Drunk and Daring I Kissed a Tycoon

"Mr. Theodore Locke," Vespera said, pronouncing each word carefully.

Dominic's brow furrowed. "He came to see you?"

Vespera didn't want him to suspect anything more between Theodore and Wanda.

After a brief pause, she answered, "He's an old acquaintance of my parents."

It was vague enough to be taken in various ways—whether as a friend or merely

a former classmate. Let him interpret it however he wished.

Though considering Theodore's status and social circle, it was hard to believe he'd ever have met her parents, who were both in education. Their worlds didn't intersect at all.

Noticing Vespera's hesitation, Dominic decided not to press the matter.

"Alright. Got it."

Vespera let out a quiet sigh of relief and ended the call.

With a polite smile, she helped Wanda welcome Theodore as he entered.

Theodore shot Wanda a mischievous grin. "That was Vespera's boyfriend on the phone, wasn't it?"

"No, no, of course not," Wanda replied, waving her hands.

"No? But wasn't that Dominic just now?"

"

Well, yes, but-"

took an unexpected turn,

seat. Have you been in Halewick this entire time? When is Mr. Eden returning from Auralia? Are Mrs. Locke

shifted, and he offered

won't be back until next week. I had planned to return last rday, but Selena

longer, his gaze lingered

for us?" Wanda quickly suggested, sensing the tension in the

"Of course," Vespera replied.

to the kitchen, leaving Wanda to settle into

Theodore's gaze following Vespera until

throat. "Mr. Theodore, I must say, I'm rather surprised to see you

was in Halewick and had some free time this morning, so I

with such ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the

his explanation didn't

utterly plausible. It

had a

years

held herself back from lashing

was nothing more than a hypocrite, she couldn't forget the kindness his

had taken them in and even helped fund her

such kindness, Wanda felt she had no choice but to endure.

Vera. May I call you that too?" Theodore asked, his gaze filled with a

inside, she couldn't help but wonder, "What in the world is going

Vera born in?" Theodore

her arms instinctively, her voice steady as she answered,