The question sounded normal.
But Elena immediately understood.
Her fingers paused slightly around her cup.
Eleanor walked closer.
Still smiling.
"Didn't I tell you to skip breakfast this morning?"
Silence.
Alaric slowly looked up from his phone.
Eleanor continued naturally—
"The fitting was already scheduled weeks ago."
Her eyes moved subtly over Elena.
Then she laughed softly.
"We already adjusted your measurements. If you gain weight now it'll create unnecessary alterations."
She tilted her head.
"You're looking slightly fuller lately."
Silence.
Elena remained expressionless.
As though she hadn't heard it.
But Alaric noticed—
her hand lowered.
She stopped reaching for her food.
Then—
Isabella spoke.
Softly.
Calmly.
"One breakfast won't ruin a dress."
The room became quiet.
Eleanor looked toward her.
For half a second—
something unreadable crossed her face.
Then she smiled immediately.
Warm.
Almost embarrassed.
"Oh dear, that's not what I meant."
