"No," Lenox cut in quickly, voice firmer than he expected. "No. I'm thankful for the stipend. I… I don't want to cause more trouble."
"Alright, then there's no need to worry about it," Matthew said. "I'll call Cristoff. He'll handle the arrangements. If you need anything—transport, documents, packing—just let him know."
Before he could finish, Lenox stepped in with forced urgency. "There's really nothing going on between Catherine and me."
Matthew paused. His expression didn't shift, but the silence was telling.
"I mean, I know how it must have looked. But I would never—she and I… It's not like that," Lenox said.
His tone was just humble enough to sound considerate, but not so much as to suggest guilt. He looked at Matthew as if expecting some softening, some sign that the old, pliable friend was still in there.
