Chapter 48
Snow suddenly wriggled free from my arms, jumping onto the coffee table. Her movement knocked over a forgotten cup of tea, sending the cold lipid splashing across my arm. The sudden shock of it pulled me back from the edge of darkness.
“Thank you, Snow, I whispered, finding the strength to push myself up. My hands were shaking as I reached for my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found James Collins‘ name. I hesitated for a long moment, then pressed the call.
It was answered quickly, Audrey? What’s up?”
The noisy background sound indicated that he was at some kind of party. However, at this moment, the pain in my stomach made it impossible for me to think much.
“James… My voice came out hoarse and weak.
His tone changed instantly. “Hey, what’s wrong? Talk to me where are you?”
“My… apartment.”
“Don’t move an inch. I’m on my way!”
Blake’s POV
I stared at my dark phone screen, jaw clenched as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Lost in thought, I nearly collided with someone rushing down the restaurant stairs. Looking up, I found myself face to face with James Collins.
Watching him try to rush past. I immediately stopped him. “Where’s the fire? Mr. Collins?”
He froze, recognition dawning. “Blake Parker?”
“Seriously? Is this your attitude?” I let my voice drop to a dangerous purr. “Talking to the head of your partner company like this?”
He swallowed hard and shifted his stance. “Mr. Parker. My apologies for the informality. But I’ve got an urgent situation that needs handling.”
He tried to step around me, but I deliberately shifted into his path. “Urgent situation, huh? Wouldn’t happen to involve Audrey Sinclair, would it?”
The moment James heard Audrey’s name, I could see his eyes widen slightly.
After a moment, he curved his lips into a smile and said, “Mr. Parker, you must be joking. Audrey and I aren’t that close. It’s so late. Why on earth would she look for me?”
Hearing James say this, my frown eased a little. “Ture. She only has eyes for me.”
Watching his face turned deathly pale, I felt an indescribable sense of triumph inside.
He forced an awkward smile, “Was there anything else, Mr. Parker?”
“No.” I finally stepped aside. “But if you do happen to hear from Audrey, tell her to stop playing these games. Calling and not speaking- it’s childish.”
With that, I strode up the stairs.
Back in the private room, the party was in full swing. My sister and her friends continued teasing Laurel, who played her part perfectly.
“Guys, stop!” she giggled, pressing closer to me. “You’re making me blush…”
I sat rigidly in my chair, half–listening to the congratulations and innuendos while staring at my phone. Our chat history showed nothing new since the morning she lost our child. The woman who used to send dozens of messages daily hadn’t contacted me in over two weeks.
After long consideration, I typed two words: “Real mature.”
1/2
Chapter 48
Once, any message from me would have earned an immediate, enthusiastic response. Tonight, there was only silence.
On the car, Laurel’s voice carried that practiced note of concern. ‘Everything okay, Blake? You’ve been glued to your phone all night. Trouble at the office?”
I caught her trying to sneak a peek at my screen and quickly locked it. “Just Michael. Work stuff.”
She did that little pout thing she’d perfected. “Always working…”
After dropping Laurel at the Rose mansion, My driver cleared his throat: “Where to, Mr. Parker? The office or the family estate?”
‘Home. The word slipped out before I could catch it.
“Sir… which one?”
I shot him a cold look. “What do you think?”
‘Got it… sir.” He nodded slightly, heading towards the Lunar mansion.
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