After refusing NovaCorp's offer, Julien decides to prove he deserves his position. However, at the office, some colleagues remain skeptical and gossip behind his back, accusing him of being favored by Thomas.
[INT. OPEN SPACE – DAY]
Julien is working on a key project, but tensions within the team are palpable.
COLLEAGUE 1 (whispering to another colleague)
Of course, he got the project. We all know why.
Julien overhears them but doesn't react. Later, he directly confronts one of them, Sarah, a colleague he had a good relationship with before the scandal.
JULIEN
If you have something to say, say it to me directly.
SARAH (hesitant)
It's not personal, Julien. But admit it—it's easy for people to think you're here because of Thomas.
JULIEN
Is that what you think too?
SARAH
No. But others do. And you'll have to prove them wrong.
This conversation motivates Julien to work even harder. He stays late at the office, takes on additional responsibilities, and eventually impresses his colleagues with a brilliant presentation during a critical meeting.
Meanwhile, Thomas has to navigate perceptions of his relationship with Julien among executives and business partners.
[INT. MEETING ROOM – EVENING]
At a business dinner, a key investor, Mr. Carpentier, raises questions about Thomas's personal life.
CARPENTIER
Thomas, some are concerned that your priorities might be... diluted by personal matters.
THOMAS (calmly)
My priorities are clear: the company, its success, and the well-being of my team.
CARPENTIER
And what if your relationship becomes an obstacle?
THOMAS
Then I'll take the necessary steps. But so far, Julien has proven to be a strength, not a weakness, for this company.
This firm and confident response reassures the investor and demonstrates Thomas's commitment to both his relationship and his professional integrity.
[INT. THOMAS'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
After a difficult day, Thomas confides in Julien that he has considered leaving his position to avoid conflicts of interest.
THOMAS
I could leave. Find another job elsewhere. It would make your life here easier.
JULIEN (shocked)
Leave? You've built your career here. I don't want you to give up everything because of me.
THOMAS
It's not giving up. It's... a way to give you room to breathe.
JULIEN
What if I don't want to breathe without you here?
Thomas smiles, moved by Julien's determination, but the conversation highlights the depth of their sacrifices and their love.
Over the months, results speak for themselves. Julien earns a well-deserved promotion through a successful project, and Thomas wins an award for visionary leadership. During an internal ceremony, Thomas gives a speech:
THOMAS
This success is the result of collective effort. I want to thank my entire team… and especially Julien, who was a driving force behind this project.
There is a brief silence, followed by sincere applause. This moment marks an important milestone: their relationship, though still discreet, is respected and accepted by their peers.
[EXT. SEASIDE – WEEKEND]
To celebrate their victories, Thomas and Julien take a few days off at a secluded house by the sea.
JULIEN
Can you believe what we've been through?
THOMAS
Yes. But it was worth it.
JULIEN
So, what's next?
Thomas pulls out a small box from his pocket.
THOMAS
I think it's time to build something that's just ours.
Julien, emotional, takes the box and opens it to reveal a key—the key to the house they are staying in.
THOMAS
A place where we can be ourselves, without having to fight the world.
They embrace, ready to face the future together...