Once Alina left, the mood in the restaurant changed sharply. Mrs. Wilson immediately turned to Susan, who blinked quickly and pressed her lips together under the pressure of the older woman’s glare.

“What is going on, Mrs. Carpenter?” Her voice was calm but deadly. “You told us your stepdaughter would cooperate. Instead, she embarrassed both my son and me. How dare you? Are you ready to face the consequences of this shame?”

Susan’s throat tightened, but she forced a ...