Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 386

“Well, well. Looks like I showed up late. You guys already started?” The voice was cocky, a little wild, slicing right through the room.

Everyone turned to look. James walked in wearing a crisp white suit, holding a fancy gift box. He flashed that signature bad-boy smile that always made people stare a little longer.

Right next to him was another man, tall and sharp in a black suit, rimless glasses perched on his nose. He looked a bit like James, but his vibe was totally different—calm, collected, with a relaxed smile that felt like sunshine after rain.

Behind those clear lenses, there was an intensity as he watched the woman on stage. The corners of his mouth turned up, just barely.

Helene had been basking in her own little victory only seconds before, but now her eyes flew open wide. She grabbed Courtney’s hand, squeezing tight.

Courtney’s heart did a nervous little skip, but she forced herself to stay cool. She squeezed Helene’s hand back, a silent promise that everything would be okay.

Helene took a long, steady breath, working to smooth out her expression.

The man beside James was Andrew, the oldest Palmer son.

“Oh my god, it’s James.”

“No way, it’s actually him! He’s so good-looking!”

“I thought he was filming somewhere else. Why would he be here?”

“He must have come just for the engagement party.”

“Ms. Fortner is so lucky. I’m jealous.”

James lifted an eyebrow, his gaze locking on Madeline up on stage. He didn’t hesitate, just made his way straight toward her.

Andrew’s eyes never left Helene. There was something dark about his gaze, a possessiveness that sent a chill through the air.

Helene, though, was eating up the attention. The more people stared, the more confident she felt.

James came closer, gift box in hand, every step measured and deliberate.

When he stopped right in front of her, Helene’s smile was dazzling. “Hi, James.”

James lifted his hand, and Helene assumed he was about to hand over the gift. She reached out, already starting to thank him.

But before she could even get the words out, James cut her off, sounding completely unimpressed.

“Excuse me, but you’re kind of in the way.”