Chapter 16: How Can I Not Be Angry?

Blakes INV

Grandpa’s voice was so loud that the grand ballroom seemed frozen

time. The soft clink of silverware ceased, conversations dind mid–sentence, and even the walters paused in their tracks. In that charged silence, I could almost hear the rapid beating of Audrey’s heart from where she sat beside me,

Rebecca’s face paled as she realized her mistake. “No, you must have misheard me, 1…”

But it was too late, My grandpa, with his long–cultivated acute powers of observation, upon scrutinizing Audrey intently for an instant, instantly comprehended her haggard countenance and conspicuous emaciation. I had noticed these changes too, but had dismissed them as another of her attention seeking tactics.

“Audrey.” His voice softened in a way it never did for me anymore. Tell me the truth. What on earth is going on?

I watched as she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. “William we can discuss this another time… Her voice carried a plea that made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.

But Grandpa had already sensed blood in the water. He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the marble floor. ‘Is this because of Blake and Laurel? His voice was filled with anger. “Is that why Audrey lost the baby!?”

The entire ballroom fell silent. I could see Laurel shifting uncomfortably in her seat, while Thalia started to comfort her. The situation was spiraling out of control.

“Grandpa, please don’t get angry…” I tried to intervene, but my words only seemed to fuel his rage.

or a great–grandchild! Audrey finally gets

“How can n I not be angry!?” His face reddened dangerously. “I’ve b been waiting three years for pregnant, and now she’s lost the baby! What the hell did you do, as her husband!?

The accusation hit harder than I expected. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Audrey’s voice cut through the tension.

“William,” she spoke with a steadiness that surprised me. “Please dont blame Blake. I had an accident,

nt, that’s why I I lost the baby.”

Something about her lie made my fists clench under the table. Why was she still protecting me? After everything that had happened, after the scene at The Underground, after my behavior at tayo Clinic – why?

can discuss the details tomorrow,” Audrey’s voice was soft but steady. “It’s your

Grandpa’s jaw wa

tightly clenched, and the veins on his forehead seemed on the

moment, he looked at Audrey with such profound pain and tenderness that I felt like an intruder witnessing it. “Audrey. I

didn’t reach her eyes. Today is about celebrating

closed his eyes, his expression twisted with grief. He shook his head but remained

but he barely touched his dinner before claiming fatigue, “Charles,” he called, his voice heavy with exhaustion. I think I retire for

helping him up with practiced care.

while Blake Parker parades around with

1/3

How Can

being a proper

she’s just a country ght who got lucky. What does she know out

acknowledge. I watched as Audrey kept her eyes fixed on her plate, pushing food around mechanically. How many times had she sat through dinners like this,

hear?

seat to

you be giving up suitable?” As she said this, she smirked

Should have said something, Instead, I just sat there, watching Laurel make her way to Thalia’s side, a triumphant smile playing

“I beg your pardon?”

movement drawing every eye in the room.-” I didn’t quite catch what

you mind repeating

conversations, with people watching her from the corners of their

all eyes turn in their direction, Thalia rolled her eyes, lowering her voice with obvious irritation. “Stop making

would be a generous

an eyebrow, extending her hand to Thalia. ‘A hundred thousand dollars, I

spent three years carefully tiptoeing around my moods. This wasn’t the Audrey Sinclair who’d married me while I was in a coma, who’d refused

Thalia froze. “What?”

razor–sharp. Hidn’t

my

medical treatment?

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