Chapter 3

Audrey POV

After packing my usual clothes, I started to organize my documents, only to realize the most important ones weren't with me.

I paused for a moment, then changed into a conservative long-sleeved trench coat, wrapping myself up completely. I called an Uber to the Hayes family mansion.

This was my home, yet I stood at the entrance like a cautious stranger.

Ever since I insisted on becoming a nude model five years ago, against my family's wishes, the Hayes family had changed their locks and never given me a key again.

After ringing the doorbell, it took a full ten minutes for Martha, the housekeeper, to open the door, her face full of impatience.

In the living room, my parents were sitting on the sofa, sipping tea.

Seeing me walk in, their previously smiling faces instantly darkened, as if they had seen something repulsive.

"What are you doing back? Our family's name has been completely dragged through the mud by you, and you still have the nerve to step foot in this house?"

Mom slammed her teacup onto the coffee table, her sharp voice piercing my ears.

Dad just snorted, not even bothering to look at me directly.

"What, you can't make money flaunting yourself outside anymore, so you want to come back begging? Let me tell you, the Hayes family only has one daughter, Lyla. You disgusting thing, get out of here quickly and don't soil our carpet!"

I had heard such words countless times.

Before, I would feel wronged, try to explain the difference between art and pornography, and cry, asking them why they only loved Lyla when we were both their daughters.

But now, my heart was like a dry well, no longer stirred by any ripple.

"I'll just grab my things and leave."

I walked directly towards the study on the second floor.

Just then, the front door of the mansion opened again.

"I've brought Lyla home."

Julian's voice echoed from the entrance hall.

My steps abruptly halted. I turned around and saw Julian carefully escorting Lyla inside.

Lyla was wearing a pure white, high-end couture dress, like a noble, flawless white swan.

And Julian's hand was loosely resting on her waist, his eyes filled with a tension and tenderness I had never seen directed at me.

"Oh, my sweet daughter, how did you cut your hand? Let Mom see!"

Mom's harshness towards me instantly vanished, replaced by a face full of concern as she rushed to meet Lyla.

Lyla leaned delicately against Julian, extending the finger whose red mark had almost disappeared.

"I'm fine, I just practiced violin too hard. Thanks to Julian, he pushed aside a multi-million dollar meeting as soon as he heard I was hurt, insisting on taking me to the hospital for a bandage. The doctor even said the cut would have healed if we'd arrived any later."

Her words were full of boastfulness, but her eyes provocatively sought me out, standing at the top of the stairs.

Julian finally noticed my presence.

His body stiffened slightly. He subconsciously withdrew his hand from Lyla's waist, a flicker of rapid panic and guilt in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?"

He quickly walked to the bottom of the stairs, trying to take my hand.

"I... my meeting ended early, and I happened to pass by Lyla's studio, so I gave her a ride home."

I avoided his touch.

I looked at this man, full of lies, and felt utterly absurd.

A multi-million dollar meeting? Happened to pass by?

He could unhesitatingly abandon me for Lyla's minor injury, yet now he wanted to play the deeply affectionate, innocent role in front of me.

"Don't blame Julian. He's just too kind; he can't stand to see anyone hurt."

Lyla stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over my tightly wrapped trench coat. A malicious smile played on her lips.

"Are you finally feeling ashamed, dressed so heavily today? Julian actually told me that while he respects your 'art,' he's still quite bothered by you letting so many men see you."

Julian's face changed drastically, and he snapped,

"Lyla, don't talk nonsense!"

He turned to me, explaining urgently.

"Don't listen to her. I never thought that. In my heart, you are always the purest."

I watched him silently, watching the undeniable hypocrisy in his eyes.

I didn't argue or make a scene. I simply calmly withdrew my gaze and turned to continue upstairs.

"Whether it's nonsense or not, it no longer matters."