Meanwhile, upstairs, Rose found Eleanor in the sitting room, gazing out the window. "Mother, we need to talk."
Eleanor turned slowly, raising an eyebrow. "About what, Rose?"
"About Marie. You need to give her a chance. She's trying her best," Rose pleaded, her voice soft but insistent.
Eleanor sighed, shaking her head. "Rose, I see right through that girl. She's not as innocent as she pretends to be."
"She loves Sebastian," Rose countered. "Isn't that enough?"
Eleanor's eyes hardened. "Love is not enough, Rose. Integrity, loyalty, and honesty—those are what matter."
Rose took a deep breath, frustration seeping into her tone. "Marie has those qualities. You just refuse to see them."
Eleanor turned back to the window, her voice quieter but firm. "I hope for all our sakes that you're r
