Annabel found herself standing in place, an unshakable stillness gripping her as a sea of thoughts surged within her mind, rendering her momentarily mute.
Across the ornate dining table, Tracy's expression took on a sly curve as she delicately sliced into a piece of meat on her fine china plate.
Her voice sliced through the tense atmosphere. "What's troubling you, Annabel?" Tracy inquired, struggling to cut the meat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room, including Annabel, who was visibly perplexed.
Attempting to regain her composure, Annabel stood up straight, determined not to let her voice falter. "Uh, nothing," she stammered, her attempt to sound collected.
Tracy leaned in, her gaze drilling into Annabel's eyes as she repeated her question. "Then answer me this – shouldn'
