Theodore Whitmore Jr. blew out a slow stream of smoke, his tone deliberately nonchalant. "If we allow her to be formally adopted as his granddaughter, she becomes family. That would complicate any potential match with the Whitmores."

He tapped his cigarette lightly. "But if she remains his protégé instead, there's no conflict. The arrangement is flexible—what difference does a title make? Student or granddaughter, it's all semantics."

A thoughtful pause. "Still, I can't shake this suspicion—is she truly as remarkable as Grandfather claims, or did she orchestrate this whole connection?"

Adrian Whitmore arched a brow. "What's your verdict?"

"The latter," Theodore answered without hesitation.

Adrian studied him with newfound interest. "Since when did you develop such sharp instincts? That's unlike you."

Theodore exhaled sharply. "If I didn't evolve, I wouldn't deserve to stand in Aurora's orbit, much less call myself her friend."

A dry chuckle escaped Adrian. "Still pining over Aurora? She's made her disinterest painfully clear."

Theodore shrugged. "So what? I know my place. Watching her find happiness from afar is enough."

Adrian smirked. "How noble. Men like you are extinct. But..." He shifted gears abruptly, "If Aurora's unattainable, why not give Evelyn a real chance?"

He snapped his fingers. "That's right—Evelyn Harrington. Illegitimate, yes, but her lineage still aligns with the Whitmores. She's been devoted to you for years. Loyalty like hers is rare."

At Evelyn's name, Theodore's face darkened. His voice turned razor-sharp.

"Let's discuss your romantic failures. When you were blinded in that accident, it was Candida who nursed you back to health. She stood by you for years. Even your parents endorsed her as the future Mrs. Whitmore. Yet you clung to that so-called 'first love'—the one who abandoned you at your lowest."

He leaned in. "Tell me, Adrian—what kind of man repays loyalty with betrayal?"

Adrian's jaw tightened. "I'm not chasing her. I just... want her to regret leaving."

Theodore scoffed. "Really? So you publicly humiliate her while keeping other men away? That's not revenge—that's obsession."

A knowing smirk. "The whole elite circle knows about your brawl with that Black heir over her. And let's not forget how you 'promoted' her to your personal assistant."

Adrian's gaze flickered. "Proximity ensures she witnesses my success."

"Keep telling yourself that," Theodore retorted. "Did your ex-fiancée believe it? Is that why she vanished without a word?"

He crushed his cigarette. "If the unattainable is so irresistible, why string Candida along? Or are you just terrified to admit you never moved on?"