Daniel suggested she take time off. “Just until this settles,” he said gently. “Let me step in for now. You’ve been under so much stress.” Her father, worried but reassured by Daniel’s composure, thanked him for being supportive.
Said it meant a lot to know Clare had someone steady beside her. Clare watched it happen like she was slightly misaligned with her own life. Daniel handled meetings. Took calls. Answered emails. People nodded. Trusted him. And every time Clare tried to circle back to the only thing that mattered—I didn’t take it—the conversation slid away from her words.