Back at Damian's penthouse, Elena finally demanded the truth. "No more secrets," she said, her voice trembling. "Tell me everything."
Damian exhaled slowly. "Your father and I were business partners once. Viktor tried to use him to take me down, but your father refused. To protect you, he made a deal—he'd let me absorb the firm after his death, ensuring you'd have financial security. He didn't want you to know because he thought you'd resent him."
Elena's chest tightened. "So all this time…"
"I've been trying to keep Viktor away from you," Damian finished. "But I failed."
Tears filled Elena's eyes. She wanted to hate him, but the truth was painfully clear.
"You should go," she whispered, her heart breaking.
"No," Damian said firmly, taking her hands. "I'm not leaving you again. We fight Viktor together."
Elena looked into his eyes and saw the man who had risked everything for her. For the first time, she let herself believe they might win.