Chapter 152

Life in the villa with Serena was peaceful, if a little punctuated by Maria’s occasional grumbling. Paisley ignored the relentless barrage of calls and texts from Dominick and the Vanderbilts, eventually giving up on blocking numbers. Changing her number seemed like too much trouble.

Today, armed with a birthday gift for Serena’s friend Millie, she strolled with Maria and Serena. Choosing a gift proved challenging until Serena declared, “No princess can resist crystal shoes!” Finding a pair identical to Serena’s limited-edition ones proved difficult. Paisley had to pull some strings, getting a pair shipped from overseas—they arrived the day before Millie’s party.

Maria eyed the box skeptically. “Just shoes? Crystal, not diamonds. Why so expensive?”

They were outrageously expensive—a year’s salary for many. But Serena adored them, Aunt Marissa was oblivious to cost, and Paisley, ever the doting mother, bought them.

At the parking lot, Maria headed for the trunk. Paisley unbuckled Serena’s car seat when her phone rang. Without checking the caller ID, she answered.

“Paisley,” a familiar voice said. Paisley froze, her hand hovering over the buckle.

Before she could hang up, the voice rushed, “Don’t hang up, please.” Maria, noticing Paisley’s tense expression, took over buckling Serena. “You take the call.”

Stepping away, Paisley listened.

“Paisley, where have you been? Why did you disappear? You’re still in Harrowfell, aren’t you?” Dominick’s voice was strained. Then, as if anticipating her denial, he added, “Don’t say this has nothing to do with me. Your life is always my business.”

Paisley inhaled deeply. “Dominick, it’s over. Four years ago.”

“That doesn’t count!” he roared. “You lied to me!”

Paisley frowned. “How did I lie? Did I lie to get you to sign the divorce papers? To go to city hall? It was all voluntary, wasn’t it?”

She knew this conversation wouldn't last.

Silence. Just as Paisley was about to hang up, Dominick spoke again.