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.

by 2, now at 59. Warning: Favourability has fallen below acceptable levels. Please re–initiate your

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Chapter 186

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

ungrateful and

maintain her composure before the others, Amber dipped

watched Amber’s retreating figure with a slight frown. For just a moment, she had

to speak but was immediately met with Winnie’s cold, slightly threatening stare. Intimidated, he coughed awkwardly and changed

asking about you earlier. Don’t forget to check in with him when you get a chance,”

her attention diverted by Springer’s incessant chatter. Once she finally managed

to use my study

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

I need… gold aura? Could I borrow that

busy today that she had fallen asleep without asking for a

him.

thought he might not reply,

Drake: Yes.

and even the annoyance from Amber’s

a major win; she had secured access to the gold

lightness, Winnie practically floated upstairs, her spirits soaring.

allowed her access to his private study but had agreed

for him. He instructed his butler, “If Winnie comes by while

aback by the unexpected generosity. The young master was not only permitting Winnie into his study but

astonishment, the butler acknowledged the order, “Got it,

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

to form a bond with