Chapter 22

Serena sobbed, her small body shaking in Paisley’s arms. Paisley hushed her, but Dominic’s voice cut through the air, thick with emotion. “Paisley, who is this child?”

He stared at Serena, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Hearing the girl call Paisley "Mommy," and knowing her June birthday fueled a suspicion. "Paisley, is she my—"

"Mr. Vanderbilt," Paisley cut him off, her voice firm, "Serena is my daughter." She gestured toward the couch. "Your… concerns are unfounded."

Dominic frowned, his dark eyes fixed on Paisley. Marissa, tense until that moment, exhaled. She trusted Paisley wouldn’t lie; being a Vanderbilt would be far preferable to her current life. At least she’s smart enough not to try passing this off, Marissa thought. The family wouldn't tolerate it.

Shifting her attention to Grayson, still clinging to her shirt, eyes red and fixed on Paisley, Marissa gently turned his face toward her chest. "Sonny, enough. Let's rest."

Michelle, noticing their familiarity, smiled. "You two know each other? That simplifies things!"

Dominic started to nod, but Paisley’s cold voice stopped him. "I'm not familiar with Mr. Vanderbilt. We're practically strangers."

Dominic’s face hardened. Paisley met his gaze, unflinching. "Let's keep it fair and square."

A sharp edge entered Dominic’s eyes. Good for you, Paisley. Distancing yourself, huh? he thought. Then, dripping sarcasm, "Fine. But I'm getting to the bottom of this. I want to know what kind of upbringing produces a child who hits people."

Michelle looked at Marissa, alarmed by Paisley’s uncooperativeness. Marissa, still holding Grayson’s hand, gently tugged Dominic’s sleeve. "Dom, don't get upset. Ms. Sutton's probably just worried about her child."

Grayson's grip tightened. Marissa glanced down; his face was crimson, his eyes blazing at Paisley. Dominic's expression mirrored his fury. What’s wrong with her? Serena’s her child, but not Grayson? She hasn’t even looked at him!