Chapter 35
Caspar’s POV:
I was in the middle of questioning Audrey when a deliberate cough from behind interrupted me.
I turned around to see my grandmother Dorothy standing there, wearing an awkward smile.
“Grandmother?” I raised an eyebrow, my tone clearly surprised. “What are you doing here?”
Dorothy lightly adjusted her silk scarf, trying to mask her embarrassment.
“I just wanted to check on Noah’s progress and meet his art teacher.”
Her gaze shifted between Audrey and me. “How could you be here? Caspar.”
I could feel my jaw tighten.
Just yesterday I’d warned grandmother not to approach Audrey on her own, and here she was today.
This was no coincidence.
I glanced at Audrey, whose expression made it clear she’d known about Dorothy’s presence all along.
“I came to discuss Noah’s recent progress with Miss Lane,” I replied evenly.
Dorothy quickly chimed in with an embarrassed laugh, “W
a
coincidence, so did I.”
Audrey was clearly enjoying the show, the hint of a smile playing at her lips. “Seems like the Thornton family is very invested in Noah.”
I didn’t take the bait, just gave her a long look before speaking. “I’ll drive grandmother home. We can continue our conversation another time.”
With that, I escorted Dorothy out of the gallery.
We maintained silence the entire ride until we got in the car, when Dorothy finally spoke up. “I see you and Miss Lane get along quite well.”
“Looks like you two hit it off pretty well too,” I replied sarcastically, “considering she helped hide you so I wouldn’t know you were there.”
Dorothy looked somewhat sheepish. “I was just curious. I didn’t expect to bump into you.”
“Grandmother,” my voice dropped lower, “I made it crystal clear on the phone yesterday that I didn’t want you approaching Audrey Lane privately.”
Knowing she was in the wrong, Dorothy quickly changed the subject. “I heard you mention investigating her?”
“Just pulling Miss Audrey’s leg,” I answered dismissively, unwilling to elaborate.
Dorothy nodded. ‘I understand. Finding someone Noah’s willing to connect with is no small feat. It’s normal for you to stay alert.”
She paused, her tone becoming loaded with meaning. “Though I hear Audrey Lane is married. Did you know that?”
1/3
3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 35
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. Is that so?
Dorothy looked at me with barely concealed glee. “You’ve known each other this long, and Audrey never mentioned it?”
1 remained silent, my gaze fixed on the road ahead, an inexplicable feeling washing over me.
“Four years, according to her. Dorothy continued meaningfully, studying my reaction. ‘She doesn’t seem to have any special feelings for you whatsoever.”
I feigned casual interest in the passing scenery. “Audrey Lane’s marital status is none of my business, grandmother,
Dorothy sighed. “What a shame. It’s rare to find someone Noah takes such a shine to.”
Something seemed to occur to her, and her tone softened. “Though Caspar, you’re still married yourself at the moment.”
“I’m aware.”
“If Bailey isn’t the person you thought she was, then perhaps this marriage–arranged to fulfill your grandfather’s dying wish–should be brought to an end sooner rather than later.”
There was guilt in Dorothy’s voice. “I was the one who arranged this marriage for you, and I’ve always felt terrible about it.”
My grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. “That’s ancient history, grandmother. I’m perfectly capable of handling my own marriage.”
She turned to face me, her eyes sincere. “Caspar, I want
you to
I didn’t respond immediately, simply pulled up in front
own happiness, whether it’s for Noah’s sake or your own.”
the Thornton estate.
Dorothy’s words echoed in my mind, stirring up thoughts I’d
trying
to
Once back in my room, I immediately called James.
“You didn’t find anything about Audrey Lane being married?” My tone
was
clearly accusatory.
“Married?” James sounded genuinely surprised. “No, sir. We did a thorough background check–there’s no marriage record whatsoever.”
“You’re certain?”
“Absolutely certain, sir.” James’s response was rock solid.
. I hung up, my expression unreadable.
So it was just a line Audrey had fed Dorothy–an improvised lie.
It was actually a clever defensive strategy–telling my grandmother she was married to cut off any potential speculation or interference.
My fingers drummed lightly against the desk.
I had originally planned to take my time with Audrey, to see what game she was really playing, but now I seemed to be running out of patience.
I’m done playing this cat–and–mouse game with Audrey.
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3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 35
The more I think about it, the more pointless all this dancing around feels.
I just want to see her face when I lay my cards on the table.
But just as I picked up the phone to call Audrey, James knocked and came in, reminding me about tonight’s business dinner.
I had to shelve those thoughts for now and throw myself back into work.
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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.
