Chapter 98
His whispered words chilled everyone. "It's her fault!" Kayla wailed, finger jabbing at Paisley.
Dominick finally saw Paisley. His hard expression softened, then snapped back. "What are you doing here?" His voice was ice.
"Looking for someone," Paisley replied, mirroring her previous answer.
"Who?"
"None of your business." She started to leave, but Dominick grabbed her wrist. "Paisley, I don't care why you're here. Go home." He knew this wouldn't end well for her with the Vanderbilts, especially Lauren and Kayla.
"Let go," Paisley yanked her arm free, clearly annoyed. Dominick frowned. "Paisley, stop making a scene."
"Making a scene?" Paisley scoffed. "You need someone to knock some sense into you!"
Dominick sputtered, speechless with anger. Marissa, aiming for future wife status, glided to Dominick's side. "Ms. Sutton, we've had a rough day. Call security if you don't leave."
Reginald, trying to avoid a bigger scene, said politely, "Ms. Sutton, please leave."
Ignoring them, Paisley dialed her phone. "Where are you? Get me now!"
The hallway door burst open. Charles hobbled in, desperate. Marissa called out, concerned, "Mr. Hansen! Is your mentor here? I can meet her."
But Charles ignored her. Paisley’s voice on the phone had been sharp. Reginald tried to get his attention, but Charles rushed to Paisley, breathless but beaming. "Ms. Sutton, so glad you could make it!"
Reginald's polite façade crumbled. Paisley, his mentor?
Marissa's jaw dropped. "Mr. Hansen, what are you saying?" Kayla and Lauren were stunned.
"So, the Vanderbilt family member?" Paisley's voice cut through the silence.
"Um…yeah," Charles stammered. The anger radiating from Paisley was palpable. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You never asked…" Charles mumbled.
Paisley scoffed, feeling betrayed. She turned to leave.
"Wait!" Charles panicked, blocking her path. "You're already here. See Mr. Paul Vanderbilt before you go."
"Paul?" The name stopped Paisley. She remembered his kindness.
"Mr. Hansen…she's your mentor?" Marissa's disbelief was clear. She desperately hoped Charles would deny it.
He didn't. "That's right. Ms. Sutton is my mentor."