Chapter 95

Paisley and Serena, perched atop their beloved brown horse at the Axion Enterprises riding club, were enjoying a leisurely ride. Paisley ended a phone call, a frown etching her brow.

“Mom, everything okay?” Serena’s concern was immediate.

“Yeah, baby, fine,” Paisley sighed. “But we need to go now.”

“What? Why?” Serena’s face fell. “We promised Emery!”

“Something came up, sweetie.”

“Is it important?”

“Very,” Paisley nodded.

Serena’s shoulders slumped, but she remained sweet and understanding.

“We’ll come back,” Paisley promised, hating to see her daughter disappointed. This is why I limit students, she thought grimly. Useless headaches.

Nathaniel approached, leading a magnificent white horse—Nyx.

“Even if you call me that, I’m not taking you on as a student,” Paisley said flatly. She was done with teaching.

“Don’t be cold, Ms. Sutton,” Nathaniel said, his tall frame beside Nyx like something out of a fairytale. He moved closer, a devilish grin spreading across his face. “What would it take?”

His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing toned muscles. Paisley, however, was unimpressed. “It’s cold. Button your shirt.”

His face lit up. “Ms. Sutton, are you worried about me?”

Paisley rolled her eyes, dismounted, and hurried towards the exit with Serena.

Nathaniel trailed behind, grinning. “Ms. Sutton, I’m not like Dominick! I’ll be good. I just want to… take care of you!”

A cringe crawled up Paisley’s spine. “Stop,” she cut him off. “I have to go. Thanks for the stay.”

Before he could respond, she spun and practically ran.

“What about lessons?” Nathaniel called after her.

“Next time,” Paisley tossed over her shoulder.

Nathaniel watched their car leave, a smile playing on his lips. “Next time,” he murmured. He whistled, Nyx cantered over, and he effortlessly mounted.

His phone buzzed—Beaumont Villa. “What?” he snapped. His expression darkened. “Brightmoor? Grandpa, are you crazy?!”

The voice on the other end continued, Nathaniel’s irritation escalating. “Screw this!” he roared, smashing his phone on the ground.

The stable staff froze. The tension was palpable.

“Nyx, a lap!” Nathaniel shouted.

Nyx neighed, reared, and galloped away. The staff exchanged bewildered glances. Mr. Beaumont's clueless about riding? And why does he want lessons from that equestrian champion?