The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 282

"So, you're really smitten with your husband, huh?" Although Lane tried to pass it off as a joke, his voice betrayed his disappointment.

He knew he'd probably never win the spot in her heart he longed for.

"Lane, I don't want any drama in my life. I just want to be an ordinary woman."

"But does your husband feel the same way about you?" Lane persisted. He was unwilling to let it go.

Dorothy hesitated for a long time before finally whispering, "No one could love me more than he does."

"Alright, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Dorothy set it aside. She felt completely drained. All her courage had been spent on her confrontation with Jeffrey earlier.

Every second of it was incredibly hard to bear.

She was terrified Jeffrey would detect something amiss and that he'd realize she was lying.

She wouldn't see Everett again, but she still loved him.

...

In the restaurant, Lane had been visibly upset since returning from his call.

Jeffrey knew he'd messed up their meeting and could only try to make up for it by refilling Lane's glass. "Long time no see. Won't you have a drink with me?"

Lane lifted his gaze to meet Jeffrey's as he downed his drink in one go. "Tell me what's going on between you and Dorothy. I've known her for a long time, and I've never seen her so unsettled."

"Has she ever shown any interest in you?" Jeffrey arched an eyebrow. He was quite curious about Dorothy's charm.

What was it that made Everett and Lane, two eligible bachelors, so captivated by her?

"She's always been professional at work and never crossed any lines. That's what makes her stand out. I recalled a project that had trouble getting approved by investors. Dorothy decided to camp out in her office, conducting research and interviews during the day and writing reports at night. All she had to do was sweet-talk the investors, maybe also agree to have dinner with them, and they would've agreed. But she refused, preferring to perfect the project's documentation to leave them with no objections."

"Then Dorothy is definitely special."

"Yes, the man who marries her is truly blessed." Lane massaged his temples, looking a bit dejected. "Plus, her husband must be pretty handsome, given how beautiful Dorothy's daughter is."

Wait a minute…

"Daughter? Dorothy has a daughter?!"