Elena's father had turned private moments into weapons for years. Of course they would expect the same from her. Even Clara avoided looking directly at Elena now.
And strangely… that hurt more than Daniel's suspicion itself.
The living room became painfully quiet afterward.
Then finally Elena spoke softly. "You want to check my phone."
Not a question. Just understanding. Which Alaric did anticipated from her.
Daniel nodded once. "Yes."
Alaric unconsciously straightened slightly, tension building inside him immediately because now that the moment had actually arrive… it suddenly felt far uglier than it did minutes ago.
For several long seconds Elena said nothing.
Then quietly… she reached into the pocket of her dress and handed her phone over without resistance.
Everyone eventually settled into the living room. The atmosphere remained stiff and uncomfortable.
Like nobody truly wanted to be there, yet no one was willing to leave either.
