Page 117 of Rookie Rules

Rowan looked up from the page.

"We are talking."

"About Finn. About us."

The folder remained open between them, a safer emergency that could replace both.

"What do you want to know?" Rowan asked.

"I asked how many rooms you have that I'm not allowed into."

"And I told you Finn's history belongs to him."

"I wasn't asking for his history."

Rowan knew. His expression made that clear.

"My past is not relevant to this contract," he said.

"Your past built every rule in this house."

The words landed. Rowan's hands went still on the campaign deck.

"We can talk about that separately."

"When?"

"Not while you are deciding something this important."

Safety through sequence. Solve the career decision first. Move emotional truth to a cleaner time that would never arrive on its own.

Luca tapped the photograph. "This is part of the same decision."

"Then negotiate the creative and take the offer."

The answer arrived with the confidence of a veteran recognizing a career opportunity.

Luca had known it might. Knowing did not soften it.

"That simple?"

"No endorsement is simple. Have your manager tighten approvals. Make sure extension options increase compensation. Claire can limit the interview scope."

"And the part where they're selling me as straight?"

Rowan's mouth tightened. "They are selling a fantasy."

"A straight one."

"Yes."

"Still take it."

Rowan closed the folder. "You have no obligation to disclose anything personal for an advertisement."

"I'm not talking about disclosure."

The words echoed Luca's question at Rowan's house.