Chapter 139
Caspar’s POV:
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I sat in the living room, absently flipping through a financial magazine while waiting for Audrey to finish getting ready.
She had returned from visiting Margaret at the hospital about an hour ago, immediately heading upstairs to prepare for her dinner with Clara
and Finley.
Through the open doorway, I could see Noah sitting at the dining table with Edward, working on a puzzle together, their heads bent in
concentration.
The sound of Audrey’s footsteps on the stairs drew my attention.
She appeared in a simple but elegant navy dress, her hair loosely curled around her shoulders.
I’ll be back before ten,” she said, collecting her purse from the side table.
I set down my magazine and stood up. “Actually, I thought I might join you tonight.”
Audrey paused, her hand halfway to her coat.
“Join me? For dinner with Clara?”
“Yes,” I said casually.
“Finley called earlier. He had invited me.”
Audrey’s brow furrowed slightly.
“That’s strange. Clara didn’t mention anything about it when we spoke this morning.”
“Perhaps she forgot to tell you,” I suggested, already reaching for my own coat.
“You know how hectic things have been for them since returning from Chicago.”
As we prepared to leave, Noah stepped forward from Edward’s side.
“Are you both going out?” Noah asked, his voice small but steady.
Audrey knelt down to his level, her expression gentle.
“Yes, sweetheart. We’re going to have dinner with Clara and Finley. We won’t be gone long.”
I watched the familiar scene unfold, expecting Noah to ask to come along or to show some sign of distress.
Instead, he surprised us both.
“Okay,” he said with a solemn nod. “Have fun. Come home early, please.”
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Chapter 139
Audrey blinked in surprise, and I felt a similar shock.
“We’ll be back before you know it.” I promised, ruffling his hair gently.
Noah looked between us, a knowing smile on his little face.
“You look pretty, Audrey. Daddy thinks so. He kept looking at the stairs, waiting for you.”
I cleared my throat, feeling unexpectedly caught out by my four–year–old son.
“We should get going. The reservation is at eight.”
Edward gave me a subtle nod of approval as we headed toward the door.
“Enjoy your evening, sir. Miss Lane.”
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The private dining room at Vérité in Chelsea was discreetly elegant, with floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking a garden terrace,
Clara and Finley were already seated when we arrived, their heads bent close in conversation.
Clara looked up first, her face lighting with genuine pleasure at seeing Audrey.
Then her gaze shifted to me, and confusion flickered across her features.
‘Caspar? Why are you here together?” Clara asked, glancing between us. “Did you two run into each other on the way?”
I moved to pull out Audrey’s chair for her, then took her coat, placing them on the nearby hook with a familiarity that didn’t escape Clara’s
notice.
These small gestures seemed to answer her question before either of us spoke.
‘Actually, we came together, Audrey said, settling into her seat with a nervous smile as I took my place beside her.
Clara’s eyes widened, darting between Audrey and me.
“Is there something you forgot to tell me, Audrey?”
Audrey took a deep breath. “Caspar and I are… together now.”
I felt an unexpected surge of pleasure.
Clara’s mouth dropped open slightly before breaking into a wide smile.
“I knew it! I told you earlier that you two are a good match.
She exclaimed, looking triumphant.
I turned to Audrey with raised eyebrows, surprised by this revelation.
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Chapter 139
Did Clara ever mention that Audrey and I would be a good match? What was her reaction like at that time?
Audrey avoided my gaze and pretended not to see me,
“A woman always knows,‘ Clara continued, reaching across the table to speze Audrey’s hand.
I’m so happy for you both.”
Finley raised his glass. “Congratulations!
The rest of dinner passed pleasantly, with conversation flowing easily between business, art, and Clara’s animated stories about their
honeymoon
We returned to the Thornton estate shortly after ten.
Edward met us at the door with his usual composure, though I detected a slight tension in his stance.
“Sir, you have a visitor waiting in the main hall.”
Before I could ask who it was, Daisy Cole stepped into view.
Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she moved forward with practiced grace.
“Caspar! I’m so glad you’re home.” She embraced me briefly before stepping back, completely ignoring Audrey’s presence.
“I hope you don’t mind me dropping by unannounced.”
“It’s quite late for a social call, Daisy,” I said neutrally.
“I know, I’m sorry.” She had the decency to look slightly embarrassed.
“I came secretly following Finley and Clara, and I don’t really know anyone here well enough to stay with.”
“What about your brother?” I asked, taking out my phone. ‘I can call Finley-
“He didn’t answer the phone,” she said quickly. “I’ve tried several times.”
“In that case, Edward can drive you to a hotel,” I said, already turning to signal my butler. “The Four Seasons isn’t far-
“Why not let her stay here for a night?” Audrey interrupted, her voice casual and composed.
“We have plenty of guest rooms, after all.”
I froze, my hand still raised mid–gesture.
This was not the reaction I’d expected. A quick glance at Daisy confirmed she was equally surprised by Audrey’s offer.
“Edward can show you to one of the guest suites,” I said, recovering quickly
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I turned to Audrey, taking her hand with more firmness than necessary. “We should head to bed. It’s getting late.
Daisy’s eyes widened as she watched me guide Audrey toward the master bedroom.
“You two are…” she let the question hang in the air, disbelief evident in voice.
“Together,” I finished for her, not bothering to hide the edge in my tone.
“Audrey and I are together now, Daisy. I’d appreciate it if you kept that in hind.”
Without waiting for her response, I led Audrey down the hallway, my jaw clenched with irritation.
As soon as our bedroom door closed behind us, I dropped her hand and turned to face her.
“What was that about?” I demanded, keeping my voice low but unable to hile my frustration.
“Why would you invite her to stay?”
Audrey seemed startled by my reaction. “I was just being polite.”
“Polite?” I raised an eyebrow. “To a woman who’s made it perfectly clear she wants me?”
I’m aware of who she is, Caspar.”
Are you? I’m starting to wonder if you even care.”
The words came out harsher than I intended, but I couldn’t stop myself.
‘Is this relationship so casual to you that you don’t mind having your competition under the same roof?”
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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.
