Willow's hand froze mid-air, the glass of water hovering just inches from her lips. Theodore's question had caught her off guard, and her expression shifted instantly from surprise to irritation. She scowled, slowly placing the glass back on the table. "What did you just say? Do you have any conscience at all? How could you even think I'd be interested in Zack?"
Theodore felt relief wash over him, but his curiosity lingered. What drove Willow to collaborate with him if she wasn't interested in Zack?
"Then why do you want to partner with him?" he asked, his tone still filled with doubt. "If you really need a partner, I'm right here. I've always respected your independence and never pressured you to work with me. But I'm asking now—work with me. I can help you build your brand."
Willow's response was immediate and firm. "No… that's not going to happen," she rejected the offer flatly. "I don't want any favors from the Reids."
