Chapter 78
Audrey’s POV:
Caspar’s words echoed in my mind as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
“What if you raise our standards and then leave us?”
His question had followed me from dinner, through my evening routine, and now kept me from sleep.
There had been something in his eyes when he’d said it that made my chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.
I tossed and turned, telling myself to stop overthinking a simple comment.
Yet I couldn’t shake the feeling.
When sleep finally claimed me, Caspar followed me there too.
The next morning.
I woke with a start, my heart racing and cheeks burning.
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The details of the dream were already fading, but Caspar’s image remained vivid–his intense gaze, the feel of his hand against my cheek,
his voice low and intimate as he leaned closer…
Oh God. I buried my face in my pillow.
Dreaming about Caspar Thornton? Really, Audrey?
I forced myself out of bed, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to wash away both the memory and the lingering heat in my
cheeks. I needed to focus.
Today wasn’t just any day–it was my first official day at Thornton Group after finally breaking free from Horizon Gallery’s suffocating
contract.
Downstairs, I found Caspar and Noah already at the breakfast table, I hesitated in the doorway, irrationally afraid they might somehow
read my thoughts.
“Good morning,” Caspar said, glancing up from his tablet. “Ready for your first day?”
I nodded, trying to appear composed as I took my seat. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Fighting!” Noah exclaimed. His face was scrunched up in adorable determination.
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Chapter 78
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I couldn’t help but laugh, “Well, thank you. That’s exactly what I needed to hear this morning.”
The Thornton Group headquarters dominated the Manhattan skyline, a gleaming monument to power and wealth.
The elevator whisked me directly to the art design floor, and I used those brief moments to steady my breathing.
The doors opened to reveal a space that perfectly balanced modern minimalism with subtle luxury.
I noticed the sideways glances and whispered conversations as I passed.
A young woman with impeccable posture approached me, her smile professional but warm. “Ms. Lane? I’m Lily Walker, your assistant.
Welcome to the Thornton Group.”
Lily proved incredibly efficient, giving me a detailed overview of the company structure and my new role.
My office was a corner space with breathtaking views and elegant furnishings.
“Is everything to your satisfaction?”
“Yes, it’s… incredible,” I managed, still overwhelmed.
“The company has also arranged an apartment for you in the Upper East Side, just ten minutes from the office.”
She handed me a set of keys. “It’s fully furnished and available immediately.”
I stared at the keys, momentarily speechless.
So this was how the other half lived–where apartments in the most exclusive neighborhoods were handed out like corporate swag.
With my finances still recovering from the Horizon settlement, this was an unexpected lifeline,
“Thank you,” I said finally, “That’s incredibly generous.”
I returned to the Thornton estate that afternoon, planning to gather my belongings and tell Caspar about my new apartment.
What I hadn’t expected was the sound of unfamiliar voices drifting from the main living room.
I stepped into the doorway and froze.
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Chapter 78
The living room, which I’d expected to find empty or perhaps with just Noah playing, was occupied by Caspar and two strangers–a well- dressed man and an elegantly attired woman.
All three turned toward me at my entrance.
My breath caught as I recognized the woman immediately. Daisy Cole.
The same woman whose pictures with Caspar at the Ritz in London had circulated.
‘Caspar–bro, Daisy said, her voice like honey, “aren’t you going to introduce your… visitor?”
Caspar gently stepped away from Daisy’s touch.
“Audrey,” he called out. “Come in, please.”
He gestured for me to join them, and I felt three pairs of eyes track my movement as I crossed the room.
‘I’d like you to meet Ethan Cole and his sister Daisy,” Caspar said, his hand briefly touching my elbow as he guided me forward.
“Ethan, Daisy, this is Audrey Lane. She’s Noah’s art teacher and…”
There was the slightest pause, almost imperceptible but definitely there.
“…a friend,‘ he finally concluded.
“A pleasure to meet you, Audrey,” Ethan said, extending his hand with genuine warmth.
‘Likewise, Mr. Cole,” I replied, shaking his hand with a measured smile.
The smile Daisy offered me was perfunctory at best, her acknowledgment limited to a slight nod before her attention deliberately shifted
elsewhere.
Message received: I was an unwelcome variable in whatever equation she’d been calculating.
Honestly, I couldn’t have cared less.
A small movement from the doorway caught her eye, and Daisy’s demeanor transformed instantly, her face lighting up.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. ‘Is this Noah?”
She moved toward him with elegant steps, bending slightly to meet his eye level.
“You’re even more adorable than your father described. ”
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Chapter 78
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Noah had appeared in the doorway, his small figure pausing when he noticed the strangers.
I brought something special for you,‘ Daisy announced, producing an elegantly wrapped package with a blue ribbon. I thought you might
enjoy these.”
Noah glanced at Caspar, who gave him a slight nod, before cautiously accepting the gift.
His small fingers carefully untied the ribbon and unwrapped the paper to reveal an expensive–looking wooden building block set.
“Thank you,” Noah said quietly, his response polite.
“Such good manners!” Daisy cooed, her smile widening.
She reached out to pat Noah’s head, but Noah deftly stepped sideways, moving just out of her reach.
He shifted closer to where I stood, his hand briefly brushing against mine.
It was a subtle movement, not quite rude but somewhat embarrassing.
“Noah prefers not to be touched by people he doesn’t know well,” Caspar explained smoothly.
Daisy’s hand froze mid–air, her smile faltering for just a moment before she recovered.
“Of course,” she said, withdrawing her hand with practiced grace. “It’s normal for children to feel shy.”
Ethan stepped forward, smoothly changing the subject.
“I think we should give Noah some space to get comfortable. Children need time to warm up to new people.
He turned to Caspar with a casual smile.
“You know, we haven’t properly caught up long time. I heard you have a great collection of fine wines. Maybe we should have a drink?”
Caspar nodded, clearly welcoming.
“Of course, Let me show you my wine cellar.”
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Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
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.
