Sorry Sir I Don’t Want You Back by Little Angelic Devil

Cherise laughed at Theo's question.

"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you," Cherise assured him when she saw him getting more embarrassed. "God knows how close I am to Julian. He spoils me like crazy, and I don't think anyone else can compare to him or even Logan, though his way of caring is different." "So, no, it's not wrong to love your sister that much," Cherise smiled at him. "In fact, I love that you love her that much. Not many brothers care about their sisters, and I'm sure she's grateful for your over-the-top care." "Well, now you are just teasing me," Theo laughed.

"As long as you don't smother her by being over-protective and let her find her true self, then it'll be alright," Cherise smiled again as she recalled how much both Julian and Logan loved her but still let her do some shenanigans as long as it wouldn't put her in trouble.

Theo sighed. "My sister, Erica, she's too timid to do anything. I'm worried about letting her go into the world. She doesn't have any close friends and only trusts me."

He glanced at her again. "Would it be too much for me to ask you to be her friend when she arrives here? She never has any female figures to look up to, and I think you'll be a good influence for her."

Theo knew he was betting on Cherise's kindness and soft nature, and he wasn't ashamed of using his sister to get closer to her as long as he could get the woman he wanted. He was sure Erica would not object to it and might be excited about helping him. Furthermore, his assessment was correct. He was sure Cherise's confidence could rub off on Erica.

Cherise grinned and replied, "I'd love to. I don't have a little sister, and it'd be my pleasure to be her friend, though I don't know if I could help her or if she'd like me."

"She'll love you," Theo said with gentle confidence as he drove past Julian's villa's gate toward the building entrance.

"I hope so," Cherise smiled, and when the car stopped before the main door, she bid him good night.

She was about to open the car's door when she heard Theo's voice.

"Cherise, I could spoil you as much as Julian spoils you if you let me," he said softly, which made Cherise pause and turn back to him.

"You don't have to say anything," he smiled gently at her. "I know you still need time to get into another relationship after how your last one ended, but I'm willing to wait." Cherise looked at him with complex emotion. She wasn't ready and didn't know if rejecting him now would cause stiffness or unprofessionalism when they worked together.

But thankfully, Theo reassured her, "Don't reject me yet, Cherise. Let us see how it goes, and I promise this will not affect my professionalism during our partnership."

"I can't promise you anything, Theo," she said softly.

"I know." He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's a risk of pursuing someone."

Cherise breathed in relief secretly. She would be fine with it if it would not affect their partnership or if Theo forced her to accept him.

"Go on in, then," Theo urged her.

Cherise nodded and remembered their earlier conversation. "I'll ask Neil to compile a list of colleges and send it to your email." As an Alster, it would be easy for her to ask for a spot in colleges even though they had closed off the application process. "Thank you, Cherise." Theo wanted to kiss her cheek but held himself back.

"You are welcome, Theo," Cherise smiled before exiting his car, waving at him, and entering Julian's mansion.

Theo waited and ensured Cherise had walked the short distance safely before starting his car to return to his villa.

He wished he had met her before she fell in love with Hudson, but what was done was done. For now, he swore to himself that he would work hard to earn her love and trust and erase the trauma she had for men.

******

For the next two weeks, Cherise was busy with Theo and their team. Due to their late working hours, she always had dinner with him, and the more she spent time with him, the more comfortable she felt because he hadn't spoken about wanting to be in a relationship with her again.

Although she knew the Kingston Group was successful in the gaming industry, she was still amazed by his knowledge and the way he treated their team members, even when there were problems with coding.

He was patient, never losing his temper. Whenever he picked up his sister's calls, which he did freely in front of her, she could tell his love for Erica was not faked by the tenderness in his voice and expression.

There was only one problem with what she felt was her peaceful life now - Hudson, who kept sending expensive jewelry or other items either to Julian's villa or her office.

It attracted too much attention. Flowers and meals she could accept, but those expensive items she could not. In the end, she sent them back to him.

Hudson was losing his mind. He wanted to confront Cherise and ask why she wouldn't accept his gifts. He wanted to demand her to accept them. They were his form of apology for his last mishap in giving her the two projects freely.

What was worse was that there were pictures of Cherise having dinner every night with Theodore Kington, which led to rumors of their dating.

He really wanted to go to Cherise and demand explanations. Didn't she say they were just business partners? Then why the need to have dinner together every night?

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, his therapist stopped him from doing so. If he wanted to show Cherise he has changed, he shouldn't be so domineering or asking about it.

In the end, Hudson could only sulk and brood all day, which wasn't good for his employees. He vented his frustration on them, asking them to redo their jobs no matter how perfect they were.

But he would be able to meet Cherise the next day as they would present their business plans and proposals to one of the companies they were competing with to get the tender. Hopefully, then, he could talk to her in a civilized manner.

***

The next day, Theo drove Cherise to the company where she would meet Neil to compete with the Amery Group.

"I'll pick you up after," Theo said as he dropped her off. "Not that you'll need it, as I'm sure you'll get the tender, but good luck, Cherise."

Cherise gazed at Theo. He really was gentle. Maybe if he hadn't met Hudson or wanted to be in a relationship, she would've picked Theo. He would make a perfect boyfriend because of how caring, gentle, and loving he was. Unfortunately, she had her heart broken and did not wish to enter another relationship soon. She would much rather work to bring the Alster Group to a new height.

"Thank you, Theo." She smiled at him and got out of his car to join Neil, who was already waiting for her at the entrance of the building.

"Everything ready?" Cherise asked his PA.

"Yes, Miss Cherise," Neil responded. "The Amery Group has already arrived."

"Let's go, then." Cherise let him lead her to the conference room, and she smiled at the company's representative once she entered the room.

Her eyes darted around the room and caught Hudson's eyes before she gave him a smirk and settled into her seat.

Hudson, as usual, couldn't take his eyes off Cherise. Today, she wasn't wearing her white power suit but a tailored three-piece black suit with a muted silver fitted vest and a white shirt underneath. Her tie was also black and had silver stripes. As usual, her long hair was tied into a high, sleek ponytail, and she wore black open-toed heels. Overall, she looked like a lady boss.

Once everyone was seated, a company representative called his CEO and the shareholders, who could only join them through a conference call.

The Amery Group was the first to present their plan and proposal. Hudson, being the CEO, stood up and went to the front of the room.

Cherise wasn't afraid of competing against him. Whoever got the project would get it fair and square rather than being handed it freely. She stared at her ex-husband as he began speaking and was surprised by him.