Helen entered the office, holding some documents in her hands, and a flicker of hostility flashed in her eyes as she caught sight of Dolores.
Was this woman trying to seduce Matthew while she was away?
Matthew belonged to Helen. Dolores should never cross that line!
Helen had an intense urge to slap Dolores.
However, Matthew spoke up at that moment, breaking the tension. “What’s going on?”
“I need your signature on this document,” Helen quickly concealed her hostility, forcing a smile as she answered.
He took the documents and began flipping through them. Then, he paused and asked Dolores to leave. “You’re not needed here right now. You can go.”
Dolores nodded quietly and left his office.
“Matthew, she-”
“I asked her to translate something for me. Is there a problem with that?” He remained unfazed, interrupting her.
There were no signs of deception on his face. Deep down, he took responsibility for what Dolores had endured recently. He was aware of Helen’s unfriendly attitude toward Dolores, but he couldn’t change the situation.
He bore some responsibility for Helen.
“No, nothing.” Helen approached him and began massaging his shoulders. “You can leave such matters to me in the future.”
Matthew mumbled a vague response.
After finishing work, Dolores stood by the roadside next to the building. She noticed a black car slowly emerging from the garage, and instinctively, she straightened her posture. She knew who was sitting in the driver’s seat.
The black car came to a stop in front of her. Abbott wasn’t with Matthew, so he was driving himself. The window rolled down, revealing Matthew’s calm gaze.
Dolores wore a red dress with a modest collar. It accentuated her waistline, reaching just below her knees. Her pale legs were exposed to the slightly chilly night air.
As she felt his intense gaze, Dolores hurriedly explained, “I didn’t want to dress too casually and embarrass you. After all, I am still your ‘wife.'”
She deliberately provided an explanation, fearing that Randolph would see through her lies and realize their lack of love for each other.
During her afternoon break, Dolores had specifically returned to the villa to choose this dress. She had never worn it before. It was a gift from Sampson on her eighteenth birthday.
Dolores had always possessed fair skin, and the vibrant red dress further accentuated her complexion. Her collarbones were beautifully sculpted, and her neck displayed no excess fat. She exuded undeniable charm.
She was a sight to behold.
A faint sparkle appeared in Matthew’s eyes, and he monotonously said, “Get in the car.”
She sat in the passenger seat, contemplating what would happen next. Since they were returning to the Flores family home, she had to put on her best performance.
Matthew seemed strangely composed, leaving Dolores unable to guess what was going through his mind.
Could it be that her attire wasn’t suitable? She rarely wore anything as attention-grabbing as the bright red dress. Sampson had once remarked that it suited her perfectly.
As the scenery whizzed by outside the window, the shifting shadows cast an ambiguous light on Matthew’s handsome face. He seemed like a figure out of a dream.
He felt surreal and distant, much like their relationship-so close, yet so far.
After contemplating for a while, Dolores voiced her concerns. “Is my dress not up to your standards?”
Matthew’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel, his fingers twitching slightly. He glanced at Dolores and spoke up. “You’re good.”
Dolores eased the tension in her body a bit, not wanting to continue the conversation.
Silence enveloped the car, suffocating the atmosphere.
Dolores’s gaze wandered over Matthew’s hands clutching the steering wheel. His fingers were long and sculpted, his nails impeccable. It was yet another captivating sight. His hands had the same impact as his face, unforgettable.
“Do they really look that good?” His gaze remained fixed on the road ahead.
Only then did Dolores realize that she had been staring at him for quite some time. She quickly averted her gaze, pretending not to hear him.
Matthew turned slowly, a mischievous smile curling his lips. “Is my face more handsome than my fingers?”
Dolores continued to feign ignorance, even pretending to fall asleep.
In her heart, she was furious with him. Where had his aloofness and nobility gone?
Why did he suddenly sound like a narcissist?
After about twenty minutes, the car stopped in front of the Flores family villa.
Randolph was home earlier than usual, and Beulah had been busy preparing dinner. The size and quality of the food met Randolph’s standards. For the moment, he seemed to have forgotten about their previous unpleasant confrontation.
“The First Miss has arrived,” the maid announced.
Randolph glanced at Beulah and Annabelle, whispering in a low tone. “This is a crucial moment for me. Don’t do anything that could ruin this meeting!”
Beulah suppressed her anger and straightened Randolph’s suit. “You don’t need to worry. We won’t talk back or retaliate, even if she comes at us in a fit of rage. If she helps you with the company matters, I can handle everything else. I can be of no assistance to you in the company, so she can vent her anger as much as she wants.”
Randolph felt that Beulah didn’t waste any of his past affection on her. “Once the company crisis is resolved, I’ll reward you handsomely.”
With Beulah’s approval, Randolph went to the door, intending to personally welcome Dolores and Matthew.
Dolores stood next to Matthew, holding the contract for Repulse Bay land.
Matthew stole a glance at her and offered his arm. “Take my arm.”
Dolores followed suit, and together they entered the villa.
“Please, come in. I’m honored that you could join us for dinner tonight,” Randolph welcomed them with open arms.
He was unlike his usual arrogant and entitled self. Instead, he was gracious and flattering.
Matthew never had any favorable feelings toward Randolph, so he merely nodded, keeping his silence and his indifference intact.
Randolph felt a slight freeze when he realized that Matthew wasn’t going to banter with him and ease the tension in the air. He hoped Matthew would show a different attitude, considering that Randolph was Dolores’ father and his father-in-law.
He realized he was rapidly losing face and needed to do something about it.
Dolores simply chuckled. “He’s always like this.”
Randolph managed to brighten his expression and invited them inside. “Please, come in.”
Beulah played the role of a decent wife and mother. They saw her arranging the cutlery on the table. When she noticed her guests, she flashed an insincere smile. “You’re finally here. Please, have a seat. Lola, you would never believe that your dad asked me to prepare a delicious meal after he learned you were coming for dinner today. I hope you enjoy the food.”
Dolores smiled at her. They were all putting on an act at that moment.
“I’m not an outsider; there’s no need for formalities.”
As she spoke, she tightened her grip on Matthew’s arm, putting on a show.
Beulah studied Dolores, trying hard to suppress her resentment. She maintained her fake facade. “You’re absolutely right.”
Dolores took her seat, still holding onto Matthew’s arm. Beulah and Annabelle sat across from them.
Annabelle wore a red dress and delicate makeup. Despite her young age, she had a mature and flirtatious look about herself. Dolores glanced scornfully at Annabelle and sneered inwardly. Was Annabelle trying to seduce Matthew?
As she looked into Annabelle’s fixed gaze, she quipped, “Sister, why are you staring at your brother-in-law like that? Is there something on his face?”
Matthew’s eyes twitched slightly as he contemplated Dolores’ intentions.
He had no interest in looking at such a heavily made-up face, and despite both of them wearing red dresses, Dolores, with her light makeup, looked far superior to her sister. She was a sight to behold at the dining table.
Annabelle immediately lowered her head. Beulah held Annabelle’s hands under the table, trying to calm her down.
“Alright, it’s no longer lunchtime, and you all must be famished.”
Randolph was trying to strike up a conversation with Matthew but couldn’t settle on a suitable topic. Since Matthew had set foot in the villa, he appeared determined to have no involvement with the Flores family.
Occasionally, Matthew would pick up some food and place it on Dolores’ plate, displaying a hint of affection.
Randolph observed their interaction in silence. He never expected his daughter, who had never garnered much of his attention, to be the apple of Matthew Nelson’s eye. He couldn’t help but change his opinion of Dolores.
Dolores hadn’t intended to merely have dinner with her family.
She placed the contract on the table and spoke up, raising her voice. “This is what you’ve always wanted. Now that I’ve brought it here, you haven’t forgotten your promise, have you?”
Since it wasn’t easy for her to gain Matthew’s support in this matter, she had to cherish the opportunity and reclaim what belonged to her and her mother.
The smile faded from Randolph’s face. “We’re still family, after all. Just tell me straight if you have a favor to ask of me.”
His priority was resolving the crisis in his company. The piece of land didn’t hold much significance at the moment.
He subtly gestured at Dolores by blinking several times, trying to initiate a conversation in front of Matthew. However, Dolores played dumb and asked with genuine concern, “Are you having trouble with your eyes?”
If Matthew hadn’t been present, Randolph would have erupted in anger. Matthew glanced at Dolores once more and realized she was pretending not to understand, even though she knew exactly what she needed to do. It made her appear clever… No, it made her look absolutely adorable.
Beulah intervened, hoping to diffuse the tension. She spoke up while serving food onto Dolores’ plate. “Lola, your dad’s company is currently facing some problems…” She shifted her gaze to Matthew and continued, “Matthew is our son-in-law, and this time we need your help. If I have offended you in the past, I hope you can let it go for now.”
Dolores’ expression darkened at the mention of Matthew as their son-in-law. They were experts at claiming all the prestige for themselves.
“Did you only contribute to my birth, or did you raise me as well?” Dolores leaned toward Matthew; her eyes fixed on him. “Since when did my husband become your son-in-law all of a sudden?”
Beulah clenched her fists under the table but maintained her smile. “I understand you’re still upset with me and your dad, but we truly love each other-”
“I came here today to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me!” Dolores cut Beulah off, not giving her a chance to finish.
Beulah had mentioned that they were in love. Dolores wanted to witness for herself what choice Randolph would make when faced with material gain versus love.
Randolph sensed the sour atmosphere and realized that a proper conversation was no longer possible.
He stood up and turned to Dolores. “Let’s continue this discussion in the other room.”
Dolores rose from her seat and glanced at Matthew. “I’ll be back soon.”
Matthew mumbled a faint response as Dolores followed Randolph into his study.
As soon as they were alone, Randolph’s expression immediately turned cruel. “Did you tell Matthew about my problem?”
Dolores stared at Randolph; her face devoid of emotion. She had grown accustomed to being hurt, to the point where nothing could stir her anymore.
“Return what belongs to me first.” It was a rare opportunity for her, and she had to seize it.
She needed to reclaim her belongings.
Randolph glared at her and responded, “I’ll give them back to you, but you must ensure that Matthew helps my company overcome this crisis.”
“Our previous agreement only involved the land and my belongings. Your company’s issue is completely unrelated. I’ve mentioned this before. If you want me to persuade Matthew to assist you, divorce Beulah. Only then will I lend my support.” Dolores paused before adding, “You can witness for yourself how much Matthew loves me. If I bring it up, he will agree to help you immediately.”
A deep silence fell upon Randolph upon hearing her words.
Dolores continued, “You must consider what’s more important to you: your company or a wife who can’t even give you a son.”
Dolores turned to leave the study.
At the last moment, Randolph blurted out, “I agree to your terms.”
Dolores smiled to herself. Just as she had anticipated…
She halted in her tracks, turning to face him. “I want my belongings back today.”
She didn’t want to prolong the matter, fearing it would take a turn for the worse. While she might not be able to retrieve everything immediately, she could at least secure things like money. Her mother’s medical bills were due soon.
Randolph gritted his teeth. “Lola, remember, we are still family.”
Dolores responded with a smile. “I know, but what belongs to me, and my mother has always been ours. Shouldn’t you return them, no matter what?”
They were a family? He only remembered they were a family when it suited him.