"You've been plotting this since day one?" Ava repeated, pacing the tea shop with the fervor of someone whose entire life had just been turned into a rom-com script written by her meddling grandmother. Her voice hit an octave higher as she gestured wildly at Mei, who, in sharp contrast, was serenely sipping her oolong tea.
"Of course," Mei replied, as unbothered as ever. "It was obvious from the start. Ryan was your perfect match."
Ryan, slouched in his chair and trying to remain neutral, raised a hand. "Just for the record, I feel like I should've been consulted on this master plan."
"You would have said no," Mei said, not even looking at him. "You're stubborn."
Ryan opened his mouth to argue but paused, realizing she wasn't wrong. "Fair point," he muttered, folding his arms.