With the ease of one who had mastered the art of deception, Alex waited patiently for Grace to make the first move. He knew that lying came as naturally to him as breathing, and he was prepared to weave whatever web of deceit was necessary to maintain his facade of innocence.
As Grace approached, her gaze fixed upon him with a mixture of suspicion and uncertainty, Alex met her eyes with a calm and collected demeanor. He exuded an air of confidence, his every movement calculated and deliberate, as if he were a predator lying in wait for his prey.
And as Grace opened her mouth to speak, her voice tinged with doubt and hesitation, Alex prepared himself to spin whatever tale was necessary to assuage her fears. For in that moment, he knew that the fate of their fragile alliance hung in the balance, and he was determined to do whatever it took to maintain his hold over her fragile trust.
Grace: Alex, we need to talk.
Alex: Sure, what's on your mind?
