What he saw was the photo of Lancaster and Mr. Kingston hung on the wall. He slowly stood up from the mattress, the dim glow of the light lamp flashing against the room’s walls like restless shadows. His footsteps were silent as he approached the huge photo portrait. There was Mr. Kingston in his luxurious attire, shaking hands with Lancaster in front of Red Origin Technologies. He couldn’t believe his eyes, his friend Lancaster relating with the same Mr. Kingston that Bianca left him for. His mind twisted with questions, wondering what the relationship between the two could be, especially since Mr. Kingston wasn’t on good terms with him. Lost in deep thought, he quietly returned to the mattress and drifted to sleep. Hours later, he woke up. Almost immediately his eyes found the photo again, staring at it with an unbelievable gaze. He moved closer once more when suddenly, there was a knock at the door. He snapped his head toward it. It was Lancaster, eyes still half-asleep. Lewis

Mr. Louis was still surfing through his iPad, his fingertips tapping lightly on the screen. Lewis stood before him with composed shoulders and a tight chest, trying to control the emotion creeping up his throat. After a few seconds, Mr. Louis finally raised his head and spoke calmly. “You can go ahead.” Lewis inhaled, steadying his voice. Emotion shimmered behind his eyes, but firmness anchored his tone. “Sir, I know you’ll be surprised and shocked by what I’m about to say, but I’m sorry to say this.” He lowered his head for a beat, gathering strength, then raised it again. “Today is my last day working here. I mean, I’m permanently done.” Mr. Louis’ eyes widened. He slowly slid his eyeglasses off, disbelief carving deep lines into his face. He stared Lewis eyeball to eyeball. “Do you mean you’re done with me?” Lewis swallowed hard but answered confidently, despite the tug in his chest. “Yes. I’m truly done working for you.” Mr. Louis’ hand shook slightly, and even

“Gentleman,” the officer said, gesturing to the chair. “Since you’ve brought your credentials, we can process the loan quickly. Please place them here.” Lewis slid into the chair, keeping one hand firmly on the suitcase handle. With a nervous flick of his wrist, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the newly registered documents, ID, a recently issued bank verification, and the few pay stubs he had managed to register after the fire that burned down his log cabin. He laid them carefully on the desk, glancing up at the officer. “Occupation?” she asked, scanning the papers. “Electronics repair technician,” Lewis replied, his voice steady though his stomach twisted. Deep down, he knew he had quit earlier. The officer typed quickly, eyes scanning the screen. “Everything seems in order. The system confirms you qualify for the loan. We can disburse the funds immediately.” Lewis exhaled slowly, tension easing slightly. He slid the documents back into their folder with care

“Isn't that a car beep I just heard now?” Maria’s voice quivered as she stood halfway down the staircase, clutching the railing. Lewis stepped a little forward, his eyes narrowing. “Let me go and check.” He descended the staircase quickly, each step echoing softly across the marble floor. Maria remained where she was, tension knotting her shoulders. As Lewis reached the bottom, he yanked open the front door. Outside, Lancaster’s SUV gleamed under the dim evening light, and he was walking toward the mansion. Lewis froze, his heart skipping a beat. “Lewis! How are you doing?” Lancaster called, a wide smile lighting up his face. Lewis forced a calm smile, even as shock churned inside him. “I’m… good.” Lancaster’s gaze swept around the surrounding “Where’s your mom?” Lewis’s grip tightened on the suitcase. “She’s inside.” Lancaster stepped closer with an easy grin, and Lewis opened the door wider, letting him in. The warmth of the house brushed over them, and Maria’s eye

He shakily collected the phone and watched the footage from beginning to end. The images replayed in his mind like a waking nightmare. He was deeply traumatized and stunned by how Lewis had captured his true identity on camera. For a long moment he was speechless; the mask had slipped, and his true colors lay exposed. Lewis stood in front of him, steady and unflinching, and asked, “What did you see?” Lancaster’s mind spiraled. Finally Lewis has known who he really was. There was no point denying it anymore; he should admit it. Lewis’s mother didn’t understand what was going on. She rose, moved closer, took the Motorola from her son, and watched the footage herself. Her face went pale. She blinked, unable to believe what she saw. “Wait… is this Lancaster?” she whispered. Lewis remained where he was, watching Lancaster collapse inwardly, planning his next move. He spoke slowly, the sadness in his voice raw. “I know. You’re evil, but you use fake smiles to hide who you are.”