Chapter 9: Still Can’t Reach Mrs. Parker

Blake’s POV

Another transcontinental video conference finally wrapped up. I leaned back in my leather chair, loosening my tie as the New York skyline twinkled beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office. It was just like a normal day, but something felt off, like an itch I couldn’t scratch

I stood up, staring out at the nighttime view. From my office on the top floor of Parker Group, I could see the entire city, and this view usually helped me think. Tonight, the city lights just seemed to mock me.

Three days. That’s what I’d given her at Mayo Clinic. Three days to end this ridiculous game and return to the mansion. The deadline had come and gone, and still no word from her. Not even a message to say she was alive.

The crystal tumbler in my hand creaked under pressure as I remembered our last encounter in the hospital. Her pale face, those steady eyes as she asked for divorce. I dared not look closely and could only hastily depart, barely noticing the group of doctors passing by me.

“Sir.” Michael’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Mr. William Parker sent over some artisanal chocolates from Switzerland for Mrs. Parker.”

I didn’t turn from the window. The throbbing in my temples was getting worse. “Have them delivered to her.”

“Mr. Parker specifically requested both you and Mrs. Parker attend his 80th birthday gala in three days.” Michael’s voice carried that particular note of careful hesitation I’d come to recognize. “He mentioned that he misses her.”

“I got it. Just send them to her.” The words came out more exhausted than I intended. Three days of silence from Audrey were wearing on me more than I cared to admit.

“Sir…” Michael’s pause was telling. “We still can’t reach Mrs. Parker.”

The crystal tumbler stopped halfway to my lips. “What do you mean you can’t reach her?”

trying all

turned sharply. “Have you checked

swallowed visibly. “She hasn’t

about Mayo Clinic? She hasn’t been

Mrs. Parker was discharged yesterday. They

with enough force to make

“Maybe you can try Mrs. Parker’s

number I rarely called. It rang four

on

father’s surprise was evident. “Is everything

you heard from Audrey

There was a pause. “We haven’t heard from her in months.” Another pause.

judgment creeping

his voice taking on that particular tone of false concern I’d heard at every Sinclair family gathering, “I always said Audrey’s country upbringing might make

Sinclairs’ tendency to disparage their own daughter had always grated on me, even

be necessary,” I cut him off coldly.

when my phone buzzed with an incoming

“Blake, The Underground, now!”

the

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