Chapter 30

Damian’s POV I froze. Everett’s smirk deepened, his expression curling with a cruel sort of amusement. “Business or relationships—I’ve always believed in going after what I want. Better to try and fail than spend my life regretting never trying at all. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least I did something. But you…” His voice dropped a shade colder. “I gave you the chance. You didn’t take it. And now that’s my fault?” He paused, his eyes hardening as his tone sharpened like a blade. “Being noble doesn’t make your cowardice look brave, Dr. Jones. It just makes it sad.” The words landed like a dagger, straight into my chest. My fist clenched at my side, knuckles tight enough to sting. I kept my eyes locked on his face. My usually calm, dark eyes now flickered faintly—red bleeding into the brown for the briefest moment. I never asked for a love I couldn’t have. I’d only wanted to protect her, to keep her life from becoming more complicated than it already was. And now what? In the end, I