This isn't right. This isn't right. Valdis may have a quick temper sometimes, might hold grudges but this is going way beyond what makes any kind of sense, not the least of which because she's just apologized and sent Pepper away in the same sentence. The math isn't adding up here, but the pain overrides most of the logic. Pain and not a little bit of anger.

Pepper takes a moment to rally herself, to clear her face of tears and try to look less upset until she can find privacy. No one needs to see her like this, no one needs to be asking more questions.

"Fine. Fine," she says, sniffing and turning away. "I'll just go back to doing my job." Apparently, that's all she matters for anymore. "You know where to find me."

And with that, Pepper opens the door and leaves.