The Sterling-Khan Community Clinic was closing for the night. Dr. Maya Khan sat at her desk, rubbing her temples, dreading another review of the grim financial ledger.
A knock at the door. Julian Sterling walked in, still wearing his grey janitor’s jumpsuit. He looked tired, but his eyes were clear.
“I need to tell you something,” Julian said. He pulled a business card out of his pocket and slid it across the desk. It was Dante Ricci’s card.
Maya stiffened. “What is this?”
“He cornered me in the alley,” Julian admitted. “He offered to buy back my medical license. He said he could erase the board’s suspension.”
Maya stood up, betrayal flashing in her eyes. “And?”
“And he asked me to steal your financial records to help him buy the clinic,” Julian continued. He took a deep breath. “I took a photo of the ledger, Maya.”
Maya’s face crumbled. “Julian…”
“But I didn’t send it,” Julian said quickly, pulling out his phone. He unlocked it, navigated to the photo, and hit *delete* right in front of her. “I deleted it. I told him to go to hell. I would rather scrub your floors for the rest of my life than betray you again.”
Maya looked at him–really looked at him–and saw the “Penitent” arc finally landing. The arrogance was gone. In its place was loyalty.
“You really didn’t take the deal?” she whispered.
“I’m exactly where I want to be,” Julian said softly.