When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 36

Ladd didn’t even hesitate. He just said, “Five houses,” like it was nothing, completely catching Dorothea off guard.

“I… I really don’t need that many,” she stammered.

Next to her, Elise looked like she wanted to slap a hand over Dorothea’s mouth. If Dorothea thought it was too much, she could totally pass a few their way.

Ladd caught the look on Layton and Elise’s faces but just smiled warmly at Dorothea. “I want you to have them. Think of it as a reward for finally calling me Dad.”

Dorothea’s cheeks went bright red. “Dad…”

Ladd practically glowed. “That’s right, good girl. You’re so much less trouble than Latham.”

Elise tried to smooth things over with a forced laugh. “Ladd, you can’t say that. How could Dorothea ever compare to Latham? He’s such a catch. It’s Dorothea’s honor to marry him.”

Latham gave a crooked smile. “Really? In Dad’s eyes, my wife is worth at least a hundred of me. Isn’t that right?”

Ladd cleared his throat. “Alright, let’s not get into that.”

Some things were better left unsaid around everyone else. He couldn’t just blurt out, “Sorry, Dorothea, my son’s gay, you’ll have to put up with it.” Latham was really going to drive him crazy one of these days.

Dorothea was surprised Latham had said something on her behalf. She gave him a grateful little smile.

Latham noticed. His face stayed cool as he quietly pulled out his phone and started texting.

A second later, Dorothea felt her phone buzz in her pocket.

[Latham: Don’t flash that goofy smile at me unless you want me thinking you’re falling for me.]

Dorothea rolled her eyes.

How could anyone be this full of themselves?

She was known for her good temper, but even she couldn’t help herself this time: [Relax, Mr. Stephens. I’m not interested in a bottom.]

Latham’s eyes flickered as he read her reply. [Who are you calling a bottom?]

“Dorothea, put your phone away!” Elise leaned in, whispering, “You’re really checking your phone at a family gathering? Where are your manners?”

Dorothea slid her phone away and shot Latham a quick look. He had this knowing, almost teasing smile on his lips. She looked away, pretending not to notice.

Afterwards, Ladd started going on about the wedding. He wanted it on the calendar as soon as possible. It had to be grand, and he would personally make sure everything went perfectly.

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