The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

Grayson didn't reappear for the rest of the meal. Paisley didn't bother checking on him either. After cleaning up, she set Serena up with her toys and got back to work on her emails.

Serena played quietly in her own space for a while but soon started sneaking glances at her mother, who was focused on her laptop.

When she was sure Paisley wasn't looking, she tiptoed over to the snack cabinet. Grabbing a chocolate bar, a piece of bread, and a carton of milk, she carefully tiptoed toward the guest room.

Serena thought she was being so sneaky, but every step she took was in Paisley's line of sight. Paisley just raised her eyebrows, amused, and went back to her work without saying a word.

Inside the guest room, Grayson lay sprawled on the bed, his face buried in the pillow. He'd cried himself into a sniffling mess, and his stomach was now growling angrily.

He was certain Paisley would eventually feel bad for him and call him out for breakfast. But an hour passed, and no one came.noveldrama

'She's really going to let me starve, huh? What a cruel woman!' he thought bitterly.

Just then, a soft shuffling noise came from the other side of the door. It sounded like a little mouse scratching at the wood.

Grayson sat up and stared at the door with his red eyes. A second later, it cracked open just a sliver. Then, a small, chubby hand reached through with a chocolate bar. The hand carefully set it on the floor before disappearing.

A moment later, the hand reappeared with a small bag of bread. It was placed next to the chocolate. Finally, a carton of milk arrived, adding to the growing pile of snacks.

When all three items were lined up neatly on the floor, the little hand hesitated. Then, as if worried Grayson might not notice the offering, Serena gave a loud, exaggerated cough. After pushing the snacks further into the room, she finally closed the door.

Grayson stayed frozen on the bed, staring at the chocolate, bread, and milk, lost in his thoughts. 'Did she... bring them for me?'

Over the next little while, Grayson walked to the door without shoes and started eating the food Serena had snuck him.

He enjoyed the food while thinking, 'I don't like bread and milk. But why does the bread taste so soft and delicious, and the milk, so sweet and refreshing?'

Once he finished the bread and milk, he stared at the chocolate bar for a moment but didn't eat it. Instead, he carefully stuffed it into his pocket.

Meanwhile, Serena casually returned to her toy corner as if nothing happened.

"What were you doing, sweetie?" Paisley asked though she had already known the answer.

Serena froze for a second, but she didn't even look back. She put on a grown-up voice and replied, "Nothing, just sitting too long. I was stretching my legs."

Paisley showed a smirk but didn't press her.

Around 10 a.m., Paisley's assistant, Lucy, called with a work update, "I've got three things to report. First, you were right-Mr. Anderson's project has been delayed. The original leads for the male lead and the second female lead dropped out, so now he has to recast those roles."

Paisley replied, "Got it."

This wasn't surprising. She'd seen this coming from a mile away, so she hadn't rushed to fix it. After all, the leading roles in a top-tier drama should either be popular with a large fan base or have very astonishing records in other dramas.

Brittany was nowhere near a big enough name to carry a lead role in such a massive production. She didn't have the fan base or the acting chops to pull it off.

Given that she'd only made a name for herself with bit parts in web dramas and by stealing the spotlight on ceremonies, it was no shock she was getting dropped.

For an actor, the script was just one thing. He valued other leading roles even more. After all, no actor worth his salt would risk a few months of shooting just to star opposite someone with so little credibility. It made sense for him to drop out.

The second female lead's exit made even more sense. She was a top-tier celebrity, with enough pull that she couldn't possibly play second fiddle to someone like Brittany. Even if she were willing, her fans wouldn't accept it.

Paisley was sure this was just the beginning. More actors would likely drop out soon enough. But that wasn't her problem. She was just a screenwriter, and the director would have to sort out this mess.

It would take Brittany forever to get the leading role.

Paisley asked, "What's the second thing?"

Lucy continued, "Nathaniel Beaumont from Axion Enterprises has opened a new polo club in Harrowfell and wants to invite you to the grand opening party."

"Axion Enterprises?" Paisley thought for a moment, trying to connect the dots.

Lucy then said, "You saw him last year at the Lynford International Equestrian Competition. He was one of the event's investors, and he presented you with the champion award.

"After that, you both went to the celebration party, and Mr. Beaumont mentioned he would treat you to dinner when you were back in town."

Paisley found her memories. Nathaniel had made a positive impression on her back then.

"So, are you going?" Lucy asked, trying to gauge her interest. She then added, "He said you could bring your family or friends-doesn't matter how many."

Paisley chuckled, catching the hint that Lucy wanted in on this. It had been a while since she'd gone out, so she agreed, "Alright, let's attend it. You handle the arrangements."

"Got it," Lucy responded eagerly and then moved on to the third item. "The third thing is, someone in Harrowfell has reached out through a middleman to buy one of your paintings."

"Someone wants to buy my painting?" Paisley raised her eyebrows and asked, "Who is it? Do you know?"

"It's through a third party. I don't know who the buyer is," replied Lucy.

Paisley glanced at the time and found it was almost time to start making lunch. Afterward, she was planning to take the kids to the park. So she replied firmly, "No matter who it is, the answer is still no. Same rule as always."