Chapter 67: Elena’s Fracture

Elena Whitmore learned about Lillian’s visit to Celestine Heights from a passing comment that was never meant to reach her.

It came during a quiet luncheon at the Conservatory Terrace. Linen tablecloths. Measured laughter. The usual controlled ease of Aurelia society. A junior committee member mentioned, far too casually, that Beatrice had been “entertaining a guest from Florentis Quarter” the previous afternoon. A florist. Privately. At the estate.

Elena’s smile did not falter. Not at first.

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