Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 69

The elevator arrived, and the two of them stepped inside.

The floor numbers ticked down as Willow waited for an answer.

Until yesterday, Audrina hadn't really given it much thought.

But Zachary's sudden appearance at her workplace had been a massive wake-up call.

After a long pause, she finally said, "I've thought about it."

Willow waited for her to continue.

Audrina lowered her eyes. "So don't worry. I'll take care of it as soon as I can."

The doors slid open, and Willow stepped out first. "Alright, as long as you know what you're doing. But call me if anything happens."

"I will."

...

On New Year's Eve, Audrina and Zachary returned to the Sutton family estate.

The front porch was brightly decorated, and the entire courtyard was buzzing with festive energy.

Waldo Sutton sat in his favorite armchair in the living room, a light blanket draped over his lap. The moment he saw Audrina walk in, the wrinkles on his face softened, and he waved her over. "Audrina, you're here. Come sit with me."

She walked over and let the old man pull her down onto the seat beside him. His hands were warm and calloused, holding onto hers as if he refused to let go.

"Is work wearing you out? Are you eating well? Why do you look like you've lost weight again?" Waldo looked her up and down, his frown deepening. "Has Zachary not been taking good care of you?"

Audrina smiled warmly. "Don't worry, Waldo, I'm doing great. I haven't been back to visit lately because work has just been so busy."

Zachary had just walked in the door and laughed as he joined the conversation. "You're accusing the wrong person here. She's the one obsessed with work; it's not like I can stop her, right?"

Waldo shot him a glare and huffed. "That's just Audrina being sensible. She'd never complain about you."

Zachary didn't try to argue with that.

She refilled his drink, passed him napkins, and turned her head attentively whenever he spoke, playing the role of the perfect, caring fiancée to a tee. Everyone at the table watched, and everyone at the table was thoroughly satisfied.

After dinner, Tamara set up a card game in the side parlor, with Quentin keeping her company and fetching her drinks.

Audrina and Zachary stayed in the main living room to watch TV with Waldo.

But the old man's energy was fading fast, so by around nine o'clock, she walked him back to his room to rest.

Zachary was left alone in the living room, scrolling through his phone out of sheer boredom.

When he saw Audrina coming back, he patted the seat next to him. "Is he asleep?"

"Yeah." She sat down, keeping a comfortable distance between them.

Laughter drifted over from the side parlor; it sounded like Tamara had just won a big hand.

Zachary turned to look at her, his expression turning serious. "Audrina, there are a lot of things I haven't handled well over the years. I know how forgiving you've been, not holding any of it against me. Waldo is getting older, and I don't want him to worry either. Just give me some time to sort everything out. From now on, we'll..."