Halfway through, I glance at Theo by accident.
He’s watching me like I’m a magic trick he hasn’t figured out yet.
When I finish the staffing overview, he raises his hand.
Like we’re in school.
I blink. “Yes?”
“Is it common,” he asks with a straight face, “for all the founders of a company to be at a meeting about planning a Christmas party?”
There’s a beat of silence.
I can feel Julian’s stillness.
Rowan doesn’t move.
Caleb looks mildly entertained.
Elliot’s mouth twitches, like he’s trying not to laugh.
I keep my expression neutral.
“I can’t speak to what’s common for Northwell,” I say evenly. “But if leadership is present, I assume the event matters.”
Theo’s grin turns wicked. “Oh.... It matters.”
Elliot coughs, covering a smile.
Theo's hand shoots up again, and I resist rolling my eyes. If I weren't being paid so much and if that money weren't going to my mom's trial, I'd seriously consider walking out and telling Karen to assign someone else.
"Mr. North?"
Theo's smile is blinding. "Would you say that your childhood Christmases were nostalgic and classic?"
I blink at him, because...what?My mind spins with a polite and professional way to respond. But I don't get a chance.
Julian’s gaze flicks once toward Theo in what might be a warning, and then back to me.
“All right,” Julian says smoothly, as if Theo didn’t just derail my presentation. “Continue.”
I do.
Because I’m professional.
Because I’m good at this.
Because no one in my life benefits from me being intimidated by a billionaire in a suit.
When I reach the end, I flip to the final slide: the execution timeline, deliverables, and my day-of emergency contact protocol.
“And,” I add, because I can’t help myself, “I’ve already drafted a backup plan for weather disruptions. If Chicago decides to be Chicago, we’ll have a contingency shuttle system ready.”
Theo laughs easily. “I like her.”
I pretend I didn’t hear it.
Julian looks at the final slide, then at me.
