His voice rose with righteous indignation. "Besides, does your wife even know about your... conditions? How could you do this to her!"

Kate glanced at him, surprise flickering across her face.

A hint of admiration crept into her gaze.

"Whether I've wronged her or not, I'll get tested with her later. That's between us." I kept my voice even. "You don't need to concern yourself."

I turned to leave.

A hand shot out and clamped around my wrist. The report was snatched away.

Cedric waved it in front of my face, his expression wounded but determined.

"Irvin, I know you. You've always been good at lying."

He shook his head slowly. "Normally, I'd play along. But this? This affects everyone's health. I can't just let it slide."

My jaw tightened. "What the hell are you talking about?"

But he was already unfolding the report.

I lunged forward and ripped it from his hands.

Tore it once. Twice. Three times.

Flung the pieces into the air.

They scattered like snow.

"Are you done?" I stared him down. "You won't be satisfied until everyone knows the 'truth,' is that it? I'm warning you—you'll regret this."

"No, I won't!"

Cedric's composure cracked, fury bleeding through.

"You're my best friend, but I can't cover for you! Someone who can't keep himself clean catches a disease, and what—the rest of us are supposed to risk exposure because of you?"

I bit down hard, forcing the rage back.

"The report's gone. Say whatever you want. It doesn't matter now."

"Who says it's gone?"

He lifted his chin, a challenge in his eyes.

"If you're really sincere about this, let's go to the hospital right now and get another copy." He swept his arm toward the crowd. "Everyone here can come along. If you're clean, we'll all breathe easy. If you're not... well, we should probably get tested too."

His voice turned grave. "After all, you've touched so many things here. What if there's cross-contamination?"

I stared at him, disbelief hollowing out my chest.

"You really want to push me into a corner with no way out?"

Cedric's gaze darted to Kate—just a flicker, barely a heartbeat.

Something triumphant gleamed in his eyes.

Then his face crumpled into an expression of pained sincerity.

"Irvin, I'm not trying to corner you. I just think... if you tell us the truth now, it won't delay your treatment."

I said nothing.

He stepped closer, reaching out to pat my hand.