Eileen’s POV

The elevator doors slid shut with a soft chime.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The descent was smooth, quiet—too quiet for the storm that had just passed.

I stood slightly behind Adrian, then stepped forward, my expression light, almost playful as I tilted my head up at him.

“Addy,” I said softly, using the name with deliberate ease, “you were amazing today.”

Adrian didn’t respond.

“I mean it,” I continued, undeterred. “The way you handled everything… calm, decisive… it’s rare.”

Silence.

I smiled faintly, as if I expected nothing less.

“You know,” I added, my tone shifting just slightly, “I could be useful to you.”

Adrian’s...