Sebastian looked directly into Adrian's eyes, the intensity of his gaze demanding honesty. "You said your involvement is not love, but a contract. Yet, when I offered you a clean slate—true, irrevocable freedom from all debt—you refused it because you refuse to owe either of us anything. Adrian, that's not about debt. That's about loyalty. You chose to remain bound to Alexander because, despite everything, you love him, and you want to fight this battle on his territory."
Adrian felt a slow burn of shame and frustration. Sebastian had dissected his motivations with frightening accuracy. He could neither deny nor confirm the statement without violating his own protective barrier.
"My personal feelings are irrelevant to my professional commitments," Adrian stated, picking up his glass.
Sebastian didn't push. He simply nodded, respecting the wall. "Understood. Then I will stick to my commitment: I am your distraction, and your chauffeur. And your friend, if you will allow it."
