The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley) novel Chapter 163

As the general manager of Cloud Crest Winery's Brightmoor division, Nate knew exactly how rare an intact bottle of Cloud Crest Reserve was.

The annual production was limited, and as soon as the wine was released, it was snatched up by wealthy buyers, leaving no chance for ordinary people to get their hands on it.

Every bottle consumed was one less available. Even with his position, he was only able to secure one or two bottles a year.

Now, a perfectly good bottle had been destroyed just like that.

He had planned to use it as a gift. His contract as a general manager was renewed annually, and this year his performance hadn't been great. The assistant to the boss had been noncommittal about his prospects for renewal.

With the year-end approaching, he had hoped to smooth things over and have someone put in a good word for him with the boss and the assistant, increasing his chances of staying on.

While he had come home under the guise of celebrating his daughter's birthday, his real purpose had been to retrieve this bottle of wine. Now it was gone.

In this moment, he felt like his career was shattered along with the wine. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. His gaze toward Paisley and Serena grew increasingly venomous.

"I'm warning you, if you don't come up with an identical bottle of wine, don't blame me for what happens next. I'll make sure you and your daughter can't stay in Harrowfell!" he shouted.

The other parents fell silent. No one dared to step forward and help Paisley. Even the children, who had been playing happily just moments ago, now huddled quietly by their parents, who kept a tight grip on them.

Even Kevin, usually known for his kindness, shrank back this time, unwilling to provoke Nate.

To them, someone like Nate represented a level of power they could never mess with. He could destroy their lives easily.

They wouldn't risk offending him, and they certainly wouldn't help Paisley and Serena. Even if, deep down, they felt sorry for the mother and daughter.

Vivian got exactly the effect she wanted and secretly smiled to herself. 'That's the price you pay for seducing someone else's husband, you vixen. Just wait—you're going to be forced out of Harrowfell.'

Leo had been observing the commotion at the long table. He frowned slightly. He thought to himself how bold Nate's claim was, casually saying he could make someone leave Harrowfell.

He glanced at Paisley and her daughter sitting alone and helpless, with no one standing up for them, and felt a pang of sympathy.

Just as he debated whether to step in and support them, he heard Paisley speak, calm and composed. "What a bold claim. I'd like to see how you plan to make me leave Harrowfell."

Some parents subtly signaled to Paisley, suggesting she should stop and apologize humbly to avoid further escalation. After all, ordinary people couldn't go head-to-head with those in power.

Leo chuckled softly. He admired her backbone but thought she wasn't being smart. What good could come from butting heads with powerful people in this situation?

He called the restaurant manager over, gave him a few instructions, and then returned to his private room.

"What's going on outside?" Max asked.

"The host family seems to have some influence. They're not letting this go and don't want money—just the wine. They've even made some harsh threats," Leo said with mild disdain. "So petty. It's just a bottle of wine. Is it worth all this?"