One glance from Isabella, and Seraphina shut her mouth, as if she suddenly remembered she shouldn't have mentioned Damien's name.
But Aveline, though silent, appeared composed to Seraphina's eyes.
Had she failed to trigger Aveline?
For Aveline, the evening pressed on. Everyone resumed their conversations, chatting casually. Isabella and Margaret moved to lighter topics while Edward, Charles, and Henry discussed the downfall of a business company.
Giselle, Elara, and Alaric were engaged in their own discussion, yet Aveline felt like sand slipping through her fingers, unable to push Damien from her mind and focus on the afternoon tea.
She had arranged every detail, carved beauty into every corner of the gathering, but now she stood quietly, a spectator while laughter and conversations flowed around her. The joy she had cultivated seemed to belong to everyone but herself.
Alaric leaned closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "You've gone quiet."
