Chapter 108
Audrey’s POV:
After a brief silence, Caspar asked, “Will you be attending Finley’s wedding?”
“Yes, I’m Clara’s bridesmaid. ”
“I received an invitation as well,” he said. “I’ll be taking Noah with me.”
- »))
Caspar continued, his expression softening slightly.
“Would you like to join us on the private jet? Noah would be much more comfortable with you there. You know how he gets during travel,
but he’s always calmer when you’re around.
I hesitated, considering the offer. Flying with them meant more time in Caspar’s presence, but it also meant seeing Noah sooner.
Caspar must have sensed my hesitation because he quickly added.
“You don’t need to deliberately avoid me, Audrey,” Caspar said, his voice softer. “We can interact normally from now on. I won’t overstep any boundaries again. I just think Noah would benefit greatly from having you there.”
His reassurance helped ease my concerns.
“Okay,” I said finally. “Thank you.”
The Thornton private jet was a stunning display of wealth that made me involuntarily shake my head in amazement.
The interior gleamed with cream leather seats, polished wood paneling, and what looked like actual crystal glassware secured in custom
cabinets.
Looking at all this luxury, I couldn’t help but think once again how differently the truly wealthy lived.
Noah was ecstatic to see me, immediately demanding I sit beside him.
Edward had come along to help with Noah, but for most of the flight, Noah was glued to my side.
The flight was comfortable but uneventful.
After we landed, Caspar’s driver took us directly to The Langham, the five–star hotel where Finley and Clara had arranged
accommodations for the wedding guests.
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18:28 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 108
As we entered the grand lobby with its gleaming marble floors and crystal chandeliers, I spotted Clara and Finley near the reception desk.
They appeared to be giving instructions to the hotel staff, likely finalizing details for the upcoming ceremony.
“Audrey!” Clara exclaimed when she saw us, her face lighting up with delight.
She rushed over, arms outstretched for a hug.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries and introductions, we moved to the reception desk to check in.
The receptionist greeted us with practiced courtesy, though her eyes widened slightly when she heard Caspar’s name.
“Welcome to The Langham, Mr. Thornton and Miss Lane,” the receptionist said with a polite smile. “Mr. Thornton, you’ll be on our top
floor. Miss Lane, we have you on the third floor.”
She handed us our respective keycards.
I thanked her and turned toward the elevators, but felt a sudden tug on my hand.
Noah was gripping my fingers tightly. “That’s too far away. I want to stay with you.”
I knelt down to his level. “It’s okay, Noah. We’re all in the same hotel. I’ll come see you whenever you want.”
Noah shook his head stubbornly. “But I don’t want you to be far away.”
Clara, who had been listening to the exchange, stepped forward with a frown.
“What’s going on here? Why are they on different floors?”
“Mr. Thornton is our VIP guest and has been assigned our Presidential Suite,” the receptionist explained. “Miss Lane has been assigned a
standard double room on the third floor.”
“A double room?” Clara’s voice rose sharply.
“You’re putting my bridesmaid in a room with strangers? That’s completely unacceptable!”
The receptionist looked confused.
“Oh, no, Miss Willow. It’s a double room for single occupancy–two beds, but only for Miss Lane.”
“That’s not the point,” Clara said, clearly still upset.
“Audrey is my honored guest, too. She should be in the Suite next to mine on the top floor, not tucked away on the third floor. I
specifically requested that arrangement.”
18:28 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 108
:
The receptionist looked flustered as she checked her computer again.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Willow, but the system shows Miss Lane assigned to room 312.”
I touched Clara’s arm gently. “It’s really not a problem. I don’t mind a standard room.”
I watched Clara’s indignation building and felt a wave of anxiety.
The last thing I wanted was to create tension for her right before her wedding.
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She was just about to join Finley’s family. First impressions with in–laws were crucial, and I didn’t want my room assignment to become
Clara’s first battle with the Cole family.
“But I mind,” Clara said firmly. “You’re my best friend, I don’t want you to feel wronged because of me.”
Caspar’s voice cut through the growing tension. “Perhaps we should stay at another hotel.”
The receptionist blanched. “Mr. Thornton, please calm down-”
The commotion had attracted attention from across the lobby.
Finley, who had been deep in conversation with one of the event planners, looked over with concern.
He quickly excused himself and strode toward us.
“What’s going on?” he asked, his brow furrowed as he placed a protective hand on Clara’s shoulder.
Clara quickly explained the situation about my room assignment, her voice tight with frustration.
Finley’s usually relaxed demeanor shifted immediately. His expression hardened as he turned to the receptionist.
“How did this happen?” he demanded. “The arrangements were confirmed days ago.”
The receptionist looked distinctly uncomfortable as she glanced at her computer screen.
“I… well, it shows here that the Artist’s Suite is already occupied, sir.”
Finley spoke in a serious tone I had never heard from the usually easygoing gallery owner.
“Whatever the reason. Fix this. Now.”
The effect was immediate, revealing his significant influence within the Cole family.
18:28 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 108
The young woman’s fingers flew across the keyboard.
“Y–yes, I’ll reassign Miss Lane to the Suite immediately.”
Once she had printed out the new keycards, Finley turned to us with an apologetic smile, his usual warmth returning.
“I’m so sorry about this confusion, Audrey. This shouldn’t have happened,” he said, handing me the keycard to the Suite.
“I’ll look into how this mix–up occurred.”
He glanced at Noah, who was still clutching my hand, then at Caspar and me.
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“You must be exhausted after your flight. Why don’t you all go up and rest? The Suite has a beautiful view of the city that I think you’ll
appreciate.”
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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.
