Bea let out a startled laugh. “That wasn’t in the article.”
“Exactly.” Hannah grinned.
Someone else passed by, catching Bea’s eye. “Congrats,” they said with a little wave. “Big day.”
Bea smiled faintly, dazed. “Thanks.”
Hannah looped her arm through hers as they exited the hall. “You need to say something. Even if it’s just an outfit post. Do you know what your name is doing to our group chat right now?”
Asha nodded. “There’s a poll running on whether the wedding will be in the UR or a London estate. I voted London. That man gives ‘historic chapel and diplomatic guest list’ energy.”
“You have very specific imaginations,” Bea said wryly.
They all laughed, and she laughed too—on cue, like someone who belonged in the room. But it felt strange, like she was acting out a scene she hadn’t rehearsed properly.
She’d known this part would be hard. The attention. The eyes. The assumptions. Even so, it hit harder than expected.
Something low and off-kilter curled in her chest, like she’d missed a step, the floor had kept moving, and now she wasn’t entirely sure where she was meant to land.
And then her phone vibrated.
Reminder: Press Conference – 1:00 PM
12:58 p.m.
Bea slipped into the farthest alcove of the library just before one, settling into the high-backed chair beside the window. She’d gone all the way to the top floor, finding a spot that was half forgotten, shadowed by tall shelves of dusty tomes and a grand old globe no one spun anymore.
She opened her laptop for cover, then angled her phone behind it. AirPods in. Volume up. No distractions.
The broadcast had already begun.
“You’re watching UR Financial Now,” the anchor said crisply. “We go live to Northgate, where Gage King—heir to King Global Capital and newly appointed Managing Director, Europe—is set to speak any moment.”
A panel of suited analysts hovered in a box in the corner, gesturing at charts behind them.
“KGC stock is up nearly thirteen percent on the news,” one was saying. “Investors are responding to the consolidation of power. This isn’t just a promotion. It’s a generational shift.”
“London’s about to be the new center of gravity for King Global,” another added. “They’re not just sending someone. They’re sendinghim.”
Bea adjusted her AirPods. Her heart was already beating harder than she liked.
The camera cut to the marble podium. Northgate Press Hall.
Gage stepped into frame.
Charcoal three-piece suit. The blue tie she’d given him for their one-year anniversary. Clean shaven. Calm. His hair was perfect.
Her thumb pressed tighter against the edge of her phone.
“Thank you for joining us,” he began, voice immediately quieting the room. “As you would have read, from January second, I will be relocating to London to assume leadership of King Global Capital’s European division.”
He looked completely unfazed. Like he was born for this moment.
“This transition reflects the strength of our long-term vision. The Sovereign Wealth Infrastructure Alignment is a cross-border initiative that channels long-term capital into long-term assets: transport, energy, and digital corridors. King Global is proud to help shape the next chapter of European infrastructure.”
He didn’t glance at the notes in front of him. He spoke like a man already standing in the future.
A reporter stood up. “Mr. King, congratulations. There’s been widespread speculation about your personal life. Can we?—”
