The day Jade was taken home by her father, Whitmore Group's overseas distribution channels collapsed entirely. The project was suspended, the label filed for damages, and the board began its investigation. For the first time, Damien didn't show up at the office on time.
He went to my mother's old house instead.
By the time I arrived, he was standing in the courtyard, holding a yellowed photograph. It showed my mother when she was young, a small boy standing beside her. It took me a long moment to recognize that boy as Damien.
"I met your mother when I was a child," he said.
I didn't respond.
His voice dropped. "The year my mother got sick, she drew me a picture of an umbrella. She said that even people who are afraid of the rain can learn to hold one themselves." He looked at me. "Ell
