The annual Unity Gala was more tense than glamorous this year. Sophie and Alexander arrived side-by-side, their arms entwined like steel cables holding up a bridge.

Reporters surged the barricades.

One shouted, “Sophie Burnett, are you confirming your relationship with Mr. Quinn?”

Sophie stepped up to the mic. Her voice was clear.

“Yes. I am.”

Flashbulbs exploded.

Alexander added, “And we’re not here to apologize for it. We stand stronger together than apart.”

Another question flew: “Does this affect your Tribunal role?”

Sophie smiled faintly. “If honesty affects my leadership, then maybe the system is afraid of it.”

Headlines across five continents followed:

BURNETT & QUINN: ETHICS LEADERS TURN POWER...