Chapter 240

Panic clawed at Brittany. Paisley’s inaction meant the Levines would blame her. Frantically, she gestured to Christina, pleading for help.

Christina, simmering, swallowed her anger. “Paisley,” she began, lowering her voice, “Brittany’s your sister! This was a mistake, she regrets it. Apologize for her, and it’s over.”

Diana and Lauren’s fawning was obvious. The whispers circulated: Paisley, dazzling and successful, was Dominick’s ex-wife, mother of his potentially Vanderbilt-heir children. And Diana, it turned out, also admired Paisley. Mrs. Sullivan’s words echoed—Paisley’s intervention would force the Levines' respect. But Paisley remained unmoved.

A smirk played on Paisley’s lips. “Oh?” she drawled, her gaze fixed on Brittany’s unrepentant face. “You know you were wrong? I don’t see it.”

Brittany’s fists clenched. Humiliation burned, but she swallowed it down. Then, a switch flipped. Pitiful eyes welled. “Paisley, I was impulsive. I’m sorry. Please help me.”

Christina winced, watching Brittany grovel. “Paisley, she’s begging you! We’re family!” She grabbed Paisley’s arm, yanking her towards the Levines, causing her to stumble.

Diana and Lauren’s faces soured. The other women deemed Christina’s actions too forceful. But they were family; what could they say? A nearby officer steadied Paisley before she fell.

“Why’d you pull her like that?” the officer asked Christina, irritated.

Christina, mortified by her own impulsive action, apologized profusely. The officer looked bewildered. Her daughter? Paisley’s calm nod of thanks to the officer was all the response she gave. Christina, it was clear, saw only Brittany as her daughter.

Turning to the still-anxious Donna and Daisy, Paisley smiled serenely. “Don’t worry. I won’t interfere. Handle it.”

Donna sighed with relief. Daisy, mirroring the sentiment, then turned back to Brittany, her expression hostile.

Panic seized Brittany. She darted behind Christina. “Mom…”

The pitiful “Mom” pierced Christina. Her anxiety spiked, her gaze fixed on Paisley. “Paisley, how can you be so selfish?”