The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 857

"So, how's your lawsuit going? Any progress?" Karen asked, pausing her movements as she flipped a pancake.

"Yeah," Dorothy nodded, her voice steady. "The preliminary hearing is coming up."

Karen's hand froze mid-flip. "Has Everett's mom been detained?"

"No, but the trial can proceed without her. The court has already issued the summons."

Karen's mouth hung open for a moment, struggling to find the words. "You've really come to this... Everett's mom is just vile! Without her, you and Everett could have been such a happy couple."

Everett wasn't like Jeffrey, all rash and impulsive. He was career-driven, responsible, and always thorough. He would have taken care of Dorothy well.

"There are no 'what-ifs'."

From the last time she walked away from Bay Residence, Dorothy had made up her mind.

If Bella had followed Maxton Sanchez's wishes back then, she wouldn't even exist, let alone all that followed!

Without her, maybe Bella would have remarried, found happiness sooner, and escaped the shadow of that scumbag, not ending up dying alone from an overdose.

Her life was owed to her mother; it was she who had burdened Bella.

So whether it was seeing justice served through legal means or taking matters into her own hands, that was Dorothy's priority.

All other disputes and grievances were secondary.

"What about after the lawsuit? Once you get the outcome you're looking for, will you..."

"I might," Dorothy cut her off, knowing what Karen was about to ask.

"If Everett's still single by then, I guess I should get a taste of what it's like to pursue him after all these years he's been after me."

It was another debt to repay.

Karen's eyes widened comically. "You, chasing after him?"

Karen blushed slightly, glancing at Dorothy. "Dorothy's still here!"

"So what? We're married."

Dorothy quickly interjected, "Just pretend I'm not here. I'm blind to it all."

As long as the two of them were getting along fine, that was all that mattered.

After dinner at Jeffrey's, Dorothy stayed for a chat with Karen until it got too late, and she didn't want to impose any further.

"Let Jeffrey drive you home!" Karen insisted.

"No need, I can take a cab back," Dorothy replied.

"Not at this time of night," Karen turned to Jeffrey. "You go, make sure Dorothy gets home safe."

With a nod, Jeffrey grabbed his keys and looked at Dorothy. "Let's go."