Chapter 180

“What do you have besides your looks? Even the Sullivans respect the Jackmans! My father wouldn't dare speak to your father like this, and you dare refuse me?”

Paisley remained silent. Lucy and the others would be here soon. “I have to go. If you’re upset, take it up with the Sullivans. This isn’t about me,” she said, rising.

Baron exploded. He slammed his fist on the table, sending chairs sprawling. “I’m not letting you leave! I’ll skin you alive!”

He’d considered her his since he first saw her; Gregory had practically sold her to his family. They could refuse, but the Sullivans couldn’t. Her disrespect was an insult. He wouldn’t tolerate disobedience. His previous wives hadn’t.

Paisley had sensed his volatile nature, but not this. His eyes blazed; he looked capable of tearing her apart. She backed slowly against a chair. “Calm down, or you’ll regret it.”

Baron sneered. “Who in Harrowfell can make me suffer? I’ll show you suffering!” He lunged.

Just as his hands reached her, Paisley shoved the chair into his chest. It was futile. Then, a scream pierced the air. “What’s going on here?”

“Mind your own business!” Lucy’s voice cut through.

Hope flickered in Paisley’s eyes. Baron laughed, tossing the chair aside. There was nowhere to run.

A crash. The door burst open. A wine bottle smashed against Baron’s head.

“Paisley! Are you okay?” Lucy screamed, charging forward, shards of glass clutched in her hand.

The bottle barely grazed him. “Who hit me?! I’ll kill you!” he roared, a wild beast unleashed. “Two for the price of one! I’ll take both of you!”

But Lucy’s reinforcements were ready. Her men stormed in, a whirlwind of fists and flying objects, targeting Baron with everything they could grab.

Next door, Gregory and Christina heard the commotion, Baron’s enraged shouts. They glanced at Keith and Marianne, their faces alight with a cruel, knowing smile. They believed Baron was already enjoying himself with Paisley, securing their alliance with the Vanderbilts.