Chapter 27
Lily
Lily stood by the paint table, dipping her fingers into the green paint with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She could still feel Gabriel's red streak burning on her old shirt, but not this time. This time, she was in control. The cold paint spread over the pristine white fabric of her new top, staining it with vibrant green streaks that screamed "available."
As she dragged her fingers across the shirt, she caught sight of Gabriel from across the room. He was leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching her with that familiar smirkâamused, as if this whole thing was just a joke to him. It made her blood boil. He didn't even have to say anything; the way his lips twitched upward in amusement was enough to make her want to hurl the paint can at him.
Lily laughed quietly to herself, shaking her head as she finished painting her shirt. She wasn't going to let him get under her skin. Not this time. Her laughter was a mix of bitterness and defiance as she swirled the last bit of green paint on her shirt.
The message was clear: I'm not off the market, and you don't get to control my night.
She glanced at him again. Gabriel raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as if he was entertained by her little rebellion. The look on his face made her stomach flipânot because she was flustered, but because she was mad. How dare he stand there, looking all smug, as if he was untouchable?
Lily straightened her shoulders, determination flickering in her eyes. Gabriel could watch all he wantedâshe was going to have fun tonight.
As her eyes scanned the room, Lily spotted the cute boy from earlier, the one with the shaggy black hair and easy grin. He was standing near the drinks, talking to some friends, but his eyes flicked toward her as she approached. Her heart raced, not with nerves, but with a surge of boldness she hadn't felt in a while.
"Hey," she said with a coy smile, stepping up to him. The guy turned, looking surprised for a split second before his grin returned.
"Hey," he replied, his gaze sweeping over her new, green-streaked shirt. "Changed your mind, huh?"
Lily let out a small laugh and nodded. "Yeah, figured green was a better color for me." She tilted her head toward the makeshift dance floor in the living room, the bass-heavy music vibrating through the walls. "Do you want to dance?"
The boy didn't hesitate, his grin widening. "Yeah, let's do it."
He took her hand, and Lily led him to the dance floor, her pulse quickening with every step. The moment they were in the middle of the crowd, she let the music guide her, swaying her hips to the rhythm. The boy moved closer, matching her movements, his hands finding her waist as they danced together.
But even as she focused on the boy, she could feel Gabriel's eyes on her from across the room, his gaze burning into her back, just as smug and insufferable as always. The thought only fueled her determination to push forward. If Gabriel wanted to watch, she'd give him something to look at.
Lily turned her full attention to the boy in front of her, smiling up at him with playful eyes. "So, what's your name?" she asked, her voice light and teasing as her hand gently brushed his chest.
"Jake," he replied, leaning in closer to be heard over the music. "Yours?"
"Lily," she said, her lips curving into a slow grin.
"Lily," Jake repeated, his grin returning. "Nice name."
Her body swayed closer to his, their movements becoming more fluid, more in sync. Lily caught the glimmer of interest in his eyes, but it wasn't him she was thinking about. She knew Gabriel was still watching, probably clenching his jaw, and that thought spurred her on. She leaned in, her hand brushing up to Jake's shoulder as she whispered in his ear, "You're a good dancer."
Jake chuckled, clearly enjoying her attention. His hand began to slide down the curve of her waste toward her hips. "You're not bad yourself."
Lily threw a glance over her shoulder, her gaze darting toward the spot where Gabriel stood. Sure enough, he was watching, his expression unreadable but unmistakably focused on her. The tension between them hummed in the air, but she refused to let it get to her. Instead, she flirted more boldly, running her fingers through Jake's hair as they danced closer, her laughter light and free.
With a quick, playful move, Lily spun around, pressing her back against Jake's chest. Her body fit perfectly against his as they continued to dance.
"You smell good," Jake lowered his mouth to Lily's ear. "Like candy."
"Thanks," Lily laughed, feeling her cheeks blush.
"You go to PCU?"
"Yeah," Lily took a step forward as the song changed to a slower beat. She turned to face Jake, his hands still at her waist.
"How come I've never seen you around before?" Jake asked, tuggin her a bit closer as a group of girls squeezed past them on the dance floor. Lily looked over her shoulder, her eyes accidentally going to the spot where Gabriel had been standing.
He was no longer there. Lily didn't know weather she liked that or not. A small frown formed on her lips but as Jack's hand moved down to her hips, her attention was back on him.
"I try to avoid parties," Lily pushed her hair out of her face and untangled the locks that were knotted. "It's not good for my health."
"What do you mean?" Jake arched his brow.
Lily opened her mouth to explain about her seizures but hesitated for a moment, the words hanging on the tip of her tongue. She quickly swallowed them down, deciding to keep things light. The last thing she wanted was to kill the mood with a story about her seizures. It wasn't exactly party conversation, and definitely not something she wanted to dive into with a guy she'd just met.
"Just, you know... too much excitement," she said with a soft laugh, brushing it off. "I like to keep things low-key."
Jake grinned, his hands settling a little more confidently on her hips. "That's hard to believe," he said, leaning in closer. "You don't seem like the type to hide away."
Lily's cheeks flushed again, this time from the combination of his closeness and the way he looked at her, but her thoughts drifted back to the empty spot by the window. She glanced over her shoulder once more, scanning the crowd. When she couldn't find Gabriel, part of her felt relieved, but another partâone she wasn't too pleased withâfelt a small pang of disappointment.
Jake pulled her attention back to him, his eyes flicking over her face.
"You wanna go somewhere quieter?" he asked.
Lily forced herself to focus on Jake. He was cute, charming even, and she could tell he was interested. She nodded slowly and let him take her hand.
From the edge of the dance floor, Wendy and Alexa winked at her. They both gave her two thumbs up as Jake guided Lily through the kitchen and into the back patio.
___________________
Theo
Daphne stood across the room, a drink in hand, watching Theo surrounded by three menâmen who she knew did business with his family. They were talking, gesturing with their hands, but Theo wasn't really paying attention to them. His focus remained fixed on his phone, his brow slightly furrowed, thumb typing away.
She took a slow sip of her drink, the cool liquid doing little to quell the curiosity bubbling inside her. He seemed detached, distant, almost as if the conversations around him were mere background noise to whatever was going on in his head. What could possibly be bothering him so much that even the presence of these people couldn't pull him out of it?
Daphne's gaze lingered on him longer than she intended, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her glass. Was it something personal? Or business? Whatever it was, it gnawed at her, the urge to know tugging at her like a string she couldn't quite cut loose.
"You'll get used to it."
Daphne's eyes narrowed as the familiar voice spoke up from behind her. She didn't need to turn to know James had found her. He casually stepped up beside her. His eyes, now on Theo, carried a trace of smugness as he continued.
"Nothing matters more to him than his business."
Daphne's jaw tightened, but she kept her expression calm, her fingers tightening slightly around the glass.
"And why shouldn't it?" she asked, her voice deceptively smooth. "He works so hard."
James let out a snort, dismissing her words with a wave of his hand. "His parents handed him a golden goose. He didn't have to do anything. Everything he touches is already set up for him."
Daphne's eyes flashed, her calm veneer slipping just a little. She turned her head to face James, her voice cool but sharp.
"Golden geese need to be fed, pampered, and looked after," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "Keeping one alive is just as hard as acquiring one."
James blinked, clearly not expecting such a swift defense. He opened his mouth to retort, but Daphne wasn't finished.
"Theo might have inherited something, but maintaining it, growing itâthat takes work. The kind of work people underestimate because all they see is the end result."
From across the room, Theo's gaze locked onto Daphne and James. His jaw clenched as he watched them, his irritation rising with every second. At first, he thought nothing of itâJames always seemed to linger around social events, trying to make conversation with everyone. But something in the way James leaned in just a bit too close to Daphne, the casual way he tossed out his words, set Theo on edge.
Theo's grip tightened around his phone, though he wasn't even reading the screen anymore. His chest tightened with a surge of bitterness, the ugly feeling swelling as he watched them interact.
As he watched closely, Theo caught the moment when Daphne's eyes flashed and watched her square her shoulders. Theo's blood simmered. The way James leaned in toward Daphne, his stupid grin, the arroganceâhe couldn't stand it.
Theo's anger spilled over as he shoved his phone into his pocket, his eyes fixed on Daphne and James. Each step he took across the room was charged with tension, his jaw clenched and fists tight at his sides. He didn't care about the business associates who called his name as he passed byâhis sole focus was James, leaning far too close to Daphne for his liking.
Not again.
He wasn't going to let James take Daphne from him. Theo reached them, his presence a storm cloud, dark and heavy.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Theo said, voice low and dangerously calm.
James turned, his expression smug, clearly amused by Theo's sudden arrival. "Just talking. Relax."
Theo's hand twitched as he stepped closer to Daphne, placing a hand on her lower back, pulling her slightly toward him.
"Who said you could talk to her?" Theo snapped, his voice sharper now. "Who said you could look at her?"
James chuckled, his eyes flicking between Theo and Daphne. "Relax, dude. You're overreactingâagain. Daphne and I-"
Theo's muscles tightened, and before he could stop himself, he took another step forward, his body bristling with anger. His hand curled into a fist at his side. "Say her name one more time. I dare you."
"Theo, stop." Daphne's voice was soft but firm, her hand landing on his chest before he could close the distance between them. She turned her body to face him fully, blocking his path. Her fingers pressed gently but insistently against his chest, grounding him.
"Let's just go, please" she urged, her eyes searching his, trying to calm the storm brewing inside him.
Theo's breath came out hard, his eyes still locked on James, but Daphne's touch kept him tethered. His pulse pounded in his ears, the urge to knock that smirk off James's face almost too strong to ignore, but Daphne's hand remained firm on his chest.
"He's not worth it," she said quietly, her voice soothing. "Please. Let's go home."
Theo glanced down at her, the intensity of her gaze pulling him out of the fury boiling inside him. Her calmness wrapped around him like a shield, pulling him back from the brink. He let out a frustrated breath, jaw still clenched, but the edge of his anger dulled.
James stood there, smirking as if he had already won.
"If you ever come near her again, I will skin you alive and frame it for your mother's art gallery," Theo's voice dropped to a lethal whisper, the words seething between clenched teeth. His eyes, dark and burning with a fury that cut deeper than any blade.
Daphne froze, her breath catching as Theo's words sliced through the air like a razor's edge. It felt like the temperature in the room had dropped. The way he spoke to James, with such cold certainty, left no room for doubt. She could feel the intensity radiating off him. Daphne's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of fear and fascination twisting inside her.
Who is this guy?
For a split second, she was terrifiedânot of him, but of how far he might go. The darkness in his voice was unlike anything she'd ever heard from him, so starkly different from the man she knew. But then, something else stirred inside her, something she wasn't prepared for: the realization that this side of Theoâthe possessiveness, the intensity, the sheer dominanceâmade her pulse race with a strange, undeniable attraction.
Daphne swallowed hard, her eyes searching his, still wide with shock. Her fingers turned cold against his chest, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself wanting to draw closer, as if the darkness that had just unsettled her also drew her in. How could she feel this way?
"Let's just go, please," she whispered, her voice soft but urgent, trying to keep her own emotions from spiraling. "Please."
As Theo's gaze finally flicked down to meet hers, the anger in his eyes softened, just slightly. But the possessive streak she had just witnessedâit was still there, lurking beneath the surface. Daphne's pulse quickened again, and she hated how much that look only made him more alluring to her.
________________________
Lily
Lily leaned against the patio railing, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling heat inside. She and Jake had wandered out here after dancing, the conversation turning casual. He told her about his classes at PCU, his love for hiking, and his plans for a weekend trip with friends. Lily found herself relaxing, laughing at his stories, and enjoying the break from the intensity of the party inside.
"So, what about you?" Jake asked, his gaze warm. "What's your major?"
"I'm not sure yet," Lily replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Bussiness or astronomy? Maybe physics?"
Jake nodded thoughtfully, his smile easy. "All great options."
Lily laughed lightly, "But I have no idea what I will do with any of them."
As she spoke, her eyes flicked to the crowd beyond the patio, scanning it almost absentmindedly. The familiar warmth appeared on the back of her neck once more as she scanned for Gabriel. And sure enough, he was leaning against the tree in the backyard, his dark eyes trained on her, watching her every move.
Lily's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, trying to focus back on Jake. But the distraction had set in. She could feel Gabriel's presence like a weight pressing on her, pulling her attention away no matter how hard she tried to ignore it.
Jake noticed the shift. "You okay?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Lily said, forcing a smile. "I think I need a drink."
Jake grinned. "I'll go grab us some. Be right back."
Lily nodded. She stepped as side as Jake walked back inside. This was Gabriel's signal to seized his moment. He slipped through the crowd, his stride confident, and before Lily could even process what was happening, he was standing beside her.
"Having fun, angel?" he asked, his voice smooth and low.
Lily stiffened, annoyance bubbling up inside her. "What are you doing?" she asked sharply, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.
Gabriel didn't answer. Instead, he placed a hand gently on her arm and began guiding her away from the patio, pulling her through the crowded house and up a set of stairs where it was quieter. The music dulled as they reached the upper floor, the chaos of the party fading behind them.
"Gabriel, what the hell?" Lily demanded, yanking her arm free once they were alone in the room he had guided them into. Her heart was racing, partly from anger, partly from the electric tension that always seemed to hang between them.
Gabriel let go of her hand and took a seat on the edge of the bed, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"Just checking to see if you're having fun," he said, his tone light but with an edge of teasing.
Lily glared at him, crossing her arms. "Why do you keep inserting yourself into my life? I'm fine without your help."
"I wasn't offering help."
"What do you want?" Lily asked. "Leave me alone or I will report you."
"923-467-9908," Gabriel leaned back. "Campus security and student safety hotline."
"Are you mentally okay?" Lily narrowed her eyes. "You've done nothing but ignore me since I came to campus. You went out of your way to ignore me and avoid me. And now you won't leave me alone. What the hell is wrong with you?"
"So you wanted my attention?" Gabriel asked. "You have it, angel. All of it."
Lily's eyes narrowed in frustration, her patience long gone. "I don't want your attention," she snapped, her voice low and angry. "I want you to leave me alone."
Gabriel tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips as if her anger amused him. "You're not acting like someone who wants to be left alone."
Lily scoffed, arms tightening across her chest, feeling defensive. "What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher his intentions.
Gabriel shrugged casually, but there was a challenge in his gaze. "It means you're here, with that guy, dancing like you don't care about anything. But you do care, don't you? You want me to notice."
"You're so full of yourself."
"Am I?" Gabriel rose from the bed and stepped closer, the playful glimmer in his eyes shimmering under the dim light. "Because you seem awfully interested in what I think."
Lily glared at him, her heart pounding with an irritation she couldn't shake. "I'm not interested in you or your games. I'm just trying to enjoy the party."
"Sure you are," Gabriel said, his voice low and teasing, as if he saw right through her facade. "But you're not fooling anyone."
"Why do you keep doing this?" she asked, feeling the frustration spill over. "Why can't you just leave me alone?"
"Because it's fun watching you squirm," Gabriel said, his voice smooth, as he leaned in just a little closer. "And you're not as good at hiding your feelings as you think."
Lily toom a small step back as Gabriel's stepped forward.
"Pluse," he said, raising his hand to rest beside her head as she backed up against the door. "You have me very curious. One day you're blushing around me and stealing glances from under those feathery lashes and then the next day, you're treating me like the anti-christ."
Lily held her breath as Gabriuel leaned closer.
"What's up with that?" He asked. "You're hurting my feelings, Lily."
Lily's frustration bubbled over, and she pushed back against the door slightly, trying to regain her composure.
"I'm not trying to hurt your feelings," she shot back, her tone sharper than she intended. "I'm just trying to figure out why you can't seem to leave me alone."
Gabriel's smirk widened, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You know, I could say the same about you. Dancing with that guy just to make me jealous? Seems like you're quite invested in this whole game, too."
"You were jealous?" Lily asked.
"I didn't say that," Gabriel replied.
"You did."
"I just... notice things."
"Why did you put red on me?" Lily pressed.
"So you would be easier to find," Gabriel smiled. "And as a warning sign."
Lily's jaw tightened, her heart racing with anger. "You're insufferable. What do you want?"
"I want to know why you're ignoring me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Lily let out an exasperated sighed. "You want to play games. I don't. You've been messing with me and it's cruel. What the hell was that on Halloween night at your house in the bathroom? Why are you so hot and cold?"
Gabriel's expression shifted, the playful smirk faltering for just a moment as he processed her words.
"Cruel? Is that what you think I am?" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a lower tone. "I didn't think you were the type to get so riled up over a little teasing."
Lily clenched her fists, frustration coursing through her veins. "Teasing? You call it teasing? Because it feels like you're toying with my emotions. One minute you're all charming, and the next you act like I don't exist. It's infuriating!"
Gabriel's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something more serious crossing his face.
"What is this?" Lily asked.
That infuriating grin slipped from Gabriel's face. His eyes began to melt into sincerity like a warm fire. Lily held her breath as he raised his hand and tucked her hair back.
"One minute I think you might actually like me," she said quietly. "But the next you're being a total jerk. It's exhausting."
Gabriel softened slightly, his gaze steady as he took in her frustration. He stared at her for a while before slowly pulling his hand back.
"You should go back," he said. "I'm sure Jake is looking for you."
____________________________
Theo
"I'm going to my office," Theo said, his attention on the road.
"At this time?" Daphne looked at her phone. It was almost midnight.
"There's an issue," Theo said, his jaw tensed.
"My apartment is out of the way for you," Daphne said. "I'll catch an Uber."
"No."
"Really, it's no problem," Daphne tried to lighten the mood. "You can pay for an Uber Black."
To her surprise, a small smile flickered across Theo's face, and the tension in Daphne's shoulders began to lift. He let out a long sigh, the stress momentarily dissipating.
"I'm sorry about earlier," he said, his tone softer now. "I don't know what came over me."
"It's fine," Daphne replied, reaching across the seat to rest her hand on his. "Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?"
Theo hesitated, shrugging as his thoughts seemed to drift away. "It's... well, it's this new project we're working on. We managed to secure a substantial portion of the lower city. Our initial plan was to develop luxury apartments, but now we're facing zoning complications."
"I see," Daphne nodded, her interest piqued.
"If we can't resolve these issues," he continued, his expression darkening, "We stand to lose millionsâif not billions."
"Are you sure you want to spend your time driving me around?" Daphne asked. "Billions are on the line."
"Would you like to come to work with me then?" Theo chuckled.
"No," Daphne snorted. "I don't work. But I'll watch you work."
"Keep me company?" Theo turned to steal a glance at her.
"Sure," Daphne shrugged.
As they drove through the quiet city streets, the neon lights cast a colorful glow through the car windows. The vibrant pulse of the city seemed to slow down as they approached the towering glass building that housed Theo's office. Once they arrived, Daphne noticed the sleek architecture silhouetted against the night sky. The lobby was dark and empty, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the day.
They stepped into the cool interior, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The air was thick with an air of sophistication, a scent of polished wood and faint cologne lingering in the air. Theo led the way to the elevator, and Daphne couldn't help but admire how he carried himself with such purpose and confidence.
As the elevator doors opened, they stepped into the spacious office bathed in soft, ambient lighting. The panoramic windows revealed a breathtaking view of the city skyline, twinkling like a sea of stars beneath them.
Theo moved toward his desk, the city lights reflecting in his deep-set eyes. He took off his suit blazer, revealing a fitted white shirt that accentuated his frame. As he rolled up his sleeves, Daphne's gaze lingered on the way his muscles flexed, a mixture of strength and ease. She made her way to the plush sofa, sinking into its softness as she admired him from afar, her heart fluttering with admiration.
For the next few hours, Daphne watched without complaint. She slipped off her heels and let down her hair, growing comfortable in the dim setting as Theo made his phone calls and checked the zoning laws for the city. He occasionally muttered under his breath or clenched his jaw to the point where Daphne feared a dentist visit would be in the near future.
But every so often, he would walk over to the sofa and take a seat beside her. He would play with her hand or chat with her as if allowing himself a small break in between his business battles.
At some point, Daphne walked over to his desk and stood beside him. She leaned against his arm and placed her chin on his shoulder, her eyes scanning the blueprints and papers before her. Theo's eyes stayed glued on everything as he stood leaned over.
"What's this?" Daphne asked, pulling out an older blue print from underneath a pile.
"Old city schematics," Theo answered. "Waterlines, gas pipes, flood zones."
"Hmm," Daphne scanned the plants.
"You see these areas here," Theo pointed to a few of the boxes. "We didn't account for some of these flood zones. If we don't address them, we could face major complicationsâpermits being denied, construction delays..."
Daphne nodded thoughtfully. "Have you considered working with the city's planning department? They might have suggestions or insights into the regulations."
"Yeah, but it's not that simple," Theo replied. "There are too many moving parts, and I can't afford to waste time. We have investors breathing down our necks. They want the project off the ground ASAP and for the profits to be pouring in. This could jeopardize everything."
Daphne leaned over the blueprints, her fingers tracing the intricate lines and markings. As she absorbed the details of the layout, she noticed the potential within the constraints that Theo had outlined. The flood zones seemed like a challenge, but suddenly, an idea flickered in her mind.
"What if we reimagined the project entirely?" she blurted out.
Theo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"What if, instead of luxury apartments, you turned this area into a public spaceâlike a mall or an open-air concert venue?" Daphne suggested, her voice growing more animated. "You could create a man-made island with outdoor stages for concerts, food stalls, and shops. It would attract crowds and turn this area into a community hub! Not to mention the tourists would love it."
Theo paused, processing her idea. "A public space?" He leaned closer, his interest piqued. "But how would that solve the flooding issue?"
"By designing the layout strategically, you could elevate certain sections and create areas that could absorb excess water, like gardens or wetlands," she explained, gesturing animatedly at the blueprints. "You can incorporate sustainable landscaping that benefits the environment while providing a space for people to gather and enjoy events. The city would approve this plan in a heartbeat. Sustainability? Community? All of their favorite words."
A hint of a smile brome through Theo's serious demeanor. "It shifts the focus from residential to commercial, which might make it easier to navigate the zoning regulations."
"Exactly!" Daphne exclaimed, her heart racing with the thrill of the idea taking shape. "And think about itâan open-air mall with art installations, community events, and live music. It could become a landmark in the city! You can have yacht clubs since it's right by the water. People could host yacht shows or weddings. Luxury shopping experience away from the crowds of downtown."
Theo listened intently. He was silent as Daphne grabbed the blue prints and began to explain her elaborate plan. She threw her hair up in a bun and grabbed his laptop, restarting his presentation for the investors and board members.
"Think Dubai, but in NYC," she said.
"Let's see what you got," Theo stepped back.
As Daphne laid out her vision, weaving together ideas for the layout, attractions, and potential partnerships with local artists and businesses, Theo couldn't help but be captivated by her. They tossed ideas back and forth, her creative energy blending seamlessly with his practical insights, making the project feel more alive than ever.
Hours passed as they worked side by side, the glow of the laptop screen illuminating their focused expressions. But as the night wore on, Daphne's enthusiasm slowly dimmed. Her eyelids grew heavy, and despite her best efforts to keep the momentum going, the fatigue crept in. Eventually, her head fell forward, resting against her crossed arms, and she succumbed to sleep.
Theo glanced over, his heart softening at the sight of her. He admired how peaceful she looked, her features relaxed in the dim light of the office. He knew they had been working hard, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the late hour.
After a while, he stood and stretched, needing a break from the intensity of their brainstorming session. As he moved to grab a glass of water, he glanced back at Daphne and chuckled softly. The sight of her snoring gently with her hair spilling over her shoulders tugged at his heart.
He returned to her side, leaning down to gently shake her shoulder. "Daphne," he called softly, trying not to startle her awake. "Wake up."
Daphne's eyes fluttered open, confusion washing over her face as she took a moment to reorient herself.
"What time is it?" she mumbled, stifling a yawn.
"It's nearly eight in the morning," Theo replied, a playful smile creeping onto his lips. "You fell asleep on me."
Daphne rubbed her eyes, realizing how exhausted she was. "I didn't mean to," she said, still half-dazed. "I just... I thought we were going to finish the presentation."
"We did make a lot of progress," Theo reassured her. "I have my assistant picking up a suit for you and some toiletries. The meeting is in two hours. I want you ready."
"Taking me just to compliment the deal?" Daphne teased. "I didn't know you listened to Beyonce."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Theo chuckled, searching her eyes as he sat crouching before her.
"Nevermind," Daphne rolled her eyes.
"Ready to get up?" Theo asked. "How long does it take for you to do your hair?"
"What's going on?" Daphne asked, sitting up. "If you need a trophy wife, then you need to upgrade your subscription."
"I need you to get ready," Theo said slowly and clearly, gaining her attention. "You're presenting this project to the board in two hours."
"What?" Daphne's eyes widened. "Are you insane? I don't know anything about this!"
"Daphne," Theo stopped her. "You rebranded the entire project last night. Do you realize what you have done?"
"I don't think this is such a good idea," Daphne shook her head.
"Pitch this to the investors as a chance to create something unique that benefits the community," Theo said. "Your energy and passion can sell it. You know this project inside and out now. They need to see the vision as you do."
Daphne hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. "I don't think-"
"You're doing it," Theo said, rising to his feet. "Remember, my billions are on the line."
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