Elena’s POV

“I only care about the results,” Damien said. “Do you need me to teach you how to handle them?”

His voice didn’t rise, but the words were heavy. Stella’s face paled. She stammered out something about apologizing, about fixing things, about not meaning to cause trouble. He didn’t respond. He just walked past her.

The moment he was gone, she sank against the wall, her hands shaking. Mrs. Song bent to steady her, whispering fast and low.

“He hasn’t given up on ...