Damien pov
I drove back to the penthouse on autopilot, Brighton's words echoing in my mind.
"You take orders. You don't give them."
"Keep that girl quiet. Keep her under control. Or you'll lose everything."
My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles went white. I'd spent fifteen years building an empire. Fifteen years of calculated moves, strategic acquisitions, ruthless business decisions. Fifteen years thinking I was the hunter, the predator, the one in control.
And all of it had been a lie.
When I got home, Elena was waiting, her face pale with worry.
"What happened? Your text"
"Not now." "headed straight to my office. "I need to check something first."
"Damien"
"Please, Elena. Just give me an hour."
She nodded, though I could see the fear in her eyes. But I needed to see the extent of my own stupidity laid out in black and white.
