6

Theo had been back in Chicago for less than two weeks, and already, he was reminded why he had preferred being away.

The event was as extravagant as expected—polished executives in custom suits, their conversations full of strategic pleasantries. Investors, board members, and socialites mingled over champagne, each handshake carrying an unspoken agenda.

He had been through countless nights like this, yet there was something particularly exhausting about this one. Maybe because it was his name attached to the reason for the gathering. Maybe because he was here to fix the mess his younger brother had left unchecked.

Sebastian had always been reckless—too confident in his own charm, too willing to gamble with risks. And now, Theo was the one expected to clean up after him. Again.

He had done his part though. He'd given his speech, mingled with the crowd, engaged in conversations and smiled when necessary, but he was bored out of his mind. Finally left alone, Theo took a sip of his drink, his gaze scanning the crowd with quiet detachment, until his eyes landed on a familiar face.

Camille Evans. Sebastian’s secretary.

She was here.

Theo had assumed she would be, despite her earlier resistance. His brother had a way of making things happen. And she…

She looked different tonight.

Very beautiful, he observed. Not in a way that suggested she was trying too hard, but in a way that made people—men—take notice, and being a man, he took notice. The navy blue dress she wore was sleek and understated, yet elegant enough to turn heads. And she carried herself as she always did—composed, efficient, in control.

But Theo had already started noticing the cracks in that carefully maintained composure.

He had seen them in the office. The way she hesitated when Sebastian mentioned bringing a date. The way she forced herself to smile, though her body language betrayed her. It was subtle, but it was there.

And now, as she moved through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and brief conversations, Theo wondered how much of her presence here was obligation… and how much of it was something else.

Sebastian, of course, was in his element—entertaining a group of investors with easy laughter, a stunning woman clinging to his arm. Camille’s gaze flickered in their direction only once, and it was brief—so brief that most people wouldn’t have caught it.

But Theo did.

Interesting.

His brother had always been surrounded by beautiful women, yet Camille was different. She wasn’t like the women who flirted for his attention or those who fell for his charm, but he could tell she wanted it. Something was there.

Theo’s jaw tightened slightly, though he wasn’t sure why. He didn't like the way he noticed so much about her, but he couldn’t stop himself.

He turned his attention away just as Sebastian caught sight of Camille and grinned. With an effortless charm only he could pull off, he excused himself from his group and his date and made his way toward her.

Theo remained where he was, quietly observing.

Camille straightened slightly as Sebastian approached. She smiled at him, and Sebastian leaned in, whispering something in her ear that made Camille roll her eyes, though the corners of her lips twitched in amusement.

Theo took another sip of his drink. Surely his brother wasn't that hilarious, he thought. He'd known Sebastian his whole life, and while he did have his charm, he wasn't much of a comedian.

He should be focused on the company. On the restructuring. On finding more investors. On ensuring Sebastian didn’t cause any further damage. Yet here he was, watching his brother and his assistant like a puzzle that suddenly interested him more than it should.

Sebastian barely stayed five minutes with Camille before excusing himself, drawn back into the crowd like a moth to a flame. His date—Lily, a woman Theo had met twice and didn't approve of—seemed pleased by his return, looping an arm through his with a familiarity that suggested she had done this a thousand times before.

Theo wasn’t surprised.

What did surprise him, however, was the way Camille watched—not for long, not obviously, but enough that he noticed. She was careful, always. But not careful enough to keep it from him. Theo waited, giving it a moment before making his way toward her.

Camille stood near the edge of the room, alone, just like he was, her posture composed but her fingers lightly tapping the side of her glass. A tell. She was restless. Probably counting the minutes until she could leave. Theo could understand that… He wanted to leave too.

He approached, his footsteps quiet against the marble floor, so she didn’t notice him at first, too caught up in her own thoughts. Then, just as he reached her side, she sensed him. Her head turned slightly, and for a brief moment, surprise flickered across her face before she masked it with polite professionalism.

“Mr. Lawrence,” she greeted, her voice smooth.

Theo took a sip of his drink, his gaze sweeping over her. “Theo,” he corrected.

Camille hesitated. “Mr Lawrence, I don't think —”

“Theo,” he corrected again, pinning her with his gaze and making sure she knew he wasn't going to have it any other way. She didn't call Sebastian ‘Mr. Lawrence,’ but she kept that formality with him. Interesting.

“Alright then, Theo,” she said, adjusting slightly. “Enjoying your welcome party?”

Theo smirked. “It’s exactly what I expected.”

“And what’s that?” Camille couldn't stop herself from asking, and she couldn't stop herself from observing just how breathtakingly handsome and tall he was. Even in her heels, he towered over her. Sebastian was handsome and tall as well, but Theo was a few inches taller, and more mature looking. He didn't smile often… Or at all, and his steel blue eyes made it hard for her to hold his gaze for too long, so she kept averting hers.

“It's a room filled with people pretending they care about more than just their own interests.” Theo responded, “It gets a bit boring, don't you think?”

Camille huffed a quiet laugh. “That’s business. I'd think a man like you would be used to that.”

A man like him? Theo thought. What did she know about him? Did she know a lot of men like him? Aloud he said, “True.” His eyes flickering across the room before settling back on her. “And you? Enjoying the party?”

Camille glanced around before answering, her fingers tightening around her glass. “It’s… fine, I guess. I honestly don't enjoy gatherings like this myself, so I understand you,”

“Then I suppose we have more in common than you think,” Theo studied her for a moment before shifting the conversation. “Speaking of which…. You still owe me insight.”