Chapter 203

Grayson’s question hit Dominick like a punch. A cold fear, utterly unfamiliar, gripped him. Before, Paisley’s denials, backed by blood tests, had allowed him to bury the truth. But now…

“Daddy,” Grayson said, looking up, “that guy wasn’t as handsome as you.”

Dominick chuckled, the sound brittle with bitterness.

Inside the car, Max watched them from the lawn, his gaze dark and thoughtful.

Paisley, swamped all day, finally checked her phone late that night. A message from Maria, sent hours earlier, showed a picture: Serena, a tiny pink blur chasing a kite under a brilliant blue sky.

“[She looks so cute!]” Paisley replied, gathering her things.

Another message popped up: “[You only noticed your daughter?]”

Paisley paused. “[The scenery is beautiful. Thanks, Maria.]”

Then came another. What did Maria mean?

“[Didn’t you notice the person flying the kite?]”

The picture showed Max, their neighbor, holding the kite string.

Why was Max with Maria and Serena?

Maria’s rapid-fire messages explained: Serena was upset, so they went kite flying, ran into Max, Serena insisted on playing with him, he stayed for hours, even treated them to dinner. Paisley was genuinely surprised. Max, so unexpectedly good with children.

Night had fallen when Paisley pulled into her driveway. Several cars were parked outside Max's house, doors flung open, men milling around.

Max emerged as Paisley pulled in. He paused, eyes on her car.

Remembering Maria’s messages, Paisley got out.

“I’m heading out,” Max said, nodding. “Got new leads on my sister. Going to check them out.”

“Oh,” Paisley began, taking a step back, but Max stopped her. “A few minutes won’t hurt.”

Paisley smiled. “I wanted to thank you for being with Rena. I left her upset, and I appreciate you keeping her company.”

“No need,” Max smiled. “We ran into someone. Rena called him a scary man… and Grayson’s father.”