Sonia leaned forward slightly, resting her chin lightly against her hand, her gaze fixed on him with clear interest.
“And what exactly does it explain?” she asked, her voice softer now, more probing.
Caleb met her eyes.
“Your confidence,” he replied without hesitation.
Her smile widened.
Satisfied.
But Caleb’s mind was already moving ahead.
Analyzing.
Connecting.
Because the more he learned—
The less he trusted.
And yet, he kept the conversation going, asking questions, guiding the interaction, playing his role perfectly, giving nothing away while taking in everything she offered.
All the while—
A plan was forming.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Because once this dinner was over—
He would not wait.
He would not hesitate.
He would make sure Iva was protected.
No matter what it took.
