Cassian's POV – Executive Wing, Mid-Meeting
"…we'll table the marketing realignment until—"
Theo knocked once, stepped into the boardroom with the precision of someone who didn't interrupt lightly.
"Sir. You need to see this."
A single folder. Marked internal priority. The header wasn't unusual.
The name inside was.
Paternity Confirmation – Elmont, Lyra
Declared Father: Cassian Dorne
His signature faltered on the pen. He didn't say a word. Just stood. Left the meeting without apology, without pretext. The door clicked behind him.
Theo followed only far enough to whisper, "East conference room. She's still there."
Cassian didn't thank him.
He just moved.
---
Lyra's POV – East Conference Room
The fluorescent lights were off. Only the outside glow lit the table where she sat, hands folded in front of her. The form already submitted. Not tucked in a file, not locked in a drawer.
Done.
The door opened.
Cassian stepped in. He didn't speak right away. Closed the door, then sat across from her.
No paper between them. No desk. Just space.
Her pulse didn't quicken. Not anymore.
He didn't look shaken. But his control had a frayed edge.
"I didn't do it to force your hand," she said quietly.
"I didn't want to make a scene."
"You didn't."
She looked at him, eyes steady. "Then what do I do now?"
Cassian was quiet. Then—
"You gave me mine back."
She blinked.
"My hand," he clarified. "The choice. I've been walking this line with you between instinct and caution, and you—"
He stopped. Rephrased.
"You gave it a name. And I'll carry it. No one else will ever get to rewrite that."
The silence wasn't heavy anymore. It was whole.
"I don't want to disappear," Lyra whispered.
"You won't."
---
The HR message came at 4:17 p.m.
> Ms. Elmont,
Due to ongoing transitions and pending reviews, we propose a temporary adjustment to your working arrangement.
Effective immediately, your duties may be fulfilled remotely, with flexible hours and priority health coverage.
Reassessment will follow pending internal resolutions.
– HR Executive Liaison
No signature. Just precision.
Talia read it over her shoulder.
"They want you out of sight."
Lyra nodded.
"But not cut off."
"No."
"That's good."
"It's not bad."
Talia tilted her head. "Do you want to?"
"Disappear?"
"No. Say yes to this. Step out of their line of fire."
Lyra closed her laptop. "If it gives him room to work without fire falling on both of us… yes."
Talia studied her.
"What?"
"You look taller today."
Lyra almost laughed.
---
Cassian's POV – Late Evening
His office was dark again. He let it be.
The copy of her form rested in his drawer. Not hidden. Just… waiting.
He didn't call her.
Not yet.
She'd spoken enough today.
Instead, he turned to the wall safe. Pulled out the second file Theo had left him.
Protection Protocol – Omega Employee – Discretion Clause.
He would sign it in the morning.
Tonight, he let himself sit still.
Not as a CEO. Not as a strategist.
Just as a man holding space, for something more than control