[Clara's POV]
The dinner party had finally ended. The last guests started leaving out, leaving a faint scent of perfume and candle wax lingering in the hall. Clara let out a quiet exhale as she followed Nathaniel toward the main doors. The shining chandeliers overhead reflected off the polished floors, making the room look brighter and emptier than it felt a moment ago.
Margaret, standing near the exit with her perfect posture and calculated smile, was busy shaking hands and offering polite words to the remaining few stragglers. Vivian hovered beside her, arms crossed, watching the scene with thinly veiled disdain.
Nathaniel's jaw tightened slightly, his eyes following his stepmother's movements. "Time to go," he said quietly, a hint of relief in his tone.
Margaret turned to him, smile carefully controlled. "Oh, Nathaniel… before you leave, I just wanted to thank you for coming tonight. It was… considerate of you."
