She’s never been good at hiding when she’s afraid. Mask it behind another emotion, sure, but here, she doesn’t know what to cover it with, and it shows in her tense stance, her wider-than-usual eyes. This is the man behind the people who tried to kill her. She’s a little surprised she hasn’t panicked yet, although she can feel it building beneath her sternum.
"Considering Aria got Omega back from you, I’d say the opposite."
There’s a question on her tongue, but she’s unsure if she truly wants to know the answer.
"Was him trying to kill me on purpose or … did you just take advantage of my mo—of Aria’s anger after she thought I died?"
He paces when defeat grows near. The mere mention of Aria taking back Omega wounds his pride. It’s a knife in his side, squirming in between his ribcage. It digs deeper, threatens to puncture his lung. The Illusive Man takes a deep, steadying breath. To maintain composure, to appear sane though he is not. He is full of false appearances, a man of smoke & mirrors.
{ coɴтrol. ♦ } — ❝You have her wits.❞
Jack affords a smile that costs him, thin & brittle. It’s garish, an offense to humanity.
❝’Take advantage of’ carries such a strong connotation. Your inference is wrong. What I did had a purpose. This benefits not only Cerberus, but everyone in mind. The costs are great, I’m aware; we’d benefit if you were to join me.❞
He can’t afford a direct answer.