Chapter 140
Marissa lowered her head, blushing shyly to hide the fleeting resentment in her eyes
She wasn’t satisfied with Lauren’s answer. She wanted Lauren to push Dominick into marrying her, even by threatening her own life if that’s what it Took! She didn’t believe that someone like Dominick would stand firm if his mother’s life was on the line.
The Vanderbilt family–they were all hypocrites! Kayla claimed to like her and wanted her as a sister–in–law, yet over a mere painting, she acted so
lose to Paisley.
Lauren said she liked her and wanted her as a daughter–in–law, but her actions didn’t reflect her words!
Then there was that brat Grayson, who always said he wanted her to be his mom. But did he ever go cry to his dad, demanding her as a mother. threatening to kill himself if he couldn’t have her? Of course not!
And Dominick–she’d made her feelings so obvious. Why couldn’t he see it? Did he need her to strip naked and stand in front of him for him to finally stop seeing her as just a sister and start seeing her as a woman?
Though furious inside, Marissa maintained her gentle and composed appearance. Meanwhile, Lauren and Ronda continued their conversation.
“Marissa is such a wonderful child. I can’t help but like her.” At this moment, Ronda had already begun to envision Marissa as the future matriarch of the Vanderbil family.
In the past, she hadn’t shown much regard, but moving forward, she needed to establish a strong and stable relationship with Marissa.
Lauren smiled and nodded. “Yes, I like her too. Our whole family does: She’s thoughtful and considerate, and most importantly, she treats Sonny like her own child. Sonny likes her too, don’t you, Sonny!”
Grayson, who was playing nearby with other Vanderbilt kids, looked up when he heard his grandmother’s question. “Yeah. I like Marissa the most!”
Everyone started praising Marissa, one after another.
Suddenly, a loud scoff broke through the stream of compliments, catching everyone off guard. Paul had heard enough of what he deemed mindless flattery for Marissa, so he let gut a very deliberale scoff, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Dad” What are you doing?” Reginald quickly stepped in to stop Paul from making more of a scene, trying to prevent Marissa from being humiliated in front of everyone
Noticing all eyes on him, Paul turned away in annoyance but didn’t say anything further.
Marissa’s expression darkened. Others might not know why Paul acted this way, but she understood all too well. Paul had never liked her. He had always looked down on her, both openly and subtly.
Today, of all days, when everyone was showering her with praise, he had to embarrass her like this. Old fool! Once Jeremy dealt with Paisley and her obnoxious mother, Paul would be next on her list!
At that moment, Domunick and Julian finished their work discussion and entered the room, noticing everyone gathered together. “What’s going ont Everyone seems so happy.”
Kayla smirked and nudged Marissa with her elbow. “We’re talking about you and Marissa”
“Me and Marissa“” Dominick was taken aback, puzzled. “What’s there to talk about!”
“Oh, plenty Kayla grinned mischievously. “We’re talking about when you two will get married!”
Kayla decided to lay it all out in the open since the whole family had already accepted Marisa Marissa’s face turned crimson. She hadn’t expected Kayla to be so direct in front of everyone.
All eyes turned to Dominick, filled with anticipation, including Marissa’s. She looked at him, thinking he wouldn’t humiliate her in front of muny people. Public pressure worked in her favor.
Dominick was momentarily stunned by Kayla’s words. Then his brows furrowed deeply. “Kayla, what nonsense are you spouting? How could Marissa and I get married! You’re getting more reckless as you grow up, saying whatever comes to mind!“
Kayla shot back. “Why not? Both of you are single and constantly seen together. Anyone would assume you’re a couple! Besides, Marissa has waited for you for years. You owe her an answer!”
“Kayla, s–stop. 1–I’m fine,” Marissa stammered, flustered, trying to stop Kayla from saying more. Her eyes reddened, making her look like a helpless lamb abandoned by its owner, evoking everyone’s sympathy.
“Dom, now that everything’s out in the open you should give us an answer. When are you marrying Marisa Kayla pressed, lier neck stiff with
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Chapter 140
determination. “As far as I’m concerned, Marissa is family. Mom and Dad feel the same way! And Sonny!”
As if she thought she needed more ammunition, Kayla pointed at Grayson. “Sonny only wants Marissa as his mom!”
Grayson nodded firmly. Yes, I want Marissa to be my mom.”
After all, his birth mother had abandoned him. So, he didn’t need her anymore either.
“Kayla, what are you saying? Stop pressuring Dom. I’m really okay.” Marissa started to cry, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Dominick… pitifully. “Dom, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I don’t know why Kayla would say such things. Don’t mind her!”
“How can we not mind! Marissa, you’re too kind and too patient. You never fight for yourself, so this time, I’ll fight for you! As far as this family is concerned, you’re the one and only!”
Kayla was fired up, inspired by Marissa’s pitiful demeanor to champion her cause. At this moment, her brother Dominick looked like a total jerk who led someone on and refused to commit.
Dominick was stunned, frozen in place, unable to react for a while. After several seconds, he furrowed his brows tightly, looking utterly confused. “So, this is what you all think about me and Marissa?”
“What else would we think?” Kayla glared at him. “Anyway, just make it clear already. When are you marrying Marissa?”
Marissa, with her red eyes, gazed at Dominick expectantly. She was waiting for his answer–an answer in front of everyone.
Paul couldn’t take it anymore. If Marissa were to become his granddaughter–in–law, then he might as well disown his grandson!
Just then, everyone’s phones buzzed with a new message. At the same time, the large TV in the lounge, which had been playing cartoons, suddenly
went black
“What happened to the cartoons?” Grayson and the other kids, engrossed moments ago, cried out in disappointment.
The next second, the black screen flickered back on. But this time, it wasn’t a cartoon. Instead, it was a video, like something recorded from a car
camera
Anyone familiar with cars colld patti
dashcam footage. The location shown on the screen was remote and unrecognizable.
While everyone was still puzzled by the sudden message and the video playing, a voice started speaking on the TV.
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