Chapter 154

"Ms. Sullivan," Julian began, his tone surprisingly polite. "Apologies for the delay. Am I interrupting?"

Brittany was taken aback. Julian's usual politeness always felt distant, but this was different; genuinely warm. Flattered, she replied, "No, what is it?"

"You wanted to invite Mr. Vanderbilt to dinner," Julian said, "but he's been rather busy—"

"Does he have time now?" Brittany interrupted, her eyes shining.

Julian frowned slightly. He didn't particularly care for Brittany's impulsiveness, but maintained his polite demeanor. "He's traveling tomorrow, but free next week."

"Next weekend?"

"Excellent."

Brittany mentally calculated the days, a grin spreading across her face. Hanging up, she flung herself into Christina's arms. "Mom! Mr. Hale said Mr. Vanderbilt's free next weekend!"

"Goodness!" Christina exclaimed. "Just yesterday we were worried sick! We need to start preparing immediately!"

Brittany grabbed a mirror, preening. "Mom, Mr. Hale was so much nicer this time!"

"Dominick must have spoken to him," Christina said, a knowing smile on her face. "He wouldn't have treated you like that otherwise. My daughter's about to live the high life!"

Brittany agreed, a proud gleam in her eyes. "Now that that's settled, do we still need to find Paisley a husband?"

The thought of Gregory's matchmaking efforts made her uneasy. Originally, she'd planned to find Paisley a nobody once she was with Dominick, keeping Paisley perpetually dependent. But a wealthy husband? That wasn't part of the plan.

"Probably," Christina said. "Your father already found someone."

"Who?" Brittany demanded.

"Baron Jackman."

Brittany gasped. The Jackmans were infamous, their wealth built on shady dealings. She knew Baron—rough, aggressive, and with a history of violence against his wives. One had died mysteriously, another fled a brutal divorce, and the third was simply discarded.

"Mom, are you sure?" Brittany asked, feigning concern. "What if Paisley refuses?"

Christina sneered. "Refuse? She has nothing! No education, no prospects. Who would want her?"

"But she's your daughter," Brittany pressed gently.

Christina chuckled coldly. "The Sullivan name is the only reason she's even considered. Otherwise, who is she?" Her expression softened. "But Brittany, my dear, your happiness is all that matters."

Brittany smiled, satisfied. Her parents wouldn't interfere with her plans. She would have Dominick and the Sullivan legacy; Paisley would be left to suffer.

Chapter 151

Paisley sneezed as she drove.

"Are you catching a cold, Paisy?" Maria asked.

"Just an itch," Paisley said, rubbing her nose. The rain was coming down hard, forcing her to slow. Thankfully, they were almost home.

"It wasn't raining before," Maria grumbled. "Winter's coming, and this is just the beginning."

She pointed ahead. "Look! That villa's lit up. Someone moved in?"

Paisley glanced over. The house next door was indeed illuminated. Distracted, she didn't see the figure by her gate until it was too late. A thud.

"Paisy! Did we hit someone?" Maria cried, pale with fright.

Paisley braked hard, her brow furrowed. The rain blurred her vision. "Stay in the car," she ordered, stepping out into the downpour.