"Tomorrow… we start." Amara's voice carried across the table, steady and full of something new belief.
"Listen," she added, her gaze moving from one face to another, "it's going to be hard. Running a business is never easy… but I believe we can do this." A beat. Then…"Yes, ma'am!"
"We can do it!"
"We're with you!" The room filled with energy, with voices, with something that felt like the beginning of a dream taking shape. James allowed himself a small, proud smile. And from the corner. Unseen. Unheard. Julian stood still.
Watching her. The way she spoke. The way she held herself. The way she turned uncertainty into direction. His chest tightened, but not from pain this time. From pride.
"That's my girl…" he whispered quietly to himself. Not stepping forward. Not interrupting. Just… watching. Because for once. He didn't want to break the moment.
