Adrian’s POV

The rooftop gathering gradually returned to its normal rhythm after the tense interruption.

Music played on. Conversations resumed. Glasses were refilled.

But the atmosphere around the central table had changed.

I stood off to the side, drink untouched.

Eileen stood quietly near Winnie, her expression composed, though her eyes no longer carried the same lightness as before.

Winnie leaned closer, lowering her voice.

“Are you okay?”

Eileen paused briefly.

Then answered, almost casually, “I just humiliated myself tonight.”

Winnie blinked. “What? No—”

Eileen shook her head slightly, cutting her off.

“It’s fine. Let’s go.”

There was no anger in her tone.

Only quiet detachment.

Winnie studied her for...