Emily's mind reeled.
Sarah's betrayal cut deep.
Alex's silence hurt more.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Emily asked.
Alex's eyes locked onto hers.
"I swore to protect you," he said.
"From everyone, including the FBI."
Emily's skepticism grew.
"Who are you to decide?" she asked.
Alex's jaw clenched.
"I'm the one who's lost everything."
Emily saw the pain.
In Alex's eyes.
But doubts lingered.
"Prove it," Emily said.
Alex hesitated.
Then revealed his past.
A tragic loss.
A vendetta.
Emily's heart softened.
She saw Alex's truth.
But questions remained.
"Is the FBI trustworthy?" Emily asked.
Sarah nodded.
"They can bring Victor down."
Emily weighed her options.
Trust Alex.
Or trust the FBI.
As she pondered.
A sudden noise echoed.
Footsteps approached.
Victor's men.
They'd found them.
"Run!" Alex yelled.
Emily grabbed her bag.
Files scattered.
As they fled.
Their escape route uncertain.