Chapter 169

“You know the rest,” Paisley said, her voice low. “Marissa’s taunts, Dominick’s apathy, Grayson’s defiance… the whole Vanderbilt family circus.” Tears welled in Emery’s eyes. “It made me realize: it’s not a home if you’re the only one trying.”

Emery stood, circling the table before engulfing Paisley in a hug. “That jerk Dominick! I could kill him! He married someone amazing and threw it all away, siding with Marissa. Now he regrets it. Why doesn’t he just—” Her sobs wracked her body, oblivious to onlookers.

Paisley awkwardly disentangled herself. “Okay, okay, I’m the one telling my story, and I’m not crying. Why are you?”

“Because I’m heartbroken for you!” Emery cried, her voice choked with emotion.

Paisley smiled, wiping Emery’s tears. “If I hadn’t divorced him, I wouldn’t be in Brightmoor. If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t have met you. We wouldn’t be friends.” Emery’s tears stopped as quickly as they’d started. Paisley gently pushed her back to her seat. “Too crowded!”

Moments later, Paisley’s phone buzzed. Gregory. Seeing Paisley frown, Emery’s curiosity piqued. “Why aren’t you answering? Guy?”

“Yeah, a guy. Fifties,” Paisley mumbled, finally answering.

“This Friday. Dinner. Be there,” Gregory said, dispensing with pleasantries.

“Why?” Paisley asked, suspicious. Gregory rarely acknowledged their relationship, let alone invited her to dinner. This felt… strategic.

“Why so many questions? I’m your father. It’s for your own good! No negotiation!” Gregory’s tone was sharp.

Paisley was already planning her move against the Sullivan family, determined to uncover their motives and their connection to Brittany’s sudden inclusion in her film crew. “Fine. Address.”

Gregory’s tone softened slightly, though his disdain remained. “Dress properly. No jeans. And don’t embarrass the Sullivans with your behavior towards Brittany.” Paisley hung up.

At the Sullivan villa, Gregory fumed. “Ungrateful daughter!”

Brittany voiced her displeasure. “Dad, we’re having dinner with Mr. Vanderbilt Friday. Do we really need to arrange a meeting between my sister and Baron on the same day?”

Christina echoed her sentiment. “Paisley’s clueless. We can’t risk her offending important people and ruining Brittany’s chances.”

Gregory’s eyes hardened. “You don’t understand! The Jackmans think Paisley’s trash. I’m using Mr. Vanderbilt to put them in their place! The Sullivans are connected to the Vanderbilts now. Brittany and Mr. Vanderbilt are a done deal. If Baron marries her sister, it’s the Jackmans climbing the social ladder!”

Christina scoffed. “Paisley’s the one climbing, and she’s lucky to even be involved.”

Gregory shot Christina a warning look. “She’s still our daughter.” Christina’s eyes flickered, but she remained silent.