“You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
He studies me for a moment, then lets out a low whistle. “Huh.”
“That’s not helpful.”
“No,” he agrees cheerfully. “But itisinteresting.”
He crosses the room, pours himself a drink without asking, and leans back against the counter.
“So,” he says, eyes narrowing, “how bad was it?”
“She didn’t react the way you’re imagining,” I reply.
“Oh?” Theo’s mouth quirks. “No wine assault?”
“No.”
“No yelling?”
“No.”
Theo frowns slightly. “Then that’s worse.”
I glance at him. “Explain.”
“She didn’t lose control,” he says slowly. “Which means she didn’t feel cornered. She felt… offended.”
I see the moment my offer registered on her face. She held herself perfectly still, but her nose flared just slightly, and her eyes narrowed on me.
“She probably listened all the way through,” he continues. “Let you finish. Wait... what was it that set her of? Let me guess. It was the mention of children?”
I don’t answer.
Theo’s brows lift. “Shit. I got it right.”
I don’t like that he did.
“What else?” I ask.
He shrugs. “She walked away calm but furious. The quiet kind. The kind that doesn’t ask follow-up questions because she’s already decided.”
I turn toward the windows, scotch untouched in my hand.
“She didn’t negotiate,” I say.
Theo nods. “Yeah. I am not surprised.”
“With what?” I ask.
“She isn't like us or the women Dad put in that folder,” he replies. “She won't see this as an opportunity to get more from the arrangement. She told you, without the drama, the lines she won’t cross.”
The words settle uncomfortably.
My phone buzzes again, this time a different name.
Caleb:How did it go? Do we have a wedding to plan?
