Reynold's breath caught as the truth finally settled into place.
For years, he had carried a quiet, burning resentment toward Cassius. Every lead he chased, every shadow he followed, had been fueled by the belief that Cassius was tied to his father's death. That he was part of the rot buried beneath the Helix Project. But now, standing here and hearing everything laid bare, the foundation of that belief crumbled.
His father had not been abandoned.
He had chosen to stay behind.
And Cassius had lived long enough to carry the weight of that sacrifice alone.
Reynold's voice came out low, stripped of anger, stripped of accusation. "So all this time… I've been fighting the wrong people."
Cassius did not look away. His expression was tired, worn by years of regret and restraint. He gave a faint nod. "You were seeking justice, Reynold. You weren't wrong for that."
The words were not an absolution, but they were honest. And somehow, that hurt more.
