Ella couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her chest after the confrontation with Fabian. As Derek led Fabian away, her thoughts swirled with doubts and suspicions. Something about the way Fabian had surrendered so easily, the sudden emotional breakdown, felt too orchestrated. She tried to shake off the feeling, but her instincts told her there was more going on.
Ethan, still lingering nearby, broke the silence. “Ella, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would come to this. I never wanted to hurt you.”
She glanced at him, her expression guarded. “It’s not just about what you wanted, Ethan. This is bigger than you or me.”
Ethan sighed, frustration etched across his face. “I know, but I….”
Ella cut him off, her voice firm. “I need time, Ethan. I need to figure out what’s really going on.” Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, conflicted and defeated.
Later that evening, Ella sat at her desk, staring at the files Derek had compiled on Tania’s activities. The evidence was damning Tania had been siphoning money from Ethan’s business, manipulating events to keep him and Ella apart, and orchestrating the entire plot of Ella’s death. But there was one thing that bothered her: Fabian’s involvement.
He had confessed to being the assassin Tania hired, yet his actions during the confrontation didn’t add up. Why had he lowered the gun? Why had he seemed to give up so easily? It didn’t sit right with her.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. A message from Derek: We need to meet. I’ve found something you need to see. It’s about Fabian.
Ella’s heart raced as she grabbed her coat and headed out the door.
At the secluded cafe where they had agreed to meet, Derek slid a folder across the table toward Ella. His face was grim.
“What’s this?” Ella asked, opening the folder. Her eyes widened as she skimmed through the documents.
“Fabian’s been playing both sides,” Derek explained, his voice low. “He’s been in contact with Tania this entire time, feeding her information about your plans. That breakdown earlier? It was staged.”
Ella’s stomach churned. “Why would he do that? He saved me once why turn against me now?”
Derek leaned in closer. “Tania must have something on him. I don’t know what, but whatever it is, it’s big enough to make him betray you.”
Ella clenched her fists. “So, this whole time, he’s been working with her?”
“Not entirely,” Derek said. “It looks like he’s conflicted. He cares about you, Ella, but Tania’s manipulation runs deep.”