Trust wasn't something you could fix overnight.
Amara knew that.
But somehow—
Adrian was trying.
"Lunch?" he asked, standing awkwardly by her office door.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Is this another business meeting disguised as food?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
He hesitated.
Which still surprised her.
"Just… lunch."
She studied him.
This man—
The same CEO who controlled entire industries—
Was standing there like he wasn't sure she'd say yes.
And that did something to her.
"Fine," she said.
His relief was subtle.
But it was there.
And she noticed.
Of course she did.
Lunch was quiet at first.
Careful.
Measured.
Like both of them were afraid to say the wrong thing.
"I don't expect you to forgive me," Adrian said.
Amara looked at him.
"Good."
He nodded.
"But I'm going to earn it back."
Her heart softened—just a little.
"You're not used to earning things," she said.
"I am when they matter."
Silence.
But this time—
It wasn't painful.
It was… hopeful.
"You're going to have to do better than coffee and apologies," she added.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"I can do better."
"I'm sure you can."
And just like that—
A small piece of what they lost—
Started to come back.