Chapter 94
Audrey’s POV:
I woke up at exactly seven o’clock.
Sunlight streamed through the blinds of my bedroom, casting thin stripes across the comforter.
After a quick shower, I opted for a tailored charcoal gray dress, elegant yet understated, perfect for the office.
Since I’d be at Thornton Group headquarters today, I applied minimal makeup, just enough to look polished but not overdone, and twisted
my hair into a neat chignon.
I peeked into the guest room where Clara was sprawled across the bed, one arm flung over her face, snoring softly.
I scribbled a quick note on a Post–it and stuck it to the refrigerator:
Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. Spare key on the hook by the door if you need to leave. -A
Traffic was light as I headed toward Manhattan, giving me time to mentally prepare for my day at Thornton Group.
When I walked through the elegant marble lobby of the Thornton building, I immediately felt the weight of curious stares.
Employees clustered near the coffee station turned to look, their conversations dropping to whispers as I passed.
“That’s her–the new art consultant…”
‘I heard she has some special connection to the Thorntons…”
“She seems to have been personally recruited by the CEO.”
I kept my gaze forward, pretending not to notice the ripple of curiosity I’d created.
Being the new face at a company this size was uncomfortable enough; being a new face with a direct line to the CEO made it infinitely
worse,
I ignored them all, keeping my chin up and my pace steady as I made my way to the elevator.
I had barely settled at my desk when Lily appeared at my doorway, her face brightening when she saw me.
‘Ms. Lane! I’m so glad you came into the office today,” she said, clutching a tablet to her chest.
“We can finally get the recruitment plan for your new department finalized.”
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Chapter 94
“Good morning, Lily,” I replied, setting down my bag.
‘Let’s proceed with the recruitment according to the standards we discussed online.”
Lily nodded, making a quick note on her tablet.
“Perfect. I’ll get everything in motion.
She hesitated for a moment before adding, “But you’ll need to brief Mr. Thornton on our final approach, though.”
I couldn’t help the small sigh that escaped my lips.
And here I thought I might make it through the day without a face–to–face meeting.
I reminded myself firmly that this was work hours–professional time where personal feelings had no place.
After organizing my recruitment files and collecting my thoughts, I took a deep breath and headed to the executive floor.
When I stepped into the executive reception area, James looked up from his desk.
His expression shifted from surprise to momentary fluster before quickly regaining his usual composed demeanor.
“Ms. Lane,” he said with professional courtesy. “What can I assist you with on the executive floor today?”
“Mr. Thornton requested a briefing on the recruitment plans for my department,” I replied.
James glanced at his computer screen, then back at me with an apologetic smile.
‘I’m afraid Mr. Thornton is currently in a meeting with someone. Would you mind waiting a few minutes?”
“Of course not,‘ I said, taking a seat in the reception area. “I understand how busy his schedule must be.”
As I waited, I noticed the blinds to Caspar’s office weren’t completely closed.
Through the narrow gaps, I caught a glimpse of his visitor–the perfectly coiffed blonde hair and designer outfit were unmistakable.
Daisy Cole.
Our eyes met through the slats of the blinds.
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A slow, calculating smile spread across her face before she leaned in closer to Caspar, placing her hand on his arm in a gesture that was deliberately intimate.
18:30 Fri, Jan 30
Chapter 94
:.
But her victory was short–lived. In the next moment, Caspar smoothly shifted away, removing her hand from his arm with a subtle but
unmistakable motion.
He rose from his chair and walked to the door, opening it wide.
“Audrey,” he called out, his gaze finding mine. “Since you’re here, you might as well come in and wait. We’re almost finished.”
Daisy’s expression morphed from confidence to embarrassment and resentment, her perfectly painted lips pressing into a thin line.
As I entered the office, Caspar turned to Daisy with polite detachment.
“Was there anything else you needed to discuss, Daisy?”
Daisy’s eyes darted between us before she composed herself with visible effort.
“Actually, I’m flying back to Chicago this afternoon,” she said, her voice shifting to a frustrated tone.
“You’ve been avoiding me all week, Caspar. The least you could do is drive me to the airport. That’s not asking too much, is it?”
Caspar leaned against his desk, maintaining a careful distance.
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be appropriate, Daisy,” Caspar said candidly.
“I’m actively pursuing someone right now, and I need to maintain proper boundaries with other women. I wouldn’t want to create any
misunderstandings.”
As he spoke, his eyes briefly flickered toward me before returning to Daisy.
Daisy caught it immediately,
“I can have James arrange a car for you,” he continued smoothly. “Or he can drive you personally if you prefer.”
Daisy’s expression shifted from hopeful to furious in the span of seconds as she realized not only that Caspar was rejecting her, but
exactly who he was interested in instead.
‘I see,” she said, her voice brittle with wounded pride.
She shot me a withering glare, as though I had personally orchestrated her humiliation.
‘Well, don’t bother with the ride then. The people waiting to pick me up lined up all the way to France. I certainly don’t need you.”
Daisy gathered her things and stormed toward the door where I was still standing.
As she passed, she deliberately knocked her shoulder against mine with enough force to make me step back.
18:30 Fri, Jan 30
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter
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.
