20. The Art of Deception

Jacob eventually found his way to my secluded corner, and although part of me wanted to avoid any further engagement, my need for answers pushed me to confront him. The conversation that followed was filled with tension and unspoken threats. With a cold stare, I warned him, "Jacob, you need to back off whatever plan you have. I overheard enough to know that something's not right, and I won't hesitate to expose it." He chuckled darkly, seemingly undeterred. "Exposing what, exactly? Your overactive imagination?" I refused to let him belittle me. "I'm serious. Whatever you're up to, it won't end well. For you, for Carla, or for my tribe." Jacob's eyes bore into mine, and there was a dangerous edge to his voice as he replied, "You don't know what you're talking about. Stay out of things that don't concern you." The tension between us hung thick in the air, and I couldn't help but feel that this conversation was far from over. Our encounter left me with more questions than an