EPISODE 6: THE PARTNERSHIP ## CHAPTER 1: THE PROPOSAL "I want to work." James looked up from his breakfast, surprise flickering across his features. "Work?" "I've been a kept woman for four months now. Society luncheons, charity committees, spa appointments." Elena set down her coffee. "I'm going insane." "You have a full schedule—" "I have a full schedule of nothing. I'm an architect, James. I have a degree, skills, experience. I can't spend the rest of my life being decorative." He was quiet for a moment. Then: "What did you have in mind?" "I want to design something. Something real." She hesitated. "You're always looking for innovative projects. Let me pitch one." "Elena..." "I know I'm your wife. I know it looks like favoritism. But look at my portfolio. Judge me on my work, not my ring." "I don't doubt your talent." "Then what do you doubt?" "Nothing." He stood, moving toward her. "I doubt nothing about you. I just... I wanted to protect you from this world." "Your world." "Our world, now." He took her hands. "If you want to work, work. But be prepared for everyone to assume you didn't earn it." "I've been underestimated my whole life. I'm used to it." "Then pitch me something. Something that'll shut them all up." --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE...