Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 104

Daisy's POV:

I buried my head in my hands as the weight of humiliation crushed me like a physical force, making it hard to breathe.

The sound of hurried footsteps made me look up briefly to see my parents rushing here, their faces etched with concern and confusion.

"Daisy, what happened?" Mom asked, her elegant features tightening with worry.

Dad stood behind her, his usually commanding presence now shadowed with concern.

Finley straightened his posture, explained.

"Someone impersonating the artist Liora convinced Daisy she was genuine. I exposed the fraud during the dinner because I actually represent the real Liora in Europe."

He paused, glancing at me. "The real Liora is actually Audrey Lane, which Daisy didn't know and refused to believe."

"I'm so sorry," I choked out between sobs, looking up briefly at my parents' concerned faces.

"I really didn't know... she—she *promised* me she was Liora. She had credentials, portfolios... everything! She *tricked* me..."

Mom gently rubbed my back.

"So it was an honest mistake," Mom concluded, her voice softening as she continued to comfort me. "You didn't do it on purpose."

Dad nodded, placing a protective hand on my shoulder.

"These things happen in high society, particularly with art world charlatans. Daisy's not to blame for being deceived."

"Being deceived wasn't your fault," Finley acknowledged, his voice still unnervingly stern.

"But let's be honest about your intentions. You've been targeting Audrey since she arrived—changing her room assignment, trying to diminish her at every turn."

"I think you owe her an apology."

I stared at him in disbelief, fresh tears springing to my eyes.

How could he be so cruel while I was already at my lowest?

I cried, my voice cracking. "Look at me! I'm humiliated in front of everyone who matters in Chicago society, and all you care about is making sure *Audrey* gets an apology?"

Finley opened his mouth to respond. "Everyone has to answer for their mistakes—"

"That's enough," Ethan interjected, stepping closer to me.

He shot Finley a warning glance that spoke volumes.

"She already knows she made a mistake. There's no need to keep hammering the point."

My brother placed a protective hand on my shoulder.

Even though I could feel his disappointment radiating through his touch, his instinct to shield me hadn't wavered.

"It's alright, darling," Mom said soothingly, rubbing small circles on my back.

"We know you weren't trying to cause trouble. These things happen in social circles."

Her gentle words only made me cry harder.

"Sara, let's take her upstairs to rest," Dad said quietly, exchanging a meaningful look with Mom. "She needs some time away from all this."

Mom nodded, helping me to my feet. "Come on, sweetie. Let's get you cleaned up."

Dad turned to Ethan, his expression serious.

"Handle things here. Make sure there's no more drama tonight. Check if anyone's still recording and have them delete the footage."

"I'll take care of it," Ethan promised, his voice firm with determination.

---

Once we reached the privacy of the family suite, I collapsed onto the nearest couch, my body still shaking with sobs.

Mom sat beside me, gently stroking my hair.

"There, there, darling," Mom soothed, wiping a tear from my cheek.

"Once this whole wedding business is over, we'll go shopping at that boutique you love on Michigan Avenue. Perhaps several new Hermès bags would help you forget this unfortunate evening?"

I sniffled, trying to compose myself.

Shopping therapy was Mom's solution to everything, but right now, I have something else I want to do.

"Actually," I said hesitantly, my voice still quavering, "after Finley's wedding is over... I was hoping you and Dad might help me with something more important."

I took a deep breath. "I want you to help arrange an engagement... with Caspar Thornton."

Mom's hand froze mid-stroke.

"You and Caspar Thornton?" Her eyes widened in surprise. "Is *he* the man you've been interested in?"

I nodded, feeling a blush creep into my tear-stained cheeks.

Dad, who had been standing by the window, turned with a measured nod of approval.

"Caspar Thornton," he said thoughtfully, his voice calm but warm. "He's a formidable man, Daisy. Despite his... reserved nature, his qualities far outweigh any personal idiosyncrasies."

He walked over and sat beside me. "If that's where your heart is leading you, I support your choice."

"Robert!" Mom exclaimed, shooting him a disapproving glance.

"What? I'm just being honest," Dad defended himself.

Mom sighed, sitting on my other side.

"He has a son, darling. Caspar and that Audrey woman... there seemed to be something between them. The way he insisted on sitting with her, how he looked at her..."

"That's just because of Noah," I insisted. "He values her because she helps his son. It's not romantic."

The door opened, and Ethan walked in, his face grim.

"Everyone's cooperated with deleting the photos," he reported, but there was a hard edge to his voice that told me he had more to say.

"You're deluding yourself, Daisy," he said abruptly, clearly having overheard my comment about Caspar.

"Caspar Thornton explicitly stated his romantic interest in Audrey. What you're doing is trying to steal someone else's love!"

His harsh words hit me like a physical blow.

I recoiled, fresh tears springing to my eyes.

"You don't understand," I whimpered.

"Why wouldn't you listen to me in New York?" Ethan pressed, stepping closer. "I warned you to stay away from the Thorntons! I told you this would only lead to heartbreak!"

I couldn't answer. I could only cry harder, my shoulders shaking as I covered my face again.

The weight of my brother's disappointment was almost worse than the public humiliation.

"What's going on here?" a new voice interrupted.

I looked up through my tears to see William, my second oldest brother, standing in the doorway with a puzzled expression.

"Who exactly is this Audrey Lane that's causing such a commotion?" he asked, walking into the room and loosening his tie.

"I've been hearing her name all evening."

Ethan turned to face him. "She is Caspar's friend. Also, she's apparently a renowned artist."

William raised an eyebrow, looking at me with newfound interest.

"And that's what all this drama is about? Some artist?"

He snorted dismissively.

"If my little sister has feelings for Caspar Thornton, I don't see the problem. Since when is pursuing someone you care about a crime?"

He walked over and sat on the arm of my couch.

"From what I've seen, this Audrey woman is nothing special—just another social climber who's managed to attach herself to a powerful man."

The support from my second brother instantly bolstered my confidence. I wiped away my tears and sat up straighter.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, finding my voice again. "This isn't 'stealing' anyone. Caspar and Audrey aren't even together. It's simply... fair competition."

I looked at Ethan. "If he chooses me in the end, that's his decision to make."

Ethan took a deep breath, visibly trying to control his temper.

"I'm only trying to prevent you from getting hurt. Caspar told me himself that he has feelings for her."

"Not only that," Ethan continued, his gaze fixed on me, "but Audrey treats Noah like her own son. Those two have formed a bond that goes beyond just friendship. Anyone with eyes can see it. The three of them already look like a family."

Each word felt like a dagger, but I kept my face carefully composed.

William's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"You seem awfully concerned about this called Audrey, brother. The way you're defending her..."

He let out a cold laugh. "Don't tell me you've developed feelings for her yourself?"

Ethan's face flushed with anger. "That's absurd! I'm simply stating facts—"

"Enough!" Dad's voice cut through the room like a thunderclap.

He stood up, his tall frame commanding immediate attention.

Both my brothers fell silent, a lifetime of respecting his authority taking over.

"This ends now," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes moved deliberately from William to Ethan. "You're grown men behaving like teenagers. "

"Tomorrow is Finley's wedding ceremony. No more scenes, no more accusations, and absolutely no more family squabbles in public."

Mom stood beside him, her hand resting gently on his arm.

"Your father is right," she added. "We all need rest. Tomorrow is an important day for this family."

Both William and Ethan nodded reluctantly.

"Good," Dad concluded. "Now everyone to bed. Not another word about this tonight."