7:30 PM.
In the restaurant.
Four people are dining together.
Terry Linton is in charge of creating a lively atmosphere. At the table, there is a lot of laughter and friendly chatter, especially from Nella Crassus, who really plays along with his dry humor, laughing non-stop.
Marco also frequently laughs.
Only Isabella Lindsey doesn't seem to find it funny at all, her expression remains slightly cold.
This leaves her dear brother a bit disappointed.
Originally, Marco expected that by inviting Terry Linton and Nella Crassus, he could bring some life to his sister, help her overcome her retreat, even courageously step out and have a face-to-face conversation with Julian Johnsons, instead of hiding away like this...
But it seems the plan hasn't panned out.
"Isabella, can't you show some brightness?" Marco wouldn't call her "sister" in front of Nella, but he has the liberty to tease her.
"..." Isabella acts as if she didn't hear, sipping her millet and barley porridge silently.
