At that moment, upon hearing the words Cora had just spoken, Oliver found himself staring at her with genuine surprise written clearly across his face.
He had been bracing himself for something difficult.
Something complicated. Something that would require significant resources or careful planning or the kind of favor that carries weight and consequences. He had expected her to ask for something that would make him pause and think through the implications, something that would require him to pull strings in ways that were not entirely straightforward or risk-free.
But this?
This was almost absurdly simple.
He cleared his throat and leaned back slightly, still holding her hand, and when he spoke there was something between amusement and disbelief in his voice.
"Is this all you want?" he asked. "Just this? This is what you are asking me to do?"
Cora nodded immediately, her expression serious and unwavering.
