Chapter 364
The color drained from Rachel’s face. “So you think she’s still –
‘I know exactly who she is,” I cut her off. “But if I choose to be kind to someone with Audrey’s face, that’s my business.”
Rachel’s hands balled into fists.
“Let me be clear about your position,” I said flatly. “I’m giving you marriage, the Parker name, and all the resources you need to impress your parents. But you don’t get to dictate my personal life. That was our deal.”
“We’re business partners, not lovers. If that’s not enough for you…” I held her gaze. “Plenty of other women would take this arrangement. Don’t get greedy.”
I pressed the button on my wheelchair and rolled past her without looking back.
Audrey’s POV
“Blake wants you to teach Rachel how to take care of William?” Astrid’s mouth hung open.
I toweled my wet hair, frowning as I sat on the couch.
“So the grandson needs an outsider to show him how to care for his own grandfather?” She dropped next to me, shaking her head.
“That makes zero sense.”
I sighed. “I know.”
If I were still publicly Audrey Sinclair, it would make perfect sense. Nobody knew William’s routines and preferences better than I
did after four years of caring for him.
But as Evelyn Knox – Australian heiress with zero connection to the Parker family – why would Blake ask me to teach Rachel about
William? Something didn’t add up.
“Maybe Blake knows it’s really you.”
We both turned to see Ethan in the kitchen doorway, still wearing an apron. He set a steaming dish on the table.
“Has to be. Nothing else explains his behavior.”
Astrid smacked her forehead. “Of course! Think about it – Blake just happens to be at the airport when you arrive? He takes you to
see William after you hit Thalia instead of confronting you?”
“William hates Thalia and Olivia anyway. He’s called them embarrassments to the family for years. Plus the old man can barely
stand how could he possibly deal with his granddaughters getting slapped around?”
“Blake’s not stupid,” Ethan added. “But if he knows who you really are, it all makes sense. He invented the apology thing just to get
you in front of William.”
“That’s actually logical…” Astrid studied my face. “Audrey, when you were with Blake today, did you feel –
“No.” I cut her off.
1/2
Chapter 364
I returned my towel to the bathroom, then went to fetch Emma from the guest room.
“Dinner time,” I said, steering her toward the sink to wash her hands.
Back at the table, I settled Emma in her chair and set up her plate, my brow still furrowed,
“Your theories sound good,” I admitted. “But they all assume Blake actually cares about me.”
Ethan frowned. “Everyone in New York could see Blake loved you. After you ‘died,’ he camped at your grave for days. Started drinking himself stupid. Nearly tanked his company.”
“A man that proud doesn’t do all that unless he truly loves someone.”
I shook my head. “He’s just putting on a show.”
“Playing the remorseful ex-husband who picked the wrong woman. Like he actually gives a damn.”
“If Blake really recognized me, he’d have exposed me on day one. Made some grand public apology, showed the world what a changed man he is. Classic Blake Parker damage control.”
I served Emma vegetables and glanced up at Ethan. “Blake only loves Blake. Always has.”
“Today was damage control, plain and simple,” I said. “He’s worried I’ll crash his wedding and William will recognize me. Can’t have a scandal ruining his big society moment.”
“That’s it. No grand conspiracy, no secret feelings. Just protecting his image.”
Ethan stared at me, wanting to say something, but just let out a sigh. “Alright, he’s just… looking out for himself…”
Divorce Me Before Death Takes Me, CEO
