Theo’s gaze flicks to my father, then back to me.
“No,” he says quietly.
That single word lands harder than any joke would have.
Richard scoffs. “That’s a first.”
Theo ignores him. His attention stays on me like he’s trying to solve something without asking questions.
Caleb cuts through the tension with surgical precision. “What do you think about Lucy?”
Theo’s mouth quirks. "She is different."
“And?” Caleb prompts.
Theo leans back, crossing his arms. He looks too relaxed, but his eyes are sharp.
“I like her. She didn't care that she was in a room full of billionaires,” he says with a smile. "She is someone who treats everyone as equals, no matter their status."
Richard laughs once. “That doesn't make her special. Just means Julian has his work cut out for him.”
Theo’s smile fades. His gaze goes dark, and for a moment, he looks less like the reckless younger brother and more like a man who understands exactly what my father costs people.
Then he turns back to me.
“You didn’t like hearing her say no,” he says, conversational, as if we’re discussing sports.
I stare at him.
Theo lifts a brow. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re loud when you’re quiet, Julian.”
Caleb’s mouth twitches again.
Richard watches me with interest, like he’s enjoying the show.
Theo continues, voice warmer now. “You were going to win. You were sure you were going to win. And she didn’t even fight you. She just… walked.”
My fingers tighten around my glass.
Yes.
That’s exactly it.
Richard smiles faintly. “Then she needs to be reminded what she stands to lose and who is in charge.”
Theo’s head turns, slow, and the air in the space sharpens.
“Careful,” Theo says.
It's as if the room holds its breath.
Richard’s eyes narrow. “Excuse me?”
Theo’s smile returns, but it’s cold. “You heard me.”
Silence stretches.
My father does not like being challenged. Not by anyone. Especially not his sons.
