The room was quiet, uncomfortably quiet. You could hear a pin drop as tension danced in the air. Just then, Mister Warner finally broke the silence, his voice hesitant but steady enough to carry weight.
"Ehm, Missus Hamilton's birthday celebration is next week at the Hamilton Hotel," he said, extending his hand and passing a sleek, gold-trimmed invitation to Ava.
His eyes didn't leave her face as he added with a tone that carried something more than just duty, "And this… is your invitation."
Ava blinked in surprise, her hand reaching out slowly. Her fingertips brushed against his as she took the invitation, and for a second, it felt like time paused. Her heartbeat quickened. Was this real?
"I was just asked to give it to you," Mister Warner quickly clarified, pulling his hand back. His voice was neutral now, but his eyes held a tinge of regret.
