Zachary looked at her again, this time a little longer, as if he were trying to read something hidden beneath her words.
For a brief moment, his gaze lingered. Not intrusive, not demanding, but observant in a quiet, careful way.
Then, just as quickly, he returned his attention to the road, his expression settling back into its usual calm.
"I see."
That was all he said. No further questions. No unnecessary curiosity. Just two simple words.
Silence followed.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable, yet it wasn't entirely relaxed either. It hung between them like a thin thread. Steady, unbroken, but noticeable enough that neither of them tried to break it.
Sienna leaned back slightly into her seat, her gaze drifting toward the road ahead.
The passing streetlights painted soft shadows across the windshield, and for the first time since leaving the hotel, her shoulders slowly began to loosen.
'That was close.'
