The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 822

Everett's fist connected with Jeffrey's jaw with a thud that echoed through the air.

"Ugh... What the hell, man?" Jeffrey stumbled backward, fighting for balance.

"That's for Karen's dad."

Jeffrey was taken aback.

Dorothy's head whipped around at the sound of Jeffrey's voice.

Karen, on the other hand, was the picture of composure. She hadn't caught their exchange, but she swiftly concluded that Jeffrey had it coming. "Serves him right!" she said.

"What are they on about?"

"How should I know!" Karen blinked innocently, "But if Everett's schooling Jeffrey, it's definitely for something Jeffrey did."

Dorothy chuckled with resignation, "You two are thick as thieves now, huh?"

They were always at each other's throats, but there was a straightforwardness about their relationship. A spat meant clearing the air, and once things were cleared up, they were back to being chums.

"What can I say? He's like a bad penny, always turning up! But honestly, when we first split, I really thought it was over between us."

"I know." It was clear to Dorothy.

Karen was nothing if not resilient, always ready to let go and move on.

"Enough about us. What about you and Everett? Jeffrey mentioned Everett came all the way back from Liberty City just to see you. He dropped a ton of work for this."

Dorothy paused, then met Karen's gaze, "We're... we're managing."

Karen patted her shoulder, nodding towards the two kids playing nearby.

"I don't care what other beef you and Everett have, but this vacation has been on my bucket list for ages, and who knows when the next one will be. So, no drama, please – at least don’t let the kids know that you two are apart. Abigail is fine; she's only got her sweets in her eyes. But Langston's a smart cookie. He'll pick up on any tension."

Having grown up abroad with Kenneth, Langston had developed a certain independence and a keen sense of perception – something Dorothy was well aware of.

"Don't worry. Since I promised I'd come, I won't let the kids pick up on anything."