This is Rafael’s chance to walk away unscathed. He could say he was misled and leave his world untouched.
His stomach curdles. He won’t sell Kane out. Not like that. Not after what they’ve shared, what he knows now.
VitaCorp doesn’t care either way. To them, Kane is a threat. And if Rafael wants to keep his career, his safe housing, the approval of his friends and family, he has to lie.
Guilt twisting in his stomach, he shakes his head.
Seconds stretch into what seems like an eternity while Miles stares.
Finally, he nods as if to himself. “Just as I thought.”
A small ease flickers through him, but the feeling’s hollow.
“As you can see,” Miles starts, “Kane O’Connor isn’t from the Emerald Islands, as he claims, but Shreveport. His record includes multiple arrests—property damage, corporate trespassing, assault. Though, interestingly, none led to convictions.” He settles back in his chair. “More concerning is his position in theLancers, a street gang known for criminal operations in theslums. Are you familiar?”
“No,” Rafael says, keeping up the act.
Miles hums. “We assumed not…While they avoid the brutality of Ulvepack or Natural Order’s cult-like behavior, they’ve been linked to serious crimes. Data breaches, property theft, HOV hijacking, black market dealings, corporate espionage. The list is extensive.”
His frown deepens. “However, what truly concerns us are the deaths connected to their territorial disputes. Mostoccurred under his uncle’s leadership, but Kane’s own involvement in recent…incidents remains unclear. You can understand why we’re alarmed to find a VitaCorp employee involved with someone ofhisbackground.”
Every part of Rafael longs to defend Kane, to explain why the crew does what they do.
Instead, he keeps quiet, watching Miles tap the holopad.
A collage of familiar faces shimmer to life. Wren, Echo, Viper, Coda, and others he vaguely recognizes. His fingers tighten on the chair, already anticipating the next question.
“Do you recognize any of these individuals?”
He shakes his head. Another lie.
“These are Kane’s inner circle—fellow members of the Lancers,” Miles continues. “We’ve compiled extensive records of their activity, including criminal actions against this company.” He pauses for a breath. “But if you’re truly unaware of Kane’s real identity, there’s no reason you should know them. Correct?”
“I don’t.” The words taste bitter on Rafael’s tongue. “I’m telling the truth.”
Miles’s stare holds steady.
The silence stretches.
When he finally speaks, Miles sounds unexpectedly calm. “Yes. Of course you are.” He shuts off the holopad with a tap.
Relief floods through Rafael. He survived the meeting. VitaCorp bought his story. Maybe he’ll leave this unscathed after all.
A chair scrapes against the floor. In front of him, Miles is on his feet, looming over.
“One last thing.” His tone sharpens. “You will sever all contact with Kane O’Connor. Effectiveimmediately.” He adjusts his cuffs. “If we discover you haven’t, your employment will be the least of your concerns.”
Rafael’s mouth goes dry. “Yes, I understand.”
The walk back to the cafeteria doesn’t register. Neither does the rest of his shift.
He remembers smiling when someone joked about a gladiator match, nodding when a doctor made small talk, and even following Gavin and Divya to the nearest HOV stop. But everything feels distant.
Only that night, alone in his bedroom, does he finally crack.
Face buried in his pillow, Rafael lets the tears come. All his life, he’s looked for middle ground. Tried to keep his family together, keep everyone happy.
Except there’s no compromise here. No way to hold on to both Kane and the life he’s built in Midtown.