Glass doors opened. Flashbulbs popped. Elena stepped out first. Black suit. Straight shoulders. Alexander followed half a step back. Same pace. Same direction. Reporters lined the red carpet. Microphones raised. Voices overlapped.
"Ms. Carter, are you and Mr. Sterling officially aligned now?"
"We've been aligned since the contract signed," Elena said. She didn't stop walking. "The partnership is operational. Not ceremonial."
"Does the charity gala mark a personal milestone or a business one?"
"It marks both," Alexander said. Voice even. "We support the foundation. We review the quarterly reports. We attend the same events. The line is clear."
