Chapter 80

Daniel’s POV

They could not understand.

Even I could not understand why I had done it—yes there were the reasons. Protect her from the damage and getting even more attached, but this seemed more like I was lying to myself.

Like I was trying to convince myself to do the right thing.

My phone vibrated on the counter—it was a text from Ellie.

“Don’t forget our joint interview at 10 AM. We need to look confident, and wear that blue suit. It makes your eyes pop for the cameras.”

I let out a bitter laugh. My eyes. As if that was the problem.

I ran a hand through my wet hair. Cold sweat was on my skin. Claire Hammond was like a mad dog, tearing at my company.

The public show with Ellie was a desperate try to buy time, to look stable. But it was only for a short time, like a thin bandage on a deep wound.

Claire would find another weakness—she always did.

And now, my biggest weakness, the one I kept most secret, was s