Chapter 215
Paisley burst into the emergency center, spotting Jonathan amidst the chaos. "Paisley? What are you doing here?" Jonathan asked, startled.
He'd raced from a downtown meeting after the hospital called. Reginald had already contacted him, needing a VIP room for Grayson. But the ER was overflowing; even VIP rooms were occupied. He hadn't been able to secure one.
"Jonathan, my child is in there!" Paisley urged, pushing forward.
"Don't worry, I checked. Sonny's fine, for now," Jonathan soothed, noticing her distress.
"Sonny?" Paisley hesitated. "Sonny's here too?"
Jonathan realized she meant her daughter, not Grayson. A strange coincidence. He noted the tall man beside her, Max, who nodded calmly. Before he could ask, they reached the frantic ER.
"Mommy!" Grayson spotted Paisley, his tear-streaked face lighting up. He waved frantically.
Paisley saw Grayson's injuries. Had they been together when it happened? Maria hadn't mentioned it.
Grayson clutched her hand. "Mommy, you're here! I hurt so much, I feel like I'm going to die!"
Heartbroken, Paisley checked his pulse, scanning for Maria and Serena. She found them quickly; Serena, pale but asleep in Maria's arms, seemed less seriously hurt than Grayson. This eased Paisley's anxiety slightly.
The Vanderbilts fell silent as Paisley examined Grayson. Even Lauren, usually in tears, stared intently. Kayla, hiding behind Lauren, watched Paisley with admiration. To Kayla, Paisley radiated strength.
Reginald observed Paisley silently. A renowned artist, inheritor of ancient medical arts, Charles' student—the ideal daughter-in-law. He even recalled Sonny mentioning her multilingual fluency. A perfect Vanderbilt matriarch. But his gaze flickered to Serena. That child wasn't a Vanderbilt. If only…
He then noticed Max. He recognized him instantly: Tyson Godard's adopted son. He'd met them at a Montera dinner. Why was Max here? He remembered Maria's call, the man's voice in the background—Max. Was he Serena's father?
Dominick’s gaze hardened, fixated on Paisley and Max. The sight shattered him. A wave of icy dread washed over him. His eyes met Max’s—one icy and hostile, the other calm and confident.
Leo and Julian, sensing the tension, instinctively stepped back, exchanging a silent, resentful glare.
Unaware of the undercurrents, Paisley examined Grayson, gently pressing points on his body. He denied any pain. Satisfied, she turned to Dominick. "He's fine. A full checkup is recommended, just to be safe."
Lauren sighed in relief.
"Alright," Dominick murmured, his voice hoarse, his eyes faintly red. He longed to ask about Paisley and Max, their relationship, Serena’s paternity, his chances.
Before he could speak, Paisley cut him off. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going." Grayson was surrounded by the Vanderbilts; Serena needed her. She turned and left.