The air seemed to freeze mid-breath.

Even the soft clink of glassware came to a halt as every pair of eyes shifted between the two women.

Sophia’s smile remained, but her tone was icy. “It’s only a sip of wine, Isabelle. Surely you’re not too fragile for that?”

The words were sweet on the surface, but the undercurrent of mockery was unmistakable.

A few of the younger cast members glanced at each other uneasily. Everyone here knew the subtle rules of such gatherings. ...