Chapter 6 The Golden Dome was the crown jewel of Harrowdells fine dining scene a restaurant where understated luxury met impeccable taste .
Every corner radiated elegance , from the soft , golden lighting to the discreet hum of classical music .
Inside one of the private rooms , Cary raised his glass , his expression brimming with guilt .
Ms.
Vaire , I owe you an apology regarding the lead actress tole .
I promised you but couldnt deliver .
Im deeply sorry ! Paisley knew Gary well enough .
This wasnt their first collalioration , and she understood his character .
To Gary , the sanctity of art outweighed everything .
If it hadnt been unavoidable , he would never have agreed to let Brittany into the project , Mr.
Anderson , theres no need for apologies .
I understand your handy were tied.
Its not your fauli , Paisley replied calmly , her tone devoid of blame .
After all , even the most resolute director couldnt stand firm under the crushing weight of capital and influence , Gary sighed with relief , but has guilt lingered Without waiting for a response , he downed another glass of wine , the flush of alcohol creeping across his face .
Ms.
Vaire , thank you for your understanding , he murmured , almost to himself In the industry .
Passley worked under the pseudonym Nion Vaire a name that had garnered respect for her compelling scripts .
Gary had always admired her and hoped to collaborate with her again .
His regret over breaking their agreement gnawed at him , and it showed in the way he nervously nursed his drink .
As a man in his fifties with a low tolerance for alcohol .
Gary quickly began showing the telltale signs of intoxication .
His face turned beet red , and his words grew slightly slurred .
Ms.
Vaire , I swear to you , Ill give this my all .
I wont let your work be tarnished .
Paisley offered him a faint , polite smile , but her thoughts remained elsewhere .
This situation had long outgrown Garys control .
Mr.
Anderson , do you have any idea whos behind Brittanys sudden rise ? she asked after a pause .
Her voice was calm but deliberate , her sharp intuition zeroing in on the real key the mysterious figure behind Brittany- Garys face scrunched with uncertainty .
I dont know , he admitted as he shook his head .
Paisley wasnt surprised .
She figured that whoever was backing Brittany was someone powerful enough to keep their involvement concealed .
They didnt step into the spotlight they merely issued orders and had others execute their will .
Paisley nodded slightly choosing not to press further .
The conversation was momentarily interrupted as the door slid open, revealing a waiter carrying artfully plated dishes .
As the door moved a figure passed outside , briefly glancing into the room .
Elsewhere , Marissa stepped into another private room , her heels clicking softly against the polished floor , Dominick was already there , lounging with van air of unbothered elegance .
His tall frame was angled toward the floor to ceiling window , the city lights glimmering faintly beyond the glass .
One long , slender finger tapped idly against the table , a rhythm that betrayed his distracted mind Marissa snapped out of her daze .
Her lips curved into a smile as she approached , her voice warm and slightly playful .
Sorry to keep you waiting Interrupted , Dominick glanced over his shoulder , his expression unreadable .
Thavent been waiting long he replied , his tone distant , almost detached Marissa did into the chair across from him , motioning for a waiter to bring the menu .
Anything youd like to eat ! Or any preferences I should know about ? she asked with a practiced case , Dominick , clearly absent minded , didnt minediately respond .
His gaze drifted for a few moments as if her question had only just registered .
her smile remaining bright and unwavering .
Anythings fine , he said eventually , his voice indifferent If Marissa was bothered by his lack of enthusiasm , she didnt show it .
Her smile only seemed to brighten .
Alright then , Ill take care of it , she said cheerfully Sure , Dominick replied with a slight nod , his attention alreally slipping back to whatever thoughts had occupied him before she arrived After placing their orders , Marissa handed the menu b Honestly , Kaylas something else .
Shes the une inviting us and the one bailing on is .
back to the waiter .
Only when the door closed behind him did she allow herself a playful sigh .
1 / B Chapter 6 Its fine .
Without her , its quieter , Dominick remarked calmly , his tone betraying no annoyance , Kayla Vandertalt , Dominicks younger sister , had been coddled her entire life , which made her a spoiled , headstrong woman with little sense of boundaries and a penchant for making noise wherever she went Marissa chuckled softly , covering her mouth in a polished manner , Careful , Dom If she hears that , shell throw a tantrum She leaned in slightly , her tone casual , but her sharp eyes carefully studied
Dominicks expression , trying to catch any flicker of reaction .
By the way .
Dom , have you seen the entertainment headlines these past few days ? A subtle shift crossed Dominicks features , a facker of something unreadable .
Yes , Ive seen them .
And Marissa prodded gently , clearly fishing for his reaction You dont need to concern yourself with that gossip .
Fve already instructed Julian to handle it .
By now , it should be scrubbed clean , Dominick replied , lifting his glass of sparkling water and sipping it with unhurried grace .
Marissas fingers twitched ever so slightly , though her expression remained composed .

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She picked up her phone and opened a few apps , only to confirm his words .
The scandalous stories about her and Dominick had indeed vanished without a trace .
Her sindle faltered momentarily but quickly returned .
It doesnt bother me .
As long as it doesnt cause you any trouble , thats what matters Dominick stone stayed even though there was a faint undertone of dismissal and rejection .
Ive already spoken to the PR team .
Such incidents wont happen again .
Marissas sharp instincts packed up on the subde rebuff hidden in his words .
Her smile stiffened at the edges , but she masked it well A quiet unease settled over the private room the atmosphere growing heavy .
It was a relief when the waiter knocked and entered with their meals .
breaking the silence .
Marissa glanced up at the intrusion , and as the waiter set down the plates , she spoke in a casual , almost of hand manner , Oh , that reminds me .
I think I saw Ms.
Sutton carlier .
Dominicks face remained as composed as ever , betraying no 10 reactio Maris observed him closely befe continuing her tone light and conversational .
She seems to have a new boyfriend .
This one is a bit older- unlike that young guy picking her up from the hospital last time .
Sutton is bound to have She paused to delicately cut into her steak , savoring a bite before adding , Well , it makes sense .
A woman as beautiful as Ms.
5 men vying for her attention .
Its only natural for her to have a few admirers .
Tm going to the restroom .
Take your time , Dominick said abruptly , rising from his seat .
His face remained impassive , offering no clues to his thoughts as he left the room .
knife and fork , her smile fading into a blank stare .
The moment the door closed behind him , Marissas elegant facade crumbled .
She put down her ki Any trace of her earlier nonchalance was gone , replaced by a shadowed intensity in her eyes .
She signaled the waiter .
Pack me a dessert to go , she ordered , her tone clipped yet restrained Gary , like many middle aged men , had a predictable flaw Once the alcohol kicked in , he became a relentless talker .
increasingly His gripes were typical , a litany of woes about how the entertainment industry had become a playground for capitalists , making in it difficult to create good films .
He lamented having to grovel before investors af older sors who rested on their laurels .
Audiences , he said , were impossibly picky these days , ready to pounce on even the tiniest mistake .
at his age , complained about younger actors who couldnt handle hard work , and grumbled about Mr.
Anderson Lucys been in the restroom for ages .
Id better check on her to make sure everything is okay , Paisley said , curting him off as politely as she could .
Her head was pounding from his drunken monologue , and she desperately needed an excuse to escape .
As soon as she stepped out of the private room , however , she found herself locking eyes with someone she hadnt expected to see- Dominick Her breath caught .
His soulful , fathomless gaze still carried that magnetic pull , the same one that could unravel her composure in a heartbeat No matter how much time passed , Dominick remained the kind of man whose mere p teetering on the edge of her well control .
2/3 presence could command her full attention , leaving her Chapter 6 Behind her , Garys drunken voice bellowed through the door , loud and unfiltered .
Dont take too long .
Ive got so much more to say to you .
Fill wait for you to come back .
Youre the only one who gets me .
The timing couldnt have been worse .
With that kind of line hanging in the air , anyone would misinterpret the situation Dominicks lips curled into a cold , disdainful smirk .
His eyes , sharp and unyielding , swept over Paisley like she was something unpleasant stuck to his shoe .
So this is what youve sunk to ? he sneered with contempt .
Not picky at all , are you ? Is money really that important to you ? Paisley stiffened , her fists clenching at her sides .
This wasnt the time or place for an argument too many people were milling about .
Deciding it was better to avoid the confrontation , she turned to leave , but before she could take a step .
Dominicks hand shot out , grabbing her arm .
Before she could protest , she found herself yanked forward , colliding with his solid chest .
The impact was sharp enough to sting her nose , leaving her momentarily dazed by the mixture of pain and his intoxicating scent , a mix of cedarwood and something unmistakably Dominick .
As he leaned in , his breath brushed against her ear , his voice filled with disdain and venom .
How much does it pay to be an old mans sugar baby ? 200 grand : 300 grand ? His tone was laced with scorn , every word designed to sting .
Paisleys voice was icy .
Let go of me .
Dominick .
And stop projecting your filthy thoughts onto me .
Filthy thoughts ? he shot back , his grip tightening on her shoulders .
A mocking glint flickered in his eyes , cuming through her like a blade .
Why dont we talk about your filthy actions ? If its money you want , just ask .
Beg me properly , and who knows I might even be more generous .
at the hell is wrong .
The slap came swiftly , her hand connecting with his cheek in a sharp , resounding crack thut seemed to echo in the corridor .
What with you , Dominick ? she spat , her voice trembling with a mix of rage and dubelief