Chapter 6

Audrey's POV:

"Listen," I said, leaning slightly forward and softening my voice.

"I want to help you, but I need to know what to do. Would it be okay if I took you to a police station? The police officers there could help you find your way home. Would that be alright?"

His eyes widened slightly, and after what seemed like careful consideration, he gave a small, deliberate nod.

Relief washed over me. At least now I had a direction, a next step that he had agreed to.

After paying the bill, I gently took the boy's hand and led him outside.

Just as I was looking up the nearest police station on my phone, four men in dark suits appeared so suddenly that I gasped and instinctively pulled the boy closer.

They moved with military precision, surrounding us in seconds.

One of them pressed a finger to his ear and spoke in a clipped, professional tone.

"Target secured. Young master located."

My heart hammered against my ribs.

"Wait, you don't understand," I said, raising my hands defensively.

"I found him alone in the restaurant. I was just taking him to the police station. I'm not—I wasn't kidnapping him or anything!"

They didn't seem to hear me.

Two of them flanked me while a third reached for my arm.

"You'll need to come with us," he said, his grip painfully tight as he began steering me toward a black SUV parked at the curb.

"Let go of me!" I protested, panic rising in my throat. "I was helping him! "

The boy suddenly darted forward, positioning his small body between me and the security men.

His face, which had been so expressionless before, now showed clear determination as he spread his arms protectively in front of me.

The security team froze, clearly surprised by the child's intervention.

"Young master," one of them began cautiously, "please step aside."

The boy didn't move. Instead, he fixed them with a stern look that seemed impossibly mature for his age, and firmly shook his head.

The security men exchanged glances, clearly at a loss.

After a brief, tense standoff, the one who appeared to be in charge sighed and gestured toward the waiting SUV.

"Very well. Both of you, please."

I hesitated, but the boy took my hand and tugged me gently toward the vehicle.

With security personnel surrounding us and few options available, I reluctantly followed.

At least this way, I could explain the situation to his parents directly and clear up the misunderstanding.

As we drove, the city lights gradually gave way to tree-lined roads and increasingly spaced-out properties.

Finally, we turned through massive wrought-iron gates that opened automatically upon our approach, revealing a winding driveway flanked by perfectly manicured gardens.

When the mansion came into view, I couldn't suppress a small gasp.

I'd guessed from his expensive clothes and perfect manners that the boy came from money, but this... this was another level entirely.

The SUV stopped at the main entrance, where a distinguished older man in impeccable attire stood waiting, his posture rigid with worry.

The moment he saw the boy step out of the vehicle, visible relief washed over his face.

He took a quick, assessing glance over the boy, confirming he was unharmed.

"Noah, where have you been?" he exhaled.

Noah. So that was his name.

Instead of answering verbally, Noah walked over and gently took the older man's hand in his small one, patting it reassuringly.

The man's expression softened momentarily at Noah's touch, but when he raised his head to look at me, his eyes turned sharp and assessing, filled with suspicion.

One of the security men quickly stepped forward.

"Mr Edward, we found the young master leaving a restaurant with this woman," he reported formally. "She was holding his hand and walking away from the establishment when we intercepted them."

Edward's eyes narrowed dangerously as he continued his assessment of me.

"Who are you?" he demanded. "Who sent you? How dare you attempt to kidnap a Thornton child?"

Thornton? The name hit me like a physical blow.

My mind raced through business magazine covers, newspaper headlines, and charity gala announcements I'd seen over the years.

The Thorntons were not just wealthy. Their family had shaped the financial landscape of the country for generations.

And the current patriarch, Caspar Thornton—nicknamed "King C" —was famous for his ruthless efficiency and cutthroat business tactics.

The thought that I had just casually shared dinner with his four-year-old son made me lightheaded.

Everyone in New York knew that Caspar had a young son whose mother's identity remained the biggest mystery in high society circles.

They also knew one unwritten rule: anyone who touched the Thornton heir would face Caspar's unrestrained wrath.

"Who touches, who dies" wasn't just a rumor.

"You've got it all wrong," I said, trying my best to keep my voice steady. "I just happened to meet him. They found me when I was trying to take Noah to the police station."

Edward's expression remained coldly skeptical. "A remarkable coincidence, isn't it? And you expect me to believe you had no idea who he was?"

"It's the truth," I insisted, hearing the desperation in my own voice. "Look, I understand how this looks, but—"

Edward held up his hand, cutting me off.

"That's enough. We'll get to the bottom of this."

He turned to the security team. "Take her to the east wing study and keep her there. Mr. Thornton will want to question her himself when he returns."

Two security men immediately moved toward me.

My heart hammered against my ribs as the reality of my situation crashed down.

Suddenly, Noah tugged free from Edward's grip and positioned himself between me and the advancing guards as he watched them approach.

His small frame stood directly in my path, arms spread wide in an unmistakably protective stance.

The security men faltered, their disciplined movements giving way to uncertainty.

Then, the unexpected happened again.

"She... helped," Noah said, his voice small but clear.

The effect was immediate.

Everyone froze. Edward stared at Noah with undisguised shock.

"Noah?" Edward's voice was barely above a whisper. "You spoke."

Noah nodded firmly, pointing at me. "She helped."

Two simple words, but from the reactions around me, they might as well have been a lengthy oration.

Edward and the security team exchanged stunned glances, clearly struggling to process what had just happened.

Chapter 7

Caspar's POV:

The plane's descent into New York felt painfully slow.

Every second dragged as I stared out the window.

The instant we touched down, my phone rang immediately.

"Mr. Thornton, it's Edward."

"Noah?" It was the only word I could manage.

"Young master has been found, sir. He's safe."

My entire body sagged with relief, tension draining from muscles.

But I barely had time to process this relief before Edward's voice returned, now trembling with barely contained excitement.

"Sir, there's something else."

His normally composed tone had given way to unmistakable emotion.

"Something truly extraordinary has happened. Noah—" Edward paused, as if still disbelieving it himself. "Noah spoke, sir. Actual words."

I froze, my breath catching in my throat.

"What did you say?" My voice was barely audible.

I gripped the armrest, certain I'd misheard.

Noah hadn't spoken a single word since being diagnosed with selective mutism after an accident.

I had tried everything—the best specialists, therapists, experimental programs—all without success.

At most, Noah would only communicate through his small drawing pad, expressing his needs and thoughts.

His silence had been complete, a fortress no one could breach.

"Edward," I said, my voice low and measured despite the racing of my heart, "are you absolutely certain?"

"Yes sir, Noah spoke. Two words: 'She helped.'" Edward replied excitedly.

"She?" Cold clarity replaced my relief. "Who is 'she'?"

"A woman was with him when security found him," Edward explained.

"Appears she was helping him. According to the team, they found Noah leaving a restaurant with her. When they attempted to separate them, Noah became very protective of her."

"Is she still there?" I asked, my mind racing through implications and possibilities.

"Yes, sir. She's with Noah now, in the drawing room. "

There was a note of wonder in Edward's voice. "Noah seems... quite taken with her. He hasn't left her side since they arrived."

I fell silent for a moment, trying to process everything.

My son had not only spoken but was willingly engaging with a stranger.

The shock coursed through me, alongside a burning curiosity about this woman.

"Edward, make sure she doesn't leave. I'm on my way. I need to meet this woman."

"Understood, sir."

When my car pulled through the gates of the Thornton family estate on Long Island, darkness had already settled over the grounds.

Edward was waiting for me in the foyer, wearing a pleased expression.

"Sir, welcome home."

Edward took my coat with his usual efficiency.

"Where's Noah?" I asked, already moving toward the stairs.

"In his art room, sir. " Edward's voice carried unmistakable relief. "He seems quite settled now."

I paused midstep, turning back. "And the woman? Where is she?"

Edward's expression shifted to mild disappointment. "She had to leave, sir. Said she had an urgent matter to attend to."

He continued, "I attempted to insist she stay until your arrival, but every time we tried to press her to remain, or showed any sign of forcing, Noah became agitated. "

"Did she at least leave any contact information?" I asked, trying to maintain composure despite my disappointment.

"Yes, sir." Edward reached into his pocket and retrieved a small folded piece of paper. "She left this."

I took the note and unfolded it.

Written in a flowing, elegant script was a name—Audrey Lane—followed by a phone number and email address.

Something about the handwriting struck me as oddly familiar. I stared at the curves and loops of the letters, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu that I couldn't quite explain.

"Audrey Lane," I murmured, pocketing the note.

"Regarding Ms. Lane, sir," Edward added, his voice brightening slightly. "When I mentioned to her that Noah went missing from Luminous Gallery, she seemed quite surprised."

"Oh?" I prompted.

"She explained that she's actually starting a position there tomorrow. "

Edward's expression softened. "When Noah overheard this part of our conversation, he seemed somewhat pleased. So if you want to see her, you might be able to see her tomorrow as well."

I raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

"Then tell me exactly what happened today. Why did Noah suddenly disappear?"

Edward's expression instantly turned serious, clearly weighing his next words with caution.

"Sir, there was a... situation this morning with Ms. Brown."

"Ms. Brown? Vanessa?" I frowned.

Edward straightened his posture, his expression turning more serious.

"Yes, sir. After Noah's disappearance, I conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances." He hesitated briefly. "Ms. Brown joined Luminous Gallery following Noah's onboarding."

My expression darkened. "Explain."

"According to several staff members, Ms. Brown specifically requested to take over Noah's instruction ."

Edward's voice remained measured, but his disapproval was evident.

"Given the Brown family's long-standing connection to the Thornton family, the gallery director was concerned about potential repercussions if they denied a Brown family member's request. So Ms. Brown was defaulted as Noah's dedicated teacher."

"But Noah has shown consistent resistance to her."

I felt a cold anger settling in my chest. "So what's her connection to Noah's disappearance this time?"

Edward's voice lowered slightly.

"The security footage reveals Noah refused to follow Ms. Brown's strict instructions, then she leaned in close to him."

Edward's typically composed demeanor faltered. "The audio captured her telling Noah that she would 'soon be his new stepmother' and that if he didn't behave and do exactly as she instructed, she would 'make sure your father doesn't want you anymore.'"

So this is why Noah ran away?

My entire body went rigid. A cold, dangerous fury swept through me.

"Edward," my voice turned ice-cold, "cut all ties with the Brown family. Cancel any business partnerships, social invitations, the works. Make damn sure they understand what happens when you mess with the Thorntons."

"Understood completely, sir." Edward's expression didn't even flicker.

He'd been with our family long enough to know exactly how I operated when someone crossed the line.

"I'll see to Noah now," I said, already moving toward the staircase.

When I reached Noah's art room, I paused at the doorway.

He sat at his drawing table, hunched over a sheet of paper, his hand moving rapidly across its surface.

I stepped into the room, careful to make enough noise that I wouldn't startle him.

"Noah," I said softly.

He looked up, his eyes meeting mine briefly before returning to his drawing.

I moved closer, crouching down beside his chair.

"I'm sorry," I said, keeping my voice gentle. "I've been away too much lately, haven't I? Too many meetings, too many late nights at the office."

Noah paused in his drawing, the blue pencil hovering above the paper. He didn't look up at me, but I could see him processing my words.

After a moment, he simply shook his head.

That small gesture hit me harder than any tantrum could have.

"Noah, I need you to know something important," I said, my voice low and firm. "Don't ever believe anyone who tells you differently. I love you more than anything in this world."

His fingers tightened around the blue pencil, and I could see a slight tremor in his small hand.

"You won't have to see Ms. Brown anymore," I continued, my tone softening. "I'm arranging for you to have a different instructor at the gallery immediately."

Noah's pencil paused mid-stroke. I noticed the subtle relaxation in his shoulders.

"Edward mentioned you met someone today. Ms. Lane? Audrey?" I kept my voice casual, though I was watching his reaction closely.

"It sounds like you might have liked her."

At the mention of Audrey's name, Noah's demeanor changed subtly. His head lifted slightly, and I caught the quick, affirming nod.

"Would you like her to be your new teacher instead?" I asked.

Noah's eyes lit up immediately, and he nodded.

I felt a complex mix of emotions wash over me. This Audrey Lane woman had waltzed in and earned Noah's trust and voice in a single day, while I'd been striking out for so long.

"Alright, I will take you tomorrow," I said, gently ruffling his brown hair before standing up.