Eleanor, maintaining her composure, approached the spill with a gentle demeanor, cleaning the mess with deliberate care. Her hands moved with the steadiness of someone who had faced far greater challenges than a mere wine stain. As she worked, she felt Adrien’s presence beside her, his hand resting on her shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of her resilience.

“Mother,” Adrien addressed her softly, his voice carrying across the room with the weight of revelation. The collective gasp of the crowd was almost palpable. Sloan’s eyes widened, disbelief and embarrassment coloring her cheeks a deep crimson that matched the spilled wine.