Audrey & POV
As I pushed through the revolving doors of the hospital, night had fallen over New York, the streetlights casting long shadows across the sidewalki
My Fingers moved automatically to my temporary phone, dialing James. The automated voice told me his phone was off
That’s weird, I muttered, trying again with the same result.
James never turned off his phone, and being unreachable wasn’t an option for a Cartier executive.
I was scrolling through my limited contacts when Astrid’s red car pulled up.
‘Get in,” she called, pushing open the passenger door.
I slid into the leather seat. “Tean’t reach James.”
“I know.” Astrid’s fingers tapped the steering wheel. ‘I’ve tried him too.”
“His phone’s off,” I said. “That never happens.”
“What’s going on?” Astrid asked, pulling into traffic. “Why would James disappear this late?”
I watched buildings blur past. “Maybe he doesn’t want to face what happened.”
The marriage certificate photos, the online post destroying Laurel’s reputation while tanking Parker Group’s stock–it all pointed to James.
“Astrid, I turned to her. “Do you know where James lives?”
Her hands tightened on the wheel. The flash of discomfort on her face was unmistakable.
“Astrid?” I pressed when she said nothing.
The car hummed through Manhattan traffic, Astrid’s silence stretching between us. Finally, she sighed.
“James lives in your neighborhood.”
I blinked. “What?”
“The apartment you’re renting? He recommended it to you.”
“My apartment…” The words felt strange. “Was recommended by James?”
“Yes,” Astrid admitted. “When I was looking for a place for you, James suggested that if you lived in the same neighborhood, you could look out for each
other.”
I stared at her profile, too surprised to speak.
I was trying to play matchmaker,” she added quickly. ‘You were miserable with Blake, and James always cared about you. I thought maybe…” She shrugged. *I agreed.”
My temples throbbed, and I pressed my fingers against them. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
*He said not to. He didn’t want you feeling uncomfortable or obligated.”
The revelation left me quite resigned. If I hadn’t asked Astrid about that today, I would never have known I unknowingly owed James this favor.
1/3
idrleared her tho it. Anyway, about listentore niesa
jopened my eyes, regneaffing her fiver.
When you lost the baby and came to Los Angeles, the contined. I told you the best revenge against plake and Laurel was posting what dinečke Acticate onli
The red light bathed us in crimson. Astrid faced me fully.
To retused, worried about William and the family’s reputation. But this morning, after Laurel’s fans called you a homewrecker, someine actuats did its
Het eyes gleamed. You should ve seen Laurel getting destroyed online today!
I scrolled through notifications, eyebrow raised. The reaction had been swift-#LaurelThellomewrecker trending, Parker Group’s stock plummeting, celebrities weighing in.
Who do you think posted those photos? Astrid asked.
I glanced up. “You don’t think it was me?”
No way. I know you better.” Her confidence warmed me. “If you were that ruthless, Blake wouldn’t have delayed your divorce for months. She rolled her eyes. “Besides, you care too much. William’s been good to you–you’d never risk hurting Parker Group just for revenge.
Her words settled over me. First William defending me, now
Except Blake.
unwavering faith. The people around me trusted my character.
The memory of his fingers on my throat, his eyes cold with accusation–not a second’s hesitation before blaming me. A chill ran down my spine.
That man really doesn’t trust her at all.
I sighed, watching the city blur past.
Astrid’s car turned into my familiar neighborhood, but she finally pulled
up outside
an unfamiliar building I’d passed countless times.
“This is James’s place?” I asked, though I knew the answer.
“Yep.”
I stepped out of the car, instinctively glancing toward the direction of my apartment. I had no idea my rented place was so close to James’s home all this time.
The doorman nodded as we entered. The elevator ride was silent. When the doors opened, James stood in the haNway holding two garbage bags, freezing at the sight of us.
“Audrey, Astrid, what are you doing here? His voice cracked with surprise.
I stepped out, taking the garbage bags. “Astrid, could you take these out? I need to talk to James.”
She rolled her eyes but took the bags. “Fine. But you owe me.”
I watched the elevator doors close, waiting until the indicator showed she’d descended before turning to James.
“James,” I kept my voice steady. “Did you see the news online today?”
His shoulders slumped. Without answering, he opened his apartment door. “Let’s talk inside.”
I hesitated. Entering James’s apartment felt like crossing a boundary, but discussing this in the hallway wasn’t right.
2/3
1 nodded and followed him in.
His decoration matched his personality elegant without being flashy, tasteful furniture arranged to showcase the city views Sohle Cater eriwink Adorned the walls.
“Have a seat,” he said. “Tea?
1 sat, watching his move to the kitchen, sighing as he filled the kettle.
Taines,” I said. “The photos… you really took them?
He paused before reaching for cups. You’re here asking, so denying it wouldn’t help.
1 found the marriage certificate that night when looking for your medication logs,” he admitted, bringing over tea in your suitcases hidden compartmen
So you took photos of my marriage certificate without permission? I couldn’t keep the accusation from my voice,
James sighed, placing jasmine tea before me. “I was upset for you.”
I sipped the warm liquid, letting it calm me.
“Since Miss Rose returned, he continued, sitting across from me, “she and Blake flaunt their relationship everywhere. Everyone thinks they’re the real couple.
His normally composed face darkened. “That night you were hospitalized, I saw them together, looking intimate. I was angry and took photos without thinking.
“I don’t even know what was in my head at that time. Maybe,” he added quietly, “I thought with this photo, I could stand up for you someday.”
I gasped. “So you planned to post them online?”
James stayed silent, confirming my suspicion.
“James, I know you meant well, but you work for a public company too–did you consider what this would do to Parker Group?”
I showed him my screen, Parker Group’s stock in free fall.
“This company isn’t just Blake’s–it’s William’s life work, and thousands of employees depend on it.”
“Audrey.” James’s sharp tone made me look up. His brow furrowed,
“I admit I took the photo,” he said firmly. “But the online post…”
He took a deep breath, eyes meeting mine with unexpected intensity. “Had nothing to do with me.”
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