Every word landed softly.
But heavily.
Sophie’s face paled further.
Helen frowned slightly.
“Mom…”
“I’m old,” Noelle interrupted smoothly. “Not blind.”
Silence crashed down immediately afterward.
Even Harrison’s gaze sharpened slightly.
Because this was the first time all night Noelle had openly acknowledged the tension surrounding Sophie.
And everyone understood what she was implying.
Sophie swallowed hard.
Then lowered her eyes again.
Perfectly pitiful.
Perfectly restrained.
But inside?
Humiliation burned like acid.
Later That Night
The banquet finally began winding down close to ten.
Guests slowly filtered toward the entrance beneath golden chandeliers and murmured farewells.
Raina helped Noelle cut the final birthday cake, smiled politely through several final conver
