Chapter 128
Blake’s POV
I tore my gaze away from Audrey and James’s retreating figures. Laurel searched my face while Thalia stood with her arms crossed, still pouting from my rebuke.
“Original Studio has real potential,” I said, my volce steady. “I’m planning a collaboration with them for my new jewelry venture. Having you and Thalia wear their pleces would help build buzz before
we launch.”
Laurel paused before her expression brightened. “So when Thalla and I wear their jewelry… we’re actually helping you?”
I nodded. “Yes,”
She looped her arm through mine, leaning against my shoulder. “Then I’m all for It: Blake darling, I’d do anything to help you!”
We started walking toward the exit as she pressed closer to my side.
Thalia made a face at our display. “God, you two are nauseating. Go have your couple time – I’m heading out to meet Olivia!”
With a dismissive wave, she turned and left us alone.
“Blake darling, what a nice surprise seeing you here today,” Laurel said, interrupting my thoughts. “Did your meetings end early?”
I gave her a slight smile but didn’t answer as we walked through the building. Outside, the night air felt cool against my face as we moved toward the waiting car. My driver opened the door, and we slid
into the backseat.
Once we were alone, I turned to Laurel, my expression serious. “I came to see you because there’s something I need to discuss.”
“What is it?”
I faced her directly. “It’s about Rachel Hayes.”
The effect was instant. Laurel paled, her hand freezing mid–gesture. “Rachel? Why bring her up
now?”
I watched her closely. Rachel’s name was rarely mentioned between us. I’d always assumed grief was the reason, but now I wondered.
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“Do you remember when Rachel mentioned your plans to start a jewelry company together?
Laurel stiffened, confusion flickering in her eyes. “She… told you about that?”
“Yes, when I stayed with you after my accident. She spoke about it like it was your shared dream.
I rubbed my throbbing temples, memories washing over me. Back then, I’d been blinded by an injury, and Laurel, Rachel’s sister, had lost her voice from shock. One unable to see, the other unable to speak Rachel had been our bridge, translating Laurel’s needs and describing my surroundings.
–
During those dark days, Rachel had mentioned that Laurel was interested in jewelry design, that they dreamed of starting a company together. I’d promised to support them, and after returning to the Parker family, one of my first initiatives was launching a jewelry division. But when I finally recovered my sight and sought them out, Rachel was gone. Laurel never mentioned the jewelry
company again.
“I was young then, Laurel said with a slight cough. “Full of random ideas. Rachel and I were so close – I told her everything.” She laughed awkwardly. “I can’t believe she remembered all that, even told you about it…”
“If you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have remembered I once wanted to create jewelry. Feels like another lifetime.”
I added, “Today I discovered someone using Rachel’s name for jewelry designs.”
Her eyes widened slightly.
“When Rachel was alive,” I pressed, “did she have friends interested in jewelry? Or did anyone else. know about her jewelry company dreams?”
Laurel hesitated, her expression shifting rapidly. “I… I’m not sure. But Rachel Hayes isn’t exactly a unique name, is it? Could be someone else with the same name?” Her voice lifted hopefully.
I nodded after a moment. “Perhaps.”
I turned to the window, watching the city blur past. “I’ll take you home.”
I couldn’t help wondering why Laurel seemed so uncomfortable talking about Rachel. Was it simply grief? Or something else? In the four years since Rachel’s death, Laurel rarely mentioned her. At first, I thought the wound was too fresh. Now, I wasn’t so sure.”
The car moved through traffic, silence hanging between us. Laurel occasionally glanced at me, while I kept my gaze forward, my mind elsewhere.
Eventually, we reached Rose Mansion. Laurel stepped out, pausing briefly before walking through the gates. I watched until she disappeared inside, then told my driver to head to the office.
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Chapter 128
Audrey’s POV
James gripped the steering wheel tightly during our silent ride back to Original Studio. I watched buildings blur past, processing what had happened today.
In the elevator, James finally spoke. “Audrey, I really messed up, didn’t 17”
He sighed, lowering his voice despite us being alone. “I had no idea you were hiding. When I saw you with Blake and Laurel, I thought they were hassling you again.”
I watched the floor numbers change, surprisingly calm. “It’s fine.”
And it was, really. James meant well, even with bad timing. Besides, Blake was already suspicious – [ could tell by how he studied me. After three years of marriage, I knew his habits too well. Once Blake Parker caught a scent, he wouldn’t stop until he uncovered everything.
With or without James’s intervention, Blake would have found a way to confirm his suspicions eventually.
“I should’ve been more careful, James said. “This job matters to you.”
I offered a small smile. “You were trying to help. Let’s move on.”
The elevator opened, and we walked toward the studio. The hallway was quiet, most staff gone for the day. When we entered the office, we found it empty except for Tiffany Cooper hunched over her desk eating instant noodles while watching something on her tablet.
As I approached with the heavy jewelry case, Blake’s voice drifted from her device:
“When Laurel and I go out, she often covers herself to hide from fans. But I’d always know her. Even completely disguised, Ed recognize just her silhouette, a single glance….
My lips curled into a bitter smile. Blake claimed he could spot Laurel from just a silhouette, yet hadn’t been certain about me his wife of three years when I stood right in front of him wearing only a face mask and a hat. Meanwhile, James had recognized me from behind after years apart. Telling.
“Tiffany!” James snapped. “Clock out if you’re done or get back to work. Eating noodles and watching. videos isn’t professional!”
Tiffany’s smile vanished. “What crawled up your ass? I’m already stuck working late, and now I can’t.
even eat my dinner and watch five minutes of news without a lecture?”
James scowled. “Out of everything to watch, you pick gossip about that cheater and his mustress?”
“Excuse me?” Tiffany shot back. “Mr. Parker and Miss Rose have loved each other forever! His ex–wife
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was the one who trapped him into marriage when he was vulnerable.” She rolled her eyes. “That woman who tricked Mr. Parker is a bitch, a real homewrecker!”
James’s face darkened. “How dare he started, voice rising. “Blake Parker cheated during his marriage! He-
“James,” I cut in calmly, “where should I put this case?”
He paused, collecting himself. “I’ll show you.”
Before following me, he glared at Tiffany. “Watch your mouth in the future!”
Tiffany defiantly turned up her volume, but her eyes locked onto my face. As recognition hit, her mouth fell open.
“You’re… you’re… she stammered, noodles forgotten.
I smiled politely, saying nothing as I followed James away from the desk area.
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