Chapter 197

Emery’s shop was deathly quiet. Ensery slammed her phone onto the couch, her breath ragged. “That bitch! How dare she treat my girl like that! I’m furious!” Her eyes blazed, red-rimmed, as she turned on Dominick. “This is your ‘misunderstanding’? You stood up for them? No wonder Paisley hates you. I do too!”

“Christina’s no mother! What kind of mother treats her daughter like that? And Gregory – the greediest! Would you ignore your runaway daughter for years? He probably said Paisley had a bad temper and refused to apologize.” Emery’s voice cracked. “Dominick, you were married to Paisley for four years! If she wasn't heartbroken, why leave? Just like with you – she gave up hope. I don't understand why you're even here!”

Dominick’s face was pale, Christina’s cruel words echoing in his mind. He’d come because of Gregory’s claim of misunderstandings, hoping reconciliation might give Paisley a family in Harrowfell. He knew how much she craved home. Now, he saw his actions as foolish. The Sullivans weren't worthy of her.

“I know what I need to do,” Dominick said, his head bowed as he started for the door. Then he paused, turning to Emery. “I’ll waive your rent. Your shop’s free, if you want to stay.” He laughed, a bitter sound, and left.

Emery stared, speechless. “Wait… he’s waiving the rent? For real? Well, damn. If I can take advantage of that bastard…”

Back in his office, Dominick ordered Julian to cut all ties with the Sullivan Group, cancelling all contracts. He also instructed Julian to announce his severance from Brittany and her career.

Julian was shocked, but he obeyed. After the Marissa incident, he’d learned to keep his mouth shut.

The first blow fell on Gregory. A secretary arrived at the Sullivan villa with a returned contract from the Vanderbilt Group. “Mr. Sullivan, they won’t renew.”

Gregory’s face drained of color. Last night, he’d explained everything to Dominick. Surely, as Paisley’s father, Dominick would still support them.

Then, more bad news. His assistant called: “Three partners terminated their contracts.” Gregory stumbled onto the couch, panic rising. The Sullivans had few partnerships, relying heavily on Vanderbilt, whose influence attracted other companies. Now, they were fleeing.

Christina and Brittany returned, oblivious to Gregory’s tension. Christina launched into another tirade about Paisley. “She told me to get lost! Ungrateful disgrace!”

“You went to see Paisley?” Gregory’s voice was ice.

“Yes! I wanted her to help Brittany and Dominick reconcile. He’s such a good man, he shouldn’t end up with some outsider. But that girl—”

Slap! Gregory’s hand connected with Christina’s face, silencing her. “Dad!” Brittany cried, flinching. Gregory turned to her, his chest heaving. “Brittany, leave the Sullivan family.”