Chapter 144
Audrey’s POV
Blake’s icy voice cut through my racing thoughts.
I froze behind the fire exit door, unable to move. My heartbeat thundered in my ears as if trying to escape my chest.
I lifted my gaze toward his voice. Blake had already reached the emergency exit, his hand pulling the iron door open. I gripped the handle tighter, as if that could somehow protect me from the humiliation of being caught.
“You think holding that door means I don’t know you’re behind it?” Blake asked, his voice dripping with mockery.
Heat rushed to my face. Being caught eavesdropping on my ex–husband was mortifying enough. Hearing him discuss using me to manipulate William made it infinitely worse.
Blake yanked the door open with a cold snort. Our eyes met, his dark guze boring into mine.
“Hello,” I managed, barely audible.
Blake leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “When did you pick up eavesdropping as a hobby?” he asked. “I thought you’d reveal yourself when I was talking with my grandfather. You showed surprising restraint.”
My eyes widened. “You knew I was there the whole time?”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a not–quite–smile as he stared down at me without answering.
“So you asked me to beg William to approve your engagement to Laurel because you knew I was listening?” I asked, frowning.
Blake raised an eyebrow. “No. I genuinely want you to convince my grandfather to accept Laurel.”
I stared at him, unconsciously looking up to meet his gaze. His eyes held none of the playfulness I’d expect from a joke. They were serious, determined.
I know that look too well. He’s not joking. He honestly expects me, his ex–wife, to plead with h grandfather to approve his engagement to Laurel.
“Don’t you find that request both ridiculous and offensive?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the storm building inside.
“Maybe,” Blake admitted. “But grandfather listens to you. When I can’t convince him of something,
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Chapter 144
you speak up and he caves. You’re the perfect person to handle this.”
I looked at Blake coldly, bitterness washing over me.
He only sees that William listens to me. He’s never once wondered why. Does he think it’s simply because I was his daughter–in–law?
Behind William’s “favoritism” were three years of devotion and care. Every time, William agreed to Blake’s requests because he saw my sacrifice, my effort.
Blake never noticed what I did behind the scenes. The days at the mansion tending to William. The hours listening to his stories. The special meals prepared just the way he liked. The chess games where I’d let him win just enough to keep his pride intact.
He thinks William’s goodwill toward me appeared out of thin air. That his grandfather’s respect for me required no work on my part.
Three years together. Even a stone held against your chest would eventually warm. But Blake never did.
And now, divorced, when he needs William’s approval, he still thinks of me as his tool.
“I refuse,” I said firmly. “This is between you and Laurel. I’m divorced from you. There’s no reason for
me to help.”
I turned away, heading down the stairs. I’d taken two steps when Blake’s voice stopped me.
“Audrey. Why did you come looking for me tonight?”
My foot froze mid–step.
I came to find him because of Ethan. To convince Blake not to target him,
Blake loosened his tie with a sharp tug and walked to the stairwell. He moved down to stand two steps below me, turning to look up. Our eyes were perfectly level now.
His nearness made me uncomfortable. I instinctively stepped back, but Blake followed, maintaining the distance between us.
sent an
When I tried to retreat again, Blake suddenly moved forward, backing me against the wall. My spine pressed against cold concrete as he leaned in, his chest pressing against mine. The con‘ unwelcome jolt through my body.
