Chapter 80
Audrey’s POV:
I was heading back to collect my things from Noah’s art room when a figure stepped into my path.
Daisy Cole, in all her polished glory, stood before me with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Audrey Lane, isn’t it? I was hoping we could have a little chat.”
Her voice carried that particular cadence of someone who had never been told “no” in her entire life.
“I was actually just on my way to-”
“This will only take a moment,” she interrupted, her manicured hand gesturing toward an empty sitting area nearby. “Please.”
That “please” sounded more like a command than a request.
With a slight nod, I followed her to the alcove.
“What would you like to know, Ms. Cole?” I asked, keeping my tone pleasant.
Daisy settled into a chair, crossing her legs with practiced elegance.
‘I’ll be direct. I’ve noticed you spending quite a bit of time with Caspar Thornton.”
I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
“The Cole family has extensive business relationships with the Thorntons,” she continued, her voice taking on a proprietary tone. “My
brother is a good friend of Caspar.”
I tilted my head slightly, feigning confusion. “And so? What does that have to do with me?”
Her perfectly painted lips tightened. “Let me be perfectly clear then. I’m interested in Caspar. Romantically. And I’d appreciate it if you
would keep your distance from him.”
“That’s going to be difficult,” I replied evenly.
“I’m Noah’s art teacher, as you know. And I’ve also just accepted a position at Thornton Group.
Daisy’s laugh was dismissive, almost pitying.
‘Oh please. We both know what jobs are really about, don’t we?”
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Chapter 80
She waved her hand as if brushing away an insignificant detail. “Everything comes down to money in the end. And money is something I have plenty of.
She reached into her designer purse and extracted a checkbook, placing it on her lap with practiced grace.
“So let’s not waste time pretending,” she continued, uncapping a pen with a soft click.
“Name your price.” Her eyes held mine with cold calculation. “How much would it take for you to step back and leave Caspar alone?
I stared at her for a moment, fighting the sudden, inappropriate urge to laugh.
I’d never imagined finding myself in such a cliché scene–the wealthy rival offering a bribe to eliminate competition for a man’s
affections.
The sheer soap opera quality of the moment almost made me want to look around for hidden cameras. Instead, I tilted my head,
considering her. “Two million dollars.”
1
Her pen froze mid–air. “Excuse me?”
“You asked my price,” I replied calmly. “That’s it. Two billion dollars.”
Her face flushed with anger. “You can’t be serious. That’s absurd.”
I stood up, smoothing my skirt. “You’re right. It is absurd. Almost as absurd as attempting to bribe someone to stay away from a man who isn’t yours to begin with.”
I offered her a polite smile. “If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
As I turned to leave, I nearly collided with a tall figure.
My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Caspar, watching us with an unreadable expression.
“Mr. Thornton,‘ I stammered, wondering how long he’d been standing there.
Ethan stepped forward smoothly, placing a hand on his sister’s shoulder. ‘Daisy, we should get going.”
Daisy looked like she wanted to protest, but something in her brother’s expression made het reconsider.
She collected her purse with as much dignity as she could muster.
Ethan gave Caspar a brief nod. “Sorry about this,‘ he said quietly, though I still caught it. “We’ll talk later.”
As the Cole siblings walked away, I was left alone with Caspar in the suddenly quiet hallway.
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18:35 Wed, Jan 28 M
Chapter 80
…
His eyes found mine, and the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
‘Two billion dollars, huh?” he said, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “I never knew I was so valuable.”
My cheeks burned as I realized just how much he had overheard. “I wasn’t–I didn’t-” I took a breath and collected myself. ‘I was just trying to shock her.”
“I understand,” he nodded, his expression thoughtful.
“Though if I were willing to pay that price to keep someone away…” He took a small step closer, his voice dropping slightly. “Would the
same amount convince you to stay by my side instead?”
My heart stuttered in my chest, and I found myself suddenly unable to form a coherent thought.
Was he suggesting-? Did he mean-?
Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, seeing Clara’s name flashing on the screen.
“Excuse me, I should take this,” I said, stepping slightly away from Caspar.
‘Clara? What’s up?”
“Audrey?” Clara’s voice was tight with urgency. “Something huge has happened.”
“What is it? Are you okay?” I asked, immediately concerned by her tone.
‘I’m…” she hesitated. ‘I’m getting engaged, Audrey.”
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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.
