Chapter 115

Grayson slumped home, a storm cloud clinging to him. He ignored everyone, his gaze fixed on the zelkova outside. Lauren, clueless, ordered Grayson’s favorite dishes.

Stella tugged at his sleeve. "Sonny, play with me!" She'd been pouting all day.

Grayson shook his head. "Go away, Stella. I don't want to."

Stella's frown deepened. "You have to! We're playing now!" She grabbed his arm.

Grayson, snapping, yanked his arm away. "I don't want to! Why are you bothering me?" He'd never spoken to Stella like this before.

Stella's pent-up anger exploded. Tears streamed down her face. "You're a bad guy! I'll tell Aunt Marissa you're bullying me. Even your mom doesn't want you. When Aunt Marissa marries your dad, she'll abandon you, too! No one likes you! No one wants you!"

Lauren rushed over, face blazing. "Stella, what are you saying?" But it was too late. Grayson was sobbing uncontrollably.

Lauren hugged him close. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'll always be here. I love you."

Marissa, alerted by the commotion, rushed in. Her face paled after hearing Lauren's account. "Marissa, what's wrong with Stella?" Lauren demanded.

Marissa, eyes flashing at Stella, stammered, "Mrs. Vanderbilt, she's just…talking nonsense."

Stella, a cousin's daughter, often stayed at the Vanderbilt manor. Marissa had hoped their friendship would strengthen family ties. Now, she glared at Stella, blaming her for this disastrous rift. The Vanderbilts already felt guilty about Paisley.

Lauren sighed, unwilling to argue. "Take Stella home. It's not your fault." Lauren understood: Stella likely overheard her parents gossiping.

"Of course, Mrs. Vanderbilt." Marissa forced a smile, whisking Stella away.

Jeremy, Marissa's cousin, greeted her effusively. Years of favors had made him obsequious. Marissa didn't bother with pleasantries, shoving Stella inside and demanding, "What have you two been saying to her?"

Jeremy and his wife looked bewildered. "What happened?"

Marissa's voice dripped with venom. "Your daughter made Grayson cry! She's never going back!"

Jeremy's hand shot up, ready to strike Stella. "You good-for-nothing brat!"

Marissa shoved him away, furious. "Enough! I'm sick of this! Because of Dominick's ex-wife, and now this? How will I marry Dominick?"

Jeremy's face darkened. "We should kill that damn bitch."

Chapter 116

Jeremy's words sparked a chilling thought in Marissa's mind: If Paisley were gone… But the idea was fleeting. Murder was a last resort. For now, she had to get Kayla to meet Nion. Everything else could wait.