Rex blinked, snapping out of the spiral of thoughts when he saw Aren fidgeting nervously, mistaking Rex's silence for rejection.
Aren chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I know I probably sound desperate. But I had to take the shot, you know?"
Rex tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp but unreadable.
"You're not just desperate," Rex finally said. "You're insane."
Aren's face fell.
"But maybe that's what it takes." Rex leaned back, arms folded. "I've met people with connections, talent, even luck. But very few who would dare to sneak into a gala, bribe a waiter, and pitch their soul's work to someone they've never met. That kind of madness… that kind of fire, is rare."
Aren looked up, eyes wide.
