The Following Morning – 8:30 A.M.

Cross Mansion was unusually peaceful.

The events of yesterday seemed to have settled on everyone like a heavy fog.

Aria sat quietly at the breakfast table, barely touching her food.

Her mind kept drifting back to the photograph.

To Ethan Cole.

To Richard's explanation.

She wanted to believe her father.

She truly did.

But something deep inside her refused to let it go.

Damian folded his newspaper and looked at her.

"You didn't sleep."

Aria looked up, surprised.

"Was it that obvious?"

"You've added sugar to your coffee three times."

She looked down at the cup and smiled awkwardly.

"I guess my mind is...