[but as to her question. . . he frowns deeply, nudging a few more flat edges in her direction, now trying to build upon the frame that she started]

[. . .]

[. . . right. that's why it had been so hard to share, isn't it? why he had rolled with "freelancer" when people had asked him about his job back home. because the moment he is honest about it. . . nobody will believe him ever again. and why should they? who can trust a con man? who should trust a con man?]

. . . and don't-- talk around it, Odile. Ask me what you want to ask me.

[an exhale]

"Are you conning anyone right now?" Or maybe, "are you being sincere with everyone here?"