Chapter 169

• Two days after my return, Jacob York, Dylan’s strategist, finally arrived. He was drenched from the rain but still managed to make his way to the study with urgency in his steps. Once inside, he quickly changed into a fresh set of clothes and got straight to the point.
• “The king’s intention is clear: he wants to strip you of your corporate power,” Jacob said without any preamble. “Since you're ready to step down, then let it go. But here's the thing don’t let your personal life be leveraged as part of the deal.”
• I listened carefully, taking in his words. Jacob continued, his voice steady and thoughtful. “The king knows about your past engagement with Lady Sinclair, and now he wants to use that as a way to compensate himself, to ease his own conscience. But I think that’s unnecessary. Once you relinquish control of the company, request that he retract his offer. Whether or not you end up with Lady Sinclair should be between you and her, without any interference from the royal family. If the king inserts himself into this, it’ll complicate everything turn it into something more than just a relationship.”