Chapter 120
Audrey’s POV
I ignored Laurel’s ridiculous question and turned to leave.
The thought that I’d spent the entire afternoon driving a car Blake was planning to give Laurel made my skin crawl with discomfort, like every inch of my body was covered in Invisible thorns. Of course he would buy her a limited–edition sports car. Of course he would spare no expense for the woman he’d always prioritized over his own wife.
“Wait.” I’d barely taken two steps when Thalia grabbed my wrist, her nails digging into my skin.
“Explain yourself,” she demanded. “Why do you have those car keys?”
When I didn’t answer, she pressed on. “Did you see this expensive car and try to steal it? Got caught and came back to retur
She stepped closer. “You came to my brother’s divorce celebration to apologize, didn’t you? That’s why you showed up here.”
Olivia joined in, smirking. “That makes sense. Audrey always cared about appearances. Even wanting reconciliation, she wouldn’t embarrass herself like this.”
She glanced around. “Must be caught stealing with no choice but to come.”
Listening to the two women, I furrowed my brow slightly and calmly shook off Thalia’s grip on my wrist. Three months ago, their accusations would have devastated me. I would have stood there meekly, tearfully defending myself while trying not to cause a scene. But their opinions meant nothing to me now.
I was about to retort when Laurel approached with fake concern, “Thalia, Olivia, stop. Everyone knows Miss Sinclair’s background…”
Her gaze swept over me, the disdain in her eyes obvious. “She probably hadn’t seen such a nice car before and was envious. I’m sure she didn’t mean to steal it.”
She touched my arm. “Miss Sinclair, I understand. Don’t feel guilty. As long as the car isn’t damaged,
it’s fine.”
I understood that behind Laurel’s seemingly comforting words was a calculated insult about my humble origins and lack of sophistication, while simultaneously solidifying the accusation that I h secretly taken the car. Most importantly, she was giving Thalia and Olivia a new angle to attack from
one that would make me look even worse in front of everyone.
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Chapter 120
“That’s it!” Thalia smacked her forehend. “We need to check for damage!”
Olivia’s eyes widened. Does she even have a license? I’ve never seen her drive!”
“Even if she can drive,” Thalia sneered, that doesn’t mean she can handle a sports car!”
Thalia snapped her fingers, pointing at the car. “Check it for damage, she ordered her bodyguards, then shot me a cold smile. “This car costs a fortune. Even one damaged screw is more than someone who left a divorce with nothing could afford.”
Each word from the two women felt like an attempt to stomp my dignity into dust. I kept my face
blank despite the sting.
As the bodyguards circled the vehicle, Laurel turned to me with a smile. “Even if it’s damaged, I wouldn’t actually make Miss Sinclair pay.”
She paused. “But if something’s broken, Miss Sinclair owes me an apology, right?”
I rubbed my temples. If I’d known borrowing a car would cause this drama, I’d have stayed home with Astrid.
Looking toward Blake, I noticed Alexander shifting uncomfortably beside him. Blake stared at me intensely, his expression unreadable.
Alexander cleared his throat. “Blake.”
Blake glanced at him. “What?”
“Calm Laurel and your sisters down. Let Audrey go.”
He lowered his voice. “Blame me for the car if needed. Don’t make this uglier.”
Blake’s eyes narrowed as he looked at me. “Let’s wait.”
I understood immediately. He wanted to see how I’d handle this situation. A familiar test. I smiled bitterly at the realization.
“There’s something in the car.” A bodyguard’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
All eyes turned to him. In his hand was a small black box with a navy blue ribbon.
Thalia snatched it. “What’s this?” She glared at me. “Why would there be a gift box for a man in my brother’s car for Laurel?”
I frowned. “I don’t know.”
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Chapter 120
That afternoon when Astrid was curiously examining the car, she had found this box in the glove compartment of the passenger seat. At the time, both she and I assumed it belonged to the car’s owner, so we not only didn’t touch it, we didn’t dare open the glove compartment again.
Olivia gasped theatrically. “Is someone trying to win my cousin back?”
She studied the ribbon. “That’s the exact blue of Blake’s favorite sult. Gets divorced, takes his new car, leaves a gift begging for reconciliation…”
Before she could finish, I watched the bodyguards finish their inspection. “Besides this gift box, did you find any damage?”
Thalia glared at them warningly.
They exchanged uncomfortable glances. “The car is brand new with no damage.”
“Good.” I turned to leave.
Although I didn’t think my afternoon of driving would have damaged the car, it was borrowed in
them to check thoroughly. The box was originally in the car Astrid’s name, so it was reasonable for and had nothing to do with me. I had no obligation to stay and listen to their bickering.
“Miss Sinclair, wait,” Ethan called out. “My shift just ended. I’ll come with you.”
He glanced in the direction of Blake. “I’m worried they might bother you.”
1 frowned, about to decline, but then thought of something and nodded. “Alright. I actually have something to discuss with you.”
Regarding Blake and Laurel’s troll farm smearing me online, I needed to confirm some evidence with Ethan. He’d been collecting information from the inside that could be valuable for my upcoming legal action.
Ethan nodded eagerly and ran back to the bar to change his clothes, while I waited.
“Leaving already?” Thalia approached, shaking the box. “Don’t you want your gift?”
“It was already in the car, I replied coldly. “Not mine.”
Laurel stepped forward. “Thalia, don’t be harsh. How could she admit it?”
She fake–smiled. “Return it to her. Blake darling wouldn’t want her things anyway.”
“Return it? Why?” Thalia’s eyes gleamed. “Since she claims it’s not hers, I’ll open it!”
“Let’s see what’s inside!”
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Chapter 120
I watched with Interest. Actually, I was quite curious too. I had no idea what was in that box, but I was fairly certain it would somehow be used against me, regardless of the contents.
The box opened with a click, revealing a jewelry case and an envelope.
Thalia scoffed after peeking inside. “Cheap matching rings. This is your reconciliation attempt?
She opened the envelope and read aloud:
“Mr. Parker, we heard you purchased this car because your wife enjoys racing, and you wanted to gift her this limited–edition sports car.”
“Our staff were touched by your deep love for your wife, so we’ve included a pair of matching rings as a special gift. Wishing you both eternal happiness…”
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