Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 110

Audrey's POV:

The private jet soared smoothly through the clouds as we made our way back to New York.

Not long after takeoff, Noah began to drift off as he leaned against my side.

I gazed down at his sleeping face, marveling at how much he'd grown since our first meeting.

Back then, he'd been completely withdrawn, refusing to speak or make eye contact with anyone.

Now, he'd opened up to Caspar and me, willingly communicating with us in ways he wouldn't with others.

Yet beyond our small circle, he remained completely closed off, especially with children his own age.

Looking at his peaceful expression, I realized something that hadn't occurred to me before.

I turned to Caspar, who was reviewing documents on his tablet across from us.

"Caspar," I said quietly, not wanting to wake Noah.

"Have you thought about sending Noah to a kindergarten? He's reaching that age."

Caspar looked up from his laptop, his expression thoughtful.

"I've tried. He resists it strongly. Going to Luminous Gallery for art lessons is the only educational setting he willingly accepts. He... doesn't communicate well with other children."

I nodded, understanding the challenge.

I was about to respond when Noah stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open.

"Are we home?" he asked groggily, rubbing his eyes with tiny fists.

"Almost," I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

Noah looked at me with those intelligent eyes.

"Audrey, do you like the children at the kindergarten?"

I realized he must have heard our conversation about kindergarten.

I didn't try to avoid the topic. Instead, I met his gaze directly.

"Yes, I do. They're wonderful."

"Then I'll go to kindergarten too," he declared simply.

Caspar's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You will?" I asked, trying not to sound too shocked.

Noah nodded solemnly. "But you have to promise me something first."

"What is it?" I asked, not thinking twice.

"You and Daddy both have to take me to kindergarten every day."

I looked up and met Caspar's gaze, only to find that he was also surprised by this.

Before I could formulate a response, Caspar had already recovered his composure.

"I can make time," he said without hesitation.

Noah turned to me then, his eyes wide and expectant, clearly waiting for my agreement as well.

I was realizing that I'd just walked straight into a four-year-old's carefully laid trap.

With both Noah and Caspar looking at me, what choice did I have?

"Alright, then. We'll both take you."

After we landed, James met us at the bottom of the stairs to help with our things.

Caspar turned to me.

"Stay for dinner," he said, his expression softening slightly. "It's been a while since you last came to Thornton Manor for a meal."

I shook my head.

"I can't today. I haven't visited Margaret in weeks, and I should go to the Bailey residence before it gets too late."

Disappointment flickered briefly across Caspar's face before his usual composed expression returned.

"I understand," he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "James will drive you."

I nodded, knowing from experience that arguing with Caspar when he used that particular tone was futile.

After a quick goodbye to Noah, I followed James to the waiting car.

---

The sleek black car pulled up in front of the Bailey family's Upper East Side apartment building.

James turned to look at me.

"I'll wait for you, Ms. Lane, and drive you home afterward."

"Thank you, James," I said, gathering the gifts I'd brought from Chicago. "But that won't be necessary. I can make my own way home."

"Mr. Thornton insisted," James replied politely.

I sighed, not having the energy to argue.

"Fine. But this might take a while."

"I'll be here, ma'am."

I stepped out of the car, carefully balancing the elegantly wrapped packages.

George and Eleanor Bailey were waiting in the living room when I arrived.

Clearly, they'd been informed of my visit.

"Audrey, darling!" Eleanor exclaimed. Her eyes quickly assessed the packages I carried, calculating their potential value.

"Those look expensive," Eleanor commented, gesturing toward the packages. "For us?"

"For Margaret," I clarified firmly. "Where is she?"

As if on cue, Margaret appeared in the doorway, supported by her home health aide.

My heart clenched at how frail she looked.

"I heard my favorite girl has returned," she said, her voice weak but warm.

I hurried to her side, taking her arm gently from the aide.

"Margaret, are you alright? "

"Just my old condition acting up again," she dismissed with a slight wave of her hand. "Nothing serious, dear."

"You need to take better care of yourself," I insisted, helping her to her favorite chair. "Are you taking your medication on time?"

Margaret chuckled softly.

"You sound like my doctor. Enough about my boring health issues."

She patted my hand. "Tell me, did you enjoy Clara's wedding? Was it beautiful?"

I nodded, arranging a blanket over her knees.

"It was lovely. She's truly happy with Finley."

"Good, good," Margaret's eyes twinkled.

"Now we just need to find that same happiness for you, my dear."

She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice.

"Speaking of which, how are things going with Mr. Thornton? You know, now that you're divorced, you don't need to be so cautious about seeing someone new."

I suddenly remembered that Margaret and the entire Bailey family had no idea that Caspar Thornton was actually my supposed ex-husband, Samuel West.

"We're... getting along fine," I replied carefully, keeping my voice neutral. "He's well, busy as always."

"You should bring him for dinner sometime," George interjected, a calculating gleam in his eye.

"It's been too long since we've had him here."

I met his gaze coolly. "His schedule is extremely demanding. "

I understood perfectly well what George wanted—more connections, more business opportunities with the Thornton empire.

The irony of the situation made me want to laugh.

I couldn't help wondering how they would react if they ever discovered that the mysterious Samuel West they had forced me to marry four years ago was actually Caspar Thornton himself.

Would they regret pushing me into that arrangement?

"Where's Sienna?" I asked, changing the subject. "I thought she'd be here."

Eleanor explained sadly, "Since the Brandon incident, Sienna has been dealing with some unfriendly comments on social media. She is very distressed."

"That's unfortunate," I said, my tone deliberately neutral.

Eleanor leaned forward, lowering her voice.

"You know, dear, I was thinking... since you spend so much time with Mr. Thornton, perhaps you could mention Sienna to him? He has connections in film and television through Thornton Media. "

I stared at her, momentarily speechless.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

"Why not?" George cut in sharply. "After everything this family has done for you, you can't even make a simple introduction?"

"I just work for Mr. Thornton," I replied evenly. "It would be unprofessional to ask for personal favors."

George scoffed. "Unbelievable. We raise you up, and this is how you repay us? With ingratitude?"

Before I could respond, Margaret spoke up.

"That's enough, George."

I stood up, recognizing the signs of another Bailey family argument brewing.

"I should go. Margaret needs her rest." I leaned down to kiss her cheek. "I'll visit again soon, I promise."

Margaret squeezed my hand. "I'll hold you to that."

As I walked to the elevator, I couldn't help wishing I could take Margaret away from this toxic household.

But this was her home, regardless of how her son and daughter-in-law behaved.

She would never leave, and I had no right to ask her to.

---

Back in my Chelsea apartment, I collapsed onto my bed.

Visits to the Bailey residence always left me emotionally drained.

I stared at the ceiling, my body heavy with fatigue.

Tomorrow would be another early morning. I'd promised Noah I would take him to kindergarten.

"Just sleep," I murmured to myself, setting my alarm.

"Tomorrow you need to be at your best."