Back at the mansion—
The tension finally broke.
Not violently.
Not dramatically.
But inevitably.
Emily stepped inside.
Turned.
"Then stop treating me like something fragile."
Alexander closed the door behind them.
Locked it.
Slow.
Deliberate.
"I don't think you're fragile."
"Then act like it."
Silence.
One step closer.
Then another.
No more space.
No more distance.
"Do you trust me?" Emily asked.
Alexander didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
"Then stop deciding everything alone."
That hit.
Harder than anything Director had said.
Because it was true.
Alexander exhaled slowly.
Then—
He reached for her.
Pulled her closer.
Not careful this time.
Not controlled.
Just—
Real.
"I'm not losing you," he said quietly.
Emily's voice softened.
"Then don't."
And this time—
When he kissed her—
There was no hesitation left.