The images were intimate, carefully chosen to imply far more than what had actually happened: her hugging Astron tightly at the Spatial Gate station, another of her leaning into him at the Stellamare Museum, and the two of them entering a high-class hotel together.
Scandalous, indeed—at least for those who didn't know the context. But instead of fear or panic, a wry smirk formed on Irina's lips as she scrolled through the pictures.
"Well," she said, her tone almost amused, "you certainly went to a lot of trouble, didn't you?"
The voice on the other end faltered slightly, as though caught off guard by her reaction. "Trouble worth taking," it replied, regaining its composure. "These photos would certainly make waves if they were released to the public. Your family, your reputation—it would all take a significant hit, wouldn't it?"