Golden Heart

ass exterior reflecting the blue of the sky and the buzz of the city below. She'd barely slept since the gala. Damien Cross had sent an invitation for her to meet him at his office to discuss

ficant donation could help us expand our programs and reach more people. It would allow us to hire more qualified staff, improve our facilities, and maybe even open a second location." Damien leaned back, his expression unreadable. "And if I were to fund this expansion, what would that look like in terms of an impact?" Grace blinked, caught off guard by his straightforwardness. Most potential donors were interested in the general mission, but Damien seemed focused on numbers and specifics. "An investment of that size could potentially double the number of people we serve within the first year," she replied, finding her confidence again. "We've been working with limited resources for so long that even a fraction of your support could change everything." He listened intently, nodding as she spoke, his gaze sharp and assessing. When she finished, he remained silent for a moment, seeming to weigh her words. "I can offer you the funds," he said finally. "But I want to be clear about my expectations. If I invest in your organization, I want regular updates-quarterly reports, detailed accounts of how every dollar is spent. And if you expand, I'd like a representative on your board of directors." Grace felt her excitement waver. His terms were fair, logical even, but the idea of having someone as powerful as Damien involved in the daily operations of her nonprofit made her uneasy. She swallowed, trying to choose her words carefully. "I appreciate your willingness to support us, but our board has always been composed of community members, people who understand the needs of the people we're serving. I'd be worried that having someone so... far removed from that reality could disrupt our focus." Damien's lips twitched in what almost looked like a smile. "You think I'm out of touch?" She felt her cheeks heat. "That's not what I meant," she said quickly. "I just mean... you live in a different world." His expression remained neutral, but his gaze was piercing. "I grew up in a neighborhood not so different from the ones your nonprofit serves. Believe it or not, I know what it's like to need support and not have it." Grace's eyes widened, surprised. She hadn't expected