Adelyn's gaze stilled for a brief second when she saw the crowd gathered outside her door.
But just as quickly—
Whatever flicker had appeared in her eyes vanished, leaving behind nothing but indifference.
"How may I help you?" she asked, her tone polite —so polite that it made everyone's heart sink.
They couldn't help but feel a strange impatience creeping in.
Especially Charlotte.
But she suppressed it, forcing a gentle smile as she refocused her gaze on her daughter.
It has been seven years —
And yet, seeing her now felt as though decades had passed.
Adelyn looked so different from the girl she remembered.
More refined.
More distant.
More ... untouchable.
"Adelyn ..." Charlotte's voice trembled slightly. "Sweetheart, you've grown even more beautiful. I can't help but remember how everyone used to praise your looks when ever I took you out with me."
Adelyn listened to her, but she gave no reaction at all.
No words.
No smile.
Nothing.
