[Ivan smiles in return for the laughter as he takes the scissors and dutifully works on removing the leaves from the rose stems. He doesn't really see the humor, himself, but...]

I didn't mean to turn the suspicion on someone who was innocent other than myself...especially considering what he did in retaliation for those votes.

[Poor Max.]

But you're right. That's a good idea. Give me a moment to think of a good way to accomplish that. I have...a couple other ideas, as well.