My message had been delivered crystal clear: Audrey was under my protection now. Mission accomplished,
ชล
I stood up, having no desire to spend another minute in this apartment.
George and Eleanor remained frozen in the corner, perspiration visible on George’s forehead as he nervously adjusted his collar.
Since our arrival upstairs, he’d barely managed to string together a coherent sentence, transforming from the arrogant bully on the street
to a stammering, anxious mess.
I turned away from them, focusing solely on Margaret Bailey.
“Mrs. Bailey, I’m afraid we need to be going now. Audrey and Noah also have an appointment this afternoon.”
Margaret nodded, her gaze shifting between Audrey and me. “Of course. Mr. Thornton. Please take care of her.”
Those last words carried weight beyond simple courtesy. I found myself responding with unexpected sincerity. “I will.”
Once we reached the car, Noah climbed into his seat, and I helped secure his seatbelt before getting behind the wheel.
Audrey settled into the passenger seat beside me, exhaling slowly as if releasing built–up tension.
“Thank you,‘ she said quietly. “For what you did back there.”
Sensing the heaviness in the air, I decided to lighten the mood.
“Well,” I said with deliberate seriousness, “I was merely fulfilling my duties as your pretty boy. It’s what we do.”
Audrey’s eyes widened, the tension visibly melting from her shoulders. Instead, she was left with an embarrassed flush on his face.
“Oh God, I almost forgot about that!” she exclaimed, covering her face with her hands. ‘I’m sorry about that.”
I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. King C of Wall Street, reduced to someone’s pretty boy. The absurdity was refreshing.
‘Don’t apologize,” I replied, starting the engine. I don’t mind. At least my appearance has been acknowledged.”
She was slightly taken aback before she caught my meaning and laughed. “Well, you’re definitely the most expensive ‘pretty boy‘ in
Manhattan.”
C
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Chapter 77
As we pulled away from the curb, I glanced in the rearview mirror at Noah. His small face was unusually serious, his eyes focused on Audrey.
‘Noah, are you alright?‘ Audrey asked, turning to look at him. ‘I’m sorry if all that was scary.”
My son shook his head, his expression determined. “Not scared. But I wish I was bigger.”
“Bigger?” Audrey asked gently.
“So I could protect you better,” he said with such earnestness that I felt my chest tighten. “Like Dad.”
I caught Audrey’s gaze briefly, seeing the same emotion reflected there that I felt.
This is my job, son. I helplessly thought to myself.
Back at the estate, Edward greeted us at the door with his usual efficiency.
Audrey was carrying a package that had been delivered to her apartment earlier.
“What’s in the box?” Noah asked, his earlier solemnness giving way to childish curiosity.
Audrey smiled. “Let’s find out, shall we?”
We moved to the living room, where Audrey carefully opened the package.
The moment she lifted the lid, several intricately folded roses made from hundred–dollar bills sprang up from the box like a pop–up
greeting card.
A small card fluttered out and landed at my feet. I picked it up instinctively, my eyes catching the flowing script before I could stop
myself: “To my dearest Audrey, Happy Birthday. ”
My expression darkened instantly.
Audrey’s face flushed as she quickly reached for the card.
‘I’m sorry about that,” she said, taking it from my hand. “It’s just… an old friend has a peculiar sense of humor.”
I nodded stiffly, forcing my features back to neutral despite the unexpected wave of possessiveness that had washed over me.
‘Do you like these kinds of gifts?” I asked casually, though my mind was already racing, reassessing my entire approach.
Had I been too reserved? Too subtle in my pursuit?
“God, no, Audrey replied quickly, her nose wrinkling in distaste as she closed the box.
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Chapter 77
Please promise me you’ll never try this approach, Caspar. No matter how many billions you have at your disposal.”
I raised an eyebrow, amused. “You don’t think women appreciate financial origami?”
‘Trust me,” she said, leaning forward conspiratorially, “if you’re interested in someone, I can teach you much better ways to win her over.
Guaranteed success.”
She tapped her temple knowingly. “I could give you some pointers. You know, if you ever need them.”
The woman I was carefully pursuing, offering to teach me how to court women. If she only knew.
“Is that so?” I replied, holding her gaze a moment longer than necessary. “I might take you up on that offer someday. Soon, even.”
Audrey broke eye contact first, turning her attention to Noah.
“So, let’s start preparing today’s dinner.”
Noah’s eyes lit up. “Can I participate as well?”
“Of course!” Audrey exclaimed. “This is going to be a team effort. Everyone gets a job.”
She glanced at me with a playful smile. “Even your dad, if he thinks he can handle taking directions in the kitchen.”
Noah looked up at me expectantly, clearly excited by the prospect of all of us cooking together.
‘I believe I can manage,” I replied with a smile.
The next hour passed in a blur of activity.
Under Audrey’s expert guidance, we prepared a meal that would have impressed even the most discerning chef.
By the time we sat down to eat, the kitchen was filled with warmth and delicious aromas.
This was… different.
Before Audrey, our house, for all its expensive furnishings and perfect design, had always been just that–a house.
But tonight, with Audrey across the table teaching Noah how to twirl pasta properly, both of them laughing when sauce splattered, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in years, perhaps ever.
“This is the best dinner ever,” Noah declared, reaching for his third helping of mashed potatoes.
Audrey beamed with pride. “I’m glad you like it. I should cook for you more often.”
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Chapter 77
I set my fork down carefully, a wistful expression crossing my face. “That might not be the best idea.”
Audrey looked up, surprised. “Why not?”
“Because,” I replied, meeting her gaze with vulnerability, “What if you raise our standards and then leave us?”
I didn’t state it outright, but let the implication hang in the air.
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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.
