Audrey's POV:

The next morning, I had arranged to meet Clara at a café.

Standing in front of the mirror, my fingers gently traced the damn bite mark on my neck.

I'd tried everything-ice packs, concealer-but that deep red mark remained stubbornly visible, as if mocking my helplessness.

"Bastard," I muttered under my breath, rummaging through my drawer until I found a silk scarf, carefully wrapping it around my neck to ensure every inch of the mark was perfectly concealed.

The small café in the Chelsea Arts District was filled with the rich aroma of coffee beans.

Clara was already waiting at our usual spot, wearing a loose linen shirt that made her look relaxed and carefree.

"Audrey!" She waved me over.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," I said, settling into the seat across from her while trying to maintain a natural smile.

Clara had already ordered two lattes and waved dismissively. "Since when do we need to be so formal with each other?"

I smiled but didn't respond.

When I bent down to look for my phone, Clara's sharp eyes caught something.

"Audrey," her voice carried a note of surprise, "are those cigarettes in your bag?"

I followed her gaze and saw that a corner of the pack was indeed visible.Embarrassed, I pushed it deeper into my bag.

"Just occasionally," I explained casually.

Clara didn't show disappointment or judgment. Instead, she reached out and gently stroked the back of my hand.

"I don't know what happened four years ago, but I can see that your time abroad has changed you a lot."

She chuckled softly before continuing. "Remember how well-behaved we were in school? Especially you-you never touched stuff like that."

"Are you disappointed in me?" I asked, half-jokingly.

Clara shook her head. "Quite the opposite. I'm happy for you. You've become more free-spirited, more true to yourself."

Hearing this, my gaze unconsciously drifted toward the window,a touch of melancholy creeping into my heart.

Four years was enough time to completely transform a person.

Clara then looked up at me, noticing the scarf around my neck, her eyes flashing with confusion. "What's with the scarf around your neck?"

"It's nothing," I adjusted the scarf, trying to keep my tone light. "Just got bitten by a dog."

Clara immediately frowned with concern. "Oh my God, is it serious? Did you get a rabies shot?"

I avoided her gaze, my fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of my coffee cup. "It's not serious, just... broke the skin a little."

Clara watched my evasive expression, then suddenly stopped and studied me carefully.

"Oh," she drew out the word, "the kind of 'dog' that wears Armani suits and drives a Rolls-Royce?"

I cleared my throat and lifted my coffee cup. "Don't even get me started.T'm sick to death of it."

Clara could see I didn't want to continue this topic and tactfully didn't press further.

Her expression became more serious.

"Actually, I asked you out because there's something I wanted to ask you."

My fingers unconsciously circled around my coffee cup. "What is it?"

"Finley-"

Just as she began, my phone rang. Seeing Edward's name on the caller ID,a wave of unease washed over me.

"Sorry, I need to take this," I apologized to Clara.

"Edward? What's wrong?"

Edward's slightly panicked voice came through the phone: "Miss Lane, I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, but Noah has locked himself in his room and won't come out no matter what."

"How long has it been?" I frowned, instinctively sitting up straighter.

"All morning. He depends on you quite a bit, so perhaps you might have a way..."Rdward's vice was filled with tension and helpleesness.

"Why wouId Nosh do this?" I asked anxiously.

Ediwand hesitated on the other end,then sighed.

"It's because Mr. Thorton told Noth he couldn't see you. Noah threw a tantrum and locked himself in his room. We've tried everything,but he just won't open the door."

"I'll be right there." I replied without hesitation, alredy starting to pack my bag.

After hanging up. I looked up at Clara apologetically. "I'm sorry, I have an emergency.I need to kwwe immediately."

Clara nodded understandingly, "Go ahead, children come first."

"Let's reschedule, my trewt." I said hurriedly,getting up to give her a hug.

I rushed out of the cafe and immediately hailed a taxi. "Thornton Estate,as fast as you can."

Throughout the ride, my heart was suspended in mid-air.

Noah had never acted like this before, at least not in the time I'd known him, Though he didn't speak much, he'd always been well-behaved and never throw tantrums.

When I arrived at the estate. I found everyone stationed outside Noth's room like they were under siege.

Caspar was standing at the door, his voice low and stern.

"Noah, I'm telling you for the last time-open this door immediately." His tone carried an obvious threat. "If you don't open it, I'll have someone break it down."

Silence from inside the room-no response whatsoever.

Edward saw me arrive and his face immediately showed relief, as if he'd seen his savior.

He hurried over to me, saying in a low voice,"Thank God you're finally here."

Caspar heard the commotion and turned around. When he saw me, a flash of annoyance crossed his eyes.

"Who told her to come?" he asked Edward coldly.

Watching this scene, the anger in my heart could no longer be suppressed.

"Is this what you wanted?" I stepped forward, looking directly into Caspar's eyes. "Forcing your own emotions onto a child?"

Without waiting for his answer, I pushed past him and walked to the door.

"Right now, the most important thing is getting Noah to open this door.A four-year-old child locking himself alone in a room is dangerous-don't you understand that?"

Caspar's expression became complicated. Though he still looked irritated,I could see his concern for Noah.

He took a deep breath and stepped aside.

"You try then," he said curtly, his voice unable to hide his exhaustion.