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"It wasn't a test," Roman interjects smoothly. "It was an opportunity to meet properly, without the context of Elysian or my relationship with your sister overshadowing everything."
"Because the power dynamic isn't already weird enough," Mia mutters, loud enough for both of us to hear.
I feel my face heat. "Mia, that's not fair."
"Isn't it?" Her eyes meet mine, challenging. "After everything with Camden, after how he treated you, you jump straight into another relationship with an even bigger power imbalance? He's not just your boyfriend, Cassie. He's the CEO of the company we both work for."
"It's not the same," I insist, though her words hit uncomfortably close to my own initial fears. "Roman isn't Camden."
"Of course he's not," Mia agrees, her voice softening slightly. "He seems genuinely nice, actually. But that doesn't change the fundamental problem."
"Which is?" Roman asks, his tone neutral but his posture tense beside me.
Mia meets his gaze directly, and I'm reminded again of the fearlessness that's always defined her. "The problem, Mr. Kade—Roman—is that no matter how nice you are, how supportive you try to be, there's still a fundamental imbalance when you can fire the person you're sleeping with."
"Mia!" I gasp, mortified.
"She's not wrong," Roman says quietly, surprising me. "The concern is valid. It's something we've discussed extensively."
"And what conclusion did you reach?" Mia asks, still wary but listening.
I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "That power imbalances exist in every relationship, but what matters is how they're acknowledged and managed. Camden wanted me smaller, quieter, more convenient. Roman pushes me to be bigger, bolder, more authentic to my vision—even when that means challenging him."
"It's true," Roman adds. "Your sister told me my flagship brand had lost its way within ten minutes of meeting me. Then proceeded to outline exactly how she'd fix it if given the chance."
"Which he gave me," I point out. "Not because we were involved—we weren't, then—but because my ideas had merit."
Mia absorbs this, her expression thoughtful. "But what happens when you disagree? When your professional visions clash? How do you separate the boardroom from the bedroom?"
"Imperfectly," I admit. "We're still figuring it out. But I promise you, Mia, I'm not losing myself in this relationship. If anything, I'm finding parts of myself I'd forgotten existed."
Something in my voice must convince her, because her posture relaxes slightly. "I just worry about you, Cass. After Camden?—"
"I know." I reach across the table to squeeze her hand. "And I love you for it. But trust me on this one, okay? Roman is... different. In all the ways that matter."
Mia studies Roman, who meets her gaze steadily. "If you ever hurt her," she says finally, "I don't care how many billions you have. I will end you."
To my surprise, Roman laughs—a genuine, unguarded sound I rarely hear outside our private moments. "I'd expect nothing less," he says. "Your sister is the most valuable asset in my life, professional or personal. I don't intend to squander that investment."
"Always the businessman," I tease, relief flooding through me as the tension breaks.
"Speaking of business," Mia says, her expression turning mischievous, "does this mean I get special treatment in the internship program?"
"Absolutely not," Roman and I say in unison, drawing surprised laughter from all three of us.
The moment of levity is interrupted by Roman's phone buzzing. He glances at it, frowns, and excuses himself from the table.
"Sorry," he says, already standing. "I need to take this. Board emergency."
I watch him walk away, his posture transforming from relaxed boyfriend back to CEO with each step. Mia leans forward once he's out of earshot.
"Is it always like that? The instant switch to business mode?"
"Usually there's more warning," I say, trying to keep the edge from my voice. This is the third dinner this week interrupted by "emergencies" that couldn't wait.
Roman returns five minutes later, his expression carefully neutral in that way I've come to recognize means trouble.
"I apologize, but I need to handle something at the office," he says, already signaling for the check. "Mia, it was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish during your internship."