“They invited ‘Class Loser’ to the 10th anniversary of the high school graduation to make fun of it —

Exhaling, he decided to change tactics.

“I represent organizations that value people like you. People who have… potential that goes beyond traditional military paths.”

“Oh, here’s the offer,” said Elara.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You have earned honors the Navy cannot fully bestow.

My clients can. They want to talk about the possibilities.”

“Your clients?” Elara replied. “Or those who secretly approached soldiers with questionable contracts?”

He froze. Her knowledge surprised him.

“You were gathering information,” he said quietly.

“I watched carefully.”

He straightened his tie. “Think about what I’m offering. You’re wasted in uniform. You could run your own operation.”

Elara took a step forward, not taking her eyes off him.

“I’ve seen what happens when people like you ‘recruit’ heroes. They disappear into the shadows. They stop serving the country and start serving the money.”

“So what?” he suddenly snapped. “You think the Navy deserves you? After everything they put you through?”

Her jaw tightened. “The people I saved deserved me. The people I save now deserve me. They are the only ones I serve.”

The man shook his head, irritated. “You’re making a mistake.”

“And you are leaving,” she replied.

She remained motionless until he turned and walked toward a waiting black sedan on the service road. He left without a word.

Only after the car disappeared into the night did Elara go back inside.

The convention had changed—completely. Her colleagues approached her not with derision, but with remorse, admiration, and curiosity.

Even those who had once pretended she wasn’t there now stood in silent respect as she passed.

Brennan, Sawyer, Callum, and Lyle approached together. Brennan spoke first, his voice trembling.

“Elara… we’re sorry. We really are.”

She studied their faces. Time had aged them, but remorse aged them more.

“You spent years making me feel small,” she replied calmly. “Tonight isn’t about revenge. It’s about understanding who we’ve become.”

Sawyer swallowed. “And what have we become?”

Elara smiled sadly. “People chasing their past. I left mine behind a long time ago.”