The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 837

Winona replied, "I haven't made any final decisions yet."

Sylvan couldn't hold back. "Why don't you let me pave the way for you? With my connections and resources in the Capital, I can fast-track your career to the very top."

Winona offered a polite, detached smile. "I'd prefer to build it myself."

Sylvan frowned. "Is this because of Ryder Powell? Are you planning to use his connections instead of mine?"

He was terrified that Winona, just like Forrest, would succumb to the Powells' influence and officially become their child in every way that mattered.

"That's not it at all. I don't intend to rely on anyone's help."

Sylvan looked thoroughly shocked. "You truly want to do this solo? Winona, I know you were exceptional in Riverton, but the research circles in the Capital are a different beast. It's highly exclusive. Why won't you trust me? I just want to make your path a little smoother."

Initially, Winona hadn't wanted to waste breath explaining herself, but she changed her mind.

Whether Sylvan grasped it or not, she needed to set the boundary.

"Because I refuse to be beholden to anyone. If I accept your resources now, doesn't that mean my future projects will be subject to your approval?"

Sylvan could make it sound like a no-strings-attached favor today, but she knew better.

What would happen when he demanded she prioritize a vanity project to repay a political favor? Would she even have the right to say no?

Realizing she was immovable, Sylvan smartly dropped the subject. He didn't want to extinguish the rare spark of civility between them.

He finished his tea and tried a different angle. "Well, since you're here now, let's grab dinner sometime. And I'd love to spend some time with Audrey. Can I hold her?"

"You can, but absolutely no talking nonsense to her."

The manipulative garbage Margaret had tried to feed Audrey was still fresh in her mind.

"I swear, I'll be on my best behavior."

Sensing the shift, Sylvan added, "I'll only hold her when you're right here in the room."

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