That's not— [ She doesn't flinch; she's too in-control for that. But she's left with the sting of his words either way, and the frown returns after all her attempts to get rid of it. His brows raise. Hers come together in the middle, the muscles in her jaw tensing. ]

I'd wish to know. [ She says, after a breath to gather her words. ] So that I may be able to do something about my circumstance. But I'm understand this is not the only answer, let alone the right one.

[ Another inhale. ] I apologize if I overstepped.