Chapter 63
I had always assumed Sienna was the Bailey girl in the contract, but this changed everything.
“But this doesn’t make sense,” I muttered, frowning deeply. “I was told the Bailey family only had one daughter. But why-‘
The contract clearly stated “Audrey Bailey” as the bride.
“I need to confirm this immediately,” I said, reaching for my phone. “Get me the number for the Luminous Gallery’s board director.”
Within minutes, I was speaking with Mrs. Smith, the gallery’s director.
“Mrs. Smith, this is Dorothy Thornton. I want to ask you something about Noah’s teacher.”
“Are you talking about Audrey Lane? Of course, Mrs. Thornton. What would you like to know?”
“Would you be so kind as to email me her employment file? Including her photo ID and resume?”
Z
Mrs. Smith’s tone immediately hesitated. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Mrs. Thornton. Our employee files are confidential. It would
be against our privacy policy to share such personal information.”
I quickly adjusted my approach. “I completely understand your concern for privacy, Mrs. Smith. Perhaps just a copy of her ID photo would
suffice?”
Mrs. Smith paused, seemingly relieved by this more reasonable request. “Well, I’ll send that over right away.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Smith. I appreciate your assistance.”
I ended the call and turned to Martha, who had returned with my tea.
Within minutes, my tablet chimed with an incoming email.
I opened it to find Audrey’s professional ID photo from the gallery.
Placing it side by side with the contract photo, there was no doubt. Same woman, different stages of life.
“It’s her,” I breathed, studying both images carefully. “The eyes, the bone structure–it’s definitely the same person. But why did she
change her surname from Bailey to Lane? What happened there?”
Despite my questions, I could barely contain my excitement.
This was extraordinary! Audrey Lane–the very woman who had captivated Noah and, if I wasn’t mistaken, had begun to capture Caspar’s
interest as well–was actually his legal wife.
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Chapter 63
I needed to tell Caspar immediately. Oh, how I wished I could see his face when he learned the truth!
‘Martha, get me Caspar on the phone immediately,” I ordered, my fingers practically trembling with anticipation.
Martha returned moments later, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Thornton. Mr. Thornton’s assistant says he’s currently on a
flight to London. He can’t be reached for several hours.”
I let out a disappointed sigh, shaking my head. “How typical. Just when I have the most important news, he’s unavailable.”
Then a small, mischievous smile curved my lips. “Actually, Martha, hand me my phone.”
I took a quick photo of just the marriage certificate’s cover–enough to show what document it was without revealing the names inside.
Perfect. This would certainly get his attention without giving away the surprise.
“There,” I said, attaching the image to a text message with the words: Found something interesting. Call me when you land. It’s about your
wife.
I hit send with a satisfied nod.
I closed the safe with a decisive click. “My grandson has been married to a woman he’s actually falling for–without even knowing it.”
“But Mrs. Thornton,” Martha asked hesitantly, “does Miss Lane know?”
I shook my head, settling back into the leather chair. ” I handled almost all the arrangements myself back then. Caspar was using his Samuel West identity when connected with the Bailey family. They never saw his face, just signed the papers.”
I lean against my chair, imagining Caspar’s face when he discovered the truth.
“Martha,” I said, a smile playing at my lips, “I believe things are about to get very interesting in the Thornton household.”
Comments
Riku
yes!!! now we’re getting somewhere!!
7 days ago
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.
