Chapter 25

Marissa, standing behind Dominic, had heard everything. Dominic’s gaze, fixed on Paisley’s departing car, fueled the simmering anger in her chest. Why did you come back? she seethed silently. But now wasn't the time.

She shot Stella a venomous glare. This is all your fault! she thought. You almost ruined everything!

Steeling herself, Marissa softened her expression and took Grayson's hand. "Dom," she said gently, approaching him.

Dominic didn't react. His eyes remained glued to the empty road, his face grim. Marissa's own face hardened, but she pressed on. "This is my fault. I didn't explain things to Stella properly."

"I was just trying to protect Sonny," she continued, "after what happened before."

A past incident flashed through her mind: a little girl, coaxed by her parents, had lured Grayson to their house. The father, a former business partner, had held a grudge after losing a contract, attempting to use Grayson for revenge. They'd resolved it, but Grayson was deeply affected. Since then, the Vanderbilts were hyper-vigilant.

"Stella acted rashly," Marissa continued, her voice laced with regret. "But who would have guessed… that little girl was Paisley's daughter? Four years after the divorce, she shows up with a three-year-old. It's…" She let the implication hang.

Dominic's darkening expression confirmed her words hit their mark. "It's on me and Stella," she added humbly.

Finally, Dominic tore his gaze from the road. "It's not your fault," he said heavily. "It's Paisley. She's failing as a mother."

Marissa hugged Grayson close. "Dom, don't be so harsh. Not every mother loves her child the way you expect."

Dominic's jaw tightened. The thought gnawed at him: Paisley, Grayson is your child too, yet you walked away without a second thought. You don’t love Grayson, but you love a child you have with another man. You're heartless.