My heart skipped a beat as Theodore's words hung in the air. The entire crowd went silent, all eyes fixed on him with rapt attention. I fought to keep my expression neutral, though my pulse was racing beneath my calm exterior.
"What do you mean?" Victoria asked, her voice wavering slightly.
Theodore caught my eye. For a split second, I saw his intention—he was about to reveal everything. Then he seemed to register my warning look and quickly pivoted.
"I mean," he recovered smoothly, "that brilliance often hides in plain sight. People like Dr. Wilson don't announce themselves with fanfare."
I released the breath I'd been holding. Close call.
Victoria narrowed her eyes, clearly disappointed by the anticlimactic response. "How philosophical of you, Theodore."
The tension in our little circle was broken by a wave of whispers rippling through the ballroom. I turned to see the cause of the commotion and immediately wished I hadn't.
