She looked up at me immediately, but I didn't soften. "I knew you'd react like this," I continued, smoothing my dress as though the conversation hadn't just tilted into something dangerous. "Judgment first… questions later."
"Alyssa—"
"No," I cut in, my voice calm but firmer now. "Stop." The word settled between us, sharper than I intended. I picked up my bag slowly, deliberately, giving myself a moment before I looked back at her. "Stop with the questions," I added, softer this time but no less controlled. "Because right now, you're not trying to understand me—you're trying to correct me."
Her brows drew together. "I'm trying to stop you from making a mistake."
A faint smile touched my lips, but it didn't reach my eyes. "Too late for that."
I stepped closer to the table, just enough to close the distance again, lowering my voice. "Are you on my side or not, Cynthia?" The question wasn't loud, but it carried weight. Not just a question, a line.
