As the hours passed, the tension in the safe house began to dissipate, but questions lingered. Clara couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story—more to Benjamin—than he was letting on.
That evening, as they sat together in the living room, she decided to confront him.
"Benjamin," she began, her voice steady, "I need you to be honest with me. Who is Moriarti, and why does he hate you so much?"
Benjamin leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the floor. For a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer, but then he spoke, his voice low and measured.
"Moriarti and I... we used to work together," he admitted. "Years ago, before I took over my family's business. We were partners, building an empire. But greed got the better of him. He wanted more—more power, more control—and he didn't care who he had to betray to get it."
Clara listened intently, her heart sinking with every word.
"When I refused to go along with his plans, he turned on me," Benjamin continued. "He tried to take everything—my business, my reputation, my family. We fought back, and I thought I'd buried that chapter of my life. But Moriarti doesn't let go."
Clara reached out, placing a hand on his. "And now he's using me to get to you."
Benjamin met her gaze, his eyes filled with regret. "I never wanted you to be part of this world. But now that you are, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."