Chapter 109
Audrey’s POV
When William finished breakfast, I gathered the plates and turned toward the trash bin by the door. That’s when I noticed Blake was gone. I couldn’t remember hearing him leave.
“He left after taking a call.” Felix noticed and spoke up, wiping his mouth with a napkin. I couldn’t hear what it was about, but I think it was Laurel Rose again.”
“Oh.” I tossed the trash away, face blank.
I’d just wondered when he’d disappeared. As for why or for whom, I didn’t care.
William snorted as he adjusted his pillows. “That boy has been completely bewitched by that woman!”
“By the way,” William added, lowering his voice, “I heard that brat mention last time that Laurel Rose got sick while she was in Europe.”
He pointed at Felix. “Help me find out what illness she actually has!
Felix raised an eyebrow. “So you’re saying Blake might be good to Laurel because she’s sick?”
I busied myself straightening William’s blankets, avoiding the conversation.
“What illness? It’s all an excuse!” William huffed. “Looking at Laurel Rose with her rosy complexion and strong voice, even
if she is sick, it’s nothing serious.”
He waved dismissively. “What, does she have terminal cancer or something?”
My body trembled at the words “terminal cancer.” Then I forced my hands steady, smoothing William’s blankets.
“These sheets are a mess,” I said, focusing on the task!
Felix seemed to see my reaction, his eyes narrowing as he glanced between William and me.
I pretended not to notice and gathered the remaining breakfast items.
After making sure William was comfortable and promising to visit again, Felix and I walked out together. The elevator doors closed behind us with a soft hiss.
“Just now…” Felix began, frowning.
I kept my eyes on the changing floor numbers.
“When William was talking about Laurel being sick, I noticed you seemed off,” he said, tilting his head. “What’s wrong? Are you… sick?”
I froze momentarily, then shook my head. “No.”
“Then you-”
1/2
Chapter 109
“You’re mistaken, I cut him off. “I didn’t notice anything wrong with myself.”
“So… I really was mistaken?*
“Yes. I pressed the lobby button again.
The elevator hummed around us. I needed to change the subject.
‘Mr. Thompson,” I said.
Felix looked relieved. “What is it?”
I took a deep breath. “Those things you said earlier to William…”
I met his eyes. ‘I’ll just assume you were joking.”
Confusion crossed his face.
“After the divorce, besides William, I don’t want any connection with people close to Blake Parker,” I said firmly. “I hope you understand.”
Understanding dawned, followed by disappointment. His lips curved into a bitter smile.
“Can’t you give me a chance?” he asked softly. “I’m not Blake…”
I looked up, my smile cold. “Could you, for my sake, make sure your family has no business dealings with Blake Parker?”
Felix opened his mouth, then closed it. His silence was answer enough.
Blake Parker ran Parker Group – basically New York’s business equivalent of royalty. You couldn’t make it in Manhattan without crossing paths with him eventually. The Thompsons and Parkers went way back, with Felix’s family scoring major deals thanks to that connection for years. No way Felix could promise to avoid Blake. His family would never allow it.
“Since you can’t,” I continued, “if I accepted you, I’d inevitably have to see Blake Parker sooner or later.”
The elevator continued its descent.
“First, it would affect your family’s business relationship with him,” I explained. “Second… I don’t want any ties with Blake Parker after the divorce. It’s best if we never see each other again.”
My tone softened slightly. “I hope you understand.”
The elevator reached the lobby. “I’ll be going now,” I said, offering a slight smile.
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