Drake’s assistant worked quickly, delivering Thalia’s family address in London by the next day. Looking at the photo of the exclusive Kensington neighborhood, Drake’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Perfect timing–he had meetings scheduled with Sterling Industries in London next week.


    “If you won’te to me, Thalia, I’lle to you,” he murmured.


    Meanwhile, Thalia had submitted her CV to Sinir & Klein, London’s most prestigiousw firm. They responded quickly, scheduling an interview for the following day. The firm’s reputation would be invaluable for her career advancement.


    What Thalia didn’t know was that Grace had already made her move.


    “Everything’s arranged, Miss Bet,” Sarah Thompson, the hiring manager at Sinir & Klein, spoke deferentially into her phone. “The interview is scheduled.”


    “Excellent,” Grace replied. “Give her whatever sry she asks for, but once she starts, make her life difficult. Handle this well, and I’ll ensure the ckwood Group’s multi–million pound litigation cases go to your team.”


    Sarah could barely contain her excitement. “Don’t worry, I’ll take special ‘care‘ of our new associate.”


    In her hospital room, Grace smiled maliciously as she hung up. She’d overheard Asher rmending Sinir & Klein to Thalia, and how Thalia had insisted on applying normally, refusing to use the Winters or ckwood name for advantage.


    “Your pride will be your downfall,” Grace smirked. Her status as Asher’s ward still carried significant weight in London’s business circles, even if she wasn’t a true ckwood.


    The next morning, Thalia dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored ck suit–ssic attorney attire. The firm was located near her old t, and she considered moving back there if she got the position. It would mean independence from her family’s watchful eyes.


    The interview with Sarah Thompson went suspiciously smoothly. Thalia’s credentials were impressive–top university, three years‘ experience in New York–and they immediately offered her requested sry of ￡90,000 plus bonuses.


    After Thalia left, Sarah watched from her window. “Shame really. She seems quite capable.”


    On her first day, HR showed Thalia around. Sinir & Klein was massive, with separate litigation,


    16:14


    Your Gold Digger is Actually


    corporate, and private client departments. Sarah Thompson headed litigation, where Thalia would work.


    They assigned her to share an office with Daniel Parker, a senior associate in his forties. Just as Thalia was settling in, Sarah appeared with an apologetic smile.


    “Usually each associate has a paralegal, but we’re short–staffed at the moment. You’ll have to manage


    without for now.”


    “That’s fine,” Thalia replied professionally. “I’m used to working independently.”


    Later, prompted by management, someone suggested the new hires–Thalia and Lucy Jenkins, a trainee


    solicitor–should treat the office to drinks after work.


    Thalia found this odd and asked Daniel if it was normal practice.


    “Never heard of it before,” he replied quietly.


    Staring at the message on her screen, Thalia’s suspicions grew.


    Something wasn’t right.


    16:14