Chapter 129

Lauren supervised the flurry of activity at Vanderbilt Manor. Paul’s homecoming loomed, necessitating the arrival of two resident doctors and the periodic visits of famed cardiologist, Charles Hansen. As servants bustled inside and out, Lauren spotted Kayla’s car.

Kayla and Marissa emerged, their faces etched with gloom. "What happened? You both look awful!" Lauren exclaimed, noting Marissa’s tear-stained cheeks. "Didn't you meet your idol? Why the long faces?"

Marissa’s gentle voice offered a weak, "Just tired." Kayla remained silent, preoccupied.

A servant unwrapped the painting Lauren had requested. Lauren’s eyes widened. "It's exquisite! No wonder you were obsessed," she told Kayla, directing the butler to hang it prominently. Even Reginald, a connoisseur of art, was impressed. "No wonder Kayla admires the artist so much," he mused. "I want to meet Nion."

Before the butler could move, Kayla spoke, her voice strangely muted. "Do you know who Nion is?" The change in her tone—she’d always called her "Mr. Vaire"—didn't go unnoticed.

"Who?" Lauren asked.

Kayla’s excitement was barely contained. "It's Paisley."

"Paisley?" Lauren’s voice shot up. "You're kidding."

Kayla nodded firmly. "I saw her at the auction. Crown & Culture invited her."

Lauren was stunned. Reginald, mid-sip of water, nearly choked. "What's wrong with Paisley? Doctor, painter… how many secrets is she hiding?" Lauren's agitation grew. Reginald agreed. "Those skills take years of dedication."

Lauren thought of Kayla, painting for over a decade with only average results. Their feelings were a tangled mess.

Lauren frowned. "Why didn't she tell us?" she mumbled, then felt foolish. Even if she had, would it have changed anything? She’d always favored Marissa.

Marissa’s soft voice cut through the silence. "Maylie, M. Sutton never considered this place home, never considered you all family. Why would she tell us?"

Lauren agreed, her anger flaring. "Fine, she didn't have to tell us."

Marissa looked at her with pity. "Maylie, she doesn't love Dom that much."

"But why hide it from him?"

Lauren, staring at the painting, lost her enthusiasm. "Put it away," she instructed the butler.

Kayla watched, helpless, as the painting was rewrapped. She wanted it back, but Marissa’s gaze silenced her.

Outside, Dominick overheard. A bitter laugh escaped him. Paisley, did you ever truly love me?