Just as well, really. M- would accept him holding a door open for her out of respect, but chivalry would have only gotten him a subtle kind of disdain. Women might be treated with a certain ingrained sexism among human cultures, but it was only a weakness to be exploited in her eyes. So Ellen was frowning at Blade for no real reason at all.

The music is interesting. Nothing that M- is aware of, but interesting enough to fill the silence until Blade talks. The plan is one of those classic things that lasts because it works. Let the predator think they're hunting until they're too distracted for anything else. Wrapped in compliments that aren't quite compliments, but details in a plan.

Her smile is a subtle thing. A slight quirk of her lips and shift of her brow. "I have no doubt that I can. The only thing that surprises me is that you'd let me drive your car."