"Madam, it's me." A soft voice from outside the door broke the silence.
Celeste paused, wiping away her tears with a handkerchief.
"The banquet is about to start. The old master has asked me to call you for dinner," continued the maid.
"The old master is here?" Celeste's eyes widened. She quickly composed herself and responded, "I understand. We'll be right there."
Turning to Robert, she forced a faint smile. "No matter what, today is Grandfather's birthday. Let's not dwell on what just happened. You know what kind of person Louis is. It's enough that we, mother and son, lead our lives well. We don't need to concern ourselves with that man."
Robert shook his head slightly, his voice soft but firm. "The one who needs to let go is you, Mother."
Celeste's eyes flashed with a mix of love and lingering bitterness. "I don’t..."
"Alright, let's go." Robert's tone brooked no argument. He wanted to shift his mother's focus away from her emotional turmoil.