The center of attention

Despite the restlessness that had built up, Joanna exerted herself to round up her senses and maintain her composure. Hence, she was still able to perceive her surroundings.

However, that self-consciousness made the restlessness grow inside her even more, as under this kind of situation, she always felt that she became more susceptible to what was present around her. And it was to the point that she felt that she was being watched and under scrutiny.

How could she not feel that when all eyes were following where she was now walking with her family?

Not even noises were formed, like when the grand door was just opened a fleeting moment ago, as if her and her family's presence was a once-in-a-century performance that should not be skipped to watch.