"At least let Walter drive you home," Alek suggested. "Emma and I can meet you at the arena later."

To their surprise, Franklin agreed without protest—a sign of fatigue more concerning than any medical report. After seeing him safely to his car with Walter, Emma and Alek stood alone on Harvard's historic campus.

"Congratulations, Ms. Mitchell, MBA," Alek said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Thank you, Mr. Volkov, for enduring this marathon with me." Emma leaned into his embrace, finally allowing herself to feel the full weight of her accomplishment—and the exhaustion that accompanied it.

"One more celebration to navigate," Alek reminded her. "Tonight's game. Then perhaps we can...