CLAIRE

Two days after the launch, I woke up to find Julian already dressed in a suit, not his usual casual jeans and button-down, but a full tailored suit with a tie.

He was standing in the living room with his phone pressed to his ear, his expression tight and focused in a way I hadn't seen before.

"I understand that," he said, his voice clipped. "But I can't keep managing this remotely, I need to be there in person."

I stayed quiet in the hallway, not wanting to interrupt. "Friday at the latest," Julian continued. "I'll be on a flight tonight."

My stomach dropped. Flight?

"Yes, I know it's...