A Ruling Passion – Chapter 1617

Arianne’s apparent laid-backness failed to infect Sylvain. He was still stunned, utterly bemused, with his face wrought with disbelief. At the very least, though, he did glance around furtively like a thief before whispering, “This can’t be legit, right? Is this for real?”

Arianne tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Why would anyone lie about a thing like this? It’s no biggie, the only thing that is permanent is impermanence, and that extends to relationships. It’s a fact of life, amirite? The wise know better than to cling.”

A look of guilt and conflict crossed Sylvain’s pate. “It isn’t because of that time when I asked for advance payment, is it? You authorizing an advance didn’t leave this bad taste in Mr. Tremont’s mouth enough to hold it against you... right? Or did you actually approve my request without his permission?”

Arianne rolled her eyes. “Why do you even think that’s possible? Were he to disapprove it, I wouldn't have gone against his explicit order either! Jeez, aren’t you obtuse,” she quipped. “Either way, this thing has nothing to do with you. It’s a matter between us... and I think that’s enough chit-chat for now. Go back to doing what you’re supposed to do while I attend to mine, okay? A girl’s still gotta eat even after a divorce, and that means I can’t rest yet. Need to make as much money as I can to raise my son.”

“You remained a Tremont Enterprise employee, huh?” he wondered aloud, quizzically.