Clara confronted him that night. His reaction was not guilt—it was relief.

Clara wanted to believe him. But then she asked: “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He sat down, exhausted. “She’s my brother’s widow. Paul died three years ago. She’s been dating a man named Marc—violent, controlling. I’m documenting his pattern. The Guide des épisodes is a log of her schedule, so I can keep her safe.”