After that day , Thalia didn''t see Asher for almost two weeks . When Lucia came to the firm to discuss a case , Thalia learned that Asher had flown overseas to handle issues with an international branch of hispany . During those two weeks , Thalia buried herself in work , barelying up for air . Several of ckwood Group''s cases had been filed in court , with hearings scheduled for a monthter . Marcus and Sophia''s divorce case wasing up sooner - next Thursday .


    That evening after work , Thalia joined na , Lucy Jenkins , and Katie for dinner at a fried chicken ce near the office . With their food spread across the table , the women chatted while enjoying their meal . Lucy had been renting an apartment near downtown , but her lease was about to expire , and she was hunting for a new ce . Katie happened to be looking for arger apartment and suggested , " Why don''t you move in with me ? I''ve been thinking about upgrading anyway .


    We could get a two - bedroom together and split the costs . " Lucy hesitated , fidgeting with her napkin . " What''s wrong ? " Katie asked , eyeing her suspiciously . " Don''t want to live with me or something ? " Lucy took a sip of her soda , looking suddenly ufortable . " It''s not that , Katie . It''s just … I , um … " " You what ? " Katieughed . " Did the hot sauce short - circuit your brain? " A telltale blush crept across Lucy''s cheeks .


    " I''m actually nning to move in with my boyfriend . " Katie''s jaw dropped , and the chicken wing she was holding fell back onto her te . " You''re WHAT ? Moving in with your boyfriend ? " Thalia also looked at Lucy with surprise . " You and Mark are official now ? " Lucy nodded , her blush deepening . " How long have you two been together ? " Thalia asked . " Almost three months , " Lucy admitted , dabbing at her mouth with a napkin . Katie frowned , leaning forward earnestly .


    " Lucy , honey , three months is way too soon to be shacking up . You barely know the guy . " " I have to side with Katie on this one , " Thalia said seriously . " I know Mark seems like a good guy , but moving in together this quickly ? I''m worried you''re rushing things . " " Trust me , I''m speaking from experience here , " Katie said , her expression darkening . " Ask Thalia how we met . I was in college in New York when I got yed by this total jerk . Lived with him for two years .


    We agreed to split everything 50 / 50 - rent , utilities , groceries , the works . He''d transfer me $ 300 every month , and I''d put in another $ 300 for our shared expenses . " As she spoke , Katie''s indignation visibly rose . She mmed her hand on the table , making their drinks jump . " Then after we broke up , this asshole had the nerve to ask me to pay him back ! Said those monthly transfers were '' gifts with the intention of marriage .


    '' But that was clearly our agreed - upon arrangement ! In two years , all the gifts he ever gave me didn''t even add up to $ 75 . Meanwhile , I bought him a pair of sneakers that cost $ 150 , not to mention all those stupid game add - ons I kept buying him . Just … think about this carefully , okay ? " Lucy looked embarrassed . " I appreciate your concern , Katie , I really do . But Mark isn''t like that .


    He''s already said he''ll cover rent and utilities , and for food and stuff , he''ll pay 70 % and I''ll pay 30 % . I''ve even introduced him to my parents . We''re serious about each other . " " You''ve introduced him to your parents ? " Thalia asked , genuinely surprised . " When did this happen ? " " During the May Day weekend , " Lucy exined . " They really liked him . We''re just a regr family , and Mark has a stable job now .


    He''s hardworking , ambitious , and doesn''t shy away from challenges . My parents approve of our rtionship . " Katie raised an eyebrow . " But do they approve of you two living together ? " Lucy hesitated before shaking her head . " I haven''t exactly told them that part . " Katie gave her an " I knew it " look . Thalia asked , " What about Teresa ? She''s still in elementary school , right ? Is she going ve with you both ? " " Yes , Teresa will be with us , " Lucy nodded .


    " We''re nning to rent a two - bedroom apartment for now , then save up for a down payment on a house . " " Make sure you test for formaldehyde levels before you sign any lease , Thalia warned . " You don''t want to end up in another toxic apartment . " She nced at Katie . " You too , if you''re apartment hunting . Remember , Teresa developed leukemia because of formaldehyde exposure in their previous ce . Mark was lucky not to be affected . " Katie nodded solemnly .


    " I''ll definitely keep that in mind . " Still , she looked unconvinced about Lucy''s ns . " I still think moving in together after just three months is a mistake . " Chapter 216 " Katie , it''s really okay , " Lucy insisted . " Thalia''s met Mark - she even helped him when Teresa was sick . Ask her if he isn''t one of the most reliable guys you could meet , " Katie looked at Thalia expectantly . " You know her boyfriend ? " Thalia nodded . " I do .


    I helped find a bone marrow match for his sister when she had leukemia . He is genuinely a good person - hardworking , determined , and sincerely kind - hearted . " " Fine , " Katie sighed dramatically . " I''m just trying to look out for you . Whether you take my advice or not is up to you . Obviously , I hope things work out . I want you to be happy . " " I know you care , Katie . Let me buy you another drink . " Lucy raised her ss . " Cheers to that ! " Katie clinked sses with her .


    Thalia smiled . " Just promise you''ll invite us to the wedding when the timees . " Lucy grinned . " You''ll be first on the guest list . " Katie added , " And bring Mark around sometime so I can give him the third degree . " " Deal , " Lucyughed . Their dinner stretched on for over an hour . By the end , both Lucy and Katie were stuffed and slightly tipsy from the beers they''d shared . Katie swayed a little as she asked , " Why isn''t your boyfriend picking you up tonight ?


    " " He''s workingte , " Lucy replied with a proud smile . " Saving up for our future . " " At least he has his priorities straight , " Katie nodded , fumbling for her phone to call an Uber . Thalia gently took the phone from her hand . " No way you''re taking an Uber alone in thi both home . " te . Let me drive you Lucy currently lived near downtown , about ten miles away , while Katie''s ce was closer to Winters & Associates , just a couple of miles from where they were .


    Thalia helped Katie into her car and called to Lucy , " Come on , Lucy . I''ll drop you off too . " " Thanks , Thalia . " Lucy slid into the passenger seat with a grin . "Riding in style again - your car is seriously amazing . " na drove , with Lucy in the front passenger seat and Thalia supporting a giggly Katie in the back . After safely delivering both women to their respective homes , Thalia directed na to drive to her private vi .


    Chapter Thalia owned a two - story detached vi in an upscale neighborhood near Winters & Associates . The location was perfect - close to the office for an easymute . na lived with her as both assistant and bodyguard , providing round - the - clock protection . As the white Rolls - Royce stopped at a red light , Thalia gazed absently out the window . Suddenly , she spotted a familiar figure on the sidewalk .


    Thalia quickly lowered her window , straining to get a better look at the entrance of a bar across the street . " na , find somewhere to park - now ! " Thalia''s voice was urgent , her eyes never leaving the figure she''d spotted . ( 5 ) C