Chapter 181
Caspar’s POV:
Lunch with the Coles had been more exhausting than I’d anticipated.
ائے
As I drove Audrey back toward Long Island, I couldn’t help but glance
at her profile illuminated by the late afternoon sun.
She seemed lost in thought, her fingers absently tracing patterns on
the leather seat between us.
“You handled that well,” I said, breaking the silence.
“The Coles seemed genuinely happy to see you.”
Audrey turned to me with a small smile. “They were… nice.”
I observed carefully.
“Are you considering getting to know them better?”
Her shoulders tensed slightly. “No. I was just being polite.”
“Is there something concerning you?” I asked, noticing her hesitation.
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“You’re reading too much into it,” she replied, turning slightly toward
the window.
“With me by your side, you can do whatever you want, Audrey,” I said
earnestly.
“There’s no need to hold back or worry.”
A small smile played on her lips.
“You’ve said that many times already.”
I replied, my voice softening. “I worry you don’t take it to heart.”
Audrey’s smile faded as she looked down at her hands.
I could tell she knew I was still bothered by her reluctance to share
her past with me, not to mention her unwillingness to consider my
marriage proposal.
She fell silent again, seeming to retreat into her thoughts.
We drove in comfortable silence until my phone rang through the
car’s speakers.
Edward’s name flashed on the dashboard display.
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“Sir,” Edward’s voice was formal, as always, but I detected an
undercurrent of tension..
“I apologize for the interruption, but I thought you should know that
Ms. Amelia Harrison is here at the estate.”
I felt my body go rigid.
Amelia Harrison–the woman who had appeared at my doorstep four
years ago claimed to be Noah’s mother.
Audrey glanced at me curiously.
“What does she want?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite the
alarm bells ringing in my head.
“She claims to have important documents for
you,
sir.”
“I’m on my way back now. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
I ended the call, acutely aware of Audrey’s questioning gaze.
“That was Noah’s biological mother,” I explained, deciding honesty
was best.
Audrey froze for a moment, her eyes widening slightly at this
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revelation.
Then, surprisingly, she simply nodded once, her face betraying little
emotion beyond a flicker of understanding.
“I see,” she said softly, turning to look out the window again.
The rest of our drive passed in silence, my mind racing with
possibilities about Amelia’s unexpected visit.
When we arrived at the estate, Edward was waiting in the foyer, his
normally impassive face tight with concern.
“Ms. Lane,” he greeted Audrey with a slight bow.
Audrey looked between us, clearly sensing the tension.
“I just realized I haven’t finished the painting design that’s due
today,” she said, glancing at her watch.
“I should go work on that.”
Once she was out of earshot, Edward spoke in a low voice.
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“Did Ms. Lane hear anything about Ms. Harrison on the phone?”
“Just her name,” I replied, removing my jacket.
“Not that it matters. I’ve never hidden anything from Audrey.”
Edward raised an eyebrow. “Not even about Noah’s mother?”
I handed him my jacket. “If I want to be with her forever, there’s
nothing to hide.”
“Where is Amelia now?”
“Gone, sir. She didn’t wait. She left an envelope for you.”
Edward retrieved a large manila envelope from the side table.
“She said you’d want to see the contents immediately.”
I took the envelope, feeling its weight.
I opened the envelope and spread its contents across my desk.
My blood ran cold as I stared at the photographs before me.
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They showed Noah as a newborn, being delivered to the Thornton
estate.
The images were clearly taken by whoever had brought him.
Five years of silence, and now this.
I examined each photograph carefully, searching for clues.
“She’s changed her appearance completely,” Edward said, standing at
my shoulder.
“Her face is unrecognizable–all cosmetic procedures and technology.
I glanced up at him questioningly.
“Perhaps she’s run through the money you gave her,” Edward
suggested, his voice carefully neutral. “And has returned for more.”
I frowned, “Did she leave any message?”
Edward nodded. “She mentioned there was a note inside the
documents.”
He gestured toward the envelope.
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I sifted through the photographs and found a small folded piece of
paper I had missed before.
Unfolding it, I read the handwriting.
“If you want to know more, meet me at 8:00 PM. Use the key card to
find me.”
Sure enough, tucked within the envelope was a hotel key card.
I held it up, examining the familiar logo embossed on its surface.
The Plaza Hotel–the very same place where I had been drugged five
years ago, where I had Noah.
This time I won’t let the truth slip away.
Whatever game she’s playing, whoever is behind this, I’ll find out
everything.
Edward shifted uncomfortably. “Will you go to meet her, sir?”
“Of course,” I replied without hesitation. “I need answers.”
Edward hesitated, his brow furrowed.
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“And what about Ms. Lane? Will you tell her about this meeting?”
I paused, considering his question.
“No, Not yet.”
I paused, considering his question.
“Keep this from Audrey for now. I don’t want her worried or involved
until I know what we’re dealing with.”
I gathered the photographs and slipped them back into the envelope.
“And Edward, watch over Noah carefully while I’m gone.”
“Of course, sir,” Edward nodded solemnly.
I grabbed my keys and headed for the door.
Minutes later, I was in my car, driving away from the estate, my mind
racing with possibilities.
In the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Audrey on the balcony
outside her studio, watching me leave.
