Chapter 13

Theodore came from an elite family and held significant power in his own right. He had long since seen every kind of flattery and manipulation women could throw his way. Patricia wasn't even particularly skilled at playing the game. Her little tricks and subtle attempts to charm him were laughably transparent in his eyes. Theodore didn't even extend a hand, nor spare her a glance. Her outstretched hand hung awkwardly in mid-air. When it became clear he had no intention of responding, Patricia's smile froze, and she quickly pulled her hand back with a pitiful look. "Sorry about that. I was just curious about how Calista suddenly got a fiance. I thought I'd introduce myself," she said with a small, embarrassed laugh. Watching his beloved get snubbed like that, Noah rushed to pull her into his arms and whispered something in her ear to soothe her. His voice was unusually gentle, a side he had never once shown Calista. Instinctively, he glanced over at her. She was standing quietly