Silence not an option

TWELVE

"What..." Alexis muttered, totally taken aback. 

She stiffened in Damian's embrace, caught off guard by the sudden display of comfort. After a moment, she relaxed, allowing herself to accept the support he offered.

Damian pulled back, his hands resting on her shoulders. 

"You have done an incredible job handling this crisis, Alexis. Don't doubt that for a second." He told her. 

Alexis noticed how he had dropped the formality but her mind was too disturbed by the disaster to address that at that moment. So, she just ignored it. 

"But two people are dead." She whispered, her voice cracking.

"And that is a tragedy." Damian agreed, his tone somber. 

"But without your quick thinking and leadership, it could have been far worse. Now, let us focus on what we can do moving forward." He continued. 

Alexis nodded, taking a deep breath. 

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Blackwood. I appreciate the support." She said.