Chapter 84

Paisley couldn't help the amused twitch of her eyebrows. Earlier, while assisting Emery with Teddy, she'd discreetly checked his injuries – superficial, nothing internal. She had to give it to those college guys; they were built tough. A doctor's visit wouldn't be expensive, but she wasn't about to downplay Emery's power move. Besides, it was Dominick's money – might as well make the most of it.

Emery knew she was pushing it, expecting Dominick to negotiate. He didn't flinch. "Fine. I'll write you a check."

Emery was stunned. Damn, the CEO stereotype was real, she thought.

Minutes later, Teddy clutched a three-million-dollar check, utterly speechless. "Just like that? All that money? One minute I'm getting beat up, the next I'm loaded!"

"This can't be real," Teddy whispered, eyes glued to the check. "You sure this'll clear? No extortion charges later?"

"You're good," Paisley reassured him.

Teddy, considering Dominick's status, finally relaxed. First things first, gotta spoil my girl, he thought.

With Teddy compensated, Paisley ignored Dominick. She and Emery helped Teddy escape through the garden's side entrance, avoiding the ballroom. Guilt gnawed at her; she'd promised Serena she'd be home early. Thinking of her daughter, she practically ran.

Dominick watched her go, a bitter laugh escaping him.

Nathaniel found Dominick several drinks deep at the bar. He whistled, eyeing the empty bottles. "Damn, Mr. Vanderbilt, going all out? Those are the priciest bottles in the house."

He picked up an empty, reading the label. "Cloud Crest Reserve! Liquid gold." It wasn't even their premium line, just regular Cloud Crest Reserve, a year old. But even this was practically impossible to obtain. Nathaniel had pulled strings to get a few bottles.

"I've only got a handful left," Nathaniel grumbled. "Saving them for clients, and you knock back two like it's water."

Despite his grumbling, he signaled for another bottle. He topped off Dominick's glass, then his own, savoring the sip with pure bliss. "Cloud Crest Reserve is in a league of its own."

He grinned at the silent Dominick. "Wild that my mentor turned out to be your ex-wife. Small world, huh?" He raised his glass. "To crazy coincidences."

Dominick downed his drink in one gulp.

"Whoa, easy there!" Nathaniel laughed. "It's potent stuff."

Dominick's voice, deep and cutting, sliced through the air. "Why are you so set on her as your mentor? You're rich. You could have anyone. Just because someone's great at competing doesn't mean they're great at teaching."

Nathaniel, maintaining his easygoing manner, leaned back. "I like her. Simple as that."

Dominick blinked, surprised by the blunt honesty. "She has a kid."

"And?" Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "Something against single moms? No wonder you're divorced."

Dominick's expression darkened. "She's not someone you mess around with."

"Who said anything about messing around?" Nathaniel's playful facade vanished. "Dom, you've never seen her compete, have you? You're too busy for equestrian events." His casual demeanor returned as he took another sip. "You're missing quite a show."

Dominick drained his glass, stood, towering over Nathaniel, ice in his eyes. "Stay away from her."