Damien's POV
The rumors had spread through Sterling faster than I expected.
By the time I sat down at my desk the next morning, I’d already overheard three different conversations, my name and Elena’s spoken in lowered voices in the hallway.
"Mr. Blackwell, did you see the internal memo about the…"
"Later," I said, cutting off my colleague without looking up from my laptop.
She hesitated at my door for a second, then left quietly.
I sat there, staring at the screen, the words blurring together.
The board had made their position clear yesterday, if I stayed, Elena's probation would be under constant scrutiny.
They'd extend it, question every decision she made, use this against her at every turn.
Catherine would make sure of it.
I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t forgive myse
