Audrey’s POV:
I returned to my room exhausted, gently closing the door behind me to shut out the chaos from outside.
Slipping off my coat, I headed straight for the bathroom.
I turned on the shower and let the warm water cascade over my body, hoping it might wash away the frustration weighing on my heart.
As the water streamed down my hair, I closed my eyes.
Unbidden images flooded my mind–Noah’s eyes, so desperate for love, and Caspar’s complex, unreadable gaze.
After my shower, I wrapped myself in a bathrobe and emerged from the bathroom, toweling my damp hair.
Suddenly, I heard faint sounds coming from the adjacent cloakroom.
Frowning, I tiptoed toward the noise.
The moment I pushed open the door, I saw Sienna standing at my vanity.
She hold one of my favorite necklaces and tried it on in front of the mirror.
My anger ignited instantly.
“Put it down! Who gave you permission to enter my cloakroom?”
I said coldly, my voice barely containing my fury.
“Taking without asking is stealing. I never thought the Bailey family would produce a thief.”
Sienna turned around at my words, showing not a trace of embarrassment or guilt.
Instead, she shrugged dismissively.
“Don’t be such a tightwad, Audrey. This cloakroom is half mine anyway. There’s nothing wrong with me entering my own space, is there?”
‘Half yours?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Then please explain why you’re trying on my jewelry.”
‘Don’t make such a big deal out of it. I was just having a look,” Sienna rolled her eyes, her fingers still caressing the necklace. “You should be flattered that I’d even consider wearing your stuff.”
She smugly adjusted her hair and continued.
“You need to understand that I’ll be attending the Thornton family gala, where I’ll be rubbing shoulders with the cream of the crop.”
She paused, a flash of malice in her eyes.
“If you play your cards right, I might even help you find a decent catch, especially since that mystery husband of yours won’t be around much longer
1/4
0:04 pm
Chapter 16
anyway.
IVI
I’d had enough.
I yanked the necklace from around her neck with one swift motion. ‘I have zero interest in your so–called flattery.”
‘You’d better leave. Now.” My voice dripped with disgust.
Sienna let out an exaggerated shriek. “You hurt me!”
She clutched her neck dramatically, her eyes flashing with venom.
‘Just you wait, Audrey. You’re just green with envy that I received the Thornton invitation.”
She strutted toward the door with an air of superiority, then suddenly turned back.
“Oh, and tomorrow, pack up your things. This cloakroom is mine now.” With that, she deliberately bumped my shoulder and sauntered away.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
This endless cycle of petty warfare had gone on far too long. I was sick and tired of playing the unwelcome outsider in the Bailey household.
If I didn’t still have matters to investigate, I wouldn’t spend another minute in this house.
Returning to my bedroom, I collapsed onto the bed exhaustedly, closing my eyes and preparing to end this awful day.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a text message from Caspar Thornton:
“Noah’s grandmother would like to meet his art instructor. Tomorrow evening at 7 PM, there’s a private dinner at the Thornton estate. Are you available?
I hesitated. I wanted to decline, not wanting to be at the same event as Sienna.
But as I was considering how to word my refusal, Caspar sent another message:
“Noah is particularly looking forward to seeing you. He painted something new today and wants to show it to you personally.”
Those words struck me like a spell.
Thinking of that quiet little boy who only expressed himself through his paintbrush, my heart involuntarily softened.
“I’ll be there,” “I replied, surprising myself with how quickly I’d agreed.
Caspar responded promptly.
*I’ll send a car for you tomorrow.” “Brief but courteous.
Lying in bed, I began to wonder why I became so soft–hearted whenever Noah was involved.
2/4
8:04 pm P M
Chapter 16
Early the next morning, just as I finished getting ready, my phone rang.
I glanced at the screen–it showed “Thornton–and immediately answered.
‘Good morning, Miss Lane.” Caspar’s voice came through the phone, deep and commanding. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Good morning, Mr. Thornton, I responded, unconsciously smoothing my hair even though he couldn’t see me. ‘I was just about to head out.”
“Perfect. I’ve arranged for Harper Kline to prepare your evening attire. The driver is already waiting downstairs.”
Harper Kline? New York’s most elite stylist?
I was so stunned I could barely speak. I hadn’t expected him to arrange a stylist for me. All I could manage was, “Alright, I’ll be right down.”
Sienna had left early for her styling appointment, and I’d originally planned to keep things simple. Apparently, that wasn’t going to be an option.
Harper Kline’s studio was located in the heart of Manhattan, decorated with sophisticated modern flair.
Harper herself was an elegant woman in her fifties who welcomed us warmly.
“Mr. Thornton, lovely to see you again.”
She smiled, then turned to me. “And this must be Miss Lane, whom you mentioned.”
After Caspar’s brief introduction, he received a phone call. He nodded to us and stepped aside to take it.
Harper led me into a spacious dressing room filled with an array
of
gowns.
“Let’s see what style appeals to you,” she said, selecting several different designs from the racks.
When I tried on the first dress–a deep crimson gown–Harper’s eyes immediately lit up.
“Perfection!” Harper nodded approvingly.
“Your bone structure and presence are better suited for haute couture than many professional models I’ve worked with.”
She circled around me. ‘Few people can pull off this shade of red like you do. It’s as if this dress was made for you.”
Just as Harper was about to select an appropriate hairstyle, Caspar returned.
He looked at me, and I caught a flash of admiration in his eyes.
“You look stunning, Miss Lane,” he said simply.
At that moment, his phone rang again.
He glanced at the screen, his expression growing serious. “I apologize, but I must leave. Edward will pick you up and escort you to the estate.”
After he hurried away, Harper continued perfecting my look while making conversation.
3/4
8:04 pm P M
Chapter 16
“You know, this is the first time Mr. Thornton has personally brought someone to my studio,” she said with a meaningful glance. “Usually, he just sends an
assistant.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I simply smiled.
That evening, Edward arrived as promised.
As we drove into the Thornton family’s Long Island estate, I was awestruck by the sight before me.
The entire grounds were exquisitely decorated with elegant lighting, and the long driveway was lined with luxury vehicles.
Edward parked at the entrance and opened my door. “Miss Lane, please follow me.”
I walked toward the entrance with my invitation in hand. Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind me:
“Audrey? What are you doing here?”
I turned around to see Sienna standing there, looking absolutely flabbergasted. She was wearing a glittering silver gown and had obviously spent considerable time getting ready.
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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.
