The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley) novel Chapter 36

In a VIP ward of Harrowfell Hospital, Dominick sat by the bedside, letting the pale-faced middle-aged woman hold his hand.

"Dom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you," the woman spoke weakly as if she'd just fought a battle.

"Dom, I didn't mean for this to happen. My mom was in critical condition and wanted to see you, so I called you," Marissa chimed in with a concerned look. She poured a glass of water and set it on the side table. "I hope I didn't disturb you."

"It's fine," Dominick replied and gently patted the woman's hand. "Mrs. Prescott, as long as you're fine."

"I'm alright, but I feel bad making you go through all this... I'm just afraid I won't make it and won't get to see you one last time," Linda said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I didn't want to burden you..."

"Mrs. Prescott, please don't say that." Dominick reassured her patiently. "When Mr. Prescott entrusted you and Marissa to our family, you became my family. It's only right for me to take care of you."

Marissa's father, a former chauffeur for the Vanderbilt family, had always taken responsibility for driving Dominick around. Linda Prescott, Marissa's mother, had been the maid who had tended to Dominick's every need since his birth.

Since their parents had worked for the Vanderbilt family, Marissa had known Dominick and his family from a young age.

Bright, charming, and well-liked, Marissa had become like a younger sister to Dominick, and Lauren even brought Marissa to their house and had her attend the same prestigious school as Dominick. Technically, Marissa and Dominick grew up together.

But tragedy struck when Marissa's father died in a car accident while driving Dominick home. On his deathbed, he asked Dominick to take care of his wife and daughter.

Hearing Dominick's words, Linda nodded, deeply moved. "I've been so lucky to have worked for a family as kind-hearted as the Vanderbilts. Honestly, if I were to die today, I wouldn't have any regrets..."

"Mrs. Prescott..." Dominick's voice softened.

"Mom." Marissa wiped away her tears. "Please stop saying things about death."

Linda's face lit up with relief at his words, but before she could smile fully, Dominick added, "To me, Marissa is just like Kayla."

Linda's smile froze instantly, and for a long moment, she didn't know what expression to wear.

"Mrs. Prescott, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?" Dominick asked.

Linda managed a forced smile and replied, "No, everything's fine..." She glanced at Marissa, whose expression had also turned stiff and awkward.

"Dom, my mom meant to say..." Marissa hesitated, her voice trailing off.

"Hmm?" Dominick turned to look at Marissa with clear eyes.