Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 122
“Are you laughing at me?” Clara’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Seriously, Audrey? Even my best friend is mocking my humiliation!”
“I’m not laughing at you, I insisted, though my twitching lips betrayed me I’m laughing at Finley,”
“It’s not funny!” Clara pulled the blanket over her head again.
I can never face his family again. I’ll have to wear a bag over my head at every Cole family gathering for the rest of my life.”
I gently pulled the blanket down.
“You’re right, it’s not funny for you. And this is definitely Finley’s fault–both for being too rough and then for turning it into a public
spectacle.”
“Exactly!” Clara exclaimed.
I stood up decisively. “He owes you a proper apology. Let me get him.”
Before Clara could protest, I marched to the door and pulled it open.
Finley was still pacing the hallway, his face a mask of concern. When he saw me, he froze.
“Get in here,” I commanded, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the room. “You have
some
explaining to do.”
Finley entered nervously, his eyes fixed on the floor, clearly unable to meet Clara’s furious
gaze.
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“Clara,” he began, his voice barely audible, “I’m so sorry for embarrassing you. I just… panicked when I saw you were hurt.”
“You didn’t just embarrass me,” Clara said, her voice trembling with anger. You announced our intimate business to your entire family! Your mother asked if I needed a special cushion to sit on at lunch!”
I bit back another laugh and composed myself.
“Finley, what Clara needs is for you to acknowledge both mistakes–being too rough and then overreacting in a way that humiliated her.”
Finley nodded earnestly, finally looking up at Clara.
“You’re right. I should have been more gentle, and I definitely shouldn’t have created such a scene. I was just so worried about you, but that’s no excuse. I promise I’ll be more considerate in the future–in every way.
Clara’s expression softened slightly, though she still looked annoyed.
She mumbled, “I can’t even face going downstairs now. Everyone will be staring at me.”
Finley sat beside her on the bed. “I’ve already spoken to them. I made it clear that no one is to mention this again.
I watched as Clara’s anger gradually dissipated. The tension between them was easing, and I decided it was a good time to give them some space while also reminding them of the lunch.
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11:20 Thu, Feb 5 BNO
Chapter 122
“I think I’ll head downstairs and let them know you’ll be joining us shortly I said, moving toward the door.
“Wait, Clara called after me. “I’ll come with you. Just… give me a minute to get dressed.”
Finley looked relieved, and I nodded, pleased to see them working things out.
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Ten minutes later, I accompanied Clara, now dressed in a high–necked sweater, down the grand staircase to the Cole family’s dining room.
Sorry for the delay, everyone, Clara announced with a graceful smile.
The dining room was impressive, with a long mahogany table set elegantly for the occasion.
Caspar and Noah were already seated, with the elder Coles at the head of the table. I took a seat beside Clara, across from Caspar and Noah.
As the first course was served, Robert Cole broke the silence, turning his attention toward me.
“Audrey,” he said with a smile, “what do your parents do? They must be exceptional people to have raised such an accomplished young woman.”
I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth, surprised to suddenly become the center of attention.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Daisy and William exchanging glances their expressions clearly conveying they didn’t share their father’s
high opinion of me.
“I, um…” I hesitated, not wanting to delve into the complicated story of the Bailey family.
Explaining my status as their former foster daughter would lead to too many questions I didn’t want to answer in this setting. And as for my biological parents–well, that was a mystery even to me.
“I don’t have parents,” I finally said, setting down my fork. “I’m an orphan
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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.
