True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Chapter 185

Winnie couldn’t see what was happening downstairs, but she could distinctly sense the awkward silence that filled the air the moment Drake finished speaking.

But it was fleeting.

Amber didn’t hesitate for a second before she corrected herself, her tone as casual as ever.

“Oh, I apologize, Mr. Patterson, It won’t happen again.”

Then she asked, “Mr. Patterson, is Winnie with you?”

Drake simply said, “I asked her to help me with some things. I’ll have someone take her home later.*

At that, Amber’s curiosity peaked, and she naturally continued the conversation, “Mr. Patterson, are you asking Winnie for help? Do you, by any chance, believe in something supernatural?*

Winnie stood at the top of the stairs, wondering if Amber was trying to chat with Drake until she came down. If that was the case, she couldn’t very well hide.

After all, Drake didn’t seem like the type to enjoy small talk.

But before she could make her way down, Drake spoke again from below, not picking up Amber’s bait, simply stating, “If there’s nothing else, Ms. Amber, you may leave now.”

With that, he didn’t wait for Amber’s reaction and stood up, adding, “Winnie is safe with me. If Horace is concerned, he can call me himself.”

The implication was clear: Horace, Winnie’s own brother, hadn’t come knocking, so it was inappropriate for a distant relative like Amber to show up uninvited.

Although Amber knew Drake was a tough nut to crack, she hadn’t expected him to be more direct than before. Previously, their families had at least some interaction, and he wouldn’t have been so blunt, effectively shutting down all her conversational avenues…

Feeling stifled, yet maintaining a façade of grace and politeness, Amber rose to leave. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that our family doesn’t trust you. I just came to check in. Now that I know she’s with you, I’ll be on my way.”

After a courteous exit, Amber didn’t linger and followed the butler out the villa’s grand entrance. Once she was gone, Drake paid her no more heed and started upstairs, just in time to see Winnie at the stairwell, obviously having been there a while.

His eyebrows lifted slightly, and he asked, “You’re up? Why not head back with her?”

Winnie, sensing no intention of sending her away in his voice, relaxed a little and was honest,

want to go

no direct conflict between her

wasn’t behind the many troubles she faced from Hobson, Cutler, and even earlier, from Springer. So, in

wait a bit longer, have something to

better of

plenty of

o’clock, it wasn’t too late for dinner.

Winnie joined him, the housekeeper quickly unveiled the dishes, releasing the steam from the food that had been kept warm underneath.

explanation for the waiting meal simply gesturing for her to

were dishes and cutlery reserved for guests, Drake disliked having people dine at his

were even less likely.

butler and the chef had seen Drake instruct them to keep dinner warm for someone else,

the significance, saw the food and sat down

the day’s events and the expenditure of her energy, she indeed needed

maintained impeccable manners while eating, chewing slowly, quietly, without

also ate in silence, was somewhat

others was largely due to his dislike

he focused solely on eating,

be discussed

meal passed in

Drake, she was escorted back

he couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Patterson, why didn’t you walk Ms. Bryant home yourself?”

stroll after dinner, under the decorative streetlights. would have

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clearly didn’t catch the butler’s hint, and turning his head, he asked. “Did

Ms. Bryant was quiet and pleasant. She

twinkling with amusement at the butler’s

simply said, “You must be

but docile. She was just