Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 133

Audrey’s POV:

"Sophia has something to explain to you."Caspar said, pulling out my chair.

"Hello, Audrey," Sophia said.

"Hearing from Caspar that you seem to have some misunderstandings about us."

I shot Caspar a pointed glare, annoyed that he'd orchestrated this conversation without warning me.

"Would you like to know how we met?" Sophia asked, seemingly unfazed by the tension.

"I suppose I could hear it," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite my curiosity.

"Caspar found me, quite literally," Sophia began.

"I was homeless, without a penny to my name. He had just taken over the company and was walking through Chelsea one evening. I was huddled in a doorway."

Her eyes grew distant with the memory.

"Most people walked by without a glance, but Caspar stopped. He offered me a job on the spot."

She glanced at Caspar with unmistakable gratitude.

"He brought me into Thornton Group from nothing, trained me personally. I was his first recruit after taking over, and I've become his most trusted colleague."

She smiled. "He gave me everything—a career, self-respect, a future."

I felt a mix of emotions—sympathy for her past struggles, but also a twinge of something else.

"That's... quite a story," I said, maintaining a neutral expression while internally wondering if Sophia was deliberately flaunting her special relationship with Caspar.

Sophia laughed lightly, seemingly seeing through my thoughts.

"Usually in stories like this, the rescued damsel falls in love with her savior, right?"

She paused dramatically, watching my reaction.

I felt my shoulders tense involuntarily.

"Sophia," Caspar warned, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation.

"Look how nervous you've made him," Sophia teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"Relax, both of you. I've known I was a lesbian since I was thirteen. Women only, always."

She made a sweeping gesture with her hand.

"So please, Audrey, don't misunderstand our relationship. Caspar and I have never been romantic, not even for a second."

After she finished speaking, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen, her expression softening in a way I hadn't seen before.

"That's Victoria," she said, gathering her purse.

"My girlfriend's flight just landed. I have to go pick her up."

"Girlfriend?" I repeated, unable to mask my surprise.

Sophia laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Yes, girlfriend. Going on three years now."

She stood and offered me her hand.

"It was nice finally meeting you properly, Audrey. I hope we can be friends."

After she left, I sat there feeling like the biggest fool on the planet.

Even though Caspar had mentioned it, hearing Sophia openly confirm she was a lesbian and learning she had a girlfriend of three years hit differently.

It made my jealous behavior seem even more ridiculous and embarrassing.

Caspar watched me with barely concealed amusement.

"So," he said, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. "Still jealous?"

I straightened my napkin, avoiding his gaze.

"I was never jealous."

"No?" His eyebrow arched perfectly. "Then what would you call that little performance last night when you demanded I kiss you?"

I didn't expect him to remember this as well.

Heat crept up my neck. "That was... strategic."

"Strategic." He repeated, rolling the word around his mouth like fine wine. "Interesting strategy."

I took a sip of water, trying to compose myself.

"Fine. I may have... misinterpreted your relationship with Sophia."

Caspar smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"You know what? I actually like seeing you jealous."

My cheeks instantly heated. "I wasn't jealous," I insisted weakly.

"It's cute," he continued, ignoring my protest.

"But I don't want misunderstandings between us, Audrey." His expression turned more serious. "Not about Sophia, not about anything."

Caspar reached across the table and took my hand.

"If something's bothering you, just tell me. Don't let it fester. I want to know what you're thinking."

Despite myself, I laughed. "Okay, I promise. No more ridiculous assumptions."

---

After lunch, I drove to the Bailey family's Upper East Side apartment.

I was grateful that George and Eleanor weren't home.

The thought of facing them still made my stomach clench.

I carried a small gift bag containing Margaret's favorite tea and some homemade cookies as I rode the elevator to their floor.

Martha, the Bailey family's housekeeper, opened the door with a warm smile.

"Miss Audrey, so good to see you! Mrs. Margaret has been asking for you all morning."

I found Margaret in her favorite armchair by the window, looking out over Central Park.

Her health had improved enough for her to return home, where she was continuing her recovery in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

"There you are, my dear," she said, her face lighting up when she saw me.

I leaned down to kiss her cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, better now that I'm home. These old bones just needed a reminder to behave." She patted the seat beside her.

"So tell me," she said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, "how are things with you and Caspar? Are you two getting along well?"

"We're... good," I offered vaguely.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "And what about the wedding? Have you discussed when you'll remarry?"

I nearly choked. "Margaret! We've barely been together a few weeks."

"But technically, you were already married before," she pointed out. "It's more of a renewal than starting from scratch, isn't it?"

I sighed, feeling a headache coming on. Another well-meaning person pressuring me about marriage.

"It's complicated, Margaret. We're taking things one day at a time."

"At your age, dear, time is precious."

"I'm twenty-eight, not eighty-eight," I pointed out.

"Still." She waved her hand dismissively. "When you know, you know."

I changed the subject to her health, and we spent the next hour catching up.

As I prepared to leave, Martha showed me to the door.

Just as I was about to exit, a familiar voice called my name.

"Audrey! Wait!"

Sienna stood in the hallway, dressed in head-to-toe designer clothes, her hair and makeup perfect as if she'd just stepped off a photoshoot.

"Can we talk?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

I glanced at my watch, tempted to make an excuse.

"I have to pick up Noah soon."

"Please, just five minutes," she insisted.

Sienna led me to her bedroom.

She closed the door and turned to face me, her expression surprisingly vulnerable.

"I want to apologize," she said. "For everything. The way I've treated you..."

I crossed my arms, keeping my expression neutral.

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I don't have any ulterior motives," Sienna said, her eyes wide with practiced sincerity.

"I just... don't want to be your enemy, Audrey. " She folded her hands in her lap.

"I know I've been terrible," she admitted. "But I'm being sincere now. I want us to have a relationship."

I studied her face, searching for the lie.

With Sienna, there was always an angle, always something she wanted.

"What do you want, Sienna? "

She hesitated. "Your forgiveness?"

"Try again," I said coldly.

Sienna sighed, dropping the act. "Fine. I heard about your connection to Thornton. I need introductions to the right people for my fashion resource. Happy now?"

"Actually, yes. At least you're being honest."

I took a step closer. "I might be willing to make those introductions, but I want something in return."

Her eyes lit up with interest. "Name it."

"Information," I said simply. "About my child."

Sienna went very still. "What about it?"

"I don't believe my baby died from early delivery complications. Your parents know what really happened, and I want you to find out."

She shook her head. "They never talk about that."

"Make them," I said. "You're their precious daughter. They will tell you the truth."

"Why would I betray my parents for you?" she asked, though I could see the calculation behind her eyes.

I almost smiled.

The Bailey family was nothing if not predictable—always looking out for themselves, always asking "what's in it for me?"

Sienna was no different from her parents; she'd sell her soul for the right price.

"What do you want, Sienna?" I asked directly. "Name your price."

Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Connections. Real ones. And..." she hesitated, then lifted her chin. "Top-tier resources in the entertainment industry, I want to be the top star."

I narrowed my eyes, considering her request.

"I can introduce you enough resource," I said carefully.

"But whether you become a 'top star' or not will depend entirely on you."

Sienna considered this for a moment, then nodded.

"Deal," she said immediately, extending her hand. "I'll find out everything."