Chapter 199

“Paisley, it’s me,” Gregory’s voice crackled through the phone.

“Mr. Sullivan, spit it out,” Paisley’s reply was curt. She tolerated things that didn't violate her principles, but that often masked her sharp attention to detail. People mistook her tolerance for weakness.

Gregory hesitated. He could almost feel the heat rising in his face, a blush Paisley wouldn't see. He cleared his throat. “Paisley, did you see the Instagram post?”

“Yes.”

His voice edged higher. “I realize my mistakes. I’ve cut Brittany loose. You’re the only daughter now, my good daughter. Can you forgive me?”

Paisley’s skin prickled at the saccharine "good daughter." “Alright,” she said smoothly.

“Really?” Relief flooded Gregory’s voice. Paisley's forgiveness meant everything.

Before his elation could fully bloom, Paisley cut him off. “My forgiveness comes with a price: full control of the company and all shares. You step down.”

“You…” Gregory sputtered. He’d anticipated a cost, but not this. “Paisley, you’ll inherit it eventually. No need to rush.”

Paisley sneered. “Sincerity? A statement erases the past? Mr. Sullivan, you’re dreaming.”

She hung up. The Sullivan Group? A rotten core wasn't worth saving. She logged onto Instagram, reposted Gregory's statement, adding: “[Not me. I’m not a Sullivan.]”

Nion’s biting reply reignited the online firestorm, now engulfing both Brittany and the Sullivan Group.

Back at the old house, Brittany watched the escalating ridicule, a burning rage consuming her. That morning, her agent delivered the news: her career was shelved indefinitely. No more roles, not even minor ones.

“Paisley, Paisley! It’s all your fault!” She jabbed her phone at Nion’s profile, her nails digging into the screen.

Christina returned from the supermarket to find Brittany in a frenzy, her fingertips bleeding. “Brittany! What are you doing? You’re bleeding!” Christina snatched Brittany’s hand.

Brittany yanked it away. “Dad disowned me! Paisley’s the only daughter now. So why bother with me?”