Chapter 142
Daisy’s POV
Thornton Old Manor on Long Island.
I drummed my perfectly manicured fingernails against the marble side table, glancing occasionally at my phone.
My phone wouldn’t stop buzzing with incoming calls and messages.
I smirked as I watched the notifications pile up, then deliberately powered off my phone and set it aside.
Let them worry. Let them scramble to find me. I was exactly where I needed to be.
After leaving Caspar’s place at dawn, I’d made my way to the main Thornton family estate on Long Island.
If Audrey thought she could dismiss me so easily, she was sorely mistaken. I needed a more powerful ally.
The door opened, and a young man with the unmistakable Thornton features entered.
Tall, impeccably dressed in a casual suit, with those same intense gray eyes that Caspar had.
But this wasn’t Caspar.
“Miss Cole?” His smile was warm as he extended his hand. “Brandon Thornton. I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure.”
Brandon Thornton–New York’s notorious playboy.
Everyone in elite social circles knew how he paraded around Manhattan using the Thornton name to get into exclusive clubs and women’s
beds.
I barely glanced at his extended hand before giving it the briefest possible touch.
“Pleasure,” I said flatly, immediately withdrawing my hand and turning away.
I deliberately focused my attention on adjusting my bracelet, making it crystal clear I had no interest in conversation with him.
He wasn’t worth my time or attention–just another trust fund playboy living off the family name without contributing anything meaningful.
Thankfully, before our awkward exchange could continue further, the door opened again.
A tall, elegant woman with silver–streaked dark hair entered.
Dorothy Thornton carried herself like royalty, her gaze immediately commanding the room.
I immediately switched personas.
Gone was the dismissive socialite from seconds ago–in her place stood a respectful, eager young woman with bright eyes and a warm, deferential smile.
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Chapter 142
“Mis. Thornton!” explained with perfectly calibrated enthusiasm.
Thank you sa inuch for seeing me. It’s such an honor to finally meet you person,”
“Allas Cole. Her voice was cultured, controlled. “This is rather unexpected
I know, and I do apologize for dropping in unannounced.”
I reached for the designer shopping bag I’d brought,
‘I wanted to bring you a small token from my trip to Europe. It’s the new mited edition Hermès silk scarf from their Paris collection.”
I presented the box with both hands.
Dorothy accepted it with a gracious nod but didn’t open it,
‘How thoughtful. What brings you here this time?”
I glanced around, then back to Dorothy, lowering my voice slightly.
“I was hoping I might speak with you privately about a… personal matter. If you could spare a few moments of your time?”
Dorothy’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied me, then she seemed to make a decision.
“Brandon, would you excuse us? I believe Miss Cole and I have matters to discuss.”
When the door closed, Dorothy gestured for me to sit.
“Now, Miss Cole, what is this really about?”
I took a deep breath.
“Mrs. Thornton, I’ll be direct. I’ve admired Caspar for some time. Caspar is… exceptional.”
I leaned forward, letting my voice soften.
“I believe I could be a tremendous asset to him, both personally and professionally. The Cole family has extensive connections throughout the Midwest and Europe that could open doors for Thornton’s next wave of acquisitions.”
Dorothy’s expression remained impassive. “Go on.”
Encouraged, I continued.
“I understand he’s currently… involved with Audrey Lane. But with all due respect, she doesn’t come from our world. She can’t possibly understand the pressures and expectations that come with Caspar’s position.”
‘And you believe you do?” Dorothy asked, her voice neutral.
“I was raised for this world, Mrs. Thornton. I know its rules, its expectations.”
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Chapter 142
I smiled confidently.
I’m timph asking for your support. Perhaps you could help Caspar see Hill there are more suitable companions for someone of his stature
Dorothy set down her teacup with deliberate care.
When she looked up, her eyes had hardened to steel.
“Miss Cole, let me be absolutely clear. Caspar’s personal relationships are his own business, and I would never presume to interfere
“However, if I were inclined to offer an opinion, it would be that anyone who attempts to manipulate their way into his life is demonstrating precisely why they are unsuitable.”
I felt the blood drain from my face. “Mrs. Thornton, 1-*
“Furthermore, she continued, cutting me off, “Caspar has never needed a woman’s connections to advance his business interests.”
“I didn’t mean-
“As for Audrey Lane,” Dorothy’s voice grew warmer, “I am very satisfied with him.”
She rose from her seat with unmistakable finality.
“If there’s nothing else, Miss Cole, I believe our conversation has concluded.”
“Mrs. Thornton, please, if you’d just consider-” I started desperately, but was interrupted by a voice from the doorway.
“Daisy.”
My heart stopped.
I turned toward the door, blood draining from my face.
Ethan stood there, his expression thunderous.
Behind him, I could see Caspar and Audrey.
How long had they been standing there? The horrifying realization that they might have heard everything–my pathetic attempt to win Dorothy’s favor, my dismissal of Audrey–made me feel physically ill.
Ethan stepped forward, bowing slightly to Dorothy.
“Mrs. Thornton, I cannot apologize enough for my sister’s unexpected intrusion. I hope she hasn’t taken up too much of your valuable time.”
Dorothy waved her hand dismissively, the very picture of grace.
“Not at all, Mr. Cole. Your sister has been… entertaining. It’s good to have visitors break up the monotony of my day.”
Her tone was pleasant, but the subtle emphasis told me exactly what she thought of my “entertainment value.
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Chapter 142
Then her eyes shifted fest Filen, her entire face lighting up with genuine warmth.
Audrey, my dear? It’s been too long since you’ve visited the main estate.
Borthy extended her hands toward Audrey, who stepped forward with a smile.
The stark contrast in how she addressed Audrey made my stomach twist with anger.
Ethan shunt me a look of pure disappointment.
He turned back to the group with a tight smile,
“We should be going. Thank you again for your understanding, Mrs. Thornton.”
He gripped my elbow firmly, ‘Caspar, Audrey–we’ll see you another time.”
As he practically dragged me toward the door, I caught one last glimpse of Audrey standing comfortably between Caspar and Dorothy, looking like she belonged there in a way I never would.
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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.
