"Don't worry, it was just a thought. I never acted on it." He stroked Dorothy's back, his voice soft, "Because I knew you needed someone to protect you. Even if not now, you would in the future. No one else can understand you like I do. I can't trust anyone else with you."

Tears welled up in Dorothy's eyes, beyond her control.

"What's so good about me..."

"Everything's good. Being by my side is the best." Everett wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, "Don't cry, weren't we happy just now? Just trust Quincy with your treatment. We've got decades ahead of us. If we have to measure who contributes more, then tell me, how much are Abigail and Langston worth?"

"..."

"Bringing me two such lovely children, how could I ever repay you?"