Chapter 57

Paisley, riding leisurely with Serena, barely registered the group entering the field. Plenty of room for everyone, she thought. That hope vanished quickly.

Marissa approached, smiling thinly. "Could you please leave? We need the area."

Paisley, seated on her horse, replied flatly, "No."

Marissa's smile faded. "You'd better leave, or it'll get embarrassing."

"Oh, really?" Paisley's tone was casual. She wondered how Marissa planned to embarrass her. Announcing her connection to Dominick? Unlikely.

Marissa hesitated. Pushing Paisley might reveal her as Dominick's ex-wife, damaging Marissa's reputation. She changed tack. "There are so many of us riding. It's dangerous, especially with a child."

The underlying snobbery was palpable. Alexis, nearby, scoffed. "Why waste your breath, Marissa? Just get rid of her."

Alexis eyed Paisley's simple clothes with disdain. "So tacky," she muttered. "A low-class wannabe influencer." Even Serena's protective gear couldn't mask the perceived social transgression.

The others mirrored Alexis's impatience. Grayson, Marissa's son, shared his mother's disdain. Paisley chuckled; he was Marissa's perfect mini-me.

Dominick watched, his composure a thinly veiled challenge. His expression spoke volumes: Just beg me, Paisley. His imposing figure, arms crossed, amplified the silent taunt. His handsome face felt infuriatingly smug.

Serena, sensing the hostility, snuggled close. "Mom..." she whispered, uneasy.

Paisley stroked Serena's hair. "It's okay, sweetie. If you want to stay, we stay. No one can make us leave."