Cracks in the Script
Julian walked past Evan on his way out.
For half a second, their shoulders almost brushed.
The distance between them was less than an inch—close enough to feel each other's breath, close enough to sense the hostility vibrating beneath the surface.
Evan's jaw tightened.
Something in his chest twisted.
Charlotte's tone toward him had been cold—almost hostile.
But toward Julian?
Gentler.
Even protective.
That wasn't how this was supposed to go.
His fingers curled at his sides.
"Officer Bonds," he suddenly said sharply, voice rising, "I want you to investigate Young Master D'Aurelius again. He's hiding something. You need to look into him."
The office froze.
Julian stopped mid-stride.
Charlotte's eyes turned icy.
She could hear it—Julian's inner voice still faintly echoing in her mind, mocking, teasing… but beneath that was clarity. No panic. No guilt.
And now this man—Evan—was trying to shift the board.
Trying to make her doubt.
