"I wouldn't be happy if my wife hid something from me, so I wouldn't do the same to her. So… no. I wouldn't keep secrets from my spouse."
He held his breath, eyes flicking to his boss's face. Was that the right answer? Or had he just stepped into a trap?
Either way, he braced himself. If it backfired, so be it. He was being honest. That was what she paid him for, wasn't it? Not to flatter, not to lie, but to tell the truth. Even if it cost him.
Her voice was quiet, deliberate. "So… you wouldn't lie to her. Even if the truth… would hurt her?"
He shook his head. "Not on something important. Not something that affects trust."
There was a pause. Then she said simply, "Thank you. I understand."
Olaedo sank slowly into her seat, her expression unreadable as she stared ahead. Her spoon rested untouched beside her half eaten meal.
But her mind wasn't on the food.
