Colin, however, remained perfectly at ease. His stride was steady, his expression unreadable, utterly ignoring the whispers and the buzz sparking in his wake. Where others saw an event worth gossip, he treated it like routine, the sheer calmness in his manner only deepening the sense of dissonance.
When they reached the front doors, he stopped, turned with the same gravitas that had earned him prestige greater than some partners, and extended his hand.
"Gentlemen," Colin said, shaking Rex's hand firmly, then offering Aren the same courtesy, "I look forward to seeing this project on screen."
"Of course." Rex returned the handshake with quiet confidence, his expression calm but sharp, the kind that left no room for doubt. Aren, a little overwhelmed by the moment but unwilling to show it, followed suit. His grip was steady, though his heart pounded in his chest like a drum he hoped no one could hear.
