Chapter 359
Quentin slowed and pulled over to the curb.
The ringing stopped, and the screen stayed on that goofy pig photo.
‘Wait, is this Audrey’s phone?‘ he wondered.
The phone rang again. Quentin was about to hang up. It wasn’t his, and he didn’t feel comfortable answering someone else’s calls.
Just then, a car behind him flashed its high beams, the light glaring into his rearview mirror.
He fumbled with his finger and accidentally answered.
“Audrey, it’s me.” A weak male voice came through, shaky and choked with sobs.
Quentin’s brows snapped together.
The car behind flashed its lights twice more.
He rolled down the window and looked back, recognizing the license plate of the vehicle behind.
He realized it was a Winifred family car.
“Audrey, I’m so glad you picked up. I know I messed up, I really do,” the voice pleaded.
“She’s not here right now,” Quentin said flatly. “Call back later if it’s important.”
Clayton froze at the sound of the strange male voice.
He’d only met Yann once and didn’t remember his voice well, just that the man had an imposing presence.
But after Audrey married the Darkshell International CEO, Clayton had searched online for Yann’s background.
In every way–family and achievements–Yann was miles ahead of anything Clayton could ever match.
Though bitter, Clayton had accepted losing to such a man.
But deep down, he was sure their marriage wouldn’t last.
A man like Yann could have any woman.
Audrey was a divorced “three–nothing” woman with no power, status, or money. She was probably just a passing fancy for Yann, like switching from gourmet meals to simple snacks.
The only reason Yann cared about her now was the Winifred family heirs she carried.
Carson had told him she was having triplets. Any woman’s body would be wrecked after one child, let alone three.
He believed once she gave birth, Yann would surely dump her.
But Clayton didn’t mind.
If Audrey was willing to stay with him through his last days, he’d take her back in a heartbeat.
He’d expected either Audrey or Yann to pick up.
If it was Yann, he’d planned to pretend to be a salesman and dodge the conversation, but the voice on the line was neither of theirs.
1/3
Chapter 359
She hasn’t even given birth yet, and she’s already involved with someone else?‘ Clayton wondered.
“Wh–who are you?” Clayton croaked. “Why do you have Audrey’s phone?”
Quentin didn’t respond. He simply hung up.
Hugo pulled over and approached. “Mr. Hale, you accidentally took Mrs. Winifred’s phone when you left.”
“Sorry, i was preoccupied.” Quentin exited his car and handed over the phone.
After a moment’s pause, he mentioned the call.
He had a strong hunch about who it was.
‘What if Clayton calls again? Should Hugo answer? What if Clayton calls while Yann is present?‘ he thought.
Though he doubted it would affect their marriage, avoiding unnecessary drama seemed wise,
Hugo acknowledged the concerns and returned to Hillcrest Gardens.
As Quentin predicted, Clayton’s call came through again the moment Hugo stepped inside.
“Who is it?” Audrey didn’t anticipate hearing from Clayton.
Seeing Hugo shoot Yann an uneasy glance, she paused mid–motion to grab the phone and turned toward her husband.
“You answer it,” Yann said, his tone frosty but his arm still wrapped around her. “It’s your call.”
His meaning was clear–she should handle her call.
If Audrey couldn’t answer Clayton’s call in his presence, it would mean she hadn’t fully moved on or still harbored unresolved emotions.
He didn’t care about her past.
He’d missed those years, and his focus was on their future together.
But if she let bitterness fester, it would only harm her.
Audrey didn’t overthink it.
She thought, ‘Everyone has past troubles. If you find a fly in your meal, do you swear off dining out forever? No, you go to a nicer restaurant.‘
To her, Clayton’s call was nothing more than a persistent nuisance, like a fly buzzing around–annoying, but meaningless.
She took the phone from Hugo’s hand naturally.
As Audrey reached out, Hugo subtly curled his fingers to avoid any accidental touch.
He’d realized Yann’s possessiveness over Audrey was intense. While Yann aimed to be a thoughtful husband, as Audrey’s bodyguard, he believed he needed to maintain clear boundaries.
Audrey answered the call and turned on the speakerphone.
She stayed silent, unsure of who was calling. The number was unfamiliar.
The other end was silent too.
The living room fell into a tense pause. One second, two, three…
Chapter 359
“Audrey?” Clayton called tentatively,
“Have I not told you to stop bothering me? If you keep harassing me, I’ll pursue legal action,” Audrey said coldly and rapidly.
She started to hang up.
“Wait, I need to speak to you!” Clayton exclaimed urgently, followed by a violent coughing fit.
Audrey tilted her chin at Yann, who immediately understood. He guided her to the sofa, propped a pillow behind her lower back, and settled her in
Leaning back, Audrey rested her head against the couch, waiting for Clayton to catch his breath.
Suddenly, Yann’s hand slipped behind her ear to massage her neck and shoulders.
Audrey crooked a finger at him.
Thinking she wanted to whisper, Yann leaned in close, only for her to kiss him.
Yann’s demeanor softened instantly.
On the phone, Clayton felt a sharp twinge of jealousy.
He opened his mouth to speak, but a loud smooch crackled through the phone. His eyes pricked with tears, and he had to fight to keep them back.
Clayton sniffled. “Audrey, who was that?”
She rolled her eyes, thinking, ‘Like it’s any of your concern.‘
“Is Yann treating you badly? Is that why…” Clayton hesitated. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you. Once he ditches you after the babies are born, I’ll marry you again.”
Yann let out a derisive huff. Audrey squeezed his hand, silently telling him not to waste his breath on garbage.
Clayton continued, “People always say your first love’s the best. I get it now. We both made mistakes. We’re even.”
Audrey had enough. “They say the dying speak kindly, but you’re an exception. You’re on your deathbed, for god’s sake.”
“No, I didn’t mean…”
“Stop. Don’t ever call me again. Or I’ll make you wish you were dead.”
Clayton knew this was his last shot. If he didn’t win her over now, she’d block his number for good.
He blurted out the real reason. “Wait, I’m not kidding. I saw your mom. She handed a guy a ton of cash!”
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.
