Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 122

Audrey's POV:

I stared at Caspar's tense jaw and narrowed eyes, the irritation radiating from him in waves.

"Caspar," I said softly, stepping closer to him.

"Daisy is Ethan's sister. I couldn't just let her go to a hotel alone this late at night."

His expression remained skeptical, those steel-gray eyes fixed on mine.

"You're remarkably unconcerned about a woman who's made her intentions toward me abundantly clear."

I couldn't help but smile a little.

"Are you worried I don't care enough to be jealous?"

He looked away, adjusting his watch with unnecessary precision.

"That's not—" he began, then cleared his throat. "I'm simply pointing out a security concern in my own home."

The slight flush creeping up his neck told me I'd hit the mark perfectly.

Caspar Thornton, the powerful King C of Wall Street, wanted to see me jealous.

I reached out and straightened his collar, a small gesture of intimacy that felt natural now.

"I have confidence in you. In us. Daisy can stay one night, and then she'll be gone tomorrow."

I looked up at him.

"Besides, what could possibly happen in a house with security cameras and a vigilant butler?"

The tension in his shoulders eased slightly.

Caspar studied my face for a moment before his expression softened.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Ethan," he said when the call connected, his voice returning to that serious tone.

"Your sister is at my estate. I expect you to arrange for her departure first thing tomorrow morning."

"She came here unannounced. I gather you weren't aware she was in New York?"

A pause. "I see."

Ethan's voice was faintly audible through the phone, sounding clearly frustrated.

"I'll personally come get her tomorrow," I heard Ethan say.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, Caspar."

"Just make sure she leaves," Caspar replied firmly.

"Also, regarding that other matter you asked me to investigate, I've made some progress."

Another pause as Ethan responded.

"Good. We can discuss the details when you arrive tomorrow." Caspar ended the call with a curt goodbye.

I raised an eyebrow. "Was that really necessary? You're absolutely ruthless."

Caspar slipped his phone back into his pocket, his lips quirking into a half-smile.

"I can afford to be ruthless with everyone else," he said, stepping closer and brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"As long as I save all my tenderness for you."

I stepped back, unable to maintain eye contact under the intensity of his gaze.

My heart hammered in my chest—how did he manage to throw me off balance so easily with just a few words?

"I—I'm going to get ready for bed," I stammered, gesturing vaguely toward the bathroom. "It's been a long day."

I retreated to the bathroom, leaning against the closed door and taking a deep breath.

The woman in the mirror had bright eyes and flushed cheeks.

After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I lingered under the shower, letting the warm water calm my nerves.

When I emerged from the bathroom in my silk pajamas with damp hair, I found Caspar sitting on the edge of the bed, hair dryer in hand.

"Come here," he said, patting the space in front of him.

"Let me dry your hair for you."

I hesitated. "I usually just let it air dry."

"Going to bed with wet hair in this weather? You'll catch a cold," he insisted, still holding the dryer. "Besides, I want to."

With a small nod, I sat in front of him, back straight and shoulders tense.

His fingers were gentle as they combed through my damp hair, separating it into sections.

The warm air from the dryer and the rhythmic movement of his hands gradually melted the tension from my shoulders.

"You've done this before," I observed, closing my eyes as he worked.

"I've done this for Noah," he replied, his voice close to my ear.

Later that night, as we prepared for bed, Caspar moved behind me, his hands sliding around my waist.

His lips found the sensitive spot below my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Not tonight," I whispered, gently removing his hands. "It feels strange with Daisy just next door."

Caspar sighed against my neck. "So she is affecting us already."

"Just for tonight," I promised, turning to face him. "Let's just sleep."

He nodded reluctantly, and as we settled into bed, he gently pulled me against his chest, his arm draped protectively around my waist.

When morning came, I woke to find Caspar's arm still draped around me, his face peaceful in sleep.

I allowed myself to enjoy the warmth and security of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his breathing against my back.

His eyes slowly open, catching me watching him.

Rather than the teasing remark I expected, he simply smiled and brushed his lips against my forehead.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

We dressed and made our way downstairs, where Edward had prepared a breakfast of fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee.

Noah was already at the table, carefully arranging his blueberries into patterns on his pancakes.

"Morning, Daddy. Morning, Audrey," he said without looking up from his artwork.

Caspar ruffled Noah's hair as he passed, pouring himself a cup of coffee while I helped myself to some fruit.

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting the dining room in a warm glow.

It felt like a family's happy breakfast.

The peace was shattered when Edward approached the table.

"Sir, I apologize for the interruption," he said, his voice low.

"When I went to inform Miss Cole that breakfast was ready, I found her room empty."

Caspar frowned, setting down his coffee cup. "When did she leave?"

"I just checked the security footage, sir," Edward replied. "She left through the east gate at approximately 6:30 this morning."

Caspar's expression was quiet.

"Well, if she's gone, she's gone."

"Caspar," I said, setting down my fork.

"We should make sure she's alright. She's from out of town and probably doesn't know her way around here. What if something happens to her? "

"Besides," I continued, "you told Ethan you'd have his sister here. What are you going to say if we can't find her?"

Caspar's jaw tightened slightly.

He turned to Edward. "Investigate Daisy's whereabouts."

"Right away, sir," Edward responded with a slight bow before leaving.

"I'm going to call Clara," I said, already reaching for my phone.

"Daisy doesn't know many people in New York—she might have gone there."

Clara answered on the fourth ring.

"Clara? It's Audrey. I'm sorry to call so early, but have you heard from Daisy? "

"Daisy?" Clara sounded genuinely confused. "No, I haven't heard from her. Has she come to New York too? Is everything okay?"

"She showed up at the Thornton estate last night," I explained, pacing the room.

"Said she followed you and Finley here. But this morning she's gone without telling anyone."

"That sounds like Daisy," Clara said with a sigh. "But why would she just leave like that?"

I hesitated. "She... found out about Caspar and me last night. We're together now."

"Oh," Clara's voice filled with understanding. "I see."

"I'm worried she might do something reckless," I admitted.

"Don't worry too much," Clara reassured me, her voice warming.

"Daisy loves attention. This is probably just her way of making everyone focus on her. I'll help look for her."