The headline appeared the next morning.
BLACKWOOD CEO SEEN SHOPPING WITH MYSTERY WOMAN
Lina stared at the screen.
"That's not what it looks like," Ethan said, already annoyed.
"You were holding her hand."
"So do politicians," he snapped. "It means nothing."
"Then why does it bother you that people think it does?"
He paused.
"I don't like losing control of the narrative."
Lina stepped closer. "Or losing control of me?"
The words hung between them.
"Careful," he warned. "This is still a contract."
"And contracts have limits," she replied. "Even yours."
For the first time, Ethan looked genuinely unsettled.
As if he'd forgotten that she could push back.