Chapter 9
Audrey’s POV:
“I–I’m sorry, Mr. Thornton,‘ I stammered, my throat suddenly dry.
“The class is scheduled to statt right now, and I really shouldn’t keep the children waiting.” I was babbling now, desperate to escape,
His grip finally relaxed, releasing me from whatever spell had momentarily trapped us both.
“Perhaps another time then, Miss Lane,” he replied, his voice carrying a new, undefinable edge.
“Of course. Goodbye,‘ I managed, then turned to Noah. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get started on today’s project.
I gently took Noah’s small hand in mine and walked away as quickly as dignity would allow, feeling Caspar Thornton’s intense gaze following our every step until we disappeared around the corner.
After the afternoon art class ended, I took Noah’s little hand and walked toward the gallery entrance.
His performance today had been surprisingly impressive.
I watched Noah as he worked, completely mesmerized by his natural talent.
His instinctive understanding of light and shadow showed an artistic maturity completely at odds with his age.
The complexity of his color application was remarkable.
If this was what he could produce in just one session, I could only imagine what he might create with proper guidance.
“Noah, Edward’s here to pick you up.” I pointed toward the butler standing by the curb next to his car, waiting patiently by the door.
But Noah gripped my hand tightly, his little face showing clear reluctance, with no intention of letting go.
“Noah, it’s time to go home.” Edward approached us, speaking gently. “Dinner time is approaching.”
Noah shook his head, those grape–like eyes gazing up at me, filled with attachment.
I crouched down to his eye level: ‘Noah, I’ll be here waiting for you tomorrow, okay?”
But the little guy still wouldn’t release my hand, even moving closer to me.
Edward looked at this scene with some helplessness, clearly encountering this situation for the first time.
I pondered for a moment, then suddenly had an idea.
“How about this- I sent Noah back to the estate?” I looked at Edward. “Maybe then he’ll be willing to get in the car.”
1/4
Chapter 9
Edward breathed a sigh of relief: “That would be much appreciated, Miss Lane.”
I followed Noah toward the Rolls–Royce, and Edward opened the car door for us.
But as I prepared to get in, I discovered someone was already sitting in the back seat,
Caspar Thornton..
He was handling some documents, and when he heard the car door, he looked up.
Those penetrating eyes locked directly with mine. I felt a surge of intense nervousness wash over me, almost wanting to turn and bolt.
“Miss Lane. He set down his papers, his tone calm. ‘We meet again.”
“Mr. Thornton,” I replied, immediately taking a step back.
My hand gently loosened from Noah’s grip.
‘I didn’t realize you were here. Since you’ve come to pick up Noah yourself, I’ll leave him in your care.”
I immediately turned around and prepared to leave.
“Wait, Miss Lane. Caspar’s authoritative voice stopped me in my tracks.
I reluctantly turned back to face him, finding his piercing gaze fixed on me.
“Since you’re already here, why don’t you join us at the Thornton estate? I have a few matters I’d like to discuss with you.”
My stomach tightened into a knot.
He wants to talk to me?
A dozen possibilities raced through my mind, none of them reassuring
“I suddenly remembered-”
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Before I could finish, I felt a gentle tug on my sleeve.
Looking down, I found Noah staring up at me, his eyes wide and imploring.
I hesitated, caught between my instinct to flee and the undeniable pull I felt toward Noah.
I sighed softly, my resistance melting away. “Well, perhaps I could join you for a little while.”
After getting on the vehicle, Noah immediately squeezed between Caspar and me, his small body pressed close to mine.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the Thornton family estate.
2/4
3:03 pm P M
Chapter 9
When I found myself sitting across from Caspar Thornton at a dining table, reality finally hit me like a bucket of ice water.
How did I end up here? I wondered, carefully cutting into the perfectly prepared salmon that had been served as our main course.
Lamb to the slaughter seemed like an understatement.
This was more like willingly walking into a tiger’s cage weating a suit made of prime steak.
I had to wonder if Noah had somehow cast a spell on me.
How else could I explain agreeing to dinner at the Thornton estate with practically no resistance? The moment Noah had looked up at me with that pleading expression, I’d been powerless.
Noah sat beside his father, his feet swinging happily beneath the chair.
Is the food to your liking, Miss Lane?” Caspar asked, breaking the silence.
I looked up to find his penetrating gaze fixed on me. “Yes, it’s delicious. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Caspar keenly picked up on something. “Miss Lane, you seem quite nervous around me?”
My heart jumped into my throat again.
“Perhaps it’s because… your reputation in the business world is somewhat intimidating?” I tried to find a reasonable explanation.
Caspar chuckled softly: “Outside the business world, I’m actually quite easygoing.”
Edward, standing nearby, heard this and his expression became somewhat unnatural, as if he were struggling to suppress something.
This reaction convinced me that Caspar might have a somewhat… overly optimistic assessment of his own personality.
But at least it proved he hadn’t recognized me, which allowed me to relax slightly.
The staff brought out exquisite appetizers and a bottle of wine. As Caspar poured wine for me, I unconsciously took a sip.
“This is English sparkling wine?” I blurted out. “Should be from Kent county.”
Caspar stopped pouring, those penetrating eyes looking at me with obvious surprise.
“I didn’t expect Miss Lane to have such professional knowledge of wine as well.” He set down the bottle, looking at me with interest. “Have you spent time in England?”
My heartbeat instantly accelerated, and I struggled to remain composed.
“Yes, I lived there for a few years and picked up some knowledge of the local wine culture.”
‘London?” Caspar asked tentatively.
“Yes, London.“I replied carefully.
3/4
3:03 pm P
Chapter 9
something flickering in his eyes. “Interesting coincidence–1 just returned from London myself.”
“Oh God, could this be any more coincidental? Is he testing me?”
I nervously lifted my wine glass, trying to mask my unease. “Really? Business trip?”
The atmosphere in the dining room suddenly felt charged with an undercurrent I couldn’t quite identify.
Noah, blissfully unaware of the tension between the adults, was happily enjoying his food.
“Something like that,‘ Caspar replied, his gaze never leaving my face. ‘London can be quite… memorable, don’t you think?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
