"Spend time with you? I will pass."

Wenona’s tone was flat, disinterested, her arms crossed as she cast you a sidelong glance. She didn’t sugarcoat things—never had, never would. She had no interest in idle companionship, nor did she have any illusions about what it led to. Befriend someone, let them in, and suddenly you were vulnerable. Vulnerability led to exploitation, and she had no intention of being anyone’s fool.

And yet, your expression faltered—just slightly, but enough for her to notice. It was pathetic, really, how easy it was to read people when they didn’t even realize how much they were giving away. The slight dip of the shoulders, the way your eyes darted elsewhere, as if reconsidering whether asking had been a mistake.

A sigh escaped her before she could stop it. Irritating.

“Fine.” The word left her lips with the weight of a reluctant contract agreement. “Since you’re clearly incapable of accepting rejection, I will humor you. For now. What exactly do you intend for us to talk about? The stock market? Sales strategies? Perhaps company acquisitions?"

You blinked, clearly unprepared for that response. Wenona smirked, just barely. "No? Pity. I suppose that was too optimistic of me." She leaned back, arms folding once more, observing you with quiet scrutiny. "Then tell me, what exactly do you have in mind? Or was this invitation as thoughtless as I suspect?"