Audrey’s POV
I narrowed my eyes, a mocking smile touching my lips. “I wasn’t planning to accept William’s assets. Taking care of him
was just my duty as his daughter–in–law. After divorcing Blake, I shouldn’t use that for gain.”
I let out a short laugh. “But since you’ve already decided I’m after William’s money, and no one will listen to my explanations…”
“I might as well take this gift. I can’t just stand by while you trash my name behind my back.”
I leaned closer to the phone. “As for your wedding? I had no plans to cause trouble. But since you brought it up, I’d hate to
disappoint you.”
“So remember this, Laurel. I will be at your wedding ceremony. Even if I’m dead by then, my ghost will haunt you. Better
prepare yourself!”
I hung up before she could respond. The room went silent.
William burst into laughter. “Well done, Audrey! You should’ve stood up for yourself sooner!”
He turned to Thalia. “Hear that? If you hadn’t called Laurel, Audrey might have declined my gift. Now she’s accepted
everything!”
“I thought I’d have to convince her,” he chuckled. “But my wonderful granddaughter solved that problem!*
He gestured to Charles. “Have some pastries prepared for Thalia! And send some to the Rose house for Laurel!”
William winked at Thalia, whose face had turned ashen. She bit her lip, fists clenched at her sides, mouth opening and closing without sound – must regret the call she made.
“Mom…” Thalia turned to Rebecca, her voice small.
“Useless!” Rebecca glared at her daughter. “You make everything worse!”
Then she stormed out without another word.
Thalia stood frozen, her face a picture of devastation. She glanced around the room, then stamped her foot and ran after
her mother.
Peace returned to the Parker mansion.
William sighed, watching Blake apply ointment to my burn. “You should have treated her like his long ago.”
He turned to Charles. “Join me in the garden.“.
“Of course,” Charles moved to support him. “Several flowers just bloomed…”
“William…” I called after him.
William quickened his pace, pretending not to hear.
Chapter 212
I started to stand, but Blake pressed my shoulder,
“He’s avoiding you,” Blake said. “Don’t chase him.”
I settled back with a sigh. “Aren’t you going to stop him?”
Blake continued wrapping gauze around my hand. “Stop what?”
“The will,” I said. “What else?”
“Didn’t you just agree to take it?” He didn’t look up.
“I was just saying that to annoy Laurel.” I pulled my hand from his grasp. “I’m not actually taking sixty percent of William’s estate. I’m not that greedy.”
I finished the bandage myself while Blake watched me.
“Do you know how much we’re talking about here?” he asked.
“Don’t care.” I shrugged. “It’s not mine to take.”
Blake’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t want Parker money?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t have left our marriage with nothing.”
“When we divorced, we agreed to remarry,” Blake said quietly.
“I never planned on that.”
Blake stared at me. “You won’t remarry me and don’t want Parker money… Then what do you want? Wasn’t marrying me
all about our fortune?”
I froze. “Is that what you think? That I married you for money?”
When Blake didn’t answer, a bitter smile formed on my lips. “Fine. Let’s say that’s true.”
During our marriage, I never cared about the Parker fortune. Yes, I wore designer clothes, but only to fit the role of Blake’s
wife.
William once told me I needed to fulfill my position’s duties. As Blake’s wife, I couldn’t em right brands, understand luxury goods, and master socialite etiquette. My country habits
rrass him. I had to wear the
o go.
For three years, I studied diligently, wore brands I disliked, and was repeatedly accused of marrying Blake for money.
I never defended myself. I thought doing my part, not letting Blake be mocked for his country wife, would be enough.
But after three years, even Blake believed I married him for money.
“If not for money, then what?” Blake finally asked.
I stood up. “Do you really think everything I did for you was just for your family’s money?”
Chapter 212
“Think about it. When you were in a vegetative state, how did I treat you? And after you woke up?”
My voice lowered. “If I only wanted cash, I could’ve just waited for your deposits. Why work so hard to please you? Why cook different meals everyday, waiting for you to come home?”
“Have you ever thought about that?”
I turned to leave, unable to look at him anymore.
Blake caught my wrist. “Audrey, I heard you tell the Sinclairs you married me for money.”
I stopped cold as the memory hit me.
Two years ago, Richard and Elaine Sinclair arrived at our home with Victoria, making themselves comfortable in our living
room.
They wanted Blake to partner with Sinclair Enterprises. I knew Richard had no business sense. To drive them away, I pretended our marriage was just a financial arrangement.
To make them leave faster, I promised that once Blake truly loved me, I’d send money back to them.
That night, I said terrible things I didn’t mean, describing our relationship as cold and fake.
I never imagined Blake heard it all.
No wonder he disappeared on a business trip for months afterward, ignoring my calls.
When he returned, everything between us had changed. I thought he was just stressed from work and tried everything to
cheer him up.
But no matter what I did, Blake never smiled at me again. His affection vanished after that night.
“So you heard that conversation,” I said, unable to hide my pain. “Why didn’t you just ask me about it?”
During that time, our relationship was finally growing. But instead of trusting me, he’d chosen to disappear, silently punishing me, breaking the heart that had loved him so sincerely.
Even if I explained now, would he believe me?
Why waste my breath?
I stared at the face I once loved. “Forget it, it doesn’t matter now. I don’t need to pretend.”
“Yes, I married you for your money, I grew up poor and wanted out.”
I pulled away from him. “Happy now?”
Without waiting for his response, I walked away.
