Chapter 71
At that moment his tone was calm, but it carried weight. "Cora, I’m not saying reject them. I’m saying don’t let the excitement cloud your judgment. Don’t let your guard down. Because if they sense even a bit of weakness or desperation, they’ll use it."
For a moment, silence lingered between them. Then Cora exhaled, her voice coming softly.
"Oliver... you worry too much."
"I do," he admitted without hesitation. "Especially when it comes to you."
Cora smiled faintly, her eyes warm despite the tension in the air. "I expected this from you. You’ve always been the cautious one. You’ve always been the voice pulling me back when I’m ready to leap. And honestly? I’m glad I have that voice beside me, it keeps me in cheek."
She shifted in her seat. "But the decision has been made. I’ve thought about it long and hard. I’m not going into this blind. That’s why the contract hasn’t been signed yet only a proposal. If anything feels wrong, if even one condition doesn’t sit well with me, I’ll walk away. You have my word."
Oliver still looked skeptical, but he nodded slowly.
"And besides," she added, her voice growing firmer, "this project is my dream. My statement. I won’t let anyone steal it from me—not Robert, not JSK, not anyone."
Oliver gave a quiet sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just... be careful, Cora."
Cora nodded. "I will. Always."