Chapter 4: Close Encounters

After the interview, the sky outside turned gray and heavy. Rain streaked the glass as Derek clapped his pocket and sent me scurrying for a forgotten memory card.

I jogged back, sneakers squeaking on wet marble. The elevator dinged open—right into Nathan and Lillian.

Nathan was mid-conversation about some trivial set drama. Lillian stood beside him, posture cool, listening with patient indifference. They looked… close.

Nathan’s smile faded when he saw me. I muttered, "Sorry," and turned to take the stairs.

But Lillian’s voice stopped me: "Wait."

I froze.

"Weren’t you going to use the elevator? Go ahead."

I turned slowly, lowering my voice. "Thank you, President Morgan."

She didn’t move aside, just fixed me with her gaze. "Are you a reporter for today’s interview? I didn’t hear your question."

Eyes down, I mumbled, "I just graduated, moved back to the States. I’m only an intern—haven’t earned the right to ask questions yet."

"I see."

Her response was light, unreadable. Nathan glared at me. "Let’s go, Lillian. We’re late for dinner with Director Lane."

She finally looked away. "Let’s go."

As the elevator doors slid shut, their reflections blurred in the metal. For a heartbeat, I caught Lillian’s eyes—something flickered there. Recognition? Regret? Or just the past refusing to die.