Chapter 128

Paisley smiled. "Why should I help you get what you want?"

Kayla bristled. "I want your paintings."

Paisley scoffed. "I don't have them."

"Then teach me to paint," Kayla countered.

Paisley mocked, "Didn't you just tell me to stay away from your family?"

Kayla's face flushed. She started to apologize, but Paisley cut her off, walking to her car.

Kayla panicked. "Paisley, wait!"

Paisley paused, one foot in the car, her expression freezing. "Ms. Vanderbilt," she said coldly, "we're not that familiar. You should be trying to please her." She nodded toward Marissa, who stood pale behind Kayla.

Kayla's heart sank. "Marissa..." she stammered.

Before Kayla could react, Paisley drove off. A faint sob reached Kayla's ears. Turning, she saw Marissa’s tears. "Marissa..."

Marissa wiped her eyes. "Kayla, do you want Ms. Sutton to remarry Dom?"

Kayla panicked. "No! I lost my mind."

Marissa's voice was soft, tinged with sorrow. "I understand. You've admired Nion for so long. It's just… I have no talent for painting. If you want Ms. Sutton to remarry Dom, I can step aside." She sniffled. "Ms. Sutton doesn't like me. She treated me terribly four years ago."

Kayla remembered how Paisley had nearly ruined Marissa's life. "Marissa, what are you talking about? You deserve Dom. No one compares to you!" She grasped Marissa's hand. "I'm so sorry, I acted foolishly."

Marissa forced a smile. "I know. Let's go home."

"Okay," Kayla agreed, smiling. They held hands as they walked to the car.

Diana watched them. "Foolish girls," she murmured. "Nion's Dominick's ex-wife. The Vanderbilts are shameless. Ms. Sutton's wonderful, and they don't appreciate her." She chuckled. "If my son could marry someone like Ms. Sutton… I'd be ecstatic."

Evelyn frowned, overhearing Diana.