Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 156

Caspar's POV:

Lunch with the Coles had been more exhausting than I'd anticipated.

As I drove Audrey back toward Long Island, I couldn't help but glance at her profile illuminated by the late afternoon sun.

She seemed lost in thought, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the leather seat between us.

"You handled that well," I said, breaking the silence.

"The Coles seemed genuinely happy to see you."

Audrey turned to me with a small smile. "They were... nice."

I observed carefully.

"Are you considering getting to know them better?"

Her shoulders tensed slightly. "No. I was just being polite."

"Is there something concerning you?" I asked, noticing her hesitation.

"You're reading too much into it," she replied, turning slightly toward the window.

"With me by your side, you can do whatever you want, Audrey," I said earnestly.

"There's no need to hold back or worry."

A small smile played on her lips.

"You've said that many times already."

I replied, my voice softening. "I worry you don't take it to heart."

Audrey's smile faded as she looked down at her hands.

I could tell she knew I was still bothered by her reluctance to share her past with me, not to mention her unwillingness to consider my marriage proposal.

She fell silent again, seeming to retreat into her thoughts.

We drove in comfortable silence until my phone rang through the car's speakers.

Edward's name flashed on the dashboard display.

"Sir," Edward's voice was formal, as always, but I detected an undercurrent of tension.

"I apologize for the interruption, but I thought you should know that Ms. Amelia Harrison is here at the estate."

I felt my body go rigid.

Amelia Harrison—the woman who had appeared at my doorstep four years ago claimed to be Noah's mother.

Audrey glanced at me curiously.

"What does she want?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite the alarm bells ringing in my head.

"She claims to have important documents for you, sir. "

"I'm on my way back now. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

I ended the call, acutely aware of Audrey's questioning gaze.

"That was Noah's biological mother," I explained, deciding honesty was best.

Audrey froze for a moment, her eyes widening slightly at this revelation.

Then, surprisingly, she simply nodded once, her face betraying little emotion beyond a flicker of understanding.

"I see," she said softly, turning to look out the window again.

The rest of our drive passed in silence, my mind racing with possibilities about Amelia's unexpected visit.

---

When we arrived at the estate, Edward was waiting in the foyer, his normally impassive face tight with concern.

"Ms. Lane," he greeted Audrey with a slight bow.

Audrey looked between us, clearly sensing the tension.

"I just realized I haven't finished the painting design that's due today," she said, glancing at her watch.

"I should go work on that."

Once she was out of earshot, Edward spoke in a low voice.

"Did Ms. Lane hear anything about Ms. Harrison on the phone?"

"Just her name," I replied, removing my jacket.

"Not that it matters. I've never hidden anything from Audrey."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Not even about Noah's mother?"

I handed him my jacket. "If I want to be with her forever, there's nothing to hide."

"Where is Amelia now?"

"Gone, sir. She didn't wait. She left an envelope for you."

Edward retrieved a large manila envelope from the side table.

"She said you'd want to see the contents immediately."

I took the envelope, feeling its weight.

I opened the envelope and spread its contents across my desk.

My blood ran cold as I stared at the photographs before me.

They showed Noah as a newborn, being delivered to the Thornton estate.

The images were clearly taken by whoever had brought him.

*Five years of silence, and now this.*

I examined each photograph carefully, searching for clues.

"She's changed her appearance completely," Edward said, standing at my shoulder.

"Her face is unrecognizable—all cosmetic procedures and technology. "

I glanced up at him questioningly.

"Perhaps she's run through the money you gave her," Edward suggested, his voice carefully neutral. "And has returned for more."

I frowned, "Did she leave any message?"

Edward nodded. "She mentioned there was a note inside the documents."

He gestured toward the envelope.

I sifted through the photographs and found a small folded piece of paper I had missed before.

Unfolding it, I read the handwriting.

"If you want to know more, meet me at 8:00 PM. Use the key card to find me."

Sure enough, tucked within the envelope was a hotel key card.

I held it up, examining the familiar logo embossed on its surface.

The Plaza Hotel—the very same place where I had been drugged five years ago, where I had Noah.

This time I won't let the truth slip away.

Whatever game she's playing, whoever is behind this, I'll find out everything.

Edward shifted uncomfortably. "Will you go to meet her, sir?"

"Of course," I replied without hesitation. "I need answers."

Edward hesitated, his brow furrowed.

"And what about Ms. Lane? Will you tell her about this meeting?"

I paused, considering his question.

"No. Not yet. "

I paused, considering his question.

"Keep this from Audrey for now. I don't want her worried or involved until I know what we're dealing with."

I gathered the photographs and slipped them back into the envelope.

"And Edward, watch over Noah carefully while I'm gone."

"Of course, sir," Edward nodded solemnly.

I grabbed my keys and headed for the door.

Minutes later, I was in my car, driving away from the estate, my mind racing with possibilities.

In the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Audrey on the balcony outside her studio, watching me leave.