Chapter 67
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Dorothy sighed, settling into her chair.
“After the discovery, I immediately sent someone to investigate the Bailey family. Five years ago, when we arranged the marriage with the Bailey family, they were in financial distress but didn’t want to risk their precious Sienna in a contract marriage. So they substituted their adoptive daughter, Audrey, without our knowledge.”
“Adoptive daughter?” I repeated, still struggling to process this revelation.
“Yes. Audrey was raised as part of the Bailey family until about five years ago when they discovered she wasn’t their blood relation. According to my sources, they essentially cast her out, but not before using her in this final transaction.”
I felt a cold fury building. “They married her off to a stranger and then abandoned her?”
“It appears so. Dorothy’s eyes softened with understanding. “I suspect that’s why she distances herself from the Bailey name now, why she created an entirely new identity as Audrey Lane. She’s trying to erase the connection to the people who betrayed her so thoroughly.”
“And she has no idea who Samuel West really is?” I asked.
“None whatsoever. As far as she knows, Samuel West is just a name on paper, a man who agreed to a contract marriage and then disappeared from her life.”
I reached out, my fingers lightly tracing the outline of Audrey’s face in the photograph attached to the marriage certificate.
A storm of emotions surged through me. This woman, who had walked into my home and captivated my son had unwittingly been bound to me all along, a twist of fate neither of us could have imagined.
‘So, Dorothy’s voice carried a hint of amusement, breaking into my thoughts. “Still eager to proceed with that divorce?”
I couldn’t suppress the slight upward curve of my lips as I shook my head. “No. Not anymore.”
“My, my,‘ Dorothy chuckled, folding her hands in her lap.
“Not five minutes ago, you were practically burning with impatience to end this marriage. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “And now suddenly there’s no rush at all. How curious.”
“That’s enough, Dorothy,” I said, closing the folder carefully.
“This isn’t amusing. I’ve already arranged to meet with her–as Samuel West–to sign divorce papers next week. I ran a hand through my hair, a rare display of frustration. “How exactly am I supposed to handle this?”
Dorothy shrugged. “Perhaps just tell her the truth. She might be pleasantly surprised to discover that the cold, distant Samuel West is
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Chapter 67
actually the man she’s grown quite fond of.”
EZ
“Fond of?” I scoffed. “You’re being optimistic. I’ve seen how she pulls away whenever I get too close. She’s been nothing but professional
with me.”
“Oh yes, Dorothy nodded, thoroughly enjoying herself. “When I visited the gallery, she went to great lengths to assure me that there was
absolutely nothing between the two of you.”
She leaned forward, barely suppressing a laugh. “In fact, she specifically mentioned having a wonderful relationship with her husband.”
I sank back into my chair, the irony hitting me like a physical blow. “Perfect. Just perfect.”
“I must say,” Dorothy continued, not bothering to hide her amusement, “in all my years, I’ve never seen you quite so thoroughly outmaneuvered. It’s refreshingly entertaining.”
“Grandma,” I said, my voice low and serious, “I need you to keep this information to yourself for now.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Your marital drama is your own to manage, Caspar. I’m perfectly content to observe from a distance.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Though I will offer one piece of advice–Don’t be too hasty, Caspar. Frighten her away, and you might never
get her back.”
I met her gaze steadily, a newfound resolve settling over me.
“I will win her over.”
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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.
