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?

the details tomorrow,” Audrey’s voice was soft but steady. “It’s your birthday, William. Everyone is

Grandpa’s jaw wa

clenched, and the veins on his forehead

long moment, he looked at Audrey with such profound pain and tenderness that I felt like an intruder witnessing it. “Audrey. I am truly sorry,” he said

it didn’t reach her eyes. Today is about celebrating your birthday. Let’s

his eyes, his expression twisted with

before claiming fatigue, “Charles,” he called,

immediately at his side, helping him up with practiced care. As they left the room, whispers erupted around

while Blake Parker parades

1/3

How Can

being a proper society

just a country ght who got

Audrey kept her eyes fixed on her plate, pushing food around mechanically. How many times had she sat

hear?

up your seat to someone

table. “Shouldn’t you be giving up suitable?” As she said this,

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

“I beg your pardon?”

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

mind

people watching her from the corners of their eyes. Now, as she stood. she

lowering her voice with obvious irritation. “Stop making a scene! I’m right next

would be

her hand to Thalia. ‘A hundred thousand dollars, I believe that should cover

moods. This wasn’t the Audrey Sinclair who’d married me while I was in

Thalia froze. “What?”

razor–sharp. Hidn’t you just suggest paying for I truly need

my

medical treatment?

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