Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 175

Audrey's POV:

"Having Ethan overhear your phone call about Amelia was also deliberate? "

I asked, closing the bedroom door behind us.

Caspar's lips curved into that infuriating half-smile I'd come to recognize.

"It allowed you to see the Coles' true feelings, didn't it?"

"That's not the point," I said, avoiding his gaze. "You manipulated the situation."

"Perhaps," he conceded. "But I also meant every word. I want you to marry me, Audrey. "

His expression softened.

"I don't know what you've been through that's made your guard so high, Audrey, but I want you to have everything. Including a family that truly cares for you."

His words hit closer to home than he could know.

I thought about the hard drive I'd obtained from the Baileys, the blurry footage that might lead me to my missing child.

For the first time, I truly understood the Coles' desperation to find their daughter after all these years.

I sighed deeply, my fingers absently tracing patterns on the bedspread.

"Is this really the right way to treat Noah's mother?" I asked, my voice softer than intended.

As someone who had lost a child, I couldn't help but feel sad for her. That connection between a mother and her child—it's something special, something primal.

Caspar turned to me, his expression softening as he studied my face.

"Is that what worries you, Audrey?"

He moved closer, his voice gentle.

"Let me ease your mind. Amelia is not Noah's mother. You don't need to feel conflicted about this."

The statement hit me like a physical blow.

I felt my eyes widen as I struggled to process what he'd just said.

"What? That's impossible. You told me you did a paternity test..."

Caspar walked closer, pulled out his phone, and opened a document.

"I had another one done secretly two days ago."

He handed me the paper, his expression grim.

"The previous test was conducted at a medical facility owned by Thornton Group. There is clearly an insider."

I stared at the report in disbelief, the clinical language and percentages swimming before my eyes.

"My God... this means someone orchestrated all of this..."

I looked up at Caspar, my mind racing with questions.

"So, where is Noah's real mother? Does Amelia know?"

Caspar shook his head grimly.

"I've already had people monitoring Amelia's movements and communications. "

I stared at him, a complicated mix of emotions washing over me.

My mind was filled with questions, but before I could form any coherent thought, I noticed the voices downstairs beginning to fade.

"We should go back down," I finally said. "They're waiting."

As I turned to leave, his hand caught mine.

"Are you having regrets already?"

There was a hint of insecurity in his voice.

"No," I admitted after a pause. "But next time you make a life-changing decision involving me, I'd appreciate some warning."

His lips curved upward.

"Next time I propose to you, I'll be sure to give advance notice."

Together, we descended the grand staircase to the foyer where the Coles were waiting.

Robert and Sara rose from their seats as we approached, their eyes moving between Caspar and me with barely contained curiosity.

"Is everything alright?" Sara asked, her voice gentle with concern.

I glanced at Caspar before answering. "Yes, we just needed to discuss a few things."

"And the wedding?" Robert inquired.

"We'll need some time," I explained.

"There are matters we need to address first before planning a wedding."

I felt Caspar's hand press reassuringly against the small of my back.

Sara nodded understandingly. "Of course. These things shouldn't be rushed."

"It's getting late," Robert said, checking his watch. "We should probably head back home."

"Audrey," Sara reached for my hands, holding them in hers, "would you consider coming to stay with us for a while? Just to get to know each other better. We've missed so much time already."

I felt a pang in my chest, recognizing their genuine desire to connect with me.

Under different circumstances, I might have agreed immediately. But with Noah's emotional state tonight and the bombshell about Amelia not being his mother...

"I'd love to," I said sincerely, "but not tonight. Perhaps in a few days?"

Sara looked disappointed but nodded. "Of course, dear. Just know our door is always open."

"Thank you for coming," I said, embracing Sara and feeling the warmth of her maternal affection.

"You call us if you need anything," Robert insisted, his voice gruff with emotion. "Anything at all."

As they departed, I felt a strange mix of emotions.

The family I'd never known had rushed to my defense, while the family who raised me had only ever seen me as a means to an end.

Just as the front door closed behind the Coles, Edward appeared with an urgency that was unusual for his typically composed demeanor.

"Mr. Thornton, Ms. Lane," he said, his voice low but tense.

"I apologize for the interruption, but Noah appears to be in distress. He's stopped speaking again and locked himself in his room."

Caspar's expression immediately darkened with concern.

Without a word, he took off toward the stairs, taking them two at a time.

I followed closely behind, my heart pounding.

When we reached Noah's door, Caspar knocked firmly.

"Noah? It's Dad. Open the door."

Silence.

Caspar glanced at me, then pulled out a small key from his pocket.

"Master key," he explained quietly as he unlocked the door.

The sight that greeted us broke my heart.

Noah wasn't in his bed or at his little art table. Instead, he was huddled in the far corner of the room, knees pulled up to his chest, tears streaming down his face.

"Noah, sweetheart," I said softly, approaching him slowly. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Noah didn't respond. He didn't even look up.

It was as if he'd retreated completely into himself again.

His small shoulders shook with silent sobs, but he wouldn't engage. I looked back at Caspar helplessly, seeing my own concern mirrored in his eyes.