In his world, my career probably wasn't even worth mentioning in polite company.
Faced with the chat's mockery, Ferdinand didn't correct a single word. He just logged off.
My heart sank.
After I ended the stream, my assistant handed me my phone like she was handling a grenade.
In the span of minutes, I'd been pushed to the top of the trending page.
"Mr. Sanchez called Jade a 'friend,' but honestly, he looked like he barely knew her."
"Right? He called her 'Ms. Winfield' with her full name. My boss doesn't even sign emails that formally."
The replies were a warzone of their own.
"That's called professionalism. Unlike certain influencers who manufacture ship content 24/7 just to clout-chase."
"Wait, wait. Look what I just dug up."
I tapped the link. It led to a forum post from years ago.
The title: A Power Couple of Equally Matched Geniuses.
Every photo was of Ferdinand and Vera.
Sharing a helmet during a warzone interview. Huddled under the same umbrella in a downpour. Embracing on an awards stage.
"They were the golden couple of our department. Inseparable. Rumor has it Ferdinand took a bullet for Vera in the field. They were practically engaged before they split. Nobody ever found out why."