He let out a short breath, then finished quietly but firmly, "And please, enlighten me, how exactly will money explain all of this to the media?"
These were valid concerns. Real ones. They were exactly the risks he had considered when he proposed the contract marriage in the first place.
But they still were not his main concern.
That one, he could not say out loud.
So he held onto this argument instead.
"Olaedo," he said again, softer now but no less serious. "How does money help me in any of these situations?"
She went silent.
Because he was right.
And she knew it.
She did not want them to end things in bitterness. She did not want shouting or resentment or doors slammed shut. In her mind, there was still a small hope, couldn't they at least part peacefully? Maybe even remain friends?
Or was that asking for too much?
Their relationship had always been complicated. Maybe friendship after this was unrealistic.
