In an instant, the atmosphere got tense. Hazel was so caught up in the atmosphere that she could barely breathe.

Joshua picked up a glass of milk from the desk and handed it to her.

“Relax and have some milk,” he said quietly. “They’re both professionals, so it is no problem for them to finish the task.”

She nodded and sipped the milk.

“Joshua, I still think the problem should be analyzed dialectically,” she finally could not resist speaking. “Your father does hate me, but he ...