Chapter 4 - Messages in the Dark
The phone contained hundreds of messages between Gavin and Brooke.
At first, Audrey could only read a few lines at a time.
Brooke complained that Audrey received too much attention from their grandmother.
Gavin agreed that Audrey acted superior because she worked harder than everyone else.
They joked about her long hours.
They criticized her clothes, her voice, and the way she planned every detail of her life.
But beneath the insults was a plan.
Brooke believed the mansion should have been divided between both sisters. Gavin told her that once the property was refinanced, they could force Audrey to accept a settlement.
Martin had offered to help.
Elaine promised Audrey would eventually forgive everyone because she hated conflict.
One message from Gavin made Audrey’s hands go cold.
She’ll cry, leave for a few weeks, and then agree to whatever her father tells her. She always does.
Audrey sat alone in the dark study.
He was not completely wrong.
For years, she had been the family peacemaker.
When Brooke abandoned university, Audrey paid her tuition debt.
When Martin made a failed investment, Audrey delayed her own hotel project to protect the company.
When Elaine wanted expensive charity events, Audrey found the money.
When Gavin struggled, Audrey gave him responsibilities he had not earned.
Every sacrifice had taught them the same lesson.
Audrey would always clean up the damage.
She continued reading.
The family planned to reveal the relationship after the baby was born. They expected Audrey to avoid public embarrassment by accepting a quiet divorce.
Gavin would receive a senior position in Whitmore Hotels.
Brooke would move into the mansion.
Audrey would retain a small apartment and continue running the company because no one else knew how.
They wanted her labor without her presence.
The final message had been sent by Martin on the morning of the birth.
Once Audrey signs the transfer, the difficult part is over.
Audrey photographed every conversation and sent copies to Samuel.
Then she heard the front door open.
Gavin entered the study without turning on the light.
“You’re home,” he said.
“So are you.”
He stopped when he saw the second phone on the desk.
For the first time since the hospital, Gavin appeared afraid.
“Audrey, let me explain.”
“You already explained everything to Brooke.”
He moved closer.
“Those messages were written during emotional moments.”
“You planned to take my home.”
“It’s a family home.”
“My grandmother left it to me.”
“Your grandmother is dead.”
The sentence hung between them.
Audrey stood.
“And that made you think her wishes no longer mattered?”
Gavin lowered his voice.
“I fell in love with someone else. That happens. We can still handle this without destroying each other.”
“You stole from me.”
“I borrowed money.”
“For your affair.”
“For my son.”
Audrey’s expression did not change.
“Do not use an innocent child to justify what you did.”
Gavin ran a hand through his hair.
“Brooke needs stability. Your parents agree the mansion is the best place for the baby.”
“And where should I live?”
“You have money. You can live anywhere.”
Audrey nodded slowly.
“You’re right.”
Gavin relaxed.
May you like
Then Audrey picked up the second phone.
“I can live anywhere. But you won’t be living here.”
