Neal is aware enough of Lestat's thoughts on Malcolm. The statement has him furrowing his brow.

"Your desire to be good at something is holding you back?"

Lestat knows that's not the meaning. Still, he can't help but skew it that way, particularly in context of the conversation up until now.

"Perhaps it is late and I am reading too far into things," he adds, casually. "I can't imagine he'd encourage you to settle for mediocrity."