Chapter 5

Just as Hilda was about to leave, Damien intercepted her at the office door, breathless. "Did Nora resign?" he asked. Hilda gave him a puzzled look. "Wait… you didn't know? She was absolutely determined to quit today. She even made it clear that it had nothing to do with you and said she'd talk to you when the time was right." The news hit Damien like a shockwave. He stood there, stunned and speechless. His mind was instantly flooded with memories of me, with countless times I'd hesitated, just about to say something. But he had always been distracted by Astrid. Even earlier that day, he'd defended her without a second thought, never once giving me the chance to speak to him alone. His focus had always been on her. Suddenly, he grabbed Hilda by the shoulders, desperation creeping into his voice. "Do you know where she went?" Without missing a beat, Hilda shrugged off his grip. "She's not my employee anymore. How would I know? If you want answers, you'll have to call her yourself.