Chapter 28
I stood motionless, watching her cold determination. Laurel approached and reached out tentatively, her hand brushing my arm. (alake, milling
go with her. Make it quick. Despite her attempt to sound soft and vulnerable, I caught an undercurrent of excitement in her voice.
Audrey turned back, fixing me with an icy state. “Well? Are you coming or not?”
Grandpa waved his hand in exasperation. “Just go. Get it over with. Let Audrey be free.”
I felt my jaw clench. “I said I won’t divorce her.”
“Excuse me?” The surprise in her voice was genuine.
To be honest, what exactly was I thinking? Looking at the slender figure in front of me, it shouldn’t be like this. I knew I probably didn’t want to divorce her, but that promise…
1 shook my head and casually came up with an excuse. “If we divorce now, everyone will think Laurel destroyed our marriage. I met her gaze steadily, ignoring the way something twisted in my chest at her bitter laugh. “I won’t let that happen.”
“If you really cared about reputations,” Grandfather’s voice was filled with sarcasm, “you wouldn’t have made such a show of picking her up or taking her shopping!”
“Speaking of reputations…” Laurel’s voice had regained its usual sweetness as she reached into her handbag. She pulled out a familiar–looking document that made my blood run cold.
“How did you get this?” I demanded, staring at the divorce papers in Laurel’s hands. I’d meant to retrieve these documents after the gala last night, but somehow they’d ended up with her. Why had she taken them? And why hadn’t she said anything until now?
Laurel bit her lip, lowering her head with practiced delicacy. “I found these divorce papers with Audrey’s signature. I was worried someone might use them maliciously, so I kept them safe…”
“You mean you kept them to use yourself?” Grandfather’s laugh was sharp enough to cut glass. He turned to Audrey, his expression softening in a way it never did for me anymore. “Not being able to keep you as my granddaughter–in–law… I deeply regret that.”
I could see a hint of sorrow flashing on her face as she lowered her eyes. “Life has its own plans, William,” she said softly. “Some things just aren’t meant to
work out.”
The words seemed to age him. He gestured to Charles, his movements carrying the weight of his years.
Once the door closed behind them, Audrey’s expression hardened. She turned to me, her voice carrying an edge that could cut glass. I’ll revise the agreement, especially the clauses about Miss Rose’s… involvement.” Her lips curved into a cold smile. “Expect it on your desk later. Try not to ‘misplace it
this time.”
The accusation in her tone made something twist in my chest. But before I could respond, she was already walking away.
Hold it right there!” Thalia’s voice cracked through the air like a whip just as Audrey reached the doorway.
“We still have some… unfinished business to discuss.”
Audrey’s POV
I stopped, raising an eyebrow as I turned. “What? Do enlighten me.”
“Don’t play innocent.” Her voice rose with practiced outrage. “You put Laurel in the hospital last night. The least you could do is apologize.”
I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard Thalia’s accusation.
“What do you mean? You find this funny?” Thalia’s voice rose with indignation. “Laurel was injured at Grandfather’s birthday celebration, and you laughing?”
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Chapter 28
1 do, actually, I met her gaze steadily, remembering how her own hand had swung at me last night, only to catch Lauri) viên 1 taga
The irony of her demanding an apology for her own actions was almost too much. It’s quite amusing that you’re demanding Ipologize for com didn’t do.
Rebecca stepped forward, her voice filled with arrogance. “Not you? Who else could it have been?”
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