Isabella stood with her arms folded, observing Alexander's precise, well-coordinated movements as he paced the conference room, but she could see the strain seeping through the gaps. Behind him, the video of the break-in remained on the screen, stuck on the blurry picture of the masked burglar.
A person had approached too closely.
To his companionship. To his realm of protection.
to hers, as well.
At last, Alexander added in a tight, clipped voice, "This is a coordinated attack." "They received assistance from someone within." How they managed to get past those locks undetected could not be explained by any external breach.
Isabella's mouth clenched as she nodded. "I concur. But that doesn't really reduce the number of potential suspects. Military training is held by half of your security personnel. You manage this place like a stronghold.
Sharply, his eyes met hers.
"This is precisely the reason it shouldn't have occurred."
There was a long pause. heavy.
Although their tension wasn't new, it seemed different tonight—charged in a manner that neither of them wanted to admit. They were no longer only circling one another. On the same battleground, they stood.
Neither of them enjoyed it.
Isabella eventually exhaled slowly and whispered, "Look." "I am aware that you are difficult to trust. However, you requested that I locate this leak. With her song already shifting to battle-ready, I implore, "Let me do my job without fighting me at every turn."
Alexander clenched his jaw. The part of him that thrived on control was engaged in a battle with the logic he couldn't ignore, and she could see it in his eyes.
He said, "I'm not fighting you," with caution. But, Captain, realize something. I started this business from the beginning. For considerably less than what's at risk here, I've witnessed others betray me. I thus scrutinize everything since I've come to understand the price of confidence.
She gasped.
It was there. The fissure under all that steel.
He wasn't merely cautious. He was hurt.
She was, too, darn it.
Softer now, she said, "I understand." But trust is not a sign of weakness. And you cannot prevail in this battle by yourself.
He didn't argue despite a ticking muscle in his jaw.
Rather, he looked directly into her eyes, an unspoken exchange taking place.
A brittle comprehension.
A ceasefire.
"All right," Alexander responded in a hushed tone. "We collaborate. complete openness. No more barriers.
The words seemed heavier than they should have, yet she nodded.
Because they both secretly knew—
Some walls had to be broken in order to be taken down.