Paisley didn't feel like putting up with Olivia' nonsense anymore.
In her past life, she had let things slide for her mom's sake - look where that got her.
"You hit me? Aren't you scared - " Olivia didn't get to finish before Paisley cut her off coldly.
"Scared of what? You gonna run crying to Dad?" Paisley scoffed, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't forget, Olivia, all the wedding gifts from the Harringtons? Dad used that money to save his sinking company. And now? I'm Clive's wife. Think he's gonna risk ticking me off over your tantrum?"
She bent down, picked up the necklace her grandfather had left her, then stared them both down with a frosty expression she never used to show.
Olivia was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected to actually get slapped. Back then, she'd done way worse to Paisley, and the girl had always taken it.
"Sure, you married rich. But your mom's still living with us," Olivia sneered, clearly trying to guilt-trip her.
But Paisley just laughed lightly, turning her head as if completely unbothered. "Yeah? She chose to stay there, didn't she? If she wants to stick around and let you treat her like dirt, that's on her. I won't interfere. Just don't go too far and break the law - you're free to do whatever."
As Paisley walked out, Sophia's eyes welled up with tears. She genuinely felt like raising this daughter was all for nothing. How could she have brought up someone so heartless?
Not that Paisley cared. She wasn't trying to figure out what anyone thought anymore. Not her mom, not anyone. All she wanted was a moment of peace.
But the second she stepped out the villa gate, she spotted Clive's driver waiting for her at the curb.
"Madam, Mr. Harrington sent me to escort you to the office," the driver, Wade, said politely.
"Seriously? What the hell," she muttered under her breath.
So that man really expected her to show up at his company? And right under the nose of his beloved Tiffany Evans?
Did he think she wouldn't set the place on fire in sheer frustration?
Alright then, Clive. You sure know how to push buttons, huh?
Climbing into the car, Paisley noticed Sophia suddenly rushing out as if trying to say something to her. She didn't bother looking back.
Wade simply started the car and drove off.
Once they got to the building, Wade didn't go in with her.
Instead, Paisley got stopped at the front desk.
"I'm sorry, miss. Without an appointment, you can't see Mr. Harrington," the receptionist said politely, eyes cool and professional.
Whether the girl genuinely didn't recognize Paisley or was just playing dumb, she couldn't be bothered to figure it out. Truth be told, she didn't want to be here anyway.
She had just turned to leave when she spotted someone she'd recognize anywhere - Tiffany, Clive's one and only dream girl.
Yeah, she remembered Tiffany. That woman was the definition of soft-spoken beauty, a real heartbreaker with a reputation for being capable and charming.
Word was that Tiffany and Clive had known each other for years, and their relationship had always been a bit more than just friendship.
Clearly, Clive liked her. Otherwise, there's no way Tiffany would've tried crashing his wedding in such a dramatic, cinematic fashion.
Paisley still remembered that day - Tiffany crying, clutching Clive's arm like it was life or death. And Clive had actually left with her in front of everyone.
To this day, she didn't know how he'd soothed Tiffany enough to get her to leave. But when Clive had come back, he hadn't looked happy.
Looking back, Paisley figured they must've been playing some kind of act.
After that, she'd finally decided to leave with Ethan and walk out of that entire mess.
"Miss Hughes, right? Mr. Harrington's in a meeting. I'll take you up," Tiffany said smoothly, deliberately using "Miss Hughes" instead of "Mrs. Harrington."
