CHAPTER 6

‘She’s good… She’s very good…’ Theo thought later that night.

He had underestimated his stepsister. Theo considered what he had seen at the family dinner a few moments ago and scowled. Not only had Dea gained her father’s attention with the mention of an expensive gift for his upcoming birthday, but she had also excelled in the area that had consistently been her downfall.

During that dinner, she had been the quintessential companion, delighting the grumpiest of his uncles and making fast friends with the younger wives and fiancées. Reluctantly, Theo kept an eye on her the entire evening, admiring Dea’s strategy.

She had approached the outer circle of his family and was slowly gaining allies. But that wasn’t okay with him. He couldn’t have this.

Theo leaned against the marble newel post as he watched Dea descend the staircase like she was a queen, born and raised. She had reapplied her bright red lipstick after dinner and some