---- Timothée was Sebastian''s college friend. While he and Thalia technically moved in the same social circles, she had rarely joined Sebastian''s crowd during university. She''d spent most of her time in the library. During breaks, she hung out with Victoria and Charlotte, rarely attendingrger gatherings. So Timothée hadn''t met Thalia before he went abroad. Their first meeting was at his garden restaurant after his return. "Ms.


    Winters, please don''t feel pressured," Timothée said with asmile. "Sebastian told me about you and Asher. I won''t say anything to your father." Thalia hadn''t expected that. After a pause, she said, "Thank you." Timothée spoke frankly. "I''m sure you''ve figured it out-your father wants us to get acquainted. To put it bluntly, this is a setup." Thalia nodded. "Yes." "My family has the same idea," Timothée said with a rueful smile.


    "But don''t worry, I''m not in the business of stealing ---- someone else''s partner. I''m just going through the motions." "Perfect." "Thear you''ve opened your ownw firm. Perhaps we could exchange contact information and be friends," Timothée suggested. "Our previous meeting was too brief to exchange details." The request was reasonable-Thalia had no grounds to refuse. Adding a contact within their social circle was perfectly normal.


    "Sure." After adding each other and putting their phones away, Timothée suddenly asked, "Ms. Winters, if you don''t mind my asking-is your friend Charlotte single?" Thalia was taken aback. That was quite the conversational pivot. Why the sudden interest in Charlotte? "Yes, she is," Thalia replied. ---- Timothée visibly rxed, a smile spreading across his face. Thalia eyed him suspiciously. "You and Charlotte. "L first saw her when I was in college," he exined.


    As Timothée spoke about Charlotte, his expression softened, his voice bing gentler. "Once, I went to James''s house with Sebastian. She had just returned from school. Honestly, I was attracted to her the moment I saw her, but she was still in high school then, so I put those feelings aside." Thalia was surprised. "Love at first sight?" "You could say that," Timothée admitted. "I didn''t confess at the time because she was too young. It wasn''t possible then.


    But now I''m back, and she''s single, so I''d like to pursue her." Thalia looked skeptical. "I didn''t notice you showing any interest during dinner the other night." The man smiled. "Seeing her again after so many years-I appeared calm on the outside, but inside I was nervous." "Does Charlotte know how you feel?" Thalia asked.