Can't Win Me Back (Isabella and Nathan)

The butler turned and left.

But Theo, for some inexplicable reason, became unusually uneasy. "Grandma, I should probably step aside.

The old lady stared at him in surprise. "You, the troublemaker who never cared for these formalities, are suddenly so gentlemanly and graceful?"

Theo darted off like a rabbit. "Grandma, you're talking business with Miss Thea. I'll just be a distraction." When the old lady saw him slip into the study behind the screen, she didn't stop him, understanding that he was choosing to evade the situation.

In just a moment, the butler returned, leading Thea into the room.

The old lady carefully studied this young woman who seemed to be the cause of her beloved grandson's unusual behavior. Thea had a remarkable presence, a graceful figure, and a beauty that could rival a flower, yet her eyes carried a somber weight, as if she had a story to tell. The old lady, sensing something off, grew cautious.

"Miss Thea, please, have a seat."

Thea sat gracefully across from the old lady, clearly at ease. She stated her purpose directly. "Madam, I am the design director of *TheaEver*, and I apologize for the sudden visit. I'm hoping to discuss a potential collaboration with you."

With that, Thea presented the project booklet she had prepared in advance, offering it respectfully with both hands.

"Madam, this is a showcase of our company's latest collections. We are positioning ourselves in the high- luxury market. I've heard that the Browns' Global Trade Tower has an available spot, and we would like to ask you for an opportunity..."

The old lady observed Thea's slender, graceful fingers, which were trembling slightly, revealing her nervousness despite her calm demeanor.

She took the booklet and placed it on the coffee table, though her interest was more in Thea herself than the contents of the booklet. "Miss Thea, how old are you this year?"

Thea was taken aback. She assumed the old lady was trying to subtly inquire about her professional background, so she responded, "I'm twenty-four. Although I haven't been in the industry for long, I'm very passionate about fashion..."

But the old lady interrupted her. "Do you know my grandson, Theo?"

Thea froze.

She had come to discuss business, yet the old lady had suddenly brought up personal matters. It was completely unexpected.

Reluctantly, she nodded. "Yes, I do."

The old lady's face showed a knowing look. "No wonder."

Now, the reason Theo had come home suddenly was becoming much clearer.

"Are you two friends?" the old lady asked.

Thea felt awkward. She wanted to explain that she and Theo were more than just friends-they had once relied on each other like family. But her sense of insecurity, shaped by her tragic past, kept her from being fully open.

She feared that if the old lady learned of her background, she might judge her as one of those high- society women who look down on others, possibly stopping Theo from associating with her.

So, she downplayed it, "I suppose so."

The old lady was stunned. Theo, with his cold and distant nature, had never had any real friends, and those who had tried to get close to him were completely ignored, no matter how persistent they were. Now, he had made a friend, and for the first time, the old lady didn't care about Thea's background. She believed Thea could change her precious grandson's character, and for that reason, she saw her as an extraordinary woman.

Naturally, she regarded her with a favorable view.

"Thea, my grandson Theodore has a very cold personality. He's like a block of wood, sometimes grumpy and distant. But deep down, he's very kind. Since you're his friend, please be patient with him. When he's being difficult, try not to take it personally."

Thea stared at her, somewhat dazed.

The old lady's words were filled with warmth and affection for Theo, which made Thea feel a slight joy in her heart. She realized that although Theodore had suffered, he was also fortunate.

But then the old lady suddenly fell silent and patted her mouth in self-reproach. "Perhaps I shouldn't have said all that. You won't be put off by my grandson because of it, will you?"

Thea shook her head, and in her excitement, she blurted out, "Madam, Theodore only shows his claws to those who hurt him. He's very good to me. I like him very much, and I will never turn my back on him." The old lady was stunned.

Good heavens, what had she just heard?

"It sounds like you and my grandson Theodore are very close?"

From behind the screen, Theo couldn't help but smile, his seductive peach blossom eyes glimmering with unspoken joy.

He waited, eager to see how she would answer his grandmother.

Thea snapped back to reality, suddenly flustered.

"Madam, please don't misunderstand... I just think of Theodore as a younger brother."

The old lady smiled. "Isn't it quite common these days for younger women to fall for older men?"

Thea's face turned as red as a persimmon Madam, I'm not only six years older than Theodore, but I've also been divorced once. I never thought of Theodore in that way. In fact, have no intention of marrying again."

The old lady remained silent for a long time.

"I've been too forward. Miss Thea, I'll take a careful look at your work. Please wait for my response."

Thea left the room, trembling with nerves.

Theo emerged, his face as calm and composed as ever.

The old lady glanced at him, noting the icy, stoic expression on his face, and teased, "Has she seen that cold, stern face of yours?"

Theo slumped onto the sofa, sinking into it with a deep sigh.

"Why did Grandma ask her such strange questions?"

The old lady pretended to be clueless. "What questions?"

"She wants to know about my relationship with her. She could have just asked me directly."

The old lady casually replied, "You've been quietly paving the way for her career, so does Grandma really need to ask? Of course, I want to know how she feels about you."

Theo was taken aback. Did his feelings show that clearly?

He immediately sank into a deeper disappointment. "You've heard me. I'll probably be alone for the rest of my life."

The old lady believed this was just the youthful melodrama of a boy growing up. She didn't take his words seriously. "I don't think so."

Theo's eyes shimmered with a strange light. "Grandma, what makes you think that?"

The old lady smiled knowingly.

"When you were behind the screen, you only heard her voice, but not her presence. You didn't see how nervous she was. Her fingers were trembling, her words stumbled

Theodore, she cares about you, and because of that, she couldn't be fully at ease in front of me."

Theo's face brightened, and a radiant smile spread across his face.

"Grandma, you know my thoughts too well. We're both people who've suffered, so I hope you won't make things hard for her."

The old lady sighed. "If it's purely

personal, I would prefer you didn't find a woman with such a

complicated past. But I'm more concerned about you walking down

the same path as your mother. So, I won't interfere with your relationship. But Theodore,

remember to love yourself as much as you love her."

"Thank you, Grandma."

By noon, Mr. Brown hurried home.