The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1022

"Come on, say something!"

Jeffrey was pacing back and forth, clearly on edge. "We're in a bind here, you've got to break the silence!"

"I need a moment to think," Everett admitted, knowing Jeffrey was right.

Dorothy had always been fiercely loyal, her love unwavering. Pushing her away wouldn't drive her into someone else's arms.

But—

That didn't necessarily mean she would take him back.

That was the real issue.

...

Dorothy's memory halted at the moment she was in the boardroom, a sickly sweet taste rising in her throat until it burst forth uncontrollably.

And then, nothing.

It was as if she had slept for ages, yet she felt utterly drained, floating on water.

As her consciousness slowly stirred, the chill of the ER made her shiver involuntarily.

"You're awake!" Quincy's voice, brimming with excitement, cut through the haze.

Dorothy tried to frown but lacked the strength.

Her eyes barely cracked open, everything a blur.

"It's looking up! You're on the mend!" Quincy immediately halted the medication and started checking her vitals.

Dorothy could hear footsteps and a plethora of other sounds.

After what felt like an eternity, she felt a firm grasp on her hand.

"Dorothy... thank you for waking up, thank you..." It was Everett.

His voice, his warmth— even without opening her eyes, she knew it was him.

She collapsed, coughing violently.

"Put the same poison in me that's in Dorothy. Confirm I'm poisoned, then cure her. That should put your mind at ease, right?"

Everett couldn't bear to see Dorothy suffer even the slightest.

Each time, he wished he could take her place.

Even death seemed preferable to Dorothy enduring this!

"Cough, cough... You'd risk your own life for her?"

"Get Dorothy out of this."

"But using her as a shield has worked out pretty well for me," Quincy looked up at the man before her, the red marks on her neck still visible. "Look, you were ready to kill just now, but you still let me go! What are you afraid of? You're afraid of Dorothy not having an antidote, aren't you?"

What else could possibly scare Everett?

"Quincy, you see, Dorothy's already weak. Are you sure you want to tie your fate to hers?"