It seems to be character vs self since Claire is putting herself down with her insecurities.
Demolish could be a word to fit in there
Answer:
action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately: you should remain calm and not respond to provocation | he burst into tears at the slightest provocation.
• Law action or speech held to be likely to prompt physical retaliation: the assault had taken place under provocation
Answer:
There is a problem at the lab that he works at so he has to rush there.
