[His expression falters a little. That's... that's an awfully good point.

He heaves a frustrated sigh, and hesitates; is this goading to go farther, to hurt him and be called off? Or is this a warning that his little exercise is just plain futile? It might be telling that he doesn't escalate the aggression in this moment, unlike the previous pattern of taking everything-but-no as 'yes, continue.']

I already have, Dr. Chilton. It hurts me not to tear you apart for that little trick you played. But here I am, trying to take the high road.

[Oh, is that what this is...??]