"I hired a private investigator." The words land like stones.
"Elliot is more dangerous than you know. I'm going to Oregon with you tomorrow. We're taking my family's private jet. It's already arranged."
I actually laugh, a short, harsh sound. "Are you serious right now? You think you can just decide?—"
"Open the door, Sadie."
"No."
"Please." His voice drops lower. "What I need to tell you shouldn't be said through a door."
Something about his tone makes me hesitate. This isn't the easygoing version who teases and flirts. This is someone else entirely. Someone deadly serious.
I remove the chair and unlock the door, opening it just enough to see him. He looks terrible, dark circles under his eyes, jaw tight with tension, none of his usual warmth.
"You have five minutes," I say, stepping back to let him in.
He enters my apartment, scanning the room with quick, assessing eyes before settling on me. "I'm sorry," he saysimmediately. "For keeping that photo from you. It was wrong, and I won't make excuses."
I cross my arms. "You said you had something to tell me."
"The PI found things about Elliot. Things that change everything." He sets a folder on my coffee table.
"He's been investigated twice for financial fraud. He's currently under SEC scrutiny for misappropriation of client funds. And he has another family in California, a wife and two kids."
My knees go weak. I sink onto the couch, staring at the closed folder. "What?"
"He's a con man, Sadie. A good one."
My head spins as I try to process this. "How?—"
"That's not all." Axel sits beside me, careful to keep distance between us. "The PI found evidence that he's planning to take Poppy and disappear. He's already got fake passports."
Terror slams into me with physical force. "No."
"I won't let that happen." Axel's voice hardens. "That's why I'm going with you to Oregon. That's why we're taking my family's jet. I've already arranged security."
Anger flares, cutting through my shock. "You went behind my back. Again. Making decisions about my life without asking me."
"You don't have to forgive me," he says, eyes locked on mine. "But you need to listen to me."
"Why should I trust anything you say?"
"Because despite my mistakes, I have never lied to you." He leans forward, intensity rolling off him in waves. "And because you know, deep down, that you can't face this alone."
"I've been handling Elliot alone for two years," I snap.
"And look where that's gotten you. Running, hiding, living in constant fear." His words hit like a slap.
"I'm not trying to control you, Sadie. But I refuse to watch you walk into danger alone when I have resources that can help."
"I don't need your help."
"Poppy does." His voice gentles. "This isn't about you and me. It's about keeping her safe."
The mention of my daughter cuts through my anger. I glance at the baby monitor, at Poppy's peaceful breathing.
"What's in that folder?" I finally ask.
