Chapter 186

Dominick scooped Paisley into his arms, a move that sent shockwaves through the room. Brittany, grease and broth staining her clothes, pointed a trembling finger at Paisley. "Sonny," she whispered urgently to Grayson, "What did you just call her?"

Grayson recoiled, disgust etched on his face. "Mom. She's my mom."

The revelation hung in the air, heavy and unbelievable. Christina’s face paled, Gregory’s trembled, and Brittany’s jaw clenched. "Impossible!" she spat. "How could Paisley be your mother?" Paisley, the family outcast, the defeated rival? The thought was ludicrous.

"She is my mother!" Grayson’s voice cracked, his anger flaring at Brittany’s disbelief, a fresh wound on top of Paisley’s abandonment. His loathing for Brittany was raw and undeniable.

Brittany stumbled back, seeking refuge beside Christina. The truth – Paisley was Grayson’s mother, Dominick’s ex-wife – hit them simultaneously. Even Gregory felt a pang of regret. Gary, initially worried about a clash between Paisley and Dominick, found himself strangely relieved.

The Jackmans, Keith and Marianne, their earlier arrogance replaced by fear, huddled together, shielding a disheveled Baron and trying to disappear into the background. Their son’s earlier behavior, they knew, had been unforgivably brazen. This time, their usual tactics wouldn't work.

Paisley, struggling against Dominick’s iron grip, demanded, "Let me go!"

Dominick murmured, his voice low and pained, "Paisley, how long will you disappear this time? Why are you so cruel?"

"Don't make me slap you," she warned, her voice icy.

Dominick knew better than to test her. He released her, looking like a scolded pup. Paisley, unmoved by his distress, felt completely bewildered by his outburst.

Before she could fully regain her composure, a plate sailed through the air. Christina, seizing the moment, had thrown it.

"Watch out!" Lucy screamed. Before Paisley could react, Dominick shielded her, taking the full force of the impact. He grunted, but his eyes were fixed on Paisley. "Are you okay?"

"I’m fine. You?"

"Paisley… are you worried about me?"

She shrugged. "Yeah, worried. I don’t want you dying in front of me. Bad luck."

Dominick’s face fell. Lucy exploded. "Are you insane? Trying to kill her?!"

Christina, ignoring Lucy, glared at Paisley. "You vile woman! You ruined Brittany’s chance! You came back to steal her man!"

Brittany, tears streaming down her face, wailed, "I know you resent me, but did you have to destroy my happiness?"