In the past, whenever their arguments stretched into cold silence, it was always Nathanie who yielded first.
After a few days of ignoring each other, he would eventually soften, writing a brief apology note just to bring things back to normal. Back then, Adriana had taken those gestures to heart. She had believed the effort meant he cared.
Now, she understood something else.
If a signed apology could once mend their relationship, perhaps a signature could also end it.
“I don’t need you arranging my future,” she said lightly, a hint of challenge in her voice. “If I’m going to move up in rank, I’ll do it with my own abilities.”
Nathanie let out a low laugh, clearly amused. To him, she sounded like a stubborn pup trying to prove herself.
“Suit yourself,” he replied lazily as he reclined against the headboard. “Saves me the trouble. Just don’t come whining to me when no one notices your so-called talent. You might regret being so proud.”
His tone was teasing, but beneath it lay something colder.
Adriana heard it clearly.
She held his gaze. “I won’t come to you. In fact, there’s something I want you to sign.”
His brow lifted. “Sign what?”