In Canada, Lucien’s routine slowly unraveled despite his efforts to maintain normalcy. Work became his refuge, yet even the office failed to provide distraction. Meetings extended longer than necessary because returning home felt increasingly unbearable. The silence inside the house pressed against him in ways he had not anticipated.
Colleagues noticed his distraction. Reports required revision, decisions took longer, and he occasionally forgot conversations entirely. When news broke regarding an internal investigation involving several corporate contracts connected to his company, the pressure intensified. Although he was not personally implicated, media speculation placed him under constant scrutiny.
Selene positioned herself strategically during this period. She attended meetings alon
