"..."
Soren could only look down at the folder in his lap, letting the heavy silence stretch between them before meeting her gaze once more. Ethea's expression remained unshakeable, her steady eyes locking him in place with an absolute certainty that left no room for negotiation.
Slowly, the tension drained from his shoulders.
A helpless smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he realized he had been thoroughly defeated.
"...Alright," Soren said quietly, his voice carrying a mix of surrender and profound emotion. He tightened his grip on the folder. "I accept your gifts."
The helpless curve of his smile softened into something deeply genuine as he looked into her eyes, the faint blush still lingering on his cheeks.
"Thank you, Ethea," he said, his voice dropping to a low, genuine tone. "I'll make sure it's put to good use."
