Page 148 of One Wealthy Wedding

“It’s not that impressive. Anyone could do it.”

If that’s all you aspire to be—people—then sure.

“That’s not true,” Cat insists. “I might not know much about trading stocks, but I know what you did is not something everyone can do. And getting Kai involved—that was a stroke of genius. Imagine if you could have a mentoring program at Kings Lane.”

My chest pinches. Imagine. A bunch of kids, eager like Kai, bright-eyed and ready to learn. “I’d love that.”

“You would?”

“Oh yeah. Mentoring Kai is one of my favorite parts of my week. Kids bring a fresh perspective to everything. Even the mundane becomes interesting. You know last session he told me he thought he should make an app and drop out of college like Mark Zuckerberg? He hasn’t even gone to college yet.”

Cat laughs. “You should start the program. Since you love it.”

I take in Cat’s fierce expression, her unyielding stare, her messy hair, and her swollen lips. So fucking sexy, especially when all that intensity is trained on me. I still. We don’t do this at Kings Lane. We’re in business to make money, not run after-school care. Even if I see it as so much more than that.

“You think I should tell my business partners that I want to do charity work with my time at Kings Lane?”

“I think you should start a new division and run it yourself. Do what you enjoy and do the mentoring on the side. You wanted a legacy, right? This could be your legacy.”

My heart gives a hard kick at the thought. That would be a pretty fucking great legacy. But Jonah and Miles, this isn’t something they’re interested in. I’m not the ideas guy. I’m the investor guy, the pretty face. And with how I grew up, I need to be better than ever to earn respect, not running a charity program.

“I don’t think they’d be interested,” I say finally.

“Why the hell not?”

“Cat.” I shut my eyes briefly. “I’m not as good as Miles and Jonah. I need to be making money and bringing in business, not running a charity.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Her eyes flash.

“Come on. You know I don’t have as much experience. I haven’t done anything important. I went to school later than them. I came on later. I’ll always be playing catch-up.” Each word drips acid into my chest. But I have to make Cat understand. “I need to show the world that I deserve to be there with them. Not because I’m good-looking or charming, but because I’m worthy.”

Her face softens. I look away. “I just want you to understand why this deal is so important to me. And why I can’t run a charity. It’s a good idea, really.” I squeeze her hand where it rests next to me on the bed. “But maybe in ten years. When I’ve proven myself.”

She tilts her head. “You can do it at Peterson International, then.”

“What?” Cat doesn’t want me involved in Peterson International. She’s been adamant about being in control.

“Do it with me. Screw Miles and Jonah if they’re not interested.”

“You’d do that?”

She frowns. “It’s not like I’m doing you a favor. This is good PR. But yes. I think it’s a great idea. I believe in you.”

My chest expands.

“I don’t know.” This is a huge risk. Something that could tank my career forever.

“Tell them, Theo. You made something, and I’m not going to let you hide it away because you think it’s stupid.”

“You’re not going to let me?” I smile up at her. “What are you going to do about it, princess?”

“I can make you.” She narrows her eyes on me. “I can be very convincing.”

“You’re going to bully me?” The thought makes me want to laugh, but she’s going to be irritated if I do.

“Into sharing your accomplishments? Yes.”

I tug her down so she’s lying on my chest again. “Tell me more.”

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