Exodus

A few days later, Cecelia finds Tobias at her house, embroiled in a heated phone call in French. She confronts him about his invasive presence, but their argument is interrupted by the arrival of his men, RB and Terrance. After Terrance makes a crude comment about Cecelia, Tobias forces him to wash her car as punishment.

Following the incident, Tobias takes Cecelia to her bank, explaining that her father is part of a larger, corrupt system. To illustrate his point, he reveals that Roman betrayed his former business partner, Jerry Siegal. Returning to the house, they play chess, and the tension of the game escalates into a physically charged confrontation. Tobias leaves abruptly, and Cecelia dreams of him that night.

The next morning, Tobias is in the kitchen with Jeremy, a crew member who is setting up a new laptop for Cecelia. Her interactions with Jeremy and another Ravenhood member, Russell, are strained at best. They both treat her coldly, intensifying her sense of isolation.

After the men leave, Cecelia and Tobias share a brief truce as they watch a news report, but they soon resume arguing. Tobias accuses her of being addicted—not to love, but to the feeling of being loved.