
Four Hot CEOs Are Obsessed With My Face
Chapter 5
System 66 chimed in, “Congrats, host—you’re officially Theo Mason’s close companion now. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mason,” Makenzie Bell replied. Her smile lit up her eyes in a way that made it impossible for him to look away. He stubbed out his cigarette, refocused, and stood. “There’s a birthday dinner at the Diaz family home tomorrow night. You’re coming with me.”
The invitation had Lila Roberts written all over it.
“All right. Here’s my banking info,” Makenzie said, handing over her bank card with a grin. “Please make a note of it, Mr. Mason.”
Half an hour later, Makenzie sat alone in the living room, pleased to see an advance covering almost two years land in her account. Smiling, she treated herself to an extravagant takeout dinner, then picked a room upstairs for some well-deserved rest.
Makenzie didn’t wake until noon. She stretched in her bathrobe, headed to the bathroom, then padded downstairs barefoot, her hair still tousled. She’d ordered groceries, planning to cook lunch herself.
Passing the study on the second floor, she glimpsed a figure at the desk and stopped dead in her tracks. Theo sat bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows, bent over paperwork. Gold-rimmed glasses lent a scholarly air to his otherwise commanding presence.
Theo hadn’t left for work that morning.
System 66 helpfully reminded her, “Lila Roberts always took the gentle approach.”
Makenzie adjusted her demeanor, knocked softly on the door, and said, “Mr. Mason?”
He looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. With her shoulder-length hair and sleep-softened face, she exuded a tender warmth.
Seeing him quickly regain his composure, she asked gently, “Have you eaten?”
“No,” Theo said, setting down his pen, his eyes still on her.
“I’ll make something. Would you like to join me?” Makenzie offered. System 66 quickly cut in, “Lila Roberts didn’t know her way around a kitchen.”
“No worries. With these eyes doing the asking, he’ll eat.” Makenzie reassured him.
“All right.” Theo agreed with a slight nod, hiding any trace of his earlier surprise behind a composed expression. Despite his usual cool demeanor, he found warmth in her gaze.
Just then, the doorbell echoed downstairs. Makenzie smiled at him. “Do you have any dietary restrictions?”
“Make whatever you like.”
She nodded. “I’ll grab the groceries. I’ll call you when lunch is ready.”
The two kept it cordial, maintaining a respectful distance.
As a stand-in companion on her first day, Makenzie aimed to please her employer and make sure he felt his investment was worth it. Considering Theo’s sensitive stomach, she prepared two dishes and a soothing soup.
Before she could call him, Theo had already come downstairs.
“There’s something I forgot to mention last night,” he said, sitting at the table, his voice steady. “I don’t like my personal space being invaded. I’d appreciate it if you handled any outside entanglements—like young Mr. Jason—appropriately.”
“Actually, I forgot to mention something too.” Makenzie set the utensils before him and took a seat beside him. “I’ve cut ties with my family. With no support, I had no choice but to approach you. I’m completely unattached now. As for any bad press, I’ll handle it so it doesn’t trouble you.”
Theo gave her an assessing glance, nodded slightly, then picked up his fork.
His table manners were impeccable. Neither spoke throughout the meal. Then a phone call interrupted the quiet.
Makenzie went to the kitchen to answer it.
“Nora, your jewelry design has caught an international buyer’s eye. They want to sign a purchase agreement.”
System 66 quickly explained, “That’s your assistant, Luke. Your past as a jewelry designer fits your current identity.”
Despite past romantic distractions, her design talent was undeniable.
After hearing the assistant’s voice, she replied quickly, “Some family issues came up. I’ll email you the contract later.”
“Is it about young Mr. Jason again? Haven’t you sorted out the issue of him using your designs to make Kristen look more versatile?”
Makenzie raised an eyebrow. Another mess to sort out?
“Soon. I’ve got to go now.”
Back at the dining table, she found Theo’s place empty, but the dish she’d served was polished off.
At 2:30 PM, a team of stylists and makeup artists hired by Theo arrived, loaded with outfits and tools to prepare Makenzie for the evening event.
She emerged with elegantly styled, minimalist hair and a sleek white satin dress. The gown’s side slit revealed a hint of ivory skin, adding sophistication.
When not caught in drama, Makenzie’s beauty was incomparable.
Amid the stylists’ admiring comments, she turned to see Theo in a perfectly tailored dark green suit that emphasized his physique. Nearing thirty, Theo carried not an ounce of excess, embodying a composed, striking masculinity.
He approached her with appreciation clear in his eyes, though his admiration seemed to reach beyond Makenzie herself. “You look stunning, Miss Bell.”
As the stylists and makeup artists discreetly exited, Makenzie suggested lightly, “Maybe we should drop the formal titles? Considering our new arrangement and all.” Her smile stayed polite. “Of course, if that makes you uncomfortable, we can keep things as they are.”
Theo’s response was indirect. “You’re different from before.”
Before bringing her back, he’d done a thorough background check. Her past actions were morally questionable—yet somehow justifiable.
“Now I’m reliant on you, Mr. Mason,” Makenzie replied, her gaze innocent. “People tend to mind their manners when they’re living under someone else’s roof.” Her smile was pure and non-threatening.
Theo considered briefly. “Call me whatever you like.”
As his companion—albeit newly appointed—she had certain privileges.
“Theo.” Makenzie smiled, slipping her arm through his. She noticed his slight stiffening. “Is this okay?”
System 66 updated, “You’ve received $100,000. Theo Mason’s favorability increased by 3%.”
System 66 added, “You’re impressive! How did you know Lila Roberts used to cling affectionately to his arm?”
“Was that even a question?” Makenzie thought, rolling her eyes mentally. “Every romance novel plays out this way. You didn’t think I’ve read a thousand CEO romance novels for nothing, did you?”
Theo glanced down, an enigmatic smile gracing his lips. “Jason Carter will be at the Diaz family dinner. Will you still call me that in front of him?”
“To keep our relationship discreet, I’ll call you Mr. Mason in public. Trust me, I have no feelings for young Mr. Jason,” Makenzie asserted confidently, sincerity genuine in her eyes. “I don’t love him.”
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