It could be debatable. Either he isn't able to stop himself when his lips curl toward the smallest of smiles or he really doesn't notice at all, with some quiet pleasedness toward the thought itself.
His words are quieter, faintly pleased (if problematic for the point), and not nearly the rebuff they could have sounded in any other tone. "You seem to be managing well enough without me."
no subject
His words are quieter, faintly pleased (if problematic for the point), and not nearly the rebuff they could have sounded in any other tone. "You seem to be managing well enough without me."