Chapter 445
Audrey’s POV
“I’ll pass, I told the driver after settling in the backseat.
Astrid’s disappointment was immediate. “You’re not coming?”
“If Henry wasn’t planning to propose, maybe I’d join you. But I’d just be a third wheel,” I explained. “Plus, I promised William I’d stay with Blake until he recovers. He’s just woken up, and someone needs to handle the funeral.
‘But – ”
“It’s funny,” I smiled, “Before you lost your memory, you’d have jumped at alone time with Henry. Now you’re hesitating?”
I softened my tone. “You’ve only forgotten your feelings, not lost them. Trust me, you were crazy about him. Just give it a chance – it might even help bring back your real memories.”
She sighed. “Fine. Should I call this Arden guy now?”
‘Something feels off about him. Talk to Henry first let him check Arden out before making contact.”
‘Got it.”
–
I hung up and watched the city lights pass by. My mind was already filling with my real priorities.
In just three days since William’s death, Elizabeth had positioned herself as the Parker family’s new queen bee. She was everywhere in New York high society, making sure everyone knew who was in charge now.
The gossip was brutal: Parker dynasty crumbling, Blake in a coma, Rebecca having a breakdown, and only Elizabeth’s family and “worthless” Thalia left standing. Thalia herself seemed broken, meekly following Elizabeth’s lead without resistance.
Parker Group was rapidly falling under Elizabeth’s control, and Olivia – once just Thalia’s follower had transformed overnight into New York’s golden girl.
I sat in an unmarked van across from the funeral home, watching the surveillance feed with Blake. Olivia and Elizabeth were talking in what they thought was a private room.
“Mom, this is amazing!” Olivia clutched Elizabeth’s hands. “You always said pretending to like Thalia would pay off someday. I didn’t believe you! I even hated you when Blake sent me to that awful school. But now…”
She flashed a diamond ring, practically vibrating with excitement. “The city’s most eligible guys are chasing me!”
Elizabeth smiled, fixing a strand of Olivia’s hair. “This is just the start. We’ve barely gotten our hands on Parker Group.”
Her smile turned calculating. “After the funeral, we’ll check on Blake, see if he’s waking up anytime soon…”
She lowered her voice. “He’s not doing well. Still unresponsive, even after hearing about William’s death.”
Elizabeth sighed theatrically. “If he stays like this, I might need to help him move on. Blake wouldn’t want to live as a vegetable.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. She leaned in, whispering, “So we’d get all of Parker Group if he died?”
“Well, Thalia still has her share,” Elizabeth smirked. “But you know exactly how capable your cousin is.”
“Do I ever!” Olivia nodded enthusiastically.
1/3
Elizabeth pinched her cheek. “This is still a funeral. Try looking sad, not like you just won the lottery.”
Olivia quickly composed herself.
Blake watched the feed silently, his jaw tight. Michael stood next to him, nervously shifting his weight.
“Good thing they don’t know you’re awake, Michael said. “They might’ve tried something already.”
I studied Blake’s face the hurt behind his calm exterior. “What’s your plan now?”
His lips curled into a cold smile. “The worst thing you can do to someone is let them think they’ve won, then take everything away piece by piece.”
‘Grandfather gave his life to this family. He deserves peace. I won’t fight Elizabeth at his funeral,” he said firmly. She can throw him a cheap sendoff if she wants. I’ll give him the funeral he deserves my way.”
His eyes narrowed. “But after that…”
I watched him carefully. This was the Blake I remembered – dangerous, powerful, commanding. The man who once made me feel both terrified and safe.
He caught me staring and our eyes met. I looked away quickly, uncomfortable with the connection.
Half an hour before the funeral, Henry arrived with an army of workers carrying high-end decorations. They efficiently transformed the venue, replacing Elizabeth’s cheap arrangements with ones worthy of William Parker.
By the time Elizabeth realized what was happening, the place was already transformed. She started forward to protest but thought better of it and retreated with her husband.
After everyone left, our van pulled up to the entrance. I helped Michael get Blake’s wheelchair to William’s casket. Blake stared through the glass at his grandfather’s peaceful face.
“Grandfather… I’m sorry I’m late,’ he whispered.
For two hours, Blake stayed there, pouring out everything he wished he could have told William regrets, promises, love. He spoke until his lips cracked and bled.
I stood nearby, listening silently. With each word Blake spoke, I could picture William smiling. Tears streamed down my face without me noticing.
William had been our strongest connection, the kindest person in our harsh world. Now Blake had lost his last real family member, and I’d lost my most supportive elder.
Eventually, Henry approached. “They’re getting suspicious and demanding to come in.”
Blake took one last look at William. “Let’s go.”
I grabbed his wheelchair handles and guided him toward the back exit.
Blake’s POV
In the car, I connected to the listening device I’d hidden under William’s casket. I’d intended to identify who genuinely mourned him, but what I heard shocked me.
“Hartford really splurged, my aunt’s husband said. “Is he your dad’s secret kid? Why’s he so invested?”
“Don’t be stupid,” Elizabeth snapped. “He’s doing it for Blake. Since Blake’s not waking up, Henry’s handling things.”
She continued smugly, “See? Playing the long game paid off. Now everything falls to me!”
2/3
If only he’d died with your brother on that ship, her husband sighed. “Or if that car accident had finished him, we could’ve had Parker Group years ago. At least the company’s worth more now.”
“Keep your voice down!” Elizabeth hissed. “If anyone connects us to the shipwreck or Blake’s accident, we’re finished.”
He scoffed. ‘Blake’s practically dead already. Why so paranoid? Think Thalia’s going to avenge him?”
“Just shut up about it,” she demanded.
“Fine! Promise I won’t mention it again, he relented.
‘Good. Now look sad it’s my father’s funeral.”
“Yes, dear,” he replied mockingly.
In my hospital room, I replayed their conversation repeatedly. Each time, the pain intensified like a twisting knife.
I’d never stopped investigating my father’s death or my accident. I’d suspected countless people but never Elizabeth. I trusted her because she was family – my father’s sister. She never showed interest in Parker Group, so I assumed she had no motive.
I never imagined my own aunt orchestrated everything.
A week after the funeral, I finally opened my door. I’d isolated myself for seven days, processing what I’d learned and planning my next move.
Audrey had stayed outside my room the entire time. She hadn’t even seen Astrid and Henry off, afraid I might do something drastic if she left.
As I wheeled myself into the hallway, I found her in the same chair she’d occupied all week. Her tired eyes brightened at my appearance.
I looked directly at her for the first time in days.
“Could you help me with something?”
