Audrey? What are you doing here?”
I stood at the entrance of the Thornton family estate, so shocked I could barely speak.
How the hell could she be here?
I’d spent the entire day getting dolled up, determined to be the belle of the ball at this charity gala.
Now here was Audrey standing before me in that drop–dead gorgeous red dress, looking like a damn movie star.
“I was invited,” she replied calmly, holding up her invitation.
I bit back my rage, looking her up and down.
“You? Invited to a Thornton family gala? You’ve got to be kidding me.” I scoffed, trying to inject as much disdain into my voice as possible.
“How could someone like you possibly get into an event like this?”
Audrey just smiled slightly, that smug, cat–that–got–the–cream expression making my blood boil.
“As you can see, I was indeed invited.”
“Oh, I get it now,” I said, narrowing my eyes meaningfully.
“Your sugar daddy hooked you up, didn’t he? Isn’t he worried you’ll come here fishing for someone richer and more powerful? Or maybe you’re just that good between the sheets that you’ve got him wrapped around your little finger.”
Audrey’s expression changed instantly, her gaze turning ice–cold as she stared straight at me.
“Your mind is absolutely disgusting, Sienna. Not everyone is like you, building their self–worth on pleasing men.”
With that, she curved her lips into a contemptuous smile, turned on her heel.
She walked straight toward the venue entrance, as if speaking another word to me would contaminate her somehow.
I stood there watching her elegant silhouette disappear through the doors, fury threatening to consume me entirely.
Don’t panic, Sienna. You haven’t lost yet.
I scanned the entire venue, searching for Caspar Thornton.
Tonight was my golden opportunity, and I had to seize it.
Ever since I’d seen his photos and read the articles about him, I’d been dreaming of the day I could become the woman by Caspar Thornton’s side.
Not just because of his wealth and status, but because of “King C” himself.
1/4
8:04 pm P M
Chapter 17
I was confident I had enough beauty and cunning to capture his attention.
1 carefully navigated through the crowd, hunting for that legendary man. I spotted plenty of celebrities and socialites, but no sign of Casper.
Just as disappointment began to set in, a tall, handsome man approached me.
“Hello, beautiful lady. I’m Brandon Thornton, he introduced himself, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I immediately adjusted my expression, flashing my most enchanting smile.
While he wasn’t Caspar, he was still a member of the Thornton family–worth cultivating a connection with,
I remembered he was Caspar’s cousin, a notorious playboy in New York high society, though he clearly hadn’t inherited the Thornton family’s striking looks
“Sienna Bailey, I extended my hand, deliberately making the gesture graceful and slow.
‘Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thornton.”
Brandon took my hand and kissed it lightly.
“Just call me Brandon. Tell me, why is such a beautiful woman here all alone?”
I lowered my head coyly, letting my carefully styled hair shimmer under the crystal chandeliers.
“I just arrived and don’t really know many of the guests yet.”
“Well then, how about I show you around?” Brandon slipped his arm around my waist, leading me toward a relatively secluded corner.
Initially, his conversation and mannerisms were charming, but as time went on, his hands began wandering inappropriately.
I felt a wave of panic–this wasn’t the direction I wanted things to go.
I’d come here to get close to Caspar, not to be groped by his playboy cousin.
I need to find a way to ditch him without offending a member of the Thornton family.
Just as Brandon’s hand slid toward my backside, I suddenly spotted Audrey in the distance.
A devious idea flashed through my mind.
“Brandon, do you see that lady in the red dress over there?”
I pointed in Audrey’s direction, deliberately making my voice sultry and suggestive.
Brandon followed my finger, his gaze immediately drawn to Audrey. “Who is she?” His interest was clearly piqued.
“That’s my sister, Audrey Lane,‘ I deliberately lowered my voice as if sharing a secret.
‘She just returned from London, England. She’s incredibly popular–particularly skilled at… pleasing men.”
2/4
3:04 pm P M
Chapter 17
Brandon’s eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store.
“Really? She certainly looks captivating. Maybe I should go introduce myself.”
“She’s always been interested in successful men like yourself,” I continued to fan the flames. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to meet you.”
Brandon could barely contain his eagerness as he released me, straightening his tie.
“Well then, I’d better go say hello. Thanks for the introduction, Sienna.”
I watched him make his way toward Audrey, secretly gloating.
Perfect. Let Audrey deal with that sleazeball. Now I could continue my search for Caspar.
After getting rid of Brandon, I resumed hunting for Caspar when suddenly I felt something bump into my leg.
Looking down, I saw a little boy holding a glass of juice.
Before I could react, the ice–cold liquid had already spilled all over my designer gown worth tens of thousands of dollars.
“Oh my God!” I shrieked, watching the horrific orange stain spread rapidly across the silver fabric.
“Look what you’ve done!”
The little boy stood there silently, looking at me with wide eyes, but offered no apology.
This infuriated me even more.
“You little brat!‘ I exploded, completely forgetting where I was.
“This is a haute couture gown worth tens of thousands of dollars! What kind of ill–mannered little savage are you!”
My voice echoed through the ballroom, and everyone around us stopped their conversations, turning to stare at our scene.
The little boy’s shoulders trembled slightly, but he remained silent.
The crowd was beginning to murmur, and I could feel dozens of eyes boring into me.
Some guests were shaking their heads disapprovingly, while others whispered among themselves.
I realized I’d made a complete fool of myself, but my anger was beyond control.
“Do you have any idea how much this dress costs?” I continued my tirade, my voice getting shriller.
“Your parents obviously never taught you any manners! Where are they anyway? They should be ashamed of raising such a-”
“That’s enough.”
A deep, authoritative voice cut through my rant like a blade.
3/4
1:04 pm P MO
Chapter 17
I turned around to see a tall figure approaching us, and my heart nearly stopped.
Caspar Thornton.
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.
