Chapter 371: Chapter 371



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“Miss Chambers must be joking – how could a third party understand another person’s feelings? Besides, you’re not a mind reader, so how could you know? Tonight’s dinner is organized in Miss Chambers’ honor.” Dolores smiled warmly to soften the verbal exchange.

Chloe scoffed and responded, “Me, not for you?”

Dolores took her time to chew and swallow before replying, “Matthew is my husband and Jeffery is his uncle. We are a family. Miss Chambers, you’re our guest, aren’t you?”.

Chloe’s smile diminished.

Dolores pretended not to notice and continued, “As a sign of respect, the guest should be seated in the most prominent place, so isn’t Miss Chambers the star of this evening?” It wasn’t normal for Dolores to be confrontational, but when provoked, she didn’t mince words because she knew she would be bullied if she appeared weak.

From the moment Chloe arrived, she had been saying certain things trying to drive a wedge between Matthew and her. She didn’t know what had happened when Chloe claimed she had met Matthew at the hotel. Dolores had felt uneasy about it. However, she knew that if she showed that she was upset about the claims, then others would have doubts about the stability of her relationship with Matthew. She wanted to question Matthew about Chloe’s claims, but only in private. She would never question Matthew about this publicly.

Chloe’s expression began to turn unpleasant and then she stood up sharply, “What a sharp tongue you have!”

Dolores kept her composure and replied, “Oh, you flatter me, Miss Chambers. I’m only telling the truth, so why should you bother?”

“Jeffery, I’m done with dinner.” said Chloe and ran out of the room. She felt that Dolores had embarrassed her and that she would look ridiculous if she continued to remain in the room. It was the first time she had ever felt so disrespected.

Jeffery’s expression darkened and he said, “She’s my guest, why are you being so aggressive?”

Dolores was about to respond, but was stopped by Matthew as he grabbed her hand and said, “Wait for me in the car.” He wanted to speak privately with Jeffery.

Dolores hesitated for a moment because she was worried about Matthew, as she didn’t know what Matthew might bring up. She was worried that Matthew and Jeffery would end up in conflict. She wished that both Jeffery and Matthew could maintain a cordial relationship.

“I’m sorry I lost my composure and upset Miss Chambers…”

“Go ahead.” Matthew interrupted her. He clearly knew who was at fault, there was no need for her to apologize as she had done nothing wrong.

Dolores pursed her lips as her abilities were limited to control the situation. She pushed the chair back, stood up and proceeded to leave the room.

Soon the room was silent.

Matthew wiped his hand, tossed the napkin on the dining room table and leaned back in the chair. Any doubts he had earlier about Jeffery’s attitude toward him were confirmed during this dinner.

“Do you have anything to say about Dolores?” asked Matthew. Matthew was respectful of Jeffery and wished to maintain a cordial relationship with those he cared about. But now there was an exception. In the past, Jeffery hadn’t seemed to hate Dolores….

Matthew maintained a relaxed posture.

Jeffery didn’t respond directly and said, “Drink with me.”

He called for the waiter to serve them drinks. Matthew complied and drank a glass.

Jeffery wanted to make it clear with Matthew, but changed his mind when he saw Matthew’s attitude toward Dolores.

“Chloe’s father and I are colleagues and friends. It was a fluke today that I ran into her at the restaurant and asked her to join us without informing you. I sense that you are upset. Is this why?” Jeffery intentionally changed the subject and deflected the question from Dolores.

Matthew clearly understood Jeffery’s intentions. Whatever Jeffery intended to do, Matthew wanted to voice his opinion on the matter.

He filled his wine glass and took a sip before setting it down firmly with a loud clink to indicate his displeasure, “She and I…our marriage was short and we divorced quickly. She wasn’t the best woman I’d ever seen, but she was the one I liked the best.”

Matthew looked at Jeffery and continued, “I was shocked and surprised when I found out she had given me children.” He didn’t want to reveal too much.

“She was my wife, and what can I say about myself if I can’t even protect my wife?”

Jeffery now understood where Matthew was coming from. It was clear that in any conflict he might have with Dolores, Matthew would side with Dolores.

“Matthew, I’m your uncle, all these years…”

“I know.” Matthew interrupted. He knew Jeffery would resort to this and emphasized, “I know and I’ll never forget it. I had never doubted you. You had taught me to take care of my relatives and family. This is something I will never forget.”

I had never doubted it before, but now….

Jeffery wanted to speak, but could not utter a word. In effect, he said these words to Matthew.

“You must believe that I am doing this in your interest. Your mother and I share the same last name. We are a family and you are her only son, will I hurt you?”

Jeffery was clearly excited as he slammed his hand firmly on the table and declared, “If it wasn’t for Victoria, your mother wouldn’t have died.”

His hatred for Victoria had not only not diminished over the years, it had deepened.

Matthew closed his eyes for a moment to reflect on what Jeffery had said.

Victoria.

Had Jeffery’s opinion of Dolores been tainted by his animus toward Victoria?

He knew of the relationship between Dolores and Victoria. So…for dinner tonight, there was the opportunity to bump into Chloe when he took the document.

So, it was all planned by Jeffery.

Was it his motive for him to leave Dolores and get close to Chloe?

This was ridiculous!

“That was in the past. You should take good care of yourself. It’s late. I’m leaving.” Matthew got up and left the room.

“Matthew.” Jeffery called out to him just as he was about to leave and asked, “Are you mad?”

Matthew paused and said with his back to Jeffery, “Yes, I am. I’m angry because you colluded with a stranger to attack Dolores. How am I going to respond to my children when they find out that I allowed their mother to be bullied? Jeffery, you’re a father too and I’m sure you’re okay with this.” Matthew left after responding without turning around.

Jeffery was speechless. Although he had a lot to complain about his son, he would defend his son if someone attacked him. He closed his eyes and realized he would have a hard time driving a wedge between Matthew and Dolores.

Why wasn’t Marina able to handle Dolores today? Otherwise, Matthew would not be so willing to express himself so clearly towards him.

Jeffery left the restaurant after paying. A Jeep pulled up and a bodyguard got out of the car, opened the door, and asked, “Going home?” Jeffery wearily affirmed and got into the car.

After 20 minutes, the car arrived at the residence and the bodyguard opened the door and Jeffery dismissed him for the day.

“What time should I pick you up in the morning?” the bodyguard asked.

“Same time as usual.” Jeffery said and walked out into the yard.

Marina was waiting for him at home, as she wanted to discuss with Jeffery a matter involving Dolores.

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