"Do you? Smart boy." Somehow, it just sounds worse when she's saying something 'complimentary'. (Yes, the idea of her being complimentary is thought with sarcastic air quotes.)

Egos are usually big, easy targets. It's nothing personal, however personal it gets. Not for her. It's just more business as usual. She is the cold wind that ruffles feathers, and the smart birds fly away before she finds them.

"No, I'm sure they don't. You've made so much progress."