Chapter 14

Derick's sharp gaze locked right onto Adrianna's. The only light in the study came from a desk lamp, casting a warm, golden glow that etched his features into a striking silhouette. Adrianna raised an eyebrow as she tapped her fingers lightly against the rim of her mug. "What does it mean?" "It means that from today onwards," he said slowly and deliberately. "In the eyes of the public, the Quinnen and Ashford families are completely intertwined." He narrowed his eyes before continuing, "If you're doing this just to get back at James, there's no need to go this far." The mug hit the table with a loud clatter, and Adrianna almost laughed from sheer disbelief. She had just offered up her most valuable mining assets under her name, and he still questioned her motives. Her moment of silence, however, led Derick to a different conclusion. He sat up straight, and his expression turned cold. "I don't need your charity." "Charity?" Adrianna stood up and slapped a file against his