The next few days were a whirlwind. Ethan's suspicion grew with every piece of new information they uncovered, and with it, his reliance on Mia deepened. She had proven herself to be sharp and resourceful, someone who didn't shy away from difficult tasks. But there was still a layer of mystery surrounding her, a quietness in her eyes whenever she spoke about the future or her past.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder if he was becoming too entangled in her web. It wasn't just the case anymore; it was her.
He was beginning to feel something—something dangerous.
"Are you sure about this?" Mia asked as they sat in his office, going through potential suspects. "You're going to accuse someone you trust. Are you ready for that kind of fallout?"
Ethan looked at her, his eyes hard. "I have no choice, Mia. My empire is on the line."
The air between them crackled with tension. Ethan knew she wasn't just talking about his company. She was talking about something more personal. He could feel her withdrawing, even as she sat in front of him. She was always two steps ahead, always thinking, always guarding herself.
"Mia," he said softly, leaning forward, "you don't have to keep your distance. You've already proven yourself. I trust you."
Her gaze flicked to his, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she stood up abruptly. "Trust me? You're too naive if you think you can just trust people without understanding what they want from you."
Ethan stared at her, confused. She was right, of course. Trust was a fragile thing, especially in his world. But he wasn't sure if she was talking about the case anymore—or about them.