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227words2026-01-27 09:13

"Naturally, Ethan's young and reckless. I was planning to send him abroad to get some polish—give him a title, groom him into the company—but he keeps resisting. Judging from that crowd, he probably has a dozen girlfriends he can't even keep track of."
I nodded. "Understood."
Nathaniel said casually, "Maybe break up with him. I can give you more opportunities."

I blinked. Right—of course I nodded. "Understood."
In the pause that followed Nathaniel's surprised look, I realized what I'd said—for a second I'd phrased it oddly.
I asked finally, "If I don't agree, will I still be allowed to use the lab equipment?"
Nathaniel's lips twitched. "If I say no?"
I swallowed. "Then I'll agree."
I sent Ethan a terse message:

[We should break up.]
Nathaniel frowned. "I thought you'd ask me for something like five million."
I'm a people-pleaser by habit.
"Is that okay?"

Nathaniel only shook his head.
He's the kind of businessman who's seen the world.
I left his office and gave myself an awkward little thumbs-up under my breath.
Nathaniel watched my retreating back and wondered if he'd misread me—to him my comment may have seemed too coy.
But really, I'd just thrown out a gentle olive branch in the only way I knew how.
He looked puzzled. For all his worldly experience, Nathaniel seemed a little thrown.
Because I was a people-pleaser.