Chapter 129
Audrey’s POV
James led me into the storage room and took the jewelry case from my hands. He placed it in at cabinet, locking it with a soft click.
Tiffany is completely out of line,” he said, frowning. “She’s probably too young to distinguish right
from wrong.”
He turned to me. “Audrey, don’t take it to heart, what she said…”
“I’m not taking it to heart, I interrupted. “James, Blake and I are already divorced, it’s all in the past. You don’t need to worry, and you definitely don’t need to get worked up for my sake.”
His face paled. “Audrey, I…”
“James,” I pushed my hands into my pockets. “Tiffany was just enjoying the drama. She’s repeating what she sees online. Arguing only shows how much you care.”
When she entered with James earlier, Tiffany clearly didn’t know who I was. But after their
argument… that might change. After the divorce, I wanted to restart life as a designer, not be known
as Blake Parker’s ex–wife.
James paused. “Sorry. I’ll be more careful.”
“Let’s go.”
We headed back to the main office. I was planning my exit when Tiffany blocked my path.
“Miss Sinclair! I’m so sorry!” She grabbed my hands.
I pulled back, but she held on.
“I didn’t know you worked here! I didn’t recognize you!” Her words rushed out.
She glanced between us. “No wonder James was so angry – you were here!”
“I apologize for calling you a bitch earlier. I won’t watch that stuff at work anymore!”
I gently freed my hands. “It’s fine. You didn’t know.”
I moved past her toward the exit..
“Now that you know, keep your mouth shut!” James snapped.
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Chapter 129
Tiffany lowered her voice. “Why are you so protective of her?”
“Don’t tell me you’re trying to pick up Blake Parker’s leftovers?”
James’s eyes flashed. “You’re the leftover!”
“Don’t talk about Audrey like that again, or you’ll regret it.”
I left, not waiting for their argument to end. My quiet apartment beckoned like a sanctuary after this
day.
The elevator doors opened. I stepped in and pressed the lobby button. Before they closed, James slipped through.
“Audrey.”
1 focused on the floor numbers.
“Where are you headed? Home? I’m heading there too. Want to go together?”
I stopped in the lobby. “James, I’d like some time alone.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Let me drive you home. I’ll stay silent the whole way, okay?”
I frowned. “I..
“Just this once,” he said softly. “It’s your first day – let me complete the routine of taking you to work
and bringing you home.”
He shifted his weight. “If you want to be alone tomorrow, I promise I won’t bother you.”
Despite my reluctance, I nodded. At least James meant well. I just couldn’t figure out why he was
acting so strange today.
True to his word, James stayed completely silent during the drive. Only the engine’s hum and
occasional traffic sounds filled the car. I watched the city lights, grateful for the quiet.
When we reached my building, he parked and got out.
“I’ll walk you up,” he said, avoiding my eyes.
I almost protested, but something in his expression stopped me. He seemed strangely anxious. We entered the building together,
Our elevator ride was as silent as the drive. At my door, I found my keys, aware of James behind me.
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Chapter 129
“Thanks for the ride. Good night.”
I opened the door and froze.
“Surprise!”
At least a dozen people filled my small apartment. Streamers hung from the ceiling, and a banner reading “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUDREY!” stretched across the wall.
My birthday! Living with Blake had turned my life upside down so completely that I’d forgotten my own birthday. I never thought Astrid would remember.
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