Chapter 253
Astrid’s POV
I watched Blake and Laurel heading toward Michael’s car, dread booling in my stomach. If Blake was going to Mayo Clinic where William was, he might run into Audrey. The whole plan would collapse.
1 bit my lip and pulled out my phone, dialing the number Felix had just texted from.
“Hello?” A gruff male voice answered.
“Hi, could you tell me where the man who borrowed your phone went?”
“You mean that guy near Mayo Clinic’s back entrance?” He sounded annoyed. “Still at the hospital.”
“Can you help me contact him?”
“Sorry, no can. I collect garbage there, and my truck’s already left. Can’t go back now.”
The call ended abruptly. I stared at my darkened screen, feeling helpless. Audrey and Felix were at the hospital – exactly where Blake was heading.
Please be careful, Audrey.
Laurel’s POV
In the back of Michael’s car, I sat straight–backed, careful not to brush against Blake. He’d been staring out the window since we left the riverside, completely ignoring me.
His profile was sharp against the passing streetlights. So close, yet unreachable.
I carefully slipped my phone from my purse. With Blake distracted, I typed a message
to
Andrew Jensen:
“Contact Dr. Evans and arrange for that woman to have an episode immediately!”
Since Blake was already going to Mayo Clinic for William, I’d use my “illness” and William’s condition to keep him firmly
in my grasp.
I couldn’t let him get more involved with Audrey’s accident anymore! Even in death, that woman threatened everything I’d
built.
Audrey’s POV
Dr. Evans and I exited the elevator. I tugged at the borrowed nurse’s uniform, hoping it was enough of a disguise to avoid
recognition.
The emergency room’s red light glowed, indicating resuscitation in progress. Parker family members were scattered through the waiting area, their attitudes revealing their true feelings.
Elizabeth studied what looked like William’s will, frowning deeply.
Olivia sat silently scrolling through her phone.
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Thalia lounged with legs crossed, occasionally smiling at something on her screen, completely unbothered by her grandfather’s condition.
Rebecca paced by the window, phone pressed to her ear, back to the others. Despite her attempt to look distressed, I could see her relaxed posture.
1 edged closer, pretending to organize a medicine cart.
“Our family patriarch might not make it this time,” Rebecca was saying, barely concealing her anticipation. “Tonight was supposed to be a happy occasion, when he heard Audrey Sinclair died in a car crash, he had a heart attack…”
Audrey Sinclair? My former daughter–in–law,” she continued. “Tonight engagement.”
we had her take care of the Hayes girl at the
“Can you believe she kidnapped that vegetative patient and tried to escape? Then they crashed into the Hudson River. Bodies haven’t been found…”
Rebecca lowered her voice. “William leg
is void…”
sixty percent of his estate to Audrey, but now that she’s died before him, that will
She chuckled. “Yes, we’ll all get more now…”
“TH keep you posted. When William passes, come to the funeral…”
William and I are both still alive, and she’s already dividing his money? Those vultures don’t deserve a penny of William’s
money.
Dr. Evans sensed my anger and gripped my sleeve, pulling me toward the emergency room. She flashed her ID at the guard.
The guard barely glanced at us before waving us through.
The moment I saw William, all thoughts of the Parkers vanished. He lay still, skin almost as white as the sheets. Monitors beeped steadily. Oxygen tubes ran beneath his nose, IV lines from both arms.
Tears sprang to my eyes. I rushed to his bedside and grabbed his hand.
“William,” I choked out. “I’m so sorry.”
Dr. Evans checked his vitals while I focused solely on the frail man before me.
“Are you alright?” My voice broke. “Dr. Evans told me about your heart attack after hearing about my accident… It’s all my
fault.”
William’s eyes slowly opened, unfocused at first, then sharpening as he recognized me.
“Audrey…” he whispered. “You’re alive…”
His hand trembled as he tried to reach for my face.
“Yes!” Fresh tears fell. “I’m alive, William!“.
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A faint smile crossed his lips.
“I said I’m a good driver, and I didn’t lie about it,” I said, attempting a smile. “I kept the car door open, drove toward the river, and jumped out before the crash.”
William’s eyes widened slightly.
“I grew up near the ocean,” I explained. “I’m a strong swimmer.
I leaned closer. “Please get better soon. If anything happened to you because of me… I couldn’t forgive myself.”
He closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, relief shone clearly.
“You’re safe,” he murmured. “That’s wonderful.”
His expression suddenly changed, brow furrowing. “Since you’re alright… you should go quickly. I’ve arranged everything at the airport for you.”
I bit my lip, thinking of Felix’s message. Blake had blocked every exit from the city. The private jet William arranged had been grounded. Even without the accident, we couldn’t have escaped.
The memory of how I’d ended up here flashed through my mind…
“Blake Parker is determined to keep you in New York,” Felix said, speeding down a side street. “Unless you’re dead, you probably won’t leave.”
I stared ahead, weighing our options. Rachel sat beside me, her eyes following our conversation even
respond.
“Then let’s give him what he wants,” I finally said. “Let him think we’re dead.”
though she couldn’t
Felix glanced at me. “That’s extreme. You want to
your death because Blake’s after you?”
I studied him. “You mentioned having two identical cars. That truck’s been following us for ages, but you’re not worried… because you already planned to switch vehicles?”
His mouth twitched. “Quick thinking.”
I looked at Rachel, then back to Felix. “If your backup car takes our place, that driver would be in serious danger.”
My decision solidified. “Drop me at the next alley. You know my race skills. I’ll switch with that driver and lead the truck away. We’ll stage an accident.”
I’m already halfway to the grave, I thought. If someone has to risk their life tonight, it should be me.
I took a deep breath, meeting William’s concerned gaze.
“William, I came to see you secretly,” I said softly. “Don’t tell anyone I died in that accident.”
was here. Just pretend, like everyone else, that I
He studied my face before nodding slowly. “Alright. Audrey… the Parker family has wronged you.”
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His words were cut off by a Voice from the corridor.
“Doctor, how is my grandfather’s resuscitation going?” Blake’s deep voice carried through the door.
My entire body went rigid. Once, his voice had been my favorite sound in the world. Now, it sent ice through my veins.
William heard Blake’s voice too. The color drained from his face
“He’s here,” he rasped, panic flashing in his eyes. “You need to go. Now!”
I bit my lip, looking at the frail man who had shown me more kindness than the entire Parker family combined.
“William…”
“Take care of yourself,” I managed, throat tight with unspoken words. “I’ll come back if I can.”
William’s eyes softened. “I’ll be waiting.”
“Go,” he urged, glancing anxiously at the door. “Hurry!”
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