Damian's POV

The day was unbearably normal. Back-to-back meetings, endless reports, and the constant feeling that everyone around me talked far more than they actually produced. I was just about to wrap up yet another useless meeting when my phone vibrated on the desk.

I glanced at the screen, expecting a client or an internal company number.

It wasn't.

The caller ID showed the name of the city's main hospital.

"Good morning. Are you Mrs. Elaine Winter's son?"

"Yes. This is Damian Winter," I answered, already frowning. "What happened?"

The voice on the other end was probably a nurse. That controlled tone always meant bad news, and I had no patience for buildup.

"Mr. Winter, we're calling to inform you that Mrs. Elaine Winter was admitted to the emergency department after a car accident."

My chair nearly slid back as I stood up abruptly.

"Is she conscious?" My voice came out sharper than I intended.

"No, sir. We don't yet know the extent of her injuries. She's being