Matthew Nelson glanced up, his gaze fixated on Dolores’s hand shielding her chest, and inquired, “Scalded?”
Dolores Flores twisted her head, unable to meet his eyes, and responded, “No.”
Avoiding any further interaction, she made her way to the meeting area and settled onto the sofa. Leaning forward, she retrieved a few tissue papers and gently wiped the water stains from her neck.
Suddenly, her line of sight was blocked. Matthew had unexpectedly approached. Dolores cleared her throat, coughing lightly. “Why are you here? You have so many things to attend to.”
While Dolores delivered the water, a massive stack of documents awaited Matthew’s signature on his desk.
Unfazed by Dolores’s remark, Matthew seemed to disregard it entirely as he reached for the tissue in her hand. “I’ll wipe it for you.”
“That’s okay,” Dolores attempted to retrieve the tissue from Matthew’s grasp, but her hand missed as he raised his own.
“Be good,” Matthew gently urged, squatting in front of her. With tenderness, he delicately opened her collar and wiped away the water droplets on her skin.
Matthew’s eyes dropped, his movements focused and solemn. Dolores found herself drifting into a brief trance, captivated by the moment.
She turned her head slightly, hesitant to gaze at him for too long.
She was afraid.
Afraid that all of this was merely an enchanting dream.
Unreal.
“Don’t be too kind to me,” Dolores warned, unwilling to fall.
Unwilling to succumb to the allure of his tenderness.
She hadn’t intentionally considered her own identity, but the truth remained.
Since that night, she believed she would never experience love again in her life.
She felt unworthy of a better life.
She couldn’t deny that Matthew’s influence had grown deeper within her over the years. It wasn’t indelible, but it couldn’t be disregarded. She had become accustomed to his dominance, his lightheartedness, and his occasional thoughtfulness. Matthew was gradually taking hold of her heart.
Matthew chuckled. “I want to be kind to you.”
Dolores’s eyes reddened, but she didn’t want Matthew to notice. Instead, she sneered, “What terrible taste.”
…
It was the first time someone had belittled herself so openly.
Matthew smirked. “Yes, indeed, terrible taste. You don’t look particularly beautiful either.”
Why was he suddenly so caring?
He examined the woman before him closely. Individually, her eyebrows, nose, lips, chin, and cheeks weren’t the most remarkable, but together, they formed a remarkably unique combination.
Six years ago, she was pure, like an innocent little girl.
After enduring so much over the years, she had become gentle, intelligent, and even more feminine.
Knock, knock…
The office door echoed with a gentle knock, immediately grabbing Matthew’s attention. He raised his gaze, briefly meeting Dolores’s eyes, before standing up. He retrieved his suit from the sofa and handed it to her. “Put this on.”
Dolores glanced at herself, then draped the suit over her body.
Once she had it on, Matthew spoke in a low voice, “Come in.”
Abbott Baron entered, accompanied by Terry Holmes.
It was Terry’s first time in such an environment, and he looked around, amused by the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy. He thought to himself that his entire home couldn’t compare to even a small corner of Matthew’s office.
“Take a seat,” Abbott reminded Terry.
Terry smirked, feeling slightly embarrassed for his lack of manners earlier.
He sat across from Dolores and spoke, “I’ve brought what you asked for. Have you made any plans for what’s next?”
Dolores lifted her head, her gaze fixed on Matthew, and nodded. “Yes, please give it to me.”
Terry hesitated, not immediately producing the item, and continued to inquire, curiosity getting the better of him. “What are you going to do next? Let me tell you, you’ve just returned and know nothing about the situation in the country. The DC Law Firm in City B is highly reputable nationwide. Their lawyers are all top-notch. If we can hire one as our attorney, our chances of winning will be higher.”
As Terry spoke, his expression darkened. “I initially found one, but as soon as he heard it was related to the Herbert family, he declined.”
Dolores then grasped Matthew’s intention in that moment.
With only the evidence Terry possessed, it would be impossible to confront Maria Herbert.
Until then, the Herbert family would intervene, finding someone and paying them off to suppress the matter.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Terry stared at Dolores.
“Give it to me, and I will handle this,” Dolores reassured him hurriedly, aware of Terry’s concerns. “There’s someone here who can help us.”
“Who…”
Terry reacted immediately.
His jaw dropped, but he quickly shut his mouth and pressed his lips tightly together.
He cautiously pointed towards the man standing beside him, his expression cold the entire time. “Is he going to help us?”
Dolores nodded.
Terry withdrew his hand abruptly, clutching it tightly.
Then he realized and promptly placed all the items he had brought on the table.
“Just let me know if you need anything,” Terry said, forcing a smile.
Dolores glanced at the objects and confirmed that they were the things Terry had shown her.
Meanwhile…
There was a knock on Dolores’s door.
Jessica Lennon opened it.
Sampson Herbert had a bandage wrapped around his head. The wound had been cleaned, and he had changed his clothes.
Jessica was taken aback. “What happened to your head? How did you get hurt?”
Sampson wore a strained expression and smiled. “I accidentally bumped into something.”
“Be careful,” Jessica expressed her concern.
After all, they had known each other for a long time. Although Jessica knew it was impossible for Dolores to be with him, proper manners were still necessary.
“Sure, I will. Where’s Lola?” Sampson peered inside the house but saw no sign of Dolores.
“She didn’t come home last night. She briefly stopped by this morning and then went out again. I’m not sure what she’s up to,” Jessica explained.
“Oh, I see. I’m here to see her. Why didn’t you let me in?” Sampson asked, smiling.
“Oh, silly me,” Jessica hurriedly allowed him inside.
Sampson glanced into the bedroom. “Where are the two little kids?”
Jessica wiped her hands on her apron and poured a glass of water for Sampson. “Samuel is playing with Simona inside.”
“Ah,” Sampson sat on the sofa and casually asked, “Did Lola say anything when she came back?”
He took a sip of water, concealing his panic.
“Nope. She only came back briefly to check on the kids. She didn’t even have breakfast at home,” Jessica replied with a smile.
“I met Lola yesterday and brought up the matter between the two of us again. She seemed angry and walked away. I was worried she would be upset, so I came over to check on her.”
The smile vanished from Jessica’s face. This wasn’t her daughter’s usual behavior.
Even if Dolores rejected him, she would never leave him on the spot.
Dolores knew how to hold a grudge and express her grievances.
Although Dolores didn’t like Sampson, he had helped her a lot in the past few years. Dolores wouldn’t be so ignorant as to turn her back on him.
“Jessica, I’d like to invite you to lunch and apologize to Lola,” Sampson’s gaze shifted away, unable to meet Jessica’s eyes directly.