Chapter 140: In the Shadow of Expectations

Andreas’s POV

“And if Ashley doesn’t…fall in line with whatever you decide?”

I flinched, remembering the promise I’d made to her—the promise to let her go if that was what she wanted. I’d held back what the investigator had found, knowing it might tempt her to stay. As much as I wanted her by my side, it couldn’t be under false pretenses.

“She doesn’t have to,” I replied, defiance lacing my voice. “If she wants to leave, I’ll respect that.”

An eyebrow arched, a shadow of amusement crossing his face. “You’ve grown soft, Andreas. Are you forgetting what’s at stake if anyone gets even a whiff of what you just told me?”

“I’m not forgetting,” I said firmly. “But Ashley…she deserves the opportunity to do what’s best for her.”

His gaze hardened. “You’re letting sentiment cloud your judgment. You don’t get where I am by indulging emotions.”

I fought to hold my ground. “Maybe not. But I’m not willing to turn this into a game of manipulation.”

Silence settled over us, thick with tension. His d