Ivan saw the hit land. He was weaponizing consequences now, not merely arguing about the theft.
He was showing that he had nothing to lose, since he really had a safety net to fall back on — unlike Nathan.
While his family wasn't as rich, Ivan was still a northern noble. And he would remain that when he eventually graduated. He could use all the money and connections to advance in high society later.
Nathan didn't have that luxury.
The pressure was on him… and under it, he finally cracked. His fingers curled into a fist on the table, nails biting into his palms.
