Chapter 131

A tense silence hung between the two tables. Paisley, attempting to enjoy her meal, found herself distracted by the occasional icy glare from Dominick’s group. Their food arrived. Marion abruptly stopped eating.

“What’s wrong?” Dominick asked.

“A bit cold,” Marissa murmured, adjusting her sleeves.

Dominick hesitated, then rose, draping his jacket over her shoulders. “Wear this.”

Surprise flickered across Marissa’s face. She glanced at Paisley, expecting a reaction, but Paisley was busy wiping Serena’s mouth, a gentle smile softening her features.

Marissa’s desire to flaunt Dominick’s affection intensified. She speared a piece of steak and held it to his lips. “Dom, try my steak. It’s excellent!”

He hesitated, then ate it. “Hmm, it is.”

“Right?” Marissa giggled, leaning towards him. He didn’t pull away, instead asking, “Still cold?”

“Not at all,” she replied.

Paisley remained oblivious, meticulously feeding Serena soup.

“Dom, I want to try your dish,” Marissa said, oblivious to the shift in Dominick’s expression.

He pushed his plate towards her. His appetite vanished. Paisley, he thought, you don’t care. He hadn’t received even a glance.

Grayson watched Paisley, envy evident. “Marissa, can you feed me some soup?”

“Of course,” she replied happily, feeding him.

“Marissa, you’re so nice. I like you best!” Grayson announced loudly.

“I like you too,” Marissa responded.

Serena frowned. “Mommy, they’re so loud.”

“Let’s eat quickly and go home,” Paisley sighed.

Grayson’s enthusiasm waned, but before he could speak, Marissa offered another spoonful. He turned his head, spilling soup down his shirt.

“Oh no!” Marissa cried, grabbing a napkin.

“Forget it,” Dominick said, rising. “I’ll take him to the restroom.”

As they passed Paisley’s table, both paused, their expressions cold.

Once they were gone, Marissa’s guilt vanished. She approached Paisley. “Ms. Sutton, you saw. Dom, Grayson, and I have a happy life.”

“Okay, congratulations,” Paisley replied flatly.

“I hate your pretentious indifference!” Marissa snapped.

“That fits you better,” Paisley retorted.

“You humiliate me, hoping the Vanderbilts will feel guilty. It’s impossible. As long as I’m here, you can’t remarry Dominick,” Marissa spat.

Paisley stared, speechless. Then, Marissa’s tone softened. “I’m sorry. If I apologize, will you accept Grayson and Dom? I’ll leave the Vanderbilt family, never appear again. Please, Grayson needs a mother.”

Paisley, grabbing Serena, moved away. “Is she crazy?”

Dominick and Grayson returned, having heard the commotion.

“Ms. Sutton, what can I do?” Marissa pleaded, near tears. “I’ll do anything! It’s all my fault. I wanted too much. I was wrong.” She swayed, about to fall.