Chapter 47

Teddy dumped the fruit and supplements, scooped Serena into a hug, and twirled her until she giggled uncontrollably. They looked like father and daughter.

Marissa smirked, noticing Dominick’s darkening face. “That’s Serena’s dad? Surprisingly young. So that’s Ms. Sutton’s type? No wonder she divorced you, Dom.”

Teddy, finally noticing the others, scratched his head. “Oh, company?”

Paisley, ignoring Dominick, said casually, “My ex-husband.”

Teddy grinned. “The infamous…?”

Dominick’s jaw clenched. Jerk? Is that what she calls him? His glare could melt steel.

Paisley’s voice was cool. “Is there something you need?”

Dominick’s fury simmered. Two days ago, she wanted to kick him and Grayson out, for this. “Are you that desperate, Paisley?”

Marissa intervened. “Let’s go, Dom. Don’t waste Ms. Sutton’s time.”

Dominick, icy, got in the car. “Grayson.”

Grayson hesitated, looking at Paisley, who offered nothing but a detached expression. Marissa practically dragged him in. “Come on, Sonny.”

Paisley turned to Teddy, apologetic. “Sorry to bother you.”

“No trouble,” Teddy said, helping her carry the supplies upstairs. Then, “Wait! Emery’s busy, but there’s a polo club opening in Harrowfell this weekend. If you and Emery are free…”

Teddy smiled and nodded. “Sure, I’ll let her know.”

At Vanderbilt Manor, Lauren supervised the staff preparing Grayson’s favorite dinner. “Hurry! He’s been through so much!”

Marissa “helped,” though neither had ever cooked. The usually somber manor buzzed with Grayson’s return.

Reginald watched Grayson staring out the window. “Whatcha looking at, Sonny?”

Grayson pointed. “That tree, Grandpa.”

Reginald saw nothing special. Grayson, however, described the Catalpa tree in detail – its bloom, fruit, and medicinal uses.

Reginald was stunned. “How do you know this?”

Grayson whispered, “She did.”

Reginald realized “she” meant Paisley. He’d barely registered her before; a beautiful, quiet woman, far from his ideal for his son. Dominick had insisted, even threatening to renounce his inheritance. Reginald had grudgingly conceded, expecting Paisley to cling to the title. He never imagined she’d leave so decisively.

Stella, impatient for playtime, blocked Grayson’s view. “Sonny, let’s play!”

Grayson pulled away. “Go play yourself. I don’t want to.”

It was the first time he'd been cold to her. Stella’s eyes filled with tears. Marissa, seeing this, forced a smile at Reginald, her anger simmering. “Let’s eat first, then play.”