Her unthinking gentleness had softened something in him. She could feel it, the way the air between them had quietly changed, like frost melting under early sunlight.
Victor finished the last sip of coffee in his cup and set it down. He stood up, already reaching for his jacket.
"Let's go. I'll send you."
She did not refuse.
Right now, she had nothing. Pride, stubbornness, dignity, all of it felt hollow in the face of reality. Whatever protection, money, and power Victor could give her, she needed it. At least for now.
She was no longer the Isabella of yesterday, who could still afford to be reckless and proud. From today on, she needed to become strong again. She needed to stand on her own feet as quickly as possible.
Until then, she would use whatever Victor was willing to give.
She would protect her heart, but she would not pretend to be aloof in front of him. Since she was already being judged by the world, what was the point of acting noble?
