There was no violence in the initial move. It arrived elegantly. An invitation to an elite corporate gala connected to foreign investments and political presence arrived in the middle of the morning. It was sent digitally and sealed with validity. Adrian spent more time than was necessary staring at the television. Now Emly recognized that silence. Instead of surprise, it signified calculating. She muttered, "They want visibility." "Yes," Adrian answered. "And leverage." "Yes." She crossed her arms. "You didn't intend to go." "No." "But now?" "Declining would now validate vulnerability." Emly gave a slow nod. "And going attests to what?" He declared, "That I'm not retreating." "And that I'm not keeping you hidden." Their gazes locked. It was obvious what was implied. This would not be anot
