Chaos didn't wait politely outside the StarLaunch building this time.
It stormed in.
It dragged thunder into the hallways. It rattled the air vents. It shook the walls like an angry beast trying to break free.
By the time Lian followed Rian out of the preparation room, every staff member was panicked, phones ringing nonstop, screens flashing headlines like weapons.
THE LEAKED VIDEO OF RIAN VALE AND LIAN PARK SETS INTERNET ON FIRE
FANS DEMAND ANSWERS — IS THIS ROMANCE OR SABOTAGE?
TITAN STAR LAWYERS PREPARE "FINAL STRIKE."
The air smelled of fear and coffee. People talked at the same time, walked faster, whispered louder.
But in the center of the storm stood Rian Vale.
Still. Silent. Cold.
A blade in human form.
His hand hovered near Lian's back — close enough to guide him, far enough to avoid another scandal.
Lian followed without thinking. His legs were weak. His palms damp. His chest still tight from crying only minutes ago.
But Rian…
