Chapter 41

Grayson remained hidden throughout the meal. Paisley didn't check on him. After cleaning up, she settled Serena with her toys and returned to her emails.

Serena played quietly, then, with stealthy glances at her mother, tiptoed to the snack cabinet. She grabbed a chocolate bar, bread, and milk, carefully creeping towards the guest room.

Paisley, amused, watched her daughter's every move with raised eyebrows, saying nothing.

Grayson lay sprawled on the bed, a sniffling, tear-stained mess, his stomach rumbling. He expected Paisley's pity, a breakfast summons, but an hour passed. "She's really going to let me starve?" he thought bitterly.

A soft scratching at the door—like a tiny mouse—made him sit up. The door cracked open a sliver. A small, chubby hand appeared, depositing a chocolate bar on the floor, then bread, then milk. A loud, exaggerated cough followed, announcing the offering before the hand retreated.

Grayson stared, dumbfounded. Did she… bring this for him?

He shuffled to the door, barefoot, and began eating. "I don't like bread and milk," he mused, "but this bread is surprisingly soft, the milk refreshingly sweet." He finished the bread and milk, pocketing the chocolate.

Serena casually returned to her toys.

"What were you doing, sweetie?" Paisley asked, already knowing.

Serena, without looking back, adopted a grown-up voice. "Nothing. Just stretching my legs."

Paisley smirked, letting it go.

Chapter 41

Around 10 a.m., Paisley’s assistant, Lucy, called. "Three things. First, Mr. Anderson's project is delayed. The leads dropped out."

"Got it," Paisley replied. She’d anticipated this. Brittany lacked the star power for a lead role in a major production. The second female lead's exit was even more predictable; no top-tier celebrity would play second fiddle to Brittany. More actors would likely follow, but it wasn't Paisley's concern.

"Second," Lucy continued, "Nathaniel Beaumont from Axion Enterprises invites you to his new polo club's grand opening."

"Axion Enterprises?" Paisley pondered.

"He presented you with the champion award last year," Lucy reminded her, "and mentioned dinner when you returned."

Paisley remembered Nathaniel favorably.

"So, are you going?" Lucy asked, hinting at her own desire to attend.

Paisley, enjoying a rare night out, chuckled. "Yes. You handle the arrangements."

"Got it," Lucy replied eagerly. "Third, someone in Harrowfell wants to buy one of your paintings."

"Who?" Paisley asked.

"Through a third party," Lucy said.

Paisley glanced at the clock. Lunch and the park beckoned. "No matter who it is, the answer is no."