A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

"Uncle Theo, you're hurting me."

Theo pulled Sierra along, his grip on her wrist so tight that she yelped.

Upon hearing it, he loosened his hold, opened the car door, and gestured for her to get in. Once she settled inside, he followed, sliding in beside her.

Seeing this, Adrian silently unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out of the car, and closed the door—leaving the two of them alone in the enclosed space.

Sierra looked up, meeting Theo's sharp, brooding expression. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over her, and she instinctively inched back.

However, Theo only moved in closer, his presence overwhelming. The icy chill of his aura surrounded her, making it impossible to ignore.

With a slightly trembling voice, she asked softly, "Uncle Theo, is there a reason you're looking for me?"

"Do you like that guy?"

Theo's deep, magnetic voice carried a subtle chill, barely noticeable but impossible to ignore.

Sierra froze for a moment, realizing he was referring to Cayden. Quickly shaking her head, she explained, "No, you have misunderstood. He's just my college senior."

"If you don't like him, why were you having lunch with him?" His eyes narrowed as he continued to query her. She forced herself to calm down, answering, "Cayden helped me out earlier this morning. He even guided me on the piano, so I treated him to lunch to thank him. Isn't that normal?"

"No," came Theo's flat response. His dark gaze deepened as he continued with a sharp, almost dangerous edge, "You really can't tell he likes you?"

Sierra blinked in surprise, a hint of confusion flickering in her clear eyes.

"Uncle Theo, you must be mistaken. Cayden and I are just ordinary friends. Besides, we haven't seen each other in years—today's actually the first time we met again after so many years."

She sounded firm and sincere.

"I believe in what I see. A man knows when another one is interested. The way he looks at you-it's admiration and affection." Theo's voice

was

steady and certain. Content b

Sierra stiffened slightly, having been caught off guard.

That was impossible. How could Cayden be having the hots for her?

She frowned as she firmly repeated, "Impossible. Cayden is kind and gentle, so he treats everyone the same."

The moment she said those words, he let out a cold, mocking chuckle. His voice dropped, laced with authority as he responded, "Stay away from him. You're not allowed to be alone with him again

Sierra frowned, feeling a spark of irritation at his commanding tone.

"Why can't I? It's just a normal interaction with him."

"You can be around other people, but not with someone who has an agenda. If you don't like him, don't give him false hope—maintain the appropriate distance."

Sierra's body tensed at his words, a flicker of anger flashing across her face. She stared at him, her lips pressed into a tight line.

Was Theo insinuating that she was leading Cayden on intentionally?

Was that how he saw her?

Sierra's throat tightened with a mix of frustration. She was also feeling hit. Biting her lip lightly, she gave her rationale, her voice dripping with frigidity.

"I'm single. Even if Cayden does like me and decides to pursue me, whether I accept or reject him is my decision. What right do you have to interfere, Uncle Theo?"

Her last sentence was akin to a heavy stone being thrown into stil water, causing silence with an unspoken tension. The air between them grew thick, an uneasy standoff settling in.

The moment she said it, regret flickered through her. As Uncle Theo had helped her so many times, she shouldn't have spoken to him like that.