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Chapter 223
Yann’s handsome, usually aloof face softened into a smile at the sight of Audrey. He held out his hand to her.
Audrey immediately looped her arm through his, whispering so only they could hear, “Cooperate.”
“Mr. Winifred, hello,” Talia rushed to the doorway, striking h
most flattering pose and flashing a confident smile.
“Weren’t you just calling my husband Yann earlier?” Audrey shot her a provocative look, then leaned into Yann’s embrace with feigned innocence. “t thought you two were close, so I even served you the coffee he gave me.”
Talia cringed at Audrey’s act.
“You’re so humorous–I was just joking,” Talia said hastily as Yann’s expression darkened.
“Ah, so it was a joke,” Audrey pouted, looking up at Yann. “She said you don’t care about me at all and only married me as a cover. I was so scared.”
Yann kissed Audrey softly, holding her close. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Audrey nodded shyly. “I feel better, darling.”
Ignoring Talia completely, Yann kissed Audrey again.
Gasping, Audrey pushed him away, blushing. “Stop it–we have a guest.”
Talia clenched her fists, forcing a smile. “Mr. Winifred, you had to miss my party the other day. When are you free? I’d like to host you personally.”
Yann didn’t let go of Audrey even as he changed his shoes. She’s never acted like this before. He decided to enjoy the chance to dote on her during this
charade.
Audrey laced her fingers with his, spinning the ring on his ring finger. “Ms. Price said the Price and Winifred families have complex business ties. How complex are we talking?”
“The Price family relies on Darkshell International and only serves high end clients,” Yann replied.
“So they’re ambitious but limited in capability,” Audrey said.
“Something like that,” Yann agreed.
Talia seethed and thought, ‘How rude to discuss my company’s weaknesses to my face! And so bluntly–entrepreneurs need a long–term vision to attract high–end clients. That’s not ambitious but limited!‘
“Welcome home, Mr. Winifred,” Zoe greeted warmly from the kitchen. “Mrs. Winifred, dinner is ready.”
“You must be starving after a long day,” Audrey said, gently rubbing his stomach.
Yann led her toward the dining room. “I’m okay. After dinner, let me see your market research.”
“Just don’t be too harsh when giving me your suggestions,” Audrey said, feigning fragility.
He smiled indulgently and nodded.
Talia stood awkwardly, ignored. As they headed for dinner without inviting her, she grabbed the gift box. “Mr. Winifred, I heard you love Honeycomb Bliss‘ pecan pie, so I had them bake a special one for you. Please try it.”
Yann turned to Talia as if noticing her for the first time, his warm demeanor vanishing. He instructed Zoe to open the box and handed the pie to Audrey. “See if it’s to your liking.”
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Chapter 223
Talia was stunned. She’d always doubted a man like Yann would enjoy such overly sweet pastries it turned out the rumor existed only because Audrey
liked them.
Audrey took a bite, her expectant expression fading to 11. “Ms. Price, are you sure this was made by a Honeycomb Bliss gastry chef from
Ashbourne?”
“Of course,” Talia said.
“Do you know there are different varieties of pecans?” Audrey took a piece of pecan pie and handed it to Yann.
“The pastry chefs at Honeycomb Bliss always only use slightly Audrey.
pecans to make this kind of pastry. But this pecan pie only has a sweet taste,” said
Yann didn’t take the pecan pie from Audrey’s hand. Instead, he ate the one she had already taken a bite of. He then agreed with Audrey.
Talia took a bite and immediately spat it out. She had hired a Honeycomb Bliss chef, but this pie was cloyingly sweet, lacking the subtle bitterness of high–quality pecans.
Audrey set down the pie, smiling at Yann. “Ms. Price didn’t mean any harm. If she’d let me taste it first, I could’ve warned her–now she’s embarrassed herself in front of you.”
Yann’s face dropped. “Ms. Price, you brought such a cheap dessert as a gift to my wife—are you disrespecting her or me?”
“No, I didn’t mean that. The Price family’s business depends on Darkshell International. How would I disrespect you?” Audrey said, shooting Talia a wounded look.
She pretended to whisper to Yann, projecting just loudly enough for Talia to hear.
“She probably looks down on me. Earlier, she told me to have a broader perspective and not covet what doesn’t belong to me. I’m just a hopeless woman who wants to be with you,” said Audrey.
To hide her smirk, Audrey buried her face in Yann’s chest. “Anyway, she’s a guest and
our
neighbor. Let it go.”
Talia panicked. “Mr. Winifred, this was a sincere visit. There must be a misunderstanding. I’ll investigate and apologize to Ms. Henderson.”
Yann scoffed. “Ms. Price insists on calling my wife ‘Ms. Henderson,‘ making it clear she doesn’t recognize her. In that case, we have no need to associate further. Zoe, show her out.”
Zoe swiftly packed the pie and ushered Talia toward the door.
Talia had faced rejection in business before, but had never been physically escorted out.
Audrey trembled as if crying. Talia wondered, ‘Why is she so upset? She’s already so lucky to have Yann. Why is she crying over a bad pie?!
“Yann, I know your marriage announcement had ulterior motives,” Talia blurted, deciding to confront him now that she was being expelled. “Audrey isn’t your real wife.”
She saw Audrey freeze, then turned to face Yann’s piercing gaze.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
