Chapter 243

Christina mused, If Paisley helps Brittany win the Levines’ forgiveness, I might tolerate her… maybe even accept her. At worst, I’ll treat her better. The girl had money, money that would eventually flow to her. Once she charmed the stubborn child, Paisley could help Brittany create a TV series, launch her career.

Suddenly, Paisley’s icy voice pierced Christina’s fantasy. "Mrs. Sullivan, you misunderstand. You need me. I don't need you."

Christina's finger almost poked Paisley's face. "Ingrate! Do you deny me? Regardless of my treatment, I'm your mother!"

Paisley's tone remained calm, indifferent. "Don't worry. When Gregory and I can't care for ourselves, you'll support us."

Christina exploded. "You lowlife! I should have choked you! I should never have let you live! You should've been with—"

She cut herself off, but Paisley pounced. "What? 'Should have been with…' Who? Then what?"

Christina glared. "What are you talking about? Any mother with a daughter like you would be insane! I'm furious!"

Diana finally spoke. "What kind of mother are you? It's understandable to love a raised daughter, even if she's not your own. But Paisley is your biological daughter! How can you treat her like this?"

Even Lauren, who’d felt a kinship with Christina, now saw the truth. She'd disliked Paisley, but Christina's cruelty towards her own flesh and blood—calling her a "lowlife"—was monstrous. If anyone treated Kayla like that, Lauren thought, I'd go mad. "No wonder Paisley ran away," Lauren snapped. "I would too!"

The other women agreed. They'd seen mothers favor illegitimate children, but this was extreme. Christina not only mistreated Paisley, but used her "biological mother" status for social climbing and to advance Brittany's career.

And Brittany? She wasn't as beautiful or capable as Paisley, and possessed a cruel heart. Nobody believed Brittany’s story about an accidental fall. Her false accusation screamed guilt. Paisley had cleaned up her mess.

Daisy, her face swollen, slurred, "This is infuriating. Brittany must be your real daughter, right?"