3

Camille didn't know much about the man, except that he was Sebastian’s stuck up, strict brother, because the last time he was here in Chicago, she wasn't working for Sebastian, but she heard enough about him, even when she wasn't trying to. She hadn’t even reached her office when she caught snippets of conversation from a small group of employees gathered by the break room.

"He arrived last week. Straight from London." Alana, one of the staff was saying.

"I heard he’s taking over everything. Sebastian’s going to hate that." retorted Vivian.

"Honestly? It’s about time. Someone needs to clean up this mess." a male staff, David, chipped in.

Camille slowed her pace, pretending to check something on her phone as she listened in. Yes, Sebastian had his faults, but he wasn't that bad. He could be reckless sometimes, but so far he'd kept things going. Moreover, she liked him. He was completely unaware of her crush on him, but he was nice to her, and she didn't like the way people were talking about him.

"Have you ever met him?" Vivian asked, continuing the conversation.

"No, but I saw him once at an event a few years ago," Alana replied. "He’s... intense. Not like Sebastian. Sebastian’s all charm and smooth talking—Theo’s the type who’ll stare you down until you confess something you didn’t even do."

A soft chuckle followed.

"And he looks good doing it. The man is just ridiculously handsome."

Camille fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"Oh, definitely. Tall, broad-shouldered, sharp jawline—you just know he works out, but not in the showy, ‘look at me’ kind of way." Alana continued.

"Exactly. And those eyes? Ice cold. Like he sees through people."

"God, imagine being in a meeting with him."

"I’d rather not," Vivian muttered. "From what I hear, he’s ruthless. No second chances. If you screw up, you’re done."

Camille’s grip tightened slightly on her phone.

She had only met Theo once—barely a few words exchanged—but she could already tell there was truth in their words. He had a presence, the kind that demanded attention without trying. While Sebastian walked into a room and owned it with charm, Theo didn’t need to say much. His presence alone was enough to shift the atmosphere.

And now, he was here to fix the company.

Camille moved past the break room to her office before anyone noticed her eavesdropping and settled into her desk. But as she powered on her computer, she couldn’t help but wonder:

What was it going to be like working in a company where both Lawrence brothers were in control?

Sebastian arrived an hour later, wearing one of his charming smiles, and as usual Camille couldn't help but return it, making efforts to adjust her already perfectly styled hair without even realising that she was doing it.

“Good morning, sir,” she greeted cheerfully, and minutes later when she was sure he was settled in his office, she went in to brief him about his day and schedule.

“Oh, what would I do without you?” said Sebastian, in a way of thanking her.

Camille simply gave him a small smile. Maybe he could notice her, she thought. The way he noticed other women. She caught herself immediately, and went out of his office to her desk.

The day was unusually tense, and Camille could feel it. Even three hours later, the whispers and small talks hadn’t stopped, and Theo Lawrence’s presence seemed to loom over the office like an approaching storm.

She spent most of the morning organizing Sebastian’s schedule, answering emails, and pretending not to notice the way people kept stealing glances toward the executive floor, as if waiting for something to happen.

Then, shortly after noon, her office phone rang.

"Camille, Mr. Lawrence would like to see you in his office."

She blinked. Mr. Lawrence?

For six months, those words had always referred to Sebastian. But now, there were two Mr. Lawrences in the building, and somehow, she already knew exactly which one was summoning her. Obviously if it was Sebastian, he'd come to her directly and this call clearly wasn't from him. For a minute she sat still, wondering what to do. Should she go? How could she not? Theo Lawrence was technically her boss too, but if she was to go, should she inform Sebastian first?

She glanced in the direction of his office. She ought to tell him, but instincts told her not to. At least not yet. It'd be better if she knew why Theo wanted to see her first. So with careful composure, she straightened her blouse, grabbed her notepad, and made her way to the executive wing.

___________

Theo’s office was nothing like Sebastian’s.

Where Sebastian’s space was all about modern luxury—sleek furniture, expensive art, a stocked bar cart—Theo’s was minimalistic and precise. Dark wood, clean lines, and not a single unnecessary item in sight. Everything had a purpose.

Including the man behind the desk. Gosh. Did he have to be so damn serious about everything?

Theo Lawrence sat reviewing a file, his sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the toned forearms that had apparently been a topic of discussion among the employees this morning, and now as she looked at them, she could understand why. They weren't lying.

He barely looked up when she entered. "Sit," he said, flipping a page.

No greeting. No charm. Just business. It pissed her off a little bit. Was a little courtesy too much to ask for?

Camille lowered herself into the chair across from him, crossing her legs to keep herself poised. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Lawrence?” she said. Her voice was unusually throaty, and she swallowed hard to clear it. It seemed like a better choice instead of coughing.

Theo finally looked up, those sharp, assessing eyes locking onto hers. “Yes, I did. I need a clear picture of how my brother has been running things.” He tapped the folder in front of him. “These reports tell me the numbers. But I need more than that. You work closest to him. You see everything.”

Camille hesitated.

What the hell was this? A test? A trap?

Theo leaned back, studying her when she didn't respond. “You’re hesitating.”

She straightened. “I just want to be sure of what exactly you’re asking, sir.”

He raised a thick brow, “Was I not clear enough?”

Camille did not appreciate his tone. Was he trying to make her sound stupid. Of course he had to know what she meant. “You were,” she replied, “I'm just wondering why you don't ask Mr Lawrence… Your brother… Directly. Sir,” she added after a pause. “I don't think I'm in any position to discuss these matters with you,”