Anthony's smile widened when Damon asked that question, his eyes lighting up with something that looked almost like relief mixed with genuine joy."It's nothing much, really," Anthony said, settling back comfortably in his chair. "But I've been waiting for this day for so long, Damon. You have no idea how long. I asked us to act like friends today; really act like friends, because your identity is finally out. No more secrets. No more hiding who you really are."He paused, and his expression shifted, becoming more reflective."For years, I had to strictly respect you, keep that professional distance between us," Anthony continued. "Not because I wanted to, but because you needed your identity protected. If I'd been too casual with you, too friendly, people would have noticed. They would have wondered why the CEO of Vespera Corporation treated some 'nobody' like a close friend."Damon listened intently and began to understand the burden Anthony had carried for all these years."Now th

Anthony's face brightened with relief and happiness when Damon said those words. The tension that had been weighing heavily between them seemed to lift, replaced by something lighter and more hopeful."I'm really glad you're considering it," Anthony said, his smile warm. "I know it's not an easy decision, and I know you're doing it for the right reasons. Your mother would be proud of you."Damon nodded but didn't say anything more about Edward Sterling. The topic had already drained him emotionally, and he could feel the weight of the decision settling onto his shoulders. He'd have to think carefully about how to approach this, who to contact, and what resources to deploy.But for now, he wanted to move past it.Anthony seemed to sense his need for a change in conversation because he shifted in his seat, his expression becoming more casual again."Actually," Anthony said, "there's something else I wanted to mention. Miss Ashford told me she's been trying to reach you, but you're not

Celia walked through the front door of her house and immediately heard the television blaring from the living room. Her parents' voices carried through the hallway, animated and excited about something they were watching.She didn't want to know what it was. She didn't want to talk to them. She didn't want to explain anything or answer questions or process her feelings out loud where they could hear.All she wanted was to be alone.She moved quickly through the hallway, her footsteps soft on the wooden floor. She kept her head down, hoping she could slip past the living room entrance without being noticed.But her mother's voice stopped her immediately."Celia? Is that you?" Mrs. Greene called out from the living room.Celia closed her eyes briefly, frustration and exhaustion washing over her. She'd been so close to making it to her room unnoticed."Yes, Mom," she answered without stopping, continuing toward the stairs."Come in here for a minute," her father's voice joined in. "There

Serena stared at her mother in confusion, her mind still reeling from the news about Damon. "Wait, what? Just a few minutes ago, you were saying it didn't matter whose child it was as long as Michael believed it was his. Now you're saying it's definitely Damon's?"Tessa's eyes gleamed with a cunning that Serena recognized all too well. Her mother had that expression whenever she was scheming something big."Listen to me carefully, my precious daughter," Tessa said, leaning forward with intensity. "Everything has changed now. Everything. Do you understand what it means that Damon is actually Damon Sterling?""He's rich?" Serena offered, still trying to catch up with her mother's rapid shift in thinking."Rich?" Tessa laughed, the sound sharp and excited. "The Sterling family is ten times wealthier than the Thorne family. Maybe even twenty times. Michael's family fortune is nothing compared to what Damon has access to now."Serena's confusion began to clear as understanding dawned on he

Serena paced back and forth across the living room, her phone pressed against her ear. Tessa sat on the couch watching her daughter with anticipation, waiting to hear what the person on the other end would say."Yes, that's right," Serena said into the phone, her voice low and calculated. "We need it done quickly and cleanly. No mistakes, no traces back to us."Tessa had given Serena the contact number for Brick—a man she'd known years ago who handled "difficult situations" for people willing to pay the right price."How much?" Serena asked, then paused as Brick named his fee. Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Fine. Yes, we can afford that. When can you start?"Another pause as she listened."Tonight would be perfect," Serena said, glancing at her mother with a victorious smile. "The sooner the better. We'll transfer half the payment now and the rest when it's done."Tessa stood up and moved closer, her own smile growing wider as she watched her daughter arrange everything.