Suddenly, the phone in Daniel’s pocket began to vibrate violently.

The screen lit up with the name *Arthur Pendelton*, the chairman of the board.

Daniel stared at the flashing screen but did not answer it.

“You have to take that,” I said.

“No,” he said, turning the phone face down on the bedside table.

“Daniel, please,” I said. “The Sinclair merger is the biggest deal of your career.”

“If you walk away now, they will destroy you.”

“Let them try,” he said, but his jaw was tight.

The phone stopped ringing, only to start again two seconds later.

This time, a text message popped up on the lock screen.

I could see the words clearly from where I sat.

*Daniel. The Sinclair representatives are in the boardroom. If you are not here in ten minutes, we are moving to strip your executive authority.*

Daniel stared at the message, his face pale but set in stone.

He looked at me, then down at the twins, who were now awake and staring at him with wide, curious eyes.

“Daddy?” Owen asked, reaching out to grab Daniel’s sleeve. “Are you staying?”