Ingrid's smile remained gentle as she turned to Christine, who nodded in understanding. With a graceful gesture, Christine offered a round tin container of balm to Nicolas.
Nicolas raised a curious brow as he noticed its familiarity.
"I apologize. There was a delay in locating the same balm you have given me. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude," Ingrid said sincerely.
Nicolas accepted the container from Christine's hands. He opened it to find that it was indeed the same balm he had given to Ingrid. He glanced up at her, with a blank face. "You didn't have to repay me," he remarked.
Ingrid's smile widened slightly as titled her head. "I've made the decision to give back whatever I receive," she replied softly.
Nicolas regarded her with an unreadable expression. After a moment of contemplation, he finally nodded. "Well, then," he said and turned around.
