正确答案：CE
解析：
'Notwithstanding' implies that she is displaying some negative emotion, since the word contrast with what comes after the comma ("spoke directly and...").

(A) and (B) are tempting, but they are not the same thing. To cower is to express fear. To bristle is to express anger.

Both (C) and (E) are the opposite of speaking directly, making them perfect answers.