[Bruce stepped inside, past her, and turned on his feel to face her. He was angry, suddenly, but not at her. It was old frustration welling up, people's perceptions of him like bullets on armor that had become too worn to protect as it should. No matter what he did, the outcome was always, always the same. He was tired of over-thinking everything. Tired of trying to please people who could never be pleased.]
I know why? [He looked at her, meeting her gaze without hesitation.] Because people will talk, Iris? Because they'll gossip? That's what small minds do. Neither you nor I can change that. [He gestured past himself, into the penthouse.] Take a look around. Make yourself comfortable. Forget what other people will think or say.