The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 1291

Jonathan, clad in black, emerged from the building, a shadow of the once towering figure in the business world. Now, even his walk hinted at a slight stoop, a bowing under invisible weights. It wasn't hard to see why. The recent blows life had dealt him - the loss of his wife not long ago, and now, his only son's fate hanging in the balance - were enough to bend even the sturdiest of oaks.

As he stepped out, his gaze immediately fell on Dorothy and Kevin waiting nearby. His face darkened, his jaw set as he marched towards them, barely containing his wrath.

Dorothy felt a surge of anxiety, her mind racing through all possible scoldings she might receive. Kevin wasn't faring much better. After all, he was there primarily to ensure Dorothy's safety.

Jonathan wasted no time upon reaching them. He headed straight for Dorothy, fury in his eyes.

"Your mom always said you were trouble, and damn if she wasn't right!" he spat out, his hand raised in a threatening gesture.

Kevin moved to intervene but a look from Dorothy stopped him. The next moment, a sharp slap echoed, sending Dorothy staggering, nearly falling to the ground.

The incident, happening at such a bustling time at the airport, didn't go unnoticed. Many bystanders quickly took out their phones to capture the scene.

"I'm sorry..." Dorothy murmured, her role far from over. The stinging pain on her face made her lips quiver.

Kevin quickly stepped in, "This has nothing to do with Ms. Sanchez. It was Quincy! He's the one who poisoned Mr. Lopez!"

"Without Dorothy, how could Quincy have even thought to harm Everett?" Jonathan's anger was squarely aimed at her now.

Yet, she remained silent, head bowed, absorbing the blame.

Soon, the media caught wind of the confrontation.

"Mr. Lopez... he wouldn't have wanted you to treat Ms. Sanchez this way," Kevin attempted to reason, a desperate attempt to appeal to Jonathan's better nature.

But Jonathan was beyond reason, his grief clouding all judgment. "This debt won't be easily settled! You claimed to love Everett, ready to die for him, right? Well, now he's gone. Why aren't you following him in death? Dorothy, that would at least show you meant your words!"

Jonathan's glare was unyielding, his words like daggers.

Kevin's heart raced, fearing Jonathan might really take drastic measures against Dorothy. If something happened to her, especially with Everett's situation still unresolved...

"Let's calm down and talk about this at the hotel. It's not appropriate to cause a scene at the airport," he suggested, trying to defuse the situation.

Jonathan, though still visibly upset, finally acquiesced and led the way to the car.

Dorothy's tears didn't stop, even as they drove away. Whether it was the pain from the slap or the weight of the performance, her tears flowed freely, painting her as a figure of profound sorrow. Kevin gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, signaling that the airport scene was over and it was time to regroup.