Chapter 87
Chapter 87
Audrey’s POV:
I crouched down to his eye level.
“Noah, sweetie,” I said gently, placing my hands on his shoulders.
“Your Great–grandmother misses you very much. I promise we’ll have plenty of time together when you get back p>
His lower lip trembled slightly. “You don’t want me?” he whispered, so softly I almost missed it.
My heart clenched painfully.
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“That’s not true at all,” I assured him, smoothing his hair. “I always want to spend time with you. But your great–grandmother deserves
some Noah–time too p>
Before Noah could respond, the sound of heels clicking against marble flooring echoed through the foyer.
We all turned to see Dorothy Thornton striding toward us, elegant in a powder blue suit, her silver hair swept into a chignon.
Her face lit up with genuine delight when she spotted Noah.
“There’s my favorite Noah!” she exclaimed, her arms outstretched.
Noah hesitated, his eyes darting up to meet mine.
I gave him a gentle smile and an encouraging nod.
Taking a deep breath, he walked toward his great–grandmother, who looked genuinely surprised and touched when he stepped forward to wrap his arms around her waist.
“Oh!” Dorothy’s eyes widened with pleasant surprise, clearly delighted and moved by Noah’s proactive hug.
She held him close for a long moment, savoring the rare display of affection before finally looking up and noticing me standing to the
side.
She composed herself and dabbed at the corner of her eye.
“I’m so sorry, dear. I was completely overwhelmed by this little man’s hug p>
“It’s perfectly fine, Mrs. Dorothy,” I replied with a polite smile. “I understand completely p>
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“Oh, please,” she said, waving her hand casually. “No need to be so formal. Just call me Grandma, like Caspar does p>
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. ‘1, um-
Dorothy’s eyes softened as she noticed my discomfort.
“Don’t worry, dear. No pressure. These things take time p>
She glanced out the large windows.
“What beautiful weather we’re having today. Would you join me for a little chat on the terrace? ”
Her genuine warmth made it impossible to refuse.
“I’d be happy to p>
Dorothy guided me through the French doors and onto the sun–drenched terrace.
The terrace was beautiful, with sweeping views of the manicured gardens and a small table already set for tea.
“Sit, sit,” she insisted, gesturing to the chair across from her. “Edward makes the most wonderful Earl Grey p>
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I settled into the chair, taking in the immaculate garden below us. The entire scene looked like something from a luxury magazine spread.
Dorothy poured amber liquid into delicate porcelain cups with practiced grace.
“I want to thank you, Audrey,” she said, her voice softening. “Noah’s changes these past few weeks… they’re nothing short of miraculous p>
She handed me a cup. “He can now speak up on his own occasionally. And now that hug!” Her eyes glistened. “I know it’s because of you p>
“That’s very kind, but I haven’t done anything special,” I replied, wrapping my fingers around the warm cup.
“Noah is an extraordinary child. The progress is all his own achievement p>
“You’re too modest.” Dorothy smiled knowingly.
“So tell me, how are things between you and Caspar? Getting along well, are you p>
I nearly choked on my tea. The topic changed too quickly.
“Mrs. Thornton,” I said quickly, feeling a flush creep up my neck.
I recognized this kind of probing. She was testing me, trying to see if I had designs on her wealthy son.
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“I want to assure you that Caspar and I have a purely professional relationship. He’s Noah’s father and my employer, nothing more. ”
I sat up straighter, trying to appear as proper and professional as possible. “I would never overstep any boundaries p>
To my complete surprise, instead of looking relieved at my assurances, Dorothy’s expression fell.
She set her teacup down with a small frown, looking genuinely disappointed rather than satisfied.
An uncomfortable silence settled between us as she stirred her tea absently.
After a moment, she looked up at me with curious eyes.
“May I ask why not?” she finally said. “What’s wrong with Caspar that you don’t like him p>
I blinked in surprise, completely caught off guard by her directness.
My mind raced as I tried to formulate an answer.
What was wrong with Caspar Thornton?
As Noah’s father, he was devoted and caring, if a bit strict.
As a businessman, he was brilliant and respected. And physically… well, there was certainly nothing wrong there.
My silence stretched too long. Dorothy’s face grew increasingly concerned.
“Goodness,” she said, leaning forward anxiously. “Are there that many things wrong with him p>
“No! No, of course not,” I said quickly, snapping out of my thoughts.
I scrambled to come up with something that might sound like a legitimate reason.
“He’s just very… reserved. Serious all the time. Not much of a sense of humor p>
Dorothy watched me expectantly, clearly waiting for more substantial complaints.
“And sometimes,” I continued desperately, “he can be moody. Unpredictable. One minute he’s perfectly pleasant, and the next he seems
completely different. Almost cold p>
Dorothy tilted her head, considering my words.
“ Is that all? Tell me everything, dear. I can help him change his ways. ”
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“No, that’s… that’s all,” I stammered, caught off guard by her eagerness to reform Caspar based on my feedback. “Really, they’re minor
things p>
“Are you quite certain there’s nothing else p>
A deep voice inquired from behind me, the cool tone sending an immediate chill down my spine.
My body went rigid. I didn’t need to turn around to know who was standing there.
Heat rushed to my face as mortification washed over me in a powerful wave.
I slowly turned in my chair to find Caspar standing in the terrace doorway, his expression completely unreadable, arms crossed over his
chest.
How long had he been standing there? What exactly had he heard?
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.