Chapter 106

Hidden in the shadows, Marissa overheard the Vanderbilts' conversation, her face hardening with each word. She slipped back to the kitchen and called Jack.

He answered immediately. "Jack, can you try Mr. Vaire's assistant again?" she urged.

Jack sighed. "Marissa, I've tried everything. The painting isn't for sale. No amount of money will change that."

"I don't want to buy it," Marissa said. "I just want to meet Mr. Vaire."

"It's not about the money," Jack insisted. "But alright, I'll try again."

"Thanks, Jack."

Marissa hung up, her gaze fixed, a cold calculation in her eyes. She’d noticed the Vanderbilts' growing guilt about Paisley.

Morning sunlight warmed Paisley's face, stirring her awake. She was curled on the couch, a throw blanket draped over her. Bolting upright, she tossed off the blanket with a groan. She rushed to Paul's bedside, relief flooding her as she saw his steady breathing and healthy color.

Dominick emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp. "Hey, you're up," he said softly.

"When did I fall asleep? Why didn't you wake me?" Paisley demanded. "If Paul takes a turn—"

"Don't worry," Dominick soothed, drying his face. "I'll wake you if anything changes."

Paisley saw the telltale redness in his eyes. "Thanks for staying up." She checked Paul again. "He should be waking up soon."

She sank back onto the couch.

"You deserve the thanks," Dominick said, tossing tissues in the trash. "You've been here all night."

Paisley noticed a stack of takeout containers.

"Dinner arrived while you were asleep," Dominick explained. "Breakfast will be here soon. We can eat together."

"Sounds good," Paisley agreed, her stomach rumbling. Those stale snacks Maria packed were hardly satisfying.

Thinking of Maria led her thoughts to Serena. Then, Serena's call. "Hi, Mommy! It's Rena!"

Paisley's face lit up, her eyes crinkling at the sound of her daughter's voice. "Has my little girl been good for Maria?" she asked, her voice softening.

"Yes! I was good. I only cried a tiny bit," Serena said.

Paisley's heart ached. "Mommy will be back soon, sweetheart," she promised.

Dominick watched, lost in a memory of Paisley talking to Grayson in that same sweet voice. He was so absorbed, he didn't notice when she hung up.

Paisley looked up, finding Dominick staring. "What?" she asked, her tone sharp.

His daze shattered. A hollow feeling settled in his chest. "Do you love him, Paisley?"

"Who? Rena?" Paisley raised an eyebrow.

"Serena's father," Dominick clarified.