Margaret’s black town car waited under a line of maples. As they climbed in, Daniel glanced back at the house — guests gathering their things, Richard talking urgently into his phone, Vanessa alone beside the dessert table while the castle cake slumped in the heat.

Elena wiped the last tears from Mia’s cheeks. “Did I do something wrong?”

Elena pulled her close. “No, sweetheart. They did.”

Mia rested against her. “Why did they call you lowly?”

Elena traded a look with Daniel and Margaret. There was no simple answer that wouldn’t hurt the child more.

Margaret answered first. “Because some people stand on money and think it makes them taller.”