[ See, there's one thing that Claude hates, and it forms the foundation for every other thing that he's wary about in life: that one thing is disappointment, and more specifically, disappointment that he lets himself hope for something beyond what he knows he won't get. That mental chastisement comes back in full force when Dom mentions Iona's concern for his wellbeing; Claude's inner demon whispers the same warning that it's been whispering since his mother essentially told him to fuck off when he was still 9.

(it's your own fault for being disappointed, because no one ever owes you anything.)

Claude's not sure if this is jealousy or his own self-fulfilling prophecy of shoving other people away before they can hurt him, but what matters is that he doesn't Like It. That feeling only doubles when he sees Iona, when he has to contend with his own pettiness while she's in the room.

Sometimes he really hates her timing. He tries not to show it. ]

Likewise. How audacious of you to steal my much-coveted title away from me.

[ Smooth and sarcastic, as always. He settles back in his seat, as if nothing is wrong. ]

If you'd be so kind as to return it to me, I'll be out of your hair in seconds.