Chapter 148
Ethan’s POV:
I watched Caspar’s face harden as Edward mentioned Eleanor Bailey waiting at the gate.
‘Tell security to escort Mrs. Bailey off the property,” Caspar instructed Edward, his voice cool.
‘Don’t let her disturb Audrey.”
He turned to Amy, who stood nervously clutching her small bag..
“Edward will show you to the guest house behind the main property,” Caspar continued.
As Edward led Amy away, I finally voiced the question.
“Wait, isn’t Audrey supposed to be an orphan?”
I remembered Audrey had mentioned at Cole’s dinner table last time that she was an orphan.
Caspar gestured for me to follow him into his study.
He poured two glasses of scotch, handing one to me before settling into a leather armchair.
“Eleanor Bailey isn’t Audrey’s mother,” he explained. “She’s Audrey’s adoptive mother, though she hardly deserves the title.”
I took a seat across from him, processing this information.
“So Audrey was adopted by the Baileys?”
“Almost. Caspar took a sip of his scotch before continuing.
“Audrey was raised believing she was their biological daughter. Five years ago, Sienna, the biological daughter of the Bailey family, was found, and only then did Audrey realize she was not biologically related.”
“Jesus,” I muttered, taking a larger swig of my drink than intended.
“That must have been devastating.”
“It was. Especially when the Baileys essentially discarded her once they learned the truth. Only Margaret Bailey continued to treat her with any
decency.”
His fingers tightened around his glass.
I couldn’t help but make the connection–Audrey’s age, the fact she wasn’t biologically a Bailey, the timing of it all.
A bold thought flashed through my mind.
“Caspar,” I started carefully, my heart suddenly racing, “is it possible that Audrey could be-”
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Chapter 148
“No,” Caspar shook his head, already understanding where my thoughts were heading.
He continued, his voice softening slightly.
‘The circumstances are entirely different. Audrey was switched at birth in the hospital. Your sister was taken by kidnappers.”
I felt that familiar hollow disappointment settle in my chest. Another dead end.
I nodded slowly, staring into my glass.
“We have more information now than ever before,” Caspar said, leaning forward.
“Kevin’s connection to the case is substantial. With Amy’s cooperation, we’re closer than we’ve been in years to uncovering the truth.”
“I hope so,” I replied, trying to mask my disappointment.
Back at my new Manhattan apartment.
Daisy greeted me at the door, taking my coat with a smile that seemed more genuine than usual.
She said, studying my face. “Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” I answered automatically. “Is Finley at home?”
Daisy’s face seemed to stiffen for a moment, but perhaps I was mistaken.
She quickly replied, “He’s in the study.”
I found Finley in our top–floor study, reviewing documents spread across the mahogany desk.
“Any luck?” he asked immediately, setting aside his papers.
I loosened my tie and sank into the leather chair opposite him.
“Kevin’s in the wind, but we found his wife.
Finley’s eyebrows shot up. “Thornton got physical? I’d have paid to see that.
“It was… efficient,” I admitted. “The woman, Amy, is staying at the Thornton estate for protection.”
“Did she give you any information?‘ Finley leaned forward, his expression eager.
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
“Nothing concrete yet. Everything hinges on finding Kevin.”
Finley reached across the desk and squeezed my shoulder.
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Chapter 148
Don’t be discouraged, Ethan. I have a good feeling about this–we’re going to find her soon.
I nodded, wanting to believe him.
A noise outside the door caught Finley’s attention.
He crossed the room in three quick strides and yanked it open.
Daisy stood there, holding a tray with three steaming cups of artisanal coffee,
“Perfect timing,” she announced brightly.
Tve been practicing my barista skills!”
I studied her face carefully, searching for any sign that she might have overheard our conversation about the missing sister.
But Daisy’s enthusiasm seemed entirely focused on her coffee creation, her eyes bright with pride rather than troubled with secrets.
I exchanged a quick glance with Finley, both of us visibly relaxing.
Daisy handed me my coffee. I took a sip.
“This is excellent, Daisy,” I said, genuinely impressed. “Your barista skills are improving fast.”
Her face lit up with the compliment.
“If you like it, I can make it for you every morning!”
I smiled gently at her enthusiasm.
“Daisy, someday you’ll have your own family. You won’t always be making coffee for your big brother.”
Her expression fell immediately.
“Why do you say that? I don’t want to get married and leave. I want to stay with you and Mom and Dad forever.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her childlike declaration.
I reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
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“Everyone will have their own life, Daisy,” I said gently.
I couldn’t help but worry about her attachment to us.
The thought of Audrey’s situation with the Baileys–how quickly they’d discarded her when they discovered she wasn’t biologically theirs–sent an uncomfortable chill through me.
Daisy had always been coddled and protected, perhaps too much.
chmant to our family was intense.
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Chapter 148
She definitely can’t accept that she’s not their biological child.
I sighed inwardly, feeling a renewed determination.
I would never allow Daisy to face what Audrey had endured.
Our family would never cast her aside, regardless of blood.
The Baileys‘ cruelty toward Audrey only strengthened my resolve to protect Daisy from ever experiencing such betrayal.
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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.
