The photo goes live at 8:17 a.m.
By 8:23, it is everywhere.
Evelyn sees it first on her communications director’s tablet as the car idles beneath the porte-cochère of the education summit venue. The image fills the screen in crisp, unforgiving resolution: she is mid-step, chin level, coat draped cleanly over her shoulders. Marcus stands close beside her, body angled subtly toward hers, not touching—but positioned as if he would.
His hand is suspended inches from her back.
Not claiming.
Ready.
The headline beneath it reads: STEADY SUPPORT: DR. HART ARRIVES WITH STRATEGIC ADVISOR.
No scandal.
No insinuation.
Support.
Her comms director glances up. “It’s trending positively.”
“Define positively,” Evelyn says.
“Language is controlled. Words like composed. Aligned. Strong partnershi
