The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

Marissa could make Paisley believe that she and Dominick had sealed the deal. And with him drunk like this, maybe fantasy could become a reality.

The wheels were turning in Marissa's head. But Dominick cut her plans short before they could take root. "You should go," he said bluntly. "It's not appropriate for you to stay."

Marissa knew better than to push it. Trying to stick around would only make him resent her, and that was the last thing she wanted.

"Of course," Marissa said sweetly. "I'll head out. Get some rest, Dom. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

Dominick just massaged his temples, the room spinning. All he wanted was to crash and sleep this off. "Sure," he mumbled.

Marissa slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door with a gentle click. But she couldn't bring herself to leave just yet. Instead, she paced the living room, her mind racing with possibilities.

*****

Paisley woke up early, unfazed by last night's drama.

It was Serena who was all worked up. The moment she heard her beloved Teddy was hurt, she couldn't sit still, insisting on checking on him right away.

Paisley had barely stepped into the hallway with Serena in her arms when she spotted Marissa coming out from room 3302 next door.

Marissa was still wearing the same outfit from when she'd rushed off with Dominick last night-which could only mean one thing-she'd spent the night in his room.

Marissa moved stiffly, one hand pressed against her lower back. The dark circles under her eyes were hard to miss. Clearly, she hadn't gotten much sleep.

When Marissa spotted Paisley, she flashed an easy smile. "Morning, Ms. Sutton."

Paisley ignored her completely, holding Serena close as she waited for the elevator.

Marissa didn't bother with the cold shoulder. Instead, she sauntered over to where Paisley stood. Between her unsteady legs and the way she kept rubbing her back, she had that unmistakable morning- after look.

Paisley could tell Marissa's discomfort wasn't entirely an act, but she was definitely playing it up for effect. "Dom was crazy last night," Marissa said, her voice dripping honey. "I barely got any sleep. My whole body aches, and just look at these bags under my eyes."

Too bad for her-Paisley wasn't some guy who'd fall for that act.

Paisley's brows furrowed with a hint of warning. "Ms. Prescott, do you really think it's appropriate to say things like that in front of a three-year-old?"

Even though Serena was too young to understand, the suggestive comments still made Paisley's skin crawl.

Maria stood to the side, shooting daggers at Marissa. 'The nerve of this woman,' she thought, 'starting drama first thing in the morning."

"Marissa?" Grayson's voice cut through the tension as he appeared in the doorway of room 3302. "Shouldn't you be packing your bags?" He'd come out after hearing Paisley's voice.

Grayson hadn't seen Paisley since their run-in at the stables yesterday afternoon.

As they walked out, Grayson noticed Marissa rubbing her lower back, clearly uncomfortable. "Don't tell

me your back's killing you from sleeping on that couch all night?"

Marissa tensed up, trying to stop Grayson. "No, Grayson... I didn't... I mean, I..."

"Why wouldn't you just crash in your own room? The couch had to be awful," Grayson pressed, genuinely confused. "What made you stay here?"

None of this was adding up for Grayson. Especially after yesterday at the stables, when she'd used that brooch to hurt the horse and then lied about it.

His eyes drifted to Paisley, guilt written all over his face. The apology was right there on the tip of his tongue, but Grayson couldn't find the right words to say it.