"You're right."
Arthur closed the cabinet.
"Don't let him turn this into something personal."
"Blake already has."
"Then don't follow him."
Marcus leaned against the doorway.
"Do you ever get tired of being the calmest person in the room?"
Arthur smiled faintly.
"Every day."
Marcus laughed.
For a moment, the room felt lighter.
Then Arthur's expression became serious.
"Marcus."
"Yes?"
"Don't let him hurt someone because he wants to prove something."
Marcus nodded.
"I won't."
Arthur looked toward the training floor.
"Good."
The following Friday, Apex held its monthly open training session.
Members could invite friends, watch demonstrations, and observe the academy's professional athletes.
The event was designed to showcase the facility.
There were demonstrations of boxing combinations, wrestling transitions, grappling positions, and conditioning drills.
The atmosphere was lively.
Several local business owners attended.
A sports journalist from a regional publication arrived with a camera.
Grant Harrington came with two investors.
Blake arrived wearing a new pair of gloves.
He had clearly prepared for the event.
His hair was styled.
His training clothes were immaculate.
He greeted people near the entrance and posed for several photographs.
Arthur was assigned to the maintenance area.
He moved quietly between the benches, replacing towels and checking the floor.
Marcus led the first demonstration.
Owen and Diego showed a controlled footwork drill.
The audience applauded.
Blake watched from the side.
He had been expecting to participate.
But Marcus had chosen Owen.
Blake approached him.
"Why wasn't I included?"
"Because Owen has been working on the drill for two weeks."
"I've been here longer."
"That's not the point."
Blake looked toward the audience.
"People are asking why I'm not in the demonstration."
Marcus lowered his voice.
"Then tell them you're training."
Blake shook his head.
"You don't understand."
"I understand perfectly."
Blake stepped closer.
"You're making me look bad."
Marcus's expression hardened.
"I'm not responsible for how you look. I'm responsible for how you train."
Blake walked away.
He passed Grant.
His father noticed his expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Marcus left me out."
Grant looked toward the mat.
"Why?"
"He says I'm not ready."
Grant's jaw tightened.
He glanced toward Victoria.
Then toward Marcus.
"Don't worry about it."
But Blake was already watching Arthur.
The maintenance worker was standing near the far side of the mat.
For several seconds, Blake simply stared at him.
Then he walked toward the center of the room.
"Can I make a suggestion?"
Marcus turned.
"What?"
Blake raised his voice.
"Since we're demonstrating technique today, why don't we show the members something different?"
Victoria looked up from the front row.
"What do you mean?"
Blake pointed toward Arthur.
"Let's see whether our maintenance expert can demonstrate."
A few people laughed.
Marcus stepped forward.
"Blake, stop."
But Blake continued.
"He's been giving advice all month. He apparently knows more about fighting than the people who actually train here."
Arthur looked at him.
The room had gone quiet.
Grant watched with interest.
Victoria stood.
"Blake, that's inappropriate."
Blake spread his arms.
"Why? I'm just asking."
Arthur placed the towels on the bench.
He looked toward Marcus.
Marcus shook his head.
"Don't."
Arthur looked back at Blake.
"I have work to do."
Blake laughed.
"Of course you do."
Arthur started to walk away.
Then Blake said something that stopped him.
"Maybe Daniel was right about you."
Arthur turned.
The room became completely silent.
Marcus looked sharply at Blake.
"Who?"
Blake's expression shifted.
He had clearly not expected the reaction.
But he continued.
"I saw the old photos. I know about your brother."
Arthur's face became still.
Blake took a step closer.
"Maybe you stopped fighting because you couldn't protect him."
Marcus moved toward Blake.
"That's enough."
Arthur did not move.
For a moment, the entire academy seemed to disappear.
There was only Blake's voice.
Only the memory of a crowded room.
Only Daniel on the floor.
Only the terrible feeling of arriving too late.
Arthur's hands tightened slightly.
Then he released them.
He looked at Blake.
"You don't know anything about him."
Blake opened his mouth.
Arthur continued.
"And you don't get to use his name to make yourself feel important."
Blake's face reddened.
Marcus stepped between them.
"You're finished for today."
Blake looked toward his father.
Grant stood near the front row, silent.
"You're kicking me out?"
"I'm ending your training session."
Blake looked around.
Several people were staring.
He grabbed his bag and walked toward the locker room.
The event continued, but the atmosphere had changed.
Arthur returned to the maintenance area.
He picked up the towels.
His hands were steady.
But Marcus saw the pain in his face.
Later that night, Marcus found Arthur sitting alone near the back entrance.
The maintenance cart stood beside him.