She recovers quickly.
“That depends on whether those are different things,” she says.
Vihl lets out a low whistle. “She’s got teeth.”
“She’s aware,” I correct.
I shift slightly, continuing the pressure.
“If I decide you’re not useful,” I say, “you don’t go back.”
“I’m aware.”
“If I decide you are,” I continue, “you don’t negotiate terms.”
“I didn’t ask for terms.”
“You didn’t ask for anything,” I say. “You offered.”
“Yes.”
The silence that follows is heavier now, shaped by the decision already made.
I turn slightly, signaling the next step.
“Bring her,” Vihl says automatically.
“No,” she says, cutting in before anyone moves.
I turn back to her.
Her posture hasn’t changed, but the air around her has, sharpened by something more deliberate now.
“I’ll walk,” she says.
Vihl raises a brow. “That’s not how this works.”
“It can be,” she replies.
I study her again.
“You think that matters?” I ask.
“I think how something starts affects how it continues,” she says.
“That’s a risk,” I say.
“So is dragging me,” she replies.
Vihl huffs quietly. “She’s negotiating already.”
“She’s setting a boundary,” I say.
I hold her gaze for another moment, weighing it, then nod once.
“Walk,” I say.
Vihl glances at me. “You’re letting her?”
