**Chapter 9** The moment Mariya’s gaze landed on Paisley cradling a young girl in her arms, a surge of tension coursed through her, cutting through her usual calm like a knife. Marissa’s thoughts spiraled furiously as she attempted to make sense of the unexpected scene unfolding before her. *Why is she holding a child? Whose child is this? With her age, she must be around three years old*. A knot of disbelief twisted in her throat. “Do you recognize that little girl?” Marissa's voice shook, laced with growing suspicion. Stella nodded, her expression grave. “Uh-huh. That mischievous girl clung to Sonny yesterday, claiming she’s his little sister!” “Little sister?!” The words slipped from Marissa’s lips in a rush, her composure faltering as her thoughts spiraled uncontrollably. “Did Grayson actually buy that?” “Of course not,” Stella replied with unwavering confidence, her chin held high. “Aunt Marissa, didn’t you say that every child who tries to get close to Sonny has an agenda? That’s exactly what I told Sonny yesterday! And now, he can’t stand her!” A smirk of satisfaction played on Stella’s lips as she recounted her recent confrontation. “So, I hit her. She deserved it for shamelessly trying to hold Sonny’s hand. Wasn’t I right, Aunt Marissa?” Marissa exhaled slowly, her mind racing with relief. *At least Grayson doesn’t know this child*. “You did the right thing,” she affirmed, her voice steady, attempting to mask the turbulence roiling within. Encouraged by her own words, she pressed on, “Did Grayson catch a glimpse of this woman’s face?” Stella shook her head vigorously. “No, he only saw her back yesterday. I didn’t even catch a good look until just now.” “Why do you ask, Aunt Marissa?” She tilted her head, confusion etching her brow. *Could it be that Aunt Marissa fears this striking woman may steal Sonny’s heart?* Sensing her aunt’s rising tension, Stella quickly interjected, “Don’t worry! Sonny loves you. You’re his favorite! He keeps saying he can’t—” The attempt to reassure her aunt only deepened Marissa’s unease. Her mind buzzed with thoughts. *So far, Grayson hasn’t crossed paths with Paisley. But with both children attending the same school, it’s only a matter of time. And that little girl... Is she Paisley and Dominick’s child? Or someone else’s? Paisley, you scheming wretch. I’ve underestimated you.* Before Marissa could spiral further into her thoughts, Stella’s bright voice broke the spell. “Aunt Marissa, bye! I’m going in now!” The school bell was about to toll, and Stella had just unbuckled her seatbelt, preparing to leap from the car, when Marissa halted her. “Stella, wait.” Her tone was firm yet gentle. “You did well yesterday.” Pride illuminated Stella’s face instantly. She chirped joyfully, her little chin lifting as her twin pigtails bobbed in delight at the praise. “That girl is inching closer to Sonny for a reason—and it’s not innocent.” Marissa’s tone turned serious, carrying a weighty message. “You need to keep a lookout for Sonny. Don’t let her near him.” Stella nodded earnestly, her youthful demeanor shifting into one of solemn determination. “Don’t worry, Aunt Marissa. I’ll make sure of it. Besides, she’s just a new kid in kindergarten—a little dummy. Nothing to stress over.” Marissa allowed herself a small smile, charmed by Stella’s unyielding confidence. True, she was merely a child. Even if she had some hidden agenda, how harmful could she possibly be? Yet, Marissa’s gaze darkened as she turned serious, fixing her eyes on Stella. “Do you truly want Grayson to find another best friend? Someone who might replace you?” The gravity of her words hung in the air, striking Stella like a cold wave. Alarm rippled through her voice as she protested, “No way! Sonny only loves me as his best friend. No one could be cuter than me!” Marissa shook her head slowly, feigning contemplation. “That little girl is truly cute—perhaps cuter than you.” Stella bristled at the silent implication of Marissa's remark. *That little brat is cuter than me. If she sticks around, Sonny might start liking her, treating her like family. And yesterday… when she tried to hold Sonny’s hand, he was reaching back. They almost held hands!* Stella’s tiny face crinkled with fierce determination, defiance written all over her features. “No. I don’t want Sonny to have another best friend!” She tugged urgently at Marissa’s sleeve, her eyes pleading. “Aunt Marissa, what should I do? Can you talk to Dominick and have him get rid of that brat?” Hope flickered in her eyes, as if she expected Marissa to wave her hand and send the problem away, as effortlessly as she often did with troublesome kids at school. But this time, Marissa could only smile, her expression inscrutable. “You’re going to be late, Stella. You’d better hurry.” Some battles didn’t require too much pushing. But this time felt different. This troublesome child wasn’t just anyone—she was Paisley’s daughter. And for tonight, Marissa decided, it was best not to alert Dominick just yet.