Chapter 69

Nathaniel’s eyes hardened. “I asked you to care for my guest, David. Is this acceptable?”

David paled. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Beaumont. I’ll handle it.”

“How?” Nathaniel’s gaze burned. “My guest is injured.”

David’s head spun. “Mr. Beaumont, Mr. Vanderbilt… our medical team is excellent. Ms. Prescott will be fine.” He prayed it was true.

Nathaniel’s anger flared. “Whether she’s fine is irrelevant.”

David blinked. “What?”

Confusion rippled through the onlookers. Alexis and the others stared, expecting Nathaniel’s support, but instead…

Nathaniel swept towards Paisley, a fawning smile plastered on his face. “My deepest apologies, Ms. Sutton. My people failed you.”

A collective gasp. Nathaniel, heir to Axion Enterprises, addressed Paisley with reverence.

Dominick’s composure shattered. Shock and disbelief etched his face. Paisley, his mentor?

Paisley was equally stunned. “When did I become your mentor?”

“Horse riding!” Nathaniel’s eyes shone. He gestured wildly. “Lynford. After your championship win. You agreed to mentor me.”

Paisley strained to remember. Vague recollections of the celebration party surfaced. Dinner, yes. Mentorship? No.

Nathaniel’s anxiety grew. “I begged you! I asked you to be my mentor, to teach me. I offered dinner, remember?”

Paisley’s mind raced. Dinner, yes. Mentorship… no. She felt a blush creep up her neck. “It’s just horseback riding. Find a professional trainer!”

Nathaniel was adamant. “You’re Ms. Sutton, a two-time champion! Even Yohan lost to you twice. Where could I find someone better?”

His words hit them like a tidal wave. Marissa was untouchable; Paisley, as Nathaniel’s mentor, was even more so.

One onlooker whispered, “Nathaniel’s honored guest isn’t Dominick or Marissa. It’s Paisley.”

Marissa clenched her fists. How could Paisley be this skilled? She’d been a fool to challenge her.

She should have acted sooner—either teaming up to oust Paisley or withdrawing when Paisley refused to back down. This mess was far worse than anything else.

Dominick stepped forward, his gaze intense, a hint of jealousy in his eyes. He thought, Just how many secrets are you hiding, Paisley?