"...David."Ulrich's voice softened, almost a whisper. His gaze was no longer sharp like a blade—something had shifted.Several seconds passed in silence before Ulrich finally spoke again."You've become reckless."
David immediately lowered his head, fists clenched at his sides. "I'm sorry, Sir. I was just—"
"—Extracting information from housewives," Ulrich cut in, his tone flat. "Using empathy. Breaking protocol. Exploiting their human side."
David opened his mouth, ready to explain. But Ulrich slowly raised a hand, stopping him."I'm not angry," he said. "On the contrary… I'm glad."
David lifted his head, confused. "Glad?"Ulrich nodded slowly, then leaned back into his chair."You were reckless, David. But that proves one thing I thought was long gone from you…"His gaze drifted, as if staring through the office wall."…You're still human."
