The room detonated.
Questions erupted instantly, voice overlapping in a chaotic surge as reporters pushed forward. Cameras flashed so rapidly the light became almost constant. The energy shifted from anticipation to frenzy, the kind that only came from something unexpected enough to feel like a story that would dominate headlines for weeks.
Alex felt the impact of it like a wave, but she didn’t flinch. Instead, she leaned into it.
“This partnership extends beyond business,” she added, her voice steady. Her gaze was unwavering as she addressed the room. “We’ve chosen to formalize that in a way that reflects both our personal and professional alignment.”
The words felt almost surreal as they left her mouth, but they landed exactly the way they needed to: controlled, intentional, giving n
