It was. Weren't you supposed to be a leader on your own merits?

[She looks like she might say more, but the freeing of her hands distracts her and she shakes her head and does her best to snatch them back like she's just remembered she should, in fact, do that instead of getting into more drama.]

Jeez. I can't hold your hand literally and metaphorically. Get a grip.

[Or don't get one, as it were.]