Ben rose slowly, holding himself back. “Cameras?”

Jordan, a bearded employee, pointed upward. “Full coverage.”

Ben turned to me. “Eli, take Mom to the office. Keep it quiet. I’ll handle the rest.”

Mom shook her head. “No office. No fuss.”

Ben softened. “Mom, it’s quieter back there. Please.”

She exhaled and nodded. I pushed her down the hallway, wheels echoing unnaturally.

In the office, Ben brought water and medication. He crouched before Mom, shielding her in a quiet, protective way.

“This was supposed to be a happy day,” he said. “I wanted to celebrate you.”

Mom’s eyes glistened. “I didn’t want attention.”

“I know,” Ben replied gently. “I’m sorry. We’ll ban her.”

Maya knocked, holding a printed sheet. “She tried to use a loyalty account. We found her record.”

Ben extended his hand. “Let me see.”

“Her name’s Claire,” Maya said.

Ben studied the paper, then let out a slow breath.

I wasn’t sure what to do next. “So what now?”

Ben glanced at Mom. “We ban her, report the theft, and we don’t turn this into a spectacle for her.”

“She’s hosting a gala tomorrow,” someone mentioned.

Mom murmured, “I just want to go home.”

So we did.