**Audrey's POV**

"I don't need your help!" Thalia snapped, cutting Rachel off. Her body shook but her eyes burned with defiance. "Even if she beats me to death,I don't need you begging for mercy!"

She marched toward me. "You want to hit me? Go ahead! I don't-"

I didn't wait. My hand connected with her cheek in a sharp slap that echoed through the store. Her head snapped sideways, and she stumbled to the floor.

"Thalia!" Rachel rushed forward and dropped to her knees. gathering her into a protective embrace."Are you okay?"

Thalia finally crumbled, tears streaming down her face as she curled into Rachel's arms."Ithurts so much... Rachel, please... make her stop,"

"Aren't you friends with them? Don't let her hit me again..."

"It's okay. I'm here now," Rachel soothed.I11 protect you."

Beside me. Astrid barely contained a laugh. The sight of Thalia was almost comical. But her amusement faded quickly as she watched Rachel comfort our former tormentor. Her expression hardened into disapproval.

I tasted something bitter.Rachel Hayes had once been our closest friend.Now she was cradling Thalia Parker like some precious thing.

Rachel looked up, her eyes cold. "Mrs. Knox, Thalia is young. She may have said some rude things, but she hasn't actually hurt you."

"You've already hit her," Rachel continued. "Maybe you should apologize?"

"She's a Parker. If her family finds out what happened on their own turf.they won't let it go."

"If I was willing to hit her, I'm not afraid of the Parkers," I cut in. "If Blake wants revenge, my husband's family is ready."

Rachel's expression darkened.

"Rachel, when I tell my brother about this, back me up," Thalia hissed,shooting me a vindictive glare from her safe position.

Rachel stared at me, all warmth gone. "Mrs. Knox, remember your business partnership. Don't make things too tense."

My heart squeezed. These two people - one I once cherished,one I despised - were united against me.

"I won't apologize," I finally said with a cold laugh. "The one who should say sorry has never been me."

I walked to Astrid and grabbed her arm. "I don't regret hitting her."

"If Blake Parker wants to retaliate, I'm ready."

We left them on the boutique floor. Neither called after us, and I didn't look back.

"You were amazing back there!" Astrid exclaimed as we rode down the escalator. "First timne I've ever seen you take on Thalia like that!"

She grinned, eyes bright with excitement. "Seriously, that was badass!"

I didn't answer. just kept moving. Something heavy had settled in my

chest that her praise couldn't lift.

When we reached the lobby, I finally stopped. Turning to face her, I tried to steady my breathing.

"Evelyn, you really -"

I cut her off, pulling her into a tight hug as tears suddenly spilled over.My nose stung with the effort of holding them back.

"Evelyn?" Astrid froze before slowly returning the embrace.

"You weren't like this before," I said through tears. "When I was bullied,you were always in front, fighting for me."

"I'm glad I can protect you now like you used to protect me. But it breaks my heart seeing you become so cautious, so worried about consequences."

The old Astrid wouldn't have just cheered me on - she would have jumped in and hit Thalia herself. That was the friend I remembered, who'd throw drinks in people's faces without hesitation, who'd confront anyone who looked at me wrong.

This cautious, hesitant version of my friend felt like a stranger.

Astrid pulled back slightly, her smile tinged with sadness. "I never understood why you stayed with Blake when you were so miserable at the Parker mansion."

"I couldn't grasp why you'd attend those Parker events knowing Rebecca and Thalia would just humiliate you."

Her eyes met mine. "After you left, when I finally had someone I cared about, I got it."

She took a deep breath. "The old me wouldn't care about the rumors,the leaked photos. or Thalia and Olivia's targeting."

My tears dried instantly as realization hit. "You're... in love?"

Astrid hesitated before nodding. "A secret crush, really. I don't want it affecting him or the company."

"On your modeling agency boss?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"Isn't he like seven years older than you?"

"Age doesn't matter," she said quickly. "He's just... really charming."

I couldn't believe it. The free-spirited Astrid who dragged me to race tracks and bars to meet college guys was now nursing a secret crush?

I knew almost nothing about this modeling agency boss. He was notoriously private - despite his companies ranking among New York's wealthiest, he never socialized with the elite. The rumors painted him as older, unattractive, and ill-tempered.

My only impression of him came from several months ago when he lent us a luxury car - which, ironically, turned out to be one Blake had bought for Laurel.

For this mysterious man. Astrid had transformed completely. The vibrant,fearless woman who never cared what others thought had become someone who hesitated to even defend herself.

"I don't care who you're with," I said, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Just don't change yourself for any man."

Astrid bit her lip.′′Ihaven't changed. I just don't want to cause problems.Besides, it probably won't work out anyway."

I shook my head as we walked toward the exit. "Now I get why you were so frustrated watching me with Blake."

"It's okay," I told her. "Have your crush, fall in love if you want. I'll always be your backup."

When I woke up in Sydney, I promised myself I'dI protect Astrid the way she once protected me. During my month of training,I'd dream about becoming her shield. Today, I'd finally done it.

She nodded, eyes warm with trust. "I believe you."

"If Thalia messes with you again, I'll knock her teeth out," I declared. "Even if Blake Parker comes after me,I'll-"

Astrid suddenly grabbed my arm, and stopped.

I gave her a confused look. What the hell?

Following her gaze, I spotted a black luxury car parked at the mall entrance. The rear window rolled down to reveal Blake's stone-cold face watching us.

I met his stare without flinching. Unlike Astrid, I wasn't shocked. This was textbook Blake Parker.

Since marrying him three years ago, it had been the same routine.Whenever I clashed with Thalia or Olivia, Blake would appear out of nowhere. And regardlessof who started it, he'd demand that I apologize to them.

So when Thalia and Olivia came after me again today, of course he'd show up.

"Don't," Astrid whispered, tightening her grip. "Let's bail before he sees us."

"Too late for that," I said, gently pulling free. "You should head back."

"Ethan's probably struggling with Emma." I added. "I'll catch up later."

Without waiting, I walked straight to Blake's car and pulled the door open.

As I was about to close it, Astrid called out, "Call me if you need anything!"

She took a breath. "Two hours and then I'm calling the cops!"

"Deal!" I called back.

The door shut witha thud, sealing me in the car's cool interior, away from the sticky summer heat.

"Mrs. Wilson seems worried," Blake said, his voice cool.

I turned to meet his dark gaze. His lips surprisingly curved into a faint smile.

"But maybe I'm the one who should be worried," he said. "Considering how you handled my sister."