Emily, Alex, and Sarah analyzed the stolen files.
Evidence mounted against Victor.
But Emily's unease grew.
Something didn't add up.
Alex's secrecy.
Sarah's evasive answers.
Emily's trust wavered.
"Who are you working with?" Emily asked.
Sarah hesitated.
"No one," Alex replied.
Emily's instincts flared.
She confronted Sarah.
Sarah's expression crumbled.
"I'm working with the FBI," Sarah said.
Emily's world tilted.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Emily asked.
Sarah's voice barely rose above a whisper.
"To protect you."
Emily felt betrayed.
By Sarah's secrecy.
By Alex's silence.
Her doubts deepened.
Was Alex trustworthy?
Or was he using her?
Emily's heart raced.
As she re-evaluated.
Her alliances.
Her mission.