Chapter 165

Lury looked up, startled by a familiar voice. "Mr. Morgan? What are you doing here?"

Nate swallowed hard. "It's my daughter's birthday. I came to see her. And you?"

Lucy glanced at Paisley. "I delivered wine to Ms. Sutton."

"Ms. Sutton?" Nate gasped, momentarily speechless.

Lucy smiled, "Oh, right! Haven't you always wanted to meet the boss? This is Ms. Paisley Sutton, owner of Cloud Crest Winery—my mentor, and your boss."

Nate stumbled, knocking over the table. Dishes and bottles crashed. His daughter's classmate's mother was his employer. He'd harassed his own boss without knowing it! His wife had falsely accused Paisley's daughter and insulted Paisley herself. He'd even threatened Paisley, vowing to run her out of Harrowfell.

Lucy noticed Nate's ashen face. "Mr. Morgan? What's wrong?" She turned to Paisley, brightly, "Wow, Rena and Mr. Morgan's daughter are classmates! What a small world!"

She recalled Nate's expiring contract and the rumors about his personal life that had stalled its renewal. But now... Paisley's presence and the girls' friendship might change everything.

"What...what does this mean?" Vivian finally interjected. "Honey, who is your boss?"

Nate was devastated. This could have secured his career, but now… He ignored his wife, rushing to Paisley. "Boss! I'm so sorry! It was all my fault!" He was close to tears.

Vivian's eyes widened. Ms. Sutton! The owner of Cloud Crest Winery! "My God!" She covered her mouth, panic rising. She'd made a terrible mistake. Trembling, she transferred the money Paisley had sent back. "Ms. Sutton, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"

Habella, equally stunned, realized that Millie's privileged life depended on Paisley. She'd insulted the very woman who provided it all.

Lucy watched Nate and Vivian's frantic apologies. "Mr. Morgan—"

Nate's face crumpled. Losing his job, being forced out of Harrowfell… it was all a terrifying possibility. "Ms. Green, please...I've worked hard at Cloud Crest. Please ask Ms. Sutton to have mercy."

Vivian pleaded, "Ms. Sutton, it's all my fault. My husband works incredibly hard. Please, don't let this affect his career."

Paisley looked at Vivian, wanting to ask if Nate's "work" involved anything other than his job. But she wouldn't. She was finally moving on from her own chaotic past.

She stood, gathering Serena. Lucy grabbed Paisley's bag. "The wine?"

Paisley gestured at the bottles. "Leave them. For everyone." She looked at Millie, then Vivian. "Rena chose the gift for Millie. I hope she likes it. Please, don't let this affect their friendship. I won't keep you any longer."

Vivian then noticed the crown she'd thrown on the floor. It was cracked. Millie cried, remembering wanting it but her mom couldn't afford it. Vivian felt the weight of her regrets.