Chapter 5
Dominick slammed a file onto his desk, the papers scattering across the polished wood. His secretary, Millie, flinched, her hands trembling as she scrambled to gather them.
“I’ll… I’ll get Mr. Parker’s team to redo it,” she stammered, fleeing the office.
Julian Hale closed the door softly, watching Dominick’s rigid form silhouetted against the panoramic windows. He leaned against the frame, sighing. “Mr. Vanderbilt, that’s sixteen proposals today. Sixteen!”
Dominick tugged at his collar. “What’s your point, Julian?”
Julian’s gaze was steady. “Is it Paisley’s return affecting you?”
“Paisley has no effect on me!” Dominick snapped.
Julian took a step closer. “I didn’t say it was Paisley.”
Dominick froze, his eyes narrowing at the amusement in Julian’s expression. He yanked off his tie, tossing it aside. “Got something to say, or are you playing games?”
Julian straightened. “Ms. Sullivan is officially the lead for that series. I’ve followed your orders.”
Dominick nodded curtly, returning to his paperwork. His gaze remained distant.
Julian paused before leaving. “Dom, your concern for the Sullivan family… it’s because of Paisley, isn’t it?”
Dominick’s expression hardened. “You’re overthinking it. Sullivan Group is a business partner.”
Julian persisted. “Dom, you’re divorced. She left, abandoned your son. Now she’s back.”
“She made her choice,” Dominick said coldly. “And Marissa is merely my sister-in-law.” He slapped his phone onto the desk, the headline blaring about his alleged affair with Marissa. “Get PR on this nonsense!”
Serena’s first day of kindergarten was a disaster. She missed her mother, Paisley. Paisley’s words echoed: “Big girls don’t cry.” But the tears welled up. The other children seemed so confident, and she felt lost and alone. Then, her eyes fell on a group of older children playing. “My brother…” she whispered, spotting Grayson.
In first-grade P.E., Grayson felt a tug on his shirt. He whirled around, ready to snap, but stopped short. A little girl with wide, bright eyes beamed at him.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
“I’m your little sister, Serena,” she declared. “I know you!”
Grayson frowned. “You’ve got the wrong guy.”
Serena’s smile remained unwavering. “No, I don’t. I saw your picture in Paisley’s studio!”
Grayson studied her, his skepticism slowly fading.
Before he could speak, Stella appeared. “Sonny, who is this kid?” she asked, fear evident in her voice.
Grayson shook his head. “I don’t know her. She says I’m her brother.”
Stella stepped forward. “You can’t just call random people your brother!”
Serena stamped her foot. “But I am his sister!” She reached for his hand.
Grayson found himself taking her hand. But Stella slapped Serena’s hand away.
“Go away, you bad little girl!” Stella shrieked. “Aunt Marissa says there are bad kids who try to get close to us!”
Grayson’s heart sank. He knew firsthand how some families tried to use him to get to Dominick. He’d seen it all before.
He hardened his expression. “I’m not your brother. Don’t come near me again.”
Serena stood frozen, tears streaming down her face. The rejection stung.