5

She had spent years perfecting the art of staying composed under pressure. But Theo had been around for barely two weeks and he was already crumbling that composure. She decided there and then that she disliked him. He clearly had no respect for boundaries, and he seemed to be judgmental of everyone and everything.

Pushing the thought away, she continued her work, and minutes later, she gathered the files on her desk—Sebastian had asked for them earlier. With a steadying breath, she stood and made her way toward his office.

Camille knocked lightly before stepping inside.

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, looking as relaxed as ever. Across from him, Theo sat with his fingers loosely intertwined, his posture controlled and unreadable, and his sharp blue eyes assessing her the moment she stepped in.

Camille forced herself to focus.

"Here are the documents you wanted," she said, setting them in front of Sebastian.

"Perfect," he said, flashing a grin. "I knew I could count on you to finish these in time."

Theo said nothing, but Camille was painfully aware of his gaze.

She turned to leave, but Sebastian’s voice stopped her. Camille groaned inwardly.

“So, looking forward to the event tonight?”

Hell frigging no, Camille thought. She hesitated for a second too long. “I will not be attending, sir,” she said, wishing that he'd not brought up the topic now, in Theo's presence. After her conversation with him, she felt like a traitor.

Sebastian frowned. “That’s ridiculous. Of course, you’re attending. I might need you there. You know that.”

Camille fought to come up with a suitable lie, “Sebastian—" she began,

Theo's brow lifted at that. Sebastian? They were on a first name basis? Just how close were they? He was very aware of his brother's reputation when it came to women, and he couldn't help but wonder, but he remained silent, watching and listening to their conversation with keen interest.

“Non-negotiable,” Sebastian cut in, his tone light but firm. Then he leaned forward with a smirk. "You have to come, and you can bring a date if you want. I’ll be bringing one."

Camille’s stomach twisted at his words.

She knew he was only joking—Sebastian was always joking. He cycled through dates the way others changed watches, a different beautiful woman on his arm for every occasion. And she had no right to care.

But she did.

She schooled her features into a polite smile, knowing that it would be useless to argue, especially with Theo seated there. “Fine, if you insist. I’ll come.”

"Good," Sebastian said, looking pleased.

She turned toward the door, her pulse quickening, only to catch Theo watching her with quiet interest. His sharp gaze flicked between her and his brother, and in that moment, she knew—he had noticed something.

She had given herself away.

Her reaction, however small, had been enough for Theo to read.

Camille forced herself to walk out without another glance, but she had the sinking feeling that Theo Lawrence had just learned something very important about her, and knowing him, he wouldn’t let it go unnoticed.

___________

“I still don’t get why you’re even going,” Nicole said, tossing a sequined dress onto Camille’s bed with a dramatic sigh. “If you don’t want to go, don’t go.”

Camille, standing in front of the mirror, secured the last curl into place before turning to face her best friend. “You think I didn’t try that? Sebastian insisted. Apparently, I ‘might be needed.’” She rolled her eyes. “Whatever that means.”

Nicole snorted. “Right. Like you being there is crucial to some high-profile investment event. Let me guess—he just wants an excuse to keep you close.”

Camille shot a warning look in her friend's direction as she picked up a navy blue cocktail dress draped over her chair. “It’s not like that.”

Nicole did not look convinced. She arched a perfectly sculpted brow. “Cam, I’ve known you for two years. You tell me everything about him, plus I couldn't help but notice the way you looked at him that time I visited you at your office.”

Heat crept up Camille’s neck. Was she that obvious? “I do not look at him.” she denied, and wondered why she had to be so bad at lying.

Nicole smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure. And I suppose it didn’t bother you at all when he said he’s bringing a date?”

Camille’s stomach twisted at that reminder, but she kept her expression neutral. “Why would it? It’s none of my business who he—”

“Blah, blah, blah,” Nicole interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. “Spare me the professional speech, Evans. The guy is a certified heartbreaker, and you know it. I just don’t want you getting caught up in something that’s never going to happen.”

Camille sighed. “I know that. I just… admire him. That’s all.”

Nicole gave her a pointed look. “Admiring someone doesn’t make you jealous when they mention another woman.”

Camille ignored that comment and slipped into her dress instead. She took a deep breath, smoothing her hands over the fitted fabric before glancing at Nicole. “How do I look?”

Nicole eyed her approvingly. “Like someone who’s about to steal the spotlight at a room full of overpaid businessmen.”

Camille huffed a laugh but she blushed and was grateful for the boost of confidence.

Nicole flopped onto the bed. “So, what about the other brother?”

Camille froze. “Theo?”

“No, the other Lawrence brother secretly hiding in the basement. Yes, Theo.”

Camille hesitated before carefully applying her lipstick. “What about him?”

Nicole shrugged. “You tell me. You’ve barely mentioned him except once… Or twice, and that is weird. He’s new. He’s powerful. He’s ridiculously good-looking. And—unlike Sebastian—he doesn’t have a rotating door of women. If anything, he seems… reserved.”

Camille’s mind flashed back to the way Theo had watched her in the office earlier that day, his sharp gaze missing nothing. Could he tell that she had a thing for his brother… Just like Nicole?

“He’s intense,” she admitted, pressing her lips together to set the lipstick. “And intimidating. I don’t think he likes me very much.”

Nicole let out a low whistle. “Or maybe he’s just trying to figure you out.”

Camille shot her a look. “Why would he need to do that?”

Nicole smirked. “Because you’re Sebastian’s assistant. And because, let’s be honest, Theo gives off major ‘protective older brother’ vibes. Maybe he’s trying to see if you’re one of them—the women who fall for his brother’s charm.”

Camille scoffed. “Well, then he’s wasting his time.”

Nicole grinned. “Is he?”

Camille didn’t answer. She simply grabbed her clutch and exhaled. “Shut up. It's time to get this thing over with.”