Chapter <b>17 </b>


    After breakfast, they made their way to the underground parking garage.


    As Thalia approached the ice blue Bentley, Asher asked, “How’s the car handling?<b>” </b>


    She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “Drove itst night–it’s wonderful. Thank you.<b>” </b>


    “Ready to head out?” Thalia held up the keys, then suddenly remembered, “Oh! I have something for you. I meant to give it to youst night but it slipped my mind.”


    “What is it?”


    “In my suitcase at the hotel. I’ll give it to you when I return.”


    Asher opened the driver’s door. “I’lle with you. Let me drive.”


    “Oh?” Thalia hesitated briefly before understanding dawned. “You cane, but I’ll drive. You should rest.”


    He’d flown across the Antic to check on her, then driven across the city for her breakfast. He must be exhausted.


    “Very well.” His eyes held a hint of amusement at her concern as he moved to the passenger side. “The wheel is


    yours.”


    On the highway, conversation flowed naturally between them.


    “Can anyone observe your hearing today?” he inquired.


    “Yes, it’s a contract dispute–nothing confidential. Would you like toe?”


    “I’ve never seen you as awyer in action before,” his voice carried a hint of careful hope.


    “Of course.” Thalia thought it made sense for them to understand each other’s worlds. “Did you bring your ID? You’ll need it for a visitor pass.”


    “I did.” He’d brought it for the flight and had actually researched court requirements beforehand.


    “Perfect, I’ll get you sorted.”


    “Thank you<b>.</b>”


    Absorbed in driving, Thalia didn’t notice the tender gaze Asher cast her way, his eyes filled with affection.


    Afortable silence settled between them as the city scenery shed past.


    1


    After a long silence, Thalia suddenly asked the question she’d wanted to ask for three years: “Why did you agree to the marriage arrangement between our families?”


    The question weighed heavily, and with good reason. The ckwoods weren’t merely part of Britain’s aristocracy–they were among its most influential families. Asher’s grandfather, the current Earl of ckwood, held significant sway in Parliament’s House of Lords, continuing a family tradition <b>of </b>political prominence that stretched back centuries. His mother came from an equally distinguished line of peers, with both families‘ influence extending from politics into the highest echelons <b>of </b>British society.


    By


    all traditional measures, Asher’s future wife should havee from a simr background—perhaps the daughter of a duke or earl, someone whose family connections could further strengthen the ckwoods‘ already formidable position in British society. Their social circles were filled with eligible young women from Britain’s oldest and most prestigious families.


    The Winters, while certainly prominent in London’s financial circles, were essentially new money. Their wealth and business acumen were impressive, but theycked the centuries of noble lineage and political influence that defined families like the ckwoods. While Thalia’s father had built an impressive business empire, they were still considered rtive neers in Britain’s rigid social hierarchy.


    the


    This marriage could only be seen as advantageous to the Winters–a step up into genuine aristocracy. For the ckwoods, however, it represented an unusual choice, perhaps even a step down in certain social circles.


    Having grown up navigating these intricate social hierarchies, Thalia understood perfectly well what an


    unconventional match this was.


    His dark eyes grew contemtive. “In our generation<b>, </b>maintaining family position through marriage alliances isn’t really necessary anymore.”


    The answer heldyers of ambiguity.


    “Then why not marry someone of your own choosing? Someone you love?”


    His voice deepened. “If I were truly opposed, no one could force this arrangement.”


    Thalia’s breath caught.


    She forced herself not to read too deeply into his words, though her pulse quickened traitorously.


    She wondered if he was naturally this charming, if previous rtionships had taught him exactly how to affect women so profoundly.


    Since she’d agreed to the arrangement, his thoughtfulness had been impable, every detail considered. She feared she might be falling for him.


    In court, Thalia was magnificent. Her arguments flowed with precision and confidence, her logic impable. She dominated the opposing counsel, driving home point after devastating point, never losing control of the narrative.


    From the gallery, Asher watched with undisguised pride as shemanded the courtroom, admiration and


    affection evident in every nce,


    His Thalia was truly remarkable.


    After the hearing, he handed her a bottle of water. “Here.”


    “Thanks.” She took a few sips. “Judgment reserved, but our chances look good.”


    “You were mesmerizing up there,” he said softly. “The way your eyes zed with conviction–I couldn’t look away.”


    She smiled shyly. “Really? I do feel transformed when I’m arguing a case.”


    “You were outstanding,” he said with genuine admiration. “You’ll be a leading name inw someday.”


    Her smile brightened. “From your lips to God’s ears.”


    But her thoughts strayed to Drake.


    In three years, he’d never shown the slightest interest in her work, let alone attended court. He only ever mentioned her sry dismissively, noting it wouldn’t cover one of his evenings out with friends.


    He hadn’t just disregarded her career–he’d actively disrespected her ambition.


    She remembered when she’d won a significant case worth half a million dors, earning substantial fees. Excited, she’d shared the news, only to have him dismiss itpletely.


    His smirk remained vivid in her memory: “Ourpany handles billion–dor contracts daily. Why waste time on these small cases? Just quit yingwyer and let me take care of you.”


    After that, she never shared work news with him again.


    Perhaps he’d had some genuine feelings for her, but only for her appearance. He’d never understood her as a person. Their rtionship had been all surface pleasure, never touching anything deeper.


    For the first time, Thalia truly felt that perhaps Asher could be the partner she needed–someone who saw her, understood her, respected her.


    Leaving court, Asher took a call from his assistant.


    Hanging up, his expression turned grave. “The milk was drugged withxatives. A dangerous dose.”


    Thalia’s eyes went cold. “As I suspected.”


    “Shall I handle it?”


    She shook her head. “No need. I’ll settle this score myself.”


    Sienna must have known about the court date, targeting her deliberately.


    The test results proved tampering but couldn’t prove who did it. Police involvement would be pointless.


    This was personal. She’d handle it personally.


    After court, they spent several days exploring the city together.


    They tried her favorite restaurants, and though spicy food clearly challenged his British pte, he finished every dish, despite the perspiration on his brow.


    They visited scenic spots, taking photos and soaking in natural beauty. They toured historical sites, sharing perspectives on art and culture.


    These few days with Asher held more joy than three years with Drake had ever managed to provide.


    Meanwhile, Sienna spent five days in hospital. Drake stayed with her throughout.


    During those days, he kept checking his phonepulsively, expecting–hoping for–messages from Thalia.


    But beyond work emails and friends‘ party invitations, nothing came.


    Finally, he cracked, sending a text:


    [Had enough drama yet?<b>] </b>


    As he helped Thalia with photos, Asher caught sight of the message. His eyes darkened dangerously.