Aveline hadn't arrived at the café seeking confrontation, nor had she entered expecting to be humiliated by Eleanor.
After hitting her, Eleanor said, "You've brought shame to the Ashford name. And I don't care whose daughter you are, this war is not over."
Aveline didn't flinch, despite the pain spreading from her cheek. She could walk away from there and let Eleanor do whatever she wanted. But she was neither that arrogant nor weak.
She pulled up a chair and sat down. The buzz in the cafe dulled. Their eyes flicked towards the glowing red mark on Aveline's cheek, stark against her porcelain skin.
She didn't touch it, she didn't break down into tears or get angry. That unnerved them more than the slap itself.
Eleanor, still standing, looked down at Aveline, momentarily thrown by the girl's calm poise.
Aveline merely stated, "Madam Ashford, the war began the day YOURGRANDSON began toying with my life."
