Chapter 187

Paisley’s confusion dissolved as she saw Dominick and Grayson. It wasn't a coincidence; the Sullivans had invited them. Dominick, the Sullivans' financial backer. A chill snaked down her spine. Her gaze, sharper than ever, locked onto Dominick.

He flinched. This was the third time she’d looked at him like that—the night of their divorce, after Marissa’s attack on her and Serena, and now. Each time, she vanished from his life. Panic edged Dominick’s voice.

“So, you’re behind Brittany’s attack?” Paisley’s voice was icy. “Dominick, you just keep making me hate you more!”

“Paisley, what are you talking about? I’ve never gone against you!” Dominick stammered, unsure how to explain.

Gary intervened, cutting through the tension. “Paisley’s Nion, the screenwriter. And Nion has a rule: Brittany’s forbidden on her projects.” He turned to a pale, furious Brittany, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. Normally, he wouldn't clash with an actress, but Brittany had wrecked the production. Finally, he could speak his mind.

“Brittany wasn’t the original lead. She forced her way in, causing massive delays. That crossed Nion’s line. And I’m sure you’re aware of how she did it, Mr. Vanderbilt.”

Dominick reeled. He’d delegated Brittany’s casting to Julian, only caring about the outcome—she was Paisley’s sister. It was trivial to him. He hadn’t realized the consequences.

“Paisley, I didn’t know you were the screenwriter. I wouldn’t have interfered. And I have no romantic interest in Brittany! Believe me!” Dominick pleaded.

His words hit the Sullivans like a hammer blow.

“Impossible!” Brittany cried. “If you dislike me, why help me? Why support the Sullivans? Isn’t it all because of me?”

Dominick frowned. “I helped you and the Sullivans because you’re Paisley’s family.”

Brittany shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. She’d envisioned herself as a Vanderbilt mistress; now, the Sullivans’ newfound prosperity was Paisley’s doing. Christina echoed her shock. “But the betrothal gifts?”

Dominick’s frown deepened. “They were ordinary gifts, arranged by my assistant. If you saw them as betrothal gifts, they were for Paisley.”

Paisley waved him off. “There’s no need.”

“B-but you even had that child call us…” Christina trailed off, defeated. They were Paisley’s parents; Grayson’s grandparents. All Dominick’s actions stemmed from Paisley.

Christina deflated, slumping in her chair. Humiliation washed over Brittany; she felt foolish. Gregory’s regret intensified. He should have treated Paisley better. Her identity—screenwriter, Dominick’s ex-wife, Grayson’s mother—would have brought the Sullivans honor.

Dominick saw the devastation he'd wrought. “Paisley, I didn’t know my actions would cause you so much trouble. I—”

“Mr. Vanderbilt!” Lucy cut in, fury blazing. She glared at Dominick. “You’re worth billions! You could have easily found out why Paisley returned to Harrowfell!”

Her words hit home. He’d asked Julian to investigate, but Marissa had interfered. He’d been negligent.

“You said you helped the Sullivans because they’re Paisley’s family. But if they treated her well, why did she cut them off for years?”

Dominick’s face hardened. He knew about the conflict. Paisley had run away, never mentioning them to him. But they were still her family, a fallback if she ever needed them.

Gregory opened his mouth to speak, but Lucy silenced him. She pointed at him, her voice sharp. “If Paisley hadn’t had protection, the Sullivans would have sold her to that Jackman beast today!”