Monday, 10:30 A.M.
The headquarters of Steel Corporation towered over the city like a monument to ambition.
Inside the executive boardroom, a quarterly meeting was already underway.
Around the long mahogany table sat the company's directors, each presenting reports on profits, investments, and future expansion.
Aaron listened in silence.
His expression remained unreadable.
"The European project has exceeded expectations."
"Our healthcare division has also recorded a twenty-two percent increase in revenue."
The board members waited for his response.
Aaron closed the report.
"Proceed with Phase Two."
"Yes, Mr. Steel."
The meeting ended shortly afterward.
As the directors filed out of the room, quiet conversations began.
One executive lowered his voice.
"Have you heard the latest rumor?"
Another nodded.
"They say Mr. Steel attended the charity gala with a hospital employee."
"I thought it was just gossip."
"So did I... until I saw the photographs."
Neither of them realized that Evelyn Monroe was walking just behind them.
She heard every word.
She continued walking without interrupting.
But the thoughtful expression on her face deepened.
Meanwhile...
At Steel Medical Center, Celina was helping Daniel assemble a model airplane.
"Like this?"
Daniel held up two tiny plastic wings.
"Exactly."
"You learn fast."
Daniel grinned proudly.
"I want to become an engineer one day."
"I'm sure you can."
"What did you want to become when you were little?"
Celina paused.
She smiled softly.
"A chef."
Daniel laughed.
"You still can."
His innocent answer made her heart warm.
Maybe...
Dreams didn't always disappear.
Sometimes...
They simply waited.
That afternoon...
Aaron arrived at the hospital for a scheduled inspection.
James welcomed him as usual.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Steel."
"How are the renovations progressing?"
"We're ahead of schedule."
As they walked through the pediatric wing, Aaron's eyes instinctively searched the room.
James noticed.
"Looking for someone?"
Aaron answered without hesitation.
"I'm checking on the children."
James smiled to himself but said nothing.
They rounded the corner.
Inside the activity room, Celina sat on the floor surrounded by children.
Pieces of colored paper were scattered everywhere.
Daniel proudly held up the model airplane they had just finished.
"It flies!"
He tossed it into the air.
The airplane sailed across the room...
Straight toward Aaron.
Without thinking, Aaron caught it neatly in one hand.
The children burst into applause.
Daniel's mouth fell open.
"Wow!"
"Mr. Steel, you're amazing!"
Aaron looked at the paper airplane before handing it back.
"I think your pilot deserves the credit."
Daniel smiled so widely his cheeks hurt.
Celina laughed.
"You've officially become everyone's favorite."
Aaron glanced at her.
"I thought that was your title."
"I'm willing to share."
Their eyes met.
The children continued talking excitedly around them, completely unaware of the quiet moment that had settled between the two adults.
Just then...
Emily hurried into the room carrying her phone.
"Celina..."
She looked unusually serious.
"You need to see this."
Celina stood.
"What happened?"
Emily showed her the screen.
A popular entertainment website displayed the photograph from the charity gala.
Aaron and Celina walking arm in arm beneath the hotel's golden lights.
The headline read:
"Rosewood's Most Eligible Billionaire Finally Finds Love?"
Below it...
Thousands of comments continued pouring in.
Some were supportive.
Some were curious.
Others were cruel.
"She's probably after his money."
"Another gold digger."
"She'll disappear once the attention fades."
Celina's smile slowly vanished.
She stared silently at the screen.
Aaron stepped closer.
His eyes briefly scanned the article.
Then he looked at Celina.
"Don't read the comments."
She forced a small smile.
"I know strangers shouldn't matter."
"But..."
"They're judging someone they don't even know."
Aaron's voice was calm.
"They're judging a story they've invented."
He gently handed the phone back to Emily.
"Public opinion changes every day."
"What matters..."
He looked directly into Celina's eyes.
"...is whether you know the truth."
For the first time since seeing the article...
Celina smiled again.
A genuine one.
Because somehow...
His words carried more weight than a thousand anonymous opinions.
From the doorway, Ethan quietly watched the exchange.
He couldn't help smiling.
Whatever this was becoming...
It was changing Aaron.
Not into a weaker man.
But into a better one.
And perhaps...
That was the greatest surprise of all.