She didn’t come down the stairs, staying on her high perch above the walkway.

“Some people simply can’t stand to hear the word no without making a big scene,” Linda said, her jaw locked tight.

“Running to your family the minute a house rule doesn’t suit you is childish, Camila.”

“I didn’t call him,” I said, meeting my father’s steady gaze for a moment before looking up at her.

“He found me walking.”

I reached down and adjusted my watch strap, pulling the leather one notch tighter to stop my fingers from shaking.

“It doesn’t matter how he got here,” Linda said, her voice turning cold and formal.