Except no one here is some wide-eyed corpo worker.
“And what happens when one of your ‘opportunities’ works against us?” Kane inquires. “Or when Viper goes rogue, Wren pushes her people too hard, or Coda causes more delays?”
Echo holds his gaze. “Then we’ll answer for it. Like we did today.” She steps back from the table. “But, boss, we’re already losing people doing things your way. Why not try something different? Because, with how we’re going, we have no chance against Natural Order with Athena.”
She’s right. Kane hates that she’s right.
He’s been running this war the way his uncle taught him, holding every piece himself because no one else can carry theweight. Because no one else should have to.
But Rafael handled the med bay without falling apart, even with less experience than half his lieutenants. Kane saw the results without digging into every detail.
Maybe his crew deserves that same trust.
Or maybe one mistake costs them everything.
“I’ll think about it,” Kane says finally, sinking into his seat.
“That’s all I’m asking for, boss man.” With a wink, she spins toward the door.
“And Echo?” Kane calls out. She whirls around, brows raised. “Try to use my uncle…orRafaelto manipulate me again…”
A chuckle slips from Echo. “Wouldn’t dream of it!” Her grin widens. “But since you brought them up, Duke didn’t let being Baron stop him from having a life. If you’re gonna step back a bit, maybe consider taking a trip down to Midtown once in a while, see a certain curly-haired nurse.”
Kane’s teeth clench together. “Get. Out.”
Her laughter fades as the steel door slams shut, but the silence she leaves behind is worse.
The crew. Control. Rafael.
Echo didn’t miss a single weak spot.
They won’t survive this war fighting this way—not against Athena. Not now.
Kane exhales sharply.
Damn Echo for seeing it first.
19
Chapter 19 - Rafael
Rafael slices synthetic potatoes at the counter while pre-fab steak hisses in the pan behind him, bubbling in a homemade au jus. With Lian at work and a full day before his next shift, he should be enjoying this.
Except he’s not. Something’s off.
His favorite Terra’s ingredients look washed out under the kitchen lights. Even their scent falls flat. Swiping across the console’s display, he adjusts the temperature and spice ratios until the sensors confirm a balance.
Still nothing.
Breakfast was hours ago. He should be starving, yet his stomach stays silent.
The security panel chimes, and the knife slips from his hand. Rafael isn’t expecting anyone. Maybe his sister, Maria. She’s left him three V-link messages this week, all still unanswered. He was too caught up in resuming his normal life.
He rushes to the door, pulse already picking up. In the security panel, a hologram appears of the visitor. Rafael sucks in a breath.
In the pristine lobby of his VitaCorp complex stands Kane.
His usual armor is gone, replaced by a sweater and slacks, though the heavy boots, long coat, and visor remain.