Chapter 69
Caspar’s POV:
I watched Audrey’s face carefully as she expressed her annoyance at being the object of pity.
The slight flush on her cheeks and the defiant tilt of her chin were particularly fascinating.
“I understand,” I said finally.
After a moment of consideration, I added, “You know, we could always make their assumptions true.”
Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“The rumors,” I clarified, keeping my tone casual despite my racing heart. “If they’re going to talk anyway, we might as well give them
something real to talk about. Noah would certainly be happy about it.”
“Are you suggesting we-” She gestured between us, incredulous. “-date? Just to stop gossip?”
“Not just for the gossip,” I replied carefully. “Noah adores you. And I…” I paused. “I find your company refreshing.”
She stared at me as if I’d grown a second head.
“Mr. Thornton,” she said with a small laugh, “that’s really not necessary. You don’t need to make such a sacrifice for Noah’s sake.”
Was the idea of being with me truly that absurd to her?
[“It wouldn’t be a sacrifice,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.
An awkward silence fell between us. I decided to change the subject.
‘I heard you’ll be leaving the gallery soon,” I said. “May I ask what your plans are?”
She tensed slightly. “That’s… personal. I’d rather not discuss it right now.”
I nodded, studying her face.
“Whatever your plans are, I’d like to offer you an alternative,” I said, straightening my posture. “The Thornton Group is always looking for
exceptional talent in the art world. We would be honored to have someone of your expertise join our team.”
Her eyebrows rose slightly. “You’re offering me another job?”
“Yes, the conditions are up to you.”
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Chapter 69
Audrey tilted her head, considering. ‘It’s a tempting offer, Mr. Thornton.”
She paused, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh. “But I still have some things to deal with, and I will think about it properly after
I finish handling them.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I should be able to handle it.”
“If you need any assistance with that, just tell me.” I offered.
Audrey’s lips curved into a half–smile, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“Is this how Thornton Group typically recruits people? Identifying talent and then…” She made a sweeping gesture with her hand,
“…making it impossible for them to say no?”
I held her gaze steadily. “When I see something–or someone–I want, I typically find a way to get it.”
Her gaze shifted away from me, as if avoiding my eyes.
“You’re welcome to accept whenever you’re ready,” I replied, maintaining eye contact. “There’s no expiration date on this proposition.”
As I was about to continue, Audrey’s phone chimed with a text message.
She glanced at the screen, and I watched as her expression shifted instantly.
“I’m sorry,” she said, suddenly gathering her things. “There’s something I need to attend to immediately.”
‘Is everything alright?” I asked, noting the subtle tension in her movements.
“Yes, just an unexpected situation that requires my attention.” She was already heading toward the door. “Please apologize to Noah for
me.”
Before I could press further, she was gone.
A few minutes later, the door swung open again.
Noah stood there, his artwork clutched in his small hands, eyes scanning the room expectantly.
‘Where’s Audrey?” he asked, his voice unusually clear,
‘She had to leave, Noah,” I said, moving toward him. “Something came up that she needed to take care of.”
The change in Noah’s expression was immediate.
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Chapter 69
His small shoulders slumped, and the light that had been in his eyes moments before extinguished snuffed out.
I knelt down to his level. “Hey, don’t be sad. I’m trying to convince Audrey to become a permanent part of our family.”
Noah’s eyes widened, a mixture of hope and disbelief crossing his features.
Really?‘ he whispered.
I nodded, maintaining eye contact with my son. “Yes. I’m doing everything I can to make her your mom.”
For a moment, excitement flickered across Noah’s face, his eyes bright with possibility. Then, just as quickly, the light dimmed, replaced
by uncertainty.
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“But I asked her,” he said quietly. “If she wanted to be my mom. She didn’t say yes.”
“Well,” I said, trying to hide my embarrassment with a smile, “that’s why we need to work together on this. These things take time and…
strategy.”
Noah looked at me curiously. “Like a mission?”
I smiled, grateful for his quick understanding. “Exactly like a mission. Operation Family.”
Noah nodded thoughtfully, “I’ll help you.”
“I know Miss Audrey likes me a lot,” he said matter–of–factly. “But she doesn’t like you the same way yet.”
He emphasized the ‘yet‘ with surprising confidence. “But I can help with that. I’ll make her like you too, and then we can all stay together
forever.”
I felt a strange mixture of emotions. The brutal honesty of children never failed to catch me off guard.
‘I… I started, then stopped, unsure how to respond. What could I say? He wasn’t exactly wrong.
Instead, I placed my hand on his shoulder and leaned down slightly. “Noah, this conversation–our mission–needs to stay between us, okay? It’s our secret. We can’t tell Miss Audrey about it.”
He nodded firmly.
I watched as Noah returned to his toy collection in the corner of the 100m, immediately absorbed in his own world again.
Edward, who had been hovering discreetly by the doorway, approached once Noah was out of earshot.
“Mr. Thornton,” he began in a hushed tone, “forgive me for overstepping, but I feel compelled to say something.”
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Chapter 69
I raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead, Edward.”
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He straightened his already impeccable posture. “Deceiving children is never advisable, sir. Even with good intentions. He paused. ‘Noah will take your words to heart.”
“Rest assured, Edward,” I said. “I’m not messing with Noah.”
I opened my desk drawer and removed the marriage certificate Dorothy had given me.” Audrey is already, legally speaking, part of this family?”
Edward’s face registered shock. “Sir?”
“Audrey Lane is Audrey Bailey–the adopted daughter of the Bailey family. She is the woman I’ve been contractually married to for the past four years.“‘
Edward’s eyes widened.
“Sir?” He stared at the certificate, then back at me. “Miss Lane is… you’ve been… for four years?”
“Yes,” I nodded and turned back to him. “From now on, I expect Audrey to be treated as the rightful lady of this house.“.
Edward straightened immediately, years of professional training kicking in despite his obvious shock and excitement. “Of course.”
He paused, then added with careful precision, “Should I inform the rest of the staff, sir, or would you prefer to keep this matter private for the time being?”
“Keep it private for now,” I replied. “Audrey herself doesn’t know I’m aware of her identity. When the time is right, we’ll make the proper
announcements.”
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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.
