Chapter 83

Alexis’s eyes widened, fear stark on her face. Paisley, the equestrian champion she’d mocked, was Dominick’s ex-wife—Grayson’s mother. And Nathaniel from Axion Enterprises was practically groveling, desperate to be her student. It all unfolded before them: Nathaniel’s sycophantic charm, his unwavering defense of Paisley.

“I’m screwed,” Alexis thought, her heart plummeting. She’d chosen the wrong person to antagonize. At least her party trash-talk about Paisley had been private… except Dominick had heard it all. That explained his furious exit. Hope vanished. Forget Marissa; Alexis needed to escape. She couldn’t risk the Foster family being caught in the crossfire.

Spinning, she bolted, her shoulder crashing into Marissa. “Sorry, Marissa, something came up!” she blurted, fleeing into the crowd.

Marissa’s face fell. She knew. The remaining guests shifted uncomfortably, muttering excuses before scattering.

“Watch your mouths!” Marissa snapped, her glare venomous. She didn’t care about appearances anymore. She just left.

Julian watched Paisley go, conflicted. Maybe she doesn’t want Dom back… But that thought died quickly. No way. She’s always got an angle.

He addressed the remaining guests, his voice smooth but firm. “Alright, folks, it’s getting chilly. Let’s go inside.” The message was clear: Dominick’s drama wasn't free entertainment.

The guests retreated. Inside, the party resumed—music, clinking glasses, forced normalcy.

Dominick later paid Teddy a hefty sum for medical expenses. It had been a fight—Dominick threw the first punch, but Teddy fought back. Realistically, Teddy, a college kid, stood no chance against Dominick in Harrowfell. They likely wouldn't get fair compensation.

Emery knew this, but when Dominick offered to pay, she didn’t hesitate. “Three million dollars,” she declared.

Chapter 84