"Hidden classes exist, but the ecosystem won't produce them the same way."
Lily's expression had been shifting for the last several seconds, and it arrived at its destination with some force.
"Brother Lane," she said, with the controlled precision of someone who had decided to be direct, "balance is a lovely concept. Would you like to look at my stat sheet and explain it to me? Because from where I'm standing, balance is not a word I would use."
Lane looked at Don with the expression of a man recognizing a situation he cannot win.
"The young lady makes fair points," Don offered, without sympathy.
"I cannot afford to make enemies of sharp-tongued women at this stage of my life," Lane said carefully.
"Hmph."
"Alright, in fairness, Boss Ye was genuinely upset about it. He already had words with Nolly. The handling was poor and he said so." Lane's tone was careful but honest. "And Don came through it fine. No permanent damage."
