Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 698: The waiter, nervously pointing toward a nearby table overflowing with empty bottles, explained, "Your companions left in a rush and didn't settle their bill. It seems we missed stopping them. Thankfully, you're still here."

Dolores's eyes bulged in astonishment. "They left without paying?"

Dustin let out a chuckle and said, "Unbelievable. A bunch of jerks, hitting the bar and then vanishing without paying the bill."

He then teasingly glanced at Dolores, whose face was beginning to cloud over. "Looks like you're stuck with the bill for those scoundrels, Ms. Davidson. Rough night, isn't it?" Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Dolores pressed her lips together in annoyance. Abruptly, she held out her hand to Dustin and said, "Lend me some money."

"What?" Dustin, caught off guard, scrutinized her. "You're not serious, are you? Surely you can cover this."

Dolores stayed silent, though a flicker of embarrassment crept across her face.

Noting her discomfort, Dustin ceased his teasing, quickly withdrawing his wallet and handing some cash to the waiter. "Keep the extra," he said casually.

"No, I insist on getting the change," Dolores said firmly, extending her hand toward the waiter to ensure she received every penny.

Dustin was left speechless, recalling that Dolores hadn't always been so frugal.

Dolores noticed his stare and explained with composure, "Remember, I'm just borrowing it. I'll settle with you later."

The waiter promptly handed back the change to Dolores.

Dolores tucked the money away with deliberate care, and the sight of her guarded manner pulled a quiet smile from Dustin.

However, Dustin's smile soon faded, replaced by a grave expression.

"Dolores, is your company facing difficulties?"

???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????? g⍶????????????ν????????????﹐ⅽ????????

"Stop speculating," Dolores responded, attempting to leave.

Dustin caught her wrist firmly, preventing her escape. "You nearly avoided discussing it earlier. If there weren't issues, you wouldn't be negotiating with those types of people. It's ironic, isn't it? You criticize us for secrecy toward Linsey, yet here you are, concealing your own problems."

Dolores's face mirrored the complexity of her emotions.

The following morning was bright and clear as Gorman drove Linsey to the courthouse.

"I could have come on my own," Linsey said as she unfastened her seatbelt and turned toward Gorman in the driver's seat. "Your back still hurts, but you insisted on bringing me here anyway."

Gorman returned her gaze tenderly and replied, "On a day as important as this, I wouldn't miss being by your side."

Aware that Linsey was still cautious of his romantic intentions, Gorman quickly changed the subject.

He said, "Besides, you saw it yourself. Ever since last night, the Lawson family has been desperate to get to you. My men could hardly keep them away. If you showed up alone, they'd track you down without a doubt. But with me here, and my team, we can keep them at a distance for now."

.

.

.