Ruby's Provocation, Vivienne's Answer

"I've met her three times," Shanice announced proudly at dinner, reaching for her glass of juice. "She's really nice."

Lucas Sterling leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Three times? And you said her name was Elara?"

"Mmm-hmm," Shanice nodded, taking a big sip of her apple juice.

Beck shot Lucas a warning glance. "I don't think we need to make a federal case out of who we met at the park."

"I'm just making conversation," Lucas replied innocently, though his smirk suggested otherwise. "So, Shanice, what else can you tell us about this mysterious Elara?"

Beck cut in before Shanice could answer. "Lucas, enough. She's just someone we met. Leave it alone."

"Uncle Beck gets grumpy when I talk about her," Shanice whispered loudly to Coco, who giggled in response.

Damien observed the exchange quietly, his expression unreadable as he sipped his wine.