Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?
Blakes INV
Grandpa’s voice was so loud that the grand ballroom seemed frozen
time. The soft clink of silverware ceased, conversations dind mid–sentence, and even the walters paused in their tracks. In that charged silence, I could almost hear the rapid beating of Audrey’s heart from where she sat beside me,
Rebecca’s face paled as she realized her mistake. “No, you must have misheard me, 1…”
But it was too late, My grandpa, with his long–cultivated acute powers of observation, upon scrutinizing Audrey intently for an instant, instantly comprehended her haggard countenance and conspicuous emaciation. I had noticed these changes too, but had dismissed them as another of her attention seeking tactics.
“Audrey.” His voice softened in a way it never did for me anymore. Tell me the truth. What on earth is going on?
I watched as she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. “William we can discuss this another time… Her voice carried a plea that made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.
But Grandpa had already sensed blood in the water. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the marble floor. ‘Is this because of Blake and Laurel? His voice was filled with anger. “Is that why Audrey lost the baby!?”
The entire ballroom fell silent. I could see Laurel shifting uncomfortably in her seat, while Thalia started to comfort her. The situation was spiraling out of control.
“Grandpa, please don’t get angry…” I tried to intervene, but my words only seemed to fuel his rage.
or a great–grandchild! Audrey finally gets
“How can n I not be angry!?” His face reddened dangerously. “I’ve b been waiting three years for pregnant, and now she’s lost the baby! What the hell did you do, as her husband!?
The accusation hit harder than I expected. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Audrey’s voice cut through the tension.
“William,” she spoke with a steadiness that surprised me. “Please dont blame Blake. I had an accident,
nt, that’s why I I lost the baby.”
Something about her lie made my fists clench under the table. Why was she still protecting me? After everything that had happened, after the scene at The Underground, after my behavior at tayo Clinic – why?
“We can discuss the details tomorrow,” Audrey’s voice was soft but steady. “It’s your birthday, William. Everyone is watching.”
Grandpa’s jaw wa
was tightly clenched, and the veins on his forehead seemed on the verge of bursting
After a long moment, he looked at Audrey with such profound pain and tenderness that I felt like an intruder witnessing it. “Audrey. I am truly sorry,” he said quietly. “I never imagined they would treat you this way.”
“It’s alright,” Audrey’s smile was serene, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Today is about celebrating your birthday. Let’s not talk about this.”
Grandpa closed his eyes, his expression twisted with grief. He shook his head but remained silent.
Perhaps it was the emotional toll of the evening, but he barely touched his dinner before claiming fatigue, “Charles,” he called, his voice heavy with exhaustion. I think I retire for the evening.”
Charles appeared immediately at his side, helping him up with practiced care. As they left the room, whispers erupted around us
“Poor Audrey, still protecting the family’s image while Blake Parker parades around with Laurel Rose.
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Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?
“That’s what being a proper society wile means!”
“Please, she’s just a country ght who got lucky. What does she know out true refinement?
The words reached my ears, each one carrying a sting of truth I wasnt ready to acknowledge. I watched as Audrey kept her eyes fixed on her plate, pushing food around mechanically. How many times had she sat through dinners like this, pretending not to
hear?
iving up your seat to someone more…
“Speaking of refinement…” Thalia’s voice carried across the table. “Shouldn’t you be giving up suitable?” As she said this, she smirked at Audrey, glancing meaningfully at Laurel
I should have stopped my sister. Should have said something, Instead, I just sat there, watching Laurel make her way to Thalia’s side, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
“I beg your pardon?”
Audrey rose from her chair with practiced elegance, her movement drawing every eye in the room.-” I didn’t quite catch what you said.”
Would you mind repeating that?
She was already the focus of whispered conversations, with people watching her from the corners of their eyes. Now, as she stood. she commanded the attention of the entire room.
Seeing all eyes turn in their direction, Thalia rolled her eyes, lowering her voice with obvious irritation. “Stop making a scene! I’m right next to you. Do you need hearing treatment? Should I pay for le
“Then that would be a generous offer.”
What happened next shocked even me. With deliberate slowness, Audrey raised an eyebrow, extending her hand to Thalia. ‘A hundred thousand dollars, I believe that should cover the medical costs.
This wasn’t the woman who’d spent three years carefully tiptoeing around my moods. This wasn’t the Audrey Sinclair who’d married me while I was in a coma, who’d refused twenty million to leave.
Thalia froze. “What?”
“Oh, I’m just repeating your offer.” Audrey’s smile was razor–sharp. Hidn’t you just suggest paying for I truly need it.”
my
medical treatment?
I think
Thalia finally found her voice, her words coming out in a hiss. “A hundred thousand dollars? Are you out of your mind?”
“Didn’t you just spend two hundred thousand renting a club for Miss Rose’s party?.” Audrey’s voice was casual, but her eyes glinted dangerously.
She tilted her head slightly, her expression one of mock concern. As your sister–in–law, I surely deserve at least half that, right?” Her gaze flicked briefly to Laurel. “Or perhaps… spending on Miss Bise has left you short?”
People started whispering, Great, another Parker family drama for them to gossip about.
“Enough. I lowered my voice. “What happened to you? Why make a scene now?”
This wasn’t like her at all. Shed always kept quiet before, even when things were worse. Now she was demanding money over some stupid comment?
“A hundred thousand dollars, Mr. Parker,” she said, looking straight
- me. “Care to pay?”
“Haven’t I given you everything?” Where was the one who’d always backed down, who d accepted whatever I gave
her without
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Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?
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“Now, now,” Laurel chimed in as she reached for her own designer pe. There’s no need for such hostility. If Audrey feels that money would help… She made a show of writing out a check, her signature as dramatic as her acting
I watched a cruel smile play at Audrey’s lips – an expression I’d never seen on her face before, She picked up Laurel’s check with two fingers, as if handling something distasteful. “Miss Rose, you’ve been quite close with my husband lately, Consider this hundred
you want to keep borrowing him, my attorney can draw up a thousand as rent payment.” She met Laurel’s startled gaze directly. proper lease agreement with appropriate rates.”
The silence that followed was absolute. Rage surged through me at her audacity. “Audrey!” My voice came out as a growl. “What did you say?”
“So that’s what I am to you? Just something to be rented out?”
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