Chapter 259

• I blinked, amused realization dawning across my face. “So you’re my junior in the institute?”
• Rafael’s charming confidence faltered for a split second. His perfectly composed expression tightened, and he glanced away as if to gather himself. “Technically, I’m not a registered member of the Vanguard Executive Institute,” he said, trying to sound casual. “My mentor made it very clear I was his private student, trained under his methodology, but I’m not formally affiliated with the institute.”
• I arched a brow, the corners of my mouth twitching in delight. “Oh, my dear junior, that’s the oldest trick in the book. Sage Everett is one of the institute’s founding mentors. If he trained you, then by default, you’re one of us. There’s no way around that. Now tell me when exactly did you join, junior?”