Chapter 48

Everyone settled into the dining room, except Dominick. “Where’s Dom?” Lauren asked.

“Mr. Dominick is in the study,” the butler replied.

Kayla scowled. “What’s with him? He’s locked himself in there, won’t talk to anyone.” She turned to Marissa. “You came back with him. What happened?”

Marissa offered a strained smile. “Work, probably.” She knew better. It was Paisley. Dominick had seen her with another man—and a daughter. He’d even bought Paisley pink roses that day, a symbol of first love. Marissa wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t been there, if Paisley’s daughter’s father hadn't appeared. The thought of Dominick still caring for Paisley unsettled her. Four years, she thought. Four years since their divorce. She’s moved on, has a daughter. Why won’t he accept me? Had she not made herself clear enough? He’d always treated her differently. She refused to believe he saw her only as a sister. She wanted to be his wife, the future matriarch of the Vanderbilts.

“Go get Dom,” Lauren instructed the butler.

“I’ll go,” Marissa volunteered, rising.

Kayla and Lauren exchanged knowing smiles. “Let Marissa comfort Dom’s tired body and soul,” Kayla teased.

Lauren playfully tapped her daughter’s head. “Sonny and Stella are here. Watch your words.”

Kayla giggled. “They’ll all be family soon enough.” A cheerful mood settled over the table—until Reginald spoke. “Marissa, no need. Let the butler handle it.” Marissa blushed and sat down.

Soon, Dominick arrived, dressed casually, his expression cold. His quiet demeanor chilled the room. Reginald raised a hand. “Everyone’s here. Let’s eat.”

Chapter 18

Dominick ate slowly, deliberately, his expression impassive. Marissa watched him, her grip tightening on her fork.

Lauren sighed. “My sweet grandson, you’ve had a rough time. Eat up! These are your favorites.” She piled food onto Grayson’s plate—meat and seafood. She felt awful about Dominick’s decision to send Grayson to Paisley’s for two days. Kids need their mothers, she thought, and adults shouldn’t drag children into their problems. Paisley? A mother? If she cared, she wouldn't have divorced him. Now she has another child! How can she possibly treat my grandson well? The more she thought about it, the angrier—and sorrier for Grayson—she became. All she could do was feed him.

Lauren reached for more meat, but Grayson pulled his plate away. “What’s wrong, Sonny? Don’t you like this anymore?”

Grayson shook his head. Then, in front of everyone, he picked up a forkful of greens—his least favorite—and ate it. Lauren stared. This was the same Grayson who was famously picky, who’d required coaxing and bargaining to eat a single bite of vegetables. Usually, the adults gave in. He was their treasure. Nutrition? They’d always ensured it other ways. They’d even hired a top-tier nutritionist. Despite his picky habits, he'd always been healthy. Now, seeing him willingly eat greens, all those expensive plans seemed pointless.