Chapter 32
Caspar’s POV:
I watched Audrey staring at the phone screen, looking like she had a splitting headache.
That photo of the three of us at the amusement park had already become front–page news in New York’s social circles.
“I’m so sorry,” she said quietly, her eyes still fixed on the headline. “I never imagined something like this would happen.”
“Did your grandmother get the wrong idea about something? She looked up at me,
I thought about my conversation with Dorothy just moments ago.
her voice carrying a hint of unease.
Her voice had been filled with curiosity about Audrey, peppered with questions about who she was and her relationship with Noah.
She had even suggested meeting this mysterious woman who had captured Noah’s attention so completely.
But until I understood exactly who Audrey Lane was and what she wanted, I wasn’t going to let her get any closer to my family than she already was.
“I’ve already explained everything to Grandmother,” I replied curtly. ‘She’s just concerned about Noah.”
I pulled out my phone and quickly sent James a message: “Kill all related stories immediately.”
A few minutes later, James replied: “Copy that.”
The car slowly pulled into the Thornton Estate driveway.
Noah was sleeping soundly in Audrey’s arms, his little face still wearing the satisfied smile from our day at the amusement park.
Audrey carefully carried Noah out of the car.
Her movements were so gentle, as if she were cradling the most precious treasure in the world.
When she bent down to place Noah on the sofa, the child suddenly woke up, his little hand immediately grabbing her sleeve.
“Miss Audrey…” Noah’s voice was drowsy from just waking up.
“I’m right here.” She gently stroked his hair.
I watched this scene unfold with conflicting emotions churning inside me.
Just then, Edward walked into the living room: “Sir, dinner is ready.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall–it was already seven o’clock.
When Noah heard the word ‘dinner,” he perked up a bit. He’d had quite the day.
‘Stay for dinner,” I said to Audrey, trying to make my tone sound casual.
1/4
:18 pm P P MM.
Chapter 32
She hesitated: “That’s not necessary, I…”
“Miss Audrey, eat dinner with us! Noah tugged at her hand, looking at her with those irresistible puppy dog eyes.
She eventually caved: “Alright.”
At the dinner table, I noticed something interesting.
Noah was pushing the carrots on his plate to one side, and Audrey was doing the exact same thing.
“You don’t like carrots either?” Noah discovered with delight.
Audrey smiled somewhat sheepishly: ‘Never been a fan since I was little.”
“Me too!” Noah said excitedly. “Daddy always makes me eat them.”
I cleared my throat: “Carrots are good for you.”
Both of them wrinkled their noses almost simultaneously, their expressions identical.
What surprised me was how chatty Noah was tonight. He was eagerly sharing all sorts of things with Audrey.
He’d probably said more today than he had in the entire past year.
After dinner ended, Audrey stood up to leave. Noah immediately ran to her side, reluctantly holding her hand.
She crouched down to meet Noah at eye level: “Noah, I need to go home now.”
“Can I see you tomorrow?” Noah’s voice was filled with hope.
“Whenever you want, anytime,” she said gently, stroking his head.
Then her expression became serious. “But Noah, you have to promise me something.”
Noah nodded.
“Daddy is the person who loves you most in this whole world,” she said softly, her gaze sincere.
“You can’t say those hurtful things to him anymore, okay? Sometimes the words we say are like swords that can wound the hearts of people who love us.”
Noah glanced at me, then looked down: “I understand.”
“Good boy.” She stood up and gave Noah’s head one final pat.
stood there, utterly perplexed by Audrey Lane.
I’d dealt with the most cunning business adversaries, seen through the most elaborate corporate deceptions, yet I couldn’t decipher the intentions of this art
teacher who stood before me.
When Audrey stood up and turned to see me,
the gentle smile on her face instantly vanished.
2/4
3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 32
The change was so obvious that it sparked an inexplicable irritation in my chest,
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she said, her tone becoming distant and polite. I should go.”
“It’s getting late,‘ I said instinctively. “Why don’t you stay the night in one of the guest rooms?”
She shook her head almost immediately: “That’s not necessary. I’ve already called a cab.”
She avoided my gaze, her eyes fixed on the taxi waiting outside.
Watching the taxi’s taillights disappear into the night, I turned back into the living room. Noah was sitting on the sofa rubbing his eyes.
I walked over and sat down beside him: “Did you have fun today?”
Noah nodded vigorously, his tired little face breaking into a satisfied smile.
He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt for a moment, then looked up at me.
“Daddy,” he said quietly, “I’m sorry about this morning.”
The unexpected apology caught me off guard.
“It’s okay,” I replied, gently ruffling his hair.
He scooted closer to me on the sofa, leaning his small body against mine. “I
love
you, Daddy.”
I felt a lump form my throat. “I love you too, Noah.”
“Noah, do you really like Miss Audrey?” I asked tentatively.
He nodded enthusiastically, his little face full of earnestness.
“How much do you like her?”
Noah thought for a moment, then spread his arms wide to show me.
Seeing his adorable gesture, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Daddy,” his voice was very small, “I really like Miss Audrey.”
I nodded gently: “I know.”
“When I grow up, I’m going to marry her.” Noah said seriously, his big grape–like eyes full of longing.
His words made me chuckle: “You’re only four years old.”
“But I just like her.” Noah looked down, his voice getting even smaller.
“Noah,” I said, gently touching his head, ‘you don’t have to marry someone to make them stay.”
3/4
3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 32
He looked up, a flash of confusion in his eyes, which then turned to frustration. I asked her if she could be my mommy…
My smile froze on my face: “And then what?”
“She said no.” Noah’s eyes started to well up.
“But I want to be with Miss Audrey every day.” Noah looked up at me. “Daddy, can you make her stay?”
Looking at my son’s hopeful expression, I fell into deep confusion.
If Audrey really was trying to get close to me through Noah, why would she refuse his request? Wouldn’t that be the perfect opportunity for her?
No scheming woman would play hard to get with a four–year–old child.
So what exactly did she want?
I picked up Noah: “Time for bed. You have to go to the gallery tomorrow.”
After putting Noah to bed, I stood alone by the floor–to–ceiling windows in my study.
Never had a woman been such an enigma to me.
James sent a message: All related news stories have been scrubbed clean.
I put down my phone, my mind replaying her cold expression when she left tonight.
Audrey Lane, what exactly was your purpose?
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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.
