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.

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Chapter 186

felt frustration boiling inside her. She had been silent, and still, his opinion of her had plummeted.

ungrateful

her composure before the others, Amber dipped her head and quickly exited

just a moment, she had noticed a fleeting change in Amber’s expression. Could she have

Hobson observed Amber’s hasty and forlorn departure, feeling a pang of guilt directed toward Winnie. He opened his mouth to speak but was immediately met with Winnie’s cold, slightly threatening stare. Intimidated, he coughed awkwardly and changed the

him when you get a chance,” he said before quickly ascending the stairs without waiting for a response.

mind, her attention diverted by Springer’s incessant chatter. Once she finally managed to send him

to use my study for

up at the thought of the purified aura in Drake’s study, her heart racing at

What if I need… gold aura? Could

had fallen asleep without

him.

she thought he might not reply, her phone pinged

Drake: Yes.

made Winnie’s eyes sparkle with excitement, and even

major win; she had secured access to the gold aura and to Drake’s study.

practically floated upstairs, her

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

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

master was not only permitting Winnie into his

relief and astonishment, the butler acknowledged the order, “Got it, sir.”

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“And what if

sensed Amber’s eagerness to form a