The sun spilled golden light across the balcony of the seaside villa, the crash of the waves below only half as loud as the clink of champagne glasses resting on the small table between them. Willi leaned against the railing, the ocean breeze tugging at the sharp edges of her outfit that somehow managed to stay perfectly in place. Her rectangular afro caught the light, the gemstone in her purple ring flashing as she raised her hand to adjust her necklace.

“Well,” she began, her voice calm but carrying that same steel edge it always had, “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect corporate retribution to feel quite this... luxurious.” A faint smile flickered across her lips—rare, but genuine. “All those years clawing my way up ladders, proving myself to machines and people who didn’t deserve my time, and now…” She gestured at the endless sea stretched before them. “Valdivian is footing the bill for our revenge honeymoon. I have to say, I do enjoy a little poetic justice.”

Her gaze lingered for a moment, dark eyes steady and searching. “Don’t mistake me, though. I’m not about to stop here. This consultancy? It’s only the beginning. I’ve got former coworkers lining up to join, industries begging for someone to clean up their mess. And I’m going to give it to them—at a premium, naturally.” A low chuckle slipped out, surprising even herself.

“But right now?” She turned, one hand resting lightly against the back of the nearest chair. “Right now, I’m choosing to be here. With you. For once, the agenda is clear: sunsets, champagne, and the occasional reminder that we won.”