Chapter 183

"Exactly!" Christina agreed. "That girl's got no manners. The nicer you are, the worse she gets. Once she marries your son, it's your job to straighten her out. Even if she's my daughter, I won't protect her."

Christina and Brittany were on the same page. They wanted Paisley's life to be anything but easy. The only reason Christina agreed to this marriage was knowing the Jackmans' ruthless nature.

The Jackmans were bewildered. The Sullivans had seemed desperate for the union, but now… They looked at Gregory, grim-faced and silent. The truth dawned: Paisley was a pawn in Gregory's game to win the Jackmans' favor. He didn't care for her. Christina's disdain made Paisley seem more like an adopted burden than a daughter.

This suited the Jackmans perfectly. They wouldn't have to coddle Paisley or worry about her running to the Sullivans to complain.

Then, a deafening crash erupted from the next room. The Jackmans frowned, blaming Baron. If Dominick returned with Grayson and saw this…

Gregory glared at Keith. "Tell Baron to behave himself."

The Jackmans, seeing Gregory's lack of concern for their feelings, were even more convinced Paisley held little value to the Sullivans. Brittany, however, was gleeful. The louder the commotion, the more miserable Paisley must be.

Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air.

Marianne jumped up. "What's happening? That scream…!"

Keith stood, ready to investigate. Gregory worried. Had Paisley done something drastic? If she ruined this, he wouldn't forgive her.

Before the Jackmans could react, the door burst open. Baron stumbled in, bloodied and terrified. "Dad! Mom! That woman's trying to kill me!"

The Jackmans recoiled, shielding Baron.

"He ran in there! Stop him!" a furious, unfamiliar woman's voice shrieked.

Confusion reigned. Gary recognized the voice. Then another voice: "And flip that table!"

Gregory's eyes widened. He knew that voice—Paisley's. Christina's face hardened; Brittany trembled with rage.

Well-trained enforcers stormed in, splitting into two groups. One went for Baron; the other flipped the main table. Dishes and drinks rained down on the Sullivans. Soup soaked Gregory's pants. A lobster landed squarely on Christina's head, its claws tangled in her hair. Brittany screamed as hot food splattered her face and pristine designer dress.

Paisley strolled in, composed and unharmed, with a young woman the Jackmans recognized. Brittany, beyond caring about her appearance, shrieked at her sister. All her preparations ruined!

"I'll kill you!" Brittany lunged, but a bodyguard shoved her to the ground.

"Brittany!" Christina cried, momentarily forgetting the lobster. She glared at Paisley. "You wretched girl! Have you gone mad?"

"Mad? You're the ones who are mad, bringing such filth to disgust me," Paisley said coldly, eyes locked on Gregory and Christina.

The others understood: the "filth" was Baron.

"Gregory! Your daughter attacked my son!" Keith roared.

The commotion hadn't been Baron tormenting Paisley; it had been the other way around. The Jackmans were devastated. They wanted the alliance, but their son's well-being mattered more. This was an affront to their family.

Gregory's face burned. His perfect banquet was ruined. Paisley had dared to crash it and create this chaos.

"You ungrateful girl!" he roared.