Chapter 166

Leo, holding a slightly late wine delivery, looked puzzled. Max appeared behind him, making Leo jump.

“That person next door,” Leo said, “is the head of Cloud Crest Winery. I didn’t see that coming.”

He'd initially assumed Paisley was some wealthy man’s kept woman, a common sight in his circles. He hadn’t disliked her, but hadn't exactly respected her either. He only got involved because Max asked. He never guessed the delicate woman was the powerhouse behind Cloud Crest’s elite wines. Her calm demeanor during the earlier confrontation wasn't arrogance; it was a superior handling a minor inconvenience. The couple had been the problem. He'd been prejudiced, assuming she needed a man to fight her battles.

Max’s gaze was cold. “You were narrow-minded.”

Leo nodded. “Yeah, narrow-minded. So, what about this wine?” He eyed the Cloud Crest Reserve.

Max waved a hand. “Drink it.” He turned and headed back inside.

Lucy walked Paisley and Serena to the car. Paisley buckled Serena in, then took her bag from Lucy. “Thanks for everything.”

Lucy grinned. “No problem. It was kind of scary!”

Paisley laughed. “Any other options for the manager position?”

“Yes,” Lucy said, understanding. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” She’d been hesitant to renew Nate’s contract and hadn’t committed. She’d planned to ask Paisley, but now it was unnecessary.

“Good,” Paisley said.

For years, Paisley had largely ignored Cloud Crest. Nate, hired through a headhunter shortly after Serena’s birth, handled things. Paisley was focused on her baby and recovering from Dominick and Grayson’s actions. She only truly re-engaged with the winery when Serena turned two, making small-batch craft beers with the master brewer. Lucy and the managers handled everything else. She’d only seen Nate’s photo once, in his onboarding report.

On the drive home, Serena stopped crying, but her mood remained low. At a red light, Paisley asked, “Rena, what’s wrong?”

Serena stared out the window, silent.

“Did Millie upset you?”

Serena shook her head. Paisley dropped it, resuming the drive. Serena would talk when she was ready.

That evening, Serena was unusually quiet. No bedtime story, a quick bath, straight to sleep. Maria noticed Serena hugging her doll, a worried look on her face.

“Paisley, something’s wrong with Rena,” Maria said. “She usually fights bath time, but tonight… she even went straight to bed.”

“I asked, but she wouldn’t say,” Paisley said softly. “Let’s wait and see.”

If Serena’s mood didn’t improve, Paisley would intervene. It wasn't indifference; Serena had seemed fine until after using the restroom, a time when many parents and children were present. Paisley wasn't worried about her safety. Serena had seen or heard something upsetting. Forcing an answer would only backfire.

Children have worries too. And as they grow, those worries multiply.

By Monday, Serena was her usual self, playful with Paisley and Maria. Maria was relieved.

Paisley drove Serena to kindergarten. They chatted and laughed; Serena declared she’d be the first to finish lunch. At the gates, they saw Vivian hurrying out, sunglasses on. Vivian froze, offered a strained smile, and left quickly. Sophia followed, greeting Paisley.

“Vivian withdrew Millie,” Sophia explained.

“What?” Serena gasped. “Millie’s not coming back?”

Sophia nodded. “She’s moving. Her mom was crying. Even the principal couldn’t persuade her to stay. She’s joining her husband in Brightmoor.”

Serena’s face fell. Her best friend was gone, without even a goodbye.