Chapter 89

Marissa hadn't had a drink the night before. She'd stayed to be sure he was alright, though Grayson needed no special attention. But Serena’s mother, clinging to her daughter, wouldn't let go. "She carries her everywhere," Marissa muttered, her lips pressed tight. "She loves her daughter, but what about me? Does she even care?"

She pulled Grayson closer. "Even kids compare," she said, her voice laced with a forced cheerfulness. Her eyes pleaded with him to repeat the words he’d whispered, wanting him to be her son, not just in front of Paisley. He stood frozen, tears welling. Paisley’s mockery was barely concealed. "Must be nice," she sneered, "getting a ready-made kid without doing any of the work." Marissa’s heart sank.

As the elevator doors opened, Paisley added casually, "Boys, girls, it doesn't matter. As long as they don't stab you in the back."

The doors closed behind them, leaving Grayson’s sobs echoing in the hallway. Dominick, emerging from his office, heard the crying. "What's going on?" he asked, rushing to them.

Marissa hugged Grayson, wiping his tears. "We ran into Ms. Sutton. I brought Grayson over, hoping..." She sighed, her voice heavy. "She called him ungrateful, said only her daughter mattered." She shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. "They're both her children! How can she be so cold?"

Dominick’s face hardened. "So only the daughter you had with another man counts? What about the son you had with me? Is he supposed to mean nothing to you anymore?"

Dominick knelt beside Grayson, his voice firm but gentle. "Hey, buddy, no more tears. Let's forget about that woman."

Chapter 90