Audrey’s POV:
I hastily set down my wine glass, trying to hide the slight tremor in my fingers.
“Indeed, quite unforgettable.” I forced a smile. “But speaking of wine, don’t worry, I don’t usually drink on the job.”
Caspar’s gaze still stared at me without any reservation, his lips curving slightly upward.
“Miss Lane, relax. I’m not some uptight taskmaster.”
I felt relieved when the topic was successfully diverted.
“Alright, I’ll admit it. I actually love wine tasting, especially wines.”
Caspar raised his glass.
“The Thornton estate has a wine cellar stocked with some world–class vintages. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to browse it sometime.”
World–class vintages? As a wine enthusiast, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted.
The opportunity to explore such a collection was genuinely appealing.
But reason quickly kicked in.
Get a grip, Audrey! I warned myself internally. This man is “King C,” Wall Street’s apex predator. Visit his private wine cellar? What are you, suicidal?
“Thank you for the kind offer,” I replied vaguely, trying to keep my voice politely distant.
The dinner proceeded in an unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere.
I found myself unconsciously observing the interaction between Caspar and Noah.
This financial titan on Wall Street was now patiently cutting his son’s steak with meticulous, gentle movements.
This was a far cry from the “ruthless” and “corporate shark” reputation that circulated through New York’s financial circles.
I began to question whether those rumors were grossly exaggerated.
Just as I was lost in these thoughts, Caspar’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Sorry, I need to take this call.” He nodded politely to me.
He rose and left the dining room. Noah watched his father’s retreating figure, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face.
I reached over and gently patted his small hand.
1/4
3:03 pm P M
Chapter 10
2005
“It’s okay, we can keep enjoying this delicious dinner. Look, this dessert looks amazing–want to give it a try?”
After dinner, I accompanied Noah to his bedroom.
I read him a story in soft tones while he listened quietly, his eyelids growing heavy.
Before the tale was finished, he had drifted off to sleep.
Once I confirmed he was sound asleep, I tiptoed out and quietly closed the door.
Common courtesy dictated I should bid Caspar farewell before leaving.
“Mr. Thornton is on the terrace in the back garden, Edward helpfully informed me, pointing toward the end of the hallway. “Just follow this corridor straight down–you can’t miss it.”
I thanked him and headed in that direction.
Night had fallen, and the hallway was quiet except for the echo of my footsteps.
As I approached the terrace, I heard Caspar’s voice drifting through the half–open door.
“James, I don’t care what methods you use. By tomorrow morning, I want to see whoever leaked our acquisition plans to Westfield.”
His voice was ice–cold and razor–sharp, a complete departure from his warm demeanor at dinner. I instinctively slowed my pace.
‘I can tolerate failure, but I will never tolerate betrayal and deception.” His voice continued, low and menacing. “Make sure he understands the price of crossing Thornton.”
“Still not learning and not confessing will get them thrown into the sea to feed the fish.”
Those words sent chills down my spine. My instinct was to turn and leave, but as I backed away, I accidentally bumped into a decorative vase in the hallway.
Clink-
Though the sound was soft, it rang out clearly in the quiet night.
Caspar whipped around alertly, his sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on the source of the noise.
When he saw it was me, surprise flickered across his face.
“Miss Lane?” His voice carried obvious bewilderment and a hint of wariness. “What are you doing here?”
My heart was pounding like a jackhammer as I tried to appear composed. ‘I… I just came to say goodbye. Noah is fast asleep. I thought I should head home.”
Caspar pocketed his phone and walked toward me.
His gaze was inscrutable, as if he were assessing something. “How long have you been standing there?”
2/4
Chapter 10
“Just arrived, I answered immediately–perhaps too quickly. I didn’t hear anything, really?”
God, I’m a terrible actress.
Caspar studied me, silent for several seconds. Those seconds felt like an eternity.
Then he spoke slowly. “Miss Lane, you look rattled.”
‘I…” I instinctively took a step back.
“People need to face the music for their mistakes, don’t they?‘ His voice was calm, but somehow it sent a chill through me.
Was he implying something?
Did he know about that night in London? Or was he warning me to keep my mouth shut? Various possibilities raced through my mind, each one amplifying
my panic.
But unexpectedly, Caspar’s expression suddenly softened.
He stepped back, returning to the warmth he’d shown at dinner. “Sorry, I was just dealing with some thorny business issues. I might have sounded a bit
harsh.”
He glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late, and New York’s nights can be dicey. Let Edward drive you home.”
“That’s not necessary…”
“It’s no trouble,” he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument while remaining polite.
“Miss Lane, thank you for spending time with Noah tonight. He’s rarely this happy.”
I could only nod mechanically. “Of course, it’s my job.”
Minutes later, I sat in Edward’s car, watching the night scenery blur past the window, my mind far from settled.
Who was the real Caspar Thornton–the man who had coldly issued orders over the phone, or the gentle father who had tenderly cared for his son at dinner?
“What an idiot I am, “I thought ruefully. How could I let one dinner make me think he was different from his reputation?
“Miss Lane, Edward’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “We’ve arrived at your apartment.”
Only then did I notice that the car had already stopped in front of my apartment building.
“Thank you, Edward.” I gathered my bag, preparing to get out. ‘And… thank you for your help tonight.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Lane.” He nodded politely.
As I turned to walk toward the apartment entrance, I saw a familiar figure standing by the lobby door.
3/4
0.03 pin
Chapter 10
Sienna Bailey, my ‘sister,‘ was leaning against the wall, wearing a sinister smile. When she saw me stepping out of the luxury vehicle, her eyes briefly showed surprise, which quickly turned into schadenfreude.
‘Oh my, look who it is–our precious little Audrey,” she said with saccharine sweetness.
*Back from overseas and already hooking up with rich guys? Was all the upbringing in the Bailey household for nothing?”
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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.
