The scandal didn't break them.
It strengthened them.
Meetings became easier.
Conversations became softer.
And the space between them—
Almost disappeared.
"You're staring again," Amara said without looking up.
Adrian didn't deny it.
"You're distracted."
"So are you."
"Not as much as you."
She glanced at him.
"Confident."
"Accurate."
She rolled her eyes—but smiled slightly.
And that smile—
It was becoming more frequent now.
More natural.
More… his.
"Dinner tonight," he said suddenly.
"That wasn't a question."
"It wasn't meant to be."
She leaned back in her chair.
"Still controlling, I see."
"Only when necessary."
"And this is necessary?"
He held her gaze.
"Yes."
Her heartbeat quickened.
Because now—
She knew.
This wasn't business.
Not anymore.
"Fine," she said softly.
And his small smile said everything.