Chapter 271: More Than You Know
Alyssa’s hands trembled as she walked away from her cousin. She could still feel the weight of Alexander’s harsh words echoing in her mind, and the fear of him truly cutting ties with her left her shaken.
"What on earth did Carla say to him?" she whispered to herself, her mind racing. She had genuinely thought Carla wanted to talk to Alexander for closure, something private she couldn’t share in public. But now, seeing how dark and furious Alexander had looked, she began to wonder if Carla had other intentions.
As she walked, Alyssa noticed Rain and Sanya in her path. Embarrassed, she averted her gaze and pretended not to see them, her face flushed with shame. In that moment, she made a silent vow: this would be the last time she’d involve herself in anything between Carla and Alexander. She couldn’t risk her family’s trust again, not after Alexander’s warning.
She found Carla slumped on the ground, crying. "Carla, come on. I’ll escort you to Cartier Villa," Alyssa offered gently, helping Carla to her feet and guiding her to a motor cart.
As she helped her, Alyssa’s mind wandered. Carla hadn’t mentioned she’d be returning, not even during their last phone call. Alyssa had mentioned today’s family celebration for William and Uncle Ben at the Sinclair Vineyard and Winery.
A thought crept into her mind: ’Did Carla come back just to see Alexander and make it look accidental?’ But she dismissed the idea, convincing herself it was probably just a coincidence.
"I’ll have Mario bring your car to Cartier Villa," she added as they rode. Things were too complicated at the moment.
The Cartier Villa, inside the Sinclair Winery and Vineyard, had been a gift from Uncle Rock to Uncle Arlan and Aunt Summer. As she drove, Alyssa thought about Alexander’s anger earlier. Knowing her cousin, he’d likely find a way to make sure Carla was kept at a distance from Rain.
"What exactly happened?" Alyssa asked, guiding Carla into the villa. Their family had always been close with the Cartiers, but she could feel that bond beginning to fray with the complications between Alexander and Carla.