The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

```markdown

"No, seriously, nothing like that! Everett wasn't giving me the cold shoulder," Dorothy hurried to clear the air for Everett. "He's just been in a funk lately, thinks me and his mom's relationship was... well, troubled and that I shouldn't have shown up."

"What do you mean you shouldn't have shown up?! Back in medieval times, even the accusers could witness an execution!" Karen was quick to jump to her defense.

Dorothy understood where she was coming from, but some things, while they make sense in theory, just don't apply in reality. You can't just pick fights right after Everett's mom passed away, can you? Even if you're right, some actions just aren't right.

"Dorothy, you're too soft, I'm worried you'll get pushed around!"

"Who's going to push me around when I'm with Everett?" Dorothy laughed. "He'd never want to hurt me, he's just been feeling down. Empathy, you know. I was really down too, at one point..."

"That was because Bella was murdered! And it was Everett's mom who was behind it!"

Seeing Dorothy fall silent, Karen quickly apologized, "I'm sorry! I just can't seem to hold my tongue, I shouldn't have brought it up..."

"It's okay, it's all in the past." She had decided to start over, to let go of those troubles, and had made peace with herself.

"Dorothy, just remember, you've always got me! No matter what happens, I'm on your side, even if you and Jeffrey end up on opposite sides, I'd choose you without a second thought."

felt a lump in her throat. "You just have

giggled, "I'm just worried you'll bottle everything up! You used to do that

to vent, always keeping things to herself. It always took Karen pressing her for Dorothy to finally open up. She was always worried about being a burden, always thinking

I've got you and Everett, I'm content. I won't look at the world so pessimistically anymore." After

though she knew she had to be understanding towards Everett, it was hard not to feel upset. But after talking with Karen, it was like

with some chores before checking on the company's software. Noticing

Everett must be

home soon?

couldn't help but spread across Dorothy's

home, their chatter instantly filling the house with a lively

Is daddy

rushed over, always the first to

but he should

brother should get

homework, he might

back before you're done."