Chapter 52
Audrey’s POV:
1 stared at Dorothy’s message on my phone screen. Though surprised, I didn’t overthink it and replied cheerfully.
“Of course. I’d be honored to discuss art with you.”
Perfect! Dorothy’s response practically radiated excitement. Let’s meet tomorrow after Noah’s lesson ends. I’ll send someone to pick you up.
“You don’t need to go to all that trouble, I can get there my-” Before I could finish typing, her next message popped up.
It’s settled then! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, dear.
I set down my phone, unable to suppress a smile.
Dorothy Thornton’s whirlwind, take–charge personality was such a stark contrast to caspar.
It seemed like that commanding nature ran in the family DNA–just expressed differently across generations.
The next day, after Noah’s lesson ended, I was packing up the art supplies when I spotted Caspar standing in the classroom doorway.
“What brings you here today?” I asked, somewhat surprised. “I thought Edward would be picking up Noah.”
“I know you have plans with my grandmother.”
He stepped into the classroom as Noah immediately ran to him, wrapping his arms around his leg.
“She’s waiting for you at the Thornton estate.”
Back to the Thornton estate again, I thought to myself. I’m practically spending more time there than at my own place.
Despite my internal grumbling, I followed Caspar to the car.
Some quiet part of me rationalized: Well, I might as well enjoy these frequent visits while they last–who knows if I’ll get the chance again.
I was already planning to quit the gallery, and I wondered if Noah would adjust well to a new teacher.
In the
car,
Noah excitedly showed his father today’s masterpiece–a vibrant ocean painting bursting with color.
Caspar listened intently, nodding at all the right moments.
I gazed out the window at the blurring scenery, my thoughts drifting between the upcoming meeting and future goodbyes.
Before I knew it, we’d arrived at the estate gates.
The moment I stepped into the grand foyer, I spotted an unexpected figure.
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Chapter 52
Not only way Dorothy waiting for me, but Sienna was sitting beside her, the two of them chatting away like old friends.
When Sienna saw me, a smug smile flickered across her face, her eyes gleaming with a show off attitude, as if silently announcing: Look, I can waltz into the
Thornton estate too.
Audrey, you made it! Dorothy called out warmly. “Noah, come give your great–grandmother a hug.”
Instead of hiding behind me shyly like before, Noah bounded toward Dorothy with pure joy, spontaneously planting a kiss on her cheek.
This sweet gesture absolutely melted Dorothy’s heart, and she beamed as she wrapped Noah in her arms.
I noticed Noah’s progress–not only was he becoming more talkative, but he was also better at expressing affection.
The change filled me with both pride and a bittersweet ache.
Caspar noticed Sienna sitting nearby, and his brow immediately furrowed. “How did you get in here?” His voice was cold as ice.
“Caspar!” Dorothy immediately intervened. “I invited Sienna. You can’t write someone off completely based on one bad impression.”
Her tone was firm, carrying that unmistakable authority that comes with age and experience. “You should spend more time getting to know her–you might discover she’s nothing like what you think.”
Caspar didn’t argue with his grandmother, but his clenched jaw and steely gaze made his displeasure crystal clear.
Dorothy seemed determined to change the subject. She turned to me enthusiastically, taking my arm and guiding me toward the sofa.
“Audrey, there’s actually something I’d love your help with.” Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Sienna gave me a painting yesterday, and I absolutely adore the style. As an artist, could you help me analyze this piece?”
She retrieved a beautifully wrapped artwork from beside her. When she carefully peeled back the protective paper, my heart nearly stopped–it was the painting I’d given Margaret, my own work, signed “Liora.”
The very piece Margaret had reported missing just days ago!
I glanced over at Sienna, whose face had gone white as a sheet. She clearly hadn’t expected Dorothy to show me the painting.
Her fingers fidgeted nervously on her knees, her eyes darting everywhere except toward me.
So she didn’t just steal Margaret’s painting–she had the audacity to regift it to Dorothy.
“This is a piece that explores the intersection between inner consciousness and external reality,” I forced myself to remain composed, offering a professional analysis. “The artist Liora has quite a reputation in New York’s art scene. Her work typically carries deep symbolic meaning.”
I paused, pretending to consider my words, then added casually, “Interestingly enough, I recently helped Margaret commission a custom frame for this exact piece. She seemed to treasure it immensely.”
After dropping that bombshell, I could feel Sienna’s entire body go rigid.
The room’s atmosphere shifted dramatically.
Dorothy’s gaze ping–ponged between Sienna and me, her weathered but sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
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Chapter 52
1 knew she’d caught the implication in my words. Her expression grew serious, though she didn’t immediately call anyone out.
Sienna x palms were clearly sweating now, and she deliberately avoided Dorothy’s probing stare.
The tension became suffocating.
Noah picked up on the heavy vibes and gripped my hand tightly.
Noah looks a bit worn out,” I said softly. “Mind if I take him outside for some fresh air?”
Dorothy nodded her approval, and I led Noah out of the room.
I knew they needed time to process things, and Noah and I didn’t need to be caught in the center of this storm.
As we left, I felt Caspar’s meaningful gaze burning into my back–he’d connected all the dots.
Sometimes, smart people didn’t need to spell things out for each other.
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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.
