His thumb brushed lightly against her arm, a grounding gesture. "But it's because of you," he said gently. "Because you matter that much."
A small pause. Then, softer. "I'll support whatever you decide," he promised. And this time, it didn't sound like a strategy. It sounded like surrender. Trust.
"But…" he added, his gaze sharpening just slightly, not with suspicion, but concern. "Promise me something."
Amara looked up at him, her eyes still heavy, still carrying everything she had been through, but present.
"Stay sharp," he said quietly. "Don't let your guard down completely. Not right now."
His hand lifted, brushing lightly against her cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Let me worry about the dangers," he murmured. "You just… don't ignore them."
There was a softness in him now that hadn't been there before. Not the CEO. Not the strategist.
Just Julian. Holding his wife like she was something precious. Something he wasn't willing to lose again.
