Blake’s POV
Audrey lifted her head, her movements slow. The harsh lights showed the paleness of her face. Her eyes held actual worry.
‘How is William? Her voice came out rough,
I stood still, looking her over coldly. The damage from the online posts was still happening, and my phone constantly buzzing with panicked cats. And here she was, pretending to care.
She pressed a hand against her stomach, wincing. I know nothing about the online posts.”
“You’ve already deleted the photos and transferred the money from my race win,‘ she said, pushing herself up from the wall. I have no reason to do the
She leaned back against the wall, looking tired. ‘William… how is he really?”
I studied her face. The concern didn’t look fake. Either she was a great actress, or she actually cared about my grandfather.
I frowned and grabbed my car keys. My driver was waiting outside, engine running.
Audrey watched me, one hand moving to her chest, and followed me to the car without speaking.
We settled into the backseat. Audrey sat as far from me as possible, looking out the window.
“To Mayo Clinic,” I told the driver.
Audrey’s head turned toward me. “Why there?”
I kept my eyes forward. “Grandfather just has high blood pressure from being upset.”
I turned away, giving her my profile. “Laurel is in emergency care at Mayo Clinic, so we’ve arranged for him to be there too. More convenient.”
I laughed without humor. “Besides, even someone like you who likes to pretend to be sick enjoys staying at Mayo Clinic. Grandfather going there for treatment doesn’t mean anything serious, right?”
She bit her lip but said nothing. Her silence bothered me–it denied me the reaction I wanted. The old Audrey would have defended herself. This new version just took it.
The rest of the drive passed in silence. When we arrived at Mayo Clinic, Audrey didn’t wait for the car to stop. She pushed the door open and jumped out, moving quickly for someone who seemed so tired earlier.
I followed, watching her frantic movements with confusion. If she cares so much about Grandfather, why would she do something like this? Doesn’t she know hurting Parker Group would hurt him too? Doesn’t she know his health can’t handle this stress?
By the time I reached William’s room on the third floor, Audrey had already gone inside. I paused at the door when I heard her voice, thick with emotion.
Audrey’s POV
I threw the door open, barely noticing the nurse who stepped aside. The only thing that mattered was William.
“William!” I rushed to him, throwing my arms around him. “Are you alright?”
William stiffened in surprise at first. Then he patted my trembling back.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he said, his voice strong as usual. “Nothing’s wrong.”
I pulled back to look at his face. He looked the same–a bit tired around the eyes, but none of the weakness I’d feared.
1/3
lle saw me studying him and laughed. “You know my health. Those emergency pilis I use to scare them are post vitamins. How could anything he wrong with me?”
His familiar joke–William often exaggerated health problems to manipulate his family–made my throat tighten. I let go of him sheety, my he tremoling.
‘If you re really fine, why are you here… My voice caught.
William reached cut and took my hand, his grip still strong.
I just couldn’t calm down after seeing that news online, and my blood pressure went up, he said with a small smile. “The doctors insisted on keeping me overnight, that’s all.”
Hearing him talk like normal made my chest hurt. Since deciding to leave, I’d missed him terribly.
He looked at me more seriously. “The online news, have you seen it all?”
Before I could answer, Blake’s cold voice cut in from the doorway.
The online news was released by her. How could she not know about it?”
Blake stood at the threshold, arms crossed. The sight of him made my chest tighten.
“The online news…” I started, trying to explain.
William interrupted with a snort. “The online news wasn’t posted by Audrey. Don’t blame her! If Audrey wanted to expose you and Laurel Rose cheating, she wouldn’t have waited until today!”
Blake stepped into the room, frowning. ‘Grandfather, don’t talk like that. What do you mean by ‘cheating‘? Laurel and I have a completely innocent relationship!”
He glanced at me, his lips curling. “Besides, she married me while I was in a coma, forcing herself between Laurel and me. Now, what right does she have to post our marriage certificate online, making Laurel look like the other woman?”
Each word stung. The pain in my stomach got worse–stress always made my condition flare up.
“How many times must I say it?” I met his cold stare. “I didn’t do this.”
Blake leaned against the doorframe. “If it wasn’t you, then explain the marriage certificate photos. After our marriage, you kept the certificates, even taking them when you moved out. How could they end up in someone else’s hands?”
He took out his phone and showed me the screen. “Isn’t this your apartment’s living room?”
I looked at the photo and froze. There it was–our marriage certificate, clearly photographed on my apartment’s couch. The blue throw pillow was visible in the corner, its pattern unmistakable.
I stared in confusion. The certificate had never left the hidden compartment in my suitcase. I’d only taken it out once since our wedding–when packing to leave the Parker mansion. Even Astrid didn’t know I had it.
William broke the silence. “Even if the marriage certificate is with Audrey, and the photo is from her home, this doesn’t prove she took it or posted it.”
He waved his hand. ‘Instead of accusing an innocent person, you should investigate properly.”
Blake frowned, sounding tired. Grandfather, Audrey has caused Parker Group’s stock to crash. Shareholders want answers… yet you’re still defending her?”
“Because I know her too well,” William said, his eyes hard, “If you ask me, this whole thing might be that woman’s scheme, playing victim against Audrey!”
urn you
Blake’s eyebrows shot up. “Laurel would never do that!”
“And Audrey would?” William snorted. “In three years of marriage, when has she ever done anything to hurt you?”
2/3
Chapter 94
His voice got stronger. “She was a lively, fun girl. For you, to look good as Mr. Parker, the forced herself to become proper and Brakes, takes pane everyone daily. Did she ever complain?
I stood still, unable to look at either of them. The past three years flashed through my mind the whispers at charity events, the disulta keen halve Thalia, the constant judgment. I’d suffered it all silently, thinking that’s what a Parker wife should do.
“If she were really selfish. William continued, ‘would she have kept your marriage secret for three years? Even when wanting a dance, she only metals it to family, not publicly.”
His gaze sharpened as he stared Blake down. Besides, even if Audrey did this, it’s because you and your Miss Rose went for fart
This is what you owe her!”
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