**Audrey's POV*

I was immersed in mny work, tirelessly sketching designs until a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked up and realized it was already evening. Thinking it was Astrid forgetting her keys again, I put down my pencil, stretched, and stood up.

"Coming!" I called.

When I opened the door, I found a stranger - a man in a black suit who looked completely out of place in my building.

"Hello," he said awkwardly. "I'm here for the keys."

"You're the neighbor from next door?"

He nodded stiffly. "Yes, that's me."

"Just a second." I went back for the keys Astrid had taken earlier.

When I returned, I handed them over with a polite smile.

"Thanks," he said, immediately turning to leave.

"Wait," I said. "Did you go out yesterday and not come back until now?"

He hesitated. "Yeah, I forgot my keys."

Something felt off. If he'd been locked out, why not get his spare keys first thing in the morning? And why was he leaving now instead of going home?

"You should be more careful," I told him. "This building isn't the safest.Next time someone might just help themselves to your stuff."

"I'll remember that," he replied before hurrying to the elevator.

I watched him go, wondering why he'd come for keys he apparently didn't need right now.

Half an hour later, Astrid burst in without knocking.

"Audrey!" she exclaimed. "Guess who I just saw downstairs?"

I set my pencil down. "Who?"

"Blake Parker! I spotted his car coming into the complex, so I followed him. He parked right below our building." She dropped onto my couch and scooped up Snow. "I thought he was coming to see you."

"He wouldn't," I said.

"You're right. He didn't," Astrid said, stroking Snow. "I was about to call you, but then I saw a guy in a black suit walk out of our building and get into Blake's car."

She frowned. "Who rates a personal pickup from Blake Parker? In our crappy building of all places? Maybe I should ask if property values are going up. Suddenly we've got some executive neighbor and Blake showing up at our door."

"A man in the black suit... was he wearing a full black suit?" I asked.

"Yes!" Astrid nodded, pulling out her phone. "I even took a picture!"

The photo showed the same man who'd come for the keys.

"Know him?" Astrid asked.

"No," I said. "Just curious what kind of person rates a personal chauffeur service from Blake Parker."

Astrid opened my refrigerator. "I'll investigate when I get time. Maybe Blake's using him to spy on you."

"Blake's busy planning his engagement," I said, trying to sound casual."He wouldn't waste time on something so petty."

"True," Astrid said. "What's for dinner?"

*Nobody knew Astrid's cooking skills better than me. Better let her make spaghetti than attempt anything that might become inedible.*

"Pasta?"

Astrid's face lit up. "Spaghetti is my specialty!"

Looking at the figure in the kitchen, I smiled. Then I took my phone.sending a message to the neighbor.

**Blake's POV**

I sat in my car's back seat when Audrey's message appeared on my screen.

*"Do you know Blake Parker?"*

After a moment, I replied: *"Yes, he's my boss."*

Her response came quickly: *"Did he send you to monitor me? Tell him there's no need to target me like this. I'm happy for him and Laurel. I won't cause trouble at their engagement."*

I typed: *"Aren't you upset about him and Laurel?"*

*"Why would I be? Since I decided to divorce him, I stopped caring. He can marry whoever he wants. It's none of my business."*

I stared at her words, something bitter rising in my throat.I typed:*"Did you ever care about him before?"*

The message failed to deliver. I tried again with the same result. Checking the contact, I discovered she'd blocked me.

My eyes narrowed. I created a new account and sent another request: *"Silentia, I still have things to say to you."*

After several minutes, she accepted.

Her message appeared: *"I can tell you whatever Blake wants to know.But I don't want to see you again."*

I replied with a simple:*"Fine."*

**Audrey's POV*

I put my phone down and stepped onto the balcony. Something about hearing "Silentia" again broke through my defenses.

The night air felt cool against my face as I closed my eyes. How ridiculous was this whole situation? The same man who once whispered "Silentia" to me was now planning his wedding to someone else. He'd even blocked my number and hired someone to spy on me.

For the next two days, I devoted myself to the jewelry designs. My neighbor messaged daily asking about my progress. When I felt generous.I'd chat briefly.

When I finished, I texted Michael that I'd deliver them personally to Parker Group. I wanted to ensure nothing was lost about the intricate details.

The main lobby of Parker Group was as imposing as ever. I'd spent three years walking through these doors as Mrs. Parker, but today I entered as just another vendor.

Michael met me in the lobby. "These are exceptional, Miss Sinclair. Mr.Parker will be pleased."

"I'm glad," I said evenly. "Everything's ready for production?"

"Yes. The jewelers are standing by."

I forced a smile. "I won't keep you then."

As I headed for the exit, I saw them.

Laurel entered first, wearing an expensive gown. Behind her was Blake.weighed down with shopping bags, phone pressed to his ear.

I stepped back, hoping to avoid them. Let Laurel have her victory lap. I just wanted to leave quietly.

But Laurel spotted me. Her expression immediately soured as she changed course,heading right for me.

"Audrey Sinclair? What are you doing here?"

"Busíness." I said simply.

Laurel smirked. "Is it because Blake blocked you and won't see you?Couldn't stay away, so you had to come to his office?"

"With that imagination, you should be writing screenplays instead of acting." I stepped around her. "You love treating trash like treasure. Not everyone shares your taste."

As I passed, Laurel grabbed my wrist. "What do you mean? Who are you calling trash?"

The sound echoed through the lobby. In an instant, all eyes were on me.

I sighed internally. This was such an obvious trap, but what could I do?Around us, people began to whisper, their eyes full of judgment. Of course they would side with her. This was Parker Group, and I was the ex-wife who had dared to walk away from their golden boy.

I looked at her hand, then back to her face. "Let go."

"Not until you explain yourself," she insisted, tightening her grip.

Without bothering to argue. I yanked my arm free. Laurel's eyes widened momentarily before she twisted her body, falling dramatically to the ground with a loud thud.

"Miss Rose fell!" someone shouted from the crowvd.

I blinked in surprise. I hadn't used any real force when I pulled away.

My gaze drifted to the entrance where Blake had been standing. He was already moving toward us.

Of course. This was all theater for his benefit.

I turned to leave, giving Blake a wide berth.

"Audrey."

I stopped but didn't turn fully, just gave him a sideways glance.

Blake loosened his tle. "Abouit my grandfather. He's been asking for you."

The request caught me off guard. Then I remembered I'd promised to help convince William to attend the engagement ceremony.

I nodded once. "I'll stop by today."

My eyes flicked to Laurel, who was now surrounded by concerned employees helping her up. "Your fiancée needs you."

Without waiting for his response, I walked out of Parker Group.