Chapter 20
Audrey’s POV:
The door suddenly swung open, and I nearly tumbled off the railing.
‘Good heavens, child, what on earth are you doing?”
Margaret stood in the doorway, looking absolutely bewildered at my disheveled appearance as I prepared to climb over the railing.
“Grandma!”
I practically threw myself into her arms, carefully examining her face and posture to make sure she showed no signs of distress.
“Are you okay?”
Margaret furrowed her brow, shaking her head in confusion.
“I’m right as rain, dear. I’ve been in my room reading all day–haven’t felt a bit under the weather.
I felt a surge of anger rise in my chest, but quickly reined in my emotions.
I didn’t want Margaret to worry, and certainly didn’t want to drag her into the drama between Sienna and me.
“I must have gotten my wires crossed,” I said with a light laugh, trying to mask my earlier anxiety.
“Sorry for coming home so late and disturbing you–I forgot my keys.”
“No worries at all, sweetheart.” Margaret patted my hand affectionately. “Come on in, you look dead on your feet.”
“Grandma, you should get some rest,” I said gently, helping Margaret toward the elevator. “It’s getting late, and I don’t want to keep you up.”
When I entered the living room, I found George, Eleanor, and Sienna sitting there.
All three looked genuinely shocked that I’d managed to get into the apartment.
Clearly, they thought changing the locks would keep me locked out for good.
‘Looks like your cozy little family pow–wow is going swimmingly,” I said coolly, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
Eleanor immediately shot to her feet, her face like thunder.
‘How dare you come back here? It’s because of you that Sienna got thrown out of the Thornton charity gala!”
So that’s why she’d tricked me into coming home? She got herself kicked out and couldn’t stand the thought of me still being welcome there?
“Thrown out?” I raised an eyebrow.
1/4
8:05 pm P M
Chapter 20
“You’ve got some nerve asking! Eleanor shrieked, her voice so shrill it could ve cut glass.
“It’s all your fault she was humiliated and kicked out of that gala!
1 looked at Sienna, who was hanging her head, playing the victim card for all it was worth.
“What exactly happened? 1 asked calmly, curious to hear what sob story Sienna had cooked up for them
“Isn’t it because of you?”
Sienna suddenly looked up, her eyes red–rimmed.
“I barely bumped into that little boy, and he spilled his juice all over my dress. I just said a few words, and that Thomion went completely ballistin on me like some kind of maniac!
Noah. My heart skipped a beat as the pieces fell into place.
Sienna must have said something truly awful to Noah to set Caspar off like that.
The thought of Sienna taking her frustrations out on Noah made my blood run cold, and I felt an uncontrollable rage building inside me.
“Here’s some free advice,” I said, my voice deadly calm. “King C would move heaven and earth for his son, and he’s got a reputation on Wall Street for sever forgetting a slight.”
That statement hit like a bombshell. All three of them went white as sheets in an instant.
I didn’t bother saying anything else, just turned and headed upstairs, leaving the three of them in the living room to stew in their own panic.
The next morning, I rode my newly purchased pink vintage motorcycle into the sprawling parking area of the Thornton family’s Long Island estate.
After parking, I pulled off my helmet and ran my fingers through my tousled hair before heading toward the main house.
In the distance, I could see Caspar, Noah, and Edward getting ready to leave.
The moment Noah spotted me, his eyes lit up like Christmas morning, and he came running toward me.
I crouched down and opened my arms to welcome the little boy. His hugs always filled me with this incredible warmth, like he was filling some empty corner of my heart.
“Hey there, little artist,” I smiled, gently stroking his soft hair. “Ready for your classes at Luminous?”
Noah nodded enthusiastically, his small hands clutching at my jacket.
That kind of dependence tugged at my heartstrings.
Caspar walked over, looking sharp and commanding in his charcoal tailored suit.
“Good morning, Miss Lane,” he said, his voice deep and authoritative.
2/4
8:05 pm P M PM
Chapter 20
“Good morning, Mr. Thornton,” I replied politely, trying to maintain professional boundaries,
I happen to be heading into Manhattan for a meeting. Mind if I catch a ride with you?‘ Caspar asked, and I caught a hint of hope in his tone.
I smiled awkwardly. I’m afraid that won’t work–my ride only seats two.”
Caspar nodded, and I caught a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
Just as we were about to head to the parking area, Edward quietly called out to Caspar.
“Sir, you might want to take a look at this…”
Edward’s gaze directed toward a corner of the parking lot, where my pink vintage motorcycle sat, completely coveredia, Hello Kitty stickers.
Caspar followed Edward’s line of sight, and his expression froze solid.
His eyes ping–ponged between the motorcycle and me, as if he couldn’t quite connect the dots.
Edward’s look seemed to be asking Caspar how to handle this awkward situation, while Noah was already excitedly pulling me toward the motorcycle, clearly fascinated by this unconventional mode of transportation.
I casually pulled a child’s helmet from my bag for Noah–something I’d picked up specially the night before–and helped him put it on with practiced ease.
“You’re planning to take Noah on that thing?” Caspar approached, his voice carrying a mix of emotions.
‘Don’t worry, I’m a solid rider.”
I smiled back, adjusting Noah’s helmet straps to make sure it was securely fastened on his little head.
Noah climbed on behind me, wrapping his small arms tightly around my waist, his face glowing with rare joy.
“Trust me, I’ll take good care of him,” I told Caspar, who was standing there looking equal parts worried and helpless.
Just as Caspar was about to say something else, Noah spoke up, his voice small but clear.
‘Like it.”
Those two simple words instantly melted Caspar’s expression.
I watched this Wall Street titan completely cave without a fight.
“Just… be careful,” he finally said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it. “And call if anything happens.”
“Of course,” I nodded, starting up the engine. The motorcycle purred to life with a gentle rumble.
3/4
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 21
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.
