*flashback*
"How long have you been trying to keep this company afloat, Mr. Clarke?" Mr. Yves leaned back in the plush chair across the desk, adjusting the gold cufflinks on his sleeves with casual arrogance. His tone was coated in faux concern, but the sharpness in his eyes betrayed his true intent.
"Let me think... ah, yes. Since the accident, wasn't it? Such a tragedy. Losing your parents and siblings like that. It must have been devastating." He paused for effect and watched Damian carefully. "And here you are, trying to carry their legacy all on your own. Admirable, yes, but let's be honest. It's overwhelming for someone so... unprepared."
Damian sat rigidly with hands clasped tightly on the desk. The words stung, not because they were untrue, but because they echoed the doubts he
