Chapter 179 Chapter 179 Asher emerged from the bathroom , his loosely tied bathrobe revealing just enough of his muscr chest . Droplets of water still clung to his hair . His typicallyposed expression darkened immediately upon seeing the message and photos . Well , well . Rupert Lysander . I''ve underestimated you - using a child to get close to Lia . When had Rupert be so calcting ? Asher''s dark eyes shed coldly . It seemed Rupert truly wouldn''t give up until forced to .


    Asher''s lips pressed into a thin line . Instead of responding to James Darwin''s message , he chose to ring Lucy''s psychologist . The doctor had been personally recruited by Asher from abroad , with a sry he had negotiated himself , so the doctor answered any questions Asher posed without hesitation . After inquiring about Lucy''s condition , Asher also learned about her preferences from the doctor . Hanging up , Asher immediately called his assistant .


    The next day , Asher arrived at the Winters residence bearing numerous gifts . " I''vee to see Lucy , " he announced . The ckwood household staff carried box after box of presents into the house . " These are gifts I''ve brought for Lucy , " Asher exined . " After all, she suffered because of the ckwood family … " " Thanks , " Thalia responded coolly. Asher inquired , " How is Lucy doing these days ?


    " He had already discussed her condition with the doctorst night , but was simply looking for ways to prolong the conversation with Thalia . Thalia maintained her cool demeanor . " Much better . " " That''s good to hear , " Asher said . " Where is she ? " 99.4 % Chapter 179 " Upstairs ying " Just then , Rupert emerged from the direction of the washroom Upon seeing Asher , he paused min stride . " Mr. ckwood ? What brings you here " Is there a reason I shouldn''t be here ?


    " Aster replied coldly , " I''vee to sew Lesery " You misunderstand , " Rupert smiled good - naturedly . " Nome''s toggesting you shouldn''t be here as nardy curious . " Asher stated , " I''ve watched Lucy grow up . She''s like a sitter to me . I''ve brought her sorse tha At this , Rupert nced at the items arranged throughout the hall . Brightly colored packages containing dolls , building blocks , pastels , and various other items - a colorful , borate assortment .


    Rupert''s lips curved slightly . " How thoughtful of you , Mr. ckwood . Much appreciated " He spoke as if he were the man of the house . Asher raised an eyebrow . " Bringing gifts for a young girl I consider family hardly requires Mr. Lysander''s gratitude . " The tension was palpable . Thalia massaged her temples , visibly exasperated . " Really , you two ? Must every conversation between you be so charged with hostility ? " Rupert smiled . " Not from my side . It''s Mr.


    ckwood who seems to dislike me . " Asher''s expression remained cold as he looked directly at Rupert . " You''re right about that . I do dislike you . " Fortunately , at that moment , Victoria appeared from upstairs , guiding Lucy and Lena down with her . Asher nodded politely to Victoria . " Mrs. Winters . " " Asher , how nice to see you , " Victoria''s tone was noticeably less warm than it had once been , maintaining met politeness .


    Seeing all her favorite things disyed in the hall , Lucy''s eyes lit up as she excitedly rushed down th airs . " Wow ! My favorite dolls and building blocks ! " she eximed . A hint of warmth softened Asher''s cold features as he said gently , " Lucy , these are all presents from me . Do you like them ? " 99.6 % Chapter 179 Lucy responded enthusiastically , " I love them ! " Rupert wore a half smile , his eyes cold .


    He looked at Asher with an expression that seemed to say : So you''ve learned to approach through the children as well ? Copying my methods ? Asher''s eyes gleamed with amusement : What''s the matter ? Can''t handle thepetition ? Seeing how genuinely delighted Lacy was with the gifts , Victoria''s demeanor softened slightly . Her attitude toward Asher also warmed a bit .


    After exchanging pleasantries with Victoria , Asher showed no signs of leaving Victoria instructed the staff to take the gifts upstairs for Lucy''s convenience . Lucy excitedly took Lena''s hand as they rushed upstairs to y . Downstairs in the great hall , Asher and Rupert sat like two opposing statues on the sofa , The atmosphere between them was frigid . After a few more pleasantries , Victoria went upstairs to be with her daughter .


    Thalia , not wanting to be caught in the middle , nheless remained in the room - after all , both men were guests . Rupert had brought Lena to y with Lucy , and Asher had brought all those gifts . Leaving would have been poor hospitality . Thalia sat on the sofa , idly watching television . Asher repeatedly attempted to engage her in conversation . Thalia remained disinterested , offering only perfunctory responses to hisments .


    It was only when Rupert brought up professional matters that she showed genuine interest . The two of them moved from discussing recent cases at the firm to frontier issues in legal theory . Thalia became increasingly animated as the conversation progressed . Rupert not only had rich practical experience but was also well - versed in theory , keeping abreast of cutting - edge legal developments . As they conversed with growing enthusiasm , Asher''s expression darkened progressively .


    Finally , lunchtime arrived . Both men brazenly stayed for the meal . 99.7 % Diggen in Actually A True Heiress . Chapter 179 Afterward , seeing that Asher still showed no intention of leaving , Rupert , sensing Thalia''s difort , graciously announced his departure , saying he would returnter to collect Lena . After Rupert left , Asher , noting Thalia''s continued indifference , said , " Lia , things are changing in Russia . The power behind Tom Malfoy is about to fall .


    " Thalia froze momentarily . She understood Asher''s meaning perfectly . Once the Russian government officials colluding with Malfoy lost power , dealing with him would be much simpler without his political backing . How could she not understand what Asher was implying ? Once Malfoy was dealt with , they could be together again . But after everything that had happened , how could they simply resume their rtionship ?


    Moreover , Lady ckwood was still alive and would certainly disapprove . Thalia lowered her eyshes , her mind heavy with thoughts as she responded with a nomittal " Mmm . " Asher , thinking she hadn''t understood his meaning , spoke more directly : " Once I''ve dealt with Malfoy , you and your family will never again be threatened by him . " Thalia couldn''t bring herself to meet Asher''s eyes . She kept her gaze lowered , her tone betraying no emotion .


    " My father has hired highly skilled bodyguards at considerable expense , including a very reliable female bodyguard for my personal protection . Even if Malfoy''s peoplee looking for trouble again , I''m not afraid . But Asher , even without Malfoy , we can''t go back to how things were . " " Why not ? " Asher''s voice trembled slightly , a sh of hurt visible in his eyes . " Because … " Thalia felt a sharp pain in her chest .


    It took tremendous effort for her to finally say , " Because I don''t love you anymore . " Asher''s expression froze , the color draining instantly from his face . The pain was unbearable . He stood motionless , stunned by her words . Thalia quietly murmured . " I''m sorry , " before hurrying away . ? ( 0 ) ( 0 )