Chapter 50
Sienna’s POV:
I turned around to see a familiar figure leaning against a stone pillar in the garden, wearing a cynical smile.
Brandon Thornton–Caspar’s cousin and New York’s notorious playboy.
He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his golden–brown hair casually swept back, eyes glinting with mischief.
“The Bailey heiress, right?‘ He sauntered over slowly. “I remember you from that party we met at.
“Brandon Thornton.” I quickly wiped away my tears and straightened my spine.
This was an unexpected windfall.
While he didn’t wield Caspar’s influence, he was still a Thornton family member.
I adjusted my clothing, made sure my makeup was flawless, and then flashed a charming smile.
‘Didn’t expect to run into you here.”
He chuckled softly, stepping closer. “So you’re here for Caspar.”
He curled his lip disdainfully. “Honestly, I’ll never understand why you women always throw yourselves at that iceberg. The guy can’t even crack a smile, let alone know how to make a woman happy.”
He moved closer, his voice dropping to a low, confident tone. “Unlike me–I know exactly what women need.”
I could feel his breath getting closer, the cologne nearly suffocating me.
This guy clearly had no sense of boundaries. I discreetly took a step back.
‘I think I’ve been out here long enough. I should head back inside.” I smiled, preparing to leave.
Brandon extended his arm to block my path, leaning against the pillar to create a semi–circle around me. “Don’t rush off, sweety.”
He leaned close to my neck, his warm breath sending suggestive signals. “If you’re dead set on him, I could help you out.”
‘Help me?‘ I paused, eyeing him suspiciously. “Why would you help me?”
Brandon’s fingers lightly traced my arm, his eyes flashing dangerously. “Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
His hand began wandering around my waist. “I help you get close to Caspar, and you… give me something in return.”
**This damned bastard,” I cursed inwardly, feeling a wave of nausea. But I didn’t want to miss any possible opportunity either.
If he could really help me get closer to Caspar, perhaps it was worth enduring his frivolity for a while.”
I skillfully sidestepped his attempt to kiss me, pretending to fix my hair. “I need to think about your proposition.”
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3:22 pm P Pм м
Chapter 50
Brandon raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my rejection, but quickly resumed his confident expression. The sooner you decide, the better, Opportunities like this don’t wait around, sweety.”
Not sure if this guy’s word is worth anything, but he’s obviously interested in me.
I calculated silently. Might as well string him along. If the Caspar route doesn’t pan out, his cousin isn’t a bad backup plan.
After all, he’s still a Thornton.
I gave him a sweet smile, eyes narrowing slightly. “When I’ve made up my mind, I’ll definitely be in touch. I paused deliberately. Looking forward to next
time.’
Dorothy’s POV:
By the time Sienna returned to the dining room, Caspar was already on his feet, clearly ready to leave.
“We should get going,” he announced matter–of–factly.
“So soon?” I said disappointedly. “At least stay for dessert?”
Caspar shook his head. “Noah has school tomorrow.”
I glanced between Sienna and Caspar.
This girl had been trying to catch Caspar’s attention all evening, and he’d been completely oblivious–or more likely, deliberately ignoring her.
As someone who’d been around the block, I could see plain as day how interested Sienna was in Caspar.
“At least give Sienna a ride back to Manhattan? She lives on the Upper East Side,” I suggested.
Sienna looked at Caspar hopefully,
eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Sorry, I don’t have time,” Caspar declined curtly, not even glancing her way.
Sienna’s smile froze, but she quickly recovered, maintaining her graceful composure.
After Caspar left with Noah and Audrey, I patted Sienna’s hand consolingly. “Don’t take it personally. Caspar keeps his distance from all women.”
“He doesn’t seem that way with Audrey,” she probed carefully.
I smiled. “Audrey’s different. She’s Noah’s art teacher, and Noah adores her.”
Sienna spoke with studied casualness.
“I heard Ms. Lane is married. Doesn’t her husband mind her spending evenings at another man’s house?”
I looked at her in surprise. “How did you know Audrey was married? I thought you two didn’t know each other?”
2/3
:22 pm P P м M
Chapter 50
Sienna was clearly flustered for a moment but quickly regained her composure. “A friend of mine knows her. New York high society is pretty small- there’s always some connection.”
“I see. I nodded, already forming my own conclusions. “Yes, we’re all aware of that. Caspar certainly knows about Audrey’s marital status too. He knows
where the line is.”
Hearing this response, Sienna visibly relaxed.
I studied this young Bailey woman, my mind drifting back to this morning.
When she’d shown up at my doorstep, I hadn’t wanted to see her.
But she’d waited outside all morning with genuine sincerity, expressing heartfelt apologies about Noah.
This was quite different from the arrogant, entitled Sienna Bailey I’d heard about.
To make amends, she also gave me a painting–it was a piece by Liora, an artist whose work I had long admired.
I must admit that the painting truly moved me. Liora’s works are highly sought after in the art market, with prices high and availability scarce.
This gift showed that she had put in the effort, and she was more thoughtful than I had imagined.
Maybe she wasn’t as bad as the rumors suggested. And after all, she was the one who’d actually tied the knot with Caspar, even if it was just a paper
marriage.
Deep down, I still hoped they could make it work for real. Caspar needed a genuine family, not some sham marriage.
I looked at her thoughtfully, a slight smile playing at my lips as I patted her hand warmly. “Darling, I think your chances are better than you might think.”
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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.
