Chapter 7 The slap reverberated sharply , cutting through the ambient hum of the corridor and drawing the attention of several passersby .
Heads turned as people paused mid stride , curiosity flickering in their expressions .
Dominicks head snapped to the side from the force of Paisleys strike , and a vivid , angry imprint of her fingers bloomed across his cheek .
For a moment , he froze , as if stunned that shed dared to hit him .
Slowly , he turned back to her , his gloomy eyes narrowing with disbelief and something more dangerous simmering beneath the surface .
From the far end of the hallway , the click of high heels against the polished floor announced Marissas arrival .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

She stepped out of the private room her gaze immediately landing on the scene in front of her .
Her eyes widened , and a sharp gasp escaped her lips .
Oh my goodness she cried , rushing toward Dominick , the rapid staccato of her heels echoing her urgency .
Ms.
Sutton , why would you hit him ? Marissas voice pitched higher , laced with outrage as her wide eyes darted to Dominicks reddened check .
Dom .
are you okay ? Does it hurt ? Her hand fluttered nervously near his face as though she wanted to comfort him but didnt dare touch him ..
Paisley couldnt bring herself to entertain this melodrama .
She didnt bother looking at Dominick , she didnt need to .
His palpable anger radiated from him like heat from a fumace , making the air around them thick and oppressive .
Before anyone else could speak , a voice broke the weirdly heavy tension with almost comical abruptness .
Whats going on here ! Lucys familiar tone rang out as she walked toward them , her curious eyes darting between the trio .
Relieved to see her here .
Paisley exhaled softly and seized the moment to redirect her focus .
Where have you been ? Youve been in the Ladies room forever , she asked , her tone tinged with mild annoyance .
Oh , I got caught up scrolling on my phone in the restroom Lucy said nonchalantly , waving her phone for emphasis .
I stumbled on this crime che video something about dismemberment and 1 got hooked … Her voice trailed off as her gaze lingered on Dominick and Marissa , her brow furrowing slightly .
Marissas expression stiffened noticeably , her discomfort plain to see .
Ms.
Sutton , I didnt realize you werent dining alone with that guy she said .
her tone carefully neutral but her words laced with subtle implications .
Pandey refused to dignify Marissas comment with a reaction .
She merely nodded briskly and said , Work dinner Out of the corner of her eyes , she caught Dominicks expression shifting , his jaw tightening as though he had something to say .
But she didnt give him the satisfaction of her attention .
Lucy sidled closer , tugging lightly at Paisleys sleeve .
Who are these people ? she whispered , her curiosity unabated , her brows knitting in confusion .
Gary had explicitly told Lory that only the and Paisley were invited to todays dinner .
You dont need to worry about them .
Paisley replied curtly , shaking her head .
If time Oh , okay .
Lucy , ever obedient , nodded and turned to head back toward their private room .
Guess Ill leave you to it , then .
Take your Theres nothing to discuss .
Im coming with you , Paisley said coldly , cutting a pointed glare toward Dominick .
Mind your own business , Dominick .
And keep your hands out of things that dont concern you Outside the restaurant , Dominick and Marissa stood in silence , the atmosphere between them as heavy as the humid night air .
was unreadable , his features Marissa shifted uneasily , watching his face for any sign of what he might be thinking .
But Dominicks expression w carved into an ampassive mask .
Dom , Im sorry , I didnt mean to jump to conclusions about Ms.
Sutton .
If my words caused any Finally , she broke the quiet , her voice hesitant .
De misunderstanding between you two Theres no need to apologize , Dominick interrupted , his tone distant , almost bored .
His large hand rose to his collar , deftly undoing two buttons on his shim as though the very air around him was stifling .
She and I have nothing to do with each other .
Tut ther small act loosering his shin betrayed him .
Even as he tried to mask in an unshakable restlessness lingered with him .
Something about Paisleys defunte , her words , and her slap had unsettled him in a way he couldnt quite tune .
nny I remember Marinas delicate features softened momentarily as she tumed the neatly packed dessert box to Dominick .
I packed this for Sonny he has a sweet tooth , she said with a gentle smile that didnt quite reach her eyes 1/2 F Chapter 7 A sleek car pulled up , coming to a smooth stop in front of Dominick Dominick accepted the box with a brief nod , his tone polite but distant .
Thank you on his behalf .
Bye , Marissa.
Without waiting for a reply , he turned and stepped into the car Marissa stood rooted to the spot , watching the car disappear down the street until it was a speck in the distance .
Slowly , the warmth in her expression faded , replaced by a cold calculating gleam in her eyes , Her gaze flickered back toward the restaurant , narrowing as it landed on Paisleys private room .
A faint , almost imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number .
The call barely rang twice before Kayla , Dominicks younger sister , picked up.
Kaylas teasing voice came through , light and playful .
Marissa , so , how did your little date with my brother go without me around to third wheel ? Kayla Marissas voice dropped , laced with a feigned sadness that she wielded with precision Immediately .
Kaylas tone shifted , concern creeping in Marissa ? Whats wrong ? Did Dominick do something to you ? That doesnt sound like him .
Hes always so good to you , isnt he ? No , its not Dom .
Its Marissa hesitated for dramatic effect , letting the tension build .
Then she continued , her words measured and deliberate .
Its Paisley .
Shes back .
We ran into her at the restaurant tonight , and she and Dom ….
What ? That scheming little bitch is back ! Trying to seduce Dominick again Kaylas voice rose , bristling with anger .
Marissa , hold on .
Im calling Dominick right now .
Shes not going to get away with this : Chapter 8