Back in the day, with Everett's mom gone, Dorothy wasn't keen on holding grudges anymore. Life's too short to be stuck in the
past, torturing herself over things that can't be changed.
After what could only be described as a half-satisfying tumble between the sheets - at least for Everett, Dorothy was utterly spent.
"We've got three more hours before we land. Get ssleep; I'll wake you up when it's time," Everett whispered, gently stroking
her hair, his gaze lingering on her face, reluctant to look away.
"Mhm," she murmured, already on the brink of sleep from exhaustion. No sooner had she spoken than she drifted off, using
Everett's arm as a pillow.
Everett, with one hand free, grabbed his phone and shot a message to Kevin.
"Pick up Dorothy from the airport later. Keep an eye on my dad; if he goes off the rails, step in."
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He knew his father would likely unleash his fury on Dorothy once he "learned" of his only son's "death." But this charade was
necessary, to convince Lane beyond doubt that no one was left to vie for Dorothy's affection.
Soon enough, Kevin replied, "Understood, Mr. Lopez."
Despite all the precautions, Everett couldn't shake off the worry. He couldn't bear the thought of Dorothy facing any hardship.
Ever since Karen received that call from Keh, there had been rasilence. Initially, she naively thought Keh had another
way to secure the antidote for Dorothy. But she hadn't expected Keh to have sided with Lane, the very man who had
mercilessly killed Quincy!
How could Karen not worry?
Jeffrey, noticing his wife's distraction, pressed her until she spilled the beans.
"Keh toldnot to tell anyone ahead of time, especially not Dorothy, not even you. He said if he called, | was to immediately
claim Everett was dead but keep it under wraps."
Reflecting on it, Karen realized Lane must have been listening in when Keh made that call!
"Why would Keh go rogue without telling us?" Jeffrey was equally alarmed.
Karen had only heard second-hand accounts of Quincy's gruesdeath, but Jeffrey had witnessed it firsthand. Having such a
madman close by spelled danger every passing minute.
"He wanted to get the antidote for Dorothy!"
"But—"
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"Jeffrey, you don't understand Keh's feelings for Dorothy," Karen sighed. "Everett loves her dearly, but Keh's affection is
just as deep. Knowing the poison could be fatal, Keh would gladly trade his life for hers."
"So, what do we do now? Should | contact Everett, see if he can think of a way to rescue Keh first?"
Karen pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "Keh's already by Lane's side. If he suddenly leaves or gets rescued by
our people, it'll only alarm Lane. Plus... I'm not sure if Keh has another plan in mind by being there."
All he had said was that he'd secure the antidote, no matter what.
Jeffrey frowned, not fully processing the situation, and blurted out, "Keh isn't planning to use the antidote to coerce Dorothy
into being with him, is he?"
Karen's gaze turned sharp as she glared at him. "If Keh were that kind of person, he's had countless opportunities to pressure
Dorothy."