He flipped through more reports, finding the answer: she had no proof. Just circumstantial evidence and suspicion. If she made formal accusations without solid evidence, she'd damage her credibility. So she was building the case herself first, planning to present it when she had undeniable proof.
Which meant she was operating outside official structures. Isolated. Doing something that looked obsessive to outsiders.
Just like he was isolated. Just like Elara had been isolated.
Everyone trapped in their own way.
An idea formed. Risky. Counterintuitive. Possibly stupid.
But it might work.
[CORRUPTION STRATEGY FORMULATED]
[APPROACH: Radical Honesty + Mutual Isolation Recognition]
[RISK LEVEL: EXTREME]
[SUCCESS PROBABILITY: UNKNOWN]
A knock at the study door interrupted his planning.
"Enter."
