Chapter 72

**Audrey's POV**

Watching Blake defend Laurel yet again, I couldn't help but laugh coldly to myself.

Five years ago, when I fell for Blake Parker, I thought he hung the moon.The perfect man - brilliant, handsome, unstoppable.

Now? Watching him dance to Laurel's every tune, I was finally waking up.The man I once worshipped was just... ordlinary. Another guy blinded by a pretty face and some well-timed tears.

It was almost funny how easily she controlled him. One word from her carried more weight than my years of loyalty. The great Blake Parker, CEO of Parker Group, brought to heel by a quivering lip.

I'd been so blind. Not only had I wasted five years on this man, but I'd literally sacrificed my health for him. The sleepless nights caring forhim during his coma, skipping meals, ruining my stomach - all for what? To be treated like a stranger while he fawned over the woman who'd abandoned him.

"Audrey." Ethan's voice was low. "Don't forget, the photos!"

I blinked, suddenly remembering what actually mattered. Right. The blackmail photos of Astrid.

"When you say don't involve her," I said, looking directly at Blake,"do you mean you don't want me to post our marriage certificate online and let everyone know she's the other woman?"

Blake frowned but said nothing.

Laurel's hands clenched into fists as she sat in her wheelchair. "Miss Sinclair, you know better than anyone who the real 'other woman'is!" Her voice cracked with indignation. "If you dare post your marriage certificate online, I'll tell everyone how you forced your way into Blake darling's life three years ago and married him against his will!"

"Go ahead," I replied simply.

My response threw her. Hler eyes widened.

"You say I interfered with your relationship three years ago," I continued."But the truth is, after Mr. Parker's car accident left him in a coma,you didn't even look at him before fleeing to Europe overnight." I tilted my head. "What excuse did you give when you left,Miss Rose?"

Laurel's face drained of color. "You... you!" she spluttered, her finger shaking.

"Laurel." Blake's voice softened as he quickly moved to her side. His eyes,when they found mine, were cold. "Don't go too far!"

"Laurel had her reasons five years ago!" he added, standing protectively beside her wheelchair.

Ethan chuckled. "Her boyfriend becomes comatose, and she disappears overseas without even saying goodbye?" His tone was casual. "Sounds like she was afraid a vegetable would ruin her plans."

He shook his head. "No reason justifies that."

Ethan looked directly at Blake's darkening expression. "Sir, I'm just commenting on gossip I overheard. No offense intended."

"Blake darling..." Laurel's voice quavered as she gripped his hand. "Don't

be angry. Let them talk... I don't care what others think, only that you understand..."

Blake frowned before looking coldly at me. "I said I would handle the news online. You don't need to target Laurel." His voice hardened. "She's innocent."

I rolled my eyes.

"Blake darling, thank you for believing me," Laurel said,hugging his waist.

"Without you... I'd be completely misunderstood..."

I rolled my eyes again. Oscar-worthy performance.

"Audrey, the photos," Ethan murmured.

Right. This wasn't about exposing Laurel. This was about protecting Astrid.

"Since you don't want me to post ouar marriage certificate or mention what happened three years ago, I canagree," I said flatly. "However... I want Mr.

Parker to agree to three things."

I met his gaze. "If you agree, I'll never mention our marriage or the past to anyone."

Blake narrowed his eyes. "Tell me."

"First, fulfill what you promised - delete those photos and their backups,and pay what I won at the racetrack."

Blake stared,calculating.

"Second, remove all negative news about me online."

I took a breath. "Lastly... let's divorce within three days."

"Great!" Laurel exclaimed before Blake could respond. "It's decided!"

Ethan leaned back. "Obvious much?" he said. "Miss Rose sure seems eager." He glanced at Blake. "Since she's all for it, just do it. Delete the photos and pay up."

*I originally planned to wait for Blake to file for divorce. But seeing him with Laurel made me sick. Why drag this out? With terminal cancer, I don't have time for games.*

Blake glared at Ethan, then at me, before nodding curtly.

Relief, not happiness, washed over me.

**Blake's POV**

I took out my phone, glancing coldly at this young man hovering around Audrey. The guy irritated me on sight.

"You two seem close," I said, my words sharp.

Ethan grinned lazily. "Problem with that?" he asked. "You can hang all over Laurel, but Audrey can't have friends?"

"If you want someone to act with you, find someone more convincing."

The kid was obviously trying to get under my skin.

"We're not acting," Audrey said lightly. "Besides, his abs feel great." She looked straight at me. "Much better than yours."

I stared, genuinely shocked. "You're not that shallow!"

This wasn't the Audrey I knew. My wife was always dignified-not this provocative stranger throwing cheap shots.

"Sorry. I've always been this shallow," she replied with a smirk. "If I hadn't fallen for your face, you think I'd have married you?"

I walked over and held out my phone. Whatever game she was playing,I wasn't here for it.

I deleted the photos of her friend and their backups as she watched, then transferred the bet money to her account. These petty demands as conditions for divorce. Ridiculous.

As I pocketed my phone, I smirked. Let her have this little win.

Unexpectedly, she leaned close to my ear. "I've touched them," she whispered. "Trust me. it's no competition. You lose, Mr. Parker."

My smile vanished, anger burning through me. She was lying. She had to be. We were still married!

Audrey raised an eyebrow at my reaction. "Now that the photos are gone and the money's transferred, we won't bother you," she said normally. "Remember to clean up that news about me, and don't forget divorce court in three days."

She turned away. "Ethan, let's go."

"The bet money just hit," he said, checking his phone. "Treating me to dinner?"

"Sure," she replied, taking his arm exactly like Laurel always did with me."Wherever you want. I can afford it..."

I watched them walk away, fury building inside me.

*I thought after she missed our court date,the divorce drama was over.

Now she's not only pushing for it but flaunting other men in my face?Playing me, trying to make me look like a fool! This isn't how it works.She's gone too far.*

My fists clenched at my sides as they disappeared down the hall.

"Blake darling," Laurel's voice pulled me back.

"Am I causing trouble again?" she asked, eyes wide. "Since I returned, I've just created problems." She bit her lip. "I've even caused your divorce...you don't blame me, do you?"

I took her hand. "It's no trouble," I said firmly. "If she wants a divorce so badly, why should I fight it?"

A wave of irritation swept through me as I stared at the empty hallway.She thought she was punishing me? Fine. Let her go play house with that Nobody.

*If we divorce, I definitely won't be the one with regrets!*

Yet even as I thought it, my jaw clenched tight enough to ache.