Golden Heart

s trace the lines of text as if each word might change upon further scrutiny. Damien had made his expectations clear, but seeing them outlined in a formal document made the reality of it sink

er thoughts. "I understand the need for oversight, but I'm concerned about how a new board member might affect our organization's direction. My team and I know these communities intimately, and I worry that an outsider, no matter how well-intentioned, might push us toward changes that aren't truly in line with what we need." There was a brief pause on the other end. When he spoke again, his tone was thoughtful. "I understand your concerns, Grace. My goal isn't to interfere with your work. I only want to ensure accountability and see that the resources are used efficiently. The representative I appoint will be someone with experience in nonprofit work. Someone who respects the mission of your organization." Grace nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "And what if there's ever a conflict about the direction we're taking? I need to know that I'll have the final say in decisions that impact our mission." "Consider it noted," he replied smoothly. "I want this to be a partnership, not a takeover. You'll have my word on that." There was a warmth to his voice that put her at ease, and she found herself relaxing. "Thank you, Damien. This support will allow us to make real change in people's lives." "That's what I'm hoping for," he said quietly. "Let's move forward, then." The conversation ended soon after, but even after she hung up, Grace found herself thinking about the sound of his voice-firm but somehow reassuring, and a bit softer than she'd expected. She could sense a kind of guardedness in him, as though he was used to people only seeing the billionaire, not the person underneath. A few days later, the donation was finalized. Damien's office sent over the first installment, and within hours, the news was out. The community center was buzzing with excitement, and Grace could hardly believe it herself. She and Holly spent the day in back-to-back meetings, planning new programs and prioritizing where the funds would go. The next morning, her phone rang, and she was surprised to see Damien's number flashing on the screen. They had agreed to touch base only occasionally, so she wasn't expecting to hear from him so soon. "Hello?" "Grace. I was wondering if you'd be available for a meeting this evening." "Tonight?" she asked, glancing at the clock. "Is something wrong?" "No, not at all," he replied. "I thought it might be productive to talk about the rollout plan, and I'd like to introduce you to a few other individuals in my network who might be interested in supporting your work." She hesitated. Part of her wanted to say no, to avoid what she feared might be th