He responded with a long gulp of wine and a pregnant silence.

A tacit affirmation on Rosalynn's suspicions.

His silence was telling. The life of a police informant was fraught with risk, demanding a rare breed of courage.

This revelation cast a new Light on Barlow.

“Rosalynn, advise Karina to keep a distance from Kennedi but do not reveal the truth to her. If Karina discovers the truth, she may inadvertently disclose it. I can't predict what Lengths Kennedi might go to."

His gaze became contemplative, the red wine in his glass spinning leisurely in response to his thoughtful stir.

Rosalynn's eyes flicked to Barlow, a glimmer of understanding lighting up her gaze.

“Do you have feelings for Karina?”

The memory of his bitter words at the hospital rushed back. She remembered how he had aimed arrows of insult at Karina with unwarranted precision right after Kennedi appeared.

Now, the motive behind his stinging actions dawned on her.

He had stirred the pot, intentionally kindling Karina's anger to push her away.

Only a sentiment as intense as love could drive such an intricate plan.

Barlow remained silent, offering no response.

The usual cynicism that characterized him was now veiled in silence and aloofness, a side of him that Rosalynn found perplexing and hard to understand.

As Rosalynn digested the influx of revelations, a ghost of Kennedi's accusatory glare flashed in her mind, jolting her back to reality.

"Was it your plan to make me the sacrificial lamb? I've become an unasked-for thorn in Kennedi's life. Do I just sit idly, waiting for her retaliation?"

The familiar devil-may-care glint returned to Barlow's eyes.

“Don't you have my brother behind your back? Rely on him."

A cold laugh escaped Rosalynn.

"But didn't you claim to be my suitor?

Why send me to Brian again? A contradiction, don't you think? Be honest. Why get close to me in the first place?"

Her initial assumption was a revenge plot against Brian, but now, knowing his true character, that seemed Less Likely.