Chapter 225

Dominick's icy glare silenced the attendants, who instantly released Maria. Lauren stepped forward, beaming. "Dominick! We brought gifts. Your dad confirmed the news this morning. Grandpa's thrilled to meet his great-granddaughter!"

"Go home," Dominick clipped.

"But we haven't even seen Serena!" Lauren protested. Reginald tugged her arm. "Let's go, Lauren. Don't make a scene."

Dominick slammed the door. "They don't want visitors."

"But—" Lauren began, but Reginald steered her away. She sighed. "Fine, but can we at least leave the gifts?"

Maria scoffed. "Take them back. Rena doesn't need anything." She brushed past Lauren and disappeared inside, slamming the door. A moment later, Paisley's voice: "Maria, lock it."

Dominick's jaw tightened. Lauren saw the regret in his eyes. "Wrong time?" she murmured, realizing her visit had interrupted his precious family time.

"Go home," he said quietly.

"What about you?" Lauren asked.

"Back to work," he replied, the weight of his responsibilities settling on him.

Silence fell outside the locked door. Paisley called Lucy, requesting extra security.

At Vanderbilt Manor, Paul paced impatiently. He knew Serena couldn't receive visitors. He'd sent Lauren to apologize and, ideally, video call Serena.

Grayson, looking considerably better, approached. "Grandpa, waiting for Grandma and Grandpa?"

Paul scooped him up. "Yeah, sonny." He gently touched Grayson's wounds. "Still hurting?"

Grayson nodded. "It hurts. Rena's surgery must hurt more."

"You have a little sister, did you know?" Paul asked.

Grayson nodded. He'd learned about Rena that morning – his real sister. He felt a pang of regret, mixed with anticipation of reconnecting. Maybe Mom would come home, too.

Lauren and Reginald returned, their faces grim. "Sent away?" Paul mocked.

Kayla emerged from her studio, paint still on her hands. "I knew it," she sneered. "So I didn't bother going."

Paul exploded. "Pathetic! Can't even apologize properly!" He knew he'd have to see Serena himself.

Reginald retreated to his study. Lauren sat on the sofa, sipping coffee. A reminder popped up: the Ladies' Association meeting. She turned to Kayla. "Get ready, we're going."

Kayla recoiled. "No way! Gossiping with those old hags is a waste of time. I'm painting!" She fled back to her studio, ignoring Lauren's calls.

Dominick had been in meetings all day. He finally took a break, only to have his secretary arrive with a mountain of files. He picked one up, his expression unreadable. The secretary nervously watched Julian, trying to gauge Dominick's mood. Even Julian was unsure. Then Dominick spoke.

"When you were three," he asked, "what toys did you like?"