Elara's POV
"Ms. Vance has no interest in empty platitudes," Mr. Fletcher said firmly. His unexpected defense warmed me, though my face remained impassive.
Lilian's eyes narrowed slightly. "We're simply concerned about Elara's wellbeing."
"Of course you are," I said, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Just like that time when I was nine."
"What are you talking about?" Erin asked, her brow furrowing in perfectly practiced confusion.
The memory surfaced with startling clarity. "You don't remember? That summer at father's beach house."
Erin's expression remained blank.
"It was the first time I visited after you married my father," I continued. "You bought ice cream for Vivienne and me."
A flicker of recognition crossed her face.
"Chocolate for Vivienne. Strawberry for me." I kept my voice steady. "You knew I was allergic to strawberries. My father had told you."
Erin's mouth opened slightly. "That was a simple mistake—"