Chapter 19

Theo's POV "I really should be getting home," I said, glancing pointedly at my watch as dessert plates were being cleared. "Early meeting tomorrow." My mother's disapproving frown was immediate. "Theodore, you haven't even stayed up two hours. And Daisy came all this way." Daisy placed her hand on my arm, her touch lingering. "I was hoping we could talk more. It's been so long since we've had a chance to catch up properly." The expectant looks from around the table made it clear this was a coordinated effort. Adrian watched with barely concealed amusement, while Nicole studied the interaction with calculating eyes. "Actually," my mother interjected before I could respond, "Daisy mentioned her car is being serviced. Perhaps you could drive her home, Theodore? It's on your way." It wasn't, in fact, on my way at all. But refusing would create a scene, and after years as Alpha, I'd learned to pick my battles. Family dinner was not the hill to die on. "Of course," I agreed, voice neutral de