Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 61
Caspar’s POV:
I stood outside Audrey’s door, waiting patiently.
When it finally opened, Audrey appeared, fully dressed but with slightly disheveled hair.
‘Good morning,” I said, keeping my voice neutral. “I hope you slept well.”
“Yes, thank you,” she replied, her tone cautious.
“James told me you helped take care of me last night and got me home safely,‘ I said, briefly meeting her eyes before glancing away. I wanted to thank you! personally.”
“It wasn’t a big deal,” she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Anyone would have done the same.”
I cleared my throat. “I need to go to London for a few days on business. I was wondering if Noah could stay with you during that time.”
Audrey’s eyes instantly widened, all traces of morning grogginess vanishing. She straightened her posture, a smile breaking across her face.
“Really? I mean, of course he can,” she said, barely containing her excitement.
A small figure appeared behind her, rubbing sleepy eyes.
Noah, still in his pajamas, brightened upon hearing us, then practically glowed.
‘I can stay with Audrey?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
I watched their matching expressions of delight, a strange hollowness forming in my chest.
In that moment, I felt distinctly superfluous–an obstacle to their happiness rather than a part of it.
“If it’s alright with her,” I nodded, keeping my voice even.
‘It’s more than alright,” Audrey assured him, then turned to me with barely contained eagerness. “When do you leave? Today? Tomorrow?”
The speed with which she wanted me gone was unmistakable.
“This afternoon,” I answered, feeling an unexpected twinge of loss.
The mighty Caspar Thornton, whose presence commanded respect in boardrooms across the world, was apparently just an inconvenience in his own home.
“Perfect timing!” Audrey exclaimed, her face lighting up.
Then, catching the flicker of something in my expression, she quickly added, “I mean–I hope your trip goes well. London is lovely this time of year. Safe
travels and… come back soon.”
I couldn’t help the slight smirk that tugged at the corner of my mouth. Her backpedaling was almost endearing in its transparency.
1/3
10:28 pm G
Chapter 61
“Don’t worry,” I said, voice deliberately earnest. I’ll make sure to return as quickly as possible just as you wish.
I held her gaze a beat longer than necessary, enjoying the way her eyes widened slightly and a flush crept up her neck.
“Well,” I said, finally breaking the moment and placing a gentle hand on Noah’s shoulder, we should let you get ready. Come on, Noah, time to wash up.”
I guided my son toward the hallway.
Noah gave her a small wave as we departed, and I caught his suppressed smile.
‘We’ll see you downstairs,” I added, nodding politely before we disappeared around the corner.
Once we were alone in the hallway, I stopped and knelt down to Noah’s level, meeting his eyes directly.
“Noah,” I said softly, keeping my voice gentle. “I can see you really like having Audrey around. Is that true? Do you want her to spend more time with you?”
He nodded immediately, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
“I thought so,” I said with a small smile. “Listen carefully. If you want Audrey to be a regular part of your life, it depends on you. You should behave well.”
I placed my hand on his small shoulder. “Can you do that?”
Noah’s expression grew serious as he processed my words. After a moment of consideration, he nodded with determination.
At breakfast, the three of us sat around the table.
Edward had prepared an impressive spread.
Noah ate with surprising efficiency, methodically working his way through eggs and toast without his usual hesitation.
When he finished the last bite and drained his glass of orange juice, he carefully placed his napkin beside his plate.
“May I be excused?‘ he asked. When I nodded, he practically leapt from his chair.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” I asked.
“Packing,‘ he said simply, then darted from the dining room, his footsteps echoing up the stairs.
The silence that descended after Noah’s departure was palpable.
Audrey focused intently on stirring her coffee, though it had long since been mixed to perfection.
“About last night,” I began, meeting her eyes. “I want to apologize for mentioning London in front of your friends.”
Audrey nearly choked on her coffee. “You already apologized in the car, remember?”
Our eyes met, and I could tell we were both thinking about the same thing–my head on her shoulder, my uninhibited words, the almost–kiss.
2/3
Chapter 61
“Actually, I don’t remember much after taking my medication, I led smoothly. “Side effect of the pills–they cause memory lapses sometimes.”
“I hope I didn’t say anything offensive,” I pressed, watching her carefully.
The tension visibly melted from her shoulders, and she waved her hand dismissively.
“No, no, nothing happened at all,” she said, her voice noticeably lighter.
She took a final sip of her coffee and set the cup down with an air of finality. “I should go check on Noah. Make sure he’s packing properly.”
Without waiting for my response, she rose from the table, smoothing her blouse as she stood. The eagerness with which she seized the excuse to end our conversation wasn’t lost on me.
I watched her retreat down the hallway, my mind calculating rapidly.
Though I hadn’t fully confirmed my own feelings in this situation, one thing was clear: I needed to end the contractual marriage with the Bailey family as soon as possible.
Marriage certificate. I’d need that first.
Frowning, I realized I had never actually handled any of the marriage documentation myself. I’d simply signed where I was told to sign five years ago, while my grandmother Dorothy had managed all the logistics.
Part of our arrangement–minimum involvement required from me.
I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.
“Caspar? What a pleasant surprise,” Dorothy’s voice came through.
‘Grandmother, I need the marriage certificate for the divorce. Do you have it?”
“Oh, I see. But I’m not entirely sure where I put those documents. It’s been quite some time, dear.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “It’s important, Grandmother.”
“I understand,” she said, her voice taking on that soothing tone she’d used since I was a child. “I’ll look through my files. If I find it, I’ll have it sent to you
immediately.”
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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.
