The room was thick with tension. Caroline's sharp rebuttal had landed perfectly, striking at Gretha in a way that left the latter seething. Gretha's narrowed eyes bore into Caroline's smug expression, silently plotting how she might wipe that self-satisfied grin off her face. Caroline, however, remained unbothered, her demeanor radiating victory.
Sensing the rising hostility between the two, Paul, who had been quietly observing the debate, raised his hand. Dr. Thatcher, who had been watching the exchange with a faint, knowing smile, shifted her gaze to him.
"Yes, Paul?" she said, her voice carrying the calm authority of someone who already anticipated the brilliance in his response.
The room fell silent, save for the simmering animosity between Gretha and Caroline, who continued their silent battle of glares. When Paul finally spoke, his voice carried a measured weight, effortlessly cutting through the tension.