Chapter 57

**Audrey's POV**

Outside. New York's air carried a hint of fresh scent. I'd barely lifted my hand to hail a cab when my phone buzzed. The name on the screen sent an unexpected wave of warmth through my chest - Charles Wright- the Parker family's long-serving butler who'd always treated me well.

"Mr. Wright?" The surprise in my voice was genuine.

"Mrs. Parker." His familiar voice carried that particular blend of formality and warmth I'd grown accustomed to over the years. "Mr. William Parker received some premium Arctic shrimp and insists I call to invite you over for lunch!"

I hesitated, my free hand unconsciously tightening around my purse strap."But Blake and I..."

"You and Mr. Parker haven't finalized the divorce, have you?" Charles's tone softened slightly. "Besides, even if you do divorce, Mr. Parker has been like family to you for years. How could you refuse his lunch invitation?"

The weight of three years of family dinners, holiday celebrations, and quiet moments shared over tea pressed against my chest. Even with everything that had happened, William Parker had been more of a grandfather to me than anyone in my life.

"Alright," I managed finally."I'll come now."

The taxi was hot despite the AC as we drove through traffic. I was staring

absently at the passing buildings when my phone lit up again - James Collins.

"Audrey." His voice carried an unusual hesitation. "Did you... find your cat?"

Something in his tone made my hand tighten involuntarily around the phone. "James, tell me the truth." I tried hard to keep my voice flat."Those two times you went to my apartment that night, did you really not see Snow?"

The silence that followed spoke volumes.

"Yeah, sure, Audrey." He cleared his throat. "What's going on?"

I turned to watch the city blur past my window, feeling ice in my chest."I found Snow. She's with Blake."

His sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line told me everything I needed to know. James's voice wavered slightly. "Did he say something to you?"

"Snow is all I have left." My voice came out quiet but razor-sharp. "What made you think you had the right to give her away? To tell Blake I didn't want her anymore?"

"Audrey," he said, his voice heavy with what sounded like regret, "I can explain."

"That night was urgent," he began, words tumbling out in a rush. "I had to get your medication logs to the hospital, and Blake was refusing to leave your doorstep... Snow ran out to Blake, and he took her. He kept using the cat as leverage, saying he needed to see you..."

"So you just handed my beloved pet over to him?" I cut him off.

"James," I continued, forcing my voice steady. "I appreciate your help that night at the hospital. But do you realize what could have happened if Blake hadn't been decent enough to take Snow home? She could have been captured, hit by a car, become a starving stray."

"Audrey, you have to understand," James let out a sigh. "Your condition that night was critical. I had to make a split-second decision..."

"Then what about yesterday, James?" The words tasted like ash in my mouth. "You didn't say anything about Snow the whole day. Do you have any idea what we went through? Astrid combing the streets all day,me searching until my legs gave out."

The silence from James's end stretched so long I almost checked if the call had dropped.

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the taxi window, suddenly bone-tired. "James, I'll transfer double the amount you covered at Mayo Clinic in a few days. Thank you for taking care of me during this time."

I ended the call before he could respond, watching his name flash across my screen again and again as he tried to call back. Each ring felt like another nail in the coffin of what I'd thought was friendship.

Outside the Parker Mansion, I immediately caught sight of that familiar black car parked by the entrance - this wouldn't be a simple lunch with William Parker.

Taking a steadying breath, I 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 so 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 mny 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-all that fuss for nothing!"

"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!"