Empire of Ash — Episode 9

You told me your wife was overseas. If you hadn't, none of this would have happened. And you said I spoke for you. You said nobody at headquarters would dare challenge me.

Now you're just throwing me away? Did you ever think about me? Everyone around us sucked in a breath and all stepped back. So Clara knew Mr. Romano had a wife?

She knew he had a wife and still got into his bed. Disgusting. We've been sick of you forever. However, all you ever did was throw Mr. Romano's name around. Now Donna Adia's here, let's see who saves you now.

Only then did Clara realize she'd said too much. She dropped to her knees, crying. No! I never wanted to take Mrs. Romano's place. If I'd known it was her, none of this would have happened.

I'd heard enough. Even without my name or my title, she had no right to treat me that way. If this was what one secretary had become, what was everyone else doing? I turned and walked into the registry without another glance at Clara.

Vivian, inside. Darling, you... Julian, I said it already. In this house, you call me Donna Adira.

Whatever happened between you two can wait. I raised a hand. That was enough. Vivian understood immediately.

She shut the door behind us. Two guards immediately took the door. Once I sat down, Vivian drew in a deep breath. Donna, I reported Clara more than once.

But Mr. Romano... I know. I cut her off with a nod. Pull Clara's file.

Vivian pulled up the file and turned the screen toward me. I scanned the file until one line caught my eye.