Chapter 136

Paisley picked up Serena from kindergarten early. Parents bustled about the entrance. Ms. Johnson soon appeared with Serena, whose face lit up at the sight of Paisley. "Mommy's here!" she squealed, rushing into a hug.

Paisley kissed her. "Were you a good girl?"

Serena nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I ate all my lunch and napped! Ms. Johnson said I was good!"

Ms. Johnson confirmed, smiling. After thanking her, Paisley chatted briefly before leaving.

"Mommy, where's the car?" Serena asked, spotting no car.

"It's at the shop," Paisley explained. "I noticed a leak this morning."

Vivian, Millie’s mother, arrived. "Picking up Serena, Ms. Sutton?"

"Yes," Paisley replied politely, maintaining her usual distance.

Isabella's mother approached. "Ms. Sutton, where's your husband? We've never seen him."

Paisley's brow furrowed slightly. "I'm raising Serena alone."

Isabella's mother nodded knowingly. Vivian then invited Serena to Millie’s birthday party.

Paisley asked Serena, "Do you want to go?"

Millie chimed in, "Serena, please come!"

Serena eagerly agreed. Paisley, wanting Serena to socialize, said, "Alright, we'll go."

"We need a gift!" Serena exclaimed.

Paisley smiled, already considering the delicate balance of not appearing ostentatious or cheap. Vivian, however, dismissed the need for a gift, claiming their presence was enough. Paisley sensed condescension but prioritized Serena’s happiness.

A taxi arrived. They hurried inside.

"I thought you wouldn't invite them," Isabella's mother remarked later.

Vivian scoffed. "I just said it for show. Besides, it's not like we're losing anything."

In the taxi, Paisley mused about Vivian's position as Parent Committee President. She asked Serena about her day.

Serena reported happily that everyone was nice. When asked who she played with most, Serena replied, "Everyone likes me, and I like everyone."

Paisley realized Serena's diplomatic skills, but was relieved she hadn’t been bullied. Adults, she thought, were the real problem.

Mother and daughter chatted and laughed. Then Paisley noticed they weren’t heading home.

"Sir, where are we going?" she asked. The driver only sped up.

Panic tightened her chest. She checked Serena’s seatbelt, her eyes fixed on the driver's face in the rearview mirror—a stranger. "What's your goal?" she demanded.

The driver finally spoke. "You'll know soon enough."

Fear flickered in Serena's eyes. Paisley forced calm. "It's okay, Rena," she whispered, "he's just playing."