Audrey's POV:

I sat in the cold, plastic chair of the precinct’s waiting area, my fingers nervously intertwining. My mind was a chaotic storm of questions. How would Caspar react to finding me in a police station at this hour? Would he look at me differently knowing I had defended myself against two men twice my size? Most importantly, would he still trust me around Noah?

The fear of losing that connection made my chest ache more than any bruise could.

Before my thoughts could spiral further, a female officer approached. "Ms. Lane? Someone is here to post your bail."

I followed her to the main entrance, and there he was. Caspar Thornton stood framed by the precinct doors, his presence alone enough to command the entire room. Even at this late hour, his tailored dark suit was impeccable.

When his eyes found mine, the usual impassive mask he wore shifted. He strode toward me, his gaze scanning me with intense focus. "Are you hurt?" His voice was low, carrying a note of concern I had never heard before.

"I’m fine," I replied, suddenly conscious of my disheveled hair. "Just a bit shaken."

"Good." His expression softened. "James is handling the paperwork. You don't need to worry about another thing."

"Ms. Lane has quite the self-defense skills," one of the officers commented as we prepared to leave. "She handled those attackers with professional precision."

Caspar turned to me, an eyebrow raised in elegant surprise. "Is that so?"

"Basic training," I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant.

"I'll have my team look into exactly who initiated this tonight," Caspar said, his tone shifting back to the decisive efficiency of a man who ruled a business empire. I nodded, grateful for his support. My secrets—the ones from my time abroad—remained safe.

"Let me take you home," he said, gesturing to his sleek black Bentley at the curb.

"Actually," I hesitated, "I need to go to the Bailey residence. I’m moving out tonight. I just need to collect my remaining things."

Recognition flickered in his eyes. "I remember the text. I’ll drive you there and wait while you finish."

"That isn't necessary, I can take a cab—"

"It's late, and after tonight, I’d prefer to know you’re safe." His tone made it clear that a refusal wasn't an option.

When we reached the car, Caspar slid into the driver's seat and looked at me through the window. "Front seat, Audrey."

I realized that sitting in the back would make him look like a chauffeur—not a role anyone would cast Caspar Thornton in. I slid into the passenger seat, the supple leather a welcome comfort.

As I sat back, Caspar leaned toward me. For a split second, the space between us disappeared. I held my breath, but he simply reached across to pull the seatbelt, clicking the buckle into place with practiced ease.

"Safety first," he murmured, before pulling away from the curb. I felt a flush of embarrassment for my momentary panic. Of course, he was just being thorough.

When we reached the Baileys' Upper East Side building, Caspar cut the engine. "Would you like me to come up?"

"No, I’ll be quick. I just want to avoid another scene."

"I'll be right here," he promised.

I entered the apartment as quietly as possible, hoping to avoid a confrontation. But as I stepped into the dark living room, a lamp clicked on. Sienna sat there, her silk robe shimmering in the dim light.

"Is that Mr. Thornton waiting for you downstairs?" her voice sliced through the silence.

"I’m just here for my things, Sienna. I don’t want to argue."

Sienna stood up, her eyes narrowing with a look of pure accusation. "You told me there was nothing between you two. Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You’re ruining everything I’ve worked for!"

I stared at her, genuinely bewildered by the venom in her voice. "I don’t understand what you’re talking about. My life has nothing to do with yours."

"It has everything to do with it!" she snapped, her voice rising.