“I… I need to sit,” Caroline murmured, her voice wavering as she lowered herself into her chair with less grace than usual. Murmurs rippled through the room, concern mingling with curiosity.

Dylan, noticing the shift in atmosphere, was at my side in an instant. “What’s going on?” he asked, his brow furrowing as he glanced between his mother and me.

I met his gaze, my expression calm and steady. “I’m not sure,” I replied, allowing just a hint of worry to color my voice. “Maybe the excitement got to her.”

As staff moved to assist Caroline, helping her to a quieter area to recover, I squeezed Dylan’s hand reassuringly. The night continued, the music and laughter resuming, but the shadow of what had transpired lingered.