Chapter 195
“A biological mother wouldn't do that,” Dominick murmured, shaking his head. He understood the Sullivans' favoritism towards Brittany, but abandoning their own child? Paisley had spent less time with them, yet she was their blood. How could her mother do this? A woman who embraced an adopted daughter wouldn't discard her own.
He’d heard Gregory's explanation yesterday – a misunderstanding, a communication breakdown. It mirrored his own past with Paisley. He’d learned from those mistakes; he wouldn't risk upsetting her again. That's why he sought Emery's advice.
“What do you know?” Emery snapped, her contempt for the Sullivans and Dominick palpable. “Did you hear what Paisley’s ‘mother’ said? ‘Why did you come back? Why didn’t you just die?’ Is that maternal?”
Emery's words conjured Christina hurling a bowl at Paisley yesterday. Only his intervention had stopped it.
Emery's phone rang. Paisley. She excused herself, covering the receiver. “Hey, sweetie, lunch?” Emery said into the phone, her voice strained.
Paisley, shaken by yesterday's events, had received a call from Gary this morning. Brittany’s replacement was proving impossible; the public announcement made finding a last-minute actress a nightmare. Brittany’s actions had derailed everything. Lunch with Emery felt like a necessary escape.
But Emery’s voice sounded off. A frantic rush, then, “Honey, let me tell you—"
Before she could finish, Christina’s shriek cut through.
“What’s all the noise?” Emery’s voice was sharp, irritated.
“Talk later,” Paisley replied, casually setting down her phone. She hadn’t bothered to check the caller ID. Before she could investigate the commotion, Christina and Brittany stormed into view.
“Paisley! Did you order this? Brittany’s the star!” Christina’s voice was venomous.
Brittany, pale with fury, glared. No one had ever dared stop her on set before.
“I’m still the lead! I have a contract!” Brittany insisted.
Paisley remained calm. “The production’s consulted legal counsel. You’ll receive a termination notice.”
“This is a breach of contract!” Brittany wailed, tears welling. She’d worked so hard for this role.
“Did you read the contract? The exemption clauses apply. Even if they didn't, I’d cover the penalty myself.”
“You…” Brittany sobbed. “Why are you always against me?”
“Because I can’t stand you,” Paisley stated flatly, her disdain unconcealed.
Christina, unable to bear Brittany’s distress, glared at Paisley, then a calculating glint entered her eyes. “Fine. Brittany can step down.”
“Mom!” Brittany protested.
Christina hushed her. “But,” she turned to Paisley, “since you and Dominick are divorced, why not help Brittany and him get together? Instead of letting other women benefit…”