Chapter 188

Gregory’s panic was palpable. His affair with Dominick’s daughter Paisley had blown up in his face, and now the Jackman family, equally terrified, squirmed under Dominick’s icy gaze. "Remember," Dominick’s voice was a razor, his eyes flicking between Keith and Gregory, "you said your son was dating my daughter?"

Keith’s knees buckled. He mopped his sweating brow, unable to meet Dominick’s stare. "I—I did," he stammered, recalling his overconfidence in securing the Vanderbilt alliance. He risked a glance; Dominick’s gaze had shifted to Baron, assessing him like a condemned man.

"Your son?" Dominick’s voice was lethal.

Baron, his earlier arrogance vanished, cowered behind his parents. Marianne, drenched in sweat, regretted her involvement. "Dominick, it wasn't our fault!" she cried, jabbing a finger at Gregory. "He begged us! He pleaded for this marriage! We—"

Keith cut her off sharply, silencing her before she could mention Paisley's supposed lack of education. "We were hesitant," Keith said, wiping his brow, ignoring Gregory's darkening face. "Gregory insisted. He wouldn't take no for an answer. But it turns out," he continued, "they didn't care about Paisley at all! They even said we didn't have to treat her well!"

"Yes!" Marianne chimed in, frantic. "They said it themselves! And Baron's been beaten to a pulp!"

"You're twisting the truth!" Gregory roared, his carefully constructed defense crumbling.

But the Jackmans were desperate. This was survival. "Who's twisting the truth?" Keith challenged, his double chin wobbling. "The Sullivans played you, Dominick! They thought you wanted Brittany, so they forced this marriage to secure two alliances! They reaped the benefits, leaving us to take the fall!"

Humiliated and despairing, Gregory could only watch his carefully laid plans implode. Paisley, however, remained unmoved by the unfolding drama. Her focus was solely on her show.

"Dominick," she said firmly, "I don't care why you're helping the Sullivans, but Brittany will not get the lead role. If you insist, I'll fight you."

Dominick recoiled. "Paisley, why are you so stubborn? Everything I've done has been for your good."

"I don't need it," Paisley said coldly. "We're divorced. Stay out of my life." She turned and walked away.

"Mom!" Grayson chased after her, grabbing her coat. "Mom, please don't leave me!"

Paisley paused, her fingers twitching. Gently, she pried his hands loose. "You left me first, Sonny," she said softly.

"No, I was wrong!" Grayson sobbed. "I want you back! I want you to stay with me!"

Paisley looked at him, her heart softening momentarily, before hardening again. "You want a perfect mom, Sonny, one who always prioritizes you. That's not me. When you understand that, come find me."

She walked away, leaving Dominick speechless. He took a step after her, but Lucy and her team blocked his path. The bodyguards, a wall of muscle, stood between Dominick and Paisley.

"Let it go, Dominick," Lucy said, a cool smile playing on her lips. "Plenty of women are available. Isn't she right there, Brittany?"

Brittany’s face drained of color. Her teeth clenched.