Chapter 94

**Blake's POV**

Thalia noticed me first, her eyes widening before she nudged Laurel.

"Blake darling!" She abandoned my sister and cousin, rushing to my side and grabbing my arm. "When did you get here?"

I didn't answer, my attention fixed on Audrey. She stood perfectly still,her gaze shifting between Alex and me, confusion evident in her expression.

Had she come here looking for me?

Thalia didn't waste the opportunity to twist the knife. "Still claiming you're not here to reconcile with my brother? You just called him right in front of us!"

Olivia jumped in. "Audrey, begging Blake to take you back isn't that shameful,but why lie about it?"

"Saying you're not here to get back together while calling him... pretty sad."Thalia added.

Audrey ignored them completely, her brow furrowed as she glanced between Alex and me.

The ringing continued. I turned to Alex, whose phone vibrated in his hand as he stared at it like it might explode.

"Aren't you going to answer that?" I asked sharply.

Alex shifted his weight, sweat beading on his forehead as everyone watched him.

"Yeah, why aren't you picking up?" Laurel teased. "Alex, is that your girlfriend calling?"

Alex quickly hit a button, and the ringing stopped. From where I stood,I heard the automated voice from Audrey's phone: "The person you are calling is currently busy, please try again later..."

I watched Audrey put her phone away, her expression shifting to one of hesitation.

The pieces clicked into place. Audrey had been calling Alex, not me. For some reason, that revelation didn't improve my mood. I asked, "Is this the single beautiful model you mentioned?"

Alex looked like he wanted to disappear. "I had no idea it was her... If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked her to return the car right now..."

"Alex, what car are you talking about?" Laurel asked, peering around me.

"That car, that car..." Alex stammered, eyes darting toward the street.

Laurel followed his gaze-and saw the red sports car parked across from the club. Her eyes lit up. "Wow,what a beautiful car!"

She released my arm and hurried toward the vehicle, her previous claims of weakness forgotten in her excitement. Her sudden mnovement sent her directly into Audrey's path.

In an instant, Laurel's shoulder collided forcefully with Audrey's. Whether it was deliberate or not, the impact nearly sent Audrey sprawling. She staggered backward, her hand reaching out for support.

My body reacted before my brain could catch up. One leg stepped forward,muscles tensed.

Felix had the same instinct. He started to move, but his buddy grabbed his arm.

"Bad idea," his friend muttered. "Stay out of ft."

Felix froze, then settled back into place with a frown.

While I was still debating whether to help, a guy in a black server uniform shot past me.

Ethan Davies.

Audrey managed to catch the lamppost, steadying herself, but Ethan reached her anyway. He gripped her shoulders, helping her balance.

"Miss Sinclair, you okay?" Real concern in his voice.

Something hot and sharp twisted in my chest. I pulled back my half-extended·leg,hoping nobody noticed.

"What are you doing here?" Audrey asked, surprise replacing the strain on her face.

"Bartending." Ethan tapped his uniform. "The owner needed extra hands for some big party tonight. Hired a bunch of us college kids with experience."

He flashed a smile that showed his dimples. "Pays double the usual rate.Couldn't pass that up."

Then he leaned in, his voice dropping as he said something just for her.She actually smiled.

The temperature around me seemed to drop ten degrees.

Alex caught the change and cleared his throat loudly.

Audrey blinked, then stepped back from Ethan, putting proper distance between them.

Meanwhile, Laurel circled the car, running her fingers over its surface. "I love this car! I saw it online recently and thought it looked amazing!" She turned toward me expectantly. "Blake darling, whose car is this?"

All eyes turned to me.

**Audrey's POV**

My shoulder throbbed where Laurel had slammed into me. If not for Ethan, I'd probably be sitting on the sidewalk right now - exactly the humiliation I wanted to avoid in front of Blake.

"Thanks," I said to Ethan.

"Anytime, Miss Sinclair." Ethan leaned in, voice dropping to barely a whisper: "Hey, I might pick up some dirt tonight."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"These rich folks get loose-lipped after a few drinks. Might hear who's behind those online rumors about you."

I couldn't help a small smile. "If you're bartending for cash, I'm all for it."

"But digging for evidence? Don't bother."

Alex coughed pointedly. I suddenly realized Ethan still had his hand on my arm. Taking a quick step back, I broke the contact.

My eyes drifted to the gleaming car. So that's what the phone call was

about- Astrid had borrowed it from Alexander Rhodes. Despite having met him at a few events, we barely knew each other. I stood awkwardly.unsure how to approach him about returning a car I'd been driving all day.

"Blake darling, whose car is this?" Laurel asked, her voice carrying across the street.

Blake's face remained unreadable. "I bought it."

My heart sank. Blake had bought the car I'd been racing all afternoon?

"Laurel saw this car a few days ago, and now Blake bought it... is it a gift for her?" Olivia gasped dramatically.

"Obviously it's for Laurel," Thalia said. "My brother hates racing and red cars.Why would he buy something like this for himself?"

Blake's eyes seemed distant. Thalia continued, clearly performing for my benefit.

"This is a limited global edition - crazy expensive and basically impossible to find." She glanced at ne. "Some people were married to my brother for years and never got anything this nice."

She smirked. "She divorces him, and right away he buys Laurel this gorgeous car... That's gotta sting,right?"

I kept my expression neutral. I didn't care what Blake bought for Laurel. I just felt uncomfortable knowing I'd been driving a car that apparently meant something to them.

"You two, stop!" Laurel said with fake modesty. "Blake hasn't actually said he's giving it to me..."

"Brother?" Thalia pressed. "Tell us. Are you giving this car to Laurel?"

Blake looked from the car to me standing with Ethan, then back to Laurel who practically bounced beside the car. He rubbed his temples before answering.

"If Laurel likes it, it's hers."

"Really?" Laurel squealed, forgetting her supposed illness as she launched herself at Blake. "Blake darling, I'm so happy!"

She couldn't contain herself. "This is a limited edition that money can't even buy! You got it for me just because I mentioned liking it!" She gazed up at him. "You're so good to me!"

I watched with detachment. I never thought Blake would do something this extravagant for Laurel. And I'd spent the afternoon driving their special car. If I'd known, I would've stayed home with Astrid watching Netflix instead.

"Brother, where are the keys?" Thalia asked excitedly. "Let Laurel take it for a spin!"

Blake froze,glancing at Alexander with obvious discomfort.

With a sigh, I pulled the key fob from my pocket and wvalked toward them."I have the keys.Here."

Laurel's face transformed from joy to shock in an instant. Her eyes widened, voice rising shrilly. "Why do YOU have the keys to MY car?"