In his office, Damian gestured for me to sit before picking up the phone. His conversation was brief, his words clipped and decisive. “Effective immediately, Kenneth is terminated from his position. Ensure security escorts him from the premises.”

There was a finality in his tone, a clear indication that there would be no negotiations, no second chances. Damian hung up the phone and turned to me, his expression softening.

“You’ll stay with me for now,” he said. “We’ll figure out the rest together.”