Damien’s POV

This was the fifth time Clara returned the secret funds I sent to her.

Every transfer had been calculated anonymous channels, ghost companies, faceless donations that should have been untraceable. But she knew. Somehow, she always knew. And every time she sent the money back, untouched, as if to say, I will not be bought. Not by you.

At first, I admired her for it. The integrity, the unshakable will. Most people bent under the weight of my influence—grateful for scraps, ...