Chapter 185

"Gary, what did you call Paisley?" Brittany's voice cracked, panic rising.

"Ms. Vaire," Gary said, moving to Paisley's side. "She's Nion, the screenwriter. Didn't you know?"

The crew, simmering with resentment towards Brittany, silently sided with Paisley. It wasn't much, but it was a stand.

Brittany's face went white, then red. Her breath hitched. "Impossible! Paisley's an uneducated fool! How could she be Nion?"

She couldn't believe it. She'd always scorned Paisley, seeing her as an illiterate waif, a past the Sullivan family had tried to erase. This perception had driven a wedge between Paisley and her parents. Who wouldn't prefer a polished daughter?

"Exactly!" Christina chimed in, refusing to accept the truth. "Paisley's no better than Brittany!"

"She is Nion," Gary stated firmly. "We have a contract."

The Sullivans' stunned faces brought Gary a grim satisfaction. Gregory stared at Paisley, his anger replaced by confusion. He’d heard Brittany rave about Nion, the legendary screenwriter whose films were box-office gold, turning actors into instant stars. Brittany had used Dominick's influence to land a lead role in Nion's next project. Could this be Paisley?

Brittany saw Gregory’s shift, her frustration boiling. Her gaze sharpened. "So what if you're Nion? You can't stop me! Got the guts to fight capital? Beg me, or I'll ruin you!"

Her words hung heavy—Dominick's woman held immense power. Gary glanced worriedly at Paisley. She'd been investigating Brittany's backer; this could be the answer. But he feared Dominick's retaliation.

Then, a child's voice cut through the tension. "What's going on?" Grayson entered, disgruntled. A stomachache—probably the food—but Dominick had promised they could leave after seeing his "grandparents."

Grayson wrinkled his nose, then his eyes widened. He saw Paisley. "Mom!" He ran to her, burying his face in her arms. "Mom, I found you!"

He turned to Dominick, who had just arrived. "Dad, it's Mom! She's here!"

Dominick stared at Paisley, stunned. Then, he pulled her into a forceful embrace, ignoring her resistance. "I missed you so much. Where were you?"