A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo) novel Chapter 288

Sierra was caught off guard by Theo's teasing, and her embarrassment quickly turned into irritation. Glaring at him, she stubbornly denied, "Who's feeling guilty? Not me."

Watching her feign ignorance, Theo tightened his grip on her hand.

The closer they got to the private room, the more anxious she became. She kept adjusting her outfit, unsure how to face Theo's friends. She also worried they might be like Benson's circle—people who enjoyed stirring up trouble and making inappropriate jokes at her expense.

Sensing her slowing down, Theo glanced at her with curiosity. When he caught the emotions hidden in her eyes, he reassured her, "Don't worry. It's just a few childhood friends—no one else.

"If you feel uncomfortable, we can leave anytime."

She let out a breath of relief and nodded with a smile.

Theo's heart softened when he saw her obedient demeanor. He reached out and gently patted the top of her head.

To ease her nerves, he casually introduced his friends as they walked. Sierra hadn't expected him to be so considerate, and the more she listened, the more relaxed she felt.

By the time the server pushed open the private room door, the people inside—who had been chatting—turned their heads, only to see Theo whispering to a bright, charming young woman.

That gentle expression? They had never seen it before. It was practically a rare sight.

It was Sierra who first noticed the intense stares around her. She quickly raised a hand, a little awkward but still polite. "Well… Hello, everyone."

"Pfft—" A man in a white casual suit and a pink floral shirt, Douglas Brown, laughed like a sly fox. He glanced between the two and teased, "Theo, where'd you find this little girl? She's adorable!"

Sierra's bright eyes flickered, and she furrowed her brows slightly. Realizing her greeting had been a bit out of place, she quickly lowered her hand.

Just as she started feeling unsure of herself, Theo reached over and helped her remove her coat. "It's warm inside. Give me your jacket."

Momentarily caught off guard, she instinctively raised her arms, letting him take it off. It wasn't until he hung up her coat that she bit her lip shyly.

"This is the first time I've seen you take care of a girl like this… Don't tell me she's your girlfriend."

It was meant to be a lighthearted joke, but Theo answered calmly, "Mm. She's my girlfriend, Sierra. Look after her if you ever run into her."

Sierra froze for a moment and glanced up at Theo's profile. A mix of emotions swirled in her heart. A few seconds later, she put on a bright and open smile.

Douglas' playful grin stiffened. He looked at Sierra as if she were some rare, talking animal.

"Ms. Shaw, I'm Daniel Wells, one of Theo's friends."

"I'm Simon Martinez. We've all known each other since childhood."

Douglas flicked his hair, striking what he believed to be his most handsome pose. Extending his hand, he grinned. "I'm your dear. Name's Douglas Brown. If you ever run into trouble, come find me—I've got your back."