The photos lay between them like a silent accusation.
Ava's chest rose and fell unevenly.
"Who is she?" she asked again—this time quieter, but stronger.
Dominic didn't look away.
"That's Elena Voss," he said.
Elena Voss
Ava waited.
"And?" she pressed.
"She's not what you think," he added.
Ava crossed her arms. "Then explain it to me."
Dominic exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
"She's part of the world I told you about. Someone I used to work with. Those pictures—" he gestured to the table, "—they're meant to manipulate you."
Ava searched his face.
"You're saying this is a setup?"
"Yes."
"And you expect me to just believe that?"
"No," he said honestly. "I expect you to decide if you trust me."
Silence stretched between them.
Then Ava stepped closer.
"I don't trust easily," she said.
"I know."
"But I'm choosing to trust you anyway."
That—
That was more dangerous than anything.