Catherine knew men like Maximilian never gave anything away for free.
There was no such thing as a free lunch, especially not one plated with prestige, power, and a Winthorp invitation.
He didn't answer her question right away. Just tilted his head and gave her that infuriatingly gentle smile... the one that carved faint lines at the corners of his eyes and made sincerity look effortless.
She didn't trust it.
Not for a second.
The offer was everything she needed right now. The timing was too perfect. If she wanted to stand a chance against Renfield, she needed visibility. Allies. A stage.
And yet.
From him?
"Your plus one?" she asked coolly, as if it was beneath her.
She expected irritation. Maybe offense. Some sharp retort that would prove this was about ego.
Instead, Maximilian's expression went thoughtful.
"Why didn't I think of that?" he murmured.
Catherine blinked.
He picked up his phone and made the call as if the decision had been waiting all along.
