"Thank you for your help," Julian said, his tone clipped, eyes dark with restrained irritation.
"No need to thank me, really," Theo replied smoothly, his grin almost wolfish. "It was nothing." He glanced at Willow, his smirk widening.
"But if a man can't protect his own girl, what good is all that business acumen anyway?"
Theo's voice carried a mocking edge as his eyes slid to Willow. "Don't you think so, my lovely lady?"
Willow's expression hardened. She didn't respond, refusing to play into Theo's taunts.
Julian stepped forward, deliberately placing himself between Theo and Willow, his towering frame blocking Theo's view of her.
"I don't need your advice," Julian said coldly. "I protect what's mine."
Theo raised a brow, unbothered by Julian's sharp tone. "Let's hope you mean it. A
