Chapter 182
Audrey’s POV
Hearing Blake’s warning tone, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I understood he wanted to protect Laurel and her mother, but did he have to treat me like I didn’t know basic manners?
I pursed my lips and kept walking. The mansion’s interior was even more impressive than its facade.
Blake walked ahead with Scarlett while I trailed behind, watching their interaction.
“Twilight Mansion’s architectural style stands out in New York,” Blake said, clearly trying to ease the tension. “Did you choose this villa because you appreciate Victorian architecture, Mrs. Rose?”
Scarlett laughed dismissively. “What would a simple housewife like me know about architectural styles?”
She paused, glancing back at me. “I chose this place because…”
Her words stopped abruptly when our eyes met. Something flickered in her expression.
“Because Laurel’s sister loved this style of building,” she continued with a different tone. “When she was alive, our family didn’t pay enough attention to her. After she passed away, we tried to honor her memory by purchasing things she would
have liked.”
Blake nodded. “So you chose this place to commemorate her…”
The hallway opened into a spacious tea room with large windows overlooking a garden. Scarlett guided Blake to a chair near the window while a housekeeper prepared tea.
Blake suddenly frowned, as if remembering something important.
“Mrs. Rose, does anyone in your family have an interest in jewelry design?”
Scarlett paused at the doorway. “No.”
She motioned for Blake to sit. “You know most of our relatives. They’re mainly in real estate. None of them work in jewelry – it’s a small business for our family. And certainly none of them work as designers.”
I don’t know why, but when Scarlett mentioned jewelry being “small business,” she glanced at me with unmistakable disdain. How would she know what I do? I only started designing jewelry after divorcing Blake.
“Please, Miss Sinclair, sit down,” Scarlett said, noticing my gaze. She gestured toward a chair in the corner, far from where
she and Blake sat.
I moved to the chair, noticing it was smaller and less comfortable. As the housekeeper poured tea for them, I rea the pot to serve myself.
“No manners whatsoever,” Scarlett muttered.
I set my cup down carefully. “I’m a guest in your home, yet from the moment we met, you’ve been rolling your eyes and speaking coldly to me.”
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Chapter 182
I met her gaze directly. And you think you have good manners?”
Scarlett Rose’s face paled. “You dare talk back to me?”
“Before, I endured your rudeness for the Parker family’s sake,” I replied coolly. “Now that I’m divorced, you’re just another middle–aged woman. Why should I accept your insults?”
Her face flushed. “I am your elder! This is how you speak to your elders? I was right about your lack of manners!”
I poured myself more tea. “For people who use age as their only claim to respect, I see no need for good manners.”
Scarlett was clearly shocked by my retort. In the past, whenever she mocked me, I’d always silently taken it. Today, I was talking back!
She clenched her teeth. “You – !”
“Audrey.”
Just as the tension in the room threatened to boil over, Blake frowned and lowered his voice. “Mrs. Rose is your elder. Watch your tone!”
I glanced sideways at him. “I’m not like you,” I whispered. “I’m not trying to marry her daughter, so why should I flatter
her?”
Blake’s face darkened instantly.
Despite my words, I decided not to push further. I was here to find Laurel and learn about Rachel’s phone. If I truly
angered Mrs. Rose and got thrown out, today’s trip would be wasted.
After a moment, Scarlett composed herself and smiled. “Miss Sinclair, I actually rather like hearing that.”
“Blake will marry our Laurel eventually.”
She turned to him, pouring tea into his cup. “Blake, when do you plan to marry our Laurel?”
Her question made the room go quiet.
Blake’s POV
I glanced at Audrey. She was leaning back in her chair, completely relaxed. She held her teacup with a casual elegance, taking occasional sips while watching us like someone forced to sit through a boring performance.
She just heard I might marry another woman. Why doesn’t she react? Is she pretending not to care… or does she really not care? The thought sparked something uncomfortable inside me.
I loosened my tie, suddenly feeling the room’s warmth. “Laurel and I aren’t at that stage yet.”
Scarlett Rose’s smile faltered slightly “Of course. You’ve only recently divorced. Moving too quickly would cause gossip.”
She set her cup down and smoothly changed topics. “My brother contacted me recently. He’s interested in that property in South City he wants to build an estate similar to Twilight Mansion.”
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Chapter 182
She leaned forward. “But I heard Parker Group is also looking at that property?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Those matters are handled by our real estate division. I’m not familiar with the details.”
Her face paled slightly. “Blake, I was thinking… you and Laurel will eventually become family…”
She straightened the napkin in her lap. “My brother would become your uncle by marriage. It would be unfortunate if business created problems between you.”
She smiled. “Besides, Parker Group can always find other properties, but my brother’s business is smaller – South City is the only location he can afford.”
Her voice softened. “If you do me this favor, when you and Laurel get engaged or married, my husband and I won’t have any objections…”
I frowned, finally understanding why she’d been so eager
welcome me for tea. “Mrs. Rose, 1-
“Excuse me,” Audrey interrupted, standing up. “You two are discussing Blake’s marriage plans and business deals as if I’m not here. Should I leave?”
Scarlett Rose’s expression soured. “Miss Sinclair, you’re welcome to excuse yourself.”
“I didn’t choose to come here for tea,” Audrey replied with a cold smile. “Blake brought me here, warning me not to wander around your house.”
She turned to me. “Should I leave now?”
She stretched, looking toward the windows. “Mrs. Rose, I noticed the roses in your garden. They’re beautiful. May I view them while you continue your discussion?”
Scarlett gave her a dismissive glance. “Feel free.”
“Thank you.” Audrey just gave a fake smile. She glanced at me. “Take your time discussing your marriage plans.”
As she turned to leave, I reached out and caught her wrist. “Did I say you could go?”
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