When the meeting ended, the directors slowly left the room.
Emily gathered the documents quietly.
Alexander remained seated.
Finally she spoke.
"You didn't have to defend me."
Alexander looked up.
"Yes, I did."
Emily tilted her head.
"Why?"
Alexander answered simply.
"They were wrong."
Emily smiled slightly.
"Still… thank you."
Alexander studied her expression.
"You're stronger than they think."
Emily laughed softly.
"I had to be."
Alexander didn't ask further.
But something about her answer made him curious.
Before Emily could leave, Alexander spoke again.
"There's another event tomorrow night."
Emily groaned.
"Another party?"
Alexander nodded.
"You're coming with me."
Emily sighed dramatically.
"I'm starting to feel like a professional date."
Alexander smirked.
"Don't flatter yourself."
Emily laughed.
For a moment—
The tension between them disappeared.