Chapter 228
“You’re saying Audrey’s home? This whole time?”
“Yeah.”
“And she went to bed early?”
“Right.”
Amelia turned around without a word, a slow wave of embarrassment washing over her.
She realized she had just seriously overstepped.
‘Seriously? That kid couldn’t have dropped me a hint? Told me to get out first?‘ she thought.
She’d barged into a moment that clearly wasn’t meant for her. Who knew if she’d interrupted something intimate?
To dodge any awkward run–ins the next day, Amelia quietly packed up and left that very night.
The next day, Yann accompanied Earl on an inspection tour.
As they walked, Earl’s eyes drifted to Yann’s wrist. Beneath the edge of his watch was a faint mark, dark and crusted over.
“Mr. Winifred,” he said, frowning slightly, “did you injure your hand?”
Yann glanced down at his wrist. A flicker of softness passed through his cool gaze before his usual impassive expression returned. “My partner was being playful. Didn’t mean to leave a mark.”
Earl blinked, momentarily thrown off. He’d only just come to terms with the idea that Yann might be gay, and now the man was married.
Those scabs looked an awful lot like bite marks.
‘Who bites someone on the wrist? Unless… was his wife forced?‘ he wondered.
The idea unsettled Earl. He’d honestly rather Yann be romantically involved with a man than entangled in something criminal. The last thing he needed was his most promising subordinate hauled away before he’d made his mark.
His gaze shifted instinctively to Calvin, who trailed just behind Yann.
Calvin had gone to the gym the day before, fumbled his grip on a weight, and accidentally punched himself in the mouth.
He’d put ointment on it, but the corner of his lip still looked slightly swollen.
Earl dared not dwell too long on the implications. Testing the waters, he asked, “Mr. Winifred, I heard you recently made your marriage public. May I ask… who’s the lucky lady?”
At the mention of Audrey, something in Yann’s face softened again.
He gave a small nod. “I’m the lucky one, really. Marrying her was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“She’s from Ironhaven?”
“She’s from Fairfield, over in Ashbourne. She’s just staying in Ironhaven for the time being.”
Earl watched Calvin out of the corner of his eye, but there was no reaction.
The man stood tall and silent, hands clasped behind his back, his crisp white shirt and black trousers sharp against his broad frame. His eyes remained
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alert, scanning their surroundings with a soldier’s precision.
“We should all have dinner sometime,” Earl said, his smile easy. “It’d be nice to welcome her properly, local hospitality and all.”
But truth be told, what he really wanted was to see the woman with his own eyes.
“Sounds good,” Yann replied. “She’s been busy with a project lately, keeps things low–key. I’ll handle the arrangements. Just hope you won’t mind sparing some of your personal time.”
“An honor,” Earl said with a small laugh.
They continued walking, Calvin falling into step behind them without a sound.
Audrey got the call from Yann an hour later.
“Mr. Adams wants to meet me?” she asked, holding the phone close, then pointed at her own nose in disbelief. “Me? Right now? Isn’t that a little… high- profile?”
“Randy’s first software back in school was brought into the field thanks to Adams,” Yann explained. “It’s used for data tracking in criminal investigations, completely pro bono.”
Audrey gave a low whistle. “Whoa. Okay, I’m in.”
Yann had told her to keep a low profile, but the reality was, if Earl was showing up, then his secretary and Nash would know.
And if Nash knew, then Baldwin and Miguel, who’d played tennis with him yesterday, would be in the loop too.
The dinner was arranged at a private club.
Calvin personally escorted Earl and his secretary into the venue.
Meanwhile, Nash waited in a car parked nearby, Baldwin and Miguel with him. It wasn’t that they weren’t allowed inside. It was just running into Yann
would be hard to explain.
As Audrey’s car pulled into the curved drive, a horn sounded from the side. She rolled down her window and saw Baldwin waving her over.
“You’re hosting a dinner here?” he asked, gesturing at the grand entrance.
“Yeah,” she nodded.
Baldwin motioned for her to step out of the car as he had something to discuss.
She pulled over, parked, and got out. To her surprise, Miguel was also there.
Audrey didn’t recognize Nash. After a brief introduction from Baldwin, he asked, “Which floor are you on?”
“The third,” she replied after a moment’s thought.
“Perfect!” Baldwin clapped his hands, lowering his voice with enthusiasm. “You’ve heard of Darkshell International from Ashbourne, right? They’re collaborating with the government on several major projects. The municipal hospital’s East District development? Mr. Winifred is overseeing it personally.”
Audrey gave a small nod.
“Well, Mr. Winifred, Darkshell’s CEO, is hosting a dinner on the third floor tonight,” Baldwin said, barely containing his excitement. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you take a look? See who’s there?”
Noticing Audrey’s hesitation, Miguel added lightly, “There’s nothing shady. We just heard someone important might be attending.”
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“I can help,” Audrey said, turning to Baldwin. “Mr. Connor, save me a production line for your cosmetic masks.”
“If you can find out who the person is, the whole line’s yours.”
“It’s a deal.”
She turned and got back into her car.
The two men watched her drive through the entrance with no ID check or questions.
Her license plate must have already been registered in the club’s membership system. The barrier rose automatically to let her through.
“You think this won’t backfire?” Miguel asked, a note of concern in his voice. “Mr. Winifred doesn’t take kindly to people approaching with hidden motives, especially women.”
“Don’t worry,” Baldwin replied confidently. “Ms. Henderson is sharp. Knows exactly how to navigate situations like this.” He’d worked with her before
and trusted both her instincts and her discretion.
Nash remained in the car, clearly unimpressed.
He thought it laughable that two grown men were placing their hopes on a secretary.
Upstairs, Earl entered the private suite and was momentarily taken aback.
The third floor was exclusive, reserved for only the most distinguished guests. The suite was spacious, with designated areas for dining, entertaining, and
relaxation.
At the ten–seat dining table, only three place settings had been arranged.
“Apologies, she’s still on her way,” Yann said, having just finalized the dishes and handed the menu to a server. He stood and greeted Earl warmly.
“No trouble at all. I’m the early one,” Earl replied with a smile as they took seats on the couch.
They moved straight into project discussions.
A few minutes later, Calvin entered and leaned in to quietly say something to Yann.
Yann nodded and turned to Earl. “Pardon me. She’s just arrived. I’ll go greet her.”
“Of course.”
Earl smiled politely, but inwardly found the gesture unusual.
At dinners like this, even if a guest brought a partner, it was standard for a secretary or assistant to receive them.
For Yann himself to go. especially given his status, was telling.
‘Could she be the daughter of some powerful family?‘ he wondered. ‘What other woman would warrant such attention from Yann?’
Downstairs, Audrey’s car had just pulled in. A valet took over, and as she stepped into the lobby, she saw Yann exiting the elevator.
“Am I late?” she asked, walking quickly toward him.
“Not at all,” he said, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before taking her hand and leading her into the elevator.
Audrey was dressed with understated elegance, a crisp white blouse, tailored cropped pants, her long hair tied high in a ponytail that revealed her graceful neckline.
“Didn’t wear the necklace my mom gave you?”
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At the mention, Audrey thought back to the chaos of the previous night and shot him a sideways glance.
“I’ll wear it when we go back to Ashbourne, just to blind Talia’s sharp little eyes.”
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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.
