Chapter 264

Dominick barely glanced at his manager, his gaze fixed on Paisley. "Why aren't you eating?"

Paisley bristled. "Why do you care? Got nothing better to do? What are you even doing here?"

Dominick's jaw tightened. Julian, who'd orchestrated the food trucks per Dominick's orders, winced. "He's just worried, Paisley. He doesn't want you skipping meals."

"So, this is his way of disrupting filming? Should I thank him?" Paisley snapped.

The food trucks were, undeniably, a production disruption.

Dominick's voice softened, a blush creeping onto his handsome face. "I didn't know."

Paisley laughed, a sound laced with anger. "You didn't know?" She shook her head. "You always do this, Dominick. You think you can just… express yourself without considering others." She remembered their past—her as a housewife, his constant work and socializing, her concerns brushed aside as "fussing." Now, suddenly, he fussed over a missed meal. "I never knew you cared this much about one meal," she said, her voice low. "Why didn't you care back then?"

His gaze froze. He had cared, but back then, servants handled everything. He’d assumed she was fine. Now…she was outside his protective circle, and he ached to know she was okay. But he couldn't say that. Not yet.

Paisley glanced at the crew, then at the food trucks. The tension hung thick. "Everyone," she announced, her voice warm, "please eat. Don't be shy."

Dominick watched her smile at the crew, then sighed. "Yes, please. Eat up. And please, take good care of Paisley. Thank you."

The Vanderbilt Group's president's gentle words worked their magic. Everyone dug in.

Sam and his manager had already fled. Only Sam's assistant remained, forlornly gathering untouched snacks. Paisley, seeing his distress, sent Lucy to comfort him.

Sam was stuck. His role was cast in stone. Replacing him now would be a nightmare for the production. Paisley knew it. She wouldn't add to the chaos.