Chapter 56

Marissa, the former campus queen, was now on the verge of becoming a Lady of Harrowfell’s most prestigious families. Her classmates, once awestruck, now admired her approachable nature.

“Dom, you’ll help Sonny and me pick horses, right?” Marissa asked.

Dominick, still in his street clothes, simply nodded. He was there to escort Grayson and Marissa, not ride.

At the stables, Dominick easily selected horses. Grayson, a seasoned rider since four, received a perfectly behaved pony. Alexis, watching Dominick help Marissa, felt a pang of envy.

“Marissa, I heard you learned from Mr. Larsen!” Alexis exclaimed.

“Yeah,” Marissa replied, twirling her crop. “I mentioned wanting lessons, and Dom arranged it.”

Grayson, admiring his pony, paused. Mr. Larsen was his coach, or so he thought. It turned out Marissa's request had led to Larsen coaching them both.

One wealthy classmate asked, “Who’s Mr. Larsen? Famous?”

Juhan, leading his horse, answered, “A celebrated equestrian from Lynford, internationally renowned.”

Another chimed in, “But he didn’t win the Lynford championship last year or this year. If he had, Axion Enterprises would’ve snatched him up.”

Grayson, a Larsen fan, countered, “He’s incredible! Whoever beat him is amazing.”

Marissa smiled, taking Grayson’s hand. “Sonny, the world’s huge. There’s always someone better. To beat Mr. Larsen twice? That’s extraordinary.”

Grayson nodded, intrigued.

Dominick secured them VIP access. To their surprise, a woman and child, the same ones from the hotel, were already riding. They vaguely remembered David mentioning a promotional campaign inviting journalists and influencers.

“Isn’t that the woman from the hotel?” Alexis whispered.

Marissa hadn’t expected Paisley here. She’d chosen this area precisely to avoid her and Dominick meeting. How had she gotten in? Had she used Dominick’s name? Marissa glared at Dominick, who was staring intently at Paisley.

Alexis scoffed. “What’s with her? Does she think she owns the place?” She started to summon help, but Marissa stopped her.

“Forget it,” Marissa said smoothly, watching Dominick. Seeing his impassiveness, she continued, “Let’s just ask her to leave quietly. No need for a scene.”

Grayson frowned at Paisley, judging her behaviour. He felt Marissa’s kindness spared Paisley further embarrassment.