The lobby was too familiar.
Marble floors. Glass elevators. Receptionists with clipped smiles and headsets.
Sylvia—now known to the world as Arden Vale—adjusted her blazer, stepped off the elevator, and entered the boardroom.
“Miss Vale," the assistant said. “The CEO will join you shortly."
She nodded and set her laptop on the table, flipping through her pitch deck one last time.
The door opened.
She turned.
Michael.
Older. Confident. Calm. His presence no longer hesitant—but still gentle in the ways that mattered.
He paused. “Syl—Arden."
Her lips parted, but she caught herself. “Hello."
He walked in, took a seat across from her. “It's been a while."
“Three years," she said, keeping her tone even.
He nodded. “You've done well."
“So have you."
Silence, warm and unsure.
Micha
