Chapter 192

Paisley’s brow furrowed at the name. "Godard? From Montera? With a villa here… Could you be related to that Godard family?"

Max nodded. "Yes, I am."

Paisley's surprise was carefully masked. She'd dealt with powerful families before. The Vanderbilts, though lacking the Godards' history, were still prominent, though Dominick's generation had fewer heirs. She knew little of the Monteran Godards.

"So, what brings a Godard to Harrowfell?" she asked casually, then quickly added, "Unless you'd rather not say."

Max smiled. "I'm looking for someone."

"Oh?" Paisley’s curiosity was lukewarm.

Max pressed on. "My sister."

Paisley remained unmoved. Max sighed. "I'm adopted. The person I'm looking for is my father's biological daughter. My parents met here, secretly married, then separated. My father returned to Montera, lost his memory, and forgot my mother. By the time he remembered, she was gone, and their daughter… missing."

His voice grew low. "We've searched everywhere. He never remarried, always alone. The Godard elders pressured him, but he adopted me instead. Finding his daughter is his lifelong regret."

Paisley listened, a quiet storm brewing within her. The contrast between Max's father's unwavering devotion and her own father's cruelty was stark. Not all men were monsters; she'd simply had terrible luck.

Max noticed her sadness. "Am I talking too much?" He wasn't usually this verbose, but her initial disinterest had spurred him on.

Paisley smiled faintly. "Not at all. I'm… happy for your sister. Unlike me," she added softly.

She stood, stretching, masking her sadness. Who wouldn't want such a loving family?

Max watched her, sensing her sorrow. A strange tightness gripped his chest.

Leo returned with the medicine. Paisley removed the needles, gave instructions, and prepared to leave. Max walked normally. He started to escort her, but she stopped him. "The rain's still coming down, and your leg… You should rest."

He nodded, always obedient to his doctor. "Take Paisley home," he told Leo.

"No need," Paisley said, and dashed into the rain towards her house. Max watched her go.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Leo teased. Max glared. Leo mumbled, "Right. Too much."

The rain poured all night.

Emery arrived at her shop, exhausted. Something was wrong. Then she saw him. "Dominick! You scumbag! Who invited you here?" Her fury was explosive.