CHAPTER TEN - Scandalous Headlines

"So," Claire said, her voice overly bright, "tell me more about this AI algorithm of yours. How exactly does it process data differently from existing systems?" Mason latched onto the topic with almost palpable relief, launching into a detailed explanation of his work. As they talked, the tension gradually eased, replaced by the now-familiar rhythm of intellectual exchange. When the lights finally flickered back to life hours later, Claire and Mason blinked in the sudden brightness, the spell of the evening broken. They said their goodnights awkwardly, each retreating to their respective rooms with a swirl of conflicting emotions. The sixth day dawned bright and clear, but the mood in the apartment was anything but sunny. The intimacy of the previous evening had left both Claire and Mason off-balance, and they responded by retreating into their most irritating habits. Claire, feeling vulnerable after sharing so much, threw herself into her work with renewed vigor. She spent the mor