The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 288

He was well aware of the company's recent projects and their profits. He'd consistently find ways to retain talented employees and was always approachable in conversation.

His penchant for fun was just a facade. It was designed to disarm people and put them at ease.

For a woman like Dorothy, a man of his caliber was someone she couldn’t get too close to. She knew that her limited abilities and cunning were no match for him.

"Lane, I think you only see me as good because you don't fully know me." Dorothy said, managing to keep her emotions in check. She flashed him a polite smile and subtly put some distance between them. "Jeffrey must have told you something about Everett and me. I wonder if he mentioned that it was me who ended things with Everett. I asked for the divorce because I fell for another man."

"He did mention that you fell for someone else." Lane said, cutting her off before she could continue. "But I don't believe him."

He was confident in his judgment of character. He had been observing Dorothy for some time; otherwise, he wouldn't have pursued her, especially knowing she was married. People in business do not fall for others easily.

"The truth is what it is, whether you believe it or not. You can ask Everett if you want."

"I won't ask him. Your past is your past." Lane said while spreading his hands as a gesture of surrender. Realizing the conversation was leading them nowhere, he softened his tone. "I think you’ve misunderstood me. I don't mean to threaten you or force you to be with me. I just... want you to give me a chance."

Dorothy remained silent.

"Just one chance; if it doesn’t work out, I won't force you. You're single, and I'm single, so why are you so adamant about rejecting me? Who knows? You might even end up liking me."

Lane's plea was humble, to say the least. Dorothy knew that if she rejected him harshly, she might provoke him.

People from high society always care about saving dignity. Embarrassing them could lead to uncontrollable situations.

Moreover, she feared that Lane might tell Jeffrey about their conversation.

Seeing Dorothy finally relent felt like a small victory to Lane.

He drove to the hotel where Jeffrey was staying. The guy had drunk too much last night and was still in bed.

Upon seeing Lane, he lazily got up as he rubbed his eyes in his bathrobe. "You've really improved your tolerance. We drank the same amount last night, yet here you are, bright and early, as if nothing happened."

"Well, happy occasions tend to boost one's spirits."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing. You're a guest here, so I thought I should come and see you. I've just ordered breakfast. It'll be here soon. Why don't you freshen up?"