Back at the Mansion….
As the front door closed behind Ryan and Iris, an uneasy silence settled over the dining room like a heavy fog. The warmth and pretense of civility had evaporated, leaving only a simmering tension beneath the surface.
Mrs. Rose, ever the tactful hostess, cleared her throat and stood, gracefully raising her glass. "Please, everyone, let's not dwell on Ryan and Iris leaving early. The night is still young, and we are here to celebrate Ivy's success."
She smiled thinly, and the guests, sensing her command, followed suit, raising their glasses in awkward unison. The room buzzed with muted conversation once more, the discomfort slowly dissipating as the focus shifted back to Ivy.
As the dinner wound down, the guests began to murmur their goodbyes. Ivy, glowin
