**Felix's POV*k

I stood beside my grandfather, taking yet another gift from some pharmaceutical exec who probably wanted a favor. The gala was packed with New York's elite, all smiles and champagne.

My eyes kept drifting across the room to where she sat.

Ten months since I'd last seen her. Ten months since I thought she'd died.But there she was - transformed, not in appearance but in presence.

I remembered our first meeting at Long Island Raceway. The way she handled that car - fearless, confident, radiant. That was the real her,I thought. Then I saw how she shrank around Blake Parker and his family,becoming almost invisible. Even during her illness, she accepted everything with that same quiet resignation.

Now, watching her across the room, I finally saw that confident woman again. Actually, she radiated even more charisma than I'd imagined.

She sat peeling an orange for the little girl beside her,occasionally fixing the child's hair or whispering something that made her giggle. They looked exactly like mother and daughter.

"Grandfather," I said quietly, "Where'd that little girl come from? She looks just like she could be Audrey's daughter."

Yet he gave me a meaningful smile. "What Audrey? That's Evelyn Knox.The child is her daughter - she's four years old!"

I rolled my eyes. "Old man, there's no one around. Do we need to keep pretending? I know what you did ten months ago..."

My mind flashed back. After seeing Audrey in that mansion, I'd planned to help her escape Blake's control. I'd finally gotten my chance when Blake left for Long Island, but when I arrived at Lunar Mansion,Astrid had already taken Audrey with James and Ethan. They were rushing her to the hospital.

I called my grandfather immediately. Within hours, he came with a woman barely clinging to life. That woman was likely the real Evelyn Knox.

My grandfather frowned, glancing in their direction.′′Iyou truly care about her, remember what I told you."

I shrugged."Fine."

Bored with playing dutiful grandson, I told a security guard to take over and headed for the exit.

*야 Audrey's POV**

I noticed Felix leaving just as I finished telling Emma about dessert.I stood to follow him.

"You want to find him?" Adrian's cold voice made me frown.

I met his gaze, lowering my voice. "He helped me a lot in the past. Of course I want to talk to him."

Adrían seemed to reallze his tone was off. "Blake is here too. Remember,you're Evelyn Knox,"

"I know what I'm doing," I replied flatly. "I'll fulfill my sister's responsibilities for Emma's sake. But I'm still Audrey Sinclair using her identity. Don't take it so seriously."

I ignored his darkening expression and whispered to Emma to stay with her daddy. Then I slipped away.

I needed to talk to Felix. He was the only person who knew my true identity within my friends, and since he knew Astrid well, he could tell me how she was doing.

I found him on the second-floor balcony lighting a cigarette. He turned sharply at my footsteps.

"Who's there?"

"It's me." I checked we were alone before stepping into the dim light.

"Audrey..." His eyes widened. "You look so much better."

His comment brought back memories of when we first met- my body ravaged by illness, enduring Blake and Laurel's constant psychological warfare. Those days were better forgotten.

I extended my hand with a smile. "Mr. Thompson, let's get reacquainted. I'm Evelyn Knox, daughter of Parker International."

Felix seemed momentarily stunned before shaking my hand. "Pleased to meet you. Glad you could... live again."

I took out my phone while maintaining my smile. "We should exchange numbers. For anything that comes up later."

After a moment's hesitation, Felix nodded.

I was careful not to identify myself as Audrey - who knew if Blake had people watching? Texting would be safer.

"I should get back," I said after we exchanged numbers. "My daughter will worry."

He hesitated. "That little girl... is she yours and that-"

′′NO,she isn't," I cut him off, knowing he meant Adrian. "I'll message you after the gala ends."

"Alright."

"Goodbye." I turned to leave.

I'd only taken a few steps when a dark figure in the corridor made me gasp. After my heart settled, I realized it was Blake Parker, his black suit making him nearly invisible in the dim lighting.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes cold on my face. "Mrs.Knox leaves her husband and daughter just to get the young Mr.Thompson's contact information?" He stepped toward me. "Didn't Mr.Knox say your marriage was good?"

I frowned, backing up instinctively.

Before leaving the gala hall, I'd checked Blake's location. He'd been on his phone talking to Michael. I'd watched long enough to make sure he wasn't looking my way.

During my entire conversation with Felix, I'd been careful not to reveal my identity. But Blake had found me anyway. He must have been hiding there the whole time.

At least I'd consistently called myself Evelyn Knox. Otherwise, this would be so much worse.

"Mrs. Knox," Blake continued, his eyes narrowing as he advanced. "You say you're not Audrey Sinclair, so why sneak off to meet Thompson?"

His lips twisted. "Don't tell me you fell for him at first sight. Planning an affair aIready?"

"Is an affair the only reason to ask for someone's number?" I shot back. "Can't I just make a friend?"

"Friendship?" Blake laughed coldly. "Then why not befriend me?"

"Really? Mr. Thompson is polite and decent," I said,meeting his gaze."While you grabbed me the first time we met. I've told you repeatedly I'm not your ex-wife, but you refuse to believe me."

"Who would want to be friends with someone like that?" I shook my head."I need to get back to my daughter. I don't have time for this."

I turned and walked away quickly, fighting to keep my composure wvith every step.

**Blake's POV**

Something inside me twisted when she mentioned her daughter.

I moved to follow her, but Felix suddenly blocked my path, grabbing my wrist."Blake."

"Don't," he said quietly. "Just let it go. Besides, we haven't talked in forever. Stay. Have a smoke with me."

I looked toward whare sha'd di

and nodded.

The cool night air hit us as we leaned against the balcony railing.cigarettes lit.

"When's the wedding?" Felix asked between puffs."You and Rachel have been engaged for months, right?"

"It's not happening yet." I watched a leaf spiral down in the distance."Maybe after I get over Audrey, I'll consider making Rachel my wife."

"Until then? No ceremony."

Felix snorted. "So Rachel's waiting for never?"

"Man, we all saw how you felt about Audrey. Dead people stick with you.You can't just move on from that."

I didn't answer, just took another drag. "She gave you her number. She's texting you tonight?"

Felix nodded after a beat. "That's what she said."

"Forward me whatever she sends you." I exhaled smoke slowly.′′Ineed to see it."

Part of me wanted to compare her texting style with how Audrey used to write years ago. The other part just needed to know what she wanted from Felix.

Was she actually into him?

Felix studied me for a long moment before nodding."Fine."

"Thanks," I said.