#65 I Admire Him

The rain came down pouring like cats and dogs as Jake and I left the restaurant, the lunch with Asher having gone downhill. I was so excited to meet the spy and hear stories. But it was hijacked by Sylvie. After she left, I thought we would continue our discussion. But Jake said he needed to attend a business and we had to leave early.

I know it was a lie. I know he was jealous.

The tension at the table had been palpable, and I could sense the unspoken conflict between Jake and Asher. I wanted to clear the air and set it straight. But Jake almost pulled me away. HE didn't even bother checking Sylvie's wallet - just in case it contained any clue.

It was frustrating how everything had unraveled, leaving me with more questions than answers. The Blackmailer, the photos, Asher's connection with Jake, and now her purse. As we hurried to the car, I tried to pull Jake into conversation, hoping to make sense of the mess.

“Jake,” I began, my voice barely audible over the sound of the rain beat