Chapter 148

Paisley ended her call with Lucy, then quickly transferred money via WhatsApp. "Thank you," she texted. The reply came instantly: "110s what I should do.)" The recipient was the maid at the Vanderbilt estate, the one Paisley had bribed earlier that day. Paisley had sent her the dashboard camera footage, which the maid had already played on the Vanderbilt Manor’s living room TV, cleverly hiding the remotes. Paisley aimed for full exposure—copies for everyone, ensuring Marisa couldn't erase the evidence, even if she destroyed the TV.

Lucy worked fast. By evening, Paisley, Maria, and Serena were settled into their new home: a villa in Harrowell’s most exclusive district, purchased years ago when Paisley’s Sullivan family couldn’t afford a bathroom in the area. Her biological parents had treated her so poorly that she’d kept this villa a secret, even after leaving the Sullivans. The vast house felt too large for just the three of them. Maria preferred a cozier space.

"This house is too big," Maria sighed, cradling Serena. "But the garden's lovely. I can plant vegetables and flowers."

Paisley smiled. "Plant whatever you like." She opened the door, revealing a professionally cleaned villa, though some areas still needed their personal touch.

"I'll get groceries tomorrow," Maria said, setting Serena down.

"Maria, you don't have to clean this place yourself. Hire a team," Paisley offered.

Maria waved her hand. "No need. We won't be here long. I'll manage."

Paisley felt reassured. "It's a shame, though. I liked our old place. I miss the neighbours," Maria mused, staring out the window.

Their villa was the most expensive, rivaled only by the eerily dark one next door. "Is that villa empty?" Maria asked.

Lucy, entering with groceries, chirped, "Unsold! Impossible. It’s a status symbol in Harrowfell." She added, "The owner's from Montera, like our professor. They bought it, but never moved in."

Maria's enthusiasm waned. "Paisy, when does filming start?" she asked impatiently. They all longed to return to Brightmoor.

"You're right, it can't be delayed," Paisley agreed. The Sullivan family needed her intervention. She'd have to confront them, despite wanting to stay away.

The next day, Dominick arrived with Grayson. Standing before the villa, nostalgia washed over him. He remembered changing a lightbulb for Paisley, the peaceful harmony. He could have had a different future if not for Marissa's call that day. Bitterness gnawed at him.

"Dad, why aren't you knocking?" Grayson urged.

Dominick hesitated, fear gripping him. He was afraid of Paisley's coldness. Grayson, impatient, knocked himself, calling out, "Mom! Dad and I are here!" There was no answer.

Then, the neighboring door opened. "Who are you?"