The tension between the two siblings crackled in the air, though neither of them raised their voices nor broke composure. It was a quiet battle of presence, of subtle digs wrapped in polite civility. But before Adeline could get in another word, Vivienne sighed dramatically.
"Now, now," she interjected, her voice warm yet firm, cutting through the air like silk-wrapped steel. "Let's not turn breakfast into a battlefield, shall we?"
She reached for her teacup, taking a slow sip before setting it down with practiced grace. Then, with a smile that was both gentle and absolute, she continued, "Besides, this might be the last meal we have together for a while."
A beat of silence.
Damien didn't react. He already knew where this was going.
But Adeline—
Her brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing across her otherwise controlled features. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice cool, but demanding.
