Chapter 76
Audrey’s POV:
I glanced at Caspar, half–expecting to see him erupt in anger.
Instead, his expression remained perfectly controlled, though a dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes.
I cleared my throat. “Pretty boy? Excuse me, George, but which eye of yours saw that he is a ‘pretty boy‘?
George scoffed, gesturing dismissively at Caspar.
“Look at him–dressed so shabbily, and riding in your car no less. Can’t even afford a car.”
I nearly burst out laughing at the absurdity.
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While Caspar was dressed casually for our market trip, every piece he wore was privately tailored. And just this morning, I’d been the one
who insisted we take my practical SUV instead of his Maserati.
The same man who had a garage full of vehicles worth more than this entire building was being accused of not being able to afford a car.
I caught Caspar’s eye and quickly swallowed my amusement, pressing my lips together.
“Are you coming back with me or not?” George demanded, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“Not,” I replied firmly, then felt a sudden surge of boldness I didn’t know I possessed. “My pretty boy and I have plans.”
I looped my arm through Caspar’s, surprising even myself with this playful defiance.
The words ‘pretty boy” rolled off my tongue with such obvious irony that I nearly laughed again at my own audacity.
Caspar didn’t correct me or pull away. His face remained perfectly composed as he turned and guided me back toward the car, his arm still
linked with mine.
Behind us, George’s voice rose in anger. “Audrey! You shameless girl! Get back here right now!”
I kept walking. Just as we reached the car where Noah was waiting, a familiar voice rang out from behind.
Sienna appeared, striding toward the building entrance with shopping bags dangling from her arms.
Her eyes widened comically when she spotted us.
“Oh my God,” she gasped, nearly dropping her purchases. “Mr Thornton? What are you doing here?”
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Chapter 76
The color drained from George’s face so quickly, I worried he might faint.
His mouth opened and closed several times, no sound emerging.
“Mr… Thornton?‘ he finally managed, his voice suddenly an octave higher. “Caspar Thornton?”
“The same, Caspar replied coolly.
George’s transformation was both immediate and pathetic. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he rushed forward, hand extended.
“I had no idea! Please, forgive my… my poor manners. It’s just, you know, a father’s concern.”
He laughed nervously. “Margaret–Audrey’s grandmother–she’s been asking about her. Misses her terribly. That’s the only reason I was
so… insistent.”
I felt a familiar tug at my heart at the mention of Margaret, despite knowing George was almost certainly using her as a convenient
excuse.
George, noticing my expression, quickly added, “Why don’t you both come up? Just for a few minutes. Margaret would be thrilled to meet
you, Mr. Thornton. We’d be honored to have you in our home.”
Caspar turned to me, his eyes communicating clearly: Your call. I’ll follow your lead.
Twenty minutes later, we were seated in the Bailey family’s living room.
Noah sat quietly on my lap, his small body tense against mine.
I stroked his hair soothingly, feeling his anxiety in the unfamiliar environment.
Eleanor hovered around Caspar, offering drinks, snacks, and effusive compliments. The transformation from her usual cold demeanor
toward me was jarring.
“We’re so honored to have you in our home, Mr. Thornton,” she gushed. “Such an unexpected pleasure.”
Margaret entered the room, moving slowly with her cane. Her face lit up when she saw me.
‘Audrey, my dear,‘ she said warmly.
She looked at Noah with kind curiosity, then at Caspar with undisguised interest.
Caspar stood immediately, offering his hand.
“Mrs. Bailey, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Audrey speaks of you quite often. She tells me you’ve always been her greatest champion.”
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18:35 Wed, Jan 28 M…
Chapter 76
Margaret’s face softened with emotion, and she gave Caspar a look of approval.
‘You’re quite different from what I’ve heard, Mr. Thornton,‘ she said, studying him with the frankness that came with age.
Caspar merely smiled in response, neither confirming nor denying whatever rumors had reached Margaret’s ears.
Eleanor, who had been watching from the side with poorly concealed curiosity, could no longer contain herself.
So, Mr. Thornton,‘ she interjected, leaning forward in her chair, “what exactly is your relationship with our Audrey?”
Caspar took a deliberate sip of his coffee before answering, his movements unhurried. “We’re friends.”
“You’re really good to her.” Eleanor pressed, her tone probing beneath a veneer of politeness.
Caspar’s smile remained fixed, but something in his eyes hardened.
“I take care of my people, Mrs. Bailey. Always.” He set his cup down with a soft clink.
The statement hung in the air, delivered with such casual confidence that its underlying warning was all the more effective.
Something warm and unexpected bloomed in my chest.
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I tried to keep my face neutral, but the sensation of having someone firmly in my corner, especially here in the Bailey household, was so
foreign and so welcome.
Eleanor’s smile faltered as the meaning behind Caspar’s words sank in.
Her fingers tightened around her teacup, knuckles whitening slightly. The silence stretched uncomfortably until she cleared her throat.
“Well, I’m delighted Audrey has made such… influential friends,” she said with forced brightness. “Though I must say, there’s no need to be concerned. Audrey has always been quite headstrong, actually. We raised her, after all. She’s hardly one to suffer any mistreatment.”
Caspar’s expression remained quiet, but his eyes turned glacial. “It would be best this way.”
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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.
