Audrey's POV:

I returned to my room exhausted, the silence of the suite offering a much-needed sanctuary from the Bailey household's constant tension. I headed straight for the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the day's frustration. As I stood there, my mind was occupied—not by my own troubles, but by the memory of Noah’s longing eyes and Caspar’s unreadable, stormy gaze.

Emerging from the shower, I wrapped myself in a robe and began toweling my hair. A faint rustling from the adjacent cloakroom caught my ear. I tiptoed toward the door and pushed it open, only to find Sienna standing at my vanity.

She was holding my favorite necklace, admiring her own reflection with a smug grin. My anger ignited instantly.

"Put it down," I said, my voice cold and low. "Who gave you permission to enter my private space?"

Sienna didn't even flinch. She turned around, casually fingering the jewels. "Don’t be so dramatic, Audrey. Everything in this house is practically mine anyway. Besides, you should be honored I’m even looking at your things."

She adjusted her hair with an air of artificial superiority. "I’m attending the Thornton gala tonight, where I’ll be moving in circles you can only dream of. Since your mystery husband is clearly a lost cause, I might even be generous enough to introduce you to someone... useful."

I didn't give her a chance to continue. With one swift, decisive motion, I reclaimed the necklace from her hand. "I have zero interest in your generosity, Sienna. Leave. Now."

Sienna’s eyes flashed with venom. "You’re just green with envy because I have an invitation to the Thornton estate and you don’t. Enjoy your lonely evening, Audrey. Oh, and by the way? Tomorrow, start packing. I’ve decided I want this cloakroom for my new collection."

She swept past me, her designer perfume leaving a cloying scent in her wake. I took a deep breath, steadying my pulse. I was tired of these petty games, but until I finished my investigation into my past, I had to endure.

Back in my room, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Caspar Thornton:

[Noah’s grandmother would like to meet his art instructor. There is a private dinner at the Thornton estate tomorrow at 7 PM. Are you available?]

I hesitated, wanting to avoid a confrontation with Sienna. But a second message quickly followed:

[Noah is particularly looking forward to it. He has a new painting he wants to show you personally.]

That was all it took. Thinking of that quiet little boy, my heart softened. [I’ll be there,] I replied.

The next morning, Caspar’s deep voice greeted me over the phone. "Good morning, Miss Lane. I’ve arranged for Harper Kline to prepare your attire for this evening. A driver is waiting downstairs."

Harper Kline? New York’s most elite stylist? I was stunned. Sienna had been bragging about her appointment for weeks at a much less prestigious studio.

Harper’s Manhattan studio was a temple of sophisticated modern flair. Harper herself, an elegant woman in her fifties, greeted me warmly while Caspar stood by, looking characteristically commanding in a charcoal suit.

"Few people possess the bone structure to carry this off," Harper remarked as she presented a deep crimson gown.

When I stepped out of the dressing room, the transformation was total. The red silk draped perfectly, highlighting my silhouette without being overt. It was the color of power and elegance.

I caught a flash of genuine admiration in Caspar’s eyes. "You look stunning, Miss Lane," he said simply. His phone rang—a business emergency—and he had to depart early, leaving his trusted driver, Edward, to escort me later.

As Harper finished my makeup, she leaned in. "You know, this is the first time Mr. Thornton has personally brought someone to my studio. Usually, he just sends an assistant with a credit card."

That evening, as Edward drove me into the Thornton family’s Long Island estate, I was awestruck. The grounds were illuminated by thousands of fairy lights, casting a golden glow over a fleet of luxury vehicles.

I stepped out of the car, invitation in hand.

"Audrey? What on earth are you doing here?"

I turned to see Sienna. She was dressed in a glittering silver gown, looking polished and expensive. But as her eyes traveled over my crimson dress and my professionally styled hair, her jaw dropped in pure, unadulterated shock.