The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 824

"I've been begging for too long."

Some words, once you let them out, laced with half-truths and jokes, just tumble out easily.

"I really had no clue in middle school."

Back then, her mind was consumed with making money and finding more time for a part-time job while juggling studies. Puppy love? Never even crossed her mind.

Comparing her to Everett was laughable. Dorothy, in her second-hand uniform bought on the cheap from a graduating student, was the picture of drabness next to everyone else in the class. If they weren't mocking her behind her back, that was a good day. The idea that Everett, this prince on a pedestal, could have a crush on her? Absurd.

She truly believed that the teacher paired them up just so Everett could help her with her studies, especially with the important exams on the horizon.

"What if you knew? Would you have said yes to dating?"

"No. Didn't you ask me that already?"

"Yeah, and now I want to date."

Dorothy was at a loss for words.

"That favor you owe me, I want you to pay it back this way," Everett added.

He was shrewd, no doubt about it. Out of all the things he had secretly done for her, he picked the one where he helped her find a lawyer, which gave Dorothy no room to refuse.

Though the surveillance footage of Heather he got for her was also regarding her mother's case, mentioning it would only bring immediate awkwardness. However, the lawyer thing was different. Finding a capable lawyer to accept this case depended on Dorothy. It was not exactly Everett's duty, unlike the footage he felt obliged to provide.

"You wouldn't have asked if you knew I'd say yes."

"Are you angry?" Everett raised an eyebrow.

"No."

Dorothy wasn't, not really. She just found Everett amusing.

He could have simply said that it was for the kids' sake, and she would have agreed. There was no need for him to agonize over it and waste time racking his brain.

"They seem to be getting along."

"Abigail and Langston are used to being tossed around by me. They can play with anyone for a while."

That was a sore spot for Dorothy.

"You've raised them well," Everett said, aware of the morning sickness agony, like what Jeffrey had described about Karen's.

Dorothy shook her head. "I'm far from perfect compared to other parents."

"It hasn't stopped them from loving you, right?"

"That's true." Dorothy finally smiled. "I didn't expect them to accept you so quickly."

"I have my ways," he replied with a grin.

"Sure, sure," she nodded, playing along. "You're right, my boyfriend."