Chapter 49

Dorothy’s POV The music swelled gently around us, the smooth jazz notes merging seamlessly with the muted chatter and clinking glasses. Theodore’s hands rested warmly yet carefully at my waist, guiding me with a natural ease across the small, polished dance floor. Despite our practiced grace, his attention kept drifting elsewhere, subtly but undeniably. "What’s got your attention so far away tonight?" I asked lightly, tipping my head slightly to capture his gaze. He blinked, pulling his eyes back to me with an exaggerated sigh. "You, of course. Isn’t that obvious?" "Hardly," I teased dryly, an eyebrow raised in playful skepticism. "Either you're daydreaming about business ventures or mentally cataloging everyone who might be watching us." Theodore chuckled softly, the sound warm yet tinged with subtle mischief. "Can’t a man multitask? And speaking of business ventures," he pivoted smoothly, bringing me into a gentle spin before returning me to his embrace, "do you think I could pull of