The photographer’s hand is still wedged between the elevator doors when Ava’s brain catches up.
“Ms. Moretti?” he blurts, eyes wide as the doors stutter back open. He’s young, suit a little too big, press badge swinging from his lanyard. “Elliot Grant, *Business Ledger*. I—sorry—didn’t expect—”
His gaze flicks from her face to the illuminated floor number, then to the Kade Dynamics logo etched discreetly on the mirrored panel.
Understanding dawns. His pupils dilate.
“Oh,” he breathes. “Wow. So it *is* true.”
Her pulse spikes.
“Is *what* true?” she asks, voice icy.
“That you and Kade are—” He gestures vaguely, camera bumping against his chest. “Working together. On Crownline. On… whatever this is. Could we get a comment? Or even just a shot of you in the lobby? Our readers are dying
