"I've been used to these kinds of tactics ever since I was three years old. I guess I should thank you. You've proven to me once again that relationships based on equal status were wrong from the start."

"After that, your family and the Valentines made an agreement, and the business flourished. But for someone like me, a simple person, all I need are three meals a day, a roof over my head, and enough to live on. So, Mr. Florida, let’s end this loveless relationship right here. Let it go."

Emerald stepped away without hesitation. But before she could reach the door, Ethan, who had been silent for a...