Chapter 45

Grayson hesitated at the car, his reluctance clear. Marissa’s eyes sharpened. "You're not listening, Sommy. That hurts," she said, her voice laced with dramatic pain.

"No, it's not—" Grayson began, then rushed to the car, stopping short of the door.

Marissa frowned, but shifted her attention to Paisley, who stood frozen with Serena. "Is there anything else?" Paisley asked, confused.

Marissa's smile vanished. "Paisley," she said, her voice hardening, "what are your plans now you're back in Harrowfell?"

Paisley shrugged, idly brushing a stray strand of hair. "A friend's neighborhood is overrun with flies. It's driving her crazy."

"Paisley, stop," Marissa snapped, her patience frayed. "What does that have to do with me?"

"Exactly," Paisley echoed, a smirk playing on her lips.

Marissa's face darkened. "How dare you—"

Paisley's dazzling smile, her effortless beauty, stung Marissa. Pulling herself together, Marissa said, "Since you and Dom are divorced, keep your distance."

Paisley nodded. "Tell that to Dominick," she muttered. "That dog keeps showing up. It's annoying."

Marissa's temper flared. "You think Dom's still hung up on you?"

"Dom and I are family," Paisley said. "He's being polite for Sonny. You're divorced. Don't misunderstand his kindness."

Paisley's laughter erupted.

"What's so funny?" Marissa demanded.

Paisley, stifling her laughter, said sarcastically, "Marissa, instead of lecturing me, why don't you focus on getting Dominick to marry you? Four years since the divorce. Still not Mrs. Vanderbilt?"

Marissa's face hardened. "Paisley, you—"

Two cars pulled up, interrupting her. Dominick emerged from the first, carrying pink roses.

"Dad!" Grayson called. "Did you and Marissa come together?"

Dominick turned, surprised. "Marissa? What are you doing here?"