Chapter 377
She patted my shoulder and walked away, leaving me stunned.
A week ago? I hadn’t even thought about coming back to New York then. How could Blake have known? Why would he contact them?
Rachel’s voice broke through my thoughts.
*Everyone, we’re done here,” she announced to the lingering reporters. “Thanks for coming. I hope to see you all at my wedding with Blake in two days. There’ll be gifts for everyone then, including payment for today.”
The reporters reluctantly packed up and left. The lobby emptied out quickly.
Rebecca walked over to Thalia, frowning. “Thalia, are you planning to watch this lovefest all day?”
“God no, it’s disgusting,” Thalia laughed.
Before leaving, she glared at me. “I used to just hate your face, but now I know you’re from the same trash family as Audrey. No wonder you make me sick.”
She linked arms with Rebecca and stomped out.
Ethan caught my eye and nodded before heading toward the back exit.
Adrian checked his phone with a smile and sat beside me.
“New Yorkers sure love drama,” he laughed, showing me comments praising our relationship.
As I focused on the screen, Adrian suddenly called out, “Miss Hayes, leaving already?”
I looked up, surprised to see Rachel’s back.
Blake noticed my confusion. “Knox just told her if she wanted attention too, I could beat up her biological father too.”
I turned to Adrian, shocked. “You mentioned her father?”
Adrian nodded, confused. “Yes, what’s wrong?”
Blake and I answered at the exact same moment: “The thing she least wants to mention is her father’s death and her mother’s remarriage…”
Then we both stopped talking at once. The sudden overlap hung in the air between us.
The hotel lobby fell quiet except for the distant sound of someone sweeping up glass.
I could feel Blake watching me, his eyes never leaving my face.
That was it, then. My cover might be blown as only three people knew that particular detail about Rachel’s family: me, Astrid, and Blake.
Adrian cleared his throat. “Well, I obviously hit a nerve. Didn’t know her family situation was so complicated.”
I said, “Adrian. Can I talk to Mr. Parker alone for a minute?”
After a while, he nodded. “Fine.”
He leaned down like he was going to kiss my cheek, but instead whispered: “Forget about tonight’s dinner with Parker. This has been unpleasant enough.”
1/2
Chapter 377
I’ll cook for you and your friends tonight. We should celebrate taking down the Sinclairs and becoming New York’s favorite power couple.”
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
“That’s my girl. Adrian pinched my cheek lightly a deliberate move for Blake’s benefit then headed for the exit.
The door clicked shut behind him. Even the cleaning staff had disappeared.
Just me and Blake now.
“Your leg,” I said, breaking the silence. “Can you actually stand?”
Blake looked surprised by my question. After a moment, he shrugged. “Doctors say I should be able to, theoretically. But I injured the same leg five years ago. The new wound reopened old damage. They can’t say for sure if I’ll fully recover or stand again.”
“Five years ago your leg wasn’t that bad though.” I frowned. “You were walking with crutches almost immediately.”
“Two months later you were totally fine. I remember you even kicked Rachel’s chair once when you were joking around.”
“Yeah,” Blake said, smiling at the memory. “It wasn’t serious back then. You and Rachel…”
He stopped mid-sentence. His eyes widened as he realized what he’d just said.
He stared at me. “Mrs. Knox… what exactly are you talking about?”
“Five years ago, we never even
“Blake,” I cut him off, meeting his eyes. “You recognized me all along, didn’t you?”
