Page 175 of Say My Name

I ask Evan to come in. He appears less than a minute later.

“The notice?”

“Legal is finalizing it, and the board call is on your calendar.”

“Thank you.”

“What else?”

“I need to go to Colorado.”

“Where?”

“I’m about to ask.”

His eyebrows rise.

“Maya refused to give me Elena’s address.”

“Good.”

“Yes.”

Evan slips the tablet beneath his arm. “Call me when you know which airport.”

He leaves and shuts the door.

I pull up Elena’s contact.

For months, I gave her time and called it patience. Sometimes that was true. Other times, it let me avoid saying exactly what I wanted while I waited for her to become less afraid.

I told her I loved her only after I ended our agreement. I asked her to choose me, but I never explained what that choice meant once there was no contract left to hold us together.

A shared home. A real relationship. A child raised by parents who love each other and intend to stay. A life where she never has to wonder whether I’m present because a legal document requires it.

I press call.

Elena answers after the fifth ring.

“Dominic?”

The sound of her voice almost empties my head. I grip the edge of the desk.

“Hi.”

“Is something wrong at work?”

“Yes. It’s been handled.”

“What happened?”

“I received the completed diligence package for Project Northstar this morning.”

She doesn’t answer.

“I watched the recorded call,” I continue. “I know the target is Weller Strategic Holdings—and that Daniel Weller is the ex you told me about.”

“Legal has my disclosure.”