Chapter 179

“You didn’t go the wrong way, it’s here!” Baron’s bulk blocked the doorway.

“You must be Paisley, right?” His voice was loud, his eyes leering.

Paisley’s brow furrowed. This was a detour from her mission: meet Gregory, gather intel on the Sullivans’ backers. She’d been waylaid by this creep. Backing away, she texted Lucy. No more waiting—every second felt like an eternity.

Baron chuckled, misinterpreting her message. “No need to check, it’s me! Your family’s next door. Your father wanted some private time.” He started to close the distance. Paisley had to stall.

“You wanted to talk? Sit.” She kept her eyes on him, seating herself as far away as possible. He chuckled, his gaze lingering on her face. “I’m Baron Jackman. Everything my family owns will be mine. Marry me, and you’ll live in luxury.”

“I don’t understand.” Paisley feigned ignorance.

Baron frowned. “Don’t pretend! Your father wants you to marry me. If I like you…”

Paisley remained impassive, calculating arrival times.

Baron’s anger flared. “Ungrateful bitch! You think you’re too good? Let me be clear: I didn’t want this. You’re unfinished education… no respectable family would want you. It’s only because of my father’s business dealings with yours.” He leaned back, scanning her. “Treat me well, give me a son, then maybe I’ll consider you.”

Paisley felt a surge of unexpected strength. She wasn’t the helpless pawn the Sullivans had painted her to be.

“I think Gregory set me up. This wasn’t a blind date. I wouldn’t have come if I’d known.” She tried for reason, hoping to avoid violence. A little sense, and she could leave. She’d clearly overestimated Gregory’s “friend.”

“What the hell are you saying?” Baron slammed his hand on the table. “You dare look down on me? Do you even know your worth?”