Asher’s lips tightened into a straight line, his eyes down,stions
He remained silent, his thoughts his own.
After a pause, the ckwood patriarch continued gravely “Aater, remedy this we bring morg
o happen again. You are the only heir of the ckwood family, fort sacrifice you ult for a mom, we
Asher’s hands, hanging at his sides, tightened almost imperceptibly. His eyes donded with king, indecipherable as he replied solemnly: “1 understand.”
The patriarch then addressed Andrew: “From now on, as long as Aster’s actions don’t vite our family code or thew, don’t interfere with him.”
Andrew was internally fuming.
He was still in his prime, yet family power and business were being transferred directly from his father to Rés som Asher, bypassing him entirely.
He might be seething, but he dared not voice any objection in his father’s presence.
Besides, the root of this trouble was his own illegitimate son.
If he had controlled his urges back then, none of this would have happened.
He had no right to dispute anything, however displeased or unwilling he might be.
Andrew consoled himself with the thought that at least the power remained with his son<b>, </b>not some outsider.
“I understand,” he acknowledged.
The cold front arrived.
Temperatures suddenly dropped below freezing, and London experienced its first snowfall of the winter.
Winter days grew dark early, and by the time Thalia left Sinir & Klein, night had fully descended.
Snowkes fell gently, appearing even more romantic under the glow of the city lights.
Thalia stood at the roadside, extending her hand to catch a few snowkes.
The biting north wind cut to the bone. Thalia pulled her scarf tighter, her warm breath turning to white mist in the
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cold air.
Asher’s Maybach was parked by the roadside,
Thalia walked toward it.
Asher had already stepped out and was walking briskly toward her.
They had arranged to visit Teresa at the hospital together.
As the car door closed, the howling winter wind was shut out.
Asher held Thalia close in the back seat, taking her hands in his and rubbing them gently.
The young woman’s hands were <b>ice</b>–cold.
Asher looked down at them, concerned. “Why on earth aren’t you wearing gloves? Your hands are absolutely
freezing.”
Thalia sniffled. “It was hardly worth it for such a short walk.”
“That’s no excuse,” Asher said, massaging her hands. “Do remember to wear them next time, won’t you?”
Thalia responded with a soft “Mmm.”
-In the hospital room.
When Thalia pushed open the door, Teresa was leaning against her bed, gazing absently at the heavy snow outside.
The young girl was lost in thought<b>, </b>so deeply engrossed that she didn’t notice Thalia and Asher entering.
“Teresa, I’vee to see you,” Thalia ced her packages on the small table and greeted her.
Only then did Teresa snap back to reality. She turned to look, her gaze lingering on Asher’s face with surprise and curiosity.
Thalia smiled and introduced them: “Teresa, this is my boyfriend, Asher.”
Teresa’s expression cleared in understanding, and she greeted him in a sweet, clear voice: “Hello, Asher.”
Asher remembered Thalia’s repeated instructions to smile when meeting the young girl, rather than appearing cold and frightening her.
He made an effort to soften his tone, his lips curving into a gentle smile. “Hello there, Teresa.”
The young girl pressed her lips together, shyly averting her gaze.
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Your Gold Digger is Actually A True
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Thalia approached and sat by Teresa’s bedside.
The girl looked increasingly pale and haggard, with sunken eye sockets, dangerously thin.
Thalia felt a painfully tight sensation in her chest,
Fighting back her distress, she took out a fluffy cream–colored beanie from a gift bag<b>, </b>her eyes crinkling with a smile. “Teresa, this is a gift from me. Do you like it?”
The little girl’s eyes sparkled, her smile sweet, “I love it! Thank you, Thalia<b>.</b>”
After spending time together these past few days, they had be friends.
Teresa no longer formally addressed Thalia as “Ms. Winters,” but affectionately called her by her first name.
Teresa took the beanie and immediately reced the one she was wearing. After putting on the new hat, she looked at Thalia with hopeful eyes. “Does it look nice, Thalia?”
Thalia reached out to gently stroke the young girl’s head, saying softly: “It looks absolutely darling on you.”
As Thalia chatted with Teresa, Asher’s phone rang. He held up his phone, gesturing to Thalia that he needed to step out to take the call.
Thalia nodded.
After Asher left, only Thalia and Teresa remained in the room.
The young girl seemed to have something she wanted to say, hesitating several times.
Thalia caught her subtle expressions. “Teresa, is there something you’d like to tell me?”
The young girl stammered: “Thalía, could you… could you possibly help me with makeup?”
Thalia was surprised.
Teresa continued: “I’ve been getting worsetely, as you’ve probably noticed. Myplexion deteriorates each day. My brother’s eyes are red every time he visits. I know he’s hurting inside, and I don’t want him to worry about me.”
A wave of sorrow washed over Thalia, her eyes involuntarily misting.
“Of course I can, sweetheart. You’re already so lovely; with makeup, you’ll be absolutely gorgeous.”
Teresa smiled, two small dimples appearing on her pale face. “Really?”
“Yes, absolutely!” Thalia nodded, her nose prickling with emotion. “I’ll bring my makeup kit when I visit tomorrow and give you a proper makeover.”
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“That would be brilliant,” Teresa replied, her eyes crinkling with joy.
In the corridor, Asher was on the phone with Lucas,
Lucas informed him: “Sir, we’ve received word from Russia that we’ve established contact with Mr. Talbot. They’ll be discussing specific ns to take over Tom Malfoy’s project in theing days<b>” </b>
“Good.”
Lucas updated Asher on other matters before ending the call. Afterward, Asher returned to the hospital room,
Thalia and Teresa were engaged in conversation, both smiling, seemingly happy.
He looked over at them. Teresa immediately averted her gaze, whispering something to Thalía.
Thalia’s smile deepened after hearing it.
Asher gave them a curious look. “What’s so amusing, may I ask?”
Thalia responded mysteriously: “It’s a secret.”
Just as Asher was about to say something, his phone rang again.
This time, he didn’t step out to answer.
When the call connected, the person on the other end said: “Mr. ckwood, we’ve found apatible bone marrow donor as per your requirements.”
Asher instinctively nced in Thalia’s direction. “Bring the donor in for examination tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
After hanging up, Asher walked to Thalia’s side and said gently: “Lia, they’ve found apatible bone marrow
donor.”
Thalia seemed not toprehend immediately. “I beg your pardon?”
Asher’s expression softened. “I said they’ve found apatible bone marrow donor. Teresa’s condition can be
treated now.”
Thalia’s expression transformed as tears sprang to her eyes–tears of joy.
She wiped them away, excitedly grasping Teresa’s hand, both crying andughing as she said: “Teresa, did you hear that? They’ve found apatible bone marrow donor. Your illness can be cured!”
Teresa sat stunned, her eyes reddening. “Can my illness really be cured?”
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Thalia’s eyes brimmed with tears as she choked out: “Yes, it can! I told you not to give up, didart i? Your illness will definitely be cured!”
“That’s wonderful, that’s wonderful…” Teresa’s eyes glistened with tears as the murmured, “Now my brother won’t have to worry about me anymore…”
This was truly wonderful news.
The gloom that had shadowed Thalia for days was instantly swept away.
On the journey back, she held Asher’s hand, chattering continuously. Even after <b>returning </b>to the apartment, her excitement remained palpable.
Asher, seeing her furrowed brow finally rxed after days of worry<b>, </b><b>felt </b>his own <b>spirits </b><b>lift</b><b>. </b>
The two of them cuddled on the sofa, and the atmosphere gradually shifted to one <b>of </b><b>intimacy</b>.
Asher tightened his arm around Thalia, desire steadily intensifying <b>in </b><b>his </b>eyes.
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