Breaking the ice
His face softened completely, every trace of cold corporate armor melting away under the warm stage lights.
"For a very long time, I believed that strength meant control," Adrian spoke clearly, his blue eyes never leaving Ethan’s face. "I believed that if I built high walls, if I controlled every outcome, and if I hid my fears behind wealth and secrets, I could protect the things I loved. I thought being strong meant never showing weakness. I was wrong."
Ethan felt his throat tighten with sweet, overwhelming emotion. He gripped the edge of his table, listening to every word.