Chapter 24

The surveillance room was deathly quiet. Dominick, arms crossed, brow furrowed, dominated the space. Michelle retrieved the footage, and he watched.

The video, though silent, was clear. Grayson sat by the pool, reading alone. Stella was absent. Then Serena arrived, bouncing towards Grayson, a painting in hand. Paisley instantly recognized it—her painting of Grayson. Serena knew Grayson was her brother.

A pang shot through Paisley as she watched. Serena stood before Grayson, showing him the painting. Then Stella appeared, shoving Serena hard to the ground. Serena landed with a thud. Paisley gasped, checking Serena’s scraped palms and dirty hands. Serena’s injuries were far worse than Grayson’s or Stella’s, yet she didn't cry. She got up, dusted herself off, and returned to Grayson.

Stella snatched the painting, tearing it and tossing it in the trash. Tears welled in Paisley’s eyes as Serena tried to retrieve it. Stella then said something, and Serena, finally losing it, headbutted Stella. Stella cried. Grayson, enraged, repeatedly shoved Serena, until she retaliated, scratching his neck.

The sequence was clear: Stella had thrown the first punch. Serena had reacted.

Paisley, heartbroken, laughed bitterly. “Mr. Vanderbilt, is this good upbringing?”

Dominick’s face hardened. “Grayson, why are you lying?!”

Grayson cowered behind Marissa. Marissa, who’d earlier blamed Serena, now looked stricken. She snapped at Stella, “Stella, how could you lie? Apologize to Serena!”

Stella burst into tears. “Auntie Marissa, you said anyone close to Serena… I don’t want Sonny taken away…”

Marissa cut her off sharply. “Shut up! Apologize!”

Sobbing, Stella mumbled, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lied.”

“Apologize to Serena!” Marissa demanded.

“I’m sorry, Serena,” Stella sobbed.

Dominick’s cold voice cut through the air. “Grayson, apologize!”

Grayson, eyes squeezed shut, screamed an apology, then sobbed uncontrollably. Serena, trembling, murmured, “I’m sorry, Stella… I shouldn’t have scratched my brother…”

A collective sigh of relief swept the room. Michelle said, “That’s settled. Let’s be friends.”

Paisley scoffed. “No, thank you. I’m taking my daughter out of this school.”

She turned to leave. Dominick caught up, his voice urgent. “Paisley, who’s this girl’s father?”

Paisley pushed his hand away. “None of your business.”

“Then who?” Dominick pressed.

Paisley, glancing at Marissa holding Grayson’s hand, said coldly, “None of your business.” She slammed the car door.

Dominick watched Serena, her resemblance to Paisley undeniable. A chill ran down his spine. He couldn't believe Paisley had a child with another man.

Paisley rolled down the window, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Mr. Vanderbilt, your family’s waiting. Stop pestering me.”

She slammed the window shut, started the car, and drove away, leaving Dominick seething.