Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 106

Audrey's POV:

Just as Noah's face lit up with excitement, my phone rang loudly from the nightstand.

Glancing at the screen, I saw Clara's name flashing urgently.

"Hello?" I answered quickly.

"Audrey! Where are you?" Clara's voice was pitched with anxiety.

"The makeup team has been here for an hour already! We need to start getting ready for the wedding!"

I smacked my forehead, suddenly remembering my bridesmaid duties.

"I'm so sorry, Clara. I'll be there right away."

Hanging up, I turned apologetically to Noah.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. I have to go help Clara get ready for her wedding today," I explained, gathering my things hastily. "I won't be able to spend time with you until later at the ceremony."

Noah tilted his head. "Can I come with you? I could help too."

His eagerness made my heart melt a little. I gently touched his cheek.

"That's sweet of you, but bride preparation is very boring for little boys. " I said with a small smile. "I'll be super busy until the ceremony starts."

Caspar stepped forward, resting his hands lightly on Noah's shoulders.

"We'll see Audrey at the wedding very soon. Clara needs her help right now."

Noah nodded, his face brightening.

"Okay! Go make Clara pretty! You'll be the best... um..."

"Bridesmaid," Caspar supplied.

"Best bridesmaid ever!" Noah declared with childlike conviction.

I couldn't help but laugh as I grabbed my garment bag.

"I'll try my best. See you both at the ceremony."

I hurried out the door and toward the elevator.

The bride's suite was on the top floor, and Clara would surely kill me if I delayed her beauty regimen any further.

The elevator seemed deliberately slow this morning, stopping at nearly every floor.

When I finally reached the top level, I sprinted down the hallway, following the signs to the bridal suite.

I knocked once before pushing the door open.

The suite was a flurry of activity. Three stylists moved around Clara, who sat in a plush chair before a massive mirror, draped in a white silk robe.

Her face brightened when she spotted me.

"Finally! I thought you'd abandoned me on my wedding day," she teased.

"Never," I promised, hanging my dress on the designated rack. "Though it looks like you have plenty of help."

Clara rolled her eyes. "They're all obsessed with my hair. Nobody's talking to me about *important* things."

The lead stylist excused herself to retrieve some styling tools from another room, and the others followed, leaving us momentarily alone.

Clara immediately leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I need to ask you something."

The intensity in her eyes made me laugh. "What is it?"

She glanced around nervously before asking, "Does it... you know... hurt a lot? The first time?"

I blinked, momentarily confused, before understanding dawned.

"Clara Willow! It's barely morning, and you're already thinking about tonight?"

A blush crept across her cheeks. "I'm nervous, okay? We've been waiting until marriage, and I just... I don't want to disappoint him."

My heart softened. For all her sophistication, Clara sometimes revealed a vulnerability.

"It's different for everyone," I said gently. "But Finley loves you. That's what matters."

She nodded, seeming reassured.

"I'm so glad you're here, Audrey. I couldn't do this without you."

Before I could respond, the stylists returned, and the morning dissolved into a whirlwind of preparations.

---

The ceremony was breathtaking.

The hotel had transformed its grand ballroom into a dream-like garden.

Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over white roses and delicate baby's breath. A pathway of pale pink petals led to an arch adorned with cascading flowers.

Finley stood at the altar, his expression a mixture of nervousness and pure joy.

When Clara appeared on her father's arm, a collective gasp rippled through the guests.

She was radiant in a custom gown.

I watched from my position as bridesmaid, feeling happy for my friend.

When they exchanged vows, Finley's voice broke with emotion, and Clara's eyes shimmered with tears.

Their kiss was met with thunderous applause, and I found myself blinking back unexpected tears.

After fulfilling my obligatory bridesmaid duties, I finally managed to slip away from the crowd.

I found a quiet corner near the edge of the terrace, grateful for a moment to myself.

The evening breeze felt wonderful after hours in the stuffy reception hall, and I took a deep breath, watching the city lights twinkle below.

"They make a beautiful couple, don't they?"

I turned to find a tall man standing beside me, holding two glasses of champagne.

"William Cole," he introduced himself, offering me one of the glasses. "Daisy's brother. "

I accepted the champagne with a polite smile. "Audrey Lane."

"I know exactly who you are, Ms. Lane." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

William leaned against the railing. "I'm curious about your relationship with Caspar Thornton."

I took a measured sip of champagne, studying him over the rim of my glass.

I realize he obviously didn't come here to chat with me casually. Perhaps it was for Daisy?

"Why don't we skip the small talk, Mr.Cole?" I said, my voice calm but firm. "What do you want from me?"

His eyebrows raised slightly, apparently surprised by my directness.

"Please, call me William," he said, recovering quickly.

"I'll be direct, Ms. Lane. My sister Daisy has had her heart set on Caspar for years. I think it would be in everyone's best interest if you... stepped aside."

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Is this how all the Coles make requests?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.

"By cornering people at weddings and issuing commands as if you're speaking to your household staff?"

William's expression hardened slightly.

"I'm merely suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement. Whatever you want, we can make it happen. All we ask is that you give Daisy a clear path to Caspar."

I regarded him coolly.

"That's quite an offer. But tell me something, William—if your family can provide all these things, don't you think Caspar Thornton could do the same... and more?"

I shook my head slightly. "I know which horse to bet on in this race."

William's eyes narrowed.

"Are you certain you want to position yourself against the Cole family? "

I sighed, suddenly tired of this conversation.

"Think whatever you want."

His face darkened with barely contained anger.

From across the terrace, Clara's voice called out, "Audrey? Where are you?"

William straightened his jacket, composing himself with visible effort.

"Let's see how long this confidence lasts when Caspar's fleeting attention moves elsewhere," he said in a low voice. "Your moment in the sun won't last forever."

He turned and walked away just as Clara rounded the corner, her eyes searching the terrace until they landed on me.

"There you are!" She hurried over, glancing curiously at William's retreating back.

"Who was that? You look... unsettled."

I forced a smile.

"Just one of the Cole cousins making small talk," I lied, not wanting to burden Clara with family drama on her wedding day. "Nothing important."

Clara looked unconvinced. "Are you sure? "

"Absolutely," I said with a light laugh.

Then, gazing out at the Chicago skyline, I felt a sudden wave of melancholy wash over me.

"You know, I was just thinking... I kind of envy Daisy."

"*Daisy*?" Clara's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "For why?"

I swirled the remaining champagne in my glass.

"For having a family that would do anything for her. " I trailed off, then shrugged. "Even if their methods are questionable."

Clara's expression softened as she placed a gentle hand on my arm.

"Are you missing your family? Have you ever thought about trying to find your birth parents?"

I sighed, looking down at my glass.

"What would be the point? I've made it this far on my own." I attempted a carefree smile.

"Besides, having no attachments means freedom. No expectations to meet, no one to disappoint."

I raised my glass. "To your happiness, Clara. At least one of us is doing things right."

Clara didn't toast. Instead, she pulled me into a tight hug.

"You're not alone, Audrey," she whispered. "I will always stand by your side."

I hugged her back, blinking rapidly to dispel the unexpected moisture in my eyes.