Later, Evan offered her a formal partnership—no pressure, no timeline, no promises except integrity. “Rebuild with me,” he said. “On your terms.” Elena considered it, then nodded. She was relearning to trust her instincts and people again.
Watching her walk ahead into the sunlight, Evan understood his feelings clearly. He knew Elena Hartmann needed no saving. He’d seen her as a woman who survived, rebuilt, and chose to rise again. And he was choosing not to lead her future, but to stand beside her as her ally.