---- Asher looked at Thalia, silently questioning. If she went, he would go. If she didn''t, he wouldn''t either. Thalia understood the meaning behind Asher''s look. Internally, she wanted to go-to spend more time with him. But her alcohol tolerance was poor. Thest time she went to a bar, she''d gotten drunk after just a few drinks, talked nonsense, and took liberties with Asher. It had been terribly embarrassing.


    Back then, they were a couple, so it was natural for him to carry her home when she was drunk, and taking liberties was hardly inappropriate. But now things were different. She couldn''t allow herself to fall drunk into his arms. With this in mind, Thalia declined. "I''m a bit tired. I''ll pass." Victoria made a disappointed sound. "Ah! Well, if none of you are going, there''s no point in me going alone. I''ll head back too." ---- The next day, Thalia returned to the Winters'' home for dinner.


    At the table, Randolph casually inquired, "Thalia, how are things going with thatwyer Rupert?" Thalia paused with her chopsticks. "What do you mean? We''re just friends." Aunt Victoria smiled. "What do you mean ''just friends''? Child, can''t you see that young Rupert has feelings for you?" Randolph remarked casually, "I have a good impression of him. "Dad, Aunt Victoria," Thaliaughed, "What are you talking about? There''s nothing between Rupert and me.


    I don''t know what his feelings might be, but I certainly don''t have any romantic interest in him." Randolph took a sip of soup before speaking quietly, "Thalia, you''re twenty-seven this year. You should start thinking about your future." Great, the marriage pressure had begun. ---- Thalia smiled wryly. "Dad, right now I just want to expand and strengthen myw firm. I don''t have time to think about rtionships." Aunt Victoria looked at Thalia, hesitating to speak.


    As a stepmother, she didn''t feel it was her ce to press the marriage issue. Randolph spoke calmly, "Career and marriage aren''t mutually exclusive. You can get married first and consider childrenter." "No," Thalia said coolly. "I have my own ns, and dating isn''t currently part of them." Randolph nced at her and said pleasantly, "As long as you have your own arrangements, that''s fine. Dad''s just making a suggestion. Let''s eat."