Elena's POV
Callum came by the next morning. No warning. Just showed up.
I opened the door.
He looked worn out, like he hadn't slept either.
"How are you holding up?"
I shrugged, stepping aside. "Better than yesterday."
He stepped in, glanced around—no luggage, no strangers. Just quiet.
I took a deep breath. "There's something I need to tell you. About Clarissa and Derick. A mother and her son."
He paused, waiting.
"They say they're family. Clarissa claims she had an affair with my father before he married my mom. That's bullshit."
I let a bitter laugh slip out. "They want the house, the company... say it's their right."
Callum sat down, surprised. "What? They just appeared out of nowhere? Where were they when your dad built all this? They must be joking. But I'll dig. Find everything I can."
"No pressure," I said, trying to keep it light.
He gave me a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to face this alone."
I nodded, feeling a small weight lift.
