Chapter 59

“Chickening out?” Paisley asked, perched confidently on her horse, her gaze sweeping down to Marissa.

Marissa bristled at the condescending tone but held her composure. Paisley, a homemaker she’d always secretly dismissed, was clearly putting on a show. Smiling tightly, Marissa replied, “I’m professionally trained.”

“By Mr. Larsen,” Alexis interjected, rising from the ground, her glare fixed on Paisley. “You wouldn’t even know who Yohan Larsen is!”

Paisley raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I know him. I’ve beaten him.”

A roar of mocking laughter erupted from the crowd. Grayson’s face darkened; his respect for Paisley vanished. Dominick’s brows furrowed. He’d never seen Paisley ride before; he’d only seen her earlier, with Serena, on a gentle pony with an instructor.

The thought hit him hard. Paisley, have you lost your mind?

Paisley ignored the reactions. Protecting Serena’s confidence was paramount. And she wouldn't face this challenge unless she was certain of her abilities.

"Stop wasting time, Ms. Prescott," Paisley said, chin lifted, eyeing Marissa’s chosen horse. "Let’s settle this. Loser leaves."

Marissa’s lips pressed together, hiding a triumphant grin. Since you’re asking for it…

Swinging effortlessly onto her horse, Marissa smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you.”

“How do we compete?” Paisley asked, adjusting her reins.

“Let’s race,” Marissa suggested, her eyes gleaming. “You’re probably not skilled at much else.”

Paisley nodded. “Fine.”

Dominick appeared beside Paisley, gripping her reins. “Are you crazy? Why are you picking a fight with Marissa?”

Paisley yanked the reins free, sneering. “Afraid I’ll bully your childhood sweetheart, Mr. Vanderbilt?”

How many times has this happened? Paisley thought. Dominick always treats me like I'm unreasonable.

Dominick’s frustration deepened. “Don’t overestimate yourself,” he gritted out. “Get down.”