Dominick hesitated, almost blurting out his paternity. He was glad he hadn't. The damage to his image with Paisley was bad enough.

"Good. You should go," Paisley said, heading toward Serena's room. "There are guests."

He watched her go, a heavy ache in his chest.

Back in the room, Emery asked, "He left?"

"Yeah," Paisley sighed, rubbing her tired temples. The day had been a whirlwind: urgent studio work, a clash with the ladies' association, and now this.

Emery noticed her exhaustion. Kneading Paisley's shoulders, she exclaimed, "Wow, you're stiffer than I am after years of sewing! No rest, huh?"

Paisley closed her eyes, enjoying the massage. "It's fine. I have you."

Emery chuckled. "Of course. Best massage skills ever! Hey, didn't Dominick take that doll?"

The limited-edition doll sat beside Serena. Serena protested, "Mom, I don't want it. I have one."

Paisley picked it up. "Rena already has one." She handed it to Emery. "Massage fee."

"I don't want anything from that man," Emery scoffed, tossing it onto the table.

Paisley's quiet voice cut through the air. "That doll's worth four hundred thousand."

Emery's eyes widened. She snatched up the doll, examining it with feverish intensity. "Four hundred thousand?!"

"Handmade," Paisley nodded. "Gemstone eyes, designer clothes. See the logo?"

Emery's jaw dropped as she identified the luxury brands. "What kind of doll is this? The diamonds are real!" She finally whispered, "Rich people are crazy."

Maria's voice cracked, "Paisley, are you saying Rena's dolls are worth millions?"

The horror was evident on Maria's face. She'd tossed them around carelessly.

Paisley smiled faintly. "Not all of them. Some are cheap."

Even so, Maria decided to carefully store every doll back at the villa.

Peace reigned in the hospital room, a stark contrast to the gloom settling over the Sullivan family villa.