[. . . it's the lack of anger and disappointment in her voice that prevents him from taking those words to their worst logical conclusion. from guessing that she is making the same assumptions Odile almost had: that everything he has done since arriving has been nothing more than an elaborate act. a con. a swindler trying to achieve another score]

[a deep inhale. a slow exhale]

Haha. . . well. [he keeps his voice light, but he isn't looking at her, staring absentmindedly at the bowl of edamame that sits between them] If I had told people the truth, would anyone have believed anything I've said or done over the past two weeks. . .?

[they wouldn't have. they shouldn't have. no one should ever trust a con man]