Shirley observed the bottle, her suspicions deepening.

Sabrina gently caressed her stomach and, with a touch of curiosity, asked, "Has Rogelio started on both breast milk and formula now?"

Before Scarlette could answer, Marnie hastily replied with a nod, "Yes, I've read that it's good for both the baby and the mom."

Shirley noticed a brief look of unease flash across Marnie's face and inquired, "Isn't that a bit soon? I've seen others wait until the baby is six months old."

“Each family's circumstances are different. The doctor said it's fine,"

Marnie replied, her tone becoming distant, signaling an end to the conversation.

Scarlette changed the subject, and Shirley redirected her focus as if she had just posed a question casually.

Yet, Sabrina felt something was amiss. Breast milk provided essential nutrients and immunity that babies needed, and though formula attempted to replicate this, it wasn't the same. Since Rogelio was premature and had even spent a few days in an incubator, appearing quite frail, it would naturally have been better to breastfeed. Why did they start him on formula so early?

This odd suspicion crossed Sabrina's mind briefly before she let it go. She assumed maybe the formula Marnie chose was high-end and almost as nutritious as breast milk.

By eleven, everyone headed to the Moonlit Pavilion for the banquet.

During the meal, Shirley kept an eye on Claire. At the end of the evening, she noticed Claire heading toward the restroom.

Setting her fork down, Shirley followed.

Shirley and Claire exchanged greetings at the bathroom sink.

Claire smiled and asked, “Shirley, what did you think of the meal today?"

“It's wonderful. It is quite generous of you. This must have cost a lot."

Claire's smile persisted as she inquired, “How come your father couldn't attend today? How is he doing?"

"He was due for a medical checkup today." Shirley casually mentioned, "Madam, isn't it rather early for Rogelio to be on formula? I heard he was born prematurely. Is everything okay?"

This topic seemed to upset Claire, her frustrations bubbling over.

“It's not a matter of choice. We simply had to do it!"

Shirley raised an eyebrow and asked, "No other choice? What do you mean by that?"