Chapter 174

Paisley parked, her phone tucked away, expression carefully neutral. Gregory's rising anxiety only fueled her curiosity about the Sullivans' scheme.

"You're really going in?" Lucy whispered, worry etched on her face. She despised the Sullivans, ever since learning about their years of ignoring Paisley and Brittany's relationship. The Sullivans' sudden invitation screamed ulterior motives, but Paisley, aware of this, was drawn in by their mystery, and the shadowy figure pulling their strings. She wasn't unprepared, though.

Glancing at the van packed with Lucy's bodyguards, Paisley said, "I go in first. Wait for my signal. Thirty minutes, no word—you all come in."

Lucy's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Got it!"

Paisley smiled. "And when the time comes, don't hold back. Smash everything. People, objects…go wild."

A mischievous grin spread across Lucy's face. "Don't worry."

"Good," Paisley said, stepping out. She didn't notice Dominick's car slip past.

Inside the private room, the film crew's unease was palpable. "Gary, what's Brittany playing at? A blind date for her sister?" the assistant director grumbled, his frustration plain.

Gary's face was grim, but controlled. "Let's wait." Brittany had hinted at a powerful backer, someone she'd introduce tonight. The backer's identity would determine if Gary abandoned the project entirely—a decision he couldn't make lightly, despite the guilt of letting Nion down. He wouldn't give up until every possibility was exhausted.

The assistant directors, humiliated by the relatively unknown actress, could only simmer in frustrated silence.

At the main table, without Baron, Brittany felt relaxed, enjoying the sight of Gary's simmering anger. The film's delays, actors quitting…it had all been a source of private gossip and complaints. Until tonight. Tonight, everything changed. Her backer was untouchable. She couldn't wait to see Gary bow before Dominick. The contrast between her own triumph and Paisley's encounter with Baron filled her with satisfaction. This was her life, the best the world offered.

At another table, the Jackmans fidgeted. Appetizers sat untouched. "Gregory, what's the holdup?" Keith snapped.

Without Dominick, Gregory was hesitant. He couldn't pressure him like he did Paisley.

"Just a moment," Gregory said, glancing at his watch. "Waiting for a guest."

Keith sneered. "Selling your daughter, huh?"

Gregory's jaw tightened.

Keith leaned back. "Let's see who this is. But make no mistake—it won't matter. My son doesn't like her, it's over. Even if he does, we'll observe. She didn't finish school…what genes will she pass on? Let them date first, and then we'll talk."

Gregory's blood boiled, but a ringing phone interrupted him. A servant's voice: "Mr. Sullivan, people claiming to be from the Vanderbilts just delivered gifts to the house."

"The Vanderbilts?" Gregory's shock gave way to elation.

The Jackmans' eyes widened.

Gregory snorted, listening intently.

"Yes, sir. Many expensive items...they look like…"

"Look like what?" Gregory demanded.

"...betrothal gifts."

"Betrothal gifts!" Gregory exclaimed, "Send me a video!"