Nora leaned closer. “You built this empire because you were willing to make difficult choices. Do not destroy it for a woman who hid your children.”

Damon thought of Cassandra alone beside two incubators. He thought of Luke explaining that crayon edges could be too sharp. He thought of Violet expecting men to leave.

Then he looked at the $780 million contract.

For years, Damon had told himself he’d sacrificed love for a future family. The truth was more painful. He had sacrificed love because work was easier to control.

“I’m not signing tonight,” he said.

The room erupted. Nora stood. “If you walk away, the board may remove you as chief executive.”