Sonia’s POV
The door opened again.
Alexander returned, removing his watch as he crossed the room. The call had cost him something; I could see it in the tension of his shoulders.
“They’re pressuring you,” I said quietly.
“Yes.”
“For what?”
“They want me to issue a controlled statement. One that dilutes you into a narrative they can manage.”
I looked up at him.
“And what did you say?”
“I said no.”
The word carried finality.
“They’re worried about the stock,” he continued. “They’re worried about public trust. They’re worried about legacy perception.”
He stopped in front of me.
“They’re not worried about you. And that’s why they don’t get to rewrite you.”
My eyes burned.
“You’re choosing me even when it costs you.”
“I chose you before they knew your name,” he replied. “They’re
