The wind downstairs was a bit chilly.
Julian stood by the entrance, holding a jacket. Seeing her walk out, he didn't ask about the document, didn't ask about the old case, and didn't ask why her eyes were red.
He simply handed her the jacket.
"It's cold out."
Wren took it and draped it over her shoulders.
They stood side by side outside Stellaris.
The traffic on the street was sparse, and the post-rain air smelled of damp leaves and dust.
After a long while, Wren softly said, "I saw the first page of the confirmed version."
Julian looked at her.
"She didn't sign."
He knew exactly who "she" was.
Julian didn't speak immediately.
A few seconds later, he quietly said, "That's wonderful."
Wren's tears almost fell.
Most people would have said, "That's great, you finally have evidence."
Or they might have said, "Now you can actually investigate."
Only he would first say, that's wonderful.
It was as if he was acknowledging, on behalf of both Vivian and Wren, the innocence that had been delayed for over a decade.
Wren lowered her head, her voice a mere whisper.
"She stood against them all on her own."
"She's not alone anymore," Julian said.
Wren looked up at him.
He didn't move any closer, just stood beside her, his gaze gentle and serene.
"You are investigating for her. And Stellaris is doing what she fought to protect back then."
Wren clutched the edges of his jacket tightly.
The streetlights cast a glow between them—not overly romantic, but possessing a grounding warmth.
She didn't say thank you.
That word felt far too light tonight.
In the distance, the lights in the Langford Medical building were still on.
Lawrence had also received the synchronized file index from Robert. He didn't have the original document yet, only the title and key fields.
Confirmed Version Page 1.
Apex Digital Intelligence Research Center.
Consultant Confirmation: Vivian Vance.
Signature Box: Blank.


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