This Isn’t Over

At Cartier Villa, Sinclair Winery and Vineyard

Summer and Arlan remained at the Cartier Villa, quietly finishing their breakfast. The air between them was heavy, weighed down by the events of the previous night and their daughter's actions. Carla was still inside her bedroom, even though it was already past seven in the morning.

"Should I go check on her?" Summer asked, her voice tinged with worry as she set down her fork. The thought of Carla, isolated and brooding, tugged at her maternal instincts.

Arlan shook his head, his expression firm. "Give her time. She needs to reflect on her mistakes," he said, his tone steady but laced with disappointment.

Summer sighed deeply, her hand fidgeting with the napkin in her lap. "I just… I can't believe she let this lie continue for so long. How could we not see it?"