Elara followed Damien silently through the gallery, maintaining a careful distance behind him. His broad shoulders and confident stride parted the crowd effortlessly. She found it both infuriating and fascinating how his mere presence commanded respect.
"Cora is with Vivienne near the main exhibit," Damien said without turning around. His voice was clipped, businesslike.
"Thank you for letting me know," Elara replied, keeping her tone neutral.
The exhibition hall buzzed with activity. Well-dressed patrons mingled among the artwork, champagne flutes glinting under the strategic lighting. Elara spotted Clara across the room, deep in conversation with the artist himself. Her grandmother's face was animated with joy.
"Mom!" Cora called out when she spotted Elara. She broke away from Vivienne's side and ran toward her mother. "You disappeared!"
Elara knelt down to her daughter's level. "I was just exploring the other exhibits, sweetheart."