Chapter 147

Dominick had always believed Marissa’s father died in an accident while coming to pick him up. He carried the guilt, convinced that if he hadn’t gone out that day, Mr. Prescott would still be alive. This leniency, extending beyond even Kayla, was his way of atoning. Now, the truth was a cruel twist of irony.

Kayla and Lauren, equally shocked, learned the real story: Marissa's father's accident occurred while both Dominick and Marina were Hill children, and Marissa’s ailing mother couldn't cope. Reginald had to take over. They’d felt guilty believing the accident happened while her father was picking up Dominick. Marissa's sweet demeanor had only intensified their protectiveness. They'd raised her as one of their own.

Now, the child they'd nurtured was revealed as venomous.

“I don’t believe it! You’re lying!” Marissa’s voice cracked, years of simmering anger exploding. Her desire to marry Dominick and seize the Vanderbilt fortune stemmed from a belief that they owed her.

Reginald countered, “If you don’t believe me, check the police records. The truth remains, even after all these years.”

The hope in Marissa’s eyes died. She knew the Vanderbilts would offer no help. Desperately, she turned to Julian. "Julian, help me! I know you like me. If you help me, I’ll marry you!"

Julian hadn't expected this, nor the exposure of his own long-hidden secret. He'd liked Marissa since high school, believing himself unworthy, that someone like Dominick deserved her. He'd buried his feelings, fueling his prejudice against Paisley, believing her responsible for sabotaging Marissa. Marissa had manipulated him, using him to slander Paisley.

"So that's how it was," Julian thought bitterly. "You truly are a useless fool, Marissa."

“Sorry, Ms. Prescott, but I can’t help you.” Julian’s retreat was swift and final.

“No! You can’t do this to me! I’m Marissa!” Her screams were lost in the growing indifference. She was led away.

A police officer approached Paisley. “Please come with us to cooperate with the investigation.” Paisley readily agreed.

The devastated Marissa was taken away. As Paisley prepared to follow, Grayson clung to her. “Mom, don’t leave! Stay with Dad and me, please.” His eyes were brimming with tears.

“Yes, Paisley, stay,” Kayla pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. “I was wrong. I’m so sorry. I promise to treat you better. Never let you suffer again.” Lauren echoed her sentiments. “We were wrong. Please don’t leave.”

Chapter 117

Dominick stood beside Grayson, his eyes red-rimmed, hopeful, fixed on Paisley.

“No,” Paisley said, pushing Grayson away. “I have my own life, and I don’t want to change it.”

“If it’s because of Rena, it’s okay. I can treat her as my own. Paisley!” Dominick winced, the pain in his injured palm flaring as he reached for her.

“Does that matter to me?” Paisley’s voice rose, her irritation sharp. “Dominick, you haven’t changed at all. You still take everything for granted. It’s always about what you want. Have you ever cared about what I want?”

“Then what do you want! I can give you anything!” Sweat beaded on Dominick’s brow. The pain was intense, but he wouldn't give up.

Paisley bypassed him and the family, walking to her car. “I want you to stay away from me! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gone through all of this!”

She started the engine, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake, leaving them speechless.

“Mom!” Grayson cried, his small form running after the disappearing car.

Dominick, pale and weak from blood loss, swayed. He had believed he could recapture the past.

“Don’t give up!” Kayla steadied him. “We’ll figure out a way to get her back!”

On the way to the police station, Paisley called Lucy. “You and Maria should get ready. We’re moving soon.” She didn't want to see him again. Love arriving too late was worthless.