The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 440

Everett hastily grabbed the photo and stood up, reaching for his phone to call his trusted associate, Kevin.

"Hey, I need you to check the surveillance footage for room 908 at the Dreamscape Hotel in Everglow City. There's a little girl who looks a hell of a lot like Dorothy. Find out where she is."

"Right away, Mr. Lopez!"

"Hold on…" Everett's voice softened, almost a whisper, "Once you get the footage, send it straight to my email. I want to see it myself."

He couldn't bear the wait - not for Kevin's investigation, nor for the child to be brought back to Eldorria City. He needed to see his daughter now!

"Got it, boss."

After hanging up, Everett traced the photograph with the pads of his fingers, over and over again.

In the photo, Dorothy's smile was radiant, her eyes brimming with tender warmth.

The two kids were giggling with joy, each clinging to their mommy's arms, their affection and reliance unmistakable.

Everett's eyes dimmed as he stared at the empty space in the photo.

If only he hadn't been shackled by the gentlemanly upbringing of his youth, if only he'd thrown caution and decorum to the wind sooner, maybe he'd be in that picture too.

But it wasn't too late. Not yet.

"I won't let go of you again."

...

Dorothy never imagined that her deepest sleep in days would be at Bay Residence, in Everett's home.

The next morning, as she turned over in bed, she felt a small hand still clutching her sleeve. Langston hadn't let go all night long.

Dorothy checked Langston’s forehead for fever; he seemed fine, no furrowed brow, no sign of pain.

Tiptoeing out of bed and exiting the room, she was greeted by the aroma wafting from the kitchen.