Stephanie couldn't help but throw her brother a cold look as he passed. All that smugness just to end up with nothing, it almost made her feel better. Almost.
And so, with both siblings finally gone, the office grew quiet again.
One of the middle aged men shifted uncertainly, glancing at Elder Knox as if asking for permission to continue.
Receiving a small nod, he took a breath, ready to speak again
But Carl suddenly stood up, confusing all three men at once.
"Give me a minute," he said calmly, setting aside the papers before walking straight toward Nnenna.
"Sorry about those two," Carl said softly, his voice a soothing contrast to all the tension that had just left the room.
He offered her a reassuring smile, then handed her the leather bound book he had been writing in the whole time.
"Here," he continued, "solve these questions. It'll help me see how much you already know and where I should start teaching you. Don't worry if you don't get everything right."
