Chapter 239

Lauren’s eyes widened at the sight of Diana and Paisley, their easy laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing in her chest. She swooped in, linking arms with Paisley. "Paisy! Rena's okay? When can I see her? You look so thin—you're working too hard!" Her smile was strained, her gaze overly possessive.

The other women stared. This wasn't the Lauren they knew. Never had she fawned over Marissa like this.

Paisley shuddered, jerking her arm free. "Rena and I are fine. Don't worry about us." Her tone was icy.

The onlookers gasped. Paisley's defiance stunned them. Diana beamed at Lauren, savoring the sour twist of Lauren's expression.

"Diana, what's going on? Why are the police here?" Paisley asked, still clueless.

Lauren's jealousy flared. She glared daggers at Diana.

Diana sighed. "You'll see."

Inside, Christina rushed to Paisley, practically shoving her toward the officers. "Officers, my daughter's here. She can mediate." Christina didn't even glance at Paisley.

Paisley surveyed the scene: Brittany, red-eyed and tear-streaked; a younger girl, Daisy, with a swollen cheek; and Daisy’s mother, glaring at Brittany and Christina, her anger softening slightly at the sight of Paisley.

The picture was clear: Brittany had slapped Daisy, Daisy’s mother refused to mediate, and Christina had called Paisley.

An officer addressed Paisley. "Ms. Sul—"

"Sutton," Paisley corrected.

The officer blinked, glancing at Christina, confused by the different last names. He continued, "Ms. Sutton, the situation is…" He explained the altercation. Daisy had provoked Brittany, but Brittany had struck her hard. Daisy's swollen face and complaints of ringing ears suggested a serious blow. If mediation failed, Brittany faced detention, possibly worse.

Donna and Daisy watched, their feelings a mixture of fear and resentment. If Paisley mediated, they’d be forced to comply, but the injustice rankled.

"Paisley, please understand," Donna pleaded, her tone softer than it had been with Christina and Brittany. "Daisy's our only child. Your sister hit her! It's outrageous!"

Brittany felt a surge of both relief and resentment. Why was Paisley always the center of attention? Christina, emboldened, straightened. "I told you we could mediate, but you insisted on the police! Now Paisley's here, suddenly you're the victim."

Donna glared, fury simmering beneath the surface.

Paisley's heart ached. It must be wonderful to have a mother who stood by you.

"Officers," Paisley said calmly, her gaze soft but complex. "I think there's a misunderstanding. I'm not here to mediate. I just wanted to see what happened."

Christina's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Ignoring Christina, Paisley addressed the officers. "This doesn't involve me. Please proceed as usual. The victim's wishes should be paramount."

Donna and Daisy looked at Paisley with profound gratitude. Christina and Brittany did not.