Chapter 130

“Mommy, we haven’t gone out to a nice dinner in ages!” Serena complained that morning before kindergarten.

That afternoon, after picking up Serena and Maria, Paisley took them shopping at the mall to meet Emery. Linery was swamped with work – some demanding client had apparently caused a major headache – so the planned dinner was off. Instead, Paisley opted for the most expensive restaurant in Harrowfell: the Scenic Grace Hotel’s top-floor eatery. The food wasn’t the draw; the breathtaking night view of Harrowfell was. Using her connections, Paisley snagged a window table.

Serena, in a pink princess dress and sparkling crystal shoes (much to Paisley’s amusement), beamed at the hostess. Paisley, elegant in a fitted black dress and pearl necklace, casually draped her cardigan over the chair. She drew admiring glances, but Serena stole the show.

“Mommy, look! Everyone’s looking at me! I’m the most beautiful princess!” Serena declared, her confidence dazzling.

Paisley smiled, taking the menu. “Yes, my princess. What will you have?”

They quickly chose from the children’s menu. As they waited, three figures appeared at the entrance: Marissa, Dominick, and Grayson.

Maria hissed, “What a coincidence!”

Serena whispered, “Mommy, it’s that fierce-looking man and Grayson.”

“Let’s eat and ignore them,” Paisley said calmly.

Serena, unfazed, happily tucked into her meal. The newcomers noticed Paisley and her party immediately – Serena and Maria’s elegant attire made them hard to miss. Hatred flashed in Marissa’s eyes as she saw Dominick staring at Paisley. Grayson’s grip on her hand tightened.

Their tables were adjacent.

“What a coincidence, Ms. Sutton! Dinner with your daughter, too?” Marissa chirped, smiling sweetly.

Paisley offered a polite nod.

Marissa continued, oblivious to the chill, “Dom and I haven’t spent much time with Grayson. We didn’t expect to see you! There’s room. Join us?” She gestured expansively.

Grayson’s eyes lit up; he clutched the tablecloth. Dominick’s gaze remained fixed on Paisley, his expression unreadable.

“No, thank you,” Paisley said firmly. “We’re not that familiar.”

Grayson slumped, his grip loosening. Dominick’s face hardened.

“Oh, I see,” Marissa said awkwardly.

“We aren’t familiar with her,” Dominick stated coldly, his thoughts swirling with Marissa’s earlier words: Maybe she doesn’t love Dom that much… He thought bitterly, Paisley, so you never loved me at all!