The morning air was sharp and clean as Tina stepped out of the mansion, her heels clicking against the marble driveway. Her blazer hugged her like armor, the sharp lines of her suit contrasting with the pastel silk pajamas she'd abandoned for the day. Even though her outward expression was composed, there was a faint tightness around her eyes that hinted at the unease she tried to hide. Elijah walked a step behind, silently carrying her bag and the carefully arranged files she had insisted on bringing. He didn't speak, didn't comment, didn't flinch at the way her fingers tapped erratically against her phone screen as she walked. He had learned long ago that quiet observation could communicate far more than words ever could. As the car glided down the driveway, Tina exhaled softly and pulled her phone from her bag. Her thumb hovered over Andrew's name. She hesitated, then typed a quick message.
{Good morning. Traffic is… bearable. Barely.}
