As soon as the Busches rose from their seats and moved towards the dining room, Daniel, noticing Ava's discomfort, placed a hand on her back in a gesture of silent support, although she was genuinely startled; it was evident that her nerves were on edge.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he whispered softly. "You're doing great. Keep it up, and you'll earn heaven, I swear."

Nervously nodding, Ava attempted to control her emotions. She watched as the servants, at a respectful distance, began to move, g