Chapter 34
Audrey’s POV:
Dorothy Thornton’s gaze lingered on my face for a moment before she elegantly waved her hand.
“Perhaps I was mistaken. At my age, sometimes you mix people up.”
I smiled and nodded, though inwardly I was curious about who she thought I was.
“Please, have a seat, Miss Lane.” She gestured to the sofa across from her.
I sat down opposite her, maintaining a composed and dignified posture.
“First, I want to thank you.” Dorothy began, her tone genuinely sincere.
“Noah… you understand his situation. Over the years, very few people have been able to reach into his inner world the way you have.”
“Noah is such a special child,” I smiled in response, my
me as well.
showing genuine affection. “Being able to help him, watching him gradually open up, is a joy for
Dorothy seemed satisfied with my answer, her expression softening slightly.
She studied me for a moment before speaking again.
“You seem quite fond of Noah,” she said, her tone casual but her eyes watchful.
I sensed there was more behind her words than a simple observation. “Is there something specific you’d like to ask me, Mrs. Thornton? Please feel free to speak directly.”
Dorothy’s lips curved into a small smile, as if appreciating my forthrightness.
“Very well. Since you prefer straightforward conversation, I won’t beat around the bush.”
I sat quietly, maintaining eye contact with her, waiting for whatever question she had in mind.
Dorothy’s gaze became piercing as she asked directly, “Do you have feelings for Caspar? I saw the news yesterday–those photos of you three at the amusement park.”
I felt a flush of surprise, quickly followed by understanding. So that was what this was about.
“Mrs. Thornton,” I said carefully, “I believe you’ve misunderstood the situation.”
I took a small breath before continuing. “I was there primarily for Noah. Mr. Thornton and I have a strictly professional relationship. I respect him as Noah’s ‘father and as my employer, nothing more.”
The probing look in her eyes seemed intent on seeing straight through to my soul.
“Is that so?” Dorothy asked, her tone making it clear she wasn’t entirely convinced.
1/4
3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 34.
I realized I needed to be more convincing to dispel her suspicions.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to share what would hopefully put an end to her doubtful thoughts.
‘Mrs. Thornton,” I said with quiet firmness, I should probably tell you that I’m married. Have been for four years now.”
Dorothy’s expression shifted to surprise, her eyebrows lifting. “Married?
“Yes, I continued, maintaining eye contact to reinforce my sincerity. “My husband and I have a very loving relationship.”
Dorothy’s face took on an expression that I couldn’t quite decipher–there seemed to be an enigmatic mixture of emotions there, a paradoxical combination of what appeared to be satisfaction alongside a strange, inexplicable disappointment.
“I see,‘ she said finally, her voice carefully modulated. “I must apologize for my presumption.”
“Please, don’t worry about it,” I said gently, feeling slightly uncomfortable with her apology. “It was a natural misunderstanding.
After a moment, she nodded. “It seems I was overthinking things.”
She stood up, and I followed suit.
‘It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Lane.” She said. “I’ll continue to count on you to look after Noah.”
“Of course, it’s what I should be doing.”
Just as Dorothy was about to leave, there was a
gentle knock
on the office door.
Mrs. Smith pushed the door open.
‘Mr. Caspar Thornton is here. He says he needs to see M
Lane.”
Dorothy’s face instantly changed. She quickly glanced at me, then lowered her voice and said, “Don’t let him know I’m here.”
She quickly moved to a partition behind the bookshelf.
‘I’ll make myself scarce for a bit.” She whispered, then disappeared behind the door.
Before I could process this sudden turn of events, the reception room door was pushed open.
Caspar Thornton strode in, wearing a charcoal gray suit that radiated an aura of power.
“Miss Lane.” His voice was deep and calm.
“Mr. Thornton.” I tried to stay composed. “What can I do for you?”
He scanned the room, then locked his gaze on me. “Do you have a moment to speak privately? There are some matters I’d like to discuss.”
Despite the interrogative form, his request functioned more as a gentle command, leaving no real space for refusal.
Mrs. Smith glanced at me, and seeing my slight nod, she tactfully left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
2/4
3:18 pm
Ррмм
Chapter 34
Now it was just the two of us in the room well, plus Dorothy hiding in the partition.
What did you want to discuss, Mr. Thornton?” I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.
Tve investigated you, Miss Lane, he stated matter–of–factly, his eyes never leaving mine.
I felt my body go rigid, shock quickly giving way to indignation.
“That seems inappropriate,” I said, my voice tight with controlled anger. ‘You have no right to invade my privacy like that, Mr. Thornton
“Don’t look at me like that.” His tone was matter–of–fact. “I won’t allow someone with unclear intentions to get this close to Noah.”
I couldn’t help but laugh incredulously at his behavior as if his invasion of my privacy was entirely justified.
“So? What earth–shattering revelations did your investigation uncover, Mr. Thornton?”
The sarcasm in my voice was unmistakable, but I didn’t
care.
Instead of appearing embarrassed or defensive, Ca expression remained coolly confident.
His lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile
that
never reached his
eyes.
He took one deliberate step toward me, then another, closing the distance between us with calculated precision.
I found myself instinctively backing up until I felt the edo
of the desk behind me.
His imposing figure loomed over me in a way that made
my heart
race nervously.
“If you have nothing to hide,” he said, his voice dropping to so nervous, Miss Lane?”
a low
murmur that seemed to vibrate through the limited space between us, “then why are you
every thought flickering behind my expression.
or if he’d actually uncovered something.
His eyes studied my face with unsettling intensity,
as though he could
read
My mind raced frantically, trying to determine whether he was bluffing
Just as the tension between us reached its breaking point, a deliberate cough echoed through the room.
With a jolt, I remembered Dorothy was still in the room.
In that moment, I suddenly became acutely aware of our compromising position.
The realization brought a flush of heat to my cheeks.
I quickly straightened up and tried to create some professional distance between us.
3/4
3:18 pm P Pм M.
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.
