The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

Paisley had to bite back a smile, her eyebrows twitching upward in amusement.

Earlier, while helping Emery support Teddy, she'd secretly checked out his injuries. College guys were built different-she had to give him that. Teddy's injuries were all superficial, nothing internal to worry

about.

In this case, a doctor's visit wouldn't cost much, but Paisley wasn't about to downplay Emery's power move right now. Besides, it was Dominick's money-might as well milk it.

Emery knew she was pushing it with that outrageous demand. She figured Dominick would try to negotiate down. But Dominick didn't even blink. "Fine. I'll write you a check."

Emery was thrown off guard. 'Damn, this guy really lives up to the whole CEO stereotype,' she thought. Minutes later, Teddy was holding a check for three million dollars, still trying to process what just happened.noveldrama

Teddy couldn't believe it, thinking, 'Just like that? All that money? He's dropping millions of dollars without batting an eye? One minute I'm getting beat up, the next I'm loaded?'

"This can't be real," Teddy said, staring at the check like it might disappear. "You sure this'll clear? They're not gonna come back later and hit me with extortion charges or something?"

"You're good. I promise," Paisley assured him.

Teddy thought about Dominick's status and nodded, finally letting himself relax. 'First thing's first, gotta spoil my girl with something nice,' he thought.

With Teddy's compensation handled, Paisley didn't spare Dominick another glance. She and Emery helped Teddy up, avoiding the main ballroom and slipping out through the garden's side entrance.

Paisley quickened her pace, guilt gnawing at her thoughts. She'd promised Serena she'd be home early, and now she was running way behind. Just thinking about her kid made her steps even faster. Dominick stood rooted to the spot, watching her practically bolt away. A bitter laugh escaped his lips.

*****

When Nathaniel walked into the bar, he found Dominick several drinks deep.

His eyes landed on the two empty bottles on the counter, and he let out a low whistle. "Damn, Mr. Vanderbilt, going all out tonight? Those are the most expensive bottles in my place."

Nathaniel picked up one of the empties, his voice taking on that signature lazy drawl as he read the label.

"Cloud Crest Reserve? That stuff's basically liquid gold these days.'"

This wasn't even their premium line, just regular Cloud Crest Reserve. It wasn't craft-aged and only a year old at that.

But even this "basic" Cloud Crest Reserve was practically impossible to get one's hands on, with prices that would make one's eyes water.

Nathaniel had to pull some serious strings and go through multiple connections just to score a few bottles. "I've only got a handful of these left," Nathaniel complained. "Was saving them to impress some clients, and here you are, knocking back two bottles like it's nothing."

Despite his grumbling, Nathaniel motioned for the server to bring another bottle. He topped off Dominick's glass first and then poured one for himself, taking a satisfied sip with a look of pure bliss.

Nathaniel clicked his tongue. "Man, Cloud Crest Reserve really is in a league of its own. Nothing else comes close."

Nathaniel set down his glass with a grin, turning to the silent Dominick. "So wild that my mentor turned out

to be your ex-wife. Talk about a small world, huh?" He raised his glass again. "Here's to crazy coincidences."

Dominick barely lifted his glass to clink against Nathaniel's before downing it in one go.

"Whoa, easy there," Nathaniel warned with a laugh. "I know it's good stuff, but you can't drink it like that. This wine's got one hell of a kick to it.'

Dominick finally spoke, his voice deep and cutting. Those deep eyes seemed to see right through everything. "Why are you so set on having her as your mentor? You're loaded. You could have any trainer you want. Just because someone's great at competing doesn't mean they're great at teaching."

Nathaniel paused mid-drink, keeping up his carefree attitude as he leaned back in his chair. "What else could it be? I like her, simple as that."

Dominick blinked, caught off guard by Nathaniel's blunt honesty. "She has a kid."

"And?" Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "What, you got something against single moms? No wonder you're divorced."

Dominick's expression darkened. "She's not some woman you can just mess around with."

"Who said anything about messing around?" The playful facade dropped from Nathaniel's face, suddenly serious. "Hey, Dom, you've never seen her in competition, have you?"

Before Dominick could answer, Nathaniel pressed on. "Right, of course not. You're way too busy to catch any equestrian events."

Just like that, Nathaniel's casual demeanor snapped back into place as he took another sip. "Man, you're missing out on quite a show."

Dominick drained his glass and stood up, towering over Nathaniel with ice in his eyes. "Stay away from her."