There's a look of surprise and uncertainty at that change in tone. Rita didn't expect him to relent, and through all of this, she'd become somewhat convinced that he really didn't care what she thinks. If he's asking, then hopefully it's because he wants an answer.

"I wish you wouldn't, for starters..." she begins in a mumble. "But..."

She can't just leave it at that. Maybe this is a chance to find some common ground, a compromise, something to make their future as friends and coworkers somewhat bearable for the both of them...

"I... I don't want to fight anymore. I'm sick of it. But I can't just back down when it comes to him. I can't forgive him, not easily, and certainly not because you think I should. So... I want you to stop making excuses for him. Treat his past actions with the gravity they ought to have. Understand that he's our enemy, and people are right to be wary of him. The harder you push, the more you try to force people to accept him, the more they'll just resent you and him."