Chapter 81
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 81
Audrey’s POV:
A
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I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated through Manhattan traffic, my mind still reeling from Clara’s bombshell announcement.
‘I’m getting engaged, Audrey p>
Those words had sent me into such a state of shock.
How could Clara–who had barely dated anyone seriously in all the years I’d known her–suddenly be getting engaged?
Wasn’t she secretly pining for Finley all this time?
Did Finley even know about this engagement?
A flood of questions swirled through my mind as I tried to make sense of this unexpected news.
I quickly arrived at the underground parking garage of the restaurant where we had agreed to meet.
The underground parking lot was dimly lit and nearly empty on a Tuesday evening.
I found a spot near the elevator and had just turned off the engine when movement in my rearview mirror caught my attention.
A sleek black Maserati had pulled into a spot several spaces behind me, and two figures emerged.
I froze, immediately recognizing that man was Brandon Thornton.
He had a woman pressed against the car in what looked like an aggressive encounter.
The woman’s face was partially obscured, but as they shifted positions, I caught a glimpse of her profile.
Sienna Bailey.
My foster sister was with Brandon Thornton in the parking garage.
I was hesitating to rush over when I noticed her body language. Far from being coerced, Sienna had her arms wrapped tightly around his
neck, pressing herself against him with obvious enthusiasm.
I sank lower in my seat, feeling foolish for my initial alarm. If anything, she looked like she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Not my circus, not my monkeys, I reminded myself.
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Knowing Sienna, this was probably a calculated move to worm her way into the Thornton family’s social circle. Each using the other for
their own purposes–a perfectly transactional relationship.
I grabbed my purse and stepped out of the car, hoping to hurry past the couple without being noticed.
No such luck. Sienna’s eyes widened as she spotted me, and Brandon’s gaze followed hers.
“Well, well,” Brandon drawled. “If it isn’t the Bailey family’s charity case. Looking for a new sugar daddy now that you’ve been cut off? ”
I kept walking, pretending I hadn’t heard him. Too lazy to get entangled with bad people and bad things.
“I’m talking to you,” Brandon called, his voice hardening. “Didn’t your foster parents teach you any manners before they dumped you? ”
I turned slowly, forcing my expression to remain neutral.
If there was one thing I’d learned in life, it was that I wouldn’t start fights, but I certainly wouldn’t back down from them either.
“I can’t expect anything decent from trash like you.” I replied coolly. “Couldn’t you see I was trying to avoid you? Take the hint p>
Brandon’s face darkened with anger.
“Who do you think you’re calling trash, you worthless gold–digger? Let me teach you some manners right now p>
He took a threatening step toward me, his hands clenching into fists.
“Running into psychos like you really ruins my day,” I muttered.
Brandon moved forward, closing the distance between us. Sienna watched with malicious anticipation, making no attempt to hold him
back.
“Audrey p>
Clara’s voice cut through the tension as she appeared by the elevators, rushing toward us with surprising speed.
“Everything okay here?” she asked, positioning herself slightly in front of me.
Brandon’s eyes narrowed as he took in Clara’s appearance. “And who might you be, sweetheart? ”
‘None of your business, ” Clara replied coolly. “Come on, Audrey. We have a reservation p>
Brandon took a step toward us, his eyes darkening. “I don’t think we’re finished here. ”
Sienna suddenly grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with recognition as she studied Clara.
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She leaned in close to Brandon’s ear, urgently whispering something.
“Willow? Are you sure?” I heard Brandon mutter, giving Clara a second, more calculating look.
Sienna nodded emphatically, her fingers digging into his sleeve.
Brandon’s aggressive stance relaxed slightly.
He straightened his jacket and gave us a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Looks like it’s your lucky day,” he said to me. “We’ll continue this conversation another time p>
Clara linked her arm with mine and steered me toward the elevator.
As the elevator doors closed behind us, she released a breath.
“How did you know to come down to the parking garage?” I asked.
Clara tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I got here early and was waiting in the lobby. I saw Sienna enter with that guy, and when you texted that you had arrived but didn’t come up after several minutes… I just had a feeling something might be wrong p>
“Well, your timing was impeccable,” I said in a deliberately cloying way, squeezing her arm. “My personal guardian angel p>
She replied with a weak smile. I noticed her eyes lacked their usual sparkle, and her shoulders were uncharacteristically slumped.
“Hey,” I said softly, turning to face her.
“What’s going on with this engagement news? That came out of nowhere. I thought you…” I hesitated, not wanting to mention Finley directly. “I didn’t even know you were seeing someone seriously p>
Clara’s eyes met mine, filled with a complexity of emotions I couldn’t quite read.
“ It’s … complicated,” she whispered as the elevator doors opened to the restaurant floor.
We stepped into the space, but I couldn’t let this go.
“Who is it?” I asked, keeping my voice low. “Who are you engaged to p>
Clara remained silent as the hostess led us to our table.
Only after we were seated and alone did she look up at me, her expression a mixture of nervousness and something else I couldn’t quite
place.
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“It’s Finley,” she finally said.
I nearly choked on the water I’d just sipped. “Finley? As in our Finley? Gallery owner Finley? The man you’ve been secretly in love with
for years but never had the courage to tell p>
The words tumbled out before I could stop them.
“Yes,” Clara replied, twisting her napkin in her hands. “That Finley p>
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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.