The sunlight in Flora's bedroom felt different this time—like something had shifted.
She opened her eyes slowly, heartbeat steady, lungs full. The nightmare was over.
But the consequences weren't.
Footsteps echoed outside her door. A light knock followed.
“It's me," Ellis said, voice low.
She smiled. “Come in."
He entered with a coffee tray and two croissants. “You've been asleep for thirteen hours."
“Guess I needed it."
“You also missed six media cycles and three board notifications."
She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Let's start with coffee and then you can tell me how badly the world is burning."
Ellis handed her a mug. “Actually... it's not."
That got her attention.
“How?"
“You rejecting Jonathan? It went viral. Social media's calling you the 'Rewritten Heiress.'"
She blinke
