[Hattie supposes she could understand that. If her mother suddenly turned on her, her old self probably would have stayed as well. Not that she is super independent woman now.]

I see what you mean. I shouldn't have said what I did, Eponine.

[She listens afterward, then grits her teeth lightly in worry. She doesn't know the slightest thing about AGI, nor this 'Jack' person. Of all the problems she was expecting, that was probably the last.]

... Rgh. [She felt a headache coming on.] The things we do for love. So what is Jack's part in this? Is he getting something from you in exchange for his generosity?