Elena’s first instinct was denial, but exhaustion overtook her. “It doesn’t matter,” she whispered. “Damien won then, he’ll win again.” Evan shook his head. “No. He hasn’t. He’s pitching your stolen tech next week to my board. If that deal goes through, he wins again. I need you there. Only you can expose him fully.”
She backed away, fear flickering. “Evan, I can’t. He’ll destroy me again.” Evan stepped closer, just enough to anchor her. “Elena, he destroyed you when you had no allies. You have one now. Come to the meeting. Tell your story. Show them who built HavenLux.” She hesitated, throat working.