True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Chapter 186

The final question hung in the air, light as a feather but hitting Amber like a sledgehammer to the forehead.

Amber’s eyes widened in shock; she hadn’t expected Winnie to have overheard her conversation with Drake. How could she eavesdrop on their private exchange?!

Usually unflappable, Amber found herself blindsided by Winnie’s sudden interjection. Before she could compose herself, Springer bounded into the room from the living room, his curiosity piqued.

“Why do you keep calling Drake ‘Drakie‘ when he asked you not to?” he inquired, his forthright question turning Amber’s cheeks a shade redder.

Embarrassed and indignant, she stammered, “I–It’s just a habit, I haven’t had the chance to break it yet.”

Trying to regain her composure, Amber mustered an excuse and turned to Winnie, “I meant no offense, we’re just close, you know? If it bothers you, I won’t say it again.”

Her voice trailed off, but before she could gather her thoughts, the internal alert from her ‘relationship system‘ rang in her mind.

System alert: Springer’s favourability rating has decreased by 3, currently at 61. Warning: Favourability is approaching failing levels. Please take action to improve your standing with the target character.

Amber stiffened in disbelief, her gaze turning incredulously toward Springer.

What had she done to cause such a sudden drop in his favor? She had already forgiven him for keeping his distance and now this?

In that moment, Amber felt truly wronged.

Springer, for his part, was puzzled by the wounded look in Amber’s eyes.

Ever since their falling out, he felt much clearer in his thoughts. Had this been the old days, he would’ve blamed Winnie for Amber’s words. But now…

He found Amber’s insistence on the familiar term ‘Drakie‘ rather disingenuous, especially since Drake had already corrected her. Her excuse about habit sounded fake. After all, she had barely spoken to Drake since her arrival at the Bryant household. Maybe he had misjudged her character.

In contrast, Winnie seemed more genuine – strong, loyal, and true.

59. Warning: Favourability has fallen below acceptable levels. Please re–initiate your strategy with the target character.

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Chapter 186

frustration boiling inside her. She had been silent, and

represented everything ungrateful and

Amber dipped

with a slight frown. For just a moment, she had noticed a

directed toward Winnie. He opened his mouth to speak but was immediately

earlier. Don’t forget to check in with him when you get a chance,” he said before quickly ascending the stairs without

diverted by Springer’s incessant chatter. Once she finally

welcome to use my study

heart racing at the prospect. She hesitated for a moment, then sent a probing message in return.

if I need… gold aura?

fallen asleep without asking for

him.

brief wait, when she thought he might not reply, her phone pinged with a response.

Drake: Yes.

and even the annoyance from Amber’s earlier disturbance

secured access to the

Winnie practically floated

on the other hand, paused after sending the message, questioning his own impulsiveness. He had not only allowed her access

made, however, there was no turning back for him. He instructed his butler, “If Winnie comes by while I’m away, let her use the study.”

by the unexpected generosity. The young master was not only permitting

of relief and astonishment, the

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brief pause, the butler asked, “And what if Miss Amber

sensed Amber’s eagerness to form a bond with