CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY: TIPS AND BITS

Evelyn bristled. "With all due respect, Mrs. Steele, this is Claire and Mason's wedding. I think they should have the final say in how it's planned." The tension in the room was palpable. Claire felt tears pricking at her eyes, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions and hormones surging through her body. Mason noticed her distress and quickly intervened. "Why don't we all take a break? Mom, I'm sure you're tired from your flight. Why don't you get settled in your hotel, and we can discuss this more over dinner tonight?" Daniela looked like she wanted to protest, but Mason's firm gaze silenced her. With a dramatic sigh, she nodded. "Very well. But don't make any decisions without me, darling. I'll see you all at eight." As Daniela swept out of the apartment, Claire collapsed onto the sofa, burying her face in her hands. "Oh God, what have we gotten ourselves into?" Evelyn sat beside her daughter, rubbing her back soothingly. "It's alright, sweetheart. We'll figure this out togethe