Chapter 112

Marissa spent the day trying to cheer Grayson, dragging him to the park. He’d usually cling to her after such outings, but today, he remained stubbornly disinterested. Finally, he burst into tears, demanding Paisley. Marissa had no choice but to return to Vanderbilt Manor.

Exhausted from crying, he fell asleep soon after. Marissa stared at him, simmering frustration bubbling to the surface. The urge to strangle the little brat was strong, curbed only by his usefulness. Her phone rang—Jack.

"Jack, did Mr. Vaire agree to a meeting?" she blurted, racing from Grayson's room.

"Yes and no," he replied.

"What does that mean?" Marissa's irritation flared.

"He won't meet privately."

Her heart sank. "Then how can I meet him? I'll pay anything!"

"Marissa, why is it always about money? I'm not doing this for the money," Jack said, his tone sharp.

"Sorry," she quickly amended, her mood shifting instantly. "I just really want to meet him."

Jack sighed. "You can't meet him directly, but… the Crown & Culture charity auction. Nion's donating a painting. If you get a ticket, you'll see him."

"Of course, Mr. Vaire is compassionate," Marissa purred. "How thoughtful."

"That's all I can do. You're on your own for the ticket."

"Okay, thanks, Jack." A glimmer of hope sparked. Getting a ticket was easy. With Kayla present, she was sure Kayla would be grateful.

Sophia's kindergarten was far, but Serena loved it, so Paisley enrolled her. Sophia charmed Serena, then added Paisley to the parent group chat.

"Ms. Sutton, I'll add you to the Pre-One class chat."

"Okay," Paisley mumbled, already dreading it.

As they left, a parent emerged from the principal's office. "Is that the new kid? Pre-One?"

"Yes," replied the other parent. The woman scrutinized Paisley's casual clothes, a frown tugging at her lips.

Back home, Sophia added Paisley:

Serena Sutton's Mom [Welcome, Serena and Paisley!] [Welcome!]

Warm welcomes flooded in. Paisley typed:

[Hello, everyone. I’m Paisley S. Sutton, Serena’s mom. Nice to meet you all.]

Then, "Millie Morgan's Mother (President)" messaged:

*[Ms. Sutton, what do you and Serena's father do for a living?]

Paisley raised an eyebrow, replying with a question mark.

[I hope you don’t misunderstand. All parents are asked.]

It was routine, so Paisley complied. She replied:

[I’m a freelancer.] It was vague enough.

Silence followed. Paisley left it at that.