Chapter 72
Lended the can before he could respond, watching his name flash ketost my screen Again and again as he tried his mall bark. 14th ring lele De trata in the rehin of what I thought was friefulship.
Outside the Parker Mansion. I immediately taught sight of that familiar black car parked by the entrance the wildn’t be a simple ling with writ Mater.
Taking a steadying breath, 1 settled the fare and made my way toward the entrance, my steps slow and heavy
But before dread could fully take hold, laughter echoed from inside. William Parker’s voice carried clearly: ‘Never expected you’d come visit me after to many years abroad, Felix!
Mr. Parker, you’ve always been so kind to me! Felix’s warm response floated out. I should have visited as soon as I returned if work hadn’t kept me busy!
“You’ve always had such a silver tongue, William chuckled, much better than our stoic Blake!
As their easy banter continued, I felt some of the tension ease from my shoulders. So Felix was here too. Thank god at least I wouldn’t have to face Blake
alone.
The thought gave me enough courage to stride into the living room, letting a smile touch my lips. “What’s so amusing, William?”
Three heads turned at my voice. Despite our previous encounter at the racetrack, Felix maintained perfect social graces, turning to William with an artfully crafted expression of curiosity. “Mr. Parker, who is this?”
“This is my granddaughter–in–law, Blake’s wife, Audrey Sinclair!” William’s pride was evident even now, making something in my chest ache.
“Ah, so you’re my sister–in–law. I’m Felix, Felix Thompson.” Felix extended his hand with a warm smile.
“Hello, Mr. Thompson.” I accepted the handshake smoothly.
“Audrey, come sit.” William gestured to the empty spot beside Blake. “The chef needs a few more minutes with lunch.”
I hesitated, eyeing the space beside Blake with poorly concealed reluctance. But refusing would only invite questions I couldn’t answer. With no choice left, I made my way toward the indicated seat.
As I attempted to lower myself onto the plush cushions, my injured leg betrayed me. I stumbled slightly, and before I could catch myself, familiar hands steadied me – Blake’s reflexes as quick as ever.
I quickly extracted myself from his embrace, cheeks burning as I settled into my assigned seat. “Thank you,” I murmured, keeping my voice low enough that only he could hear.
“For what?” His laugh held arctic temperatures as he leaned close, his words meant for my ears alone. “Still using these tricks in public, huh?”
The words dragged me back to memories I’d rather forget. How many times had I orchestrated similar moments in our early days? Desperately seeking any excuse for contact, any moment of connection… The memory of accidentally overhearing him later – “Such amateur acting and manipulation – how could I not see through it? I only played along to prevent her from trying something even more desperate to get close to me” – still burned after all these years.
“Blake and Mrs. Parker seem so in love,” Felix spoke up, his tone filled with mockery.
William beamed, missing entirely the implications of Felix’s words. “Indeed. They had that divorce drama recently, but look at them now – nothing!”
all that fuss for
“Mr. Parker,” Felix’s gaze flickered to me before sliding away, his smile sharp as a blade, “that’s just how some couples keep things interesting.”
The irony in his voice was clear. He’d been at the racetrack, had seen Blake rush to Laurel while I sat bleeding in my wrecked car.
A servant appeared with the first course just as William started to rise. But before we could settle into our seats, a familiar voice sounded:
“Blake darling!”
