The wording was two degrees colder than the last letter. It still began with "To Father, with respect," but the contents consisted of only three sentences: Your daughter is well. Su Li is on the verge of a breakthrough and requires a stable environment, making long-distance travel impossible in the short term. If Father is willing to offer support, please allocate Tier 4 refined iron and stabilizing solution.
There was no promise of a return visit, no timetable.
The signature at the end read: Handwritten by Elena.
Saina poked her head out from the kitchen. "Should I press another fingerprint on it?"
"No." Elena sealed it with wax. "That mud print last time nearly made the messenger think it was some secret-code signal."
Saina snorted and ducked back inside.
Royal Capital, Red Leaf Manor study.
Old Ford read the letter under the lamplight for the third time.
The letter was very short.
He set it down and tapped the tabletop seven or eight times, slowly and rhythmically.
A year ago, when he had written his first letter, his daughter's reply had been respectful, and she had even taken the initiative to ask him for things on Su Li's behalf. Back then, he had felt rather pleased with himself—the fish was still on the hook.
But this letter was half as long, with no room whatsoever for negotiation.
"She decides the timing."
Old Ford folded the letter and placed it in a drawer.
Leaning back in his chair, he laced his fingers over his stomach.
His daughter was no longer the obedient eldest miss from two years ago. With Tier 3 strength, and a blacksmith by her side whose depths could not be fathomed, she no longer needed Red Leaf Manor to prop her up.
She was the one choosing