System 66 chimed in, “Congrats, host—you’re officially Theo Mason’s close companion now. Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mason,” Makenzie Bell replied. Her smile lit up her eyes in a way that made it impossible for him to look away. He stubbed out his cigarette, refocused, and stood. “There’s a birthday dinner at the Diaz family home tomorrow night. You’re coming with me.”

The invitation had Lila Roberts written all over it.

“All right. Here’s my banking info,” Makenzie said, handing over her bank card with a grin. “Please make a note of it, Mr. Mason.”

Half an hour later, Makenzie sat alone in the living room, pleased to see an advance covering almost two years land in her account. Smiling, she treated herself to an extravagant takeout dinner, then picked a room upstairs for some well-deserved rest.

Makenzie didn’t wake until noon. She stretched in her bathrobe, headed to the bathroom, then padded downstairs barefoot, her hair still tousled. She’d ordered groceries, planning to cook lunch herself.

Passing the study on the second floor, she glimpsed a figure at the desk and stopped dead in her tracks. Theo sat bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows, bent over paperwork. Gold-rimmed glasses lent a scholarly air to his otherwise commanding presence.

Theo hadn’t left for work that morning.

System 66 helpfully reminded her, “Lila Roberts always took the gentle approach.”

Makenzie adjusted her demeanor, knocked softly on the door, and said, “Mr. Mason?”

He looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. With her shoulder-length hair and sleep-softened face, she exuded a tender warmth.

Seeing him quickly regain his composure, she asked gently, “Have you eaten?”

“No,” Theo said, setting down his pen, his eyes still on her.

“I’ll make something. Would you like to join me?” Makenzie offered. System 66 quickly cut in, “Lila Roberts didn’t know her way around a kitchen.”

“No worries. With these eyes doing the asking, he’ll eat.” Makenzie reassured him.

“All right.” Theo agreed with a slight nod, hiding any trace of his earlier surprise behind a composed expression. Despite his usual cool demeanor, he found warmth in her gaze.

Just then, the doorbell echoed downstairs. Makenzie smiled at him. “Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

“Make whatever you like.”

She nodded. “I’ll grab the groceries. I’ll call you when lunch is ready.”

The two kept it cordial, maintaining a respectful distance.

As a stand-in companion on her first day, Makenzie aimed to please her employer and make sure he felt his investment was worth it. Considering Theo’s sensitive stomach, she prepared two dishes and a soothing soup.

Before she could call him, Theo had already come downstairs.

“There’s something I forgot to mention last night,” he said, sitting at the table, his voice steady. “I don’t like my personal space being invaded. I’d appreciate it if you handled any outside entanglements—like young Mr. Jason—appropriately.”

“Actually, I forgot to mention something too.” Makenzie set the utensils before him and took a seat beside him. “I’ve cut ties with my family. With no support, I had no choice but to approach you. I’m completely unattached now. As for any bad press, I’ll handle it so it doesn’t trouble you.”

Theo gave her an assessing glance, nodded slightly, then picked up his fork.

His table manners were impeccable. Neither spoke throughout the meal. Then a phone call interrupted the quiet.

Makenzie went to the kitchen to answer it.

“Nora, your jewelry design has caught an international buyer’s eye. They want to sign a purchase agreement.”

System 66 quickly explained, “That’s your assistant, Luke. Your past as a jewelry designer fits your current identity.”

Despite past romantic distractions, her design talent was undeniable.

After hearing the assistant’s voice, she replied quickly, “Some family issues came up. I’ll email you the contract later.”

“Is it about young Mr. Jason again? Haven’t you sorted out the issue of him using your designs to make Kristen look more versatile?”

Makenzie raised an eyebrow. Another mess to sort out?

“Soon. I’ve got to go now.”

Back at the dining table, she found Theo’s place empty, but the dish she’d served was polished off.

At 2:30 PM, a team of stylists and makeup artists hired by Theo arrived, loaded with outfits and tools to prepare Makenzie for the evening event.

She emerged with elegantly styled, minimalist hair and a sleek white satin dress. The gown’s side slit revealed a hint of ivory skin, adding sophistication.

When not caught in drama, Makenzie’s beauty was incomparable.

Amid the stylists’ admiring comments, she turned to see Theo in a perfectly tailored dark green suit that emphasized his physique. Nearing thirty, Theo carried not an ounce of excess, embodying a composed, striking masculinity.

He approached her with appreciation clear in his eyes, though his admiration seemed to reach beyond Makenzie herself. “You look stunning, Miss Bell.”

As the stylists and makeup artists discreetly exited, Makenzie suggested lightly, “Maybe we should drop the formal titles? Considering our new arrangement and all.” Her smile stayed polite. “Of course, if that makes you uncomfortable, we can keep things as they are.”

Theo’s response was indirect. “You’re different from before.”

Before bringing her back, he’d done a thorough background check. Her past actions were morally questionable—yet somehow justifiable.

“Now I’m reliant on you, Mr. Mason,” Makenzie replied, her gaze innocent. “People tend to mind their manners when they’re living under someone else’s roof.” Her smile was pure and non-threatening.

Theo considered briefly. “Call me whatever you like.”

As his companion—albeit newly appointed—she had certain privileges.

“Theo.” Makenzie smiled, slipping her arm through his. She noticed his slight stiffening. “Is this okay?”

System 66 updated, “You’ve received $100,000. Theo Mason’s favorability increased by 3%.”

System 66 added, “You’re impressive! How did you know Lila Roberts used to cling affectionately to his arm?”

“Was that even a question?” Makenzie thought, rolling her eyes mentally. “Every romance novel plays out this way. You didn’t think I’ve read a thousand CEO romance novels for nothing, did you?”

Theo glanced down, an enigmatic smile gracing his lips. “Jason Carter will be at the Diaz family dinner. Will you still call me that in front of him?”

“To keep our relationship discreet, I’ll call you Mr. Mason in public. Trust me, I have no feelings for young Mr. Jason,” Makenzie asserted confidently, sincerity genuine in her eyes. “I don’t love him.”

Theo Mason regarded her steadily, then let a small smile slip. “Fair enough.”

The Diaz family matriarch’s dinner party was a who’s-who of the elite. A sleek black Maybach glided to a stop in front of an estate.

Inside the car, Makenzie Bell tilted her head slightly. “How will you explain my presence?”

“You’re my new assistant.”

“Okay.” Makenzie nodded agreeably.

That was exactly what she’d been thinking, too. If they looked too close in public, it would only make managing the other three male leads harder.

Theo handed her a gift box. “An Alpine crystal. A gift for the matriarch.”

The intricately carved wooden box looked lavish. She accepted it quietly, and Theo—ever gallant—walked around the car to open her door and help her out with practiced ease.

The grand doors of the banquet hall swung open, revealing a room bathed in light. With her arm linked through Theo’s, Makenzie entered slowly. Chin high, she let the chandelier’s warm glow wash over her delicate features—faithful, elegant, breathtaking.

“After years of being single, Mr. Mason finally brought a date? Who is she?” the guests murmured over their wine glasses.

In Seabrook, Theo’s personal life was scandal-free. His reputation was spotless. And for years, he’d been especially loyal to Lila Roberts.

Makenzie had picked up that tidbit from System 66, and she couldn’t help but admire the man’s loyalty.

“But 66, do you think he’s—you know—not interested in anyone? Theo’s twenty-eight. Shouldn’t there be someone close to him?”

“He’s plenty lively—just not for you,” System 66 teased, derailing her train of thought.

“Oh, come on. As if you’ve vetted him for the heroine.” Makenzie snorted quietly.

Theo glanced at her. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t do anything unnecessary. Got it?” he warned coolly.

“Understood.”

Her own family was among the guests—and so was Jason. When they caught the pair whispering, surprise flickered across their faces.

Makenzie’s mother blinked in astonishment. “Isn’t that our Makenzie?”

Jordan’s gaze swept over the girl—the subtle styling made her glow—and he chuckled. “Not our Makenzie. Did you forget, Mom? She was kicked out just yesterday.”

Kristen noticed Jason staring, lost in thought, and clutched Jason’s arm. “Who knows what she’s up to? One day she’s causing trouble with Jason, the next she’s cozying up to the Mason Group’s CEO.”

Jordan suddenly understood why she’d left with such confidence. A smile tugged at his lips. “They’ve met before. Last time Dad almost had her arrested, but he stepped in.”

Makenzie spotted her family in the crowd too. Her gaze slid past them, indifferent, without lingering for even a second.

Mrs. Diaz, elegant in a Victorian gown, her hair streaked with gray and a strand of pearls in her hand, warmly regarded the approaching pair. “I thought you’d skip this year, too.”

Theo answered with composure. “I had to come.” Ever since Lila Roberts had married into the Diaz family, his visits had been scarce.

“And this young lady is?” Mrs. Diaz’s gaze shifted to the woman beside him. Something about her felt familiar.

“Good evening, ma’am. I’m Makenzie Bell, Mr. Mason’s new personal assistant.” Her smile was radiant as she presented the wooden box with both hands. “He chose this rare Alpine crystal for your birthday.”

For all her charming smile, the young woman’s tarnished reputation stood in stark contrast to her elegant appearance.

The elegant woman beside Mrs. Diaz stepped forward to accept the box. “Allow me.”

As their faces drew closer, Mrs. Diaz immediately understood why the resemblance had struck her—Makenzie bore an undeniable likeness to her granddaughter-in-law.

“It’s unusual for you to bring an assistant,” Mrs. Diaz remarked to Theo. “Care to join me for a chat in the garden?”

“Certainly.” Theo inclined his head, then said softly to Makenzie, “Stay here. Don’t wander off.”

His tone softened, and Makenzie’s gaze flicked to the elegantly poised woman holding the gift. Her eyes were slightly red.

So this was the heroine, Lila Roberts. Makenzie understood now—she was being used strategically.

“All right, I’ll stay right here,” she replied with a small smile. She reached out to straighten his tie and met his gaze with a grin. “Mr. Mason, your tie was crooked. Now it’s perfect.”

Theo nodded and led Mrs. Diaz away.

System 66 informed her. “Your account has received $500,000. Theo Mason’s favorability has increased by 4%. Your timing was spot-on—Lila Roberts is visibly affected.”

“I’m Lila Roberts, the Diaz family’s eldest daughter-in-law.” The faithful woman extended a delicate hand in greeting, her eyes a mix of curiosity and caution.

“Nice to meet you.” Makenzie shook her hand.

“Your eyes…” She paused, pressing her lips together hesitantly. “Did Mr. Mason have a makeup artist do that?”

“Nope. They’re natural.” Makenzie replied candidly, gesturing to her eyes. “Strangely enough, Mr. Mason seems captivated by them.”

Lila laughed softly. The question in her eyes brightened as understanding dawned, and she shook her head ruefully. “No wonder you became his assistant.”

Makenzie wanted to pat her shoulder and confirm the assumption, but she kept up appearances and feigned seriousness. “Ma’am, I got this job on my own merit. Mr. Mason pays me a fixed salary—no strings attached for a pair of eyes.”

Before Lila could respond, a servant whispered something in her ear. She gave Makenzie a nod and departed.

The lavish venue boasted a long table piled with exquisite foods and desserts.

Ignoring the curious and disdainful glances, Makenzie strolled over, picked up a small piece of spiced honey cake, and ate it contentedly.

Kristen approached with a glass of wine. “Mom wants you to come home. Don’t be stubborn because of Dad.”

“Oh.” She was finding the strawberry mousse quite delightful.

Kristen regarded her outfit. “An Ellie Spring Summer haute couture dress—over a hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Mason must be very generous, letting his assistant wear this?”

Makenzie paused and glanced down at the fabric in disbelief. Theo had casually given her a dress worth two years of her salary? Selling it secondhand could fetch quite a sum.

Spotting her disbelief, Kristen scoffed. “I know you’ve become Theo Mason’s lover, haven’t you? Your resemblance to Lila Roberts is uncanny.”

Makenzie quietly set the cake down and gestured behind Kristen. “Look over there.”

As Kristen turned, Makenzie swiftly hit the record button on her phone.

“What is it?” Kristen asked.

Makenzie calmly slipped her phone into her handbag. “Nothing. Just a trick of the eye. By the way, when do you plan on returning the Eternal Jewelry design sketches Jason took from me?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Kristen’s eyes shifted, and she denied the accusation outright.

A mischievous glint danced in Makenzie’s eyes as she leaned in a little. “You stepped into the spotlight with my jewelry designs and passed them off as your own,” she said, smiling. “Did you forget?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kristen shot back, turning to leave.

Makenzie stayed perfectly poised. “I’ve held back because of my ties to Jason. But that design was worth a million dollars. You have three days to make the transfer—or I’ll publicly demand what’s mine.”

“You wouldn’t dare, Makenzie!”

Kristen’s face turned crimson with anger as curious eyes began to turn their way. She forced herself to stay calm. Jason had assured her Makenzie could never prove a thing—the designs had never been labeled or officially recognized. They’d deleted the files from Makenzie’s computer, leaving no evidence behind.

Makenzie raised her glass of champagne and gave Kristen a playful toast. Her smile was innocent and radiant.

When Kristen rushed back to Jason’s arms, teary-eyed, the crowd assumed she’d been wronged again. Her father’s face turned grim, and aside from Jordan, the whole family seemed either helpless or disdainful.

Ignoring the onlookers, Makenzie set down her glass and plate, slipped through the glass doors, and exited quietly.

The curving balcony led down to a stone staircase into the estate’s garden, which was bursting with red roses. Makenzie wandered in. A gentle breeze brushed her face as she exhaled softly.

She meant to find a quiet spot and wait until Theo Mason returned—but then she noticed a couple in a nearby gazebo. The woman wore a green Victorian-style dress, her eyes red as she confronted a tall man. Her new boss.

Curious, Makenzie quickly crouched behind the rose bushes to listen.

“Theo, did you bring her here just to torment me? She looks so much like me.” The woman’s voice was soft and pained. “You know that I…”

Theo brushed away the hand reaching for him and took a step back. His eyes were cold, and his voice was colder. “Mrs. Roberts, don’t flatter yourself.”

“You know I was forced to marry Kelvin Diaz!”

“Who you married is none of my concern.” Theo turned to leave, but the woman clutched his sleeve, her tear-filled eyes pleading. “When will you stop hating me?”

Watching her boss pull away again and again, Makenzie couldn’t help asking System 66, “Why is Theo Mason meeting her here if he won’t even hug or kiss her? Why is he holding back so hard?”

System 66 analyzed matter-of-factly, “Theo’s father went bankrupt once, and it was Mrs. Diaz’s family who saved them. Despite his feelings for Lila Roberts, Theo remains respectful, knowing he owes them. That’s why he needs a stand-in like you.”

“Tough guy, huh? Won’t even let himself have an affair,” Makenzie murmured softly.

“What are you doing?” A soft yet clear voice suddenly came from above her.

Startled, she looked up. Moonlight spilled silver over the man above her, washing over his exquisite, porcelain-like features.

“Get down.” Makenzie quickly caught his wrist and pulled. The tall figure crouched down beside her.

His chin bumped against her shoulder, and he coughed lightly a few times.

“Shh.” She pressed her hand over his mouth. “Not a sound.”

He nodded, and she slowly let him go.

“Are you spying on people’s private business?” he asked quietly.

A pleasant scent drifted toward her—woods, with a faint hint of medicinal herbs. Makenzie turned, her nose brushing his. She instinctively leaned back. “My boss is meeting his lover. I’m just keeping watch,” she whispered.

System 66 cut in. “Host, he’s not—”

“Quiet, I’m busy,” Makenzie silenced it internally. Beside her, the man let out a soft chuckle.

“You mean Mrs. Roberts and the CEO of Mason Group are having a secret rendezvous?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” She gestured toward the gazebo—though thanks to the interruption, she’d missed much of the conversation.

“Host! Watch what you say!” System 66 yelled internally. “That’s Kelvin Diaz! He’s Lila Roberts’ supposedly sickly husband!”

“…”

A shock went through Makenzie. The man leaning so close to her neck was the fragile Kelvin Diaz.

“Clearly, I was mistaken,” she quickly amended, flashing a friendly smile while straightening a little to block his view. “I must have misread the situation.”

“Is that so?” Kelvin Diaz lowered his gaze, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He seemed completely unfazed by catching his wife with another man.

“My boss wouldn’t engage in such immoral acts. As his assistant, I know him well,” Makenzie replied. Realizing she was still holding his wrist, she quickly added, “You don’t look well. Should I help you find somewhere to rest?”

“Aren’t you going to go say hello?” he asked gently. His breath brushed her face, tickling lightly.

“No need. It’d be improper, and it wouldn’t help anyone,” Makenzie said with a smile.

Kelvin studied her, his lips curving into a smile, muffled by a light cough. “Let’s go.”

With the rose bushes shielding them, Makenzie helped the frail man up onto the veranda and led him away from the gazebo.

“You’re Theo Mason’s assistant? I thought his assistant was named Amari,” Kelvin inquired. Locks of hair fell across his forehead, adding a bit of color to his pale face.

“Amari indeed—but I’m the new assistant, Makenzie Bell.”

Makenzie met his amused gaze.

He’d just watched his wife cheat, and his only reaction seemed to be finding humor in her joke. How peculiar.

“Young master!” A butler in a black suit rushed over, panting as he offered support. “Why are you out alone? Mrs. Roberts is looking for you everywhere.”

“It’s fine. Just taking a stroll,” Kelvin replied softly.

Makenzie took the chance to release his hand and stepped aside. “I’ll be off now.”

She nodded politely, gathered her dress, and slipped away without hesitation.

Kelvin watched her leave. “Is that the daughter causing a stir in the Bell family lately—Makenzie Bell?”

“Yes. How’d you meet her? Quite a scheming girl,” the butler said, carefully supporting Kelvin, as if fearing his fragile frame might give way.

Kelvin shook his head, his smile soft. “I don’t think so. She didn’t even know who I was. I found her rather intriguing.”

The butler eyed him with surprise, still wary. “Keep your distance. She’s likely putting on a front.”

Back inside the vibrant banquet hall, the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered as Makenzie questioned a staff member on her way to the restroom.

Jason spotted her leaving and found an excuse to follow.

“66, why didn’t Kelvin Diaz react to Lila Roberts being with another man? Did I say something wrong earlier?”