Theo grins. “Debatable.”
I don’t bother responding. “You’re late.”
“Dinner with Dad left a bad taste in my mouth,” he says easily. “I had to go out last night for a pallet cleanser.”
Elliot looks up. “How was it?”
Theo grins and responds, "She was magnificent."
And I respond. “It went as expected.”
“That’s not an answer,” Eliot says.
Theo drops into a chair beside him, “Dear old dad just threatened him with legacy again and heavily implied Julian's biological clock is ticking... You know who doesn't like a good talk about breeding and reproduction before the main course is served.”
Rowan’s mouth twitches. Barely.
Before I can shut this down, Elliot’s phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, then looks up, interest sharpening.
“Can anyone sit in on a meeting? We’re finalizing the internal holiday event,” Elliot says, scrolling his phone. “HR wants confirmation on the scope and senior management present.”
“Christmas party,” Theo says. “Call it what it is.”
Before I can shut this down, movement outside my office pulls my attention.
The glass wall gives me a clear view of the corridor, admins moving with purpose, quiet conversations near reception. And then I seeher.
She’s standing near the marketing conference room, a folder tucked against her side, speaking with one of the senior admins. Her honey brown hair pulled back in a low, messy bun. She is wearing tailored trousers that hug every curve and a fitted sweater that accentuates her toned body more than her blazer did last night.
She smiles at something the admin says.
It’s not the smile from last night.
This one is focused, but competent.
My attention narrows before I consciously decide to let it.
Theo follows my gaze.
“No way,” he mutters.
Elliot looks up. “What?”
Theo grins slowly. “Tell me I’m not hallucinating.”
Caleb turns, eyes sharp.
Elliot’s expression changes the moment he sees her. Interest, immediate and practiced.
“Well,” he says. “That’s promising.”
"Sure is," Theo snorts.
Everyone looks at him, questioning, and he seems to be loving it. "She was at the restaurant last night. Julian couldn't keep his eyes off of her, stared at her like she was a hostile takeover.”
“Coincidence,” I say flatly.
Theo winks with a grin. “Or fate.”
