The cameras were relentless.
Flashes. Questions. Accusations.
"Miss Reyes! Are the rumors true?"
"Is your partnership with Velasco Tech just a cover?"
"Are you two personally involved?"
Amara kept walking, her expression composed.
But inside—
Everything was chaos.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath.
"They're not going to stop," Adrian replied beside her.
Of course he was there.
He always was now.
"They're twisting everything," she said.
"They always do."
Another question was shouted—
"Did you manipulate the partnership for personal gain?"
Amara stopped.
That one crossed the line.
But before she could respond—
Adrian stepped forward.
And suddenly—
All attention shifted to him.
"Watch your words," he said, his voice calm but sharp.
The crowd quieted slightly.
"Everything between Reyes Holdings and Velasco Tech is built on strategy, trust, and mutual respect."
His gaze flickered to Amara.
Soft.
Protective.
"And if you're implying anything beyond that—"
He paused.
Just enough to make it clear.
"You're wrong."
Amara stared at him.
Because that wasn't just damage control.
That felt… personal.
And for the first time—
She didn't feel alone in the spotlight.