Gian drew a deep breath, steadying himself.
He knew Danielle all too well.
“There’s still no clarity on what really happened. Jumping to conclusions now won’t help anyone,” he began, his voice calm but firm. “I wanted to talk to you today to remind you—be vigilant. Protect yourself.”
He hesitated, searching for the right words. “Your divorce with him… it’s been messy. I worry you might hold a grudge, or at least a bias against him. I’m bringing this up because I want you to keep a clear head.”
Gian pressed his lips together in thought. “I’m not making excuses for him. I just don’t want you to let your feelings get in the way—if he tries to help and you push him away, it might put you in more danger.”
That possibility haunted Gian, and the more he thought about it, the more it troubled him.
“Sometimes, if he really is working in your interest behind the scenes, knowing how to use his help is a skill in itself,” Gian continued quietly. “The truth of what happened isn’t nearly as important as your safety. He wants you safe—giving him that is enough for now.”
His analysis was methodical, each point clearly considered. He’d played out these scenarios in his mind countless times.
As for Alexander’s motives, Gian could only see one plausible explanation.
Danielle frowned, studying him.
“Thank you. I’ll think it through.”
“And what about Nathan?” Gian pressed, shifting gears. “He’s suddenly reappeared, reaching out to you out of nowhere, even rescuing you twice. Haven’t you found any of this suspicious?”
Danielle shook her head. “I’m not that naïve. He showed up out of the blue and ‘rescued’ me twice—I can’t help but wonder if he orchestrated the situations himself.” She paused, drawing a slow breath. “At one dinner, he even drugged my drink.”
Gian’s foot slammed on the brake, the car jerking to a halt. He turned, eyes wide with shock. “You never told me that. Are you alright? Did anything happen?”
Danielle shook her head again. “Alexander showed up.”
She inhaled deeply, her mind racing. “And after your analysis today, it strikes me as odd—he really did arrive out of nowhere that night.”
Maybe, she thought, Alexander had been watching over her all along.
Gian frowned. “You mentioned Nathan saved you twice, but when Millie was still around, Alexander got hurt twice for your sake—both times his right hand. He said he mistook you for someone else. Do you really believe that?”
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