Dr. Hamm's expression nearly didn't shift at all—was he not surprised, or was he just too tired to show surprise?
In truth, he'd been expecting this conversation from the moment he'd heard Ryder's name mentioned in connection with the recent events.
His daughter had never been good at hiding her interests, and he'd noticed her paying more attention in class whenever that particular student was present, despite the boy's apparent dedication to using the classroom as his daydreaming room.
He gestured toward a heap of rubble close to him, inviting her to sit. "This sounds serious."
Mara remained standing, clearly not accepting his invitation to sit. Her refusal was another sign of the change in her—the old Mara would have obediently followed his instruction, ready to abide by whatever pleased him.
This new version looked ready to speak out for herself.
