The birthday banquet was half over.
Some guests were already starting to leave.
Stella Sterling had long finished eating. She sat settled in beside Roman Rhodes, showing no intention of leaving.
Across from them.
Mrs. Sterling sipped her tea, occasionally exchanging a few words with Sylvia Sterling beside her.
But at times, she would use the pretense of sipping her tea to discreetly study Stella Sterling and Roman Rhodes.
Mr. Sterling, being a man, wasn't nearly as perceptive.
Especially at a social event filled with toasts and drinks, a few glasses of wine made him even more oblivious.
But Mrs. Sterling was different. Her seat was situated diagonally across from Stella Sterling.
She only needed to glance up to see her daughter's every move.
Throughout the meal, from the very beginning, Roman Rhodes's attention and care for Stella had been far too meticulous and obvious.
He had placed food on her plate more than once.
