Jean inhaled shakily, blinking fast. "I'm fine."
"You're not." His voice lowered. "Is it…?"
She nodded slowly, not meeting his eyes. "Cramps."
He took a careful step closer, reaching to touch her elbow. "Then don't go. Stay home. Rest. Cancel your meetings or move them online. You can't…"
"I have to."
Her tone was firmer than she intended, but she didn't take it back.
"Logan, this isn't just another pitch meeting. It's the quarterly board review. Emma's not there. The team's stretched. If I'm not present… things will fall apart."
Logan's jaw tensed.
"Then let me at least drive you, stay nearby…"
"No."
She turned to face him fully, shoulders squared despite the pain. Her voice was quieter now, but colder. "This is my company. My fight. Before you… it was always just me."
He flinched at that… not from pride, but from guilt. From the truth.
"I know that," he said softly.
