《Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress (Thalia)》 Your Gold Digger 1 Thalia Winters froze outside the private room at a high¨Cend restaurant in Manhattan when she overheard voices discussing her boyfriend, Drake Ashcroft. She¡¯de to pick him up from his regr Thursday night drinks with friends. ¡°Drake, now that Sienna¡¯s back from Paris, what¡¯s your n with Thalia?¡± Drake¡¯s voice carried that practiced Wall Street neutrality. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Come on, man. You and Thalia have been together for three years. Sienna¡¯s transfer back to the New York office changes things, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Through the gap in the door, Thalia watched Drake take a slow drag from his vape. In the dim light, he exhaled before speaking quietly: ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know. Thest thing I want is to hurt Thalia, but Sienna¡­ that¡¯splicated.¡± His friend let out a low whistle. ¡°Sienna was your college sweetheart. That rtionship was epic¨Ceveryone at Yale still talks about it. No one¡¯s judging you for not being over her.¡± ¡°Look,¡± another voice cut in, ¡°Thalia¡¯s been ride¨Cor¨Cdie for three years, and she¡¯s gorgeous. You¡¯re telling me you¡¯re still hung up on Sienna?¡± Drake rubbed his temples, his voice carrying the weight of too manyte nights at the office. ¡°Yes, Thalia¡¯s stunning. But when I first asked her out¡­ it was because she reminded me of Sienna. These past years, I¡¯ve been chasing Sienna¡¯s ghost.¡± ¡°So Thalia¡¯s been your ceholder?¡± A heavy pause. ¡°That¡¯s messed up, bro.¡± ¡°When are you nning to end it?¡± someone asked. Drake tapped his vape against the table, watching the light pulse. ¡°Not sure. Thalia¡¯s¡­ she gets me. She understands the crazy hours, neverins. Letting that go isn¡¯t easy.¡± One friend gripped Drake¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You can¡¯t have your cake and eat it too, man. Time to man up and make a call.¡± ¡°Or just keep both,¡± someoneughed. ¡°If you feel bad, buy her something nice. Girls love that stuff.¡± Drake scoffed. ¡°Not all of us can juggle multiple dating apps like you, jackass.¡± 15.36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.0% Outside, Thalia¡¯s lips curved into a bitter smile as she turned and walked out, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She walked along the High Line, New York¡¯s lights twinkling around her as she reflected on her three years with Drake. She¡¯d thought what they had was real. Now she knew¨Cshe¡¯d just been cosying his perfect ex. Standing at an observation deck overlooking the city, Thalia faced a choice: continue down this path or finally ept her family¡¯s wishes. A tear slid down her cheek as the autumn wind whipped her hair. She made her decision. Taking out her phone, she FaceTimed a number she¡¯d been avoiding. ¡°Papa? About the arrangement with the ckwood family in London¡­ I¡¯ll do it.¡± The city lights cast their glow across the skyline that never sleeps. Standing beneath them, Thalia stared into the endless Manhattan night, her voice steady. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong. I¡¯m just done with the dating scene. Time to be practical.¡± ¡°You were right all along. I shouldn¡¯t have fought you on this and run off to New York. I get it now.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll head back to London once I¡¯ve tied up loose ends here.¡± When Thalia finally returned to their penthouse, it was past ten. Rosa, their housekeeper, met her with a concerned look and a covered dish. ¡°Miss Winters, wee back. I kept the bone broth warm for Mr. Ashcroft. His stomach¡¯s been acting up again. I was about to take it up, but since you¡¯re here¡­¡± Thalia took the pot without a word and headed to the master suite. The room was empty, though Drake¡¯sptop glowed on his desk. The shower ran behind the closed bathroom door. Showering this early? She set down the broth. A stream of WhatsApp notifications lit up hisptop screen. She nced over, catching Sienna¡¯s name. [Drake,nded at JFK! Having dinner with the Paris team, but free after 11:30. Drinks at our old spot??] Sent ten minutes ago. 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.2% So that¡¯s why he was rushing to shower¨Cprobably heading to their old college hangout spot. [These years in Paris¡­ I¡¯ve missed you every day. Focusing on my career was the biggest mistake. Should¡¯ve never let you go.] [We were both so stubborn back then. But you still think about us too, right?] [Tried dating other guys in Paris, but something was always off. Finally admitted to myself it¡¯s because they weren¡¯t you.] [Been putting off this transfer to NYC for ages. Scared you¡¯d hate me, wouldn¡¯t want to see me, maybe had someone serious¡­ scared you¡¯d moved on.] [I messed up back then, Drake. Any chance you can forgive me??] Thalia stood motionless, feeling her chest tighten. She was about to close the chat when Drake¡¯s reply popped up. [Just need to know one thing, Si: do you still feel it?] Connected on hisptop but still texting from the shower. ssic Drake. Thalia¡¯s heart clenched. Drake was perpetually ¡°in meetings¡± when she texted. She¡¯d learned to stop trying, to be the ¡°cool girlfriend¡± who constantmunication. deed But for Sienna, he¡¯d reply mid¨Cshower. The difference between love and convenience couldn¡¯t be clearer. Sienna¡¯s response was instant. [Always have, always will. Only you [See you soon?] Just like that, three years became a ceholder. Thalia closed WhatsApp, reset the mouse, erased her presence. In the kitchen, she poured herself a bowl of the broth she¡¯d perfected for Drake¡¯s stress¨Cinduced gastritis. 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.4% Premium bones simmered for eight hours with fresh vegetables and herbs, finished with gut¨Chealing ingredients. It had taken months to get the recipe right after consulting with his doctor. It was time¨Cconsuming and expensive, but he¡¯d once mentioned it helped, so she¡¯d made it religiously for two years. As she finished her bowl, Drake came downstairs. Fresh from the shower, hair styled, wearing a dark zer she¡¯d given him for Christmas. ¡°Where were you earlier? Didn¡¯t see you when I got back.¡± ¡°Just needed some air,¡± Thalia replied softly. Drake grabbed his keys. ¡°Got to handle something at the office. Don¡¯t wait up.¡± Thalia stared into her empty bowl. ¡°Will you be back tonight?¡± Drake paused at the elevator, silent for a moment before answering, ¡°Might crash at the office if this deal runste.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± The girl who never made waves. Thalia was always the understanding one. Drake stepped into the elevator without looking back. Upstairs, Thalia opened the master suite door. The broth sat untouched by hisptop. Her phone lit up with a message from Asher ckwood, her arranged match in London. Asher: [When should we expect you back in London, Lia?] To Thalia, Asher was more like a protective older brother. His nickname for her felt familial, not romantic. [Once I¡¯ve handled things here.] Asher: [Need any help sorting it out?] [Thanks, Ash. I¡¯ve got this.] Asher: [Take care of yourself. Get some sleep.] 15:36 0.6% Your Gold Digger is Actually A True That night, Drake¡¯s side of the bed stayed empty. The next morning. Thalia¡¯s phone jolted her awake. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Thalia! You¡¯reing to my birthday thing tomorrow night, right? The reservation is at eight!¡± Thalia squinted at her screen through sleepy eyes. Celine Rothschild, a friend from Drake¡¯s investment banking days who¡¯d always been genuinely kind to her. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t miss it. Text me the details?¡± After hanging up, Thalia headed downtown to find Celine¡¯s gift. A delicate ne¨Cexactly Celine¡¯s style. The next evening, Thalia arrived at the restaurant early. ¡°Happy birthday, C,¡± she said, presenting her gift. Celine thanked her warmly. Mid¨Cconversation, Drake strolled in fashionablyte, an unfamiliar woman on his arm. Their eyes met, and Drake stiffened. ¡°Thalia? What are you doing here?¡± ? (8) ¡Ñ (0) 15:36 Your Gold Digger 2 Chapter 2 Drake instinctively shrugged off the woman¡¯s hand from his arm. She stiffened at his reaction. ¡°Celine and I are friends too. Is it so strange that I¡¯m at her birthday party?¡± Thalia¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°No, I just thought you didn¡¯t like these kinds of events, so I didn¡¯t mention it,¡± Drake said. Thaliaughed inwardly. Was that really the reason? Or did he deliberately keep quiet so he could bring someone else? Drake¡¯s eyes swept the room coldly, as if demanding to know who had invited her. Celine avoided his gaze, pretending she had nothing to do with it. ¡°Hi, you must be Thalia. I¡¯m Sienna. Drake must have mentioned me?¡± The woman who arrived with Drake stepped forward. So this was Sienna¨CDrake¡¯s first love, his perfect memory. ?? The pain in Thalia¡¯s chest was sharp and immediate. Three years of love couldn¡¯t be erased in an instant, no matter how much she wished it could. But her mask was perfect. ¡°Ah, Sienna. I¡¯ve heard so much about you,¡± Thalia replied with a practiced smile. Sienna studied her with a knowing look. ¡°Has anyone ever told you we look alike?¡± Drake¡¯s expression darkened instantly. Thalia caught his reaction with bitter amusement. She turned back to meet Sienna¡¯s slightly challenging gaze. ¡°Really?¡± Thalia blinked innocently. ¡°I don¡¯t see it. I¡¯m prettier.¡± The onlookers froze. This wasn¡¯t the sweet, amodating Thalia they knew. Where did this firee from? Sensing the tension, Celine quickly intervened. ¡°Come on, everyone, let¡¯s sit down.¡± 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 1.0% Sienna forced a smile and handed Celine her gift. ¡°Happy birthday, C.¡± Celine¡¯s eyes widened as she opened it the box was identical to Thalia¡¯s gift. Vh wow, I¡¯ve wanted this ne forever! Thank you, Siennal¡± Thalia¡¯s stomach dropped. The same ne she¡¯d chosen? Celine opened Thalia¡¯s gift next. ¡°Oh my god, Thalia got me the same one!¡± ¡°Must be a replica.¡± someone muttered from the back. ¡°That ne costs over five grand. Even at a mid¨Ctier firm, it¡¯s a bit much for a junior associate.¡± The room fell silent. Judging eyes turned to Thalia. The irony wasn¡¯t lost on her. Despite making a respectable $165,000 at her firm¨Ca sry that would be enviable in most circles¨Cin Drake¡¯s world of private equity and old money, she might as well have been counting pennies. To them, she was just another juniorwyer at amercial firm, not one of the elite M&A attorneys pulling in half a million at White & Case or Skadden, Drake¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Thalia, if you needed money for a gift, you could have asked me. You didn¡¯t have to-¡± Buy a fake. The unspoken usation hung in the air. ¡°You think I bought a counterfeit too, Drake?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice was ice. His silence was answer enough, ¡°Come on, guys,¡± Celine attempted to smooth things over, ¡°Thalia wouldn¡¯t do that.¡± But even her eyes held a hint of doubt. Thalia¡¯s heart sank. She¡¯d spent over five thousand dors on that ne out of genuine gratitude for Celine¡¯s past kindness. Three years ago, when Thalia had fled to New York to escape her family¡¯s marriage arrangements, she¡¯d been cut off financially. Without using any family connections, she¡¯d worked her way up from her first¨Cyear associate sry at a respected midsize firm. While it was afortable living by any reasonable standard, to Drake¡¯s social circle of hedge fund managers and venture capitalists, it might as well have been minimum wage. While most of Drake¡¯s world had looked down on her, Celine had been different¨Cor so Thalia had thought. She¡¯d defended Thalia, included her in conversations. Apparently, that kindness had been 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je 1.3% skin¨Cdeep. How ironic. The moment she¡¯d agreed to the arranged marriage, her father had restored her ess to the family ounts. Five thousand dors was pocket change now. ¡°I¡¯ll take the ne back,¡± Drake said tersely, ¡°I¡¯ll get you something else, Celine. I apologize for this¡­ misunderstanding,¡± Celine hesitated, caught between preserving Drake¡¯s pride and avoiding offense. ¡°Give it to him if you want,¡± Thalia said coldly, armis crossed. As Celine reluctantly handed over the box, Sienna chimed in with false sympathy: ¡°Drake, don¡¯t be angry. She meant well,¡± Drake remained silent, his face dark. Someone suggested ying drinking games to break the tension. Sienna joined them with a bright smile. Thalia retreated to a corner sofa, not interested in their games. Drake followed, sitting beside her. She ignored him, focusing on her phone. Finally, he spoke: ¡°You could have gotten something cheaper instead of a fake.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re so sure it¡¯s fake, give it back.¡± ¡°You¡¯re embarrassing me, you know that?¡± Thalia took a deep breath and turned to face him. ¡°How exactly am I embarrassing you? The receipt is in the box. Should we call the store to verify it?¡± Drake paused, then checked the receipt. His expression softened slightly. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something earlier?¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t worth the effort,¡± Thalia muttered, returning to her phone. Eventually, Drake offered a quiet apology. Thalia pretended not to hear, but she noticed his attention constantly drifting to the group ying drinking games¨Cor more specifically, to Sienna. 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 1.5% When Sienna lost a round and was pressured to drink, Drake managed to restrain himself. But by her fourth drink, he suddenly stood and strode over, snatching the ss from her hand. ¡°Your stomach can¡¯t handle this much alcohol. Are you trying to make yourself sick?¡± The room fell silent at his obvious anger. Sienna looked up at him defiantly. ¡°Why do you care?¡± ¡°No more drinking,¡± hemanded, ring at the group. ¡°Anyone tries to make her drink more, they deal with me.¡± The others quickly looked away. From her corner, Thalia watched the scene with a bitter smile. Sienna stood to grab her drink back. Drake held it out of reach. She lost her bnce trying to get it, falling against his chest. Drake caught her instinctively, his arm wrapping around her waist. ¡°Still so clumsy after all these years?¡± Sienna looked up at him, cheeks flushed from alcohol, her voice yful. ¡°You¡¯re still so annoying, Drake.¡± The group started teasing them. Drake was about to respond when he caught Thalia¡¯s ice¨Ccold stare across the room. ? (9) (0) 15:36 Your Gold Digger 3 Drake seemed to suddenly remember his girlfriend was still there. Like waking from a trance, he dropped his hand from Sienna¡¯s waist and stepped back. His friends, following his gaze to Thalia, scrambled to smooth things over. ¡°Let¡¯s keep ying. Sienna, skip the drinks if your stomach¡¯s bad¨Cjust do truth or dare instead.¡± ¡°Yeah, truth or dare¡¯s perfect!¡± Drakeposed himself and returned to the sofa, He expected Thalia to be jealous, to show some sign of hurt. But she said nothing. Her indifference unsettled him more than any reaction could have. Something about her felt different tonight. The silence stretched between them. Drake was considering an exnation when another round of cheers erupted from the group. ¡°Sienna lost again! Truth or dare?¡± His attention snapped back to Sienna. ¡°Dare,¡± she said, throwing Drake a loaded nce over her shoulder. ¡°Alright, pick from the dare cards.¡± Someone produced a stack of cards. Sienna drew one casually. The reader¡¯s eyes went wide, darting between Sienna, Drake, and Thalia. A girl peeked at the card and gasped. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°What¡¯d she get?¡± ¡°Kiss any guy in the room of your choice,¡± the reader announced, shooting Drake a nervous nce. 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True jers 2.0% Chapter 3 The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees as Drake¡¯s expression turned cial, Sienna, apparently oblivious to the tension, stood up with a yful smile and approached a handsome man nearby. ¡°Chase, mind if I kiss you?¡± Chase nced at Drake¡¯s murderous expression, frozen in ce. When he didn¡¯t respond, Sienna leaned in, arms sliding around his neck. ¡°Enough!¡± Drake¡¯s shout cut through the room. He stormed over, grabbed Sienna¡¯s hand, and pulled her out the door. The remaining guests exchanged looks before turning sympathetic eyes to Thalia. She took a sip of her drink, smiling easily. ¡°Why are you all looking at me?¡± They quickly looked away, pretending to be absorbed in their drinks and conversations. Thalia nursed her drink, feeling her heart grow colder. In her experience, Drake rarely showed strong emotions about anything. This was the first time she¡¯d een him lose control like this. When her ss was empty, she headed to the restroom. Through the door, she heard women talking by the sinks. ¡°Drake¡¯s lost it¨Cleaving his girlfriend here to run off with Sienna.¡± ¡°Shows who he really cares about, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Did you see his face when Sienna was about to kiss Chase? Terrifying.¡± ¡°Poor girlfriend, watching her man lose it over another woman.¡± ¡°She¡¯s just a recement anyway.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll break up soon, obviously. Everyone can see Drake¡¯s in love with Sienna.¡± 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True S 2.2% ¡°Yeah, I-¡± The voice cut off abruptly as Thalia emerged from the stall. The women hurried out, avoiding eye contact. Thalia calmly washed her hands. They were right about one thing¨Cshe and Drake were headed for a breakup. But it wouldn¡¯t be him ending things. She was done. Back at the penthouse, exhausted, Thalia fell asleep quickly after her shower. Drake returned the next afternoon. He pushed open the bedroom door and frowned at the open suitcase on the floor. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Thalia looked up from behind the closet door. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back. I¡¯m heading home for a while.¡± two years. Some clothes and shoes could be donated, but she needed to leave a trace of herself behind. She had umted a lot ove sort everything. When she left, she wouldn Her eyes caught on the fresh mark on his neck. She looked away, unfazed. She was done caring about what¨Cor who¨Che did. ¡°Why the sudden trip home? Still angry aboutst night? Running away?¡± ¡°No, just missing my family. Want to visit.¡± Drake¡¯s expression rxed. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± In three years, Thalia had never gone home. She¡¯d spent every holiday alone. He couldn¡¯t leave his family to spend holidays with her, and he certainly couldn¡¯t bring her home for holidays. His mother, Caroline Ashcroft, would never ept someone without the right background. ¡°I¡¯m swamped with work, so I can¡¯te with you. When¡¯s your flight? I¡¯ll have James drive you to the airport.¡± 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 2.4% Thalia folded her favorite pieces carefully into the suitcase. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve got a ride.¡± Drake tried to hide his relief. He¡¯d dreaded her asking him to meet her parents. After three years, normal couples would be discussing marriage. But he wasn¡¯t normal. He was Drake Ashcroft, sole heir to Ashcroft Capital. Their social divide was an unbridgeable gap. Drake knew they had no future. Meeting parents would be pointless. He was grateful Thalia understood this, never pushing for more. His friend¡¯s words echoed: ¡°Keep both. If you feel guilty, just buy her nice things. Women are easy to please.¡± Maybe he could marry Sienna, keep Thalia as his mistress. A woman like Thalia would never find another man of his status. She loved him too much to leave. He¡¯d talk to her after she returned. ¡°Text me when yound,¡± Drake said. ¡°Let me know when you¡¯re back in New York¨CI¡¯ll pick you up.¡± Thalia murmured a soft ¡°okay.¡± I won¡¯t be back, she thought. Drake¡¯s phone rang. After a brief call, he turned to her: ¡°I need to go. Aboutst night¨CI shouldn¡¯t have left you there. I got you something. My assistant will drop it off.¡± Thalia gave a nomittal response. 270% As soon as Drake left, Thalia¡¯s phone lit up with a message from Asher. (10) Your Gold Digger 4 [Lia, the custom engagement ring Imissioned from Chaumet just arrived at their boutique. Would you like to see it?] Chaumet, the prestigious Parisian jeweler favored by European aristocracy. She¡¯d only agreed to the arranged marriage days ago, yet the ring was already here? Had it beenmissioned in advance? Thalia replied with a simple ¡°Sure.¡± At the Chaumet boutique, the specialist, with the polished grace characteristic of the Parisian house, presented the ring. ¡°Miss Winters, this is the ring Mr. ckwood speciallymissioned for you.¡± Thalia examined the exquisite piece. A rare five¨Ccarat blue diamond, surrounded by a halo of pink and white diamonds, sparkled brilliantly under the boutique lights. It was breathtaking. ¡°We¡¯ve engraved your initials inside the band, as requested.¡± Thalia looked closely-¡°AB TW¡± was delicately inscribed within. The thought and care put into the design was evident. The ring fit perfectly on her finger. ¡°It¡¯s stunning,¡± the specialist said sincerely. Just then, Drake¡¯s voice cut through the moment. ¡°Thalia? What are you doing here?¡± She turned with a frown. Drake instantly dropped Sienna¡¯s hand. A sh of coldness crossed Sienna¡¯s eyes before her expression smoothed. 15-27 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ess 3.1% Thalia wasn¡¯t surprised to see them together. Not anymore. ¡°Just trying on a ring,¡± she said with a sweet smile. Drake strode forward, his expression darkening when he saw the ring. Thalia wiggled her fingers, making the diamonds catch the light. ¡°What do you think? Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Anger flickered in Drake¡¯s eyes. ¡°No. It¡¯s not.¡± They both knew what a ring symbolized. Drake had thought Thalia understood her ce. He hadn¡¯t expected her to aspire to things beyond her station. Marriage wasn¡¯t something he could offer her. She wasn¡¯t worthy of it. Sienna smiled brightly at Thalia. ¡°What a coincidence! Drake and I are here to look at rings too.¡± Thaliaughed inwardly. So that¡¯s what Drake¡¯s earlier phone call had been about. His ¡°important business¡± was shopping for rings with Sienna? Drake didn¡¯t deny it. Sienna¡¯s eyes fixed on Thalia¡¯s ring. That center stone had to be at least five carats. And those rare pink diamonds in the halo¡­ This ring must cost millions. The audacity of her even trying it on¨Chow embarrassing. Thalia ignored Sienna¡¯s challenging tone, admiring the ring on her hand. 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 3.2% She had to admit, Asher had impable taste. ¡°That¡¯s quite a ring. Thalia,¡± Sienna said sweetly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it? I think so too.¡± Drake¡¯s face darkened further. ¡°Take it off, Thalia.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°What are you ying at? Trying to pressure me into marriage?¡± Drake finally exploded. ¡°I will never marry you!¡± Sienna¡¯s lips curved slightly, triumphant. ¡°Actually, Drake and I are here at Caroline¡¯s request,¡± she said, referring to Drake¡¯s mother. ¡°She¡¯s very particr about the family ring.¡± The implication was clear: she was Caroline Ashcroft¡¯s chosen daughter¨Cinw. Thalia shouldn¡¯t dream of joining the Ashcroft family. Thalia found their assumptions amusing. She was trying on her fianc¨¦¡¯s custom ring, and they were having a meltdown? One assuming she was desperate for marriage. The other bragging about Caroline¡¯s approval. As if the Ashcrofts were such a catch. Her father wouldn¡¯t even consider them significant enough to matter. ¡°Noted,¡± Thalia said neutrally. Drake and Sienna exchanged confused looks. Why wasn¡¯t she upset? Sienna studied Thalia¡¯s face, searching for signs of jealousy or resentment. But Thalia¡¯s expression revealed nothing. Sienna couldn¡¯t tell if she was genuinely unbothered or just hiding it well. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ge 3.4% Setting aside his documents, he typed: [Beautiful. Do you like it?] [I do.] His smile deepened. [I¡¯m d.] [Asher, this ring must have cost a fortune.] [You¡¯re worth every penny.] His assistant, William, stood by awaiting signatures, trying and utterly failing to be subtle about stealing nces at his boss. Bloody hell, was he seeing this right? The infamous Ice King of London¡¯s financial district¨Cthe man whose mere presence could lower room temperature by several degrees¨Cwas actually¡­ smiling? And not just any smile, mind you. The usually stoic CEO looked positively chuffed, like a man who¡¯d just been handed the keys to Buckingham Pce. ¡°Documents are signed. Something fascinating about my face, William?¡± Asher¡¯s voice snapped back to its usual arctic temperatures. William practically jumped out of his bespoke suit. ¡°Right! No, absolutely not, sir. Nothing at all. I¡¯ll just¡­¡± He snatched up the papers, nearly dropping them in his haste. ¡°I¡¯ll have these processed straightaway.¡± Thalia headed to the watch boutique next door, nning to buy Asher a wee gift for when she arrived in London. Her father had shown her recent photos of Asher. Cool and dignified, with sharp features and striking eyes¨Cjust as she remembered. She carefully selected a sophisticated ck timepiece that suited his style. As she finished paying, a familiar voice called out. ¡°Thalia, what are you¡­¡± 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 37% Your Gold Digger 5 It was Mason Reed, Drake¡¯s friend¨Cand the same one who¡¯d expressed sympathy for Thalia that night at the party. After knowing him for nearly three years, Thalia had always found Mason to be one of the more decent ones in Drake¡¯s circle. ¡°Just picking up some things,¡± she replied. Mason nced at the shopping bag in her hand. ¡°A gift for Drake?¡± Finding it easier than exining, Thalia simply nodded. ¡°That watch¡­ even their basic models run like fifteen grand. You don¡¯t need to spend that kind of money on him, Drake is-¡± He¡¯s not worth it, Mason thought. Drake had straight¨Cup admitted he couldn¡¯t get over Sienna, that Thalia was just a recement. Last night, he¡¯d humiliated Thalia by leaving the party with Sienna, right in front of everyone. What Thalia didn¡¯t know¨Cbut Mason did¨Cwas that Drake and Sienna had spent the night together at the Four Seasons. Their social circle had a private WhatsApp group that Thalia had never been invited to join in three years, yet Sienna was added the moment she got back to New York. That afternoon, Sienna had ¡°identally¡± posted a photo of them in bed, with some BS caption about keeping memories. She¡¯d deleted it within a minute, but Mason had seen it. He¡¯d wanted to say something but held back. Best to stay out of that drama. Mason almost told Thalia the truth but changed his mind. ¡°Look, Drake doesn¡¯t need expensive gifts. You shouldn¡¯t drop several months¡® sry on him.¡± After all, Drake was his boy from college. Fifteen years of friendship meant something. He¡¯d wanted to add that Drake probably wouldn¡¯t even appreciate a gift that cost Thalia months of her sry from herw firm. But that was too harsh to say out loud. 17:58 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 4.1% Thalia knew perfectly well Drake didn¡¯t deserve it¨Cthe watch wasn¡¯t for him anyway. She smiled politely. ¡°You¡¯re right. Won¡¯t happen again.¡± After some small talk, they parted ways. Watching her leave, Mason sighed. ¡°Damn, what a waste. Girl¡¯s way too good for him.¡± He opened WhatsApp, unable to resist messaging Drake. [Yo, you¡¯re sleeping on a good one. Just saw her buying you some fancy¨Cass watch. Must¡¯ve dropped like 15K on it. That¡¯s months of her sry, man. Don¡¯t mess this up.] Drake read the message while having dinner with Sienna. His earlier anger dissipated instantly. So Thalia felt guilty about today and was buying him a peace offering. Fine, he could y nice. He¡¯d ept the gift, apologize for being harsh, tell her not to take it personally, throw in some sweet talk¨CThalia always fell for that. ¡°Drake? Who¡¯s texting?¡± Sienna asked from across the table. ¡°Nobody important,¡± he replied smoothly. Sienna didn¡¯t push it. When Drake hit the restroom, Sienna grabbed his phone. She¡¯d seen him enter his passcode before¨Chis birthday, how basic. She quickly checked his chat with Thalia. Thest exchange was from a week ago: Thalia asking about taking a trip together during the fall break, sending links to ces she wanted to visit. Drake had replied five hourster: ¡°Everything¡¯s packed during holidays. What¡¯s the point?¡± Thalia hadn¡¯t messaged since. Sienna smirked at the suggested destinations. Their three¨Cyear rtionship couldn¡¯t be that serious if Drake wouldn¡¯t even vacation with her. Finding nothing interesting in Thalia¡¯s chat, she browsed further and found Mason¡¯s message. Sienna scoffed, remembering Thalia¡¯s apparent indifference earlier. She¡¯d thought Little Miss Perfect was 17:58 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 4.3% finally backing off, but here she was buying gifts, trying to make things right. She closed WhatsApp, locked the phone, and ced it back. Then she pulled out her own phone to call Caroline Ashcroft. ¡°Caroline? You won¡¯t believe what happened. Drake and I were at Chaumet, and his girlfriend was there trying on rings, practically begging for marriage¡­¡± Back at the penthouse, Thalia continued packing, cing Asher¡¯s gift in her suitcase. As she packed, her mind drifted to his striking features. She¡¯d known Asher since childhood. Their family estates were in the same exclusive neighborhood in Kensington, barely a quarter¨Cmile apart. They¡¯d often crossed paths growing up. Asher was four years her senior. She first met him at ckwood Manor when she was ten, during a dinner party. While she was still an awkward child, Asher already looked like he¡¯d stepped out of a British period drama. She remembered being stunned by his appearance¨Caristocratic features but eyes cold as a winter morning. When her mother prompted her to greet him, she¡¯d politely said, ¡°Hello, Asher.¡± -He¡¯d responded with a cool, detached ¡°Hello,¡± making her think he must be difficult to know. That misconceptionsted years. When she was sixteen, struggling with advanced mathematics, Lady ckwood suggested to her father: ¡°Asher could help Thalia with her maths. He earned top marks at Eton, nearly perfect scores!¡± By then, Thalia¡¯s mother had passed away, and Thalia had changed from a carefree child into a withdrawn, rebellious teenager. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help,¡± she¡¯d told Asher when he arrived. At twenty¨Cone, Asher cut an impressive figure¨Cwell over six feet, wearing a simple white shirt and grey jeans, his carefully styled hair softening his severe features. ¡°Too bad. You¡¯re getting it anyway,¡± he¡¯d replied, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth. She¡¯d expected him to be stern and demanding. Instead, after reviewing her practice exams, he¡¯d simply raised an eyebrow and began patiently
  1. A True
4.6% exining concepts. His deep voice made even calculus sound interesting, and he never showed a hint of frustration. For problems with multiple approaches, he¡¯d exin each method thoroughly. Thalia¡¯s initial resistance turned to admiration. ¡°How do you remember all this? It¡¯s been years since you took these courses.¡± ¡°I reviewed the textbooks beforeing,¡± he admitted, then gently tapped her head with his pen. ¡°And it¡¯s ¡®Asher¡® to you, remember?¡± That summer before her A¨Clevels, Asher spent two months tutoring her. He was at Cambridge then but dedicated his entire break to helping her¨Cexining concepts, checking her work, marking practice papers. Even after her term started while he was still on break, she¡¯de home to find him waiting in her family¡¯s sitting room, ready to help. Thanks to Asher, her mathematics improved dramatically, from failing grades to near¨Cperfect scores. She¡¯d always excelled in other subjects, and with mathematics no longer holding her back, she earned a ce at Cambridge herself, following in Asher¡¯s footsteps. Back then, Thalia saw Asher as the perfect older brother figure. She respected him, admired him, but never thought of him romantically. So when her father proposed the arranged marriage with Asher, she¡¯d balked. How could she marry someone she saw as a brother? Her reminiscing was interrupted by Drake entering the bedroom. He leaned against the doorframe, looking down at her. ¡°All packed?¡± ¡°Almost.¡± ¡°Thalia¡­ isn¡¯t there something you want to tell me?¡± 17:58 (10) Your Gold Digger is Actually A True (0) 4.8 Your Gold Digger 6 Thalia looked up at him, puzzled. ¡°What?¡± Drake thought she might still be upset, hesitant to give him the gift. Fine, he could make the first move. His voice softened. ¡°Look, I was harsh at the store. Don¡¯t be mad.¡± There. That should do it. Thalia sighed, meeting his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not mad.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Drake scoffed. ¡°Sure you¡¯re not.¡± ¡°Think what you want.¡± Drake¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°Jesus, Thalia. I¡¯m trying to apologize here. What more do you want?¡± Still folding clothes, Thalia replied evenly, ¡°I don¡¯t need your apology.¡± Drake stared at her for a long moment. Finally, he asked awkwardly, ¡°So¡­ where¡¯s the gift?¡± ¡°What gift?¡± ¡°Mason said he saw you buying a watch.¡± Drake shifted. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your way of apologizing? I¡¯m here now, so¡­¡± Thalia started to exin it wasn¡¯t for him, but Drake continued, ¡°Come on, stop ying games.¡± Thaliaughed, surprising him. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± ¡°You are,¡± Thalia met his gaze. ¡°Yes, I bought a watch. No, it¡¯s not for you. And I haven¡¯t done anything wrong, so why would I apologize?¡± ¡°Not for me? Who¡¯s it for then?¡± Drake¡¯s fists clenched unconsciously. ¡°None of your business,¡± Thalia replied coolly. 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.1% ¡°None of my¡ªI¡¯m your boyfriend! Since when can you buy gifts for other guys?¡± Compared to Drake¡¯s anger, Thalia remained remarkably calm. ¡°Oh? I thought you were Sienna¡¯s boyfriend.¡° ¡°It¡¯s not like that with Sienna,¡± Drake said quickly, his voice dropping with guilt. Their rtionship was more like lovers than partners, though he wasn¡¯t ready to admit that. Technically, Thalia was still his girlfriend. He loved Sienna¡¯s passion and flirtation, but he also appreciated Thalia¡¯s beauty and amodating nature. He wasn¡¯t ready to tell Thalia about Sienna yet. ¡°About today at Chaumet¨Cthat was my mom¡¯s idea. She needed help picking out jewelry to match her new dress. She thinks Sienna has good taste, that¡¯s all. We weren¡¯t looking at rings for her. I was just letting you think that to make you jealous.¡± ¡°Jealous?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°You actually thought about my feelings?¡± ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°Apology noted, but not epted. And no, the gift isn¡¯t for you.¡± ¡°Then who?¡± Drake¡¯s voice rose sharply. ¡°My fianc¨¦.¡± ¡°Really? ying the marriage card?¡± Drake¡¯s tone dripped with derision. ¡°What, I have to propose to get the watch and your forgiveness? Is that it?¡± Thalia frowned. How could someone be so self¨Cabsorbed? Where did he get the confidence to think she couldn¡¯t live without him? Drake shook his head, disappointment evident. ¡°I thought you understood the gap between us. I thought you knew your ce. But you keep pushing for marriage. It¡¯s pathetic.¡± Thalia just stared at him. Drake stormed out, mming the door. 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.4% Thalia shook her head wearily. She¡¯d nned to tell him everything today¨Cabout the breakup, about being an heiress to the Winters fortune, about her engagement to Asher. But he hadn¡¯t given her the chance. Perhaps she¡¯d given him this confidence by ying the perfect girlfriend¨Cnever questioning, never jealous, never prying, giving him everything except physical intimacy. Maybe that had created the illusion she couldn¡¯t leave him. He didn¡¯t know she¡¯d been so understanding because she¡¯d known he never saw a future with them. A year ago, she¡¯d overheard his conversation with Caroline: ¡°Mom, rx. I know you¡¯d never ept her as an Ashcroft. We¡¯re just dating. Marriage? That would need your approval first.¡± ¡°My son isn¡¯t stupid enough to let romance cloud his judgment. I know you understand the difference between dating and marriage.¡± Such rity indeed. Since then, she¡¯d known Drake never nned a future with her. Truth was, Drake didn¡¯t even like her that much. But she wasn¡¯t the type to die for love. She could take it or leave it. If Drake just wanted to date, fine. She¡¯d neededpanionship in a strange city, needed someone¡¯s arms around her. That was all. She¡¯d protected herself well¨Cporror even kissed him. Why hadn¡¯t she left earlier? Because she¡¯d still had feelings for him then, had grown used to hispany. Emotions areplex, rarely ck and white. After that conversation, she¡¯d stopped mentioning her family¡¯s wealth. But discovering she was just Sienna¡¯s recement had killed any remaining interest. 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.6% Chapter 6 She could ept that Drake didn¡¯t love her enough to marry her, but she couldn¡¯t ept being Sienna¡¯s stand¨Cin. She was Thalia Winters. She was herself. Thest person Thalia expected to see was Caroline Ashcroft. Caroline swept in wearing a Chanel suit worth more than most people¡¯s monthly sry, dripping in Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Every inch the Upper East Side matriarch who would indeed coordinate an entire jewelry set for one outfit. ¡°So you¡¯re Thalia?¡± She examined Thalia like a disappointing purchase, her eyes full of disdain. ¡°Hello, Mrs. Ashcroft.¡± Thalia replied politely. ¡°Hmm.¡± Caroline surveyed the penthouse before fixing her gaze on Thalia. ¡°I¡¯ve heard all about your little¡­ performance today.¡± She perched on the edge of the sofa, legs crossed at the ankle, perfectly poised. But her words carried none of that elegance: ¡°Someone like you could never be an Ashcroft.¡± (12) (0) 15:38 Your Gold Digger 7 Chapter 7 Thalia took a seat in the armchair opposite Caroline, meeting her gaze with quietposure. ¡°I never wanted to marry into the Ashcroft family.¡± Caroline didn¡¯t believe it for a second. She studied Thalia carefully. So this was the girl her son had been dating for three years. Pretty enough, she had to admit, and carried herself well. Despite her middle¨Css background, she didn¡¯t have that obvious social¨Cclimbing desperation Caroline was used to seeing. Caroline had deliberately thrown that barb earlier, hoping to see her squirm. But the girl hadn¡¯t flinched, maintaining her poise and speaking with surprising confidence. Not that it mattered. Just another gold¨Cdigger with delusions of grandeur, no matter how well she yed it off. ¡°No need to pretend with me,¡± Caroline¡¯s voice dripped with condescension. ¡°I¡¯m a woman too¨CI know exactly what you¡¯re thinking. Drake¡¯s quite the catch, isn¡¯t he? A trust fund baby who¡¯s been bankrolling your lifestyle. Must be nice.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want his money,¡± Thalia replied. Caroline¡¯sugh was cold. ¡°Please. You social climbers are all the same. ying hard to get while taking everything you can. Why else would you be with Drake?¡± Thalia had to smile at that. ¡°Mrs. Ashcroft, are you suggesting your son has nothing to offer except his trust fund?¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± Caroline¡¯s perfectly controlled breathing hitched. ¡°Such insolence! Drake said you were sweet and amodating. Clearly, he was mistaken.¡± Thalia calmly sipped her tea. ¡°And no manners,¡± Caroline sneered. ¡°Not even offering tea to your elder.¡± 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True fees 6.1% Thalia¡¯s smile was pure Manhattan frost. ¡°My apologies, Mrs. Ashcroft. I assumed you wouldn¡¯t want to drink from anything in my modest apartment. Wouldn¡¯t want to lower your standards,¡± Caroline was seething. Where had Drake found this insufferable girl? Taking a calming breath, she continued. ¡°Let me be clear: The Ashcroft family isn¡¯t open to just anyone. Marrying Drake? Not happening.¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡± Thalia murmured. ¡°Sienna is my choice for a daughter¨Cinw. Her family has known ours for generations. She was Drake¡¯s first love. Save yourself the embarrassment and step aside.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curved slightly. She remembered overhearing Drake¡¯s phone call about Ashcroft Capital¡¯s liquidity crisis, how their projects were stalling, hemorrhaging money. She¡¯d considered helping then. Though Drake clearly had no intention of marriage, three years of dating meant something. She could have arranged investment through her channels. That was why she¡¯d gone to the bar that night¨Cto discuss possibly investing in Ashcroft Capital. Her father wouldn¡¯t help, given their estrangement. But her cousin Alexander, now CEO of Sterling Industries and one of Britain¡¯s fastest¨Cgrowingpanies, would have helped if she¡¯d asked. But then she¡¯d heard Drake call her Sienna¡¯s recement. Coming back to the present, Thalia told Caroline, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m returning to London in a few days. I won¡¯t being back.¡± Caroline hadn¡¯t expected it to be this easy. She was suspicious. No demands forpensation? No drama? Something felt off, but she couldn¡¯t ce what. Thalia checked her watch. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have an appointment. Good day.¡± Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her bag and left. Caroline sat there, stunned. Did she just leave? 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 6.4% Chapar The absurdute nerved¡± Caroline fumed to herst. Teving before I did her. Zero respect for her elders she¡¯d worn her most impressive jewelry today, intending to the middle n girl with the vast difference between their worlds. She¡¯d imagined Thalia serving her tes with trembling hands, perhaps calling rate in tearster. This was not how she¡¯d expected things to go. After Thalia left, Caroline had no reason to stay. She stormed out, alreadyposing herints about Thalia to Drake. She had a thousand grievances about this ill mannered girl! Her driver was waiting outside. Shortly after getting in the car, she received Sienna¡¯s call. Smoothing her voice into something warmer, she answered. ¡°Sienna, darling, you won¡¯t believe how that girlfriend of Drake¡¯s just behaved. Absolutely no ss¨Cthough what else can you expect from new money?¡± Sienna¡¯s heart leapt. Perfect¨Cif Thalia had offended Caroline, Drake would have to end things, no matter how reluctant he might be. ¡°Don¡¯t let her upset you,¡± Sienna cooed. ¡°You can¡¯t expect manners from someone so¡­ provincial.¡± To Sienna, being middle¨Css was practically the same as being a country bumpkin. Caroline continued, ¡°You¡¯re such a dear. At least that girl had enough sense to say she¡¯s going back home and won¡¯t return. Good riddance!¡± ¡°She said that?¡± Sienna asked. ¡°So she¡¯s breaking up with Drake?¡± ¡°She¡¯d better! Even if she doesn¡¯t, I¡¯ll make sure they end things. After her behavior today? Impossible!¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news,¡± Sienna said. ¡°Are you heading home? I coulde by¡­¡± Back at her firm, Thalia submitted her resignation. She¡¯d been here over three years, growing from summer associate to junior associate. This small firm had 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 6.6% ??? ??? seen her development as awyer. Her assistant Katie had just graduated college that year, early twenties and three years younger than Thalia. When she heard the news, Katie¡¯s eyes immediately welled up. ¡°But why? Everything was fine¨Cwhat happened Tamily matters,¡± Thalia said. What had seemed like a simple resignation suddenly felt more emotional seeing Katie¡¯s reaction. Their rtionship had grown beyond mere colleagues. 002 Your Gold Digger 8 A year ago, Katie had gone through a messy breakup. Her ex¨Cboyfriend had presented her with an itemized bill, demanding repayment of $48,000 he¡¯d transferred to her over their two¨Cyear rtionship. When Katie refused, he sued her. She¡¯de to the firm desperate for help, and Thalia was the only associate avable. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that at all,¡± Katie had sobbed. ¡°We lived together for two years. We agreed to split everything¨Crent, utilities, groceries. He said he¡¯d transfer $2,800 each month for his half of rent and expenses, and I¡¯d contribute the same.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think much of it then. But after we broke up, he demanded everything back, iming it was all given with marriage in mind and should be returned since we split.¡± ¡°But that money was for living expenses in New York! Our apartment was $4,200 a month, plus utilities and groceries. He barely spent $2,000 on actual gifts our entire rtionship. How dare he sue me? God, I can¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m still inw school¨Cwhere am I supposed to get $48,000? I can¡¯t tell my parents. If they find out I was living with a guy in college, my dad would kill me. Please, I don¡¯t know what to do¡­¡± The irony wasn¡¯t lost on Thalia¨Caw student getting caught in such a legal trap. Love could make even the smartest girls blind. Thalia sighed, her heart going out to the young woman. Mostwyers wouldn¡¯t take a case where the client couldn¡¯t afford the retainer. But Thalia was different. Not only did she take the case, but she also loaned Katie the money for legal fees. Katie was already in such a difficult position¨Cwithout help, Thalia worried she might do something desperate. Legal fees went through the firm before being paid out to associates. As a junior associate at a mid¨Csize firm making $145,000¨Cmodest by New York BigLaw standards but stillfortable¨CThalia could afford to help. She immediately added Katie on Venmo to send her the retainer money. While her peers at firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell were pulling in $215,000, she¡¯d chosen this smaller firm for its work¨Clife bnce and opportunity to handle cases she cared about. After taking the case, Thalia worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence. They won, and Katie was so impressed and grateful that she joined the firm as Thalia¡¯s assistant right after graduation. 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 7.1% Now, Katie asked through tears, ¡°Once I finish my certification, could Ie work with you?¡± Thalia hadn¡¯t expected that. She smiled warmly. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be in London just let me know when you¡¯re ready to make the move.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Katie brightened. ¡°I¡¯ll follow you anywhere! You can¡¯t get rid of your shadow that easily,¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡± In the managing partner¡¯s office, the bespectacled man looked up from her resignation letter, puzzled. ¡°Why the sudden departure? Any issues we should address?¡± ¡°No, sir. Family matters. I know we typically require a month¡¯s notice, but this was unexpected. I apologize.¡± She added, ¡°I¡¯ve handed off most of my cases. I have one appeal hearing in ten days¨CI¡¯llplete that before I leave.¡± He nodded slowly. ¡°Well, then. Best of luck in your future endeavors.¡± Leaving the firm, Thalia wandered the city streets. As evening fell and lights flickered on, a cool breeze rustled through the trees. A wave of loneliness hit her. She was about to leave the city she¡¯d called home for three years. She remembered her first days in New York, when her father had frozen her ounts. She¡¯d had just a few thousand in her Venmo bnce and spent three days in a hotel. During those days, she¡¯d Ound the job and rented a cheap apartment near the firm. After paying first,st, and security deposit, she was nearly broke. Only help from her London friends kept her fed. The building was sketchy, with terrible security. Shortly after moving in, she¡¯d had drunk men banging on her door. She spent nights huddled in bed, terrified to answerte¨Cnight knocking. 15.29 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 7.4% Thendlord imed nothing could be done. Desperate, she moved out, and the slumlord tried to keep her deposit. When polite requests for her deposit failed, thendlord turned abusive, hurling vulgar insults. Furious, she reported him to the Department of Buildings for code vitions, then to the Department of Finance for tax evasion. Not satisfied, she filed suit for breach of contract and harassment. Before the case even went to court, thendlord returned her deposit. She dropped the contract im but pursued the harassment suit. Thendlord lost and had to pay damages. Thalia smiled at the memory. That had been her lowest point. Later, she heard from a former neighbor that the drunk got beaten up shortly after she moved¨Capparently picked the wrong person to harass. The slumlord disappeared too. Karma, she thought. She¡¯d met Drake during her summer associateship, while working on a legal services contract for one of Ashcroft Capital¡¯s subsidiaries. Drake happened to be there that day. He imed it was love at first sight. He pursued her relentlessly after that, getting all the little details right and showing up whenever she needed someone. They did have some sweet moments early on. Everything changed on their one¨Cyear anniversary. They¡¯d both been drinking, and Drake tried to take things further. When he embraced her and leaned in to kiss her, she panicked and pushed him away hard. Drake looked wounded. ¡°Why?¡± he asked hoarsely. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not ready,¡± she stammered. ¡°I need time.¡± After that night, things were different. She never felt ready to be intimate with Drake, not even kissing. 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 7.7% She couldn¡¯t quite exin why¡ªmaybe it was being new to rtionships, or maybe subconsciously she was repulsed by his history with other women. Whatever the reason, she now felt only relief. Back at the penthouse, Drake was out. Thalia showered and fell into a deep sleep. Ten more days until she could leave. Thank goodness. (19) (0) 15:38 Your Gold Digger 9 Thalia woke naturally at ten, stretching luxuriously. ¡°Mmm¡­ not working feels amazing.¡± After her morning routine, she headed downstairs for breakfast. Rosa had prepared enough for two. Thalia nced at the empty seat across from her, saying nothing. ¡°Miss Winters, will Mr. Ashcroft be joining for breakfast?¡± Rosa asked hesitantly. ¡°He didn¡¯te homest night,¡± Thalia replied between sips of coffee. ¡°So no.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Rosa retreated to the kitchen, knowing she¡¯d overstepped. After breakfast, Thalia got a message from Asher. ? O [Thoughts on engagement g attire? Custom or designer ready¨Cto¨Cwear?] Was there even time for custom? Come to think of it, she didn¡¯t know the engagement date. [When¡¯s the g?] Asher: [Not set yet. Waiting to see when you¡¯re back in London?] Thalia: [Nine more days here.] Asher: [Perfect.] Worried about custom timing, she replied: [Let¡¯s go with designer. I¡¯ll look at collections.] Asher: [Let me know what you choose.] As she was about to close WhatsApp, Drake¡¯s chat notification appeared. It was a video. In a dimly lit private room at some club, a drunk Drake was leaning into Sienna¡¯s embrace, mumbling, 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 8.2% ¡°Sienna, you¡¯re finally back¡­ I knew you¡¯de back¡­ I waited five years¡­¡± The background was noisy with their friends¡® voices¨CDrake¡¯s usual crowd and Celine among them. All people she knew. In the video, Sienna held Drake, smiling down at him. ¡°Drake, you¡¯re drunk.¡± Drake nuzzled closer. ¡°I¡¯m not¡­ I¡¯m perfectly clear¡­ You¡¯re Stenna, the love of my life¡­ See? I know exactly what I¡¯m saying¡­¡± Someone off¨Ccamera: ¡°Drake, if Sienna¡¯s the love of your life, what about Tha?¡± Drake: ¡°Who¡¯s Thalia? I only¡­ only love Sienna¡­¡± ¡°Looks like you¡¯re the only one for him,¡± Celine¡¯s voice carried clearly. ¡°Look how he clings to you when he¡¯s drunk. You¡¯re all he sees.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curved in derision. Three years with Drake, and she¡¯d never heard them call her anything but ¡°the girlfriend.¡± No surprise there. They¡¯d never considered her Drake¡¯s real partner. ¡°Why can¡¯t Thalia take a hint? Sienna¡¯s back and she¡¯s still hanging around. Zero self¨Cawareness.¡± That was Celine¡¯s friend, the same one who¡¯d called her ne fake. She¡¯d always looked down on Thal¨ªa. Celine chimed in: ¡°Girls like her don¡¯t let go of trust fund babies casily.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lowered, a cold smile ying on her lips. Celine would never say this to her face. Now she knew for sure¨Cthat look of disdain at the birthday party hadn¡¯t been her imagination. Celine¡¯s friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Thalia as beneath them. ¡°Sienna, we¡¯re all on your side.¡± ¡°God, yes. We never liked her. She needs to understand her ce, trying to force her way into our circle.¡± ¡°She¡¯s probably read too many romance novels about the billionaire falling for themoner. She¡¯s a joke and doesn¡¯t even know it.¡± ¡°Exactly! She¡¯s not our ss. Drake was just slumming it. Now that Sienna¡¯s back, Thalia needs to go.¡± 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je 8.4% The third was an off¨Cshoulder ivory ballgown with scattered crimson rose petals on tulle ovey, romantic and graceful. She posted the three on Instagram with the caption: ¡°Help your girl choose!? Which one¡¯s giving main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemma #needadvice #cantdecide?¡± Within minutes, likes andments flooded in. Asher: ¡°All three are absolutely stunning? Get them all if you love them x¡± Her childhood friend Victoria chimed in. Victoria: ¡°Bestie your taste is GOD TIER? Let Asher spoil you get the whole collection! #richboyfriend #treatyourself. Her other friend Charlotte: ¡°Our princess is about to serve LOOKS? ying in any of these tbh #queensthings¡± Katie: ¡°OMGGGG BOSS!? Is this what I think it is?!! Drop the deets ¨C are we hearing wedding bells?!?¡± Among the warm wishes from friends and family, a fewments stood out. Celine: [¡­¡­] Mason: [Thalia, are you¡­] Chase: [Seriously? Dream on lol] Coworker A: [Maybe check the prices before flexing? You can¡¯t even rent these¡­] Coworker B: [Must be nice having money to burn.] Drake: [?] Thalia raised an eyebrow. Seems Drake had sobered up. Sure enough, his message came through. [Delete that post. Now.] Thalia: [No.] Drake: [Still pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you?] 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 8.8% Thalia: [Hm.] Drake: [Thalia, enough.] She didn¡¯t bother responding. (21) Your Gold Digger 10 She called Asher. He answered quickly, his voice gentle. ¡°Found a favorite among those gowns, Lia?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied. ¡°Which one do you prefer?¡± She heard his soft chuckle. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to get all three? My assistant¡¯s already secured them.¡± ¡°That fast? I just posted.¡± ¡°Limited editions sell out quickly. Wouldn¡¯t want to miss them.¡± ¡°Thank you, Asher.¡± ¡°Lia, you¡¯re my fianc¨¦e now. We¡¯re family. No need for thanks.¡± True enough, but she couldn¡¯t quite step into the fianc¨¦e role yet. In her heart, Asher was still the patient tutor from next door. ¡°By the way, getting around New York by Uber must be tiresome. I¡¯ve arranged for a car. Just send me the address for delivery.¡± Thalia felt a pang of guilt. Asher must know why she¡¯d fled to New York to escape their arranged marriage, why her father had cut off her ounts. She¡¯d been living like any other working professional in New York¨Cno car, no property. Her London friends had offered to ¡°sponsor¡± her, but she¡¯d refused. She¡¯d only epted help for those first two months, paying them back as soon as she started earning. Now here was Asher, the very person she¡¯d run from, offering her a car without a hint of resentment. Shame tightened her grip on the phone. ¡°Really, ride¨Csharing is fine.¡± A hint of hurt crept into Asher¡¯s voice. ¡°Are you still so reluctant about our engagement?¡± 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 9.2% Thalia shook her head instinctively, then remembered he couldn¡¯t see her. ¡°No, Asher. I agreed to this engagement because I want to. I just¡­ I¡¯ming back to London in a few days anyway. A car seems unnecessary.¡± ¡°No matter. We can have it shipped back.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have that court appearance in Jersey next week? Driving would be easier.¡± Thalia blinked in surprise. ¡°How did you know about that?¡± ¡°You posted about it two months ago.¡± Thalia paused. The hearing was indeed scheduled for September 25th at the circuit court in New Jersey. She¡¯d made a casual Instagram post joking about the ¡°business trip,¡± nning to try that famous ramen ce everyone talked about and maybe do some sightseeing. Asher¡¯s voice carried a warm smile. ¡°Having a car would make it more convenient. You could explore the area after court.¡± Standing in his London office overlooking the city lights, Asher¡¯s expression softened. Three years ago, learning about her modest life in New York, he¡¯d wanted desperately to help¨Cbuy her a car, an apartment, anything. But he¡¯d had no right then. Any gifts would have been refused. Now things were different. Their engagement finally gave him the right to care for her properly. Thalia felt something shift in her chest at his words, like ripples spreading across still water. Her Instagram posts were set to delete after three days. Sometimes she forgot what she¡¯d posted herself, yet Asher remembered every detail. Drake had never paid attention to her posts like that. Even when she¡¯d explicitly told him about business trips, he¡¯d still call on the day, confused about her absence. 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 9.4% Chapter to She¡¯d mentioned wanting to travel so many times, but Drake never seemed to care. ces she¡¯d wanted to visit two years ago remained unseen. So this was what it felt like to be truly noticed. Thalia stopped resisting and gave him the Tribeca address. ¡°You¡¯ll be home tomorrow morning? I¡¯ll have it delivered then.¡± ¡°Yes I will.¡± Shortly after hanging up, Drake returned¨Cwith Sienna. Thalia was watching TV in the living room, barely ncing at them. Drake said nothing, but Sienna spoke up: ¡°Thalia, we meet again.¡± Thalia lounged on the sofa, eyes fixed on the true crime documentary, ignoring her. Unfazed. Sienna sat down. ¡°Such serious viewing habits.¡± ¡°Going to shower,¡± Drake announced, heading upstairs. Unclear who he was talking to. ¡°You saw the video.¡± Once Drake left, Sienna dropped her smile. ¡°Drake loves me.¡± Thalia nodded absently, eyes still on the TV. ¡°Noted.¡± Her indifference irritated Sienna. ¡°ying it cool? Let¡¯s see how long thatsts.¡± ¡°You¡¯d know about ying parts,¡± Thalia replied coldly. Sienna scoffed, heading upstairs. ¡°Drake, let¡¯s shower together.¡± She threw Thalia a challenging look, wasted on her disinterested target. At dinner, Drake and Sienna sat together, Thalia alone. Rosa set down a te of steamed broli. ¡°That¡¯s everything.¡± Thalia frowned. ¡°Rosa, why only these?¡± The table was covered in green: lettuce, spinach, kale, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cucumber sd. ¡°Sienna prefers vegetables,¡± Drake said tly. ¡°Prefers vegetables?¡± Thalia¡¯s smile was sharp. ¡°Or marking her territory in green?¡± ¡°Thalia! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Drake¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes fixed on the obvious hickey on his neck. Sienna had left it there deliberately for her to see. Thalia smiled sweetly at Drake¡¯s anger. ¡°Are you sure I¡¯m the one who needs watching?¡± Drake glowered. ¡°Eat or don¡¯t. And Sienna¡¯s staying here for a while. Get used to vegetarian dinners or cook for yourself.¡± They had a housekeeper, but Drake wouldn¡¯t allow extra dishes. She remembered he¡¯d never been fond of purely vegetarian meals before. He¡¯d rather inconvenience himself than spare her feelings. She knew he was still angry about the watch, but she felt no need to exin or apologize. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. Thalia set down her fork and left. She could always order in. The next morning, Asher¡¯s car arrived. Your Gold Digger 11 The ice blue Bentley Continental GT gleamed in the morning sun, its unique color breathtaking. Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up. She loved it. A man in an impable suit stepped out, offering her the keys with polished deference. ¡°Miss Winters, from Mr. ckwood.¡± Taking the keys. Thalia felt touched. Asher was incredibly generous¨Cthe car must cost over $300,000. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said to the delivery man. ¡°My pleasure, Miss. I¡¯ll take my leave if there¡¯s nothing else.¡± He gave a slight bow, maintaining perfect professionalism. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°As he left, Asher called. ¡°How¡¯s the car?¡± His tone was casual, as if asking about lunch. Three hundred thousand dors, discussed like grocery shopping. In their social circle, such gifts to fianc¨¦es were unremarkable. But after three years of middle¨Css life, she¡¯d almost forgotten that world. ¡°I love it, Asher. Thank you.¡± ¡°I remembered you like blue,¡± his rich voice carried warmth. ¡°How did you know that?¡± She couldn¡¯t recall ever mentioning her color preference. A soft chuckle. ¡°During our tutoring sessions¨Call your notebooks and pencil cases were light blue,¡± Thalia was surprised he¡¯d noticed such details. 15:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 10.296 She did love blue, and this ice blue Bentley had genuinely stunned her. ¡°The moment I saw it, I knew you¡¯d love it,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°Take it for a spin? It¡¯s perfectly sized for you.¡± ¡°I will soon.¡± After hanging up, Thalia sat in the driver¡¯s seat, hands on the wheel, feelings mixed. She had her license and had driven plenty these past three years. But always Drake¡¯s cars, while her own sat gathering dust in her family¡¯s London garage. With Drake, she¡¯d been more like his designated driver than girlfriend. He¡¯d call from bars, too drunk to drive, expecting her to pick him up. She¡¯d heard his friends mention how he¡¯d bought his previous girlfriend an $80,000 BMW after their breakup. Yet despite knowing her job required frequent travel¨Ccourt appearances, client meetings, case negotiations¨Che¡¯d never once offered to get her a car. Not that she¡¯d wanted one from him, butparing his attitude with Asher¡¯s made the difference in consideration painfully clear. Drake¡¯s version of care felt embarrassingly inadequate. Lost in thought, she heard an exmation. ¡°Oh my god, what a gorgeous car! I¡¯ve been dying to get one of these!¡± Sienna¡¯s voice carried across the driveway. Through the window, Thalia saw Sienna and Drake approaching. Sienna hadn¡¯t expected to find her dream car¨Can ice blue Bentley Continental¨Coutside Drake¡¯s house. Her family, while friends with the Ashcrofts, were hardly old money. Comfortable, but not wealthy. Recent business troubles had left her father¡¯spany struggling. They were counting on her marriage to Drake to save them through Ashcroft Capital¡¯s support. Sienna made no effort to hide her enthusiasm, running her hands over the car like an excited teenager. 15:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ON 10.5% ¡°Drake, take my picture!¡± She primped in the window, not realizing it was one¨Cway ss. From inside. Thalia watched her like a mildly interesting zoo exhibit. Just as Sienna was getting the perfect angle, Thalia lowered the window, meeting her eyes. ¡°Hello there.¡± Thalia¡¯s smile was sugar sweet. Sienna froze. ¡°Thalia? What are you doing here?¡± Drake reached them. Seeing Thalia, his brow furrowed. ¡°Why are you renting a Bentley?¡± He didn¡¯t even ask¨Cjust assumed she¡¯d rented it. Sienna recovered, smirking. ¡°Oh, photo shoot? These luxury car rentals must cost what, a month¡¯s sry for one picture?¡± Drake¡¯s frown deepened, disgust evident. ¡°You¡¯re renting cars for social media? Have you lost it?¡± ¡°Really, Thalia,¡± Sienna added, ¡°everyone knows whatwyers make. People will just call you desperate for posting fake lifestyle photos. Why bother?¡± Thalia gave her an amused look. ¡°Speaking from experience with rentals?¡± Sienna¡¯s smile faltered. Because she had rented before. When her social circle was posting cars and bags, she¡¯d begged her father for a luxury car. He¡¯d refused, citing financial troubles. Angry andpetitive, she¡¯d rented a Lamborghini for Instagram photos. The memory of embarrassment faded as she rallied¨Cat least she¡¯d rented a Lamborghini, worth over a million. Much more expensive than this Bentley. Though she¡¯d rented, she¡¯d never admit it to Drake. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ea 10.7% Chapter 11 Chin high, she dered, ¡°I don¡¯t need rentals. My Lamborghini in Paris cost way more than this.¡°. ¡°Oh? Where is it now?¡± Thalia asked. Sienna lied smoothly. ¡°Got bored of it. Sports cars are shy but impractical. I just got a Porsche Panamera¨Cyou can take pictures with it sometime. No charge.¡± Her tone dripped condescension. She did have a Panamera¨Ca used one. Her family¡¯s fortunes had fallen, her father¡¯s business losing money yearly, their house mortgaged. If not for chasing Drake, she wouldn¡¯t have bought even that to keep up appearances. ¡°Ahh,¡± Thalia drew out the sound. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want photos? Feel free to use this one.¡± Sienna¡¯s face darkened. ¡°No thanks.¡± Drake cut in: ¡°Thalia, since when did you be so desperate for attention?¡± (17) (0) Actually A True diz Your Gold Digger 12 Thalia smiled lightly. ¡°You¡¯re right¨Cyou don¡¯t know me at all.¡± Turning to Sienna with mock sweetness, she added, ¡°Sure you don¡¯t want that photo? I¡¯m about to leave¡­¡± Sienna¡¯s face tightened with frustration. She desperately wanted photos with the car. But with Thalia inside? Her pride wouldn¡¯t allow it. ¡°I¡¯m not interested,¡± she said stiffly. ¡°If you say so! Bye!¡± Thalia waved cheerfully, hitting the gas and leaving them in the dust. As the blue Bentley disappeared, Sienna fumed. ¡°Drake, how did you end up with someone so desperate for attention?¡± Drake massaged his temples. ¡°She wasn¡¯t like this before. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s gotten into hertely¨Cpushing for marriage, renting cars¡­¡± ¡°She probably feels threatened by me,¡± Sienna suggested. ¡°Trying to fit in with our crowd with rental cars.¡± Sienna crossed her arms, shaking her head with theatrical sympathy. ¡°But rentals are just rentals. She can take pictures, but it¡¯s not really hers. How sad.¡± ¡°Stop. It¡¯s embarrassing enough,¡± Drake said, heading back inside. Later, Thalia parked the Bentley in a secure garage outside the gatedmunity. She didn¡¯t want it in Drake¡¯s garage¨Cnot time for revtions yet. She¡¯d originally nned to tell Drake about her background herself, but now? Let him figure it out. That evening, another all¨Cvegetarian dinner appeared. Thalia sat down with her takeout from Le Bernardin, the aroma of perfectly seasoned seafood filling the dining room. Drake couldn¡¯t help ncing at her food. 15:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 11.2% Butter¨Cpoached lobster, pan¨Cseared sea bass¨Cthe presentation was immacte. The rich scent made his mouth water, especiallypared to his te of nd vegetables. Thalia savored each bite with obvious pleasure. He loved seafood too. They used to share meals at Le Bernardin, where Thalia would always save him the best bites. Drake¡¯s throat worked as he swallowed, watching her hopefully, expecting her to offer him a taste. Instead, Thalia enjoyed every morsel herself. Catching his stare, she asked innocently, ¡°Something wrong?¡± Drake covered his awkwardness with a cough. ¡°Could you not eat such strongly vored food?¡± Before Thalia could respond, Sienna jumped in: ¡°Well, onlymon people need such heavy vors. Thalia, maybe eat that somewhere else?¡± Drake¡¯s expression soured. He¡¯d been practically drooling over that food, and Sienna had to call itmon? Thalia licked her lips, starting on another perfect bite. ¡°Sienna, you clearly don¡¯t know Drake well. Ask him if he likes ¡®¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, Rosa,¡± Thalia said calmly. ¡°Throw them out.¡± As Rosa left with the vase, she muttered under her breath about drama queens and their endless demands. In the living room, Sienna draped herself on Drake¡¯s arm. ¡°Take me shopping for new curtains tomorrow?¡± Drake nced at Thalia, irritated by herpleteck of jealousy. Why wasn¡¯t she upset about the flowers? The very qualities he¡¯d prized in her¨Cunderstanding, amodation¨Cnow grated on him. A little jealousy wouldn¡¯t hurt. He was suddenly tired of her perfectposure. When he didn¡¯t respond, Sienna pouted, tugging his arm. ¡°Drake, are you listening?¡± He grunted acknowledgment, distracted. page The next day, Sienna went on a decorating rampage, ordering workers to rece curtains and essories. Everything Thalia had chosen went into dumpsters. When Thalia returned, Sienna met her eyes triumphantly. Thalia merely nced at the chaos before heading upstairs. 15:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ess 11.7% She¡¯d packed most things already, leaving only essentials and a few days¡® clothes. She¡¯d hoped these final days would pass peacefully, but Sienna seemed determined to force her out, (19) Your Gold Digger 13 Chapter 13 The night before court, Thalia heard something break while showering. She quickly rinsed off, threw on her robe, and rushed out. The bedroom was empty, but porcin shards littered the floor. Her heart stopped¨Cit was the ceramic figurine her mother had left her. They¡¯d painted it together at a pottery studio on her twelfth birthday. A pale blue puppy, with their names etched on the back. Seeing it shattered, rage consumed her. ¡°Who did this?!¡± she shouted, storming out. ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang!¡± She pounded on Drake¡¯s door across the hall. ¡°Drake! Sienna! Which one of you was in my room?¡± Drake opened the door, irritation clear. ¡°What¡¯s with the noise? People are trying to sleep.¡± Thalia¡¯s chest heaved with fury, her eyes murderous. ¡°Were you in my room?¡± ¡°Why would I be in your room?¡± Drake frowned. ¡°Stop making scenes. I¡¯ve been reviewing contracts.¡± ¡°If not you, then Sienna.¡± Thalia turned toward Sienna¡¯s room at the end of the hall. Drake followed, concerned by her intensity. ¡°Sienna! Open up!¡± Thalia kicked the door. Drake stared. Was this really his usually gentle Thalia? What had happened to make her this angry? Sienna opened the doorzily. ¡°Having a breakdown?¡± Thalia grabbed Sienna¡¯s wrist, dragging her toward the bedroom. 12.2% ¡°Let go! Let go of me!¡± Sienna stumbled along. Thalia shoved her into the room, making her stumble against a cab. ¡°Are you insane?¡± Sienna clutched her knee, shouting. ¡°Did you break my figurine?¡± Thalia advanced. ¡°Why were you in my room?¡± Sienna¡¯s eyes darted away. ¡°I¡­ I wasn¡¯t. I¡¯ve been in my room. Don¡¯t use me.¡± Thalia met her gaze coldly. ¡°Really? I saw your beige dress through the door.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying! I was wearing grey when I went-¡± Sienna¡¯s mouth ran ahead of her brain. She flushed angrily. ¡°You tricked me! You didn¡¯t see anything!¡± ¡°When you what?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice turned arctic. ¡°You changed into that beige dress after, didn¡¯t you?¡± Her eyes glinted dangerously. ¡°Why were you in my room?¡± Sienna shrank back from that look. ¡°I¡­ I was just looking around¡­¡± ¡°Looking around what?¡± Sienna swallowed, terrified Thalia would discover everything. ¡°I just¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Drake stepped between them. ¡°Thalia, stop making drama over a stupid figurine. Just buy another one. Leave Sienna alone!¡± CRACK! The p echoed through the room. Thalia had struck Drake with all her strength. Both Drake and Sienna froze. ¡°Get out!¡± Thalia roared at Drake. ¡°This isn¡¯t your business! How dare you forgive on my behalf?¡± Seeing Drake pped, Sienna snapped. She shoved past him. ¡°How dare you hit him?¡± CRACK CRACK! Another sharp p. ¡°You get out too!¡± 12.5% A red handprint bloomed on Sienna¡¯s cheek. Enraged, Sienna raised her own hand, but Thalia caught her wrist and shoved her away. Sienna fell, her palmnding on the ceramic shards. Blood welled immediately. ¡°My hand! My hand!¡± Sienna screamed. Drake rushed to check her injury, ¡°Stenna, are you okay?¡± ¡°Serves you right.¡± Thalia said coldly, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be hurt if you hadn¡¯t broken it,¡± ¡°Thalia, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡± Drake red. ¡°Apologize to Slenna!¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes were cial. ¡°She should apologize. She broke my property.¡± ¡°Drake, it hurts so much.¡± Sienna copsed against him, sobbing. ¡°Take me to the hospital, please.¡± ¡°Hold on, we¡¯ll go right now.¡± Drake lifted Sienna, shooting Thalia a venomous look as he passed. ¡°Get out. I never want to see you again.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Thalia¡¯s face was expressionless. Drake paused, struck by how unlike herself she seemed. But Sienna¡¯s hand was still bleeding. He gave Thalia onest look before hurrying downstairs. Once they left, silence fell. Thalia knelt by the shards, hands trembling as she reached for them. Tears fell onto the broken pieces. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mum¡­ I couldn¡¯t protect your gift¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± In the empty room, the girl sobbed. At twelve, her mother had fallen terribly ill. That elegant, always¨Csmiling woman had wasted away, ravaged by disease. Thalia, just starting secondary school, would rush to the hospital every day after sses. wally A True 12.8% Chapter 13 She¡¯d sit with her mother, Rosalind, sharing school stories and singing newly learned songs. ¡°Mum, when will you get better?¡± Young Thalia sat beside the hospital bed, grief hiding behind bright eyes. Her mother had been sick for six months, growing weaker each day. Rosalind stroked Thalia¡¯s hair, smiling gently. ¡°The doctors say I can leave hospital soon.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up, voice hopeful. ¡°Yes.¡± Though pale and frail, Rosalind¡¯s eyes held both warmth and determination. ¡°I¡¯ll be out in time for your birthday.¡± ¡°Wonderful!¡± Thalia had believed her. She thought her mother would recover. Later, she learned ¡°leaving hospital¡± meant something else¨Cher mother was beyond help, and doctors suggested she spend her remaining time with family, fulfillingst wishes. (15) (0) Your Gold Digger 14 The day Rosalind left the hospital, the snow had just cleared, leaving the trees along Harley Street crystalline with frost under a pristine blue sky. Randolph drove to collect her himself. The couple sat in silence, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words. Young Thalia sat in the back, drawing pictures on the foggy window, her heart light with joy. Mum was finallying home. She drew their family of three on the window, her face bright with happiness. Seeing the drawing, Rosalind¡¯s eyes filled with tears. She turned away quickly,posing herself before managing a smile. ¡°Your birthday¡¯sing up, darling. What would you like?¡± Still drawing. Thalia answered brightly, ¡°I¡¯d love a Beagle figurine, Mum.¡± ¡°A Beagle?¡± Rosalind¡¯s voice was gentle. ¡°Like¡­ a real dog?¡± ¡°No, no,¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s a ceramic one. Victoria says there¡¯s this lovely pottery studio in Marylebone where we can paint our own. She and James wentst week and made the sweetest figures.¡± Rosalind smiled softly. ¡°Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do, darling.¡± On Thalia¡¯s twelfth birthday, snow fell over London. Mother and daughter walked hand in hand into the studio, where they¡¯d pre¨Cordered an unpainted Beagle figure. The owner brought out their piece, and they began painting together. It was their first coborative art project. The result delighted Thalia¨Cher Beagle looked even lovelier than the sample. They left for the patisserie nearby. Walking through the falling snow, Rosalind carrying a cake box in one hand and holding Thalia¡¯s hand with the other, she suddenly stopped. She turned to look at her daughter, love and longing in her eyes. ¡°Thalia, darling, I love you. So very, very much.¡± Her voice was soft, almost lost in the winter wind. 13.3% Thalia¡¯s nose was pink from the cold. Her mother often expressed her love, so she noticed nothing unusual. ¡°I love you too, Mum!¡± Rosalind¡¯s eyes welled up again. Her precious girl was only twelve. How would she manage without her mother? She turned away quickly, continuing their walk before Thalia could see her tears. They crossed through the busy streets to the car park where Randolph waited. From a distance. Thalia saw her father smoking, grief etched on his face. She¡¯d rarely seen him look so deste, but when he spotted them, the expression vanished instantly. Thalia thought she¡¯d imagined it. Randolph stubbed out his cigarette, voice rough as he said, ¡°Wee back.¡± Rosalind responded with a soft ¡°mm.¡± That evening, Randolph cooked dinner himself. Their little family gathered around the table in apparent harmony as Thalia, wearing a paper crown, made her birthday wish and blew out her candles. The crisis came during dessert. As Rosalind lifted a forkful of cake, she suddenly began coughing up blood. Thalia froze in horror, her own cake falling to the floor, staining her new shoes. Randolph gathered Rosalind in his arms, voice breaking, ¡°Darling, don¡¯t do this. We¡¯re going to hospital right now.¡± Their housekeeper frantically called 999 while Thalia stood paralyzed, mind nk. How had this happened? Everything had been fine moments ago. Why was Mum suddenly so ill? Hadn¡¯t the doctors said she coulde home? Wasn¡¯t she better? 13.5% Chayer 14 The ambnce arrived quickly As paramedics loaded Rosalind, Thalia saw her mother looking back tearfully, trying to speak, Too weak to form words, she mouthed something Thalia could just make out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Thalia burst into tears, running out into the snowstorm. ¡°Mum, please don¡¯t go¡­¡± The ambnce had to leave immediately, not waiting for Thalia. She chased it until it disappeared from view. That night, Rosalind passed away, Randolph stayed with her through the night, weeping uncontrobly, Thalia didn¡¯t know this at the time. She¡¯d fallen in the snow, and their housekeeper had carried her home. That night. Thalia burned with fever, crying out for her mother until morning. When she woke, they told her her mother was gone. Thalia couldn¡¯t bear to see her mother¡¯s body at the hospital. She couldn¡¯t face the reality of that cold shell. She told herself that as long as she didn¡¯t see it, her mother was still alive, just away on a trip. In her heart, that warm, bright woman who lit up rooms with her smile lived on forever. After Rosalind¡¯s death, Thalia spent days clutching the ceramic Beagle, refusing food and crying silently when she wasn¡¯t sleeping. Randolph seemed to age a decade overnight. The light left his eyes, his hair grayed rapidly, and he had no energy left to care for his daughter. He waster diagnosed with clinical depression. ?? 13.706 Thalia had believed he would never remarry¨Che¡¯d loved her mother to deeply, how could he ever love another? But two yearster, he married her mother¡¯s best friend. Thalia had reacted violently, moving into her boarding school dorm immediately. Even during holidays, she¡¯d shut herself in her room, refusing to speak to them. Her rtionship with Randolph had just begun to heal during university when he announced her arranged marriage to the ckwoods, shattering their fragile peace. Randolph must have been truly angry¨Che¡¯d always indulged Thalia before, but he refused to budge on the marriage, even freezing her ounts to force herpliance. For Thalia, the arranged marriage was just the final straw. She¡¯d run away primarily because of the remarriage. He¡¯d betrayed her mother. Thalia believed Randolph wanted the arranged marriage to get rid of her, that the Winters manor no longer had room for her. ¡°So she¡¯d left in anger, staying away for three years. She¡¯d kept the Beagle figurine with her always. It was her spiritual anchor, her mother¡¯s final gift, her most precious possession. Now ity shattered. And her heart with it. When she¡¯d cried herself out, she began thinking of solutions. A master restorer might be able to save it. She posted a photo of the pieces on Instagram. [Urgently seeking master ceramic restorer.] Her London connections were extensive¨Crtives in high ces, friends from wealthy families. Finding a restorer shouldn¡¯t be difficult. 13.9% Within minutes, Asher called. She thought he¡¯d rmend someone, answering quickly, His voice was urgent with worry. ¡°Lia, are you hurt?¡± Thalia paused, then realized¨Cshe hadn¡¯t cleaned the blood from the ceramic shards. ¡°No, not my blood.¡± ¡°What happened? How did Rosalind¡¯s Beagle break?¡± Thalia fell silent. She didn¡¯t know where to begin. More surprising was that Asher had recognized her mother¡¯s gift from just the fragments, His voice turned decisive. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the airport. Wait for me. I¡¯ming to New York,¡± (19) Your Gold Digger 15 After hanging up. Thalia carefully reviewed the evening¡¯s events. Why had Sienna sneaked into her room during her shower? Certainly not just to ¡°look around¡± as she¡¯d imed. She had an agenda. Thalia surveyed her room meticulously. Besides the shattered figurine, everything seemed untouched. Then her eyes fell on the ss of warm milk on her nightstand. She always had warm milk before bed¨CRosa had brought it up before her shower. The Beagle had been on that same nightstand. If Sienna broke the figurine, she must have lingered near the nightstand. The milk¨Cshe might have tampered with it. Asher arrived in New York three hourster. When he called, he was already heading toward Riverside Manor. Thalia was busy throwing bags of sorted belongings into the dumpsters outside the house. ¡°I¡¯m not staying here tonight, Asher.¡± She continued walking back to the house¨Cshe had more to dispose of, and it was too ¡± He collected himself. ¡°Nothing.¡± Sienna didn¡¯t press. She gazed at him with calcted vulnerability. ¡°Drake, is my hand ruined? Will I never y piano again?¡± Sienna had studied piano, attending a prestigious conservatory abroad. Before returning, she¡¯d built a following on social media, amassing over a million followers as a minor influencer. Drake¡¯s expression softened with sympathy and affection. ¡°No, the doctor said it¡¯s superficial. No tendon damage. You¡¯ll heal in days.¡± Sienna looked mournful, tears threatening. ¡°Really? You¡¯re not just saying that?¡± Drake stroked her hair. ¡°No.¡± She met his eyes intively. ¡°Drake¡­ if¨Chypothetically¨Cif it were worse, if I could never y again, would you forgive Thalia?¡± His dark eyes hardened. ¡°Even for this injury, she doesn¡¯t get forgiveness without apologizing. If you really couldn¡¯t y again? She¡¯d pay dearly.¡± Sienna¡¯s eyes glistened as she leaned against his shoulder. ¡°Drake, you¡¯re always so good to me.¡± 15:54 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True fees 14.8% Holding her, Drake thought of Thalia. Had he been too harsh, saying he never wanted to see her again? But she¡¯d hurt Sienna first¨Cit was her fault! She¡¯d blocked him expecting him to chase after her. Not this time. Entering the hotel lobby, Thalia immediately spotted Asher. In a ck dress shirt and trousers that emphasized his tall, athletic frame, sharp features unchanged after three years, he remained unfairly handsome. A formally dressed man¨Cpresumably his assistant¨Cstood beside him. Seeing her, Asher strode over quickly to take her suitcase. ¡°Lia, are you alright?¡± She managed a soft, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Sir, I¡¯ll take my leave,¡± the assistant said deferentially. Asher nodded. The penthouse suite was exquisitely appointed, with panoramic views of Manhattan¡¯s nightscape through floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows. ¡°Up or down, Lia?¡± Sharing space with such a devastatingly handsome man made her nervous. ¡°Either is fine.¡± She thought she heard a low chuckle but didn¡¯t dare look up. His deep voice was gentle. ¡°Take upstairs then. I¡¯m here if you need anything.¡± A suspicious blush crept across her face. ¡°Okay.¡± 15:54 (18) 900 Your Gold Digger 16 Perhaps sensing her nervousness, Asher said, ¡°Let me know if you need anything. I¡¯ll go up for a shower.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± He paused, turning back. ¡°Yes?¡± Thalia pulled a ss bottle from her bag. ¡°Could you help arrange testing for this milk? I think it might have been tampered with.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes sharpened. ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to harm you?¡± She nodded gravely. ¡°I think so. Better safe than sorry.¡± ¡°Leave it to me.¡± He stepped away to make a call. ¡°Come up. I need you to handle something.¡± His voice faded as he disappeared around the corner. Thalia exhaled, finally rxing. When she¡¯d handed him the bottle, she¡¯d unexpectedly met his dark eyes. Her heart had nearly stopped. His eyes were stunning. No¨Cnot just his eyes. His entire face was a masterpiece, and meeting his gaze made her pulse race involuntarily. After he left, she surveyed the suite. Signs of regr upancy were evident¨Cpersonal items scattered in the living room, as if someone stayed here often. Strange. The suite didn¡¯t seem newly booked, but rather frequently used. Wasn¡¯t he always in London? She pushed the thought aside¨Cit wasn¡¯t her business. Bringing her suitcase to the bedroom, she realized she had clothes and skincare but no slippers for the shower. As she debated mentioning this to Asher, the doorbell rang. A uniformed hotel staff member stood outside with a tray and bag. ¡°Delivery for Mr. ckwood, ma¡¯am.¡± Thalia epted them. ¡°Thank you.¡± On the tray sat a ss of warm milk, and in the bag were new women¡¯s slippers, fresh towels, and toiletries. All for her, she realized, touched by his thoughtfulness. ¡°Did everything arrive?¡± Asher appeared at the stairs. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Their eyes met, creating an odd moment. He wasn¡¯t just her childhood neighbor anymore, but her fianc¨¦. He approached. ¡°The milk¡¯s for you.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± she looked up, surprised. ¡°I thought it was yours.¡± ¡°Not my habit. Please, have it.¡± He opened the door to his waiting assistant. ¡°Get this tested,¡± he handed over the suspect bottle. ¡°Right away, sir.¡± Turning back, he caught Thalia watching him. Her clear, bright eyes held such curiosity, like a small woond creature. Something fluttered in his chest, light as a feather. He couldn¡¯t resist ruffling her hair gently, just as he had when they were younger. ¡°Early night? What time should I wake you?¡± ¡°Ten AM.¡± She looked up from the sofa. A drop of milk lingered on her lip, the sight affecting him more than it should. His eyes darkened slightly, throat working as he looked away. ¡°Sleep well then. Goodnight.¡± He left quickly, not waiting for her response. Oblivious to his reaction, she continued sipping her milk. The next morning, Asher knocked just before her rm. ¡°Time to wake up, Lia.¡± She checked her phone: 9:59 AM. Perfect timing. After washing up, she found breakfastid out. A te of eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs and hondaise sauce. She sat down, unwrapped the silverware, and took a bite. Her eyes widened. ¡°This tastes exactly like the caf¨¦ near my firm!¡± Across the table, Asher merely hummed nomittally. Thalia wasn¡¯t sure what to make of that response. She tried another bite. The taste was identical to her favorite breakfast spot¨Cthe hondaise had that same subtle hint of lemon, the eggs were poached to the same perfect consistency. She eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Did you get this from The Morning Room behind my office?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± His expression remained neutral. ¡°How did you know about that ce?¡± It was at least six miles from the hotel, and certainly not a spot tourists would know about. Seeing no point in hiding it, he admitted, ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ visited New York before. To check on you.¡± Thalia froze. He¡¯de to see her? Without her knowing? ¡°When?¡± she choked out. ¡°The first year after you left. And the second. This year too.¡± His tone was matter of fact. Thalia felt her head spin. He¡¯de every year to watch over her, secretly. The suite¡¯s lived in feel suddenly made sense. He must have stayed frequently. Something stirred in her chest, her heart racing. Too afraid to examine the feeling, she changed the subject. ¡°Thank you for the wontons. They¡¯re really good.¡± Seeing her ear tips turn scarlet, he smiled. ying along, he said, ¡°By the way, I know an exceptional restoration expert. She¡¯s worked on pieces for the British Museum. She might be able to help.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Thalia¡¯s head shot up, eyes bright with hope. He nodded. ¡°When we¡¯re back in London, I¡¯ll take you to meet her.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± His words were like a balm to her aching heart. She couldn¡¯t exin why, but she trusted himpletely. If he said this expert was skilled, she knew her Beagle could be saved. What a morning of revtions. After all Asher¡¯s ¡°surprises¡± today, she wondered what else she didn¡¯t know about him. (12) (0) Your Gold Digger 17 Chapter 17 After breakfast, they made their way to the underground parking garage. As Thalia approached the ice blue Bentley, Asher asked, ¡°How¡¯s the car handling?¡± She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, ¡°Drove itst night¨Cit¡¯s wonderful. Thank you.¡± ¡°Ready to head out?¡± Thalia held up the keys, then suddenly remembered, ¡°Oh! I have something for you. I meant to give it to youst night but it slipped my mind.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°In my suitcase at the hotel. I¡¯ll give it to you when I return.¡± Asher opened the driver¡¯s door. ¡°I¡¯lle with you. Let me drive.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Thalia hesitated briefly before understanding dawned. ¡°You cane, but I¡¯ll drive. You should rest.¡± He¡¯d flown across the Antic to check on her, then driven across the city for her breakfast. He must be exhausted. ¡°Very well.¡± His eyes held a hint of amusement at her concern as he moved to the passenger side. ¡°The wheel is yours.¡± On the highway, conversation flowed naturally between them. ¡°Can anyone observe your hearing today?¡± he inquired. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a contract dispute¨Cnothing confidential. Would you like toe?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you as awyer in action before,¡± his voice carried a hint of careful hope. ¡°Of course.¡± Thalia thought it made sense for them to understand each other¡¯s worlds. ¡°Did you bring your ID? You¡¯ll need it for a visitor pass.¡± ¡°I did.¡± He¡¯d brought it for the flight and had actually researched court requirements beforehand. ¡°Perfect, I¡¯ll get you sorted.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Absorbed in driving, Thalia didn¡¯t notice the tender gaze Asher cast her way, his eyes filled with affection. Afortable silence settled between them as the city scenery shed past. 1 After a long silence, Thalia suddenly asked the question she¡¯d wanted to ask for three years: ¡°Why did you agree to the marriage arrangement between our families?¡± The question weighed heavily, and with good reason. The ckwoods weren¡¯t merely part of Britain¡¯s aristocracy¨Cthey were among its most influential families. Asher¡¯s grandfather, the current Earl of ckwood, held significant sway in Parliament¡¯s House of Lords, continuing a family tradition of political prominence that stretched back centuries. His mother came from an equally distinguished line of peers, with both families¡® influence extending from politics into the highest echelons of British society. By all traditional measures, Asher¡¯s future wife should havee from a simr background¡ªperhaps the daughter of a duke or earl, someone whose family connections could further strengthen the ckwoods¡® already formidable position in British society. Their social circles were filled with eligible young women from Britain¡¯s oldest and most prestigious families. The Winters, while certainly prominent in London¡¯s financial circles, were essentially new money. Their wealth and business acumen were impressive, but theycked the centuries of noble lineage and political influence that defined families like the ckwoods. While Thalia¡¯s father had built an impressive business empire, they were still considered rtive neers in Britain¡¯s rigid social hierarchy. the This marriage could only be seen as advantageous to the Winters¨Ca step up into genuine aristocracy. For the ckwoods, however, it represented an unusual choice, perhaps even a step down in certain social circles. Having grown up navigating these intricate social hierarchies, Thalia understood perfectly well what an unconventional match this was. His dark eyes grew contemtive. ¡°In our generation, maintaining family position through marriage alliances isn¡¯t really necessary anymore.¡± The answer heldyers of ambiguity. ¡°Then why not marry someone of your own choosing? Someone you love?¡± His voice deepened. ¡°If I were truly opposed, no one could force this arrangement.¡± Thalia¡¯s breath caught. She forced herself not to read too deeply into his words, though her pulse quickened traitorously. She wondered if he was naturally this charming, if previous rtionships had taught him exactly how to affect women so profoundly. Since she¡¯d agreed to the arrangement, his thoughtfulness had been impable, every detail considered. She feared she might be falling for him. In court, Thalia was magnificent. Her arguments flowed with precision and confidence, her logic impable. She dominated the opposing counsel, driving home point after devastating point, never losing control of the narrative. From the gallery, Asher watched with undisguised pride as shemanded the courtroom, admiration and affection evident in every nce, His Thalia was truly remarkable. After the hearing, he handed her a bottle of water. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± She took a few sips. ¡°Judgment reserved, but our chances look good.¡± ¡°You were mesmerizing up there,¡± he said softly. ¡°The way your eyes zed with conviction¨CI couldn¡¯t look away.¡± She smiled shyly. ¡°Really? I do feel transformed when I¡¯m arguing a case.¡± ¡°You were outstanding,¡± he said with genuine admiration. ¡°You¡¯ll be a leading name inw someday.¡± Her smile brightened. ¡°From your lips to God¡¯s ears.¡± But her thoughts strayed to Drake. In three years, he¡¯d never shown the slightest interest in her work, let alone attended court. He only ever mentioned her sry dismissively, noting it wouldn¡¯t cover one of his evenings out with friends. He hadn¡¯t just disregarded her career¨Che¡¯d actively disrespected her ambition. She remembered when she¡¯d won a significant case worth half a million dors, earning substantial fees. Excited, she¡¯d shared the news, only to have him dismiss itpletely. His smirk remained vivid in her memory: ¡°Ourpany handles billion¨Cdor contracts daily. Why waste time on these small cases? Just quit yingwyer and let me take care of you.¡± After that, she never shared work news with him again. Perhaps he¡¯d had some genuine feelings for her, but only for her appearance. He¡¯d never understood her as a person. Their rtionship had been all surface pleasure, never touching anything deeper. For the first time, Thalia truly felt that perhaps Asher could be the partner she needed¨Csomeone who saw her, understood her, respected her. Leaving court, Asher took a call from his assistant. Hanging up, his expression turned grave. ¡°The milk was drugged withxatives. A dangerous dose.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes went cold. ¡°As I suspected.¡± ¡°Shall I handle it?¡± She shook her head. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll settle this score myself.¡± Sienna must have known about the court date, targeting her deliberately. The test results proved tampering but couldn¡¯t prove who did it. Police involvement would be pointless. This was personal. She¡¯d handle it personally. After court, they spent several days exploring the city together. They tried her favorite restaurants, and though spicy food clearly challenged his British pte, he finished every dish, despite the perspiration on his brow. They visited scenic spots, taking photos and soaking in natural beauty. They toured historical sites, sharing perspectives on art and culture. These few days with Asher held more joy than three years with Drake had ever managed to provide. Meanwhile, Sienna spent five days in hospital. Drake stayed with her throughout. During those days, he kept checking his phonepulsively, expecting¨Choping for¨Cmessages from Thalia. But beyond work emails and friends¡® party invitations, nothing came. Finally, he cracked, sending a text: [Had enough drama yet?] As he helped Thalia with photos, Asher caught sight of the message. His eyes darkened dangerously. Your Gold Digger 18 After taking photos, Asher handed back her phone, his expression carefully neutral. ¡°You have a message¡± ¡°Ohp¡± Thalia opened it, her face stiffening at Drake¡¯s words. She knew message previews appeared automatically¨CAsher must have seen it. She nced back at him nervously, exining, ¡°My ex. We¡¯ve broken up.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Asher¡¯s expression remained impassive, his eyes unreadable. ¡°I¡¯ve blocked him on everything else¨Cforgot about his number.¡± Thalia felt oddly flustered. She was twenty¨Cfive; having an ex¨Cboyfriend was perfectly normal. Besides, she¡¯d dated Drake before agreeing to the arrangement with Asher. She had nothing to feel guilty about. Realizing this, she calmed herself. ¡°I¡¯ll block him now.¡± She did so immediately, with Asher watching. ¡°Trust me,¡± she added, ¡°once I agreed to our arrangement, any past rtionships became exactly that¨Cpast.¡± Asher nodded, his dark eyes still inscrutable. But as Thalia turned away, the faintest smile yed at his lips. After several days of exploring the city together, it was time to return to London. She hadn¡¯t told her family she wasing home, so no one from the Winters household was at the airport. Instead, Asher¡¯s assistant met them with a ck Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan. ¡°Shall Ie in with you?¡± Asher asked as they pulled up to the Winters estate. Thalia shook her head. ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± She stood at the gates, hesitating. Sensing her reluctance, Asher didn¡¯t linger. Only after his car disappeared did Thalia ring the bell. Three years ago, she¡¯d left without her keys. Now she needed to be buzzed into her own home¨Cthe irony wasn¡¯t lost on her. Mrs. rke, their housekeeper of fifteen years, opened the door and froze. ¡°Miss¡­ Miss Thalia? You¡¯re home?¡± Her voice cracked with emotion. Thalia¡¯s throat tightened as she nodded. ¡°Thank goodness. I¡¯ll call your father right away.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not here?¡± ¡°No, miss. He¡¯s at the office. Your stepmother¡¯s at Lucy¡¯s school for a parent event.¡± Thalia exhaled in relief. She needed time to breathe before facing them all¨Cher stepmother, half¨Csister, and the father she¡¯d been at odds with for years. Each rtionship was its own minefield. Her bedroom remained exactly as she¡¯d left it, immactely maintained. Someone had clearly dusted daily. After unpacking and showering, she heard Mrs. rke¡¯s knock. ¡°Miss Thalia? What would you like for dinner?¡± Thalia opened the door with a slight smile. ¡°The usual, please.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Mrs. rke beamed, genuinely delighted. She¡¯d watched Thalia grow up, loving her like a daughter. She¡¯d been the one to carry young Thalia in from the snow the night Rosalind died. When Randolph retreated into depression after Rosalind¡¯s death, neglecting his daughter, Mrs. rke had stayed at Thalia¡¯s hospital bedside through her fever. As Thalia refused food in her grief, it was Mrs. rke who coaxed her to eat, who held her through the worst nights. Without Mrs. rke, Thalia might not have survived that period. 15:55 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 17.6% Thalia considered her family. Though she hadn¡¯t spoken to her father in three years, she¡¯d still called Mrs. rke on holidays. ¡°I brought you something.¡± Thalia handed her a beautifully wrapped package. ¡°The finest tea from New York¡¯s best shop.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll make some for you tonight-¡± ¡°No,¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°This is for you. I¡¯ve had plenty. I wanted you to try it.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly-¡± Thalia pressed the gift into her hands. ¡°Please. After everything you¡¯ve done for me, it¡¯s the least I can offer.¡± Mrs. rke¡¯s eyes welled up. ¡°Miss Thalia¡­¡± ¡°Thalia! You¡¯re back!¡± A young voice rang out as a small girl ran forward, throwing her arms around Thalia¡¯s legs. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much!¡± Eight¨Cyear¨Cold Lucy Winters looked up at her half¨Csister, eyes shining with joy. Lucy had always adored Thalia, though Thalia remained distant. She couldn¡¯t help associating Lucy with Victoria, her stepmother¨Cher mother¡¯s former best friend. Still, Lucy was innocent. Despite herplicated feelings about Victoria, Thalia couldn¡¯t bring herself to be cruel to such a sweet child who only wanted her sister¡¯s love. ¡°You¡¯re home early from school?¡± ¡°Mrs. rke told us you were back. Lucy couldn¡¯t wait to see you,¡± Victoria appeared, smiling warmly. Thalia tensed. Before she¡¯d left, her hatred for her stepmother had been obvious. They¡¯d barely exchanged words all year. Thalia despised Victoria not just for marrying her father, but for betraying her own best friend. In Thalia¡¯s eyes, Victoria was a scheming woman who¡¯d stolen her friend¡¯s husband. And Randolph was no better¨Ca man who¡¯d fallen for his dead wife¡¯s best friend. These feelings had transformed Thalia from a perfect daughter into a rebel. When Thalia remained silent, Victoria continued pleasantly, ¡°You must be tired. Rest a bit¨CI¡¯ll call you for dinner.¡± Lucy tugged at Thalia¡¯s hand. ¡°Come see the painting I made for you!¡± Thalia withdrew her hand coldly. ¡°No. I need to rest.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Lucy¡¯s face fell as she stepped back. Victoria took Lucy¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s not disturb your sister.¡± Mrs. rke stood awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll go prepare dinner then, madam.¡± After they left, Thalia closed her door, finally finding silence. That evening, Randolph returned home, and the family gathered at the dinner table. He studied Thalia. ¡°You might have told us you wereing home.¡± ¡°Would it have mattered either way?¡± Her tone dripped hostility. His brow furrowed. ¡°Three years haven¡¯t changed your attitude?¡± Thalia¡¯s smile was sharp. ¡°Three years haven¡¯t led to your divorce from Aunt Victoria?¡± (10) Your Gold Digger 19 (0) The family dinner was strained, with everyone eating in ufortable silence. Having nothing to say to her family. Thalia retreated to her room early. Spotting the gift box on her desk reminded her she still hadn¡¯t given Asher his watch. She called him. ¡°Asher? Remember that gift I mentioned? Are you at the estate? I could bring it over.¡± ¡°I am.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± Meanwhile, at Drake¡¯s penthouse¡­. When Drake and Sienna entered, Rosa looked past them expectantly. ¡°Mr. Ashcroft, isn¡¯t Miss Winters with you?¡± Drake frowned. ¡°She¡¯s not here?¡± ¡°She hasn¡¯t been home for days, sir. I thought she was with you.¡± Suddenly uneasy, Drake took the stairs two at a time. In Thalia¡¯s room, the transformation was stark. Her vanity was stripped bare¨Cno cosmetics, no skincare products. The personal touches that had made the room hers were gone. He yanked open the closet. Empty. Every trace of Thalia had vanished, leaving the room as pristine as before she¡¯d moved in. Drake¡¯s breathing quickened. He shouted down to Rosa: ¡°When did she move her things out?¡± The housekeeper flinched at his tone. ¡°The room was empty when I came to clean the next day. I thought you knew¡­ Drake¡¯s fists clenched as he pulled out his phone. The call wouldn¡¯t connect¨Che¡¯d been blocked. He immediately called Celine. Thalia had few friends in New York: Celine had been closest to her. Time Gold Cheer Celine sounded surprised. ¡°Thalia? No, I haven¡¯t seen her. Let me try messaging her.¡± A momentter: ¡°She¡¯s blocked me too.¡± Drake froze. Standing nearby, Sienna had pieced it together. Her heart leaped¨CThalia had actually left. ¡°Drake¡­ does this mean you¡¯ve broken up?¡± The question stunned him. Break up? He hadn¡¯t meant that. His words that night¨Cabout never wanting to see her again¨Chad been spoken in anger. Even when she¡¯d blocked him, he¡¯d assumed she was just sulking, waiting for him to apologize. But emptying her room of every possession? Was that really just a tantrum? Seeing his troubled expression, Sienna slipped her arm through his. ¡°If you¡¯ve broken up, let¡¯s respect that. We could take a trip, clear your head.¡± Drake¡¯s initial panic had transformed into anger. Fine. So Thalia thought she could just walk away from him. Let¡¯s see how long shested. Ten days? Two weeks? Her disappearing act infuriated him. He¡¯d let her stew for a while. He¡¯d show her that he was perfectly fine without her. He forced a smile. ¡°A trip sounds good. Where would you like to go?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Sienna brightened. ¡°I was thinking Montana¨Cthe fall colors at cier National Park are supposed to be stunning.¡± cier National Park. Why did that sound so familiar? 18.6% Then he remembered¨CThalia had mentioned wanting to go there during fall break He¡¯d dismissed it: ¡°Everything¡¯s crowded during holidays. What¡¯s the point?¡± It was fall break now. His instinct was to refuse, but thinking of Thalia changed his mind. ¡°Montana sounds perfect.¡± Later, still unsettled despite watching TV with Sienna, he made an excuse to leave. Sienna didn¡¯t press him. She understood he needed time to adjust to Thalia¡¯s absence. She smiled graciously. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be here when you return.¡± Outside, Drake called Mason. ¡°Drinks tonight? Get Chase and the others too.¡± At their usual private club, Chase greeted him: ¡°Just you? Where¡¯s Sienna?¡± Drake gave him an odd look. ¡°Why would she be here?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Chase floundered. Before he could recover, Drake added: ¡°Thalia¡¯s my girlfriend. Why aren¡¯t you asking about her?¡± Chase stared. ¡°Come on, Drake. Since Sienna got back, she¡¯s been at every gathering. Didn¡¯t you say Thalia was too boring for our crowd?¡± Drake¡¯s expression turned peculiar. He couldn¡¯t argue with that. Mason quickly changed the subject. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you outtely. Been busy?¡± Drake sank into a couch, lighting a cigarette. ¡°Been at the hospital with Sienna. She was injured.¡± Mason¡¯s expression turned strange. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say Thalia was your girlfriend? She was okay with you spending days at the hospital with Sienna?¡± Duckeln face darkened Okay with it? She was trying to break up with him! He took a long drag. ¡°She wants to end things.¡± The men exchanged awkward nces, regretting the topic. Chase scoffed. ¡°Thalia? Break up with you? You¡¯re probably the best she could ever get. Ten days max before shees crawling back.¡± ¡°Agreed. She¡¯s been crazy about you for three years. Eight days, tops.¡± ¡°She¡¯s just throwing a tantrum, waiting for you to chase her. Two weeks maximum before she¡¯s begging to reconcile.¡± Drake¡¯s expression cleared at their words. He sipped his drink dismissively. ¡°Chase her? Not happening.¡± Then Mason asked quietly: ¡°But¡­ what if she doesn¡¯te back?¡± The question stopped Drake cold. What would he do if Thalia didn¡¯t return? He realized he¡¯d never considered that possibility. Your Gold Digger 20 hapter 20 The car service dropped Drake off at 3 AM, barely conscious as he stumbled to bed fully dressed. He woke to his stomach in knots. ¡°Thalia,¡± he mumbled through the hangover haze, ¡°grab my meds?¡± The silence hit him like a wall. ¡°Thalia? Thalia-¡± Reality crashed in as his eyes snapped open. Right. She¡¯d moved out. The emptiness in his chest felt worse than his stomach. After searching every cab for medicine and finding nothing, he finally caved and called Rosa, his housekeeper. She answered, groggy but professional. ¡°The meds, where are they?¡± Looking at her phone¨C4 AM¨CRosa counted to ten. These trust fund kids would be the death of her. ¡°First¨Caid kit, Miss Winters¡® room, top drawer,¡± she managed evenly. He found the kit but faced a new problem: a pharmacy¡¯s worth of medications stared back at him. Thalia had always known exactly which ones he needed. He scannedbels, swallowed something that seemed right, and hoped for the best. The pills knocked him out until past noon. ¡°Rosa,¡± he called when he woke. ¡°Can you make that stomach remedy?¡± She paused. ¡°Miss Winters¡® special recipe?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t.¡± His face darkened. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°It needs overnight prep¨Cspecial herbs, specific ingredients. Plus all the freshponents. Can¡¯t start it now.¡± ¡°Besides,¡± she added carefully. ¡°I know what goes in it, but not how she actually made it.¡± His jaw ticked. ¡°Regr soup then?¡± ¡°That I can handle.¡± He leaned back, rubbing his temples, when a knock made him straighten. Had shee back? ¡°Come in.¡± Sienna appeared in the doorway. The disappointment must have shown because her smile faltered. ¡°Oh¡­ it¡¯s me?¡± She caught his expression, nails digging into her palms. She knew exactly who he¡¯d hoped to see. Still, she stered on a smile. ¡°Rosa said you weren¡¯t feeling great. Better now?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered. She settled beside him, pulling up her phone. ¡°Look what I found¨Cthe perfect Montana itinerary. We should road trip it, maybe get a driver since the distances are crazy. After cier we could-¡± Her voice suddenly felt like nails on a chalkboard. His head was pounding, and her constant chatter wasn¡¯t helping. Thalia would have known exactly what he needed¨Cher miracle soup, her quiet presence. ¡°Enough,¡± he snapped. ¡°Later. Not now.¡± Sienna¡¯s phone lowered slowly. ¡°Am I¡­ bothering you?¡± The hurt in her voice was carefully calibrated. Drake sighed, guilt winning. ¡°Just the headache. We¡¯ll nter, okay?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± She curled against him, the picture of understanding. Meanwhile, at an old¨Cworld gentlemen¡¯s club in Mayfair¡­ A group of young aristocrats were gathered around a bridge table. James caught sight of Asher¡¯s wrist. ¡°I say, rather smart timepiece you¡¯ve got there.¡± Asher yed his hand, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Rather lovely, isn¡¯t it? A gift from Lia.¡± ¡°My word, the privileges of being engaged,¡± Sebastian teased. ¡°One does envy you, old chap.¡± James¡¯s expression turned thoughtful. ¡°Though I must say¨Cbit curious about the Winters connection. Not quite the match one might have expected, what?¡± Though they all moved in the same elevated circles, the old hierarchies remained firmly in ce. The ckwoods stood at the pinnacle of British society, their influence in Parliament stretching back generations. Asher, as heir to the family name, would typically have been expected to marry into another family of simr standing. Asher¡¯s smile took on a softer quality. ¡°Not an arranged match, as it happens.¡± ¡°Good Lord,¡± Sebastian was genuinely shocked. ¡°What are you saying?¡± ¡°Three years ago, I approached Randolph myself,¡± Asher exined. ¡°The moment Lia finished at university, I paid him a visit.¡± ¡°Told him he could name any terms he liked. I¡¯d agree to anything, provided I could marry Lia.¡± His eyes brightened at the memory. ¡°After all this time, it¡¯s finallying together.¡± ¡°You mean to say you¡¯ve been carrying a torch for her all these years?¡± Sebastian let out a low whistle. ¡°Frightfully secretive of you, old boy. Known you since our Eton days and never had the faintest idea.¡± James chuckled warmly. ¡°We¡¯d all rather assumed you were married to your parliamentary duties. Turns out you were simply pining away in silence.¡± ¡°When did all this start then?¡± Sebastian pressed, dearly intrigued by this revtion. ¡°Must have been ages ago.¡± Asher studied his cards with exaggerated attention, a slight simile ying at his lips. ¡°A gentleman doesn¡¯t discuss such matters.¡± ¡°ying it close to the chest, are we?¡± Sebastian¡¯s smile turned knowing. ¡°Though I seem to recall she rather dramatically fled the country to avoid marriage altogether. Perhaps this gift is mere politeness. Wouldn¡¯t get too carried away just yet.¡± James nced up with calcted casualness. ¡°On that note¡ªI heard something rather interesting. Did you know she¡¯s been rather involved with someone in New York?¡± (12) Your Gold Digger 21 Asher¡¯s expression turned cool. ¡°That¡¯s over. He¡¯s her ex now.¡± ¡°And that doesn¡¯t bother you?¡± Sebastian pressed. ¡°Everyone has a past,¡± Asher replied with studied nonchnce, giving Sebastian a measured look. ¡°Or are you iming you don¡¯t?¡± Sebastian rubbed his nose self¨Cconsciously. ¡°Well yes, but¡­ this is different. She¡¯s your first love, while you¡¯re not hers. That doesn¡¯t trouble you at all?¡± ¡°Not in the least.¡± The tenderness in Asher¡¯s dark eyes was unmistakable. ¡°Simply having her in my life now is more than I could have hoped for.¡± ¡°Good Lord,¡± James chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve gone absolutely soft, old chap.¡± Checking his watch, Asher rose. ¡°Time to go, I believe.¡± He¡¯d arranged a wee dinner for Thalia. Under the glittering lights of London¡¯s finest hotel, an ice blue Bentley glided to a stop at the entrance. The evening air carried an autumn chill as Thalia stepped out. ¡°Thalia, over here!¡± Victoria called from the entrance, beaming. Charlotte stood beside her. ¡°Vicky, Charlie!¡± Thalia smiled warmly, her heels clicking against marble as she approached. ¡°Finally remembered we exist?¡± Charlotte pretended to sulk. ¡°Thought you¡¯d forgotten all about us in New York.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes crinkled with warmth. ¡°Missed you too much to stay away. Not happy to see me?¡± ¡°Cheeky thing,¡± Charlotte huffed. Victoria linked arms with Thalia, smiling fondly. ¡°Charlie¡¯s been talking about you non¨Cstop. She¡¯s absolutely thrilled you¡¯re back.¡± Her two best friends couldn¡¯t be more different¨CVictoria, the perfect picture of aristocratic grace, and 16:10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B Charlotte, all wit and vivacity. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful about you and Asher,¡± Victoria said warmly. Charlotte studied Thalia with concern. ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re certain about this? It¡¯s what you want?¡± Thalia tapped Charlotte¡¯s forehead yfully. ¡°Since when could anyone force me to do anything?¡± Both friends knew about her boyfriend in New York, though they¡¯d never met him. Over the past three years, Thalia had asionally shared bits of her rtionship, but she hadn¡¯t mentioned the breakup. ¡°Have you ended things with Drake?¡± Victoria asked gently. ¡°Blocked him everywhere. He¡¯ll understand.¡± Charlotte tilted her head. ¡°What changed your mind so suddenly?¡± A sh of derision crossed Thalia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Found out I was merely a recement for his ex.¡± ¡°What?¡± Charlotte was outraged. ¡°The absolute nerve of him! As if anyone could rece our Thalia!¡± ¡°Good riddance,¡± Victoria dered firmly. ¡°He never deserved you.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes betrayed no emotion. ¡°Ancient history. Shall we? Asher and the others are waiting upstairs.¡® The hotel manager personally escorted them. ¡°This way,dies.¡± October had brought a chill to London. Thalia wore a cream trench coat over a light blouse, paired with knee¨Chigh boots. Her loose waves framed a face that had gained a certain sophistication over the years. ¡°Look who¡¯s finally here!¡± Sebastian greeted them first. ¡°These years have been rather kind to you, darling.¡± Charlotte rolled her eyes. ¡°Must you be so insufferable?¡± ¡°I beg your pardon!¡± Sebastian affected offense. ¡°This isn¡¯t insufferable¨Cit¡¯s called social grace.¡± ¡°It¡¯s called being utterly tiresome,¡± Charlotte steered Thalia away. ¡°Come along, ignore him.¡± Victoria settled primly beside James. ¡°Hello, brother.¡± He acknowledged her with a slight nod. 19 16.10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B Thalia took her ce beside Asher. ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡± His voice was warm. ¡°We only just arrived ourselves.¡± His gaze shifted to a young woman nearby. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say hello?¡± There was a gentle rebuke in his tone. The girl grimaced before muttering reluctantly, ¡°Hello, Miss Winters.¡± Asher¡¯s expression cooled noticeably. ¡°And you are?¡± Thalia inquired politely. ¡°My sister, Grace,¡± Asher replied coolly. ¡°Our ward.¡± Ah, the ckwoods¡® ward. Thalia had heard of her but never met her. Grace had been raised separately from the family and sent abroad for school until recently. ¡°Grace,¡± Asher¡¯s voice carried quiet authority, ¡°Thalia is my future wife and your sister¨Cinw. Is that any way to greet her?¡± His eyes held a warning. ¡°Who taught you such manners?¡± ¡°Sorry, Asher.¡± Grace quickly apologized. ¡°Who deserves your apology?¡± The temperature seemed to drop several degrees. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ sister,¡± Grace managed, with passable sincerity. ¡°Please, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Thalia waved it off, though difort flickered across her face. Not the best start to their future rtionship. She turned gentle eyes to Asher. ¡°Don¡¯t be so stern with her.¡± The ice in his expression melted instantly. ¡°As you wish,¡± he smiled softly. Grace watched this exchange intently. Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Berd Under the table, her fists clenched with barely contained emotion. ¡°You look rather pale, Grace,¡± Charlotte observed pointedly. ¡°Shall I call for a doctor?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Grace replied coldly. Charlotte rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, ¡°Such dramatics.¡± Though she¡¯d never met Grace before, her instincts warned her that the girl would be trouble. Grace¡¯s hostility toward Thalia was painfully obvious. Sebastian overheard Charlotte¡¯s muttering and tugged her sleeve gently. ¡°Easy now. She¡¯s still Asher¡¯s sister. Show some courtesy.¡± Charlotte whirled on him, pinching his arm hard in retaliation. ¡°Try that again, shall we?¡± ¡°Ow! Mercy, mercy! I surrender!¡± Just then, the door opened. ¡°Terribly sorry I¡¯mte¨CLondon traffic was absolutely dreadful.¡± (12) (0) Your Gold Digger 22 The neer was an elegant woman in her thirties, radiating a refined presence. ¡°Thalia,¡± Asher introduced, ¡°this is Dr. Sarah Bet, the restoration expert I mentioned.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She¡¯d expected an elderly academic, not this striking woman. She rose quickly to shake hands. ¡°Dr. Bet, I¡¯m Thalia Winters. I can¡¯t tell you how grateful I am for your help with my figurine.¡± ¡°Oh dear,¡± Sarahughed warmly, eyes crinkling. ¡°Dr. Bet sounds terribly formal. Sarah, please.¡± Thalia flushed, embarrassed at her over¨Cformality. 14 ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¨CI didn¡¯t mean to be stuffy.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Sarah¡¯s smile remained warm as her gaze flickered to Asher. ¡°I must say, you¡¯re quite surprising. Our Asher here is notoriously particr¨CI¡¯ve been quite curious what sort of woman could capture his attention. Now I understandpletely.¡± ¡°Please, sit,¡± Thalia pulled out a chair. After pouring tea for Sarah, Thalia hovered attentively. ¡°Hope it¡¯s to your taste.¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as she sipped. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°Thalia, darling, do rx,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°Dr. Bet is being very wellpensated. You needn¡¯t fuss so.¡± Thalia smiled and returned to her seat beside him. ¡°Always ruining my fun, Asher,¡± Sarah mock¨Cpouted. Turning to Thalia, she asked brightly, ¡°Did you bring the piece with you, dear?¡± ¡°Not yet¨Cwould you minding back to the house with me after dinner? I can show you then.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Sarah agreed readily. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True After dinner, Sarah apanied Thalia to the Winters estate. Thalia carefully unwrapped the broken figurine. ¡°Do you think it can be saved?¡± Sarah examined the pieces, brow furrowing. ¡°Quite thoroughly shattered, isn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia held her breath. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, dear. Now it¡¯s in my hands, I promise to restore it properly.¡± Thalia exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°My pleasure.¡± Sarah was privately thrilled. Asher¡¯s restoration fee was extraordinarily generous for such a small project. ¡°Do you have any photos of the original piece?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send them to you.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll contact you if I need any other details. Shall we call it a night?¡± ¡°Let me have the driver take you home.¡± ¡°That would be lovely.¡± With the restoration arranged, Thalia turned her thoughts to settling scores with Drake and Sienna. She called her cousin Alexander. ¡°Alex? I need a favor.¡± That evening, fresh from her shower, Thalia¡¯s phone buzzed with an unknown New York number. Thinking it might be a client, she answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Silence. She tried again twice. Still nothing. ¡°If you won¡¯t speak, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Drake¡¯s voice. ¡°Thalia, unblock my number and WhatsApp.¡± Her brow creased. ¡°No.¡± His tone turned awkward. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop fighting? I¡¯ve missed you these past few days. I shouldn¡¯t have said those things. I was wrong.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. We¡¯re over.¡± ¡°Over?¡± His voice went cold. ¡°I never agreed to that.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a divorce¨CI don¡¯t need your agreement.¡± Thalia¡¯s tone was ice. ¡°Don¡¯t contact me again, Drake.¡± She hung up and blocked the new number. Thalia turned her attention to her career ns. While she could open her own practice, shecked the reputation to make it sessful immediately. She decided to join an established firm first, build her name, then strike out on her ownter. When she shared this thinking with Asher, he waspletely supportive. ¡°You¡¯re brilliant¨Cyou¡¯ll make quite a name for yourself. Have you considered Sinir & Klein? They¡¯re the top firm in London currently.¡± After consideration, Thalia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll send them my CV.¡± Meanwhile, Drake stared at his silent phone, feeling hollow. How could Thalia be so cold? Ending things without a backward nce? Hey in her old bed, breathing in the lingering scent from her pillow. Burying his face in it, he imagined her face. ¡°Thalia, I miss you.¡± God, how he missed her. Sienna entered then. ¡°Drake? Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± He pulled her down suddenly, passion igniting. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True At the height of intimacy, Drake called out mindlessly: ¡°Thalia, my Thal¨ªa, I miss you so much¡­¡± Beneath him, Sienna froze. Her face went white. The next day, Charlotte organized drinks to celebrate Thalia¡¯s return. At the bar, the three women settled into their booth. N ¡°That Grace is going to be trouble,¡± Charlotte dered, downing her drink. ¡°Her attitude yesterday was appalling.¡± Victoria nodded. ¡°She does seem rather difficult. Your future sister¨Cinw may prove challenging.¡± Charlotte scoffed. ¡°Sister¨Cinw? Please. She¡¯s the housekeeper¡¯s daughter. ¡®Ward¡® sounds better than ¡®orphan living on charity,¡® doesn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe hadn¡¯t known Grace was the housekeeper¡¯s child. ¡°Why did the ckwoods take her in?¡± Victoria lowered her voice. ¡°ording to James, Lady ckwood was being robbed. Their housekeeper took the knife meant for her. Before she died, Lady ckwood promised her The neer was an elegant woman in her thirties, radiating a refined presence. ¡°Thalia,¡± Asher introduced, ¡°this is Dr. Sarah Bet, the restoration expert I mentioned.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She¡¯d expected an elderly academic, not this striking woman. She rose quickly to shake hands. ¡°Dr. Bet, I¡¯m Thalia Winters. I can¡¯t tell you how grateful I am for your help with my figurine.¡± ¡°Oh dear,¡± Sarahughed warmly, eyes crinkling. ¡°Dr. Bet sounds terribly formal. Sarah, please.¡± Thalia flushed, embarrassed at her over¨Cformality. 14 ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¨CI didn¡¯t mean to be stuffy.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Sarah¡¯s smile remained warm as her gaze flickered to Asher. ¡°I must say, you¡¯re quite surprising. Our Asher here is notoriously particr¨CI¡¯ve been quite curious what sort of woman could capture his attention. Now I understandpletely.¡± ¡°Please, sit,¡± Thalia pulled out a chair. After pouring tea for Sarah, Thalia hovered attentively. ¡°Hope it¡¯s to your taste.¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as she sipped. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°Thalia, darling, do rx,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°Dr. Bet is being very wellpensated. You needn¡¯t fuss so.¡± Thalia smiled and returned to her seat beside him. ¡°Always ruining my fun, Asher,¡± Sarah mock¨Cpouted. Turning to Thalia, she asked brightly, ¡°Did you bring the piece with you, dear?¡± ¡°Not yet¨Cwould you minding back to the house with me after dinner? I can show you then.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Sarah agreed readily. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True After dinner, Sarah apanied Thalia to the Winters estate. Thalia carefully unwrapped the broken figurine. ¡°Do you think it can be saved?¡± Sarah examined the pieces, brow furrowing. ¡°Quite thoroughly shattered, isn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia held her breath. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, dear. Now it¡¯s in my hands, I promise to restore it properly.¡± Thalia exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°My pleasure.¡± Sarah was privately thrilled. Asher¡¯s restoration fee was extraordinarily generous for such a small project. ¡°Do you have any photos of the original piece?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send them to you.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll contact you if I need any other details. Shall we call it a night?¡± ¡°Let me have the driver take you home.¡± ¡°That would be lovely.¡± With the restoration arranged, Thalia turned her thoughts to settling scores with Drake and Sienna. She called her cousin Alexander. ¡°Alex? I need a favor.¡± That evening, fresh from her shower, Thalia¡¯s phone buzzed with an unknown New York number. Thinking it might be a client, she answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Silence. She tried again twice. Still nothing. ¡°If you won¡¯t speak, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Drake¡¯s voice. ¡°Thalia, unblock my number and WhatsApp.¡± Her brow creased. ¡°No.¡± His tone turned awkward. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop fighting? I¡¯ve missed you these past few days. I shouldn¡¯t have said those things. I was wrong.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. We¡¯re over.¡± ¡°Over?¡± His voice went cold. ¡°I never agreed to that.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a divorce¨CI don¡¯t need your agreement.¡± Thalia¡¯s tone was ice. ¡°Don¡¯t contact me again, Drake.¡± She hung up and blocked the new number. Thalia turned her attention to her career ns. While she could open her own practice, shecked the reputation to make it sessful immediately. She decided to join an established firm first, build her name, then strike out on her ownter. When she shared this thinking with Asher, he waspletely supportive. ¡°You¡¯re brilliant¨Cyou¡¯ll make quite a name for yourself. Have you considered Sinir & Klein? They¡¯re the top firm in London currently.¡± After consideration, Thalia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll send them my CV.¡± Meanwhile, Drake stared at his silent phone, feeling hollow. How could Thalia be so cold? Ending things without a backward nce? Hey in her old bed, breathing in the lingering scent from her pillow. Burying his face in it, he imagined her face. ¡°Thalia, I miss you.¡± God, how he missed her. Sienna entered then. ¡°Drake? Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± He pulled her down suddenly, passion igniting. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True At the height of intimacy, Drake called out mindlessly: ¡°Thalia, my Thal¨ªa, I miss you so much¡­¡± Beneath him, Sienna froze. Her face went white. The next day, Charlotte organized drinks to celebrate Thalia¡¯s return. At the bar, the three women settled into their booth. N ¡°That Grace is going to be trouble,¡± Charlotte dered, downing her drink. ¡°Her attitude yesterday was appalling.¡± Victoria nodded. ¡°She does seem rather difficult. Your future sister¨Cinw may prove challenging.¡± Charlotte scoffed. ¡°Sister¨Cinw? Please. She¡¯s the housekeeper¡¯s daughter. ¡®Ward¡® sounds better than ¡®orphan living on charity,¡® doesn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe hadn¡¯t known Grace was the housekeeper¡¯s child. ¡°Why did the ckwoods take her in?¡± Victoria lowered her voice. ¡°ording to James, Lady ckwood was The neer was an elegant woman in her thirties, radiating a refined presence. ¡°Thalia,¡± Asher introduced, ¡°this is Dr. Sarah Bet, the restoration expert I mentioned.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She¡¯d expected an elderly academic, not this striking woman. She rose quickly to shake hands. ¡°Dr. Bet, I¡¯m Thalia Winters. I can¡¯t tell you how grateful I am for your help with my figurine.¡± ¡°Oh dear,¡± Sarahughed warmly, eyes crinkling. ¡°Dr. Bet sounds terribly formal. Sarah, please.¡± Thalia flushed, embarrassed at her over¨Cformality. 14 ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¨CI didn¡¯t mean to be stuffy.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Sarah¡¯s smile remained warm as her gaze flickered to Asher. ¡°I must say, you¡¯re quite surprising. Our Asher here is notoriously particr¨CI¡¯ve been quite curious what sort of woman could capture his attention. Now I understandpletely.¡± ¡°Please, sit,¡± Thalia pulled out a chair. After pouring tea for Sarah, Thalia hovered attentively. ¡°Hope it¡¯s to your taste.¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as she sipped. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°Thalia, darling, do rx,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°Dr. Bet is being very wellpensated. You needn¡¯t fuss so.¡± Thalia smiled and returned to her seat beside him. ¡°Always ruining my fun, Asher,¡± Sarah mock¨Cpouted. Turning to Thalia, she asked brightly, ¡°Did you bring the piece with you, dear?¡± ¡°Not yet¨Cwould you minding back to the house with me after dinner? I can show you then.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Sarah agreed readily. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True After dinner, Sarah apanied Thalia to the Winters estate. Thalia carefully unwrapped the broken figurine. ¡°Do you think it can be saved?¡± Sarah examined the pieces, brow furrowing. ¡°Quite thoroughly shattered, isn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia held her breath. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, dear. Now it¡¯s in my hands, I promise to restore it properly.¡± Thalia exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°My pleasure.¡± Sarah was privately thrilled. Asher¡¯s restoration fee was extraordinarily generous for such a small project. ¡°Do you have any photos of the original piece?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send them to you.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll contact you if I need any other details. Shall we call it a night?¡± ¡°Let me have the driver take you home.¡± ¡°That would be lovely.¡± With the restoration arranged, Thalia turned her thoughts to settling scores with Drake and Sienna. She called her cousin Alexander. ¡°Alex? I need a favor.¡± That evening, fresh from her shower, Thalia¡¯s phone buzzed with an unknown New York number. Thinking it might be a client, she answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Silence. She tried again twice. Still nothing. ¡°If you won¡¯t speak, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Drake¡¯s voice. ¡°Thalia, unblock my number and WhatsApp.¡± Her brow creased. ¡°No.¡± His tone turned awkward. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop fighting? I¡¯ve missed you these past few days. I shouldn¡¯t have said those things. I was wrong.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. We¡¯re over.¡± ¡°Over?¡± His voice went cold. ¡°I never agreed to that.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a divorce¨CI don¡¯t need your agreement.¡± Thalia¡¯s tone was ice. ¡°Don¡¯t contact me again, Drake.¡± She hung up and blocked the new number. Thalia turned her attention to her career ns. While she could open her own practice, shecked the reputation to make it sessful immediately. She decided to join an established firm first, build her name, then strike out on her ownter. When she shared this thinking with Asher, he waspletely supportive. ¡°You¡¯re brilliant¨Cyou¡¯ll make quite a name for yourself. Have you considered Sinir & Klein? They¡¯re the top firm in London currently.¡± After consideration, Thalia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll send them my CV.¡± Meanwhile, Drake stared at his silent phone, feeling hollow. How could Thalia be so cold? Ending things without a backward nce? Hey in her old bed, breathing in the lingering scent from her pillow. Burying his face in it, he imagined her face. ¡°Thalia, I miss you.¡± God, how he missed her. Sienna entered then. ¡°Drake? Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± He pulled her down suddenly, passion igniting. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True At the height of intimacy, Drake called out mindlessly: ¡°Thalia, my Thal¨ªa, I miss you so much¡­¡± Beneath him, Sienna froze. Her face went white. The next day, Charlotte organized drinks to celebrate Thalia¡¯s return. At the bar, the three women settled into their booth. N ¡°That Grace is going to be trouble,¡± Charlotte dered, downing her drink. ¡°Her attitude yesterday was appalling.¡± Victoria nodded. ¡°She does seem rather difficult. Your future sister¨Cinw may prove challenging.¡± Charlotte scoffed. ¡°Sister¨Cinw? Please. She¡¯s the housekeeper¡¯s daughter. ¡®Ward¡® sounds better than ¡®orphan living on charity,¡® doesn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe hadn¡¯t known Grace was the housekeeper¡¯s child. ¡°Why did the ckwoods take her in?¡± Victoria lowered her voice. ¡°ording to James, Lady ckwo The neer was an elegant woman in her thirties, radiating a refined presence. ¡°Thalia,¡± Asher introduced, ¡°this is Dr. Sarah Bet, the restoration expert I mentioned.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up with surprise and delight. She¡¯d expected an elderly academic, not this striking woman. She rose quickly to shake hands. ¡°Dr. Bet, I¡¯m Thalia Winters. I can¡¯t tell you how grateful I am for your help with my figurine.¡± ¡°Oh dear,¡± Sarahughed warmly, eyes crinkling. ¡°Dr. Bet sounds terribly formal. Sarah, please.¡± Thalia flushed, embarrassed at her over¨Cformality. 14 ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¨CI didn¡¯t mean to be stuffy.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Sarah¡¯s smile remained warm as her gaze flickered to Asher. ¡°I must say, you¡¯re quite surprising. Our Asher here is notoriously particr¨CI¡¯ve been quite curious what sort of woman could capture his attention. Now I understandpletely.¡± ¡°Please, sit,¡± Thalia pulled out a chair. After pouring tea for Sarah, Thalia hovered attentively. ¡°Hope it¡¯s to your taste.¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as she sipped. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°Thalia, darling, do rx,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°Dr. Bet is being very wellpensated. You needn¡¯t fuss so.¡± Thalia smiled and returned to her seat beside him. ¡°Always ruining my fun, Asher,¡± Sarah mock¨Cpouted. Turning to Thalia, she asked brightly, ¡°Did you bring the piece with you, dear?¡± ¡°Not yet¨Cwould you minding back to the house with me after dinner? I can show you then.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Sarah agreed readily. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True After dinner, Sarah apanied Thalia to the Winters estate. Thalia carefully unwrapped the broken figurine. ¡°Do you think it can be saved?¡± Sarah examined the pieces, brow furrowing. ¡°Quite thoroughly shattered, isn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia held her breath. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, dear. Now it¡¯s in my hands, I promise to restore it properly.¡± Thalia exhaled in relief. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± ¡°My pleasure.¡± Sarah was privately thrilled. Asher¡¯s restoration fee was extraordinarily generous for such a small project. ¡°Do you have any photos of the original piece?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send them to you.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll contact you if I need any other details. Shall we call it a night?¡± ¡°Let me have the driver take you home.¡± ¡°That would be lovely.¡± With the restoration arranged, Thalia turned her thoughts to settling scores with Drake and Sienna. She called her cousin Alexander. ¡°Alex? I need a favor.¡± That evening, fresh from her shower, Thalia¡¯s phone buzzed with an unknown New York number. Thinking it might be a client, she answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Silence. She tried again twice. Still nothing. ¡°If you won¡¯t speak, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Drake¡¯s voice. ¡°Thalia, unblock my number and WhatsApp.¡± Her brow creased. ¡°No.¡± His tone turned awkward. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop fighting? I¡¯ve missed you these past few days. I shouldn¡¯t have said those things. I was wrong.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. We¡¯re over.¡± ¡°Over?¡± His voice went cold. ¡°I never agreed to that.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a divorce¨CI don¡¯t need your agreement.¡± Thalia¡¯s tone was ice. ¡°Don¡¯t contact me again, Drake.¡± She hung up and blocked the new number. Thalia turned her attention to her career ns. While she could open her own practice, shecked the reputation to make it sessful immediately. She decided to join an established firm first, build her name, then strike out on her ownter. When she shared this thinking with Asher, he waspletely supportive. ¡°You¡¯re brilliant¨Cyou¡¯ll make quite a name for yourself. Have you considered Sinir & Klein? They¡¯re the top firm in London currently.¡± After consideration, Thalia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll send them my CV.¡± Meanwhile, Drake stared at his silent phone, feeling hollow. How could Thalia be so cold? Ending things without a backward nce? Hey in her old bed, breathing in the lingering scent from her pillow. Burying his face in it, he imagined her face. ¡°Thalia, I miss you.¡± God, how he missed her. Sienna entered then. ¡°Drake? Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± He pulled her down suddenly, passion igniting. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True At the height of intimacy, Drake called out mindlessly: ¡°Thalia, my Thal¨ªa, I miss you so much¡­¡± Beneath him, Sienna froze. Her face went white. The next day, Charlotte organized drinks to celebrate Thalia¡¯s return. At the bar, the three women settled into their booth. N ¡°That Grace is going to be trouble,¡± Charlotte dered, downing her drink. ¡°Her attitude yesterday was appalling.¡± Victoria nodded. ¡°She does seem rather difficult. Your future sister¨Cinw may prove challenging.¡± Charlotte scoffed. ¡°Sister¨Cinw? Please. She¡¯s the housekeeper¡¯s daughter. ¡®Ward¡® sounds better than ¡®orphan living on charity,¡® doesn¡¯t it?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened¨Cshe hadn¡¯t known Grace was the housekeeper¡¯s child. ¡°Why did the ckwoods take her in?¡± Victoria lowered her voice. ¡°ording to James, Lady ckwood was being robbed. Their housekeeper took the knife meant for her. Before she died, Lady ckwood promised her one thing.¡± Victoria paused, watching Thalia carefully. ¡°Well? What was it?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll never guess what the dying housekeeper asked Lady ckwood to promise¡­¡± (10) (0) Chapter 23 od was being robbed. Their housekeeper took the knife meant for her. Before she died, Lady ckwood promised her one thing.¡± Victoria paused, watching Thalia carefully. ¡°Well? What was it?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll never guess what the dying housekeeper asked Lady ckwood to promise¡­¡± (10) (0) Chapter 23 being robbed. Their housekeeper took the knife meant for her. Before she died, Lady ckwood promised her one thing.¡± Victoria paused, watching Thalia carefully. ¡°Well? What was it?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll never guess what the dying housekeeper asked Lady ckwood to promise¡­¡± (10) (0) Chapter 23 one thing.¡± Victoria paused, watching Thalia carefully. ¡°Well? What was it?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll never guess what the dying housekeeper asked Lady ckwood to promise¡­¡± (10) (0) Chapter 23 Your Gold Digger 23 Chapter 23 ¡°To adopt Grace?¡± Thalia asked. Victoria leaned closer, lowering her voice. ¡°More than that. She asked Asher¡¯s mother to have him marry Grace when they grew up.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Christ,¡± Charlotte eximed. ¡°The nerve of her!¡± ¡°Lady ckwood must have found some way to refuse,¡± Victoria continued. ¡°The housekeeper eventually epted just the adoption as repayment.¡± Charlotte scoffed. ¡°Obviously. As if Lady ckwood would let her only son marry a housekeeper¡¯s daughter.¡± ¡°Exactly. The heir to the ckwood name? Impossible.¡± Thalia sipped her cocktail thoughtfully. None of them noticed the woman watching them from across the bar, her eyes cold with hatred. After a few drinks, Thalia stood. ¡°Just need thedies¡®.¡± In the narrow corridor outside the restroom, two men blocked her path. One was heavily built, head shaved, tattoos covering his arms. He whistled crudely. ¡°How about somepany, love?¡± Thalia, who¡¯d been checking her phone, nced up briefly. Discreetly, she switched to her recording app before slipping the phone into her pocket. Hispanion, thin with bleached hair, smirked around his cigarette. ¡°Pretty thing like you must be fun.¡± ¡°Charming,¡± Thalia said coldly. ¡°Is that mouth always so delightful?¡± Bleached Hair grinned nastily. ¡°Name your price, sweetheart.¡± The corridor was too narrow to slip past them. Thalia crossed her arms, maintaining herposure. 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True f ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ funeral services start at five thousand. Extra for the wake, two thousand for professional mourners, brass band¡¯s another three¡­ Cremation¡¯s the budget option. Shall I price up a coffin? Family discount for multiple deaths.¡± ¡°Mouthy bitch,¡± Bleached Hair spat. ¡°Think you¡¯re clever?¡± Tattoos stepped closer, unbuckling his belt. ¡°ying hard to get? Let¡¯s see how innocent you are in the gents¡®.¡± They moved toward her. As Tattoos reached for her, Thalia¡¯s kicknded precisely between his legs with devastating force. He copsed with an agonized scream, curling into a fetal position. Bleached Hair lunged with a snarl. Thalia caught his arm in a joint lock, twisting until something popped. His scream joined his friend¡¯s. ¡°Is that all?¡± she asked mildly, wiping her hands with a tissue. ¡°Pity. My Krav Maga¡¯s getting rusty¨CI was hoping for a workout.¡± The insult stung more than the pain. Bleached Hair tried to swing with his good arm. Thalia executed a perfect throw, pinning him with her stiletto against his cheek. ¡°Do practice more.¡± ¡°Help! Someone help!¡± Tattoos was writhing, blood seeping through his jeans. Thalia nced over. Perhaps she¡¯d used excessive force. Bar staff arrived, freezing at the scene. ¡°Call a bloody ambnce,¡± Tattoos gasped. ¡°She¡¯s broken something!¡± A crowd gathered quickly. Charlotte and Victoria, worried about Thalia¡¯s long absence, pushed through¨Cand stopped short. ¡°Holy shit!¡± Charlotte eximed. ¡°The ninja skills are back!¡± Victoria assessed the groaning men, then Thalia. ¡°You¡¯re not hurt?¡± 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Bee¡¯s Thalia flipped her hair. ¡°Please. They couldn¡¯t touch me if they tried.¡± ¡°Remind me to take those self¨Cdefense sses with you next time,¡± Charlotte said admiringly. The police and ambnce were called. The men were taken to hospital while Thalia and the bar manager were escorted to the station. Charlotte and Victoria followed. As the crowd dispersed, Grace emerged from behind a pir, eyes glinting coldly. Useless thugs. Two against one, and they couldn¡¯t handle her. Who would have thought the delicate¨Clooking Thalia was trained inbat? Ordinary roughians wouldn¡¯t do. Next time she¡¯d need professionals. Asher arrived while Thalia was giving her statement. The CCTV footage confirmed the men had initiated the confrontation, making it self¨Cdefense. However, the hospital reported serious injury¨Ca ruptured testicle requiring surgery. The police suggested Thalia¡¯s self¨Cdefense might have exceeded reasonable force. As Asher reached for his phone to make calls, Thalia stopped him. Calmly, she addressed the officer: ¡°A single testicle constitutes minor injury, both would be major. If both were ruptured requiring removal, then yes, it might exceed reasonable force and warrant assault charges.¡± This was her legal territory now. ¡°However-¡± She yed the audio recording. The men¡¯s threats were captured clearly. ¡°Officer,¡± she said evenly, ¡°I have evidence of attempted sexual assault. Against such a violent crime, my response was entirely proportionate. I¡¯d like to formally report their attempt to rape me.¡± ? (9) (0) ¡°We¡¯ll investigate the attempted rape,¡± the officer said professionally. ¡°However, we¡¯ll also need to look into the assault charges. As it¡¯s a criminal matter, the court will determine if it was reasonable self¨Cdefense.¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± After posting bail, she left with Asher. ¡°I can have the charges dropped,¡± he offered once they were in his car. ¡°No need,¡± she said. ¡°I can handle this.¡± Night had fallen around them. In the darkness, Asher¡¯s features were barely visible. ¡°Lia,¡± his voice was soft, ¡°you always handle everything alone. You could try leaning on me sometimes Thalia fell silent. Then sighed. ¡°After Mum died, I was lost for a long time,¡± she said quietly. ¡°When Father remarried, it felt like I had no one left in the world.¡± The night was still around them. Her face was hidden in shadow, concealing the pain in her eyes. She tried to sound light. ¡°I suppose I got used to handling everything myself.¡± ¡°Because I didn¡¯t know who else to trust anymore.¡± Something in Asher¡¯s chest constricted. ¡°You have me,¡± he said softly, his voice aching. Thalia didn¡¯t respond. Victoria¡¯s words about Grace had nted a seed of doubt. Your Gold Digger 24 ¡°We¡¯ll investigate the attempted rape,¡± the officer said professionally. ¡°However, we¡¯ll also need to look into the assault charges. As it¡¯s a criminal matter, the court will determine if it was reasonable self defense,¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± After posting bail, she left with Asher. ¡°I can have the charges dropped,¡± he offered once they were in his car. ¡°No need,¡± she said. ¡°I can handle this.¡± Night had fallen around them. In the darkness, Asher¡¯s features were barely visible. ¡°Lia,¡± his voice was soft, ¡°you always handle everything alone. You could try leaning on me sometimes.¡± Thalia fell silent. Then sighed. ¡°After Mum died, I was lost for a long time,¡± she said quietly. ¡°When Father remarried, it felt like I had no one left in the world.¡± The night was still around them. Her face was hidden in shadow, concealing the pain in her eyes. She tried to sound light. ¡°I suppose I got used to handling everything myself.¡± ¡°Because I didn¡¯t know who else to trust anymore.¡± Something in Asher¡¯s chest constricted. ¡°You have me,¡± he said softly, his voice aching. Thalia didn¡¯t respond. Victoria¡¯s words about Grace had nted a seed of doubt. 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Grace, Asher¡¯s ward sister, might harbor feelings for him that she shouldn¡¯t. From what Thalia knew, Asher was quite fond of his sister. Yes, he¡¯d scolded Grace yesterday for her rudeness, but his anger seemed more about Grace¡¯s poor manners reflecting badly on the family name. Not about defending Thalia. She knew she couldn¡¯tpete with the sister who¡¯d grown up alongside him. If conflict arose between her and Grace, Asher would likely take Grace¡¯s side. To protect herself from future disappointment, Thalia decided not to count on his support. Her silence felt like defeat to Asher. He sighed, gently stroking her hair. ¡°Lia, remember this¨CI will always be on your side. Always.¡± She murmured a soft ¡°mm,¡± head still lowered. After dropping Thalia home, Asher made a call to have the assault charges withdrawn. Then he called his assistant. ¡°Find out which hospital those two are in. Handle it.¡± Tattoosy in his hospital bed post¨Csurgery, Bleached Hair in the next bed. A masked man entered their room. They recognized him¨Che¡¯d transferred ¡ê5,000 to each of them earlier to harass the woman. This disaster was his fault! Both testicles ruined¨Cno children in his future. ¡ê5,000 wasn¡¯t nearly enoughpensation. ¡°You bastard,¡± Tattoos snarled. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you warn us she was trained? She¡¯s destroyed my future!¡± ¡°Shut it,¡± the man snapped. ¡°¡ê30,000 each. When the police ask, say you were drunk and stupid. No mention of being hired. Understood?¡± Bleached Hair agreed instantly. ¡°Done.¡± 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Be His dislocated shoulder would heal. ¡ê30,000 was a windfall. But Tattoos protested. ¡°¡ê30,000? For what she did to me? I want ¡ê100,000!¡± The masked man rxed. Only ¡ê100,000. His employer had authorized up to ¡ê500,000 to keep them quiet. If they implicated anyone, the Winters and ckwoods would investigate, leading straight to her. He¡¯d been prepared to offer ¡ê200,000. ¡°Fine,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Send your ount details. But breathe a word of this, and you won¡¯t just lose the money¨Cyou¡¯ll lose everything. Clear?¡± He leaned closer. ¡°Prison time for assault is nothingpared to what we¡¯ll do if you talk. Think carefully.¡± Both men paled. Anyone who could casually offer that much money was dangerous. They believed his threat. Shortly after he left, William, Asher¡¯s assistant, arrived. ¡°What now-¡± Tattoos started, thinking the masked man had returned, then stopped short seeing a different face. ¡°What?¡± William¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Someone else was here?¡± ¡°No one.¡± Tattoos looked up. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Why did you harass Miss Winters tonight?¡± ¡°She looked good. We were drunk. Stupid mistake.¡± Bleached Hair nodded quickly. ¡°Yeah, she was hot.¡± ¡°Watch your mouth,¡± William¡¯s voice went cold. ¡°Keep talking like that and you¡¯ll lose your tongues.¡± Two men in ck suits stepped forward from behind him. 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True The patients froze. Only now did they realize whom they¡¯d crossed. William pressed. ¡°The truth. Think carefully,¡± Remembering the masked man¡¯s threat, they stuck to their story, Just drunk idiots making a bad choice, Getting nothing more, William left. The next morning, Thalia received a call¨Cthe assault charges had been dropped. She wasn¡¯t surprised. Clearly Asher¡¯s doing. Though confident she could defend herself in court and prove self¨Cdefense, she saw no need to refuse his help now. She called to thank him politely. ¡°Lia,¡± he sounded displeased, ¡°don¡¯t thank me. I never want to hear that word from you again.¡± Standing by her bedroom window, she replied softly, ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Those men who hurt you,¡± he continued, ¡°they¡¯ll pay for it.¡± Worried he might do something illegal, she said, ¡°They¡¯ve suffered enough, and thew will handle the rest. Leave it to the courts.¡± His voice dropped dangerously low. ¡°Anyone who hurts you answers to me.¡± Thalia listened silently. She wondered: if Grace ever tried to hurt her, would he feel the same way? (8) 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Ô»(0) Xx Your Gold Digger 25 Since returning to London, Thalia had been swept up in a whirlwind of social activities with Victoria Darwin and Charlotte¨Cshopping, dining, catching up on lost time. Her ns to apply to Sinir & Klein were temporarily set aside. Today, the girls were sharing afternoon tea at their favorite patisserie. Charlotte, who¡¯d been out clubbing until the early hours, looked rather worse for wear. ¡°I¡¯m tired of shopping and clubs,¡± she groaned, then perked up. ¡°It¡¯s such a lovely day¨Cwhy don¡¯t we go riding at the Darwin estate?¡± The Darwin family owned one of Ennd¡¯s most prestigious equestrian centers, where all three had taken riding lessons in their youth. ¡°Sobered up enough?¡± Thalia teased. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want you charged with drunk riding.¡± ¡°Completely sober,¡± Charlotte grinned wickedly. ¡°Though I did vomit all over Sebastian Darwinst night. His face went absolutely green.¡± Victoria smiled serenely. ¡°Did my brother not mind?¡± ¡°Actually, he was rather sweet about it. After cleaning up, he even made me his special hangover remedy.¡± Sebastian and Charlotte were step¨Csiblings. Sebastian¡¯s mother had passed when he was young, and Charlotte¡¯s parents had divorced when she was seven. Sebastian¡¯s father had then married Charlotte¡¯s mother, bringing the families together. Charlotte was nine when she first met fourteen¨Cyear¨Cold Sebastian. He was going through his rebellious phase and resented both his stepmother and new sister. Their first meeting ended with him pulling her pigtails and telling her to get lost. Charlotte, never one to be bullied, had bitten his wrist so hard it left a scar he still bore. Thalia stirred her tea, amused. ¡°You must be his karmic punishment.¡± 16-13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A frum Charlotte smirked. ¡°Serves him right for being such a beast back then.¡± After catching up, Charlotte returned to her idea. ¡°So, riding? I haven¡¯t been in ages.¡± ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± Thalia agreed. ¡°It¡¯s been three years since I¡¯ve been on a horse. I miss our races.¡± Victoria smiled warmly. ¡°Count me in.¡± Charlotte¡¯s eyes gleamed mischievously as she reached for her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll call Sebastian, have him bring Asher along.¡± At the stables, Thalia changed into her riding attire. The perfectly tailored grey hunting jacket paired with white jodhpurs and ck riding boots showcased her elegant figure. Her hair was swept into a neat bun, giving her a striking, athletic appearance. When she emerged, the waiting group looked suitably impressed. ¡°Looking rather splendid, Thalia,¡± Sebastian remarked with his usual cheek. Charlotte jabbed his ribs. ¡°Do shut up. Asher hasn¡¯t evenmented yet, you prat.¡± ¡°Ow! Easy there, you savage!¡± ¡°You look lovely, Lia,¡± Asher said softly, himself impable in matching grey riding attire. Whether by coincidence or design, they were perfectly coordinated. His tall, athletic frame was perfectly suited to riding wear, making him stand out naturally. Beside him stood Grace. Thalia was surprised to see her¨Cshe hadn¡¯t known Grace would join them. ¡°Grace wanted to try riding,¡± Asher exined. ¡°I thought it might be nice.¡± He hoped more time together might help his sister and future wife bond. Thalia nodded, greeting Grace warmly: ¡°Hello there.¡± As they spoke, Asher¡¯s horse was led out. It was a magnificent Hanoverian warmblood. Thalia, who¡¯d never been riding with Asher before, was 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True seeing his mount for the first time. The horse was stunning¨Ctall, powerful, clearly of excellent breeding. ¡°What breed is it, brother?¡± Grace asked sweetly. ¡°Hanoverian,¡± Asher replied simply. Sebastian added helpfully, ¡°And quite valuable, Grace. One of the finest breeds.¡± Grace clutched Asher¡¯s arm. ¡°Brother, I¡¯d love to learn to ride. Won¡¯t you teach me?¡± Thalia noticed Grace¡¯s grip on Asher¡¯s arm. The sight sparked an unexpected twinge of difort. She quickly looked away. Asher smoothly extracted his arm. ¡°I can arrange proper lessons for you.¡± Charlotte jumped in: ¡°I can rmend my instructor, Grace.¡± ¡°But I want you to teach me, brother,¡± Grace persisted. An odd emotion stirred in Thalia¡¯s chest. Unable to name it, and unwilling to watch Grace¡¯s cloying behavior, she went to fetch her own horse. Her mount was a striking Akhal¨CTeke, pure white¨Ca seventeenth birthday gift from Victoria. The horse¡¯s coat gleamed like silk in the sunlight, ethereal and majestic. Victoria smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve taken good care of Snow while you were away, Lia.¡± ¡°Snow¡± was Thalia¡¯s name for the horse¨Cboth for its color and as a nod to Victoria. ¡°Thank you, Vicky.¡± Thalia stroked the horse¡¯s face, and it nuzzled her palm affectionately. ¡°She still remembers me!¡± Thalia eximed delightedly. ¡°Of course,¡± Victoria said. ¡°Horses never forget.¡± 16:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Thalia led Snow outside, Eager to ride, she prepared to mount. Asher stepped forward to assist, his hand steady at her waist as she swung into the saddle. ¡°Thanks.¡± She urged Snow forward, unaware of Grace¡¯s dark, jealous gaze behind her. The estate¡¯s grounds stretched endlessly, perfect for riding. Thalia gave Snow her head, reveling in the wind rushing past. This was freedom. Her form was perfect, movements graceful and assured, radiating natural elegance. Everyone watched, captivated. Even Grace had to admit Thalia was dazzling. As she watched Asher¡¯s eyes follow Thalia¡¯s disappearing figure before spurring his horse to follow, Grace felt jealousy consume her. 16:13 (8) Your Gold Digger 26 When Thalia and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. The others¨CCharlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin¨Chad presumably gone riding themselves. ¡°Oh, Thalia!¡± Grace¡¯s smile was syrupy sweet. ¡°You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?¡± Thalia hesitated. Hadn¡¯t Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her? ¡°There are professional instructors,¡± Thalia offered. ¡°I could call one over.¡± Grace¡¯s lips formed a slight pout. ¡°But instructors are so intimidating. I don¡¯t know them, and they might be harsh. You¡¯re so kind¨Cyou wouldn¡¯t scold me, would you?¡± Thalia wasn¡¯tfortable with such forced familiarity from someone she barely knew. She nced at Asher, seeking his input. He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. ¡°Lia, would you mind teaching her?¡± He¡¯d thrown the choice back to her. Thalia considered carefully. Grace was Asher¡¯s sister, her future sister¨Cinw. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed friendly enough. Being naturally generous, Thalia preferred not to assume ill intent. ¡°Alright,¡± she agreed, turning to Grace. ¡°I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Grace beamed. ¡°Thank you, Thalia! You¡¯re too kind.¡± The excessive sweetness was almost cloying. Thalia wondered if she¡¯d been overthinking Grace¡¯s earlier hostility. ¡°Of course,¡± she replied politely. 16:14 Grace studied her future sister¨Cinw. She should call her ¡°sister,¡± she knew. But she couldn¡¯t bring herself to use the word. She refused to ept that this woman would marry Asher. The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable. ¡°Thank you for doing this, Lia,¡± Asher said warmly. Turning to Grace, his expression cooled notably. ¡°Mind Thalia¡¯s instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful.¡± ¡°Yes, brother.¡± Grace¡¯s smile was pure innocence. ¡°Come with me,¡± Thalia said, leading Snow. Grace followed. ¡°Mount from the left side,¡± Thalia instructed patiently. ¡°Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over.¡± She supported Grace as she mounted. ¡°Careful now.¡± Though not in proper riding attire, Grace¡¯s athletic wear would suffice. Thalia led Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground. ¡°How does it feel?¡± she asked, looking up at Grace. Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act. Her smile vanished, eyes turning cold. ¡°Fine.¡± Thalia wasn¡¯t bothered by the attitude shift. This felt more natural than forced friendliness. ¡°Posture is crucial for beginners,¡± Thal¨ªa exined. ¡°Sit straight in the saddle.¡± ¡°Try the reins,¡± she said, handing them to Grace. ¡°To move forward, don¡¯t pull back. Just release the tension click si 16-14 Grace followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward. ¡°Her name is Snow,¡± Thalia said warmly. ¡°She¡¯s very gentle¨Cyou¡¯re quite safe.¡± ¡°Am I?¡± Grace¡¯s tone was odd. ¡°I¡¯m right here,¡± Thalia assured her. ¡°Nothing will happen.¡± Grace¡¯s smile was enigmatic. ¡°How reassuring.¡± Thalia continued: ¡°To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure, the faster she¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Remember to release the pressure once she¡¯s moving.¡± ¡°Clear enough?¡± Thalia asked. ¡°Quite,¡± said Grace. They¡¯d moved some distance from their starting point. Grace nced back¨CAsher was out of sight. As Thalia continued exining riding basics, Grace wasn¡¯t listening. In her right hand, holding the reins, she concealed a brooch she¡¯d removed earlier. Thalia, unaware, asked, ¡°Ho are are you finding it? Exhrating, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Mm, quite nice,¡± Grace replied absently. ¡°Beautiful evening,¡± Thalia remarked, admiring the sunset. Thete afternoon light painted the sky in brilliant colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass. ¡°Shall we head back?¡± Thalia suggested. Grace¡¯s smile turned calcting. Thalia frowned, confused. That¡¯s when it happened. Snow suddenly bolted, charging forward of Coal 16.14 Grace clung to the reins, screaming. ¡°Help! Someone help!¡± Thalia stood frozen in shock, How had this happened? It was so sudden¨Cshe hadn¡¯t had time to grab the reins. Her mind went nk momentarily. When she recovered, she immediately called the emergency response team. Grace was thrown, rolling across the grass. The horse continued its panicked run. The response team arrived quickly, loading Grace onto a stretcher. Asher and the others ran up behind them. Seeing Grace injured, Asher¡¯s expression darkened as he looked at Thalia. She stared back helplessly, eyes wide with confusion. ?(7 Your Gold Digger 27 Chapter 27 Thalia trailed behind the paramedics, still dazed from what had happened. ¡°What on earth happened?¡± Charlotte came running over with Victoria Darwin. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°Grace asked for a lesson, everything was fine, then suddenly Snow just¡­ and Grace fell. It looks bad.¡± Victoria frowned. ¡°That¡¯s odd. Snow had her vet check this morning. Perfect health. Something must have spooked her.¡± ¡°Right after Grace insisted only Asher could teach her?¡± Charlotte¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°Now suddenly wanting Thalia? She¡¯s been horrid to you from day one.¡± ¡°The staff have sedated Snow for examination,¡± Victoria said gently. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Thalia.¡± Something about Grace¡¯s smile before the incident kept nagging at Thalia¡¯s mind. Her instincts told her this was no ident. But why would Grace do this? Then she remembered Asher¡¯s expression, and it clicked. The realization hit her: Grace had actually risked herself just to cause trouble between them. On only their second meeting. She was utterly mad. In the ambnce, Grace yed her part to perfection¨Cpale, tearful, utterly helpless. ¡°Asher,¡± she whimpered, ¡°it hurts so much¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯re nearly there,¡± he said softly. ¡°Let¡¯s see what the doctors say.¡± ¡°I was so scared.¡± Her tears flowed freely. ¡°When I fell¨CI thought¨CI¡¯d never see you again.¡± She gripped his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve ruined everything, haven¡¯t I? Everyone was having such a lovely time before I¡­ I always make such a mess of things.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be silly.¡± His eyes softened with concern. Not his blood sister, but he loved her just the same. 16:14 ¡°Almost there now,¡± he soothed. ¡°Hold on.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt as much when you¡¯re here,¡± she sniffled. He stroked her hair gently. ¡°Still my little sister, aren¡¯t you?¡± At the hospital, the doctors found her injuries weren¡¯t severe¨Ca fractured cyx, soft tissue damage, a slightly dislocated elbow, and scrapes. No internal injuries, thankfully. A month¡¯s stay for the stable fracture, they said. After painkillers, Grace finally quieted. Thalia reached the hospital room just as she heard Grace¡¯s voice. ¡°Asher,¡± she was saying intively, ¡°I can¡¯t manage with this cast. Won¡¯t you help feed me?¡± Thalia hesitated at the door. ¡°I¡¯ll get a nurse,¡± Asher said firmly. ¡°No, please,¡± Grace¡¯s voice turned sweet. ¡°I want my brother to help. Why won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a child anymore,¡± his tone was gentle but firm. ¡°And I¡¯m engaged now¨Cabout to marry Lia. We need to be appropriate.¡± Thalia¡¯s heart skipped. She hadn¡¯t expected him to refuse Grace for her sake. Grace¡¯s sweetness vanished instantly. ¡°Appropriate? Between siblings? Is she really that insecure? She causes my ident and you¡¯re worried about her feelings?¡± Thalia turned to leave. She wouldn¡¯t stay where she wasn¡¯t wanted. ¡°Grace.¡± Asher¡¯s voice held warning. ¡°We¡¯ve talked about this. Thalia will be your sister¨Cinw. Show some respect.¡± A nurse appeared with an IV. ¡°Excuse me.¡± They both spotted Thalia at the door. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Grace¡¯s eyes shed with hatred. ¡°Lia,¡± Asher said warmly, almost simultaneously. The nurse started the IV as Grace red at Thalia. 16:14 ¡°Are you suggesting I did this to myself?¡± Thalia met her gaze steadily. Grace had expected panic or guilt¨Cnot this calm assurance. She recovered quickly, turning to Asher with fresh tears. ¡°I know our first meeting wasn¡¯t good,¡± she said tremulously. ¡°I wanted to make it right today. She¡¯ll be my sister¨Cinw¡­ I thought we could be closer.¡± Her performance was perfect. ¡°That¡¯s why I asked her to teach me.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know she hated me so much. She kicked Snow when I wasn¡¯t looking¨Cthe horse went wild. I was terrified.¡± The tears flowed freely now. ¡°I understand if she dislikes me, but why hurt me? What have I done wrong?¡± She watched Asher carefully through her tears. His brow furrowed slightly, but his voice stayed gentle. ¡°Lia, what actually happened at the stables?¡± Under her nket, Grace¡¯s free hand clenched. ¡°He didn¡¯t believe her. Why was he so gentle with her? Where was his anger? The memories fueled her rage. At school, when girls bullied her, he¡¯d had them expelled instantly. When boys harassed her at sixth form, he¡¯d had them beaten and hospitalized. At university, when that stalker photographed her, Asher had ensured he¡¯d never hold a camera again. Now shey here injured, in casts and on IVs¨Cand his first concern was Thalia¡¯s side of the story? Pure jealousy consumed her. Grace wanted nothing more than to leap up and strike Thalia where she stood. Your Gold Digger 28 At the hospital, Thalia met Asher¡¯s eyes with quiet resolve. ¡°If I told you there¡¯s more to Grace¡¯s story, would you believe me?¡± The silence stretched between them. Thalia felt her heart sink¨Cwhat a foolish question. Of course he would choose Grace, his sister of so many years, over an arranged match he barely knew. But Asher¡¯s response came without hesitation: ¡°I trust youpletely.¡± The words hung in the air, stunning them both. Grace¡¯s face went ashen. ¡°Asher, how can you¨Cshe¡¯s lying! I¡¯m your sister!¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Asher¡¯s voice carried a razor¡¯s edge. ¡°From the moment you met Thalia, you¡¯ve shown nothing but hostility. And now this ridiculous story about her spooking Snow?¡± His eyes hardened. ¡°I know Thalia. She would never do something like that.¡± Thalia stood speechless, her throat tight with emotion. She¡¯d been so certain he would side with Grace. The depth of his trust left her reeling. ¡°Grace¡± Asher¡¯s tone could have frozen me. ¡°Remember your ce in this family.¡± The implied message was crystal clear: Being the ckwoods¡® ward didn¡¯t make her truly one of them. Grace¡¯s lips trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. She opened her mouth but no sound emerged. ¡°Get some rest,¡± Asher said curtly, turning to leave. By Grace¡¯s bedside, Thalia regarded the sobbing girl with cool detachment. ¡°Was it worth it?¡± Outside in the parking lot, Asher fell into step beside Thalia. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about all this.¡± ¡°What are you apologizing for?¡± ¡°Grace¡¯s behavior¨Cit¡¯s inexcusable.¡± He ran a hand through his hair. ¡°I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this.¡± Thalia gave a soft, humorlessugh. ¡°No need. I already know why.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± 16:14 She met his gaze directly. ¡°You really don¡¯t see it? Grace is in love with you, Asher. That¡¯s why she sees m aspetition.¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed as the pieces fell into ce. ¡°I¡¯ll maintain appropriate boundaries with her from now on,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Just like that?¡± Thalia asked, surprised. ¡°Why?¡± His eyes softened as he looked at her. ¡°Because I want you to feel secure with me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°Why did you believe me over Grace? She¡¯s been your sister for years.¡± The parking lot lights cast a warm glow through the windshield as Asher turned to face her fully. The love in his eyes was unmistakable. ¡°Because I love you,¡± he said simply. ¡°And love means trust without question.¡± ¨C eat. Thalia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She turned away quickly, grateful for the darkness hiding her flushed cheeks. Catching sight of her reddened ears, Asher smiled softly. His Thalia was adorable when she was flustered. The next day brought validation of Thalia¡¯s innocence. Snow¡¯s medical examination showed no health issues, but revealed a needle scratch on the horse¡¯s neck¨Ca mark that could only have been made by someone riding. The evidence spoke for itself. After learning this, Asher stopped visiting Grace at the hospital entirely. Though he arranged premium care for her¨Cprivate nurses and regr meals delivered by staff¨Che chose to spend his days with Thalia instead. They fell into a pleasant routine, selecting engagement party details together. Whether choosing Thalia¡¯s gown or picking out jewelry, Asher remained steadfastly by her side. No matter how much Grace protested, he didn¡¯t return to the hospital once. The incident had backfired spectacrly. Instead of driving them apart as Grace had schemed, it had brought them closer. Asher¡¯s unwavering support and subsequent confession had begun to chip away at Thalia¡¯s carefully constructed walls. While she wasn¡¯t in love¨Cher experience with Drake had left her wary of rushing into feelings¨Cshe found herself warming to Asher¡¯s steady devotion. There was something profoundly moving about being trusted sopletely, being chosen so decisively. 16:14 They set their engagement party for November 15th, just over a month away. One afternoon, while they were browsing a luxury boutique¡¯s private salon, Thalia¡¯s phone buzzed. Models simr to her build were showcasing the season¡¯s collection as Asher leaned close. ¡°That pale blue dress would look stunning on you,¡± he murmured near her ear. ¡°I like it too,¡± she agreed. ¡°And that cream coat caught my eye.¡± Her phone chimed again. Asher deliberately turned away, giving her privacy¨Ca small gesture that didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Opening her messages, Thalia found several photos from Sienna. They showed her and Drake at cier National Park in Montana. The apanying text dripped with spite: [Enjoying the fall colors you¡¯ll never see. Remember when he said holidays were too crowded? Funny how he changed his mind for me.] Thalia rolled her eyes. During her three years with Drake, she¡¯d worked regr hours as awyer, carefully saving her precious vacation days for travel. She¡¯d specifically mentioned wanting to visit cier National Park during fall break, drawn to its stunningndscapes and autumn foliage. But she¡¯d hesitated to go alone, and Drake had dismissed the idea with his usual ¡°Everything¡¯s crowded during holidays. What¡¯s the point?¡± Now, ironically, she could visit any national part almost amusing. Rather than block her, Thali. entertaining in their desperation. Meanwhile, in Montana¡­ she pleased. But Sienna¡¯s attempt at provocation was decided to keep the messagesing¨Cthey were Sienna nestled against Drake in their luxury lodge as she sent the carefully edited photos, while he watched intently, hoping to provoke a reaction from Thalia. Would she be angry seeing them at the very ce she¡¯d begged him to visit? Would she finally reach out to him? He¡¯d avoided contacting her for days, allowing Sienna to send the photos. He wanted¨Cneeded¨Cto see Thalia fight for him, to show she still cared. But hours passed without response. ¡°Maybe she blocked me?¡± Sienna wondered aloud. ¡°No, the messages went through¡­ ¡°Perhaps she hasn¡¯t seen them yet,¡± Drake offered, more to convince himself than her. 16:14 By the next evening, with still no response, Drake¡¯sposure cracked. While Sienna was out, he called his assistant, his voice tight with barely controlled frustration. ¡°Find me Thalia¡¯s family address in London.¡± The darkness in his tone suggested this was far from over. Your Gold Digger 29 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¨Che 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¨Cmillion 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¨Cssic 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¨Ctop university, three years¡® experience in New York¨Cand they immediately offered her requested sry of ¡ê90,000 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¨Cstaffed 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¨CThalia and Lucy Jenkins, a trainee solicitor¨Cshould 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 Your Gold Digger 30 The Bristol Room at Le Maison, one of London¡¯s most exclusive French restaurants, was filled with Sinir & Klein staff members, upying every private dining room except the premium suite. ¡°Quite generous of you, choosing The Imperial,¡± a young associate remarked to Thalia. ¡°Last time I was here was for the firm¡¯s holiday party.¡± Sarah Thompson added with a calcted smile, ¡°You must have done well in New York. With over fifty people here tonight, this will be quite the bill.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Daniel Parker chimed in pleasantly. ¡°Oh my,¡± Rachel Wilson¡¯s voice dripped with false concern. ¡°Are you sure about this, darling? Le Maison runs about ¡ê150 per head. With wine, we¡¯re looking at three months of a junior associate¡¯s sry. We could always find somewhere more¡­ suitable to your means.¡® Since their first encounter that morning, Thalia had sensed Rachel¡¯s underlying hostility. This confirmed her instincts. ¡°I can manage,¡± Thalia replied with practiced ease. ¡°Well, well,¡± Rachel pressed. ¡°You must have some profitable secrets from your Wall Street days. Do enlighten us.¡± Thalia¡¯s response was perfectly measured. ¡°No secrets¨Cwe¡¯re allwyers here. Major cases pay well, smaller ones less so. Though I¡¯m hardly as established as you, Rachel. Three years in and I still can¡¯t afford a car, while I hear you¡¯ve just bought that lovely townhouse in Mayfair.¡± Technically true¨Cher sry alone wouldn¡¯t cover a luxury vehicle. She simply omitted mentioning the Porsche 911 and Rolls¨CRoyce Phantom sitting idle in her family¡¯s garage, not to mention Alexander¡¯s Maserati or Asher¡¯s ice blue Bentley. Rachel, oblivious to Thalia¡¯s background, took smug satisfaction in the perceived admission of financial inferiority. As the ordering began, Sarah deliberately selected the mostvish items¨Cfresh oysters, wagyu beef, vintage wines. Her choices alone approached ¡ê800. Lucy Jenkins, the trainee solicitor beside Thalia, anxiously whispered, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t possibly contribute to this.¡± 16:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Chapter 30 ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Thalia squeezed her hand reassuringly. ¡°It¡¯s my treat.¡± The final bill neared ¡ê7,000 with wines and cocktails. Thalia¡¯s slight smile seeing the total went unnoticed. They were obviously trying to take advantage, but with her restored ess to the Winters ounts, it was hardly worth noting. Consider it a professional investment. Technically true¨Cher sry alone wouldn¡¯t cover a luxury vehicle. She simply omitted mentioning the Porsche 911 and Rolls¨CRoyce Phantom sitting idle in her family¡¯s garage, not to mention Alexander¡¯s Maserati or Asher¡¯s ice blue Bentley. Rachel, oblivious to Thalia¡¯s background, took smug satisfaction in the perceived admission of financial inferiority. As the ordering began, Sarah deliberately selected the mostvish items¨Cfresh oysters, wagyu beef, vintage wines. Her choices alone approached ¡ê800. Lucy Jenkins, the trainee solicitor beside Thalia, anxiously whispered, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t possibly contribute to this.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Thalia squeezed her hand reassuringly. ¡°It¡¯s my treat.¡± The final bill neared ¡ê7,000 with wines and cocktails. Thalia¡¯s slight smile seeing the total went unnoticed. They were obviously trying to take advantage, but with her restored ess to the Winters ounts, it was hardly worth noting. Consider it a professional investment. Midway through dinner, Thalia excused herself to the restroom. ¡°Running away already?¡± Rachel called after her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t pay!¡± ¡°Would you like to escort me to thedies¡® room?¡± Thalia replied coolly. Near the elevators, she unexpectedly encountered Asher. ¡°Thalia?¡± He looked surprised, surrounded by several executives in bespoke suits. ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°Dinner with colleagues,¡± she smiled. ¡°What a coincidence.¡± His expression softened. ¡°How was your first day?¡± ¡°Fine,¡± she said, not mentioning her coworkers¡® behavior. ¡°Let me drive you home?¡± 16:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A Frue ¡°Still early. Don¡¯t wait for me.¡± ¡°Be careful then. Have you arranged for a car?¡± ¡°I¡¯m staying at my t nearby.¡± ¡°Alright. Text me when you¡¯re home.¡± Later, when Thalia went to settle the massive bill, she learned Asher had already paid. She texted him a quick thanks. [I¡¯m waiting in the parking lot,] he replied. [Let me drive you home.] The warmth of his concern spread through her chest. After helping her drunk colleagues into cabs, Thalia watched Rachel drive off in her Honda Civic with a smug expression. Lucy insisted she could walk to her nearby apartment safely. When Thalia¡¯s phone buzzedter that evening, the message made her pause: [In London. Drinks? We need to talk. ¨C Drake] (6) 16-15 Your Gold Digger 31 The next day at work. Sarah Thompson handed Thalia two urgent case files. ¡°The appeal deadline¡¯s imminent on this one,¡± Sarah exined rapidly. ¡°Previous counsel left the firm. Need the paperwork filed today.¡± She thrust another file forward. ¡°And this workce injury case needs medical assessments¨Ctake the client tomorrowtest. Can¡¯t let it drag into next week.¡± Thalia nodded, epting both files. Theseplex cases were exactly what she¡¯d expected from London¡¯s top firm, even if the timing was suspiciously tight. By the time she finished that day¡¯s work, darkness had fallen. The office was empty, her colleagues long gone. She hadn¡¯t even managed to eat dinner. Walking the short distance home, her phone rang. ¡°Lia, are you home yet?¡± Asher¡¯s warm voice came through. ¡°Just leaving the office now, walking back.¡± ¡°Have you eaten?¡± ¡°No time. Thinking of ordering delivery.¡± ¡°Ah,¡± amusement colored his tone. ¡°Your delivery service is already en route.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Delivery boy Asher ckwood, at your service,¡± he teased softly. Thaliaughed, surprised by this yful side of him. The stern, aristocratic Asher she remembered would never joke like this. ¡°Did you install a tracking device on me, Mr. ckwood? That¡¯s quite illegal,¡± she teased back. His voice dropped lower, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. ¡°Then perhaps you should arrest me, counselor. I¡¯m at your mercy.¡± Thalia felt her cheeks flush. ¡°You¨Cyou should focus on driving.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what chauffeurs are for,¡± he replied smoothly. 20:43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je 30.6% pler Still smiling from their conversation, Thalia almost missed the figure waiting in the shadows near her building. ¡°Thalia,¡± Drake¡¯s voice cut through the night like ice. She froze, then quickly ended her call with Asher. ¡°Have to go.¡± Stopping a few feet from Drake, she asked coldly, ¡°How did you find me?¡± ¡°Running away?¡± His eyes glinted dangerously. ¡°I told you I was going home. No running involved.¡± Drake stepped closer. Thalia instinctively backed away, which only seemed to anger him further. ¡°You said you were visiting family,¡± he growled. ¡°Not that you were nevering back to New York. How long are you nning to keep this up?¡± Thalia sighed in exasperation. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to ¡®keep up.¡® We¡¯re done, Drake. Stop following me.¡± ¡°Done?¡± Heughed darkly. ¡°This ends when I say it ends.¡± ¡°Are you insane? Go back to Sienna. Why are you here?¡± ¡°Jealous?¡± His expression softened slightly. Thalia mentally rolled her eyes at his arrogance. ¡°Sienna and I are just friends,¡± he insisted. ¡°Stop being dramatic.¡± ¡°Friends who sleep together?¡± Thalia¡¯s tone dripped acid. Drake¡¯s expression faltered. ¡°What are you-¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother denying it. I know everything. I just don¡¯t care anymore.¡± Thosest words seemed to hit him physically. ¡°Don¡¯t care?¡± His voice turned intive. ¡°I¡¯ve thought of nothing but you. I miss you, Thalia. Let¡¯s fix this.¡± The sudden shift from anger to wounded puppy made her skin crawl. ¡°Not happening.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± he shouted, drawing stares from passersby. ¡°Could you not make a scene?¡± Thalia hissed. Drake grabbed her wrist roughly. ¡°Come back with me!¡± ¡°Let go of me!¡± She struggled against his grip. ¡°No! I miss you, Thalia-¡± He tried to force a kiss. ¡°Get your hands off her!¡± Amanding voice cut through the night. Drake turned to face the neer, his grip loosening slightly. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± ? (6) Your Gold Digger 32 Fury and the less the dare dunking soon The Night than Bollins was conge Tie was the cated nines of trained fighters boot the ten silence of two we wdwd be all restant Blood sprayed as Asher¡¯s fist connected with Drake¡¯s cos Hey dorigent. Thaba winched a horror as both men for ito sar¨¤ dier, Asher¡¯s driver tried to intervene but was throws adde. The butting¡¯s sowty guard, wring the brutality, wisely chose to call police and keeping Passery weed, terjag well away from the silence, to one dared intervene¨Cnot with the deadly nesty radiating from both men by the the authoffen wow, wh men were bloody and disheveled Drake¡¯s face was swollen beyond wooption, blood aremming from its now, baker¡¯s adwords bares were marred by cuts and extsaid Thats ruded to her maddey, ¡°Oh God, you¡¯re here, ker voice broke. ¡°We need to get you to The murderous rather eyes widened bastantly at her concern. ¡°Tmn fine, l ²Ê ¡°Tha ha plended, ¡°whoisher She tuxed to Ade, eyes zing, with bed. Her voice cold wave frozen me. ¡°Drake, get out of my Ade. Yermeny The words over We paydo bows. Drake¡¯s chest constricted painfully. She¡¯d nursed him through MOROT OR WR Bears in key eyes, yet now the wasted at his bloody face without an ounce of concern. ¡°Who is he?¡± Drake¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°My fiance Drake¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°You¡¯re lying¡­¡± But Thalia was already helping Asher into the ambnce, leaving Drake to be loaded into a separate one. By cruel twist of fate or administrative efficiency, they were ced in the same room. Drakey in the bed nearest the door, his head swathed in bandages, an IV dripping steadily. When Thalia entered, her eyes inadvertently caught sight of Drake first. For a fraction of a second, something flickered in her expression¨Cperhaps memory of all those times she¡¯d anxiously watched over him in hospital before. But it vanished instantly as she walked past him without acknowledgment, making her way to Asher¡¯s bedside. She settled into the chair beside Asher, her movements gentle and deliberate. ¡°Does it hurt badly?¡± Her voice carried a tenderness that pierced Drake¡¯s heart more deeply than any physical wound. Drake watched as she helped Asher drink water, her hands steady and careful. Each small gesture of care was like a knife twisting in his chest. This was his Thalia¨Cthe woman who¡¯d once stayed awake all night when he had a simple cold, who¡¯d cried at the smallest scratch on him. ¡°Thalia,¡± he called softly, then again more urgently when she didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Thalia, please.¡± She continued speaking softly to Asher as if Drake¡¯s voice was merely background noise. Herplete indifference was more devastating than any show of anger could have been. Drake kept watching, unable to look away. Every gentle touch, every worried nce she gave Asher was another reminder of what he¡¯d lost. The way she naturally leaned toward Asher, how her hand unconsciously rested near his¨Cthese small intimacies were once his. After taking statements, the police left with signed documents agreeing to settle the matter privately. The official formality of assault charges dissolved into a gentlemen¡¯s agreement¨Ctypical of how the upper ss preferred to handle such incidents. Momentster, William burst into the room with two security personnel, his normally impable appearance disheveled from rushing over. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead despite the cool evening. ¡°Mr. ckwood!¡± His face went ashen at the sight of his employer¡¯s condition. ¡°What happened, sir?¡± The question carriedyers of panic. In the two hours since he¡¯dst seen Asher heading out for a simple dinner delivery, how had things escted to this? Lady ckwood would have his head if she discovered 20:43 C Your Gold Digger is her son in this state. The family¡¯s carefully maintained public image couldn¡¯t afford such scandal. ¡°Nothing.¡± Asher¡¯s voice was steel, though his split lip made speaking painful. ¡°This incident doesn¡¯t leave this room¡°Not a word of this to my family. Understood?¡± C(9) 1(0) 20:44 Your Gold Digger 33 Chapter 33 Years ago, when fighting at school had earned Asher a severe reprimand from his grandfather, at least no one had discovered the reason behind the brawl. Now, he couldn¡¯t let his family learn he¡¯d been fighting over Thalia again¨Cit could jeopardize or even cancel their engagement. William dabbed nervously at his forehead, his usually impable demeanor shaken. ¡°Completely understood, sir,¡± he stammered, already nning how to handle the paperwork discreetly. ¡°Handle the discharge forms,¡± Asher instructed, each word measured despite his split lip. From the adjacent bed, Drake caught every word of their exchange. His derisiveugh held more pain than mockery. ¡°Still hiding fights from mommy and daddy? What are you, a child?¡± ¡°The only person who needs to know,¡± Asher¡¯s smile was razor¨Csharp as his eyes met Drake¡¯s, ¡°is my fianc¨¦e.¡± The word ¡®fianc¨¦e¡® struck Drake like a physical blow. He copsed back against his pillows, watching the IV drip with hollow eyes. Each drop seemed to mirror his own bitter thoughts. The physical pain from their fight was nothingpared to the agony tearing at his heart. This couldn¡¯t be real. Thalia wouldn¡¯t¨Ccouldn¡¯t¨Chave a fianc¨¦. Was she trying to punish him for saying he¡¯d never marry her? That had to be it. She was just trying to make him jealous. His Thalia loved him too much to move on. She couldn¡¯t possibly be with another man. She wouldn¡¯t dare! Drake turned to Asher, contempt masking his desperation. ¡°How much is she paying you? Those rent¨Ca¨Cboyfriend services must be doing well. Name your price¨CI¡¯ll pay ten times whatever she¡¯s offering. Leave her. Now.¡± Asher¡¯sugh held genuine amusement. ¡°Whatever delusion helps you sleep at night.¡± ¡°Are you actually insane?¡± Thalia stared at Drake in disbelief. ¡°You think I¡¯d hire someone to pretend to be my fianc¨¦? Your ego is truly unbelievable.¡± Drake seemed almost manic now, convinced Asher must be an impostor. ¡°Pathetic,¡± Thalia muttered. As William returned with the transfer paperwork, Asher prepared to move to a private room. Thalia 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 32.7% naturally took charge of his IV stand, her gentle attentiveness making Drake¡¯s blood boil. He reached for her wrist, but Asher¡¯s security blocked him instantly. ¡°Sir, control yourself.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes turned lethal. ¡°Touch her again, and I¡¯ll break your hand.¡± ¡°Try it!¡± Drake snarled. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Thalia intervened. ¡°This is a hospital, for God¡¯s sake.¡± This time, Asher listened, following his assistant out without further confrontation. Later that evening. Sienna arrived at the hospital. She¡¯d been dining with friends in London when she heard about Drake¡¯s condition and rushed over immediately. ¡°Drake, what happened to you?¡± She burst into tears at the sight of his swollen face. Drake stared silently out the window, his expression hollow. ¡°Who did this?¡± Sienna sobbed. ¡°Have you called the police?¡± Drake maintained his silence as Sienna continued crying and asking questions. Finally, irritation cracked through his facade. ¡°Can you leave? I need some peace and quiet.¡± ¡°But¡­ I want to stay and take care of you,¡± Sienna sniffled. The sight of his injuries genuinely pained her. ¡°No need,¡± Drake dismissed her. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for a nurse.¡± He couldn¡¯t bear to look at Sienna right now. If it weren¡¯t for her, he and Thalia might still be together. Since Thalia left, she consumed his thoughts day and night. How ironic. Only after losing her did he realize Thalia was the one he truly loved. His heart ached remembering how he¡¯d neglected Thalia for Sienna, all the cruel things he¡¯d said. Then a thought struck him¨CThalia had always wanted to marry him. He¡¯d brutally rejected the idea, told her it was impossible. But what if he offered marriage now? Would Thaliae back? His eyes lit up at the possibility. If he offered to make her Mrs. Ashcroft, surely she¡¯d return to him! 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 32.9% Chapter 33 The next morning. Thalia took her client to the social services office for a workce injury assessment. It was nearly noon when she caught a taxi back to the firm. As they approached, the driver frowned at a crowd blocking the street. ¡°Something¡¯s happening up ahead. Miss, you might have to walk from here¨Cit¡¯s not far.¡± Thalia peered through the windshield. The usually quiet street was packed with people. After paying the driver, she walked toward the crowd. Something felt wrong. The people seemed to be gathered around Sinir & Klein. Suddenly, screams erupted. The crowd scattered in panic. A woman crashed into Thalia, terror on her face. ¡°Sorry!¡± she gasped, already turning to run. Thalia grabbed her arm. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go there! Someone¡¯s gone mad with a knife¨Che¡¯s killing people! Run!¡± Heart pounding, Thalia sprinted toward the firm. As she neared the entrance, she heard a cacophony of screams, sobs, and angry shouts. The crowd had dispersed, giving her a clear view of the horrific scene. Daniel Parkery in a pool of blood, a knife wound in his side still pumping blood. A man wielding a de was attacking people indiscriminately. ¡°To hell with all youwyers!¡± he screamed. ¡°You tried to destroy me! Come on then!¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to destroy me, we¡¯ll all die together! I¡¯ve got nothing left to lose!¡± ¡°What¡¯s a few more bodies? I¡¯ll kill every one of you!¡± ¡°All you bloodywyers can die with me!¡± he roared, spotting Rachel in her heels and charging toward her with his knife raised. Rachel ran frantically through the office, her heels echoing against marble as she fled. ¡°Help! Please don¡¯t kill me!¡± she screamed, her earlier arrogance reced by raw terror. ¡°I never handled your case! I had nothing to do with it, I swear! Please!¡± But the attacker was beyond reason. He¡¯d already stabbed Daniel, thewyer who¡¯d actually handled his case. Now, with blood on his de and madness in his eyes, he didn¡¯t care who his victims were. Anyone in the firm would do. 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 33.2% Rachel darted between desks, trying to reach her colleagues, hoping their numbers might deter him. But she was slowing down, her heels betraying her. The others backed away, the sight of Daniel bleeding out on the floor having stripped away any thought of heroism. Thalia saw Rachel stumble. The knife wielding man was closing in, his de catching the fluorescent light. In seconds, he would reach her. Without hesitation, Thalia acted. She kicked off her heels in one fluid motion, the shoes skidding across the floor. Her suit jacket followed, the garment discarded without a thought. Years of martial arts training took over as sheunched herself forward, her stockinged feet silent against the floor as she sprinted toward the attacker. ? (5) (0) Chapter 34 Your Gold Digger 34 Chapter 34 ¡°Get off me!¡± Lucy screamed as Rachel shoved her forward, using her as a human shield. Her legs shook uncontrobly, tears streaming down her face. The attacker advanced, knife raised. Lucy squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the de to strike There was a flurry of movement. A gasp rippled through the room. Lucy¡¯s eyes snapped open. Thalia had somehow gotten between her and the attacker, engaging him directly. ¡°Stay back!¡± Thalia shouted to the others as she dodged the man¡¯s wild shes. But his de caught her arm, blood immediately seeping through her white shirt. ¡°I¡¯ll fucking kill you!¡± he lunged again, all reason gone from his eyes. Thalia moved like she¡¯d done this before. She caught his knife hand mid¨Cstrike and twisted hard. The crack of breaking bone was followed by his howl of pain. The knife ttered away. ¡°Get the de?¡± Thalia ordered, and someone quickly kicked it across the floor. Now disarmed, the attacker stood no chance. Thalia struck him with practiced precision¨Ca series of punches followed by a kick that caught his head. Before he could recover, she threw him to the ground with surprising force. The office stood in shocked silence. When paramedics arrived, they rushed straight to Daniel. Police secured the attacker whoy groaning on the floor. ¡°Oh God,¡± Lucy sobbed, still shaking. ¡°I thought¡­ I really thought¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s been taken care of,¡± Thalia said firmly. Sarah leaned against a desk, visibly shaken. ¡°Christ. In all my years¡­¡± ¡°Daniel¨Cwill he make it?¡± someone asked. ¡°He¡¯d better.¡± Sarah said, but her voice trembled. Chapter 34 As others started praising Thalia¡¯s intervention, she turned to Rachel, her eyes hard. ¡°You pushed her in front of a knife?¡± Rachel couldn¡¯t meet her gaze. ¡°I¡­ I panicked¡­¡± ¡°Bloody hell, Rachel,¡± Thalia¡¯s voice cut like steel. ¡°We¡¯rewyers. You know damn well that¡¯s attempted murder, not self¨Cdefense.¡± Rachel said nothing, her face ashen. ¡°Thalia, your arm,¡± Lucy interrupted urgently. ¡°You need medical attention.¡± Without acknowledging Rachel further, Thalia headed for the door, blood now soaking her entire sleeve. At the payment counter, Thalia nearly collided with Sienna. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Sienna¡¯s tone was openly hostile. The encounter surprised Thalia. Though she hadn¡¯t expected to see Sienna in London, it made sense¨CDrake never went anywhere without her these days. Without engaging, Thalia moved to walk past her, medicine bag in hand. ¡°Always turning up where you¡¯re not wanted,¡± Sienna muttered, watching Thalia¡¯s retreating back with narrowed eyes. Doubt crept into her mind. They¡¯d left Montana before finishing their trip because Drake suddenly insisted oning to London. Was Thalia the reason? Did she have something to do with Drake¡¯s injuries? Her fingernails dug into her palms at the thought. Meanwhile, Asher had already called, having seen the news. ¡°Lia, I just saw the report about an attack at your firm. Someone was stabbed,¡± his voice was urgent with concern. ¡°Are you alright? Where are you? I¡¯ming to get you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, juggling her phone and medicine bag while pressing the elevator button. ¡°Actually at your hospital. Coming up to see you.¡± ¡°How badly are you hurt?¡± Tension strained his voice. 20:44 34.0 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Chapter 34 ¡°Just a cut on my arm. Nothing serious,¡± she said lightly. ¡°It¡¯ll heal in a few days.¡± When she entered his room, Asher¡¯s eyes immediately fixed on her bandaged arm. Pain flickered across his features. ¡°Look how deep that wound is,¡± he said softly, genuine distress in his eyes. Thalia noted his reaction. If he was this concerned now, she was grateful he hadn¡¯t seen her blood soaked sleeve earlier. ¡°You need protection,¡± he said firmly. ¡°The legal profession is too dangerous. You need bodyguards, and f won¡¯t hear any arguments. I can¡¯t risk this happening again.¡± After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Thalia nodded. Taking her hand gently, Asher continued, ¡°I¡¯ll assign you two of our best security personnel.¡± ¡°One is enough,¡± she protested. ¡°Today was unusual. It¡¯s not normally this dangerous.¡± ¡°One isn¡¯t sufficient,¡± he insisted. ¡°I won¡¯tpromise on your safety.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± she conceded, then added with concern, ¡°But I need to work. Having obvious security might be awkward at the firm.¡± ¡°That¡¯s easily managed,¡± Asher replied. ¡°I¡¯ll speak with the senior partner at Sinir & Klein. We can establish a security office. Your protection can work as regr firm security.¡± ¡°That could work,¡± Thalia agreed. ¡°After today¡¯s incident, the firm will probably wee increased security measures.¡± She noticed hisptop on the bedside table and frowned. ¡°Should you be working while hospitalized? You need rest.¡± ¡°Thepany has some critical matters that need my oversight. I can¡¯t delegate these decisions.¡± ¡°Just¡­ take care of yourself,¡± she said softly. Her genuine concern made Asher¡¯s dark eyes soften. ¡°I will,¡± he promised. (5) Your Gold Digger 35 After investigating. Thalia learned the full story behind the knife attack. The assant, Henry Harrison, was the owner and legal representative of a privatepany. After losing a contract dispute where Daniel represented the opposing party, the court had frozen Harrison¡¯spany ounts. When Daniel uncovered evidence of Harrison mixing personal andpany assets, the court seized his properties. Simultaneously, his wife had run off with another man, taking what remained of their money. Pushed to the edge, Harrison med the firm¡¯swyers for his downfall, leading to his violent rampage. Fortunately, Daniel survived the surgery and was now stable. Following the incident, the firm established a dedicated security office. Two muscr guards took up position ¨C Thalia knew they were Asher¡¯s chosen bodyguards for her protection. Meanwhile, Drake spent two weeks recovering in the hospital. He repeatedly tried calling Thalia from his assistant¡¯s phone, but she never answered or visited. He found himself staring at the door constantly, holding his breath whenever it opened, hoping to see her. But she never came. He tortured himself reying images of Thalia with Asher, the pain like a physical wound. Finally discharged, Drake couldn¡¯t wait any longer. If Thalia wouldn¡¯te to him, he¡¯d go to her. Walking to the parking lot with his assistant and Sienna nking him, Drake asked, ¡°Is everything arranged with Sterling Industries?¡± ¡°Yes, sir. Their CEO will attend a g next Friday at 8 PM. I¡¯ve secured an invitation.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡± ¡°A wee party for his cousin. She¡¯s just returned to London, and he¡¯s using it to introduce her to society.¡± Sienna tried linking her arm through Drake¡¯s, but he subtly pulled away. Her face tightened ¨C he¡¯d never rejected her touch before. In New York, they¡¯d been inseparable, passionate. Hading to London changed everything? Was he still thinking about Thalia? ¡°Drake, why-¡± 20:44 ¡¤ Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je Chapter ¡°How old is Sterling¡¯s cousin?¡± Drake interrupted. ¡°Mid¨Ctwenties, I believe.¡± ¡°Any details?¡± ¡°Sorry sir, her information is protected.¡± Drake nodded. If Alexander Sterling wanted to protect someone¡¯s privacy, no amount of digging would uncover it. ¡°However,¡± his assistant added, ¡°I heard she¡¯s getting engaged in two weeks. Mr. Sterling is very protective of her. A generous engagement gift might help smooth negotiations.¡± Drake considered this. Winning over a young woman would be easier than convincing Sterling directly. ¡°Stop at the shops ahead,¡± Drake instructed the driver, ¡°Shopping for the cousin¡¯s gift?¡± Sienna smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll help ¨C I know what women our age like.¡± As they pulled up, Drake said simply, ¡°Get out.¡± Sienna stepped out, expecting Drake to follow. Instead, the car pulled away, leaving her and the assistant standing bewildered on the sidewalk. When Drake¡¯s car reached Thalia¡¯s building, he saw her entering with Asher. He rushed after them but security stopped him. ¡°ID and apartment number, sir?¡± Drake tried to force his way past. The guard held firm: ¡°Stop or I¡¯ll call the police.¡± ¡°Let me in!¡± Drake¡¯s face contorted, veins standing out on his forehead. His mind tortured him with images of Thalia and Asher together. Three years of dating, and he¡¯d never been intimate with her. The thought of Asher having what he couldn¡¯t drove him mad. ¡°Let me through!¡± he roared, swinging at the guard. The guard called for backup. Though Drake fought furiously against two men, he was eventually subdued. 20.44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 3.0 As the police led him away, Thalia and Asher, unaware of the chaos behind them, had already disappeared into the building. Your Gold Digger 36 (0) In Thalia¡¯s apartment, Asher stood in the kitchen wearing an apron, cooking dinner, shamed against the door frame, watching him with amused emiosity. ¡°The great Asher ckwood knows how to cook? I¡¯m impressed? He continued methodically preparing vegetables. ¡°Remember when you asked where the food il Brought you came from?¡± He turned, offering a slight smile. ¡°I made it myself,¡± ¡°You?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°But how does it taste exactly like my mother¡¯s shepherd¡¯s piss His smile deepened. ¡°I learned by watching her when I visited.¡± ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Thalia protested. ¡°You only came over a handful of times before she passed.¡± Asher continued preparing the meat and vegetables, his movements precise. ¡°Let me take you somewhere tomorrow. It will exin everything.¡± Soon he¡¯d prepared aplete meal: roastedmb with rosemary potatoes, zed carrots, and his version of Thalia¡¯s mother¡¯s famous shepherd¡¯s pie. Though Thalia usually ate lightly at dimmer, sometimes skipping it entirely, tonight she finished everything on her te, savoring each bhiite that tasted so familiar. When she moved to wash up, Asher stopped her. ¡°Sit. I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°My, my,¡± she teased. ¡°Such a perfect househusband. Should I marry you?¡± He flicked her forehead gently. ¡°I¡¯m the one marrying you.¡± After cleaning up, Asher prepared to leave, making no suggestion about staying the night. Leaning against the doorframe, Thalia found herself wondering why not. Was she not attractive enough? She nced down at herself self¨Cconsciously. Catching her expression, Asher smiled. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? You look troubled.¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± she coughed, embarrassed. ¡°Drive safely.¡± ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Watching him leave, still carrying the rubbish, Thalia smiled to herself. He was almost frustratingly proper. At the police station, Drake was released after his assistant paid his bail. It was 4 AM when they finally walked out. His assistant looked exhausted. He¡¯d been about to spend the evening with his girlfriend who had specially visited London, only to be interrupted by Drake¡¯s call from the station. Now his girlfriend was threatening to break up with him. ¡°Where to now, sir?¡± he asked wearily, sliding behind the wheel. ¡°Back to the hotel,¡± Drake muttered. In his suite, Drake flicked on the lights, the spacious room feeling emptier than ever. He lit a cigarette by the window, inhaling deeply. The room felt wrong without Thalia¡¯s touches ¨C no antique vase with fresh flowers on the ss table, no fully stocked refrigerator, no decorative touches on the walls, no curtains in her favorite shade¡­ He closed his eyes, but was immediately assaulted by images of Thalia with Asher. Were they together right now? The pain in his chest was unbearable. He¡¯d imagined many scenarios beforeing to London, but never this ¨C never Thalia with another man. They say you experience heartbreak twice in a rtionship: first when you break up, then when you see them with someone else. How right they were. The next morning dawned bright and clear. Thalia woke naturally, knowing she was meeting Asher. After a light breakfast, she dressed carefully in a ck velvet vintage dress that fell to her ankles, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders. The red lipstick she choseplemented her striking features high cheekbones, defined brow, and almond eyes. Asher was waiting downstairs, leaning against his ck Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan, finishing a phone call. His eyes brightened when he saw her. ¡°You look beautiful,¡± he said simply, ending his call. ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked, settling into the passenger seat. 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 36.1% ¡°You¡¯ll see. He drove them out of London, leaving the high¨Crises behind. The countryside opened up before them rolling hills and autumn trees. Thalia cracked her window, letting in the crisp air. ¡°This is lovely,¡± she said, closing her eyes to breathe in the fresh scent. ¡°Almost there,¡± Asher replied, turning onto a narrow countryne. Twenty minutester, they pulled up to a three¨Cstory country house. ¡°Here we are,¡± he said, turning off the engine. ¡°Where is this?¡± Thalia asked, surprised. ¡°Let¡¯s find out.¡± he smiled. As they stepped out, a man emerged from the house. His initial confusion turned to delight upon seeing Asher. ¡°Mr. ckwood! What a surprise!¡± He offered Asher a cigarette from a cheap packet. Thalia watched with fascination as Asher ¨C always so refined ¨C epted and let the older man light it for him. ¡°Sorry about the cheap smokes,¡± the man said sheepishly. ¡°Wasn¡¯t expecting you today.¡± From his manner, Thalia realized Asher must be a regr visitor. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡± the man turned to her. ¡°Miss Winters,¡± Asher said simply. The man¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Miss Winters! Finally meet you!¡± ¡°Martha! Martha ¨C Miss Winters is here!¡± he called excitedly toward the house. Thalia nced questioningly at Asher. Did these people know her? (5) (0) Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Your Gold Digger 37 Chapter 37 ¡°Miss Winters¡­ little Thalia?¡± Mrs. Wilson emerged from the country house, her weathered face brightening with recognition. ¡°Is it really you?¡± ¡°You know me?¡± Thalia asked, taken aback. ¡°Good heavens, look at you.¡± Mrs. Wilson¡¯s eyes misted over. ¡°The spitting image of your mother.¡± Seeing Thalia¡¯s bewilderment, Asher exined softly, ¡°Mrs. Wilson was your mother¡¯s cook at the Winters estate. Your mother learned all her signature dishes from her.¡± ¡°Those eyes,¡± Mrs. Wilson¡¯s voice wavered with emotion. ¡°Just like Lady Rosalind¡¯s. I used to hold you as a baby, you know. Such a precious little thing you were.¡± At the mention of her mother, Thalia felt the familiar ache in her chest, tears threatening. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m so pleased to meet you properly.¡± They settled in Mrs. Wilson¡¯s warm kitchen, where stories of Rosalind¡¯s youth flowed freely over tea. Thalia learned how her mother ¨C a privileged young woman who¡¯d never set foot in a kitchen ¨C had determinedly learned to cook to win her father¡¯s heart. The revtion shifted something in Thalia¡¯s understanding of her parents¡® love story. She remembered how deeply in love they¡¯d seemed during her childhood, how her father had fallen into depression after her mother¡¯s death. The question that had haunted her for years surfaced again: if he¡¯d loved her mother so deeply, why remarry Victoria just two yearster? ¡°Mrs. Wilson,¡± Thalia ventured carefully, ¡°did you know Victoria Darwin?¡± ¡°Lady Rosalind¡¯s friend from Cambridge? Oh yes, dear. They were inseparable back then. Victoria was always visiting, though she lived in Surrey so the visits weren¡¯t as frequent as they might have liked.¡± Thalia remembered liking Victoria as a child ¨C she¡¯d always brought pretty dresses and treats. But everything had changed when Victoria married her father. Though Victoria had been even more attentive as a stepmother than she¡¯d been as an ¡°aunt,¡± Thalia had never been able to warm to her again. ¡°She¡¯s my stepmother now,¡± Thalia said quietly. Mrs. Wilson fell silent, clearly weighing her next words. ¡°Near the end¡­ Victoria visited your mother frequently at the hospital. I overheard something one day, though perhaps I shouldn¡¯t say¡­¡± 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 36.7% Chapter 37 ¡°Please,¡± Thalia urged softly. ¡°I need to know.¡± ¡°Your mother made your father promise that if he remarried, it would only be to Victoria. She was terrified of leaving you without a mother¡¯s love, you see. She said she wouldn¡¯t trust anyone else with your care.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s face drained of color. All these years of resentment, and it had been her mother¡¯s wish? The truth struck her like a physical blow. Asher¡¯s hand found hers under the table, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm. The simple gesture anchored her as her world tilted on its axis. Mrs. Wilson prepared lunch ¨C each dish a perfect mirror of Thalia¡¯s childhood memories. Pushing aside her emotional turmoil, Thalia managed a bright smile and praised the cooking. ¡°Do you know,¡± Mrs. Wilson said warmly as they ate, ¡°Mr. ckwood here spent ages learning these recipes. Wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer, he wouldn¡¯t. Came by so often, always insisting on watching me cook.¡± ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Thalia asked, turning to Asher with reddened eyes. His expression softened with tenderness. ¡°After your mother passed, you stopped eating properly. I couldn¡¯t bear to watch that.¡± ¡°When Lady Rosalind married,¡± Mrs. Wilson added, dabbing at her eyes, ¡°I had to retire due to illness. Mr. ckwood visited often afterward ¨C just a boy then, but so determined. He even paid for my medical treatment ¨C insisted it was his tuition fee, bless him.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened as realization struck. ¡°Those meals that appeared during that awful time¡­ that was you?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he said simply. That single word reverberated through Thalia¡¯s heart, carrying with it years of unspoken care and devotion. (5) Your Gold Digger 38 Chapter 38 At the auction, the auctioneer moved through the early lots with practiced elegance. Neither Asher nor Drake showed interest until the pink diamond ne appeared. ¡°Opening bid at ¡ê400,000,¡± the auctioneer announced with polished precision. Drake immediately raised his paddle. After several rounds, the price reached ¡ê600,000, most bidders falling away. ¡°¡ê620,000,¡± Drake called. The auctioneer gestured elegantly. ¡°¡ê620,000. Shall we try ¡ê650,000?¡± Asher raised his paddle with casual indifference. ¡°¡ê650,000. Do we have any advance?¡± Drake shot Asher a venomous nce before bidding again. A subtle war unfolded between them, the price climbing steadily. At ¡ê700,000, Drake remained resolute. The ne would be worth every penny if it helped secure Sterling Industries¡® investment. The old saying rang true ¨C sometimes you had to spend money to make money. ¡°¡ê750,000,¡± Asher countered smoothly. ¡°¡ê800,000,¡± Drake snapped. As Asher moved to bid again, Thalia touched his arm. ¡°Let it go. It¡¯s not worth this.¡± The ne was barely worth half its current price, and she preferred the sapphire pieceing upter. There was no point in a petty bidding war with Drake. Watching from beside Drake, Sienna smirked triumphantly in Thalia¡¯s direction. Clearly her new man didn¡¯t value her enough to continue. Later in thedies¡® room, Thalia was applying lipstick when Sienna sauntered up. ¡°My, my, how quickly you found a recement,¡± Sienna¡¯s reflection sneered. ¡°Though Drake just spent ¡ê800,000 on a ne for me, while yours couldn¡¯t be bothered. But then,¡± she studied Thalia through 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 37.8% the mirror, ¡°you¡¯re hardly worth the investment, are you?¡± Thalia finished her lipstick with steady hands, ¡°Best of luck with that,¡± she said simply, turning to leave, Sienna¡¯s words were meaningless now like a small dog yapping at a distance, At the g dayster, Alexander Sterling¡¯s estate filled with luxury cars and elite guests. Beyond social climbers like Drake, many industry leaders hade specifically to meet Thalia valuable connections for her legal career. The Sterling estate¡¯s driveway was lined with cars worth millions. Among the guests were not just opportunists like Drake, but genuine industry leaders Alexander had personally invited to meet Thalia, In the legal profession, connections were invaluable. Thalia and Asher arrived early. Alexander, cutting a striking figure in his white dinner jacket, greeted them at the main entrance. ¡°Finally, cousin!¡± he embraced Thalia warmly. ¡°More stunning every time I see you.¡± He turned to Asher with a yful grin. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d be calling you brother¨Cinw. Come on, let¡¯s hear you call me ¡®brother¡® just once.¡± Asher¡¯s only response was an arctic look. ¡°So cold!¡± Alexanderughed. ¡°How does my cousin tolerate you?¡± ¡°Cold?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°He¡¯s perfectly warm with me.¡± ¡°Save the romance for after the engagement,¡± Alexander groaned theatrically. After some light conversation, Thalia and Asher entered the ballroom. The ground floor was already filling with guests, most unfamiliar to Thalia. Asher was immediately surrounded by people hoping to catch his attention. When a foreign couple needed to discuss an important project with Asher and Alexander, Thalia gracefully stepped aside. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll entertain myself for a bit.¡± She had barely settled onto a sofa when Mrs. rke approached with pearl earrings. ¡°Miss Winters, you forgot these when you left. Your stepmother asked me to bring them.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Thalia touched her bare earlobes. ¡°How careless of me.¡± ¡°Shall I help you with those?¡± Mrs. rke offered warmly, the same maternal care in her touch that hadforted Thalia through her mother¡¯s death. 20:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True fe 38.1% ¡°Well, well. Tha Winters.¡± A familiar voice cut through the moment. Margaret Ashcroft, Drake¡¯s mother, stood there with Sienna. Her eyes moved between Thalia and Mrs. rke¡¯s uniform with calcted disdain. ¡°So your mother¡¯s a servant? How¡­ illuminating¡± ¡°No, madam, you misunderstand,¡± Mrs. rke quickly protested, distressed at causing Thalia potential embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m the Winters housekeeper.¡± Margaret¡¯sugh was brittle. ¡°Oh, darling, no need for pretense. We all saw that touching little moment with the earrings. How¡­ quaint.¡± Sienna covered her mouth, giggling. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re embarrassed. I¡¯d simply die if my mother was a servant.¡± (5) Your Gold Digger 39 Mrs. rke¡¯s face flushed with anger, herplexion shifting from red to white. Thalia gently squeezed Mrs. rke¡¯s hand in silentfort before turning to Margaret with a measured smile. ¡°What¡¯s shameful about honest work? I find it far more respectable than someone who does nothing but spend her husband¡¯s money on mahjong, beauty treatments, and health supplements.¡± ¡°You-¡± Margaret pointed a trembling finger at Thalia. Sienna patted Margaret¡¯s back. ¡°Don¡¯t let her upset you, Mrs. Ashcroft. Just ignore her nonsense.¡± Then to Thalia, with clear disdain: ¡°You¡¯re a housekeeper¡¯s daughter¨Cbasically a servant yourself. This is Mr. Sterling¡¯s event for his sister, with guests from proper society. Someone like you shouldn¡¯t be here embarrassing yourself.¡± Thalia¡¯s smile brightened. ¡°Proper society? How did someone of your¡­ modest standing manage to get in?¡± That struck a nerve. Sienna lost herposure. ¡°Who are you calling modest? A servant¡¯s daughter has no right to look down on me!¡± Trying so hard to curry favor with the Sterlings?¡± Thalia arched an eyebrow. ¡°Though your family barely qualifies to be their doorman.¡± ¡°You-¡± Now it was Sienna¡¯s turn to point fingers. ¡°Are you mad? Bitter because you couldn¡¯t keep Drake and taking it out on me? Well, if you can¡¯t hold onto a man¡¯s heart, at least keep your petty jealousy to yourself.¡± ¡°Did Drake tell you he was hospitalized after fighting for me?¡± Thalia asked mildly. Sienna froze. So those injuries were because of Thalia? Margaret clearly didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°As if you¡¯d be worth fighting over.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Sienna tugged at Margaret¡¯s arm. ¡°She¡¯s beneath our notice.¡± Throughout the evening, Sienna kept watching Thalia whileworking with other guests. Finally, after ten minutes, she saw her chance when Thalia headed to the powder room. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 38.89% She followed quickly. In thedies¡® room, Sienna deliberately crowded Thalia, using the moment to slip her bracelet into Thalia¡¯s handbag. Thalia, repulsed by the unwanted proximity, pushed Sienna away. ¡°The room¡¯srge enough. Why are you crowding me?¡± Sienna smirked, her goal aplished. ¡°It¡¯s not your private bathroom. I¡¯ll walk where I want.¡± Thaliaughed inwardly. Actually, it was hers¨Cthe entire estate belonged to the Sterlings, and as Alexander¡¯s cousin, it was quite literally her family¡¯s property. Minutester, in the ballroom, Sienna announced her bracelet was missing. She confronted Thalia with manufactured outrage. ¡°You stole it, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Are you certain?¡± Thalia asked mildly. ¡°Who else could it be?¡± Sienna crossed her arms, chin lifted arrogantly. ¡°You¡¯re the only servant¡¯s daughter here, the only one desperate enough to steal an eight¨Cthousand¨Cpound bracelet.¡± Thalia calmly took a sip of champagne, setting her ss down with deliberate grace. ¡°Do you have any proof?¡± She met Sienna¡¯s gaze steadily. ¡°Proof? Of course! It¡¯s in your bag. Let¡¯s just take a look, shall we?¡± By now, a crowd had gathered. Most of London society didn¡¯t know Thalia ¨C this g was meant to be her formal introduction. Beyond her close friends and family associates, few recognized the Winters heiress. As the spectators grew in number, Sienna¡¯s confidence swelled. ¡°Everyone, please help me get justice! This woman stole my bracelet but won¡¯t admit it.¡± Margaret chimed in from the sidelines, ¡°First iming honest work, now stealing? If you wanted the bracelet so badly, Sienna would have given it to you. No need to resort to theft. How shameless!¡± Still bitter about Thalia¡¯s earlierments about her lifestyle, Margaret seized the chance for revenge. ¡°You were so desperate to marry my son, but never considered whether you were worthy. Thank goodness I have good judgment in character. Once amoner, always amoner. You may dress up and sneak into high society events, but you can¡¯t hide your true nature!¡± The whispers grew among the onlookers. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 39.1% ¡°Who would have thought someone so beautiful could be a thief?¡± ¡°Just goes to show you can¡¯t judge by appearances.¡± ¡°What a waste of that pretty face. Any wealthy man would have provided for her.¡± ¡°Well, she is a servant¡¯s daughter. Poverty makes people desperate.¡± Hearing the gossip swirling around them, Sienna¡¯s smile deepened. Her confidence grew stronger. ¡°If you didn¡¯t steal it, then let me search your bag. What are you afraid of if you¡¯re innocent?¡± Meanwhile, upstairs, Asher and Alexander had finally concluded their important meeting with the foreign couple. Asher headed to the restroom while Alexander walked the couple out, running into Drake in the hallway. ¡°Mr. Sterling, how are you?¡± Drake greeted him with a smile. Alexander frowned slightly. ¡°And you are¡­?¡± Drake covered his momentary embarrassment, introducing himself. After exchanging brief pleasantries, Drake presented his gift. ¡°I hear your sister is getting engaged. Congrattions. This is a small engagement gift for her.¡± Though the gift was for Alexander¡¯s sister, Drake knew he needed to curry favor with Alexander himself. Giving the gift through him was the proper approach ¨C Alexander needed to know about this gesture for future business negotiations. Alexander, well¨Cversed in such social maneuvering, actually appreciated Drake¡¯s understanding of etiquette. He¡¯d nned to end the conversation quickly, but this gesture made him reconsider. ¡°How thoughtful,¡± Alexander epted the box. ¡°Let me thank you on my sister¡¯s behalf.¡± His manner warmed slightly. ¡°She¡¯s actually downstairs in the ballroom. Why don¡¯t I introduce you? After all, it is her engagement gift.¡± Drake noticed the shift in Alexander¡¯s attitude. His tension eased ¨C this strategy seemed to be working. With a bright smile, Drake replied, ¡°Thank you, that would be perfect.¡± Your Gold Digger 40 ¡°Here.¡± Thalia smiled, handing her bag over. ¡°Go ahead, search it.¡± Sienna hesitated, thrown by Thalia¡¯s easypliance. Had she discovered the nted bracelet and removed it? That strange, knowing smile on Thalia¡¯s face made her uneasy. As Sienna wavered, Margaret snatched the bag with theatrical flourish. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else you¡¯ve stolen!¡± She upended the contents, the bracelet ttering to the floor among Thalia¡¯s belongings. ¡°Just as I thought!¡± Margaret¡¯s voice rang with vindictive triumph. ¡°A thief caught red¨Chanded! And I suppose this designer bag is stolen too?¡± The crowd murmured in shock. Sienna rxed, confidence returning. She¡¯d slipped the bracelet through the zipper gap earlier clearly Thalia hadn¡¯t discovered her n. ¡°Look everyone,¡± Sienna announced loudly. ¡°This is what happens when you let the wrong sort into proper society events!¡± Just as she prepared to further humiliate Thalia, the crowd parted. ¡°What¡¯s this about theft?¡± Alexander¡¯smanding voice cut through the murmurs. Who would dare steal at his estate? ¡°Mr. Sterling!¡± Sienna rushed forward, ying the victim. ¡°She stole my bracelet. You simply must help me get justice!¡± Alexander followed her gesture ¨C and met Thalia¡¯s amused gaze. ¡°Hello, cousin,¡± she smiled warmly. The whispers died instantly. Absolute silence fell. Thal¨ªa broke it first, gesturingzily at the bracelet. ¡°Cousin, they im I stole that cheap thing. Really, would I bother with something so worthless?¡± Sienna stumbled back as if struck, face draining of color. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re his cousin?¡± ¡°Impossible!¡± Margaret¡¯s voice rose hysterically. ¡°You¡¯re a servant¡¯s daughter! We saw your mother¨Cshe¡¯s 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 39.8% wearing a uniform!¡± ¡°Sorry to disappoint. Thalia said, examining her all with elegant disinterest Alexander¡¯s expression darkened dangerously. You wer my cousin of theft in her own home ¡°No, there must be some mista Sienna grabbed Drake¡¯s desperately. ¡°Drake, tell them this girl was your girlfriend, she¡¯s nobody But Drake stood frozen, his gif box slipping from nerverer fingers, the nes spilling onto the floor. His mind had gone nk at hearing This call Alexander ¡°cordin.¡° Hi niiried hand poor disk the This ??? ¡°Get them out,¡± Alexander ordered coldly ¡°No, wait!¡± Sienna struggled as security moved to remove them. ¡°This is ridiculous! Drake, do something!¡± ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re really Sterling¡¯s cousin?¡± Drake finally managed, ignoring Sienna¡¯s pleas. ¡°What else?¡± Thalia replied with cool indifference. ¡°Why hide this for three years?¡± His voice cracked with dawning horror. ¡°I tried telling you when I invited you home. You refused, remember?¡± Her calm indifference pierced deeper than any anger could have. ¡°If I¡¯d known you were from the Winters family-¡± Drake started desperately. ¡°You said you¡¯d never marry me,¡± Thalia cut him off. ¡°Your mother said I wasn¡¯t good enough for your family.¡± Drake¡¯s eyes reddened with unshed tears. ¡°That was about social ss. Now there¡¯s nothing stopping us¡ª¡± Before he could reach for her, Asher kicked him to the ground, grinding his shoe into Drake¡¯s face. ¡°Touch her again,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was lethal, ¡°and I¡¯ll end you.¡± Drakey there, staring at Thalia in despair as memories flooded back ¨C refusing to meet her family, allowing his mother¡¯s cruel insults, unting Sienna, dering he¡¯d never marry her¡­ Each recollection now felt like a knife in his heart. He¡¯d pushed away the best thing in his life, too blind to see what had been right in front of him. They could have had everything. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 40.1% Chapter 41 Your Gold Digger 41 After being thrown out, Drake stood with his mother and Sienna outside the Sterling estate. ¡°Son, what do we do now?¡± Margaret was nearly in tears. ¡°Have we ruined everything with the Sterlings? What about the investment?¡± ¡°Will they retaliate?¡± Sienna trembled. ¡°The Sterlings are so powerful.¡± Drake remained silent, moving like a puppet with cut strings, his expression vacant and lifeless. Later that evening, as Asher drove Thalia home, she hesitated outside her building. ¡°About today¡­¡± He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his voice low and vulnerable. ¡°When he said you could have been married and happy if he¡¯d known your identity¡­ I was afraid. If you-¡± ¡°There is no ¡®if,¡± Thalia cut him off gently, meeting his dark eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about things that never happened.¡± ¡°Besides,¡± she added seriously, ¡°I never nned to marry Drake anyway.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°Really?¡± Thalia nodded, smiling. She shivered slightly in the night air, but her eyes sparkled. ¡°Back then, I never thought about marrying Drake. But now, I¡¯m looking forward to our engagement ceremony.¡± Asher slipped off his jacket, wrapping it around her as he pulled her close. ¡°So am I.¡± Drake left the estate alone in his car, disappearing into the night. Sienna drove Margaret back to their hotel, both women still shaken from their humiliation. As they stepped out of the car in the underground parking garage, they were suddenly grabbed from behind. Before either could scream, bags were pulled over their heads and everything went dark. They awoke in a dimly lit private room, forced face¨Cdown against a ss table. A man covered in tattoos lounged on the sofa across from them, one leg crossed casually over the other. ¡°Let¡¯s have some fun,¡± he smiled menacingly. ¡°Share a drink with me?¡± Margaret, still ying the wealthy matriarch, began hurling abuse at him. ¡°How dare you! Do you know who I am? When my husband-¡± 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 40.8% The tattooed man¡¯s smile never wavered as he nodded to his associate. The ck suited man grabbed Margaret by the hair, delivering two sharp ps that echoed through the room. Margaret¡¯s cheeks burned as she clutched her face. ¡°Who are you people? Why are we here?¡± ¡°Tsk tsk.¡± the man cleaned his ears theatrically. ¡°Such a noisy old woman. One more word and we¡¯ll solve that problem permanently.¡± He pulled out a Swiss Army knife, letting the de catch the light. Margaret fell silent, her legs trembling beneath her. Sienna remained pinned to the table as the man picked up a ss of wine, sshing it across her face. ¡°Tonight¡¯s simple ¨C finish every drop on this table and you can leave.¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t drink!¡± Margaret protested weakly. The man¡¯s smile vanished. With a sharp gesture, his men began forcing liquor down their throats. No matter how they struggled, the grip on them was iron. ss after ss, bottle after bottle, until their stomachs distended painfully. The tattooed man pressed his knife against Sienna¡¯s cheek, just hard enough to dimple the skin. ¡°Watch who you cross in this city. Some people aren¡¯t as forgiving as others.¡± Sienna¡¯s lip quivered, her face bloodless with terror. ¡°DO YOU UNDERSTAND?¡± he suddenly roared, making both women jump. With the cold steel against their skin and their lives literally in his hands, they could only nod frantically. ¡°Yes, yes, we understand,¡± they whimpered in unison. Three dayster, Sienna stood outside Drake¡¯s hotel suite, knocking softly. ¡°Drake? Are you in there?¡± Silence. Frowning, she pulled out her phone to call him. The phone rang endlessly before disconnecting. Since that night at the Sterling estate, Drake hadpletely disappeared ¨C no responses to messages or calls, refusing to open his door. The front desk confirmed he hadn¡¯t checked out. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 41.1% ¡°BANG! BANG! BANG!¡± She pounded harder. ¡°Drake Ashcroft! I¡¯m not leaving until you open this door!¡± After ten minutes of relentless knocking, the door finally opened. A wave of stale cigarette smoke and alcohol hit her, making her gag. ¡°God, what¡¯s that smell?¡± She pinched her nose in disgust. Drake looked terrible¨Csunken eyes ringed ck, unshaven, his face oily and unwashed. The reek of alcohol and sweat suggested he hadn¡¯t showered in days. ¡°What have you done to yourself?¡± Sienna asked, fighting her nausea. Drake¡¯s eyes were lifeless, his voice hollow. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Ive been worried sick about you.¡± She pushed past him into the suite. The heavy curtains were drawn tight, no lights on despite the midday hour. The spacious suite was pitch ck. Sienna flicked on the lights with a grimace. Empty bottles littered the living room, the ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts, ashes scattered everywhere. She turned on the venttion fan and yanked open the curtains. ¡°Are you just going to waste away in here? What about Ashcroft Capital? Your father¡¯s been desperate for investment, but nopany will touch us. Do you know why?¡± She turned to face him. ¡°Do you even know who Thalia¡¯s fianc¨¦ is? He¡¯s Asher ckwood, heir to the ckwood empire! His family has more influence than the Sterlings. One word from him and nopany in London dares invest in Ashcroft Capital.¡± Drake stood like a puppet with cut strings, his face nk and unresponsive. Frustrated by his silence, Sienna stormed out. The room fell quiet again. Drake stumbled deeper into the suite, his body numb. After so long in darkness, the sunlight made him dizzy, his tall frame swaying unsteadily. He stood at the window, staring nkly outside at the bright day. Finally, he checked his phone ¨C dozens of missed calls, countless unread messages. Mason¡¯s call came through again. This time, Drake answered. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True De 41.3% ¡°Where have you been? Can¡¯t reach you anywhere,¡± Mason said. ¡°Did you get my messages?¡± Drake¡¯s voice was hearer. ¡°Are you still in Paris?* ¡°Yeah, flying bark tomorrow. Why? ¡°Need you to buy something.¡± ¡°Sure, what?¡± Mason paused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your voice? Silence stretched between them. ¡°She¡¯s getting engaged,¡± Drake said quietly. ¡°What? Who¡¯s getting engaged?¡± C(6) Your Gold Digger 42 ¡°Thalia,¡± Drake said quietly, staring at the sunlight streaming in. His voice was barely audible. ¡°What?¡± Mason¡¯s voice rose sharply. ¡°Thalia¡¯s getting engaged? To whom?¡± ¡°Who doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Drake¡¯s voice took on an obsessive edge. ¡°I won¡¯t let her marry him. She belongs with me. I¡¯ll win her back.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Mason was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he ventured carefully, ¡°Drake, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s¡­ hical?¡± Drakeughed bitterly. ¡°Ethics? I don¡¯t care about ethics. I just need her back.¡± Mason was stunned into silence. His friend had treated Thalia as a recement, cheated on her with Sienna, and now that she was engaged, he was iming undying love? It was beyond belief. ¡°Look,¡± Mason sighed, ¡°I¡¯ve never tried stealing someone¡¯s fianc¨¦e, so I can¡¯t really advise. Different strokes and all that. Good luck, I guess.¡± That weekend at Thalia¡¯s apartment, Asher cooked lunch for her. ¡°I¡¯m visiting a colleague in the hospital this afternoon,¡± she told him afterward. ¡°The one from the knife incident. We¡¯re bringing flowers and fruit.¡± ¡°Let me have William arrange that,¡± Asher offered. ¡°Thanks.¡± William arrived with the Cullinan, the trunk filled with gifts. As Thalia got out at the hospital, Rachel approached. ¡°Well, well,¡± Rachel smirked. ¡°Was that a Rolls¨CRoyce I just saw?¡± ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Thalia asked coolly. ¡°No problem at all.¡± Rachel¡¯s smile was knowing. ¡°Just¡­ interesting.¡± Enzo Corner, standing nearby, couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°So who was that, Thalia?¡± ¡°My boyfriend,¡± she answered simply. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 41.8% ¡°Boyfriend? Right.¡± Rachel¡¯s tone dripped with insinuation. ¡°We understandpletely,¡± After Thalia walked away, Rachel turned to Enzo. ¡°Must be her sugar daddy. Exins how she can afford those expensive dinners.¡± Enzo nodded eagerly. ¡°Makes sense. Remember that ten thousand pound dinner she treated us to?¡± ¡°Disgrace to the profession,¡± Rachel sneered. The next day at Sinir & Klein, Sarah Thompson approached Thalia¡¯s deskte afternoon with a file. ¡°Usually business development handles client meetings,¡± Sarah exined, ¡°but as awyer, negotiation skills are crucial. I have a potential client I¡¯d like you to meet.¡± Thalia reviewed the file as Sarah continued, ¡°If you secure this client, you¡¯ll get twenty percentmission, on top of your regr fees.¡± Thalia cared less about themission than the opportunity to develop her negotiation skills. In New York, she¡¯d rarely had the chance to bring in her own clients. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll handle it,¡± she nodded. ¡°Meeting¡¯s at seven, at The Sovereign Club. Enzo will apany you,¡± Sarah patted her shoulder. ¡°Sorry about thete notice.¡± At six¨Cthirty, Thalia went to find Enzo Corner. ¡°How should we get there?¡± Enzo¡¯s look was oddly contemptuous. ¡°Why not use your boyfriend¡¯s Rolls¨CRoyce for show?¡± Thalia frowned. ¡°It¡¯s toote to arrange that. I¡¯ll just take a taxi.¡± ¡°Oh? Too precious to share his car?¡± Enzo¡¯s tone was nasty. ¡°I suppose us working stiffs aren¡¯t worthy of your sugar daddy¡¯s Cullinan. Though my Porsche must seem quite beneath you now.¡± ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°You seem to have a problem with me.¡± Enzo smirked. ¡°No problem at all. Just admiring how well you¡¯ve done for yourself,nding someone with that kind of money.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything to you. Why the hostility? Did I spend your money on that car?¡± ¡°As if I could afford one.¡± 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ess 42.2% ¡°Rather than being bitter, maybe focus on your own sess,¡± Thalia snapped. ¡°Your jealousy is showing.¡± The word jealousy¡® struck a nerve. Enzo¡¯s face darkened. ¡°At least I didn¡¯t earn my position on my back.¡± Thalia¡¯s face went cold with fury. ¡°Be very careful. As awyer, you should know defamation is illegal. Don¡¯t make me forget we¡¯re colleagues.¡± Enzo rolled his eyes and left without another word. At The Sovereign Club, Thalia found Enzo already drinking with two middle¨Caged executives, each with a hostess draped over him. All eyes turned to her as she entered. ?(7) Your Gold Digger 43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 42.5% When Thalia entered, both executives eyes lit up predatorily. The heavier one, Robert Shaw, stared at her with undisguised interest. ¡°And who might this be?¡± Enzo shot Thalia a contemptuous look as she ced the contracts on the table. ¡°Mr. Shaw, Mr. Harris, I¡¯m from Sinir & Klein.¡± Thalia said professionally, seating herself in a single armchair. ¡°Your current counsel agreement is expiring. As London¡¯s top firm, we have expertise across all practice areasmercial, criminal, and intellectual propertyw.¡± ¡°I understand you¡¯re dealing with a trademark dispute, Mr. Harris. Our IP team has handled thousands of such case¡± Shaw barely nced at the contract before tossing it aside, his gaze fixed on Thalia. ¡°Business can wait. Have a drink with me first. Be friendly.¡± ¡°Such a waste being just awyer,¡± Harris leered. ¡°Work for me instead. Ten thousand a month, no more chasing clients.¡± ¡°Tm here as awyer, not for sale,¡± Thalia replied coldly. ¡°Spirited one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Harris grinned, sliding his business card across. ¡°Call me when you tire of working so hard.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Shaw, I don¡¯t drink,¡± Thalia shook her head. Shaw¡¯s smile turned predatory as he set down his ss and rose. ¡°ying hard to get, are we?¡± Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist. ¡°Such spirit! You clearly don¡¯t understand how business works. Let me teach you the rules!¡± He lunged at her, reeking of alcohol and cigarettes. In one fluid motion, Thalia stood and twisted both his arms behind his back. Shaw¡¯s smile vanished, reced by rage. ¡°You little bitch! How dare you touch me?¡± Harris jumped up, cursing. ¡°Let¡¯s get her together!¡± Thalia kicked them both in vulnerable spots and, as they doubled over, made her escape. 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True fe 42.9% ¡°You¡¯ll pay for that!¡± Shaw roared after her. ¡°Chase her! We¡¯ll teach that uppity bitch a lesson she won¡¯t forget!¡± Enzo was the first to run out. The two executives followed, shouting threats. Thalia fled the private room, not waiting for the elevator but heading straight for the stairs. Running in heels was difficult, and as she reached the ground floor, she collided with someone. Thalia fell into strong arms and was immediately enveloped in a familiar masculine scent. Looking up, she met Asher¡¯s worried eyes. ¡°Lia, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you running?¡± he asked, holding her protectively. ¡°Asher-¡± She barely got his name out before her pursuers caught up. Seeing the scene before him, Enzo quickly slipped away, pretending to be a random passerby. ¡°You little-¡± Shaw¡¯s angry shout cut off abruptly as he recognized who was holding Thalia. His face drained of color. ¡°Mr. ckwood?¡± Harris stumbled to a stop, horror dawning on his face. Both men realized their catastrophic mistake as Asher pulled Thalia behind him, his expression darkening dangerously. Shaw¡¯s face turned sickly pale. ¡°You¡­ you know her?¡± The thought that this woman they¡¯d just harassed had connections to the ckwoods sent ice through their veins. Everyone in London¡¯s business circles knew better than to cross the ckwood family. Asher¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes cold as he observed their earlier aggression. Without a word, he nodded to his security team. Fourrge men immediately moved to restrain Shaw and Harris. Thalia quietly exined what had happened to Asher. ¡°I¡¯m taking you home,¡± he said firmly, leading her away. She nced back as they walked. ¡°What will happen to them?¡± 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 43.2% ¡°They¡¯ll learn to watch their behavior,¡± his voice was steel. In the car, his driver looked surprised at their early return. ¡°Back to Kensington, sir?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Asher replied, then turned to Thalia with concern. ¡°Where were your bodyguards?¡± She hesitated. Who could have expected a simple client meeting to turn so dangerous? ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t think I¡¯d need them,¡± she admitted sheepishly. Asher gave her a stern look. ¡°Take them with you from now on.¡± ¡°I will,¡± she promised meekly. Meanwhile, in a private room at the club, Shaw and Harris were thrown to their knees. ¡°Please!¡± Shaw begged. ¡°We didn¡¯t know she was with the ckwoods! We¡¯ll never go near her again!¡± Harris¡¯s legs shook. ¡°Have mercy!¡± The security team worked methodically, their screams echoing through the soundproofed room until they could scream no more. (6) Your Gold Digger 44 The next morning, an odd atmosphere permeated the firm. Whispers followed Thalia through the corridors as she walked to her office. Her office felt emptier without Daniel, still recovering in hospital. She had barely settled at her desk when Sarah Thompson appeared in her doorway, knocking twice. ¡°My office. Now.¡± Thalia knew what this was aboutst night¡¯s incident. In Sarah¡¯s office, the tension was palpable. ¡°I hear you attacked two potential clientsst night?¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes were sharp with anger. ¡°I went to discuss business,¡± Thalia replied evenly. ¡°They were interested in everything but legal services. I defended myself when they got physical.¡± ¡°Violence isn¡¯t the solution!¡± Sarah¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Do you understand the damage? A five¨Cyear contract worth ¡ê150,000, plus cases worth ¡ê500,000! Can you cover these losses?¡± ¡°I will.¡± Thalia said coldly. ¡°Today. But don¡¯t send me to ¡®clients¡® who mistakewyers for escorts.¡± ¡°Prove it. Signed contracts and payment proof by end of day or don¡¯t return tomorrow,¡± Sarah warned. ¡°Under firm policy and employmentw, we can terminate you withoutpensation for causing significant losses.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Walking past Enzo¡¯s office, he sneered, ¡°Still have the nerve to show up after that disaster? I¡¯d be too ashamed to show my face.¡± Thalia ignored him, returning to her office. Soon after, Lucy messaged: [Have you seen Rachel and Enzo¡¯s posts about you?] The screenshots revealed: Rachel: [Some women have no shame, relying on sugar daddies instead of honest work. A disgrace to the profession.] Enzo: [Pretending to work while being kept by rich men. ying innocent with clients then losing us business. Disgusting.] 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 43.9% Both had blocked her, but Lucy sent thirty more screenshots from their private group chat ¨C colleagues Thalia had treated to dinner now spreading vicious gossip behind her back. [How do you know they mean me?] Thalia asked Lucy. [They¡¯re openly gossiping about you being kept by someone. Rachel and Enzo started it. They have a whole group chat about it ¨C you¡¯re not in it. I¡¯ll send you everything.] Reading through the screenshots, Thalia¡¯s anger grew. Her attempt at workce friendships through that expensive dinner had backfiredpletely. While polite to her face, they¡¯d been spreading cruel rumors. She¡¯d been naive thinking kindness would win respect. This world only understood power and connections. ¡°Thank you for telling me,¡± she messaged Lucy. ¡°Could you record any future discussions about me?¡± ¡°Of course. I owe you my life from the knife incident.¡± Afterposing herself, Thalia called her father. ¡°Dad, does thepany need legal counsel?¡± In his office minutester, she ced the contracts on his desk. ¡°Look these over and sign if they¡¯re eptable.¡± He reviewed each page carefully. ¡°Our current counsel contract expires year¨Cend. We can do five years starting January. But why the rush for payment today?¡± ¡°Two clients got inappropriatest night. Lost the business, now facing ultimatums.¡± His expression darkened immediately. ¡°Who dared harass you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They came off worse,¡± Thalia shrugged. ¡°Maybe quitw,¡± he suggested. ¡°First that knife attack, now this. Too dangerous. Come work here instead ¨C I¡¯ll make you a director.¡± ¡°No. I love being awyer. My shares and dividends are enough. Besides, I know nothing about runningpanies ¨C I¡¯d bankrupt you.¡± ¡°We¡¯d hire experts to support you.¡± ¡°Maybe when I tire ofw,¡± she smiled. ¡°For now, this is what I want.¡° The next morning, an odd atmosphere permeated the firm. Whispers followed Thalia through the corridors as she walked to her office. Her office felt emptier without Daniel, still recovering in hospital. She had barely settled at her desk when Sarah Thompson appeared in her doorway, knocking twice. ¡°My office. Now.¡± Thalia knew what this was aboutst night¡¯s incident. In Sarah¡¯s office, the tension was palpable. ¡°I hear you attacked two potential clientsst night?¡± Sarah¡¯s eyes were sharp with anger. ¡°I went to discuss business,¡± Thalia replied evenly. ¡°They were interested in everything but legal services. I defended myself when they got physical.¡± ¡°Violence isn¡¯t the solution!¡± Sarah¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Do you understand the damage? A five¨Cyear contract worth ¡ê150,000, plus cases worth ¡ê500,000! Can you cover these losses?¡± ¡°I will.¡± Thalia said coldly. ¡°Today. But don¡¯t send me to ¡®clients¡® who mistakewyers for escorts.¡± ¡°Prove it. Signed contracts and payment proof by end of day or don¡¯t return tomorrow,¡± Sarah warned. ¡°Under firm policy and employmentw, we can terminate you withoutpensation for causing significant losses.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Walking past Enzo¡¯s office, he sneered, ¡°Still have the nerve to show up after that disaster? I¡¯d be too ashamed to show my face.¡± Thalia ignored him, returning to her office. Soon after, Lucy messaged: [Have you seen Rachel and Enzo¡¯s posts about you?] The screenshots revealed: Rachel: [Some women have no shame, relying on sugar daddies instead of honest work. A disgrace to the profession.] Enzo: [Pretending to work while being kept by rich men. ying innocent with clients then losing us business. Disgusting.] 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 43.9% Both had blocked her, but Lucy sent thirty more screenshots from their private group chat ¨C colleagues Thalia had treated to dinner now spreading vicious gossip behind her back. [How do you know they mean me?] Thalia asked Lucy. [They¡¯re openly gossiping about you being kept by someone. Rachel and Enzo started it. They have a whole group chat about it ¨C you¡¯re not in it. I¡¯ll send you everything.] Reading through the screenshots, Thalia¡¯s anger grew. Her attempt at workce friendships through that expensive dinner had backfiredpletely. While polite to her face, they¡¯d been spreading cruel rumors. She¡¯d been naive thinking kindness would win respect. This world only understood power and connections. ¡°Thank you for telling me,¡± she messaged Lucy. ¡°Could you record any future discussions about me?¡± ¡°Of course. I owe you my life from the knife incident.¡± Afterposing herself, Thalia called her father. ¡°Dad, does thepany need legal counsel?¡± In his office minutester, she ced the contracts on his desk. ¡°Look these over and sign if they¡¯re eptable.¡± He reviewed each page carefully. ¡°Our current counsel contract expires year¨Cend. We can do five years starting January. But why the rush for payment today?¡± ¡°Two clients got inappropriatest night. Lost the business, now facing ultimatums.¡± His expression darkened immediately. ¡°Who dared harass you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They came off worse,¡± Thalia shrugged. ¡°Maybe quitw,¡± he suggested. ¡°First that knife attack, now this. Too dangerous. Come work here instead ¨C I¡¯ll make you a director.¡± ¡°No. I love being awyer. My shares and dividends are enough. Besides, I know nothing about runningpanies ¨C I¡¯d bankrupt you.¡± ¡°We¡¯d hire experts to support you.¡± ¡°Maybe when I tire ofw,¡± she smiled. ¡°For now, this is what I want.¡± 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True He 44.2% Randolph sighed, signed the contracts, and called Finance to transfer the funds immediately. ¡°Any current legal issues I should know about?¡± Thalia asked. ¡°Let Andeson tell you the details,¡± he said, calling in his deputy. ¡°I don¡¯t handle those matters directly,¡± ¡°Perfect.¡± ?(5) )(0) 20:46 20:45 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True He 44.2% Randolph sighed, signed the contracts, and called Finance to transfer the funds immediately. ¡°Any current legal issues I should know about?¡± Thalia asked. ¡°Let Andeson tell you the details,¡± he said, calling in his deputy. ¡°I don¡¯t handle those matters directly,¡± ¡°Perfect.¡± ?(5) )(0) 20:46 Your Gold Digger 45 An hourter, Thalia returned to Sarah¡¯s office, cing contracts on her desk. ¡°Taskpleted,¡± she said coolly. ¡°A five¨Cyear counsel contract with ¡ê150,000 already transferred. Plus three payment dispute cases and one patent infringement case, all with retainers paid. Total revenue: ¡ê800,000. Check with Finance if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± She showed Sarah the payment confirmations on her phone. ¡°The firm¡¯s losses are covered.¡± Sarah stared at the contracts in disbelief, eyes widening at the signature. ¡°Winters Group¡­ Randolph Winters is your¡­¡± ¡°My father,¡± Thalia smiled. The contracts slipped from Sarah¡¯s hands. ¡°You¡¯re the Winters heiress?¡± After everything, Thalia was done being modest. ¡°Yes.¡± Sarah¡¯s phone rang before she could recover. The caller¡¯s panic was evident: ¡°Thatwyer of yours¨Chow does she know Asher ckwood? Our CEO¡¯s in hospital after his security team got to him, and now we¡¯re being audited. Word is ckwood ordered it.¡± Sarah¡¯s face went pale. ¡°You¡­ you know Asher ckwood?¡± ¡°My fianc¨¦,¡± Thalia said coldly, ¡°and the ¡®sugar daddy¡® your office has been gossiping about.¡± Sarah broke into a cold sweat. ¡°I¡­ I apologize. I had no idea you were Mr. ckwood¡¯s fianc¨¦e¡­¡± Only now did she realize how Grace Bet had manipted her. She¡¯d followed Grace¡¯s instructions to target Thalia, not daring to refuse the ckwood ward¡¯s requests. But Grace had conveniently omitted that Thalia was both the Winters heiress and Asher ckwood¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Now Asher had personally witnessed their treatment of Thalia and intervened. Would she be his next target? The moment Thalia left, Sarah called Grace. ¡°Miss Bet, is Thalia really Mr. ckwood¡¯s fianc¨¦e?¡± ¡°Get to the point,¡± Grace snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 44.9% Her non¨Cdenial confirmed it. Sarah¡¯s panic rose. ¡°You told me to target her but never mentioned she was engaged to Mr. ckwood! I¡¯ve inadvertently crossed him you have to help me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid,¡± Grace sneered, ¡°Why do you think I care about her at all if not for Asher? Help you? I have better things to do.¡± ¡°I sent her to those predatory clients on your orders! If you won¡¯t help, I¡¯ll tell them everything! Do you want Mr. ckwood knowing what you¡¯ve been doing?¡± Grace hated being threatened. ¡°You dare ckmail me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the truth, Miss Bet. He¡¯s already dealt with those men. I¡¯m next. If I go down, you won¡¯t escape unscathed.¡± ¡°Just resign. I¡¯ll rmend you to another firm. If the ckwoods investigate, im ignorance about those clients. I¡¯ll protect you if needed, but breathe a word of my involvement and you¡¯ll regret it.¡± ¡°As long as you don¡¯t abandon me,¡± Sarah agreed, ¡°your secret¡¯s safe.¡± The next day, leaving court after her hearing, Thalia encountered Drake. ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked warily. ¡°I knew you¡¯d be here,¡± he said, his eyes intense. ¡°I found out about your court appearance. I had to see you.¡± Her eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯ve been investigating me?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been miserable,¡± he admitted, pain flickering in his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s your problem, not mine,¡± she replied coldly. Drake smiled, pulling out a sparkling diamond ring. ¡°Remember this? The one you admired in that magazine? I bought it for you.¡± Thalia did remember. She¡¯d shown him the unique design once, simply sharing something she liked. His response then had been cutting: ¡°I can buy you anything but a ring. I¡¯m not ready for marriage.¡± It had been deting. He¡¯d always assumed she was desperate to marry him, that it was all she dreamed about. ¡°Toote,¡± she said mockingly, holding up her hand. ¡°I only wear what my fianc¨¦ gives me.¡± 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 45.2 Pain shed across Drake¡¯s face. He knew who her fianc¨¦ was now Asher ckwood, heir to an empire that made the Ashcrofts look insignificant. Still, he smiled. ¡°You¡¯re not engaged yet. You¡¯re not really fianc¨¦s,¡± Thalia stared at him like he was insane. ¡°Even married couples divorce,¡± he continued, his smile turning predatory, ¡°Why not make things exciting? Have an affair?¡± The p echoed through the parking lot. ¡°Get out of my way!¡± Drake touched his reddening cheek, smirking, ¡°Such force. Did you hurt your hand?¡± ¡°You¡¯re deranged!¡± She tried to leave but he blocked her path. ¡°Let me drive you,¡± he insisted. ¡°Move!¡± She aimed a kick at him, genuinely angry now. He dodged. ¡°Such temper! What happened to that sweet, obedient girl I knew?¡± Rolling her eyes, Thalia headed for the parking lot. Drake followed like a shadow. ¡°Thalia, I was wrong before. I was horrible to you. Give me another chance. Let me prove myself!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bepletely faithful this time, I swear. Just give me a chance!¡± ¡°Not interested,¡± she said coldly, stopping beside a blue Bentley. Drake froze at the sight of the car. 20:46 Your Gold Digger 46 ¡°That car¡­¡± Drake stared at the Bentley. Of course he remembered it. She¡¯d driven one in Manhattan, and Sienna had mocked her for renting expensive cars for photos. He¡¯d agreed with the mockery then. Howughable his assumptions seemed now. Suddenly, his face went pale as realization struck. ¡°That ring you¡¯re wearing¨Cis it from Chaumet that day?¡± His voice shook. ¡°We hadn¡¯t even broken up and you were already trying on engagement rings?¡± ¡°You betrayed our rtionship!¡± His eyes reddened. ¡°How could you?¡± Thaliaughed bitterly at the usation. ¡°Rtionship? Weren¡¯t you always seeing Sienna in me?¡± Drake stiffened, color draining from his face. ¡°You¡­ you knew?¡± ¡°I knew everything,¡± she said coldly. ¡°That ¡®urgent business meeting¡® was you picking up Sienna at the airport. After Celine¡¯s birthday party, you took her to the Four Seasons. You were unfaithful long before we broke up. How dare you talk about betrayal?¡± ¡°No, let me exin,¡± Drake pleaded. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that¡­¡± Thalia ignored him, getting into her car. He stood in front, pounding on the hood, still trying to exin. Annoyed, she stepped on the gas. ¡°BANG!¡± Drake flew back,nding in nearby bushes. Without a backward nce to check if he was injured, Thalia drove away. Drake struggled to his feet, limping. Watching the blue Bentley disappear, his heart sank with a dull ache. ¡°Are you alright?¡± A concerned passerby asked. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you report the hit¨Cand¨Crun?¡± 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True eres 45.9% Drake shook his head. ¡°Just a fight with my wife.¡± ¡°Oh, domestic troubles? Was that why you were at court? Divorce proceedings?¡± Drake smiled strangely. ¡°No, no. We¡¯re very much in love. She¡¯s just upset. Nothing a bit of making up won¡¯t fix.¡± The passerby¡¯s face showed polite skepticism as they backed away. At Sinir & Klein, the break room buzzed with gossip. ¡°Have you heard? Sarah Thompson resigned.¡± ¡°Just like that? Why so sudden?¡± ¡°Apparently she volunteered to leave.¡± Thalia walked past, uninterested, but minutes after reaching her office, her door burst open. ¡°How dare you sue me?¡± Enzo stormed in. Without looking up from herputer, Thalia replied coolly, ¡°For defamation? Seems perfectly reasonable.¡± ¡°Everything I said was true!¡± he snarled. ¡°Tell it to the judge.¡± ¡°Drop the charges or else!¡± As awyer, Enzo knew defamation carried criminal penalties. A conviction would mean disbarment and the end of his legal career. ¡°Oh, but we¡¯re just getting started,¡± Thalia smiled. Rachel burst in next. ¡°It was just office gossip! How could you?¡± ¡°And here¡¯s the other defendant.¡± ¡°Please,¡± Rachel¡¯s tone shifted to pleading. ¡°I apologize. I was wrong to spread rumors. Just drop the case.¡± ¡°Toote for that,¡± Thalia said coldly. ¡°You had plenty of chances to apologize before. Now face the consequences.¡± 20:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 46.3% When Enzo tried to strike her, Thalia dodged easily. ¡°Getting violent now?¡± she stood. ¡°Not so brave when confronted directly?¡± Before he could move again, two police officers entered. ¡°Enzo Corner? You¡¯re under arrest for suspected rape.¡± ¡°There must be some mistake,¡± he stammered, panic setting in as they handcuffed him. ¡°Like I said,¡± Thalia smiled innocently, ¡°we¡¯re just getting started.¡± Later, when colleagues asked about the arrest, Thalia exined: ¡°I saw a social media post from a young girl asking for help. She¡¯d been assaulted while unconscious at a bar but was afraid to go to police. When she showed me photos of her attacker ¨C it was Enzo. Imagine my shock.¡± ¡°I helped her report it. Fortunately, she hadn¡¯t showered, so they had DNA evidence. The case against him is quite solid.¡± She finished with carefully calcted sympathy: ¡°The poor girl¡¯s still in school. I won¡¯t reveal her name, of course.¡± Her colleagues¡® shock turned to disgust. They called Enzo a hypocrite, a monster. Just as Thalia intended. (6) (0) 20:46 Your Gold Digger 47 Rachel spent the entire day in Thalia¡¯s office, begging. She¡¯d tried every approach, but Thalia wouldn¡¯t withdraw the case. ¡°Please, Miss Winters,¡± she was nearly on her knees. ¡°Show mercy. A criminal record would end my legal career!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do anything be your servant!¡± Thalia regarded her coldly. ¡°Not interested.¡± ¡°There are plenty of careers out there,¡± Thalia patted Rachel¡¯s shoulder with mock sympathy. ¡°Best of luck finding a new one!¡± At day¡¯s end, Thalia left with her colleagues. Suddenly, one grabbed her sleeve. ¡°Look at that gorgeous man!¡± she whispered excitedly. Thalia followed their gaze and stopped. Asher stood by his car, the autumn evening light softening his sharp features. His ck coat fit his tall frame perfectly. As if sensing her, he turned, their eyes meeting. He ended his call and walked over. Her colleagues whispered excitedly. ¡°He¡¯sing this way!¡± ¡°I should have worn makeup!¡± ¡°As if we¡¯d have a chance anyway¡­¡± Asher reached Thalia, his deep voice warm. ¡°Alex is hosting dinner. Victoria and Charlotte are there. Shall we join them?¡± Her colleagues gasped at their obvious intimacy. ¡°This is my fianc¨¦,¡± Thalia smiled, enjoying their shocked expressions. The gossip had painted her ¡°sugar daddy¡± as some unattractive older man. Yet here stood Asher, nearly six feet tall, more handsome than any actor, not even the young version of Leonardo DiCaprio. 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 46.9% Their previous assumptions crumbled as they offered congrattions, thoroughly chastened by reality. In the private dining room, Thalia told Asher about the office gossip. ¡°Know why they were so shocked to see you?¡± she smiled. ¡°They¡¯d convinced themselves my ¡®sugar daddy¡® was some unattractive older man.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes turned dangerous. ¡°They spread rumors about you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I handled it,¡± Thalia said calmly. ¡°They dared spread such lies?¡± Alex eximed. ¡°Little sister, why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡± Asher gave him a cool look. ¡°Was that necessary?¡± Charlotte elbowed Alex. ¡°She¡¯s Asher¡¯s fianc¨¦e. They¡¯re getting engaged soon. Stop being dramatic.¡± ¡°Ouch!¡± Alex grinned. ¡°I just hate seeing her bullied. We¡¯re all friends here, aren¡¯t we?¡± Asher turned to Thalia, his eyes softening with concern. ¡°First those clients harassed you, then these rumors¡­ I¡¯ve failed to protect you properly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that,¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°You can¡¯t be with me 24 hours a day.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re his whole world,¡± Alex chimed in. ¡°You should have seen what he did to that guy back then who-¡± ¡°Alex!¡± Asher cut him off sharply. ¡°Never mind!¡± Alex backtracked quickly. ¡°What guy?¡± Thalia¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°Who did you hurt?¡± Asher took a sip of wine. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. He¡¯s exaggerating.¡± ¡°Asher, shush. I want to hear this,¡± Thalia said firmly. ¡°Look who¡¯s wrapped around her finger,¡± Alex teased. William smiled. ¡°That¡¯s called devotion, not submission.¡± ¡°Our Asher, the doting fianc¨¦,¡± Victoria added softly. 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 47.3% ¡°By the way.¡± Alex continued, ¡°those two executives who harassed you? Theirpanies are being investigated for fraud. They¡¯re in custody and their businesses are ruined. Feeling better?¡± Thalia looked at Asher, his expression cold. ¡°I said they¡¯d pay the price.¡± ¡°They deserved it.¡± Thalia said, eating a piece of melon. Then she remembered: ¡°Alex, you still haven¡¯t told me about that guy Asher hurt.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Alex nced at Asher. ¡°Think his name was Evan Davenport?¡± Thalia remembered him vividly. In her first year of secondary school, her close friend Emma had transferred to a different school due to family troubles. Thalia would often wait for Emma after sses to go shopping. Davenport was the school bully, using his family¡¯s money to gather a gang of followers. He¡¯d set his sights on Emma, pursuing her aggressively. One day, he¡¯d followed Emma to the school gates where Thalia was waiting. Your Gold Digger 48 Emma, a quiet, timid girl, had hidden behind Thalia in fear. When Davenport saw Thalia, he decided she was prettier than Emma. He blocked their path, demanding Thalia¡¯s number and making increasingly vulgar suggestions. Despite the crowds of students passing by, not one stepped forward to help. Thalia hadn¡¯t learned self¨Cdefense yet and was terrified herself. In desperation, she¡¯d bluffed about having a brother in a gang who would make Davenport regret bothering her. She¡¯d actually called Asher then. ¡°Remember how you said you¡¯d break the legs of anyone who bothered me? Well, someone is¡­ You need toe quickly.¡± ¡°There¡¯s too many of them for two schoolgirls to handle.¡± ¡°Where? Oh, at Westminster School.¡± After hanging up, she¡¯d tried intimidating Davenport with increasingly borate tales. ¡°Listen, my brother has over a hundred men under him ¨C all trained fighters, way tougher than your little followers. They¡¯ve never lost a fight. Don¡¯t you daree closer! Touch one hair on my head and my brother will destroy you!¡± Davenport had swaggered closer. ¡°Oh yeah? Call this brother then. Let¡¯s see if he¡¯s really as tough as you say.¡± ¡°You-¡± Thalia had puffed up her cheeks in anger, ring at him. ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s all talk!¡± Asher was at university twenty miles away ¨C even if he left immediately after her call, he couldn¡¯t possibly arrive in time. Thalia hadn¡¯t actually expected him toe rescue her. The call was just meant to scare Davenport. But within minutes of her call, the Deputy Head and House Master arrived hurriedly, escorting Davenport and his group away. Emmater told Thalia that Davenport never returned to school after that day. This incident prompted Thalia to start learning self¨Cdefense. 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Sipping her wine at the memory, she turned to Asher. ¡°Did you call the school administrators that day?¡± His dark eyes revealed nothing. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And did you go after Davenportter?¡± Alex leaned forward eagerly. ¡°Did he ever! You should have seen it. Nearly killed the bastard- though he deserved it for what he said. I was there.¡± Alex recalled that day vividly. He and Asher had been ying basketball when Thalia¡¯s call came. ¡°Asher just dropped everything and left. I followed him and we drove across London to find Davenport.¡± ¡°The idiot had no idea who Asher was. Started bragging about Thalia: ¡°That girl¡¯s exactly my type, such soft skin, such a slim waist, can¡¯t wait to get her in bed-¡® Didn¡¯t finish that sentence.¡± The rest came out in screams as Asher attacked like a lion, targeting vulnerable points with terrifying precision. Davenport tried fighting back but waspletely overwhelmed. ¡°Eventually his screams got weaker and he justy there,¡± Alex shuddered. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop Asher ¨C nearly got caught in it myself. His knuckles were covered in blood, face sttered with it. Looked like something out of a horror film. Davenport spent months in hospital.¡± ¡°He was expelled afterward. His family¡¯s business copsed ¨C some convenient audits appeared. They left London entirely.¡± ¡°Asher spent time in the cells for it. His grandfather was furious, ordered him held for a few days. But his grandmother kept crying to the old man until he relented. The ckwoods paid an enormous settlement, and Asher took quite a beating from his grandfather over it.¡± Alex gave Thalia a knowing look. ¡°You know, I was blind back then. I thought he was just being a protective older brother. Only recently did I realize Asher had his eye on you all along.¡± Thalia¡¯s fingers whitened around her wine ss as the full weight of the story hit her. She¡¯d never known he¡¯d nearly killed someone for her. A wave of fear washed over her ¨C not for herself, but for him. Asher had always been perfect: the model son, the exemry student, the untouchable heir that others could only admire from afar. His future had been boundless. The thought that he could have thrown it all away, could have be a murderer because of her¡­ she would never have forgiven herself. Her eyshes fluttered as she blinked back tears, her throat tight with emotion. 20:46 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True he 48.2% It was past midnight when they reached Kensington. The night air was crisp, the moon casting cold light as Thalia walked ahead silently. Asher followed her into the building. ¡°Lia, please don¡¯t be angry.¡± She remained quiet. As she tried to close her apartment door, Asher slipped inside, his expression pained. ¡°Are you afraid of me now?¡± He rushed to exin: ¡°Please don¡¯t be. I¡¯m not violent by nature, I¡¯d never hurt you. That day, I just¡­ his words about you, I couldn¡¯t bear hearing someone speak of you that way¡­¡± Thalia looked up at him with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you, Asher. I¡¯m worried about you¡­¡± He pulled her gently into his arms. ¡°It¡¯s over now. All in the past.¡± Against his chest, her voice caught. ¡°Don¡¯t be so reckless again. If you¡¯d killed him, your life would have been ruined¡­ It¡¯s not worth it, not for me¡­¡± ¡°But I didn¡¯t kill him,¡± he said softly. She hit his chest in frustration. ¡°That¡¯s not funny!¡± His warm hands stroked her back soothingly. ¡°Alright, alright. I promise to be more careful.¡± ¡°How long were you in jail?¡± she asked, voice muffled. ¡°Not long.¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°Was it awful? I¡¯ve heard they only serve porridge and bread. You must have hated it.¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°I did. Counted it as a diet.¡± Despite herself, sheughed through her tears, hitting him again. ¡°You¡¯re not even fat! Are you trying to upset me?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it anymore, hmm?¡± She looked up at him, eyes red. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ever tell me?¡± 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hes 48.5% ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to feel responsible. It was my choice, not your fault.¡± Tears spilled down her checks. Asher cradled her face, thumbs wiping away her tears. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. It breaks my heart so.¡± He leaned down, kissing away her tears with gentle lips. (8) )(0) Your Gold Digger 49 ¡°Asher¡­¡± Thalia whispered. His lips brushed her cheek. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°About Davenport, and the fight with Drake¡­¡± she hesitated. ¡°If your family knew you nearly killed someone because of me, would they call off our engagement?¡± Asher kissed her forehead. ¡°They won¡¯t find out. I won¡¯t let that happen.¡± She lowered her eyes, voice small. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t risk everything for me.¡± ¡°Lia.¡± He tilted her chin up, making her meet his gaze. ¡°You¡¯re worth everything. You matter more to me than my own life.¡± His dark eyes burned with intensity. Thalia froze, overwhelmed by his words. She hadn¡¯t realized how deeply he cared. Her eyshes fluttered with fresh tears. She was terrified ¨C not of him, but for him. The thought of him nearly going to prison because of her made her heart ache. ¡°Why more tears?¡± His voice drew her back. She pouted. ¡°Then wipe them away.¡± His thumb gently brushed her cheeks. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest like a small cat seeking Asher¡¯s heart melted. ¡°You smell nice,¡± she murmured against him. He chuckled. ¡°Enjoy it then.¡± ¡°Kiss me,¡± she whispered. 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 49.0% Asher thought he¡¯d misheard. He held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. ¡°What did you say?¡± Blushing to her ears, she bit her lip. ¡°Kiss me¡­¡± His lips met hers instantly. For her first kiss, Thalia froze, unsure how to respond. Her heart thundered in her chest. Asher kissed her gently. When his breathing grew uneven, he pulled away. Thalia saw his flushed face and darkened eyes. ¡°Why did you stop?¡± she asked dazedly. ¡°You should rest,¡± he managed, struggling forposure. ¡°If we continue¡­¡± Thalia understood his meaning, her face burning. ¡°Goodnight then. Be careful going home.¡± He gazed at her intently. ¡°So sweet.¡± ¡°What?¡± His finger brushed her lips. ¡°Here. So sweet.¡± Thalia¡¯s whole body tingled. She fled to her bedroom. ¡°Goodnight!¡± Watching her retreat, Asher smiled tenderly. The next day, Thalia prepared to visit the ckwood estate for dinner. The ckwood and Winters estates were in the same exclusive neighborhood in Kensington. Thalia stopped at her family home first. Both Randolph and Victoria were there. ¡°Where have you been staying?¡± her father asked. Now knowing the truth about her father¡¯s remarriage¨Cthat it had been her mother¡¯s wish¨CThalia¡¯s manner toward him had softened. ¡°In the t Alexander gave me,¡± she replied. ¡°It¡¯s near the firm, convenient for work.¡± Randolph nodded. ¡°When you have time, I¡¯d like to introduce you to some associates. Good connections 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 49.2% for your practice.¡± Appreciating his offer ofworking opportunities, she didn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Next weekend would work.¡± Lucy came running down the stairs, wrapping her arms around Thalia¡¯s legs. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re back!¡± Thalia patted her head affectionately. ¡°Yes.¡± Victoria asked warmly how she¡¯d been finding life on her own. Instead of her usual coldness, Thalia simply nodded. ¡°I need to get some things from upstairs.¡± As she left, Victoria turned to Randolph. ¡°Did you notice? She seems different¨Cher attitude toward us has softened.¡± Randolph nodded with relief. ¡°She¡¯s growing up, moving past childish resentments.¡± In her bedroom, Thalia changed clothes and approached her dressing table. There she found a crayon drawing¨Ca family portrait showing four happy figures. She stared at it, emotions welling up. Lucy had rawn their family: Randolph and Victoria on the sides, Thalia as the taller girl in the middle, and Lucy as the smaller one. After a long moment, she rolled up the drawing and ced it in her keepsake box. Properly dressed in an apricot¨Ccolored dress with white heels¨Can outfit chosen to please the older generation¨Cshe joined her family. Lucy wore a red dress with her hair in two buns, adorned with strawberry clips. The sisters walked ahead with their parents following as they entered the ckwood estate. Asher himself came to greet them. Inside, Lord and Lady ckwood weed them warmly. Grace stood beside them, making polite conversation. Thalia¡¯s eyes passed over her without expression. Dinner wasvish, clearly arranged with care¨Cevery dish a favorite of Thalia¡¯s. Afterward, the families gathered in the drawing room to discuss engagement details. Before Lady ckwood could begin, Asher spoke. ¡°Now that we¡¯re all here, there¡¯s something that needs addressing.¡± All eyes turned to him. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 49.5% ¡°Grace,¡± his voice was cold. ¡°Apologize to Thalia.¡± Grace¡¯s eyes widened, her lips trembling. ¡°Asher!¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s tone was disapproving. Ignoring her, Asher fixed Grace with a prating stare. ¡°I said apologize. Did you not hear me?¡± Lady ckwood looked bewildered. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Tell everyone about the incident at the riding grounds,¡± Asher said, his voice icy. Grace¡¯s face paled as she looked pleadingly toward Lady ckwood. ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± ¡°Asher, Grace has already exined that incident to me,¡± the elderly woman said. ¡°It was a misunderstanding. Don¡¯t be harsh with her.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips twitched slightly, but she remained silent. does Randolph and Victoria exchanged confused nces. ¡°Why does Grace need to apologize?¡± Randolph whispered to Thalia. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see what she says,¡± Thalia replied evenly. Asher¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°Grace Bet, tell everyone exactly what happened that day. If you hide anything, I¡¯ll tell them myself.¡± Your Gold Digger 50 Grace¡¯s eyes welled with tears as she looked pleadingly at Lady ckwood. ¡°Grandmother¡­¡± Lady ckwood nced between Asher and Grace before exhaling deeply. ¡°Very well. Grace, since you im it was merely a misunderstanding, please exin yourself properly in front of everyone. I¡¯m certain Thalia isn¡¯t unreasonable.¡± With Lady ckwood taking this position, Grace had no one left to shield her. She sniffled, her expression a portrait of wounded innocence. ¡°That day at the stables, I asked Thalia to teach me riding. Everything was fine until the horse suddenly went wild. I¡­ I was thrown and injured.¡± Everyone already knew this much, but Asher¡¯s tone suggested there was more to the story. They maintained a tactful silence, waiting for her to continue. Grace darted a nervous nce at Asher. His piercing gaze made her shrink back. She stammered, ¡°It was just a misunderstanding, really. I thought Thalia disliked me and deliberately spooked the horse to hurt me. Butter they found a wound on the horse¡¯s neck¨Cit must have been injured before being brought out. I must have identally pressed against it, causing the horse to bolt.¡± She turned to Thalia with carefully manufactured contrition. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Thalia. I misjudged you. shouldn¡¯t have assumed the worst. Can you forgive me?¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed as she regarded Grace silently. I Lady ckwood spoke reproachfully, ¡°Grace, how could you think such things about Thalia? She would never hurt you.¡± Lord ckwood also appeared displeased. ¡°If you wanted to learn riding, why not take proper lessons? Not only did you end up injured, but you¡¯ve created this ghastly misunderstanding with your brother¡¯s fianc¨¦e.¡± At the mention of ¡°fianc¨¦e,¡± a surge of jealous rage burned through Grace¡¯s veins. She managed to keep her voice steady. ¡°I know I was wrong, Father, Mother.¡± Asher¡¯s gaze remained cial. ¡°That day, didn¡¯t you explicitly im that Thalia had kicked the horse, causing it to bolt? Why have you conveniently omitted that detail now?¡± Without waiting for Grace¡¯s response, Asher turned to his parents. ¡°Mother, Father, who exactly has been You Cold Digger is Actually A True 50.0% responsible for Grace¡¯s upbringing? How has she be like this¨Cfull of lies and maniptions?¡± Lord and Lady ckwood exchanged meaningful nces. Lady ckwood frowned. ¡°Did you actually lie, Grace?¡± Tears instantly streamed down Grace¡¯s face in well¨Cpracticed anguish. ¡°I¡­ I was wrong, Mother¡­¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Grace, you told me it was a misunderstanding, but you never mentioned that you lied. Is this what your education has taught you¨Cto falsely use others?¡± The Winters had caught on to what had happened. Randolph¡¯s voice carried a frosty edge. ¡°Lady ckwood, Lord ckwood, my daughter would never harm anyone deliberately. Your ward has falsely used Thalia¨Csurely you owe us an exnation?¡± Victoria added firmly, ¡°Indeed. Thalia is our daughter. While our family may not wield the same influence as yours, she has integrity and kindness. She would never stoop to such behavior.¡± Thalia felt unexpectedly moved hearing her father and stepmother defend her so staunchly. Though her rtionship with them had been strained for years, it was clear they genuinely cared for her. Victoria had proven her care through actions over the years, even if Thalia hadn¡¯t been able to ovee her emotional barriers. Grace¡¯s sobbing intensified. She stood and bowed formally to Thalia. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Thalia. I was wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have lied about you. I¡¯m truly sorry¡­¡± Lady ckwood sighed. ¡°Thalia, what Grace did was certainly wrong, but she¡¯s apologized now. Couldn¡¯t you find it in your heart to forgive her?¡± Thalia frowned slightly. There was something distinctly impatient in Lady ckwood¡¯s tone, as if withholding forgiveness would somehow reflect poorly on Thalia rather than Grace. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Asher intervened. ¡°Grandmother, I must say, that¡¯s rather unfair. Whether to forgive or not is entirely Thalia¡¯s decision. No one should pressure her either way.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s eyes shed with displeasure. ¡°Asher, are you reproaching me?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher replied, his expression carefully neutral. ¡°I¡¯m simply asking that Lia not be pressured.¡± Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 50.3% Seeing Asher stand up to his grandmother for her sake, Thalia quickly interjected, ¡°It¡¯s fine, really. I ept her apology.¡± As she spoke, she cast a subtle nce at Asher, reaching for his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, signaling him not to pursue the conflict with his grandmother. Asher received her message, the sharpness in his eyes softening immediately, Witnessing this intimate exchange, Grace was seized with such fury that she nearly cracked her teeth from clenching her jaw so tightly. Her nails dug crescents into her palms as she watched them, ¡°Thalia Winters, someday I¡¯ll make you disappear from this worldpletely.* In the middle of the night, Thalia was awakened by her phone ringing. She fumbled under her pillow for her mobile, barely managing to open her eyes a crack as she groggily tapped the answer button. Instantly, a cacophony of background noise sted through the speaker. Thalia clicked her tongue in annoyance, holding the phone away from her ear. ¡°Who is this?¡± Her voice was thick with irritation at being disturbed in the dead of night., The person on the other end didn¡¯t speak. ¡°Hello? Say something,¡± she demanded. Still no response, just the chaotic background noise. With effort, Thalia forced her eyes open enough to check the caller ID. An unknown number. ¡°Drake?¡± she guessed sharply. Finally, there was a response. Drake¡¯s voice came through, hoarse and clearly intoxicated: ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m miserable. Why won¡¯t you even look at me? I truly love you. Just look at me, please? I¡¯m in so much pain.¡± Thalia¡¯s anger reached boiling point. 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 50.5% Chapter So Her sleep quality was poor at the best of times, with insomnia a frequent issue. She¡¯d finally fallen into a pleasant dream, only to be rudely awakened by Drake¡¯s drunken call. She had work tomorrow, for God¡¯s sake! Her first instinct was to hang up immediately. But the fury bubbling inside her demanded release. She was absolutely livid, and couldn¡¯t end the call without venting her rage. ¡°Drake, what the hell is wrong with you? If you¡¯re miserable, just die! Don¡¯t call me with your bloody meltdowns! If you¡¯re mentally ill, get treatment. If you can¡¯t be treated, go jump off a building. Stop making me sick with your pathetic behavior. Just sod off!¡± Despite her verbal assault, Drake didn¡¯t take offense. He even chuckled. ¡°Thalia, I think there is something wrong with my brain¨Cit can only think about you and nothing else. I want to die too. Not having your love makes me want to die, but if I died, I¡¯d never see you again.¡± ¡°You¡¯repletely mental!¡± Thalia snapped before ending the call. She immediately switched her phone to silent mode, flipped it face¨Cdown, and tried to resume her sleep. At the bar, Drake waspletely drunk. Two provocatively dressed women sat on either side of him, both persistently pressing against him. ¡°Darling, you¡¯re drunk. Let me take you somewhere to rest,¡± the woman on his left purred, running her hand over Drake¡¯s chest. ¡°Spend the night with me, won¡¯t you?¡± the woman on his right whispered seductively, pressing her soft curves against him. This was the scene Sienna walked in on. ¡°Fuck off!¡± Sienna was furious. ¡°Both of you, get the hell away from him! Stop trying to seduce my man!¡± Seeing her fury, the two women feared confrontation with the ¡°official girlfriend¡± and quickly stood up, hastily departing. Sienna looked at Drake¡¯s intoxicated state with barely controlled anger. After taking several deep breaths to calm herself, she finally helped him to his feet and led him out of the bar. ? (4) Your Gold Digger 51 hapter 51 After several days of continuous autumn rain, the sky finally cleared on the day of the engagement party. At the Winters estate, everyone had risen early for Thalia¡¯s big day. Even Laicy, who typically loved sleeping in, had gotten up and donned a festive pastel blue dress for the asion. In Thalia¡¯s bedroom, a professional styling team was at work. She wore an elegant cream¨Ccolored gown with delicate embroidery and pearl detailing. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a sophisticated updo adorned with subtle diamond pins. Lucy leaned against the dressing table, tilting her head as she watched Thalia with bright eyes. ¡°You look like a princess today, Thalia,¡± she said in her sweet, childish voice. Thalia smiled softly, reaching out to affectionately touch Lucy¡¯s cheek. Lucy¡¯s round little face suddenly clouded with worry. She furrowed her brow and asked, ¡°After you get married, will you stille home often?¡± Thalia paused, surprised by the question. -She hadn¡¯t expected Lucy to ask something like that. Her lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes twinkling. ¡°Of course I will. The ckwood estate is so close to ours¨CI can visit whenever I like.¡± ¡°Hmph, you¡¯re fibbing,¡± Lucy pouted. ¡°You don¡¯te home every day now. How can you possiblye back regrly after you marry Asher?¡± Thaliaughed. ¡°I have to work, sweetheart. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t always be home now.¡± Lucy held out her little finger. ¡°Pinky promise you¡¯lle home to see me.¡± Thalia smiled¨Cclearly children weren¡¯t so easily fooled. She extended her own pinky finger. ¡°I can¡¯t promise every day, but I promise to visit whenever I can. I¡¯lle home often, all right?¡± Lucy nodded happily. ¡°All right.¡± Thalia linked her pinky with Lucy¡¯s, smiling warmly at her half¨Csister. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 51.0% The engagement ceremony was set to take ce at the ckwoods¡® private estate in the northern countryside. Early that morning, Asher personally drove to pick up Thalia. Randolph and Victoria had dressed formally for the asion and were waiting in the downstairs sitting room. Randolph¡¯s face lit up when he saw Asher arrive. He rose eagerly to greet him: ¡°Asher, wee! Thalia will be down in just a moment.¡± Victoria stood beside him, her smile warm and genuine. She was truly happy today. Though Thalia wasn¡¯t her biological daughter, in her heart, she loved her just the same. She silently reflected: *Rosalind, our girl has grown up. Today she¡¯s getting engaged. You¡¯d be so proud if you could see her now. Asher is an exceptional young man, and he clearly adores her. She¡¯ll be happy with him¨Cyou can rest easy.* They all sat in the sitting room, making pleasant conversation. After a few minutes, Lucy came running down the stairs, excitedly announcing: ¡°Thalia¡¯sing!¡± Everyone turned to look as Thalia descended the staircase, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers. Asher¡¯s breath caught, his eyes reflecting pure admiration. Thalia looked absolutely stunning today. Her cream gown with intricate pearl detailing entuated her figure perfectly, highlighting her slender waist. Expert makeup enhanced her already beautiful features, while her elegant updo gave her a sophisticated grace that was captivating. Though he had seen her face countless times, he found himself falling for her all over again. Asher¡¯s lips curved into a smile as he stood and stepped forward to take her hand. In the car, Thalia and Asher sat in the back seat. He could barely contain his excitement. ¡°Lia, this day has finally arrived.¡± 2047 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 51.2% Thalia¡¯s smile was slightly shy, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. ¡°Tve been looking forward to it too.¡± ¡°I almost wanted to skip the engagement altogether and marry you straight away, making you Mrs. ckwood immediately.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips twitched with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll be yours eventually. Why the rush?¡± Asher held her hand, his finger gently tracing circles on her palm. ¡°Because I can¡¯t wait a single day¨Cno, not even a minute longer.¡± He continued with a self¨Cdeprecating smile, ¡°I originally suggested an engagement to your father because I worried you might find an immediate marriage too sudden. I thought we could wait until our rtionship deepened. Now I realize I¡¯ve only created an unnecessary dy for myself.¡± Thalia teased him yfully: ¡°So you think our rtionship has deepened enough now?¡± Asher pinched her cheek affectionately. ¡°That¡¯s for you to say. My feelings were there from the start.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes with a subtle smile, feeling mischievous. ¡°Perhaps we should wait a bit longer.¡± Asher chuckled indulgently. ¡°And when might Miss Winters be willing to be Mrs. ckwood?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Thalia replied impishly, tilting her head and making a face at him. ¡°Depends on my mood.¡± The journey passed with lively conversation between them. Upon reaching the estate, Asher opened the car door and extended his hand to Thalia. She ced her hand in his, and they walked together toward the main building. The entire estate was decorated with balloons and flowers. Thousands of fresh pink roses formed a path from the entrance all the way to the main hall. Thalia walked carefully in her heels along the petal¨Cstrewn path into the elegantly decorated ballroom. The meticulously arranged venue was filled with a festive atmosphere, soft music ying throughout the space. Guests approached to offer their congrattions. After greeting the guests, Thalia and Asher went to the preparation room to confirm the ceremony details with the officiant. 20:47 Your Gold Digger is True 51.4% The entire ckwood family was present. Even Lord ckwood Sr., who rarely left his post in the capital, had made the special journey. He looked particrly distinguished in his formal attire, a warm smile on his face, appearing remarkably energetic, Lady ckwood stood beside him, elegant in her silk outfit adorned with valuable jewelry, the picture of refined dignity. Lord and Lady ckwood also wore formal attire, radiating sophisticated poise. The Winters family arrived shortly after. Lucy greeted Victoria quickly before running off to y. Both families gathered together, chatting amicably and confirming the engagement procedures onest time. As the ceremony was about to begin, Asher received a phone call. A woman¡¯s desperate voice came through the line: ¡°Asher, please don¡¯t get engaged to Thalia Winters.¡± The smile instantly vanished from Asher¡¯s face. He stepped out of the preparation room to take the call. ¡°Who is this?¡± he asked coldly. ¡°Asher, don¡¯t you remember me? It¡¯s Vanessa. Why are you getting engaged to Thalia? I¡¯ve been in love with you for ten years¨Cten whole years!¡± Vanessa? Ten years? Asher remembered now. The woman was Vanessa Miller, his high school ssmate who had been voted the most beautiful girl in their year. Asher¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Vanessa, stop calling me. There will never be anything between us.¡± He was about to hang up. ¡°Asher, if you don¡¯t cancel the engagement, I¡¯ll kill myself,¡± Vanessa said frantically. 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 51.6% The sound of rushing wind came through the phone, making Asher frown with displeasure. Vanessa¡¯s voice, mixed with the howling wind, continued: ¡°I¡¯m standing on the roof of the building where your engagement ceremony is being held. If you don¡¯t cancel it, I¡¯ll jump right now.¡± The building was ten stories high. A fall from that height would be undoubtedly fatal. (2) (0) Your Gold Digger 52 Asher let out a coldugh. ¡°You¡¯re trying to ckmail me? You dare?¡± In high school, Vanessa Miller had confessed her feelings to him, and he had politely declined, But the girl had stuck to him like glue, following him everywhere. Her pursuit of him at school had be notorious. Thoroughly annoyed, he had eventually used his family¡¯s influence to force her to transfer schools. After Vanessa transferred, he finally had some peace. Unfortunately, it didn¡¯tst long. When he entered university, he encountered her again. She had somehow discovered he was attending Oxford University and had managed to get epted there as well. Every day, she would bring him breakfast, follow him to his lectures, and constantly send him love letters and gifts. Vanessa once again became infamous at the university for her relentless pursuit of him. ab Now she was sobbing desperately. ¡°Asher, do you really not care if I live or die? Why are you so heartless? Is my life worth less than an engagement ceremony?¡± Asher remained perfectly calm, like an emotionless machine. His voice was utterly cold. ¡°That routine might work on other men, but not on me.¡± Vanessa tried to say more, but Asher didn¡¯t give her the chance. He ended the call abruptly and immediately dispatched security to find her, while ensuring the engagement ceremony would proceed as nned. It wasn¡¯t that he cared about Vanessa, but if she wasn¡¯t found quickly, she would certainly disrupt the ceremony. If she actually jumped and died during his and Thalia¡¯s engagement, it would be catastrophic. Having someone die at their engagement would traumatize Thalia, and might even prevent their 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 52 eventual marriage altogether. In a room somewhere in the estate, Vanessa stood frozen for several seronds after Asher hung up on her. Then, in a sudden burst of rage, she hurled her phone against the wall before deacending into a full¨Cblown tantrum, throwing anything within reach Grace watched Vanessa¡¯s breakdown with cold detachment. ¡°Miss Miller, why are you so impatient?¡± After exhausting herself, Vanessa copsed onto the floor, muttering despondently, ¡°He truly doesn¡¯t care if I live or die. How can he not care about me at all?¡± Grace let out a contemptuousugh, her eyes shing with disdain as she pulled out a lighter and unhurriedly lit a cigarette. A sharp knocking sounded at the door. One of Grace¡¯s bodyguards went to answer it. ¡°Miss Bet, the woman is surrounded by security¨Cwe couldn¡¯t get to her. But we did manage to catch this little one,¡± reported the tall bodyguard in ck, holding Lucy like a rag doll. Lucy¡¯s hands were tied behind her back, her legs kicking wildly as she struggled desperately. A strip of ck tape covered her mouth, and her eyes were wide with terror, Grace took a leisurely drag of her cigarette, exhaling a ring of smoke, ¡°Useless,¡± she murmured. The bodyguard lowered his head in silence. Grace nced at her watch. ¡°It¡¯s about time. Let¡¯s go.¡± She stood up and looked down at the weeping Vanessa with contempt, narrowing her eyes. Grace¡¯s smile was like Satan¡¯s from the depths of hell¨Ctechnically a smile, but one that sent chills down the spine. ¡°Miss Miller, I suggest you pull yourself together and stick to our n. If anything goes wrong because of you, I won¡¯t pay a single penny toward your father¡¯s medical bills.¡± Without waiting for Vanessa¡¯s response, Grace turned and left. Vanessa wiped away her tears and struggled to her feet, following Grace with a hollow, defeated expression. 20:47 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 52.3% With twenty minutes until the engagement ceremony was set to begin, Lucy had gone missing. Victoria was nearly in tears with worry. ¡°She told me she wanted to y for a bit while we were in the preparation room, so I let her go. Now I can¡¯t find her anywhere.¡± Lady ckwood tried to reassure her: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone here is a guest for the engagement. Lucy won¡¯t be in any danger. Children get carried away ying¨Cshe¡¯s probably exploring the grounds outside. The estate is enormous; it¡¯s normal not to find her right away. We should check the security footage.¡± ¡°My father¡¯s already reviewing the footage,¡± Thalia said. ¡°Let¡¯s split up to look for her and send more people to search.¡± Just then, a collective gasp rose from the crowd ahead of them. They turned to look and instantly went pale with horror. Therge screen intended for disying the engagement slideshow was now showing footage of Lucy, bound and crying hysterically. ¡°Daddy, Mummy, Thalia, where are you?¡± she sobbed frantically. ¡°I want my mummy! Let me go!¡± ¡°Mummy, a bad man took me. Pleasee save me!¡± she continued to wail. On the screen, Lucy was tied to a chair, crying and struggling. Victoria nearly fainted, her legs giving way beneath her. Thalia quickly caught her. ¡°Victoria-¡± ¡°Thalia, what about Lucy? Do something¡­¡± Victoria could barely speak through her tears. ¡°How could she be¡­ kidnapped¡­ I¡­¡± Her sobs were heartbreaking. ¡°If anything happens to Lucy, I don¡¯t want to live¡­¡± ¡°How could this happen? Everyone here is a guest of our families. Who would kidnap Lucy?¡± Lady ckwood was bewildered. At that moment, an eerie, digitally distorted voice came through the hall¡¯s speakers: ¡°Thalia Winters, if you want your sister to live,e to the rooftop.¡± Thalia froze for a split second before turning and sprinting toward the elevators. Asher caught up and grabbed her arm. ¡°Lia, don¡¯t go! It¡¯s too dangerous!¡± 20:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 52.6% Thalia struggled violently against his grip. ¡°I have to! They¡¯re targeting me. If I don¡¯t go, Lney will be in danger.¡± ¡°We need to call the police first,¡± Asher said calmly, ¡°Go ahead and call them, but don¡¯t stop me! Every second I dy puts Lucy in more danger. I can¡¯t risk her life!¡± Thalia was on the verge of tears. ¡°Lucy was kidnapped because of me. I can¡¯t stand by and watch her get hurt.¡± Asher raised his voice, his grip tightening. ¡°So you¡¯re willing to risk your own life instead?¡± Just then, a man ran up to them. ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve found Miss Lucy, She¡¯s on the roof.¡± ¡°Call the police,¡± Asher ordered sharply. ¡°Already done, sir. They¡¯re on their way,¡± the man responded. Asher remained calm and focused, his mind racing. ¡°Lia, they kidnapped Lucy to lure you up there. You can¡¯t fall into their trap. I¡¯m sending every security guard in the estate to the roof right now. You need to stay calm, alright?¡± Thalia¡¯s hands were shaking with fear. ¡°I¡­¡± Suddenly, screams erupted throughout the hall. Thalia looked up sharply. On the screen, a knife was now being held to Lucy¡¯s throat. A masked figure pressed the de against the child¡¯s neck. ¡°Thalia Winters, I¡¯m giving you five minutes. If you don¡¯te, your sister will die in your ce!¡± In the split second that Asher was distracted by the screen, Thalia wrenched free from his grasp and ran. (1) ¡Ñ (0) Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Your Gold Digger 53 Asher raced after Thalia but was blocked by a man who appeared from nowhere. The man collided with Asher head on, spilling red wine across his bespoke suit. Asher paid no attention to his ruined clothes, his focus entirely on reaching Thalia as panie gripped him The man, however, deliberately remained in his path, offering exaggerated apologies, ¡°Terribly sorry, Mr. ckwood. Complete ident. Shall I have your suit professionally cleaned?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Asher attempted to sidestep him. The man mirrored his movement perfectly. ¡°Mr. ckwood, I do apologize. I hope you won¡¯t hold this against me.¡± Asher¡¯s patience evaporated. ¡°Get out of my way!¡± he snapped. The man touched his nose awkwardly and finally stepped aside. When Asher reached the lift, he watched the numbers changing rapidly on the disy, his heart plummeting. The elevator had already reached the ninth floor. Even if he took the adjacent lift immediately, he¡¯d be toote. Suddenly, he spun around¨Cthe stranger hadpletely vanished. Asher¡¯s expression hardened with realization. That man had dyed him deliberately. Meanwhile, outside a side entrance to the estate, a nondescript ck Audi sat parked in a secluded corner. The man who had blocked Asher slid into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°It¡¯s done, Miss Bet.¡± Grace reclined in the back seat with her eyes closed. ¡°Drive.¡± The driver nced at her through the rearview mirror. ¡°Aren¡¯t we waiting for Miss Miller?¡± Grace gave a contemptuousugh. ¡°If we waited for that fool, none of us would escape today.¡± Thalia burst onto the rooftop immediately after exiting the lift. 20:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 68.76 Chapter 53 Opening the heavy metal door, she spotted Lucy at once. The child was bound to a chair positioned perilously close to the edge of the roof. Her mouth was sealed with tape, her hands and feet tied with rope. The masked figure still held a knife to Lucy¡¯s throat. Unable to cry out, Lucy could only stare at Thalia with tears streaming down her face, looking utterly terrified. Thalia¡¯s heart constricted seeing her sister in such a state. She was just an innocent child. Only hours ago, Lucy had been yfully clinging to her¨Chow had she ended up in mortal danger so quickly? Steadying herself, Thalia addressed the kidnapper: ¡°Let my sister go. I¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡± ¡°Come here. Trade ces with her.¡± Without the voice distorter, the masked figure spoke in their natural voice. It was a woman¨Ca inger. ¡°All right,¡± Thalia agreed without hesitation. She began walking toward them. When she was approximately two meters away- ¡°Thalia! Stop!¡± Asher¡¯s voice rang out behind her. Thalia froze and turned. Asher rushed to her side and pulled her protectively into his arms, his voice uncharacteristically unsteady. ¡°Don¡¯t. It¡¯s too dangerous.¡± Watching this scene unfold, Vanessa broke down, her heart constricting painfully. Sheughed bitterly, her eyes filled with raw anguish. ¡°How bloody touching.¡± ¡°Asher, you don¡¯t care if I live or die, yet you¡¯d do anything for her.¡± Vanessa removed her mask. 20:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 53.3% Chapter 53 Her tears gave way toughter, bordering on hysteria. ¡°Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!¡± ¡°Why does she get your love? Why her?¡± Vanessa¡¯s eyes shed with murderous intent as she suddenly lunged toward Thalia, thrusting her knife forward with deadly force. They were only steps apart. Thalia had her back to Vanessa and couldn¡¯t see the attacking. Given the close proximity, Vanessa moved with frightening speed. Asher, distracted by shielding Thalia, faced an impossible choice¨Che needed to push her away and counter Vanessa, but there simply wasn¡¯t time. Despite his training, he couldn¡¯t possibly push Thalia to safety and counter¨Cattack in such apressed moment. As the knife came toward them, Asher made the only choice he could. He turned his body, deliberately shielding Thalia and taking the blow himself. As the de plunged into him, Asher let out a sharp, muffled grunt. ¡°No!¡± Vanessa¡¯s agonized scream tore through the air. She stumbled backward, horror dawning on her face. ¡°Why-¡± she howled, ¡°Asher! Why her? You¡¯d die for her?¡± The metallic scent of blood filled the air as Thalia finallyprehended what had happened. She stepped back from Asher¡¯s embrace and looked down, seeing the knife embedded in his side. In an instant, all color drained from her face. ¡°Asher!¡± she cried out, tears immediately spilling from her eyes. At that moment, security personnel flooded through the rooftop door, rapidly moving to surround them. The well¨Ctrained guards quickly subdued Vanessa. Thalia held Asher, crying uncontrobly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± she sobbed, her voice breaking. ¡°This is all my fault¡­ I shouldn¡¯t havee up here alone¡­¡± 20:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 53.5% She had intended to feignpliance, approaching to exchange herself for Lucy while nning to overpower the kidnapper once Lucy was safe. She hadn¡¯t acted impulsively¨Cshe¡¯d had a strategy. But she hadn¡¯t expected Asher to arrive so quickly, unwilling to let her risk herself. And she certainly never imagined he would take a knife for her. How could this have happened? It was entirely her fault. She shouldn¡¯t have been so stubborn. Asher had told her he was mobilizing all the estate¡¯s security. She should have trusted him and waited for his rescue operation. She should never have rushed to the rooftop alone. The security team had arrived only minutes after Asher, but those critical minutes had resulted in this nightmare. Thalia was consumed with regret, wishing desperately that she had been the one stabbed instead. Asher was in emergency surgery in the hospital, Arge group of people stood anxiously in the corridor outside the operating room, everyone visibly distressed. Thalia had cried until she had no tears left. Now she stood against the wall, her eyes hollow and expression vacant. Lady ckwood and Lady ckwood Jr. had both cried until their eyes were red and swollen. Lucy was safe and unharmed. Victoria had taken her home. With everything that had happened, the engagement ceremony had naturally been cancelled. A heavy, oppressive atmosphere filled the corridor. ¡°How could this happen? Who was that woman? Why did she kidnap Lucy and try to exchange her for Thalia?¡± Randolph¡¯s face was dark with concern. ¡°Is she an enemy of your family?¡± Lord ckwood looked bewildered. ¡°No, I don¡¯t recognize her at all.¡± 20:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 53.7% ¡°I know who she is,¡± said William, Asher¡¯s close friend. ¡°She¡¯s one of Asher¡¯s admirers.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. looked at him questioningly. ¡°Admirer?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± William replied. ¡°I saw her face when the police took her away. Her name is Vanessa Miller. She was our ssmate in secondary school. She¡¯s been pursuing Asher for about ten years now, since our school days.¡± Thalia suddenly seemed toe back to awareness. ¡°Asher¡¯s admirer?¡± she asked numbly. ¡°Why¡­ why would she do something like this?¡± ? (4) Your Gold Digger 54 ¡°The woman is dangerously obsessed with Asher,¡± Alexander said angrily. ¡°She¡¯s been pursuing him for ten years. In all that time, Asher¡¯s probably exchanged fewer than ten sentences with her. Her mental state is clearly unstable. Thalia, she likely did this out of jealousy¨Chating you for ¡®taking¡® Asher from her.¡± Lady ckwood hs chest heaved with fury. ¡°Complete lunatic! If anything happens to my son, I swear I¡¯ll make her pa Lady ckwood¡¯s expression darkened as she red at her daughter inw, ¡°Victorial Asher is still in surgery. How dare you speak of if anything happens? What kind of mother are you? Are you wishing ill on your OWN SON?¡± Lady ckwood .¡¯s eyes were red rimmed. ¡°Mother¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it that way¡­¡± Fresh tears streamed down her face as she spoke, Lord ckwood gave her a reproachful look. ¡°Stop crying. Our son is fighting for his life in there. Your tears are bringing bad energy at a time like this.¡± Thalia had no capacity to listen to their bickering. For her, each minute¨Ceach second¨Cstretched into an eternity of torture. Self¨Creproach, regret, anxiety, and fear engulfed herpletely. The emotional weight pressed against her chest, making her heart ache and breathing difficult. The sensation resembled the suffocating feeling of a drowning person in their final moments¨Cdesperate for air that wouldn¡¯te. The minutes ticked by agonizingly slowly. The sun began to set. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the doors to the operating theatre finally opened. Lady ckwood Jr. was the first to rush forward. ¡°Doctor, how is my son?¡± The others quickly gathered around as well. Thalia¡¯s hands trembled uncontrobly, her palms cold with sweat, her heart suspended between hope and dread. 20:49 C Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 54.1% The surgeon removed his mask, his tired face breaking into a relieved smile. ¡°He¡¯s out of danger now.¡± Collective sighs of relief echoed through the corridor. Thalia¡¯s nerves, which had been wound tight all afternoon, finally began to loosen slightly. Asher was transferred from surgery to the ICU. The doctor exined that he needed to remain there for a few days to prevent post¨Coperative infection. With the immediate crisis passed, Lord ckwood Sr. began to examine the day¡¯s events more critically. He fixed Lord ckwood with a stern gaze. ¡°How did that woman infiltrate the estate? The security there is supposedly imprable¨Cno one should be able to enter without an invitation. What have you found out?¡± Lord ckwood suddenly remembered the numerous calls he¡¯d received that afternoon, which he¡¯d been too distressed to answer. ¡°Let me check on the investigation,¡± he said, making a call. After the conversation, he exined: ¡°She entered as Damian Walsh¡¯s guest. The security footage shows she was wearing a mask, iming she had a cold. Since Walsh personally vouched for her, the guards didn¡¯t feel they could ask her to remove ¡°The Walsh family?¡± Lord ckwood Sr. frowned ¡°Their exnation is that Damian has been abroad for years and only recently returned to London. He ims he wasn¡¯t aware of the woman¡¯s history with Asher. * Lord ckwood Sr.¡¯s eyes grew cold. ¡°A conveniently perfect exnation. This is clearly more ¡°Of course.¡± Randolph, who had been restraining his anger while Asher¡¯s life hung in the bnce, now spoke up forcefully. His voice rose slightly. ¡°What¡¯s the story with this obsessed woman? My daughter never provoked her, yet she kidnaps my younger child and stabs people! Has she no respect for thew?¡± After a moment of silence, Lord ckwood Sr. turned his prating gaze to Thalia. ¡°Tell me, what exactly happened on that rooftop? How did Asher get injured?¡± Tune Cod Teger Chapter 54 Thalia lowered her head. ¡°It was entirely my fault.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. looked at her sharply. ¡°Thalia, what do you mean by that?¡± Thalia recounted the events exactly as they had urred. Lady ckwood¡¯s tone turned usatory. ¡°So Asher took the knife that was meant for you?¡± Thalia¡¯s lips tightened. ¡°Yes.¡± Lady ckwood spoke with obvious displeasure. ¡°Thalia, you were far too impulsive. We had already called the police, and security was on their way. Couldn¡¯t you have waited? If you hadn¡¯t acted so rashly, Asher wouldn¡¯t have been injured needlessly.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Lady ckwood. It was entirely my fault,¡± Thalia responded, her voice strained, her head bowing even lower. Lady ckwood pressed on. ¡°Causing such trouble before you¡¯ve even officially joined the family.¡± Randolph¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Lady ckwood, what exactly are you implying? This entire situation stems from someone obsessed with your son. My daughter is the victim here, yet you¡¯re ming her?¡± He continued coldly, ¡°Easy for you to say she should have waited. My younger daughter was kidnapped with a knife at her throat, and the kidnapper threatened to kill her if Thalia didn¡¯te. You speak as if this is some trivial matter.¡± ¡°Security guards?¡± Randolphughed bitterly. ¡°Since you mention security, let me ask you¨Cwhat exactly were your guards doing? How could a woman so easily kidnap Lucy in broad daylight? Were your guards there to rescue people or to collect bodies? Lucy is Thalia¡¯s sister¨Cher urgency to save her is now somehow a fault?¡± Randolph was genuinely furious. Not only had the engagement ceremony been ruined, but his younger daughter had been kidnapped, and his elder daughter had nearly been killed trying to rescue her. They were the victims, yet were being med and used¨Cthere was no justice in such twisted logic. Not allowing anyone else to speak, he continued challenging Lady ckwood: ¡°You criticize Thalia for acting impulsively, but if it had been your son with a knife at his throat, would you have remained so perfectly calm and rational?¡± ¡°And this talk about Asher taking the knife for Thalia¨Care you suggesting the de should have found my daughter instead?¡± 20:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 54.6% ¡°This is absurd. The culprit is obvious, yet you¡¯re ming my daughter, who is also a victim. Does the ckwood family subscribe to victim ming?¡± Lord ckwood Sr. cleared his throat pointedly. ¡°Ahem.¡± ¡°Randolph, please calm down. This situation is certainly not Thalia¡¯s fault.¡± His sharp gaze turned toward Lady ckwood. ¡°What kind of unreasonable statements are you making?¡± Lady ckwood was too incensed to bear this criticism. Her chest heaved with indignation. ¡°Fine! Now you¡¯re ming me too! I won¡¯t argue with you anymore!¡± She turned and walked away. ¡°Randolph, please don¡¯t be too upset. This incident was clearly a security failure on our part,¡± Lord ckwood Sr. said reasonably. Randolphposed himself, though his expression remained cold. ¡°Since Asher is out of danger, I¡¯ll be leaving now. Lucy is traumatized, and I need to check on her.¡± Lord ckwood Sr. nodded and said to his son, ¡°See Randolph out.¡® As Thalia moved to see Asher, Randolph¡¯s face remained stern. ¡°Thalia,e home with me. I don¡¯t want them ming you if there¡¯s any change in Asher¡¯s condition.¡± This statement caused visible difort among the ckwoods, but after Lady ckwood¡¯s harsh words, they understood why the Winters might feel alienated. They could hardly object. Thalia looked at her father with conflicted emotion. ¡°Dad¡­¡± (3) Your Gold Digger 55 Chapter 55 Thalia had been worried all afternoon. Now that Asher was out of danger, she wanted to see him. After all, he had taken that knife for her. ¡°Listen to me! Come home now!¡± Randolphmanded sharply. Thalia shook her head, her gaze resolute. ¡°Dad, I know you¡¯re angry, but I can¡¯t go home yet. Asher risked his life for me. I have to see him. If he wakes up and I¡¯m not there, he¡¯ll be devastated.¡± Lord ckwood Sr. looked approvingly at her before turning to Randolph. ¡°Randolph, my wife¡¯s words were out of line earlier. I apologize personally, and hope you won¡¯t take them to heart.¡± Lord ckwood added, ¡°Asher would certainly want to see Thalia first when he opens his eyes.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. said, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s a wonderful thing that the children have such strong feelings for each other.¡± With even the powerful Lord ckwood Sr. personally apologizing, Randolph found it difficult to maintain his position. Lady ckwood had indeed been unreasonable, but the rest of the family seemed sensible. After a moment of silence, he looked at Thalia. ¡°Very well. You can stay. I¡¯ll go home to check on your sister.¡± After Randolph left, Thalia apologized once more for her impulsive actions. Lady ckwood Jr. sighed, taking her hand. ¡°My dear, please stop ming yourself. This wasn¡¯t your fault. I know you never wanted to see Asher hurt. At the end of the day, this was a failure on our family¡¯s part. Your father was right.¡± Tears welled in Thalia¡¯s eyes. ¡°I need to see Asher.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. squeezed her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡± When Asher opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Thalia¡¯s worried face. Seeing him finally awake, emotion welled up inside her, tears immediately spilling down her cheeks. 20:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 55.1% ¡°Asher, you¡¯re finally awake,¡± she said, her voice catching. Asher¡¯s lips twitched into a weak smile, his voice tender despite his condition. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. stood nearby wiping her own tears. ¡°I was terrified. Thank God you¡¯re alright. If anything had happened to you, I couldn¡¯t have borne it.¡± Lord ckwood made a sound of disapproval. ¡°Must you always be so dramatic?¡± Thalia¡¯s tears flowed freely. Seeing her distress, Asher attempted to reach up to wipe them away, but the movement was clearly difficult as the anesthesia wore off, making his wound throb painfully. Thalia quickly took his hand in hers. ¡°Asher¡­¡± ¡°Lia, don¡¯t cry,¡± Asher said, a faint smile on his pale face, his eyes filled with tenderness and concern. ¡°As long as you¡¯re safe, nothing else matters.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not right,¡± Thalia said, wiping away her tears and sniffling. ¡°We both need to be okay.¡± ¡°What sort of talk is that?¡± Lady ckwood Jr. frowned. ¡°Of course you¡¯ll both be fine.¡± ¡°How¡¯s Lucy?¡± Asher asked. Thalia¡¯s eyes were rimmed with red. ¡°Lucy¡¯s fine. She¡¯spletely safe.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. shook her head fondly. ¡°Nearly dying and still worrying about everyone else. You need to rest and heal. Don¡¯t concern yourself with anything else. We¡¯ll handle everything.¡± ¡°Mother, Father, could you give us a moment?¡± Asher asked weakly. ¡°I¡¯d like some time with Thalia.¡± Understanding, Lord and Lady ckwood quietly left the room. Asher looked at Thalia with concern. ¡°Lia, they weren¡¯t hard on you, were they?¡± Thalia shook her head, her heart aching. Even lying in a hospital bed, he was still worried about her welfare. Fighting back tears, she forced a smile. ¡°You need to get better quickly. We still have an engagement ceremony to hold.¡± 20:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 55.3% Asher¡¯s colorless lips curved into a smile. ¡°I promise.¡± Lord and Lady ckwood had barely left the intensive care unit when they received an urgent call The caller¡¯s voice was fraught with tension. ¡°We have a situation, sir!¡± At the detention center, Vanessa Miller had imed she was pregnant and, ording to protocols, needed to be taken to the hospital for examination. On the way to the hospital, a vehicle had deliberately crashed into the transport car carrying Vanessa, forcing it to stop. Several well¨Ctrained men had emerged from the vehicle. Vanessa had been taken away. The officers in the transport car had been seriously injured, and the vehicle was too damaged to pursue. After hearing this, Lord ckwood¡¯s face registered disbelief. ¡°She was actually broken out?¡± ¡°What¡¯s happened? Who was taken?¡± Lady ckwood Jr. asked. Lord ckwood took several deep breaths, his shoulders slumping slightly. ¡°Vanessa Miller.¡± ¡°What!¡± Lady ckwood Jr. was shocked. ¡°Wasn¡¯t she already in custody?¡± Lord ckwood frowned in contemtion. ¡°Father was right. This situation isn¡¯t as simple as the Walsh family imed. Someone is protecting her. We need to find out who¡¯s behind this immediately.¡± After several days in the ICU, Asher was transferred to a regr hospital room. He felt as though he¡¯d been trapped in an endless dream. Upon waking, Asher felt utterly exhausted, even breathing seemed to require effort. He slowly opened his eyes. The sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air. Sunlight streamed through the window, gently bathing his face in warmth. Asher raised his hand to shield himself from the brightness. 20:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 55.5 A sudden pain shot through the back of his hand where the IV needle was inserted, the movement pulling against the tender skin. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± Thalia appeared in the doorway. Seeing him conscious, she quickened her pace to the bedside, setting down a thermal container. ¡°I was just preparing some food for you. Perfect timing¨Cyou can eat now.¡± Asher turned his gaze toward the container she¡¯d ced on the bedside table, surprise flickering in his eyes. ¡°You cooked?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Thalia smiled shyly. ¡°I made it myself. Would you like to try it? It¡¯s my first attempt at cooking, actually.¡± Asher gradually adjusted to the bright sunlight, his face softening in the glow, his features radiating warmth. His lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes sparkling. ¡°I¡¯d love to.¡± Thalia leaned forward, and the soft floral scent of her perfume surrounded him. Thinking she might embrace or kiss him, Asher¡¯s heart sweetened like honey. His eyes held a smile as he prepared himself for her kiss, a mixture of anticipation and slight nervousness building inside him. -It would be the first time Thalia had initiated a kiss. However, in the next moment, the head of the hospital bed slowly began to rise. ¡°I¡¯m adjusting your bed so you can eat morefortably,¡± she exined. Hearing this, Asher felt a small pang of disappointment, followed by amusement at his own assumption. He¡¯d behaved like a lovestruck teenager. Thalia set up a small table over the bed, covering it with a napkin before cing the thermal container on top. She opened it to reveal stir¨Cfried greens and poached beef on the topyer. ¡°The doctor said you need to be careful with your diet while in hospital¨Ceverything should be mild. I¡¯ve made greens and beef for you, a good bnce of protein and vegetables.¡± Asher gazed at her tenderly, silently studying her face. 20-49 55.7% Your Gold Digger is Actually A True For days, her face had appeared repeatedly in his dreams. Now she was the first person he saw upon waking, and Asher felt a happiness so profound it almost seemed unreal. (3) Your Gold Digger 56 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 55.9% When Asher focused again, the small table was fullyden. Stir¨Cfried greens, beef, fragrant white rice, and a bowl of soup. ¡°You¡¯ve made so much,¡± Asher said with a gentle smile. ¡°What kind of soup is this?¡± ¡°Chicken soup with Chinese yam.¡± Thalia lifted the bowl, carefully blowing on a spoonful before offering it to Asher. ¡°Try it.¡± Asher smiled, lowering his gaze, but suddenly his expression froze. ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± Thalia¡¯s right index finger had a blister. She tried to hide it, but it was toote. ¡°I¡­ just burned myself a bit in the kitchen. It¡¯s nothing, just a small blister.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°Not at all.¡± After sipping the soup, Asher gently took her wrist, lowering his head to softly blow on the injured spot. After a few moments, he looked up at her, his eyes filled with concern. ¡°You¡¯re lying. Burns always hurt.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes reddened at the corners. ¡°It really doesn¡¯t hurt. Compared to your injury, this is nothing.¡± Asher reached up to softly pinch her cheek. ¡°When you¡¯re hurt, I feel it too. Even a small injury is too much.¡± Thalia pressed her lips together, her eyshes fluttering as she inadvertently slipped into a softer tone. ¡°Asher¡­¡± Her gentle voice was impossible for Asher to resist. He pulled her closer, kissing her smooth forehead, her flushed cheeks, and finally her soft lips. 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je 56.1% Thalia¡¯s ears grew hot, her heart as sweet as honey. A momentter, she ced her hands against his chest to create some distance. ¡°Asher, eat first. The food will get cold.¡± Asher drawled, his eyes crinkling. ¡°Alright, and more kisses after?¡± Thalia made a small sound of protest, lowering her eyes without responding to his teasing. Asher took a bite of the stir¨Cfried greens. Thalia watched him anxiously. ¡°How is it? Is the taste okay?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes danced with amusement as he teased her: ¡°Delicious. They say the way to a man¡¯s heart is through his stomach. Is that your strategy, Lia?¡± Thalia puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance. ¡°So if I can¡¯t win your stomach, I can¡¯t win your heart?¡± Asherughed, pinching her cheek again. ¡°How could that be? You just have to exist, and you¡¯ve already won.¡± Thalia made a small ¡°hmph¡± sound, but joy sparkled in her eyes. Asher finished every bit of the food Thalia had prepared, even drinking the soup to thest drop. Afterward, he rested against the headboard. Thalia carefully gathered the dishes, preparing to wash them. ¡°Let the nurse or attendant handle that,¡± Asher said. Thalia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble.¡± Asher¡¯s voice lowered, carrying a barely perceptible tenderness. ¡°When did you learn to cook?¡± His Thalia was a pampered heiress who had never had to lift a finger for household chores. How had cooking and washing dishes be her responsibility? ¡°Just these past few days,¡± Thalia answered. Asher was about to ask more when the hospital room door suddenly opened, and several people entered. 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Dets 56.3% Lady ckwood Jr. led the group, carrying a food container. ¡°Son, I¡¯ve brought you some food.¡± Behind her were Alexander, Charlotte, and a nurse. Noticing Thalia, Lady ckwood Jr. smiled. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯re here too. Have you eaten? Would you like to join us? I¡¯ve brought plenty of food, freshly prepared by our cook.¡± Thalia smiled and declined. ¡°No thank you. I¡¯ve just caten.¡± Asher¡¯s voice followed immediately. ¡°I¡¯ve eaten as well.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. paused, noticing the thermal container in Thalia¡¯s hand. ¡°Thalia, did you bring food for Asher?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. looked to Asher. ¡°Are you full? Would you like a bit more? I¡¯ve brought all favorites.¡± your ¡°No need,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Thalia cooked everything herself. It suited my taste perfectly, and I¡¯ve finished it all.¡± Hearing this, Lady ckwood Jr.¡¯s face softened into a doting smile. ¡°Good. If you¡¯ve eaten, then that¡¯s that.¡± Alexander wore a mischievous expression. ¡°Oh? Thalia cooked for you?¡± He set down the fruit basket and tonics he¡¯d brought, grinning at Asher. ¡°You lucky bastard.¡± Asher retorted: ¡°Indeed. A joy single dogs like you wouldn¡¯t understand.¡± Alexander¡¯s smile froze. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll find a girlfriend soon, and we¡¯ll see how you like being surrounded by our nauseating disys of affection.¡± Charlotte¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Thalia, you can cook?¡± Thalia gave a slight smile. ¡°Just learned recently.¡± ¡°Love really is miraculous,¡± Charlotte said, circling Thalia in disbelief. ¡°I remember visiting your t at university once, and you made me fried eggs. When I bit into them, they were crunchy¨Cyou said eggshells were good for calcium. Now you¡¯re actually cooking proper meals.¡± 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True eres 56.5% Thalia touched her nose awkwardly. ¡°Eggshells are good for calcium.¡± Charlotteughed. ¡°Right, right. So it¡¯s crunchy eggs with shells for your friend, but gourmet meals for your nce?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes crinkled with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ll cook you a proper meal next time.¡± Charlotte grinned widely. ¡°I¡¯m holding you to that.¡± Alexander nced at her. ¡°Cooking is something special between the two of them. Why are you butting in?¡± Charlotte lifted her chin haughtily. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± After the friendly banter had continued for a while, Lady ckwood Jr. noticed the container in Thalia¡¯s hand again. ¡°Thalia, are you going to wash those?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Thalia replied. ¡°Give them to the nurse.¡± Lady ckwood Jr. shot a meaningful nce at the attendant. The nurse quickly stepped forward. ¡°Miss Winters, please let me handle it.¡± Thalia handed over the container. Lady ckwood Jr. stayed only briefly before receiving a call and departing hurriedly. Thalia had work to attend to in the afternoon, so after spending some time with Asher, she also left. Just as she exited the hospital, she encountered someone she had hoped to avoid. Drake approached her. ¡°Thalia, I¡¯ve finally found you. Why haven¡¯t you been home these past few days?¡± The ¡°home¡± he referred to was the apartment in Riverside Manor. Currently, that was the only address Drake knew for her. Thalia regarded him warily. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Drake¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement as he stared at her. ¡°I heard your engagement ceremony was cancelled?¡± Thalia responded irritably. ¡°How is that any of your business? Move aside!¡± 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 56.7% Drake blocked her path. ¡°Thalia, do you believe in fate? Your engagement ceremony being disrupted is a sign that heaven doesn¡¯t approve of your match.¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°It¡¯s the 21st century. How is your feudal superstitious thinking still not eradicated?¡± Drake wasn¡¯t bothered. The cancelled engagement had delighted him more than anyone. Moreover, Asher had been stabbed and nearly died. Even fate seemed to be on his side! His eyes gleamed with amusement. ¡°Thalia, you know who the attacker was, right? She¡¯s Asher¡¯s obsessed admirer who¡¯s been pursuing him for ten years. Many people at the engagement party saw her. It¡¯s all over town now.¡± ¡°Think about it¨Cif a woman has been pursuing Asher so passionately for ten years, how could he possibly remainpletely indifferent?¡± ? (2) Your Gold Digger 57 56.9% Drake¡¯s words lingered in Thalia¡¯s mind like a curse, repeatedly echoing and disturbing her peace of mind. The next day when Thalia visited Asher in the hospital, she was visibly distracted. ¡°Something on your mind, Lia?¡± Asher asked softly. Her eyshes fluttered as she looked away. ¡°That woman¡­ Vanessa Miller. What¡¯s the story there?¡± Asher¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile. ¡°Are you jealous?¡± Thalia tried her best to appear nonchnt, puffing her cheeks slightly. ¡°Of course not. You¡¯ve just never mentioned her before, that¡¯s all.¡± Remembering how this woman had kidnapped Lucy and tried to stab her, Thalia felt anger mingling with her jealousy. ¡°Where did you even find this crazy admirer? She¡¯spletely unhinged.¡± Asher reached out his hand. ¡°Come here, Lia.¡± Thalia moved closer, perching on the edge of his hospital bed. Taking her hand in his, Asher¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°We attended the same school. She pursued me rather intensely back then, and I clearly rejected her. Later, she followed me to university, where she continued her pursuit. I never gave her any encouragement¨Cnot once.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes, her lips turning down slightly. ¡°Is that all there is to it?¡± Asher gently pinched her cheek. ¡°That¡¯s everything. I barely even spoke to her. We don¡¯t have each other¡¯s numbers, social media¨Cnothing.¡± After a moment of silence, Thalia continued. ¡°Why would anyone persist for ten whole years? Not ten days, not ten months¨Cten years.¡± Asher smiled helplessly. ¡°I honestly couldn¡¯t tell you. Everyone around me knows how coldly I treated her. I¡¯ve barely exchanged a handful of words with her in all that time.¡± Thalia leaned closer, narrowing her eyes yfully. ¡°And how many words is ¡®a handful¡® exactly?¡± Asher couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°Maybe five or six sentences total¡­¡± 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 57.1% ¡°What could you possibly have to say that required so many sentences?¡± Thalia asked, feigning outrage. Asher found her jealousy utterly endearing. His eyes softened with affection, a warm smile ying at his lips. ¡°Nothing significant. In school, I spoke briefly to reject her first few confessions. After that, I hardly acknowledged her existence.¡± ¡°You truly felt nothing for her?¡± Thalia asked skeptically. ¡°She¡¯s quite pretty.¡± ¡°Absolutely nothing.¡± Asher gazed at her with undisguised devotion. ¡°My heart has belonged to someone else for a very long time. There¡¯s simply no room for anyone else.¡± Thalia pretended ignorance. ¡°Someone else? Who might that be?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°Who do you think?¡± Thalia mumbled softly. ¡°How would I know unless you tell me?¡± To Asher, her pretense was nothing short of adorable, melting his heartpletely. He couldn¡¯t resist her. His voice softened with tenderness. ¡°There has never been anyone but you, Lia. Not then, not now, not ever.¡± Thalia nced away, a blush forming on her cheeks. ¡°She confessed to you in school. I was just a child then.¡± Surely he couldn¡¯t have had feelings for her that early? Asher answered honestly, ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking for a rtionship back then.¡± This made Thalia curious. She met his eyes, her beautiful almond¨Cshaped eyes wide with genuine interest. ¡°When did you start having feelings for me, then?¡± Asher thought back, a soft smile forming. ¡°Initially, I truly did see you as a little sister figure. As for when those feelings changed¡­ I can¡¯t pinpoint the exact moment.¡± Thalia persisted. ¡°You must have some idea.¡± ¡°If I had to guess¡­ probably when you were in secondary school,¡± he admitted. ¡°When that boy Davies was harassing you, and after I confronted him, I realized my feelings for you had fundamentally changed. I couldn¡¯t pretend anymore.¡± 20.50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 57.49% Thalia pressed her lips together. ¡°You kept it well hidden all this time.¡± Asher gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°I had to wait for you to grow up, didn¡¯t I?¡± His eyes clouded momentarily. ¡°As soon as you finished university, I approached your father about our marriage. But you were unwilling and left home.¡± Thalia guiltily averted her gaze. ¡°I¡­ I thought my father was sacrificing me for business interests. How was I supposed to know you¡¯d nned this all along? You never told me. I waspletely in the dark¡­¡± Suddenly, Asher winced, his hand moving to his side. ¡°Ouch¡­¡± Thalia immediately became concerned, her eyes widening as she leaned closer to check his wound. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you bump it? Should I call a nurse?¡± In one smooth motion, Asher pulled her gently into his arms, resting his chin atop her head. His voice was soft and warm against her hair. ¡°A hug will make it stop hurting.¡± Thaliaughed softly against his chest. ¡°You¡¯re terrible. You were just pretending.¡± ¡°No,¡± Asher gently stroked her silky hair, his touch feather¨Clight. ¡°It really does hurt. But holding you makes everything better.¡± Thalia nestled closer, breathing in theforting scent that was uniquely his. In his arms, everything felt right with the world. that otel As Drake returned from a business dinner, walking through the hotel lobby, someone suddenly called out to him. ¡°Drake Ashcroft.¡± Following the voice, he turned to see an unfamiliar young woman. She was dressed impably in designer clothing from head to toe. ¡°And you are?¡± Drake approached her with confusion evident in his eyes. ¡°Have we met?¡± The woman reclined on the sofa, looking up at him with calcted poise. ¡°We¡¯re about to be acquainted.¡± Drake sat down on the sofa across from her. ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± She smiled. ¡°Grace Bet. The ckwoods¡® ward.¡± 30.50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 57.7% ¡°The ckwoods?¡± Drake frowned. ¡°Asher ckwood¡¯s family?¡± ¡°Precisely,¡± Grace¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°I have a proposition for you.¡± Drake looked puzzled. ¡°What kind of proposition?¡± Grace¡¯s lips curved upward. ¡°Breaking up Asher and Thalia.¡± Drake eyed her suspiciously. ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± ¡°Simple,¡± Grace gave a soft, bitterugh. ¡°I¡¯m in love with Asher. No one wants to separate them more than I do.¡± Grace handed him a business card. ¡°I understand you¡¯ve been seeking investmenttely. Contact this person¨Cthey¡¯ll provide the funding Ashcroft Capital needs.¡± ¡°However¡­¡± Grace continued, her tone sharpening, ¡°this investmentes with one condition: you work with me to end Asher and Thalia¡¯s rtionship.¡± Drake took the card, studying it briefly. ¡°Even without your investment, I¡¯d do everything possible to break them up. Thalia belongs with me.¡± Grace¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile. ¡°Well then, Mr. Ashcroft, do we have an arrangement?¡± Drake looked thoughtful. ¡°Let me verify your credentials first, then I¡¯ll give you my answer.¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Grace pulled out her phone. ¡°Here¡¯s my WhatsApp. Add me so we can stay in touch.¡± ? (1) Your Gold Digger 58 Recently, Drake had been traveling extensively to secure investment for hispany. Since businesses in London were unlikely to invest in Ashcroft Capital, he had been forced to look elsewhere. Most of his timetely had been spent in hotels and on nes. Today, he had just returned to London, with Mason picking him up from the airport. In the evening, they were driving to a dinner engagement. While waiting at a red light, Mason nced over at Drake. Drake was scrolling through old photos of himself and Thalia on his phone. Mason¡¯s lips parted and closed again, hesitating to speak. Before he could say anything, Drake leaned over, showing him the phone screen, his expression softening with tenderness. ¡°Look how happy we were back then.¡± Mason¡¯s expression wasplicated. Drake had previously asked him to purchase a ring in France, saying he would use it to win Thalia back. At the time, Drake had mentioned that Thalia was about to get engaged, and Mason hadmented that stealing someone¡¯s fianc¨¦e was hical. Since returning to London, Mason had avoided bringing up the topic of Thalia with Drake. He hadn¡¯t seen Thalia since she left their city, and didn¡¯t know anything about her fiance. What he did notice was that Drake rarely smiled these days. At social gatherings, Drake had once been the life of the party. Now, he often drank alone, and when drunk, would call out Thalia¡¯s name with profound sadness. At this moment, looking at old photos with Thalia, Drake showed a smile that hadn¡¯t been seen in a long time, seemingly lost in self¨Cdeceptive memories. Mason thought Drake had be obsessed. 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actualy A Tr He wanted to ask, ¡°Did you give her that ring?¡± but couldn¡¯t bring himself to form the words. In the end, Mason just sighed deeply. The traffic light turned green. The driver pressed the elerator, and the car continued forward. Mason finally couldn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Drake, as your buddy, I gotta say something. Yeah, you guys had a good thing going, but when it¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. She¡¯s engaged now. Don¡¯t go doing something you¡¯ll regret.¡± ¡°Regret?¡± Drake scoffed dismissively. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, I don¡¯t give a damn about ethics. I just want her back.¡± Mason frowned, continuing his argument: ¡°She¡¯s about to get married, man. You can¡¯t just-¡± Drake waved this off carelessly. ¡°Come on, Mason. Look at our social circle. How many married people do we know who are still sleeping around? Husbands and wives having their separate things going on is basically the norm, isn¡¯t it?¡± Mason was silent for a moment before responding. ¡°Drake, just because something¡¯smon doesn¡¯t make it right.¡± Drake¡¯s face turned cold, and he didn¡¯t reply. Mason stopped pushing the issue. It seemed that once someone abandoned morality, ethics could no longer constrain them. He thought Drake was being pathetic. He hadn¡¯t valued Thalia when he had her, and only regretted losing her after she was gone. The car reached the busy downtown area. During rush hour, traffic had backed up into a long queue. Drake leaned back, staring out the window with boredom, letting his mind drift. Suddenly, he spotted a familiar figure. ¡°Stop the car!¡± Drake shouted. 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 58.4% Mason looked confused. ¡°What?¡± Seeing Drake staring out the window, Mason followed his gaze and instantly froze. He immediately understood why Drake had suddenly demanded they stop. On the sidewalk, Thalia was walking alongside a man. They were facing in the direction of the car, close enough that their faces were clearly visible. The man was strikingly handsome with an aristocratic air about him. His attire was impable¨Cclearly someone of significant status. The two were talking andughing together, their manner intimate. Drake muttered under his breath: ¡°Out of the hospital already? Tough bastard.¡± Mason guessed that this man must be Thalia¡¯s fianc¨¦. Drake pulled the car door open and stepped out, walking straight toward Thalia. I¡¯ll incorporate the suggested restaurant and continue refining the trantion. Asher had been out of the hospital for a week. During this time, Thalia had been monitoring his diet closely, ensuring he ate only mild, easily digestible foods. Initially, he hadn¡¯t minded, but after days of nd meals, he was growing weary of the restrictions. After much persuasion on his part, Thalia had finally agreed to improve his menu today by taking him out to eat. The restaurant Thalia had chosen was Clos Maggiore, located in the bustling heart of Covent Garden. It was a renowned establishment, often cited as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. With its elegant ambiance and modern European cuisine, both Asher and Thalia had dined there on special asions since they were young. Being the dinner hour, the main dining area with its famous blossom¨Cadorned conservatory waspletely full, with a long queue of people waiting outside for a chance at a table. Thalia had made a reservation in advance. They were about to follow the host inside after checking in 20.50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 58.6% when someone called out to her. ¡°Thalia!¡± Mason shouted. Thalia turned around, seeing Mason first. Then she noticed Drake standing beside him. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed. What was he doing here? He was like a persistent ghost that wouldn¡¯t be exorcised. Drake and Mason walked up to them. Mason greeted her warmly: ¡°Hey, long time no see, Thalia. I had no idea you were from London originally. Howe you never mentioned it?¡± A few days earlier, Mason had only heard from Drake that Thalia was a London native and about to get engaged, but knew nothing else. He didn¡¯t know she was the Winters heiress, nor did he recognize the man beside her as the CEO of ckwood Industries. When Sienna and Rachel had falsely used Thalia of theft at the Sterling party, resulting in her public humiliation, they had been too embarrassed to spread the story. Consequently, people in their social circle still remained unaware of Thalia¡¯s true background. Mason was one of the few people in Drake¡¯s circle with solid principles, who had never looked down on ¡°poor little Thalia.¡± Sometimes he had even helped her out. Thalia had always thought well of him, so she responded politely now: ¡°Indeed, it has been quite a while.¡± ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡± Mason asked, feigning ignorance. Thalia smiled as she made the introduction: ¡°This is my fianc¨¦, Asher ckwood.¡± ¡°Asher ckwood!¡± Mason was genuinely shocked, his eyes widening. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re that Asher ckwood?¡± Your Cold Digger is Actually A True 58.8% He had never met Asher in person, and there were few interviews or reports about him online. But the name Asher ckwood was instantly recognizable. Almost everyone in their social circle knew that name. This was Asher ckwood, the heir to the ckwood empire! Asher¡¯s face was cold, his jaw tense, his gaze like a drawn de, fixed intently on Drake as if he wanted to eviscerate him. ¡°Is there something you require?¡± Mason couldn¡¯t help but shiver. This Asher ckwood had an incredibly powerful presence, truly befitting the ckwood heir. The innate authority andmanding aura he projected was something that privileged yboys like themselves could never emte. Mason awkwardly scratched his head. ¡°I was just wondering if we could maybe join you guys for dinner?¡± Thalia had been very busy at lunch, only managing to eat a sandwich, and was now starving. All she wanted was to get inside and order. ¡°You may join us,¡± she said, pointing at Drake, ¡°but he cannot.¡± Drake¡¯s expression grewplicated. Your Gold Digger 59 Chapter Se Thalia had barely taken her seat at the restaurant when Drake followed, heading to the table beside theirs. The adjacent table was upied by a couple who had just arrived and were preparing to order. Drake approached them and asked the man: ¡°Would you mind giving up your table? I¡¯m willing to pay.¡± The couple exchanged nces. The woman asked: ¡°How much are you offering?¡± Drake replied: ¡°Would five thousand pounds be sufficient?¡± The woman¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Drake opened his phone. ¡°Show me your payment details, and I¡¯ll transfer it now.¡± The woman¡¯s eyes lit up as she immediately disyed her payment app. After confirming the transaction had gone through, she happily left with her boyfriend. Drake smiled in Thalia¡¯s direction, pulled out a chair, and sat down, leisurely pouring himself a cup of tea. Mason watched the entire scene in disbelief. Did that really just work? He nced between Thalia and Drake. Eventually, he moved to Drake¡¯s table and sat across from him. Thalia had always loved several signature dishes at Clos Maggiore. Drake deliberately sitting next to them was clearly meant to unsettle her. In the past, when she had still cared about him, such behavior would have ruined her mealpletely. But times had changed. She no longer cared about him. Cold Digger is Actually A True & 59.24% Chapter 59 She could perfectly well treat Drake as if he were invisible. Thalia finished ordering and asked for a chilled drink as well. When the drink arrived, Drake suddenly spoke up: ¡°Your period is due soon. You shouldn¡¯t have cold drinks.¡± Thalia mentally rolled her eyes, picked up her ss, and took a few sips. Her eyes crinkled with satisfaction. She turned to Asher and said: ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve had this. Still tastes the same as always. Asher, would you like to try?¡± When she looked at Asher, her eyes sparkled with affection, her face wearing a sweet smile that seemed to make even the air around them feel sugary. Asher took the ss and drank from the same straw Thalia had used. Their gestures and mannerisms werepletely natural, without a hint of awkwardness. Seeing this, Mason understood everything. This was clearly how Thalia and Asher normally interacted. Their affection was genuine, not some performance. Which meant Drake was¡­ He nced discreetly at the man sitting across from him. Drake¡¯s jaw was clenched tight, his eyes fixed intently on Thalia. His gaze contained both fury and a trace of hurt. Yet Thalia hadn¡¯t spared him even a sideways nce. Drake¡¯s knuckles had turned white as he gripped his teacup. Mason worried he might crush it at any moment. Mason inwardly sighed. Buddy, why are you doing this to yourself? ¡°Have you ordered yet?¡± Mason attempted to divert Drake¡¯s attention. 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True jea 59.4% But Drake seemed not to hear him, still staring at Thalia, offering no response. Mason shook his head helplessly and took out his phone to scan the menu QR code. Meanwhile, all of Thalia¡¯s dishes had arrived. Drake frowned as he spotted the seafood on their table. ¡°Aren¡¯t you allergic to seafood? Why are you ordering it?¡± Thalia ignored himpletely, savoring a prawn that Asher had peeled for her, dipping it in sauce with evident enjoyment. Mason awkwardly cleared his throat before cautiously suggesting: ¡°Drake, is it possible that¡­ well¡­ Thalia isn¡¯t actually allergic to seafood? Maybe she only avoided ordering it when dining with you because of your allergy.¡± Drake suddenly turned to him. ¡°What did you say?¡± Mason repeated himself. ¡°Thalia isn¡¯t allergic to seafood. When she was with you, she avoided it because of your allergy.¡± ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°I saw her once having dinner with colleagues. They ordered tons of seafood¡­¡± Drake pressed his lips into a thin line, disbelief shing in his eyes. ¡°Really?¡± Mason shrugged. ¡°Why would I make that up?¡± Drake felt a bitter ache in his heart. He had never known this about her! Drake watched as Thalia took a bite of seared scallop, her eyes crinkling with delight. ¡°So I was telling you, I received the favorable verdict yesterday. It was such aplex case¨Cthe evidence alone filled more than five hundred pages.¡± Asher listened attentively, his hands busy preparing a lobster tail for her, his expression gentle. ¡°What type of case was it?¡± ¡°A defamationwsuit. We represented the intiff,¡± Thalia took a sip of her drink. ¡°Asher, you wouldn¡¯t believe how difficult it was to gather evidence. The client¡¯s initial documentation was woefully iplete. I spent over a month helping them collect everything we needed.¡± 20:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 59.5% ¡°Over a month? Wasn¡¯t that right before our engagement?¡± Asher ced the perfectly prepared lobster on Thalia¡¯s te. ¡°That must have been exhausting.¡± ¡°Yes, exactly during that time.¡± Thalia added a touch of drawn butter. ¡°It was somewhat tiring, but receiving the favorable verdict made all the effort worthwhile.¡± Her face brightened as she took out her phone. ¡°Oh, by the way, my client presented me with a thank¨Cyou que, Look.¡± Thalia enthusiastically opened her photo gallery, scrolling to find pictures of the que, her eyes sparkling. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve ever received one from a client.¡± She looked as delighted as a child who had received a gold star in nursery school, her clear, beautiful eyes shining as she awaited praise. Asher gazed at her with undisguised affection, his deep voice warm with tenderness. ¡°My brilliant barrister, aren¡¯t you remarkable?¡± ¡°Oh, stop,¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously. ¡°I¡¯m only moderately impressive.¡± Drake watched this exchange with a tightness in his chest, his back stiffening. He had previously assumed theirs was merely a business arrangement¨Ca marriage of convenience -without genuine feeling. He had believed that if he changed his ways, he would still have a good chance of winning Thalia back. But now, he realized how wrong he¡¯d been. They werepletely like a couple deeply in love! Back in New York, Thalia had sometimes shared details about her work with him too. At the time, he had found it amusing. He had told her that her entire month¡¯s sry as awyer was less than what he spent on a single dinner and drinks with friends. Little had he known that she came from enormous wealth and had chosen to work simply to experience life and realize her own value! When Thalia spoke to Asher about her work, her eyes shone brilliantly, as if her entire being radiated an alluring light, like a dazzling jewel¨Cshe seemedpletely transformed. 20-51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 59.7% Unfortunately, this jewel was no longer his. Watching Thalia and Asher¡¯s intimate conversation, seeing them sofortable and happy together, Drake was consumed with jealousy. These everyday moments¨Cshe should have been sharing them with him! Her joys and sorrows should only be shared with him. He suddenly regretteding over. He had originally intended to interfere, to disturb Asher¡¯sposure and damage their rtionship. Instead, he was the one whoseposure had been shattered! Witnessing the woman he loved being affectionate with someone else filled him with bitterness, his heart physically aching with each beat. The server finished bringing their dishes. As Mason picked up his fork, preparing to eat, the man sitting across from him suddenly stood up with a harsh scraping sound. The chair dragged across the floor tiles, creating a jarring noise.. Other diners in the restaurant turned to look. Drake walked away without looking back. Even from behind, his fury was palpable. In the end, Drake was the one who couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. Mason sighed, cutting into his Dover sole, muttering to himself: ¡°Well, I¡¯m still going to eat. Been starving all afternoon¡­¡± Drake returned to the car and lit a cigarette. As evening fell, the neon lights outside the window began to twinkle enchantingly. Inside the car, smoke swirled around him. Drake hazily recalled dining with Thalia in the past, when she would always sit across from him. 20.51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 59.9% He had never thought anything of it at the time. But today, he had seen her sitting on the same side of the table as Asher. The table wasn¡¯trge. Two people sitting on the same side made it somewhat cramped. Yet despite this, she had chosen to sit beside him rather than across. He had even noticed Thal¨ªa resting one hand casually on Asher¡¯s forearm. Such an intimate gesture¨Csomething she had never done with him during their time together. Drake tormented himself by reying these images over and over, until the cigarette burned down to his fingertips, scalding him and finally pulling him from his reverie. He took out his phone and sent a message: [I¡¯m in. Let¡¯s do this. -Drake Ashcroft] ? (2) Your Gold Digger 60 20-51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 60.0% Chapter GO After finishing his cigarette, Drake¡¯s frustration had only intensified. He drove back to his hotel. Opening the door to his suite, he irritably loosened his tie and hung his jacket on the door hook. ncing up, he suddenly froze. On therge bed in the center of the room¡­. Siennay sprawled seductively, wearing nothing but a ckce slip that left little to the imagination, the silhouette of her figure clearly visible beneath the thin fabric. ¡°There you are, handsome,¡± she purred, her voice dripping with invitation. ¡°Miss me?¡± The scene was intensely provocative. Drake felt his blood rushing south, his mind momentarily short¨Ccircuiting. Despite his immediate physical response, he forced himself to maintain control, his expression hardening. ¡°What the hell are you doing in my room?¡± Sienna¡¯s eyes were liquid with desire. ¡°Waiting to give you what she never could.¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Drake snapped, his tone cial. ¡°You don¡¯t mean that,¡± Sienna¡¯s voice was husky with need. She slid off the bed and slinked toward him with deliberate movements, her hips swaying. She grabbed his tie roughly, her smile predatory as she pressed herself against him, whispering in his ear. ¡°Come on, Drake¡­ let me take care of you tonight. I know exactly what you like.¡± Drake intended to push her away. But Sienna yanked his tie downward, rising on her tiptoes to im his mouth in a hungry kiss. Drake let out a muffled groan, his resistance crumbling. The temperature in the room skyrocketed. 20:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 60.29% Drake shifted from passive to aggressive, picking Sienna up and roughly throwing her onto the bed. What followed was a night of reckless, almost angry passion. The next morning, Drake slept until he woke naturally, Opening his eyes to find Sienna¡¯s face inches from his own, he was instantly jolted into full alertness, He sat up abruptly, the sheet falling away from his bare chest. ¡°What the fuck are you still doing here?¡± Sienna smiledzily, deliberately letting the sheet slip to reveal her naked body. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten our little¡­ workout, baby. You couldn¡¯t get enough of mest night.¡± Drake was dumbfounded. His gaze shifted downward, seeing clothes scattered across the floor along with ripped lingerie. The memories of their raw, animalistic encounter came flooding back. ¡°Goddammit,¡± Drake cursed, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he got up to dress. ¡°Where are you running off to?¡± Sienna quickly reached for him, her fingers trailing up his thigh. ¡°Back off!¡± Drake shoved her hand away. ¡°Listen to me, and listen good. This was a one¨Ctime mistake. Don¡¯t fucking try to seduce me again. Thalia is the only woman I care about now.¡± ¡°Bullshit,¡± Siennaughed coldly. ¡°You seemed pretty damn invested in mest night. Why deny what¡¯s between us? You still want me. Admit it.¡± Drake gave a harshugh. ¡°Christ, you really don¡¯t get it, do you? Sex is just sex. When I was fucking you, I was thinking about Thalia the entire time. Why else do you think I could keep going for so long?¡± ¡°You-¡± All color drained from Sienna¡¯s face in an instant. ¡°You absolute piece of shit!¡± Drake pulled on a clean shirt, not bothering with the buttons yet. ¡°Like that¡¯s news to you? You¡¯ve always known exactly what kind of asshole I am.¡± Heughed bitterly, his smile empty. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t trash, would I have screwed around with you while I was still with Thalia? If I wasn¡¯t aplete asshole, would I have lost her in the first ce?¡± Hearing this, Sienna suddenlyughed. ¡°So you knew all along what you were doing.¡± Contempt shed in her eyes. ¡°At least you¡¯re self¨Caware about being scum.¡± I¡¯ll refine this section to better match contemporary Western expression styles, using British English for the Londonw firm staff and adapting cultural references ordingly. ckwood Industries, CEO¡¯s office. Asher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Any progress? Have we identified who took Vanessa Miller away? William, his assistant, reported: ¡°Based on surveince footage, we can confirm that the people who kidnapped Miss Lucy that day at the engagement party and those who took Vanessa Miller are likely the same group.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve discovered that Vanessa has been smuggled out of the country. We still haven¡¯t identified the people who took her. Both our private investigators and the police have made no new progress, Whenever we find a new lead, it quickly disappears¨Cinvestigations hit dead ends halfway through.¡± Asher contemted this, his expression grave. ¡°It seems the person behind this wields considerable influence.¡± His fingers tapped rhythmically on the edge of his desk. ¡°Have we questioned the Walsh family?¡± William replied: ¡°Yes, their story remains unchanged. They im that Mr. Walsh had no knowledge that Vanessa was your admirer, that they were simply attending the event aspanions.¡± Friday morning. Sinir & Kleinw firm. Sarah, the litigation department head, sent a message to the group chat. [Department dinner tonight. All litigation team members wee to attend. Time and location details to follow.] Shortly after the message was sent, Lucy Jenkins messaged Thalia privately. [Miss Winters, will you be joining us this evening?] Lucy had always been close to Thalia, and after Thalia saved her from an attacker, the young woman was both grateful and impressed, practically bing Thalia¡¯s devoted fan. Later, Sarah had assigned Lucy to be Thalia¡¯s assistant, and the two had developed a genuine friendship. Thalia replied: [I shall indeed. Haven¡¯t any ns after work anyway.] CALl Diggor is Actually A True Di 60.6% Nathan had been formally arrested on suspicion of criminal activity. Enzo had also been sued by Thalia for nder and defamation. After the court epted the case, Enzo couldn¡¯t bear the embarrassment of remaining at the firm and resigned voluntarily. Now that the office environment had improved and her colleagues were pleasant to work with, Thalia rather enjoyed it, so she naturally wanted to attend the department dinner. Lucy quickly responded. [Brilliant! If you¡¯re going. I¡¯m definitely in!] The dinner venue was a tasteful but unpretentious restaurant. After the meal, someone suggested moving to a bar for drinks. Thalia reflected that with everything that had happened recently, she¡¯d been constantly on edge and needed to rx, so she agreed to go for drinks. They went to a quiet lounge bar. The colleagues drank, chatted, and shared stories. Thalia was in good spirits and joined in with a few sses. Her alcohol tolerance had always been poor, and after just a few drinks, she began to lose rity. ¡°Listen to me, all of you.¡± Thalia slurred, her face flushed, her steps unsteady. ¡°I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose! You were made to be ruled! Kneel before me, you mewling quims!¡± Some colleagues were so drunk they had passed out on the table. A few with better toleranceughed and took out their phones to record videos. Lucy was among them. Actually, Lucy didn¡¯t have a high tolerance¨Cshe simply wasn¡¯t drinking at all, havinge solely to keep Thaliapany. She worried that Thalia might get into trouble when drunk, so she stayed close by. And it seemed her concern was warranted. After just a few drinks, Thalia waspletely intoxicated. 20.51 Your doll get is Actually Awe Seeing Tha¡¯s drunken antics, Lucy found it amusing and took out her phone to record, ying along ¡°We kneel before the mighty Loki!¡± Thalia giggled. ¡°Let me tell you something my nce is¡­ is the best bloody fianc¨¦ in the world. Did you know he¡¯s fancied me for simply ages? Hee hee¡­¡± Lucy smiled as she continued recording. ¡°Is that right? How terribly sweet.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let you in on a secret. My fianc¨¦ may look absolutely gorgeous, but actually he¡­¡± Another coherent colleague asked with a grin: ¡°He what?¡± The intoxicated Thalia giggled again. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid to tell you¡­ I think my fianc¨¦ might have¡­ a bit of trouble getting it up¡­ you know what I mean?¡± At the bar counter. ¡°Pfft!¡± A strikingly handsome man spat out his drink upon hearing Thalia say her fianc¨¦ had erectile dysfunction. After he finishedughing, he took out his phone and sent a message. [I heard you have trouble in the bedroom department, mate?] ? (2) Your Gold Digger 61 Meanwhile. Asher was ying snooker with several friends at an exclusive gentlemen¡¯s club. Alexander chalked his cue, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he teased casually: ¡°Well, well, look who¡¯s graced us with his presence. How is it you have time for us tonight, Asher? Not picking up your precious Thalia from work?¡± Since Thalia had started working and moved into her own apartment, Asher had spent every free moment at her Tribeca t. It had been ages since he¡¯d joined them for a get¨Ctogether. After the incident at the engagement ceremony and his hospital stay, Asher and Thalia¡¯s rtionship had grown even closer. He made time almost daily to pick her up from work. Asher¡¯s expression remained neutral as he lined up his shot. ¡°She¡¯s having dinner with colleagues tonight.¡± ¡°Left behind, are we?¡± Alexanderughed dramatically, his expression deliberately provocative. His tone was mockingly sympathetic. ¡°Has the mighty Asher ckwood actually been abandoned by a woman? What sort of colleague dinner could possibly be more important than you?¡± Asher¡¯s demeanor cooled slightly. He nced up at Alexander with a frigid gaze. ¡°Abandoned?¡± ¡°Hardly,¡± Asher¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°She¡¯ll being home after her gathering, won¡¯t she? What about you? Will you be picking up your girlfriendter?¡± The remark wasn¡¯t particrly harmful, but it was deeply insulting. Everyone knew Alexander was perpetually single. What girlfriend was there to speak of? He ground his teeth in annoyance, turning to William in an attempt to redirect the conversation. ¡°Would you look at him, mocking a chap like that. William, you¡¯re single too¨Chow can you stand for this?¡± William cleared his throat. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m seeing someone at the moment.¡± ¡°What?¡± Alexander¡¯s jaw dropped, his mouth hanging open, his cigarette falling. ¡°What did you just say? 20-51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 61.2% You¡¯re dating someone?¡± William nodded. ¡°You never mentioned it. Which family is she from? The Kensington set? Or perhaps old Westminster money?¡± Alexander¡¯s curiosity was piqued. The Kensington family was among London¡¯s elite, while the Westminster lineage had political connections, with their patriarch holding considerable influence second only to the ckwoods and the Powells. William came from a political dynasty, a genuine member of Britain¡¯s governing ss. Alexander naturally assumed he would court someone of equivalent status. Before William could answer, Alexander continued: ¡°I saw that Kensington girl recently, just back from studying abroad. Absolutely stunning. Tell me, is it her?¡± William, however, shook his head. ¡°Just an ordinary university student.¡± ¡°What?¡± Alexander looked incredulous, enunciating each word. ¡°An ordinary university student?¡± Asher¡¯s reaction was remarkably casual, merely ncing briefly at William. ¡°Will your family approve?¡± William exhaled a smoke ring, his tone matter¨Cof¨Cfact. ¡°It¡¯s just a bit of fun, not marriage. What¡¯s there to disapprove of?¡± Alexander clicked his tongue, shaking his head. ¡°Since when did you start ying around with university girls? Aren¡¯t you worried she¡¯ll be rather clingy?¡± William smiled carelessly, the picture of nonchnce. ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? A couple of designer handbags and some cash. If I don¡¯t want to see her, how would she even reach me?¡± Alexander rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s true enough.¡± For men of their social stratum, unless they chose to be essible, ordinary people would likely never have a chance to even encounter them. Asher took another shot, his gaze passing over William, his tone neutral but pointed. ¡°ying with someone¡¯s emotions like that¨Caren¡¯t you concerned about karma?¡± William smiled. ¡°Who¡¯s ying with emotions? We¡¯re simply meeting each other¡¯s needs.¡± Asher responded: ¡°That¡¯s your business, but be careful. Don¡¯t find yourself trapped in something you Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 61.4% can¡¯t escape.¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes lit up with gossip¨Chungry interest. ¡°What does she look like? Bring her around sometime, let us have a look.¡± William¡¯s expression cooled. ¡°What for? She¡¯s not part of our circle. There¡¯s no point.¡± Alexander shrugged. ¡°Fair enough.¡± Asher said nothing more. While ying snooker, he still checked his phone regrly, afraid of missing any message from Thalia. After several frames, he hadn¡¯t received any message from Thalia, but he did get a text from his friend Alfred rke: [I heard you have trouble in the bedroom department, mate?] Asher¡¯s brow furrowed, his lips stiffening slightly. Just as they finished ying, Alexander stood up to stretch his legs. Happening to pass by Asher, his sharp eyes caught the message on Asher¡¯s phone, triggering an explosive, goose¨Clikeugh. ¡°HAHAHAHA!¡± Alexander¡¯sughter was exaggerated to the extreme. ¡°Is it true? HAHAHA! You have erectile dysfunction?¡± Asher¡¯s expression turned frigid, his gaze cutting. Alexander immediately stifled hisughter, though his expression remainedically strained as he tried to hold it in. ¡°What¡¯s the story then?¡± Asher stood up. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± Alexander followed him with a grin, turning back to give William a conspiratorial look: Come on, let¡¯s follow him. This should be rather entertaining. I¡¯ll refine this section to better match contemporary British English expressions and incorporate the specific changes you¡¯ve requested. At the bar. Thalia epted another drink from the bartender and took a few more sips before swaying unsteadily as she began to sing. 20:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 61.6% When Asher arrived. Thalia was reaching the climax of ckpinks and Selena Gomez¡¯s ¡°Ice Cream/ her voice dramatically off key as she attempted the high notes. Alexander winced the moment he entered the bar, covering his ears. ¡°Bloody hell, who¡¯s butchering that song Asher recognized Thalia¡¯s voice and remained stone faced, saying nothing. As they approached, they could see that the person passionately performing on the small stage was indeed Thalia. Alexander nudged Asher with his elbow. ¡°Go on, fetch your nc¨¦e down from there. That¡¯s pure noise Ðg pollution! Most singers charge for their performances she ought to be paying damages for this assault on our eardrums!¡± Asher stood motionless. ¡°Let her enjoy herself.¡± Alexander was speechless. ¡°Right, keep indulging her,¡± Alexander lowered his hands from his ears and settled onto a bar stool. Asher sat down beside him, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the stage, his lips curved in a tender smile. William observed Thalia with interest, then nced at Asher, his tone teasing. ¡°Your Thalia has quite the talent, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Alexanderughed as well. ¡°You know, after a while, you almost be immune to it.¡± Thalia was thoroughly intoxicated, her mind foggy. She mangled most of the lyrics and continuously sang off¨Ckey, attempting dance moves that nearly sent her toppling off the stage. Asher listened to the entire song before finally walking onto the stage. He gently took hold of her wrist. Feeling the warm touch on her skin, Thalia turned to look at him, her gaze hazy and unfocused. ¡°Hello, handsome. You¡¯re absolutely gorgeous, you are. ording to my calctions, you¡¯re definitely my soulmate.¡± That term of endearment made Asher¡¯s heart skip a beat. He felt his blood rushing through his veins in that moment. 20:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 61.8% His breathing faltered as he stood there, momentarily frozen, unsure how to respond. Thalia tilted her face slightly upward, smiling brightly at him. Her flushed cheeks dimpled, creating an expression so sweet he couldn¡¯t look away. They maintained this position, gazing at each other for several seconds. Suddenly, without warning, Thalia leaned forward, nestling her head against Asher¡¯s chest. She nuzzled against him like a small cat, murmuring contentedly. ¡°Mmm, even your scent is exactly like my darling¡¯s.¡± Asher typically wore Creed Silver Mountain Water cologne, with its fresh, crisp notes reminiscent of mountain streams. Thalia found the scent irresistible and couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath. ¡°You smell wonderful, love¡­¡± ? (1) (0) Your Gold Digger 62 When intoxicated, Thalia¡¯s voice became soft and sweet, her words ending with a slight upward lilt that was incredibly endearing. Asher¡¯s body instantly stiffened. A fire ignited within him in an instant. From the floor below the stage, Lucy¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as she filmed enthusiastically on her phone. She nudged a female colleague beside her, ¡°OMG! OTP confirmed! We¡¯re actually witnessing a real¨Clife ship sailing!¡± Her daily scrolling through social media had given her quite the inte vocabry. Her colleague nodded vigorously. ¡°They¡¯re absolutely gorgeous together! I¡¯m literally dying! This is giving me all the feels!¡± Sitting behind them, Alexander pped his own forehead in mock exasperation. ¡°What am I doing here? Front row seats to this rom. I must be a glutton for punishment.¡± It took Asher a full ten seconds to recover from Thalia¡¯s terms of endearment before realizing he needed to get her off the stage. He swept her up in his arms and carried her toward the steps. Thalia instinctively wrapped her arms around Asher¡¯s neck, nestling against him while gazing up at his face without blinking. How could anyone be so handsome? Like he¡¯d stepped straight out of a fashion editorial. Thalia stared at him dreamily, spouting more nonsense: ¡°Spend the night with me¡­ I¡¯m quite wealthy, you know. Whatever your fee is, I¡¯ll double it, mmm?¡± She said this just as Asher reached Alexander¡¯s side. Alexander erupted into raucousughter. ¡°Bloody hell! Are you mistaking him for one of The Dreamboys? nning to stuff some notes in his 20:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 62.2% trousers, are you?¡± Asher¡¯s face darkened, his gaze cutting over like a de. Alexander immediately mimicked zipping his lips shut, indicating he wouldn¡¯t say another word. Before Asher could speak, Thalia continued to stare directly at him from his arms, smiling adorably as she delivered another shocking statement: ¡°Darling, just name your price,¡± At this, even the typically stoic William couldn¡¯t helpughing out loud. Alexander covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking with suppressedughter. He secretly moved behind Asher, taking out his phone to record the scene. This was too precious to miss¨Cperfect ckmail material forter! Asher¡¯s expression darkened as he looked down at the girl in his arms, his voice emerging through clenched teeth: ¡°Thalia Winters, who taught you this?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyshes fluttered, seemingly intimidated by his stern tone. She looked utterly dejected as she pouted. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, just say so. Why are you being cross with me?¡± Her body was incredibly soft in his arms, almost boneless, and her voice was sweet as honey. Asher waspletely defenseless against this. His stern expression, which hadsted barely two seconds, instantly softened. ¡°Darling, I want a kiss,¡± Thalia slurred, tightening her arms around Asher¡¯s neck and lifting herself slightly to bring her lips closer to his. Alexander, William, and Lucy all widened their eyes at this development, afraid to miss a moment of the spectacle. Requesting a kiss in front of everyone was something the sober Thalia would never do. Even Asher was shocked. This intoxicated, forward version of Thalia was endearingly unfamiliar! ¡°Just a little kiss¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s flushed face moved closer, pressing against Asher¡¯s cheek. Her hot breath against his skin made his blood rush, his heart pound, and his body tense with a desire he fought desperately to control. He pressed his lips tightly together, struggling to maintain hisposure as he averted his gaze from her Your Cold Diggor is Actually A True 62.4% alcohol¨Cflushed face. ¡°Lia, stop it.¡± Thalia rubbed her cheek gently against his, suddenly breaking into giggles. Her voice was clear and bright: ¡°Asher, you¡¯re my Asher. Only you say my name with such tenderness.¡± Asher¡¯s heart meltedpletely. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his voice hoarse as he surrendered. ¡°Alright, just one kiss.¡± The next moment, a warm, soft touchnded lightly on Asher¡¯s cheek. A red lipstick mark appeared on the man¡¯s fair, handsome face, adding a touch of disheveled beauty to his appearance. Asher suddenly froze, his pupils dting, his heartbeat elerating dramatically as if it might burst from his chest. The spot where she had kissed him burned with an electric sensation that spread throughout his entire body, settling ufortably in his lower abdomen. Being so close, the scent of alcohol mixed with her sweet perfume filled his nostrils, clouding his typically sharp mind. Asher found himself struggling to maintain control. He breathed heavily, desire surging in his eyes, his voice turning raspy. ¡°Lia¡­¡± Thalia was too intoxicated to realize how provocative her behavior was. Asher, a perfectly healthy young man, could hardly withstand such temptation without his self¨Ccontrol being severely tested. Taking advantage of her drunken state, Thalia continued her mischief without restraint. One kiss asn¡¯t enough¨Cshe tugged at Asher¡¯s shirt cor and nted another kiss on his chin, dangerously close to his lips. ¡°Asher¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s voice lilted upward, carrying a flirtatious tone that shot straight through him. Her kisses fell like raindrops, delicate and numerous, each one making it harder for him to remember why he was resisting. Asher held his breath, his entire body taut with tension, caught between desire and restraint. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 62.7% Alexander dered he couldn¡¯t bear to watch, covering his eyes with his hand, then spreading his fingers to peek through the gaps. William nced at him with an amused expression. ¡°If you want to look, just look properly. I¡¯ve never seen Asher like this before¨Cit¡¯s quite the revtion.¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was filled with disbelief. ¡°Is this really the Asher we know? Honestly, for years we¡¯ve watched women practically throwing themselves at him without getting so much as a second nce. I thought he waspletely immune. Today I¡¯ve finally seen it¨Cone tease from Thalia, and the great Asher ckwood is utterly undone.¡± Asher waspletely disoriented by Thalia¡¯s kisses, his usualposure crumbling with each touch of her lips. His voice was husky as he coaxed her gently, though his body betrayed his words: ¡°Lia, be good now. That¡¯s enough.¡± Despite his words, his feet didn¡¯t stop. Asher strode quickly away from the bar with his long legs, his arms tightening around her possessively. He needed to get Thalia home before his restraint shatteredpletely. I¡¯ll adapt this continuation while maintaining the romantic tension and British English expressions. The Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan sped along the road. Throughout the journey, Thalia hummed and murmured incoherently, alternating between calling Asher¡¯s name and yfully demanding kisses and cuddles. Asher¡¯sposure was in tatters. His deep, husky voice filled the car interior: ¡°Darling, please stop. You¡¯re driving me to the brink of madness.¡± The lighting inside the car was dim, with neon lights from the street shing rapidly through the windows, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow. Asher focused on driving while Thalia curled up in the passenger seat, her head tilted to one side. Several strands of tousled hair fell across her fair, beautiful face, partially concealing the intoxicated haziness in her eyes. Upon reaching their destination, Asher parked the car, stepped out, and opened the passenger door. He unfastened her seatbelt and lifted her into his arms. 20-51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Here¡¯s 62.9% Perhaps exhausted from her earlier antics, Thalia now rested quietly against his chest, her breathing deep and steady, as if she had fallen asleep. Asher¡¯s tall, slender frame stood nearly six¨Cfoot¨Cthree, while Thalia¡¯s slight figure seemed small and delicate in his arms, nestled against him like a bird seeking shelter. Noticing that the young woman had fallen asleep, Asher slowed his pace, moving with extreme caution to avoid waking her with any sudden movements. At the apartment entrance, Asher used Thalia¡¯s fingerprint to unlock the door, then switched on the living room lights. The spacious living room was bright and immactely kept. Asher carried her into the bedroom, carefully cing her on the bed with the gentlest of movements. ? (1) Your Gold Digger 63 Chapter 63 The seemingly sleeping girl pouted her lips, made a soft sound, and clutched Asher¡¯s shirt sleeve, refusing to let go. ¡°Are you awake?¡± Asher leaned down slightly, his hands braced on either side of Thalia, his eyes lowered as he looked at her. ¡°Dri¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes remained closed as her lips moved, softly uttering a syble. ¡°Dri¡­¡± ¡°Drake?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply, his deep gaze darkening dangerously, a cold glint appearing in their depths. Drake? Drake Ashcroft? Was she actually calling Drake¡¯s name while drunk? It was quite enough that she¡¯d drunkenly told everyone he had bedroom performance issues, but now she was calling her ex¡¯s name? Right¨Che¡¯d almost forgotten why he¡¯d gone to the bar in the first ce! He¡¯d intended to confront her about those ridiculous rumors. She hadn¡¯t even bloody tried, so how could she possibly know whether he was ¡°unable¡± or not? Asher¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, a chill settling in his chest. Ungrateful little minx. He straightened up, his gaze falling on Thalia with a dominating air. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about him?¡± Even though the girl couldn¡¯t hear him, Asher couldn¡¯t help asking. The air was thick with jealousy. Someone had clearly spilled the vinegar jar of envy. ¡°Thalia Winters,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was deep and threatening, his British ent bing more pronounced. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Here¡¯s 63.3% ¡°Think very carefully before you speak¡­¡± In the next moment, the girl¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly as she restlessly turned over on the bed, burying her face in the pillow and murmuring in a wheedling tone: ¡°Drink¡­ I want some water to drink¡­¡± Asher: ¡°¡­¡± ¡± Drink? So it wasn¡¯t ¡°Drake¡± but ¡°Drink¡°? Asher couldn¡¯t help butugh, the tension in him instantly releasing. He moved closer again, his tone indulgent. ¡°Lia, let me get you cleaned up first, then I¡¯ll bring you some water, shall we?¡± His Thalia liked to be pristine. If she woke up tomorrow still wearing yesterday¡¯s clothes and reeking of alcohol, she would definitely be mortified. The room was so quiet he could hear the girl¡¯s deep, steady breathing. Thalia was sound asleep, unable to answer him. After waiting silently for a few seconds, Asher exhaled and turned to the bathroom to prepare a bath, then returned to carry Thalia. ¡°Let¡¯s get you sorted for a proper night¡¯s sleep.¡± He gently removed Thalia¡¯s clothes and ced her in the bathtub. Thalia, sensing the movement, opened her eyes with a hazy gaze. ¡°Asher¡­¡± ¡°Lia, be good now.¡± Asher¡¯s movements were gentle and careful. He first wet Thalia¡¯s hair, squeezed shampoo into his hand,thered it, and then gently massaged it into her hair. Thalia leaned against the bathtub, still not fully conscious, but the warm water helped her entire body rx. She exhaled contentedly, enjoying Asher¡¯s attentions. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 63.4% After the bath, Asher dried the water droplets from Thalia¡¯s body, wrapped her in a towel, and carried her back to the bedroom to dry her hair. By the time her hair was dry, Thalia had be more alert. ¡°Stay with me,¡± she insisted, clutching his cor. Asher lowered his eyes, speaking in a soothing voice: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stay with you.¡± ¡°Tell me a story,¡± Thalia murmured softly. Asher waspletely amodating, ¡°Very well.¡± He opened his phone to search for a few bedtime stories, then began reading them to her in his deep, gentle voice. Gradually, Thalia stopped fidgeting. The hand clutching his cor finally rxed. Asher had finally lulled Thalia to sleep. He had originally nned to leave, but because Thalia was drunk and had no one to look after her, he felt uneasy and decided to stay the night. There were no toiletries or change of clothes for him here. Asher called for a ckwood household staff member to bring a change of clothes and toiletries, then used Thalia¡¯s bathroom to shower. The girl on the bed was sleeping soundly. Asher smiled indulgently, his deep, gentle gaze fixed on her fair, beautiful face. After staring for a few minutes, Asher walked over to tuck in her nket, bent down to ce a kiss on her face, and whispered, ¡°Goodnight.¡± Having confirmed that Thalia was fast asleep and no longer restless, Asher quietly went to the living room. The apartment had two bedrooms and a living room, but the second bedroom had no bed. Tonight, he would have to make do with the sofa in the living room. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 63.6% Under the heavy night sky, both slept soundly. I¡¯ll refine this section to better match contemporary British English expressions and make sure the ¡°unable¡± reference correctly implies what you¡¯re suggesting. Early morning, as dawn was just breaking. Thalia, who typically maintained a regr early¨Cto¨Cbed, early¨Cto¨Crise schedule, woke naturally at her usual time. After the night of drinking, her head was pounding mercilessly. Thalia took a moment to recover as her consciousness gradually returned. She only remembered going out with colleaguesst night, then heading to a bar for a few drinks. Her alcohol tolerance was poor, and she¡¯d cked out after just a few sses. Thalia vaguely recalled a man appearingter in the evening, how she had clung to him persistently and spouted all sorts of nonsense. At this thought, Thalia jolted fully awake, a wave of panic washing over her. Oh no, she¡¯d been hanging all over some man! If Asher found out, how would she exin? Would he be jealous? It wasn¡¯t that she feared Asher¡¯s anger; she simply worried he might misunderstand and feel hurt. She cared deeply about Asher¡¯s feelings and didn¡¯t want to cause him any distress. Thalia threw back the covers and got out of bed, suddenly noticing the clothes she was wearing. Pajamas? When had she changed? How had she gotten homest night? Thalia opened the bedroom door, intending to go to the bathroom, when she suddenly spotted someone lying on the sofa. A many there covered with a throw nket, his feet propped up on the armrest, eyes closed and chin slightly raised, his jawline sharp and distinct. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 63.8% Asher! What was he doing here? Oh God! Had he been the one who came to the bar and brought her home? If so, had he seen her hanging all over that other man¡­ She tried to remember, but couldn¡¯t recall anything about what the man fromst night looked like. Thalia felt like crying. She didn¡¯t dare imagine how much Asher had witnessed; she felt too ashamed to face him. The man on the sofa slept with perfect posture, his sleeping face handsome. Thalia became entranced watching him. In the quiet morning, the apartment was free from any noise. Thalia could almost hear her own heartbeat. Seeing his tall figure curled up on the sofa made her heart ache with tenderness. She walked over and stood in front of Asher, reaching out to gently poke his cheek with her index finger. The man showed no reaction, sleeping soundly. Emboldened, Thalia pinched his cheek lightly, which finally drew a response. He opened his eyes, still drowsy with sleep, looking at her hazily. ¡°Lia, you¡¯re awake.¡± Thalia hesitated before speaking softly, ¡°Asher, you should go sleep in the bedroom.¡± Asher sat up, running his fingers through his hair. ¡°What time is it?¡± There was a clock hanging on the living room wall. Thalia nced at it. ¡°Half seven.¡± In one smooth motion, Asher pulled Thalia into his arms, encircling her as he rested his chin on her shoulder. 61.9% ¡°It¡¯s Saturday. Aren¡¯t you going back to sleep? Why are you up so early?¡± His voice still carried the slight huskiness of someone just waking, sending shivers down her spine. His warm breath tickled Thalia¡¯s ear, causing her to instinctively shiver as a tingling sensation spread through half her body. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to sleep. I drank too muchst night and my head hurts a bit.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t handle your alcohol, you shouldn¡¯t drink so much,¡± Asher chuckled softly. ¡°Do you have any idea how utterly maddening you were when you got drunkst night?¡± He had nearly lost hisposure in front of everyone. Thalia suddenly recalled images of herself clinging to that man, her face flushing with embarrassment. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Asher¡­¡± Asher¡¯s voice carried a hypnotic gravel quality, irresistibly attractive. ¡°Hmm? Is ¡®sorry¡® all you have to offer?¡± His lips curved into a smile. ¡°You told everyone I couldn¡¯t rise to the asion without ever giving me a chance to prove myself. Perhaps you¡¯d like to find out if I¡¯m reallycking in that department?¡± ? (1) Your Gold Digger 64 Thalia¡¯s face went scarlet in an instant. She turned away, attempting to deny everything with what little dignity she could muster. ¡°What on earth are you talking about? I would never say something like that¡­¡± The corner of Asher¡¯s mouth quirked upward. ¡°No?¡± ¡°Of course not!¡± Thalia¡¯s voice grew progressively quieter, her confidence waning with each word. ¡°I mean¡­ I couldn¡¯t possibly have¡­ not in front of everyone¡­¡± Bloody hell. Fragments of memory were beginning to resurface. Last night, she had¡­ possibly¡­ perhaps¡­ Oh god, she really had said those things, hadn¡¯t she? ¡°I was talking absolute rubbish!¡± The soft morning light filtered through the windows, illuminating her crimson¨Cflushed face. Thalia bit her lip, utterly mortified. ¡°You know I waspletely sloshed. I was just babbling nonsense. You wouldn¡¯t hold a drunk person¡¯s ramblings against them, would you?¡± She didn¡¯t sound particrly convinced of her own argument and added in a small voice: ¡°When someone¡¯s intoxicated, they can¡¯t fully control or recognize their actions. In legal terms, that¡¯s considered diminished capacity¡­¡± Asher¡¯s shoulders shook with quietughter. ¡°Are you giving me a legal lecture now, counselor?¡± In reality, intoxicated individuals weren¡¯t legally ssified as having ¡°diminished capacity¡± at all¨CThalia was merely grasping at straws. Knowing she was on shaky ground, Thalia let out an indignant ¡°hmph¡± and attempted to wriggle free from Asher¡¯s embrace. His arms remained firmly around her waist. ¡°Trying to escape? Have you forgotten how thoroughly you teased mest night? You can¡¯t simply wind me up and then disappear.¡± The scent of shower gel lingered on his skin¨CThalia recognized it as her own usual brand. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 64.3% Asher leaned in and imed her lips, his elegant fingers threading through her hair. They kissed with urgent passion, like a summer storm or a howling winter gale¨Cpowerful and impossible to resist. ¡°Lia,¡± he murmured against her lips, ¡°may I?¡± The faint morning light gradually brightened, and even the air between them felt charged with electricity. Thalia knew exactly what would happen next. Though she trembled slightly with nervousness, there was unmistakable anticipation in her eyes. She loved Asher and yearned for this deeper intimacy with him. Outside the window, birds sang sweetly in the trees. Everything felt utterly perfect. It was a gloriously romantic morning. Just as they reached the precipice of no return, a mobile phone rang suddenly. In the quiet sanctuary they¡¯d created, the sound was particrly jarring. Asher¡¯s eyes darkened with displeasure. He seemed inclined to ignore the ringing and continue, but Thalia had been startled back to reality. Blushing furiously, she broke free from his embrace and backed away a few steps. ¡°Your¨Cyour phone,¡± she stammered, gesturing vaguely. Asher¡¯s gaze was molten, his voice low and husky with desire. ¡°Why are you running, darling? I promise I won¡¯t ravish youpletely.¡± ¡°You should¡­ probably answer that first¡­¡± Asher reached for his phone, the heat in his eyes cooling back to his usualposed gaze. The caller ID showed Grace Bet. Why wasn¡¯t she having a lie¨Cin on this early morning? Why choose precisely this moment to call? Asher suddenly found his sister rather irritating, and his tone carried a distinct edge as he answered, ¡°What is it?¡± Grace spoke excitedly: ¡°Brother, the meteorological service just announced there¡¯ll be a meteor shower tomorrow night! Fancy watching it together? The best viewing spot is at South Downs National Park. Let¡¯s go hiking tomorrow!¡± 20-52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 64.5% Holding the phone to his ear, the man¡¯s gaze drifted to Thalia standing nearby, his expression softening instantly. A meteor shower? His Thalia would probably adore seeing something like that. She¡¯d been working herself to the bone these past days, and tomorrow being the weekend¨Cit was the perfect opportunity for taking her out to unwind. Asher responded in a measured tone: ¡°Alright.¡± With this small interruption, the previous intimate atmosphere had thoroughly evaporated. Thalia¡¯s racing heart began to calm, and the flush gradually receded from her face. She cleared her throat strategically, feigningposure as she said, ¡°I¡¯m rather peckish. Shall we order some breakfast?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes held a mischievous glint. ¡°I thought you were going to verify whether I have any¡­ performance issues in the bedroom department?¡± Thalia shook her head vigorously, quickly backpedaling. ¡°I was wrong,pletely wrong! I was just talking absolute rubbish, Asher. You definitely don¡¯t have any¡­ issues!¡± Asher¡¯s voice was deliciously husky and enticing, ¡°How can you be so certain without proper empirical evidence?¡± The girl bit her lip and lowered her head to stare at her toes, the picture of contrition. ¡°I just know I was being silly¡­¡± Asher couldn¡¯t help butugh. His Thalia was so delightfully modest¨Che¡¯d stop tormenting her. Asher didn¡¯t press the young woman further and dutifully ordered breakfast. After their meal, Asher told Thalia about going to South Downs National Park the next day to watch the meteor shower. Just as he¡¯d anticipated, Thalia¡¯s eyes lit up brilliantly at the mention of a meteor shower. She responded with unbridled enthusiasm: ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a meteor shower before! Yes! Absolutely, we must go. I¡¯ll invite Charlotte and Victoria too.¡± Asher smiled and agreed. Heaven knows he¡¯d only been thinking of spending time alone with her. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 64.79% But there was nothing to be done¨Chis Thalia enjoyed having people around, and at the first mention of the meteor shower, she¡¯d immediately thought of her two best friends. Remembering that Grace and Thalia had experienced some unpleasantness at the riding grounds previously, Asher felt it necessary to inform Thalia that Grace would also be joining them. Grace was his sister after all, and would be Thalia¡¯s sister inw once they married. They couldn¡¯t avoid each other indefinitely because of one ufortable incident. ¡°Lia, my sister will also be joining us for the hike tomorrow. Would that be alright with you?¡± Thalia paused. ¡°You mean Grace?¡± Asher nodded slightly. ¡°Yes.¡± Recalling the incident at the riding grounds, Thalia lowered her gaze. Her excitement visibly deted, and her voice lost its previous enthusiasm. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t mind.¡± Asher stroked her hair affectionately. ¡°Good.¡± He¡¯d known his Thalia wasn¡¯t the petty sort. They spent the entire morning lounging on the sofa together. Thalia was tasked with researching their trip on her phone, while Asher seemed determined to be a delightful nuisance¨Cstealing kisses one moment, pulling her into his embrace the next, and deliberately teasing her by breathing warmly against her ear. Thalia turned her head, pretending to be cross. ¡°Asher ckwood, will you behave yourself for five minutes?¡± Asher lowered his head, his warm lips finding the sensitive skin of her corbone, lingering there with deliberate intent. ¡°Stop it,¡± Thalia protested weakly, cing a hand against his chest to hold him back. ¡°I¡¯m trying to n our outing properly. If we miss the meteor shower tomorrow because of your distractions, I¡¯m not speaking to you for a week.¡± Asher¡¯s shoulders shook slightly as heughed softly. ¡°My, that¡¯s rather severe, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Meteor showers don¡¯t exactly happen every Tuesday. I absolutely want to see this one.¡± Asher gently removed her restraining hand and leaned in again to trail kisses along her pale neck, his 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True es 64.9% Chapter 64 warm breath sending shivers down her spine. Thalia shrank back slightly,ughing as she pushed at his face. He caught her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. ¡°Let my assistant handle the tedious nning. It¡¯s the weekend¨Cspend some time with me instead.¡± The man¡¯s tone was unlike his usual aristocratic detachment. He spoke softly, almost intively¨Crather like someone deliberately being endearing. Thalia looked at him with wide¨Ceyed amazement, as if discovering something entirely new and unexpected. ¡°Were you just flirting with me?¡± Asher didn¡¯t answer, simply leaning in to capture her lips once more. His featherlight kisses traveled down her neck, sending delicious tingles throughout her body. (2) Your Gold Digger 65 Chapter ¡°Enough.¡± Thalia said with affectionate exasperation, ruffling Asher¡¯s hair as though soothing a petnt child. ¡°nning these things together is half the fun, isn¡¯t it? Besides, it¡¯s Saturday don¡¯t your poor assistants deserve a day off too?¡± Asher made a nomittal sound against her skin and continued his leisurely exploration, This was bing rather dangerous territory. Thalia firmly pushed him away, ¡°That¡¯s quite enough of that. I¡¯ve nearly finished the nning anyway let¡¯s go shopping for supplies instead,¡± Asher lifted his gaze to meet hers, and for a fleeting moment, Thalia could have sworn she glimpsed something akin to disappointment in his eyes, She blinked in surprise. Had she imagined it? Had the impossiblyposed Asher ckwood actually looked wounded because she¡¯d rebuffed his advances? She¡¯d only pushed him away a few times. Surely he wasn¡¯t actually sulking? No, she must have been mistaken. Someone like Asher would never appear so vulnerable. That afternoon, they visited an outdoor equipment shop to purchase hiking gear, then went to a proper supermarket for fruits and snacks. Thalia was in high spirits, wanting to buy a bit of everything that caught her fancy. Asher didn¡¯t object in the slightest¨Cwhat did it matter if their packs were a touch heavier? He¡¯d be the one carrying most of it anyway. As long as Thalia was happy, he could endure a bit of extra weight. Thalia snapped photos of their purchases and sent them to the group chat she shared with Charlotte and Victoria. [Ladies, there¡¯s a meteor shower tomorrow night. Shall we go to South Downs together to watch? I¡¯ve already sorted the supplies.] Victoria responded immediately: [Brilliant! Count me in!] Charlotte replied: [Absolutely.] 65.3 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Victoria sent another message: [I¡¯m going to drag Sebastian out for hiking gear straightaway! I¡¯m thinking all ck¨Cyou¡¯ll both help me get that perfect Instagram hiking pose, won¡¯t you? I¡¯m nning one of those transformation videos¨CI¡¯ll film the first bit in my pajamas today, then do the matching pose when we¡¯re there!] Thalia: [No problem! Top¨Ctier photographer at your service.] Charlotte: [I¡¯ll ask James if he fancies joining us.] Thalia: [Meet outside my Tribeca t at one o¡¯clock tomorrow afternoon.] Charlotte: [Perfect.] Victoria: [See you then!] The following afternoon at precisely one o¡¯clock, Asher knocked on Thalia¡¯s apartment door. When she opened it, her face was free of makeup yet radiantly beautiful. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Thalia had changed into a light blue hiking outfit and carried a matching blue backpack. Asher wore a ck high¨Cnecked windbreaker. The dark colorplemented his natural demeanor perfectly, entuating his cool, aloof presence and making his striking features appear even more defined and aristocratic. He naturally took Thalia¡¯s backpack from her. ¡°Ready? They¡¯re waiting downstairs.¡± ¡°Is everyone here already?¡± ¡°James, Sebastian, Charlotte, and Victoria have arrived,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Grace said she¡¯s going ahead with some friends. She¡¯ll meet us at the camping site.¡± Thalia followed Asher into the lift, responding with a soft ¡°Oh.¡± Downstairs, three cars were waiting. Charlotte and James sat in the back of a Maybach. Charlotte offered Thalia a sweet smile. ¡°Lia!¡± Victoria waved excitedly from the passenger window of a ck Bentley, punching the air enthusiastically. ¡°All present and ounted for! Let¡¯s go! Meteor shower, here wee!¡± 30.53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 65.5% Asher had brought his ck Rolls Royce Cullinan for the asion. The conver headed southward, reaching the camping grounds just over an hourter. The campsite was located at Devil¡¯s Dyke in South Downs National Park, offering a perfect vantage point from its elevatest position. When Thalia¡¯s group arrived, Grace and her friends had only just gotten there themselves. Asher had reservest the entire area for their private use¨Cthere would be no other visitors today. As soon as their car came to a stop, Grace rushed over, attempting to take Asher¡¯s arm. Asher smoothly sidestepped her. Grace faltered momentarily before pretending nothing had happened. With a bright smile, she said, ¡°Brother, you¡¯re here!¡± Asher responded with a cool ¡°Mmm.¡± When Grace turned to look at Thalia, her smile faded slightly. She greeted her with forced politeness: ¡°Thalia.¡± Thalia acknowledged her with the slightest of nods. Behind Grace stood two unfamiliar young women, Grace introduced them: ¡°These are my friends, Vanessa Miller and Eliza Bet.¡± ¡°Oh, and Eliza brought someone along. Let me introduce you,¡± Grace continued. She turned and called out, ¡°Drake! They¡¯ve arrived.¡± Drake? Thalia¡¯s heart stuttered. Surely not¡­ Before she couldplete the thought, that all¨Ctoo¨Cfamiliar face appeared before everyone. Drake Ashcroft stood there in a smoke¨Cgray windbreaker, holding a hiking pole, walking directly toward them. Asher¡¯s brow furrowed as he turned to Grace, his eyes filled with questioning reproach. His voice carried 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True e 65.7% unmistakable displeasure: ¡°Since when have you been acquainted with Drake Ashcroft?¡± Grace blinked her bright, clear eyes, the picture of innocent confusion¨Ca perfect portrait of a meless ing¨¦nue. ¡°Drake is Eliza¡¯s friend. Eliza asked if she could bring someone along, and I said yes. I only just met him today when Eliza brought him. Is there a problem, brother?¡± Thalia had been pressing her lips together in silence, pretending not to recognize Drake. Drake, however, smiled meaningfully and greeted her directly: ¡°Thalia, it¡¯s been a while.¡± Grace looked at Thalia with exaggerated surprise. ¡°Thalia, you know each other?¡± ¡°No,¡± Thalia said tly. ¡°Yes,¡± Drake answered simultaneously. Grace exchanged a nce with Eliza, who immediately picked up the cue. In a syrupy voice, she asked, ¡°Drake, what¡¯s your rtionship with Thalia? I¡¯ve never heard you mention knowing her before.¡± Drake smiled, giving Thalia a pointed look before casually stating: ¡°Ex¨Cgirlfriend.¡± ¡°Oh my!¡± Grace eximed with theatrical surprise, turning to Thalia with wide eyes. ¡°Thalia, you were actually Drake¡¯s ex¨Cgirlfriend? I¡¯m terribly sorry¨CI had no idea you two had history! Had I known, I never would have allowed him to join us.¡± Thalia understood immediately. If the incident at the riding grounds could be dismissed as a misunderstanding, this was surely no coincidence. Eliza pouted, pretending to be jealous. ¡°Hmph, Drake, did you deliberately arrange this hiking trip just to see your ex¨Cgirlfriend again?¡± Drake merely smiled without answering, which everyone interpreted as tacit confirmation. The atmosphere suddenly became markedly tense. Victoria sidled up to Thalia, gently tugging at her sleeve. ¡°Is that really your ex?¡± she whispered. Thalia gave an almost imperceptible nod. 20:52 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heels 65.9% Victoria crossed her arms. ¡°Bloody hell, this Grace Bet is clearly doing this deliberately.¡± Thalia watched coldly as the little drama unfolded before her. Coincidence? She didn¡¯t believe it for a second. At thest party Alexander had hosted for her at the Sterling estate, Drake had caused quite a scene. Though Grace hadn¡¯t attended, as the ckwood ward, she would certainly have heard the gossip circting in their social circles. Grace bringing Drake here was almost certainly deliberate. But what was her purpose? As Thalia was pondering this, someone took her hand. (1) Your Gold Digger 66 Thalia lowered her gaze, her eyes moving downward. Asher was holding her hand, their fingers intertwined. His voice carried a mocking edge: ¡°Reunite? As if Thalia would give such rubbish a second nce now that she¡¯s with me.¡± Crude, perhaps, but not untrue. Thalia smiled demurely, ying along by leaning closer to him, nestling against his side like a contented bird seeking shelter. ¡°Asher¡¯s absolutely right. There¡¯s only room for him in my heart now. Why would I spare a thought for some forgettable mistake from my youth?¡± Drake¡¯s smile froze, his expression darkening. ¡°A forgettable mistake from my youth.¡± Her words stung. Was that truly how she saw him? As something so utterly insignificant? Drake¡¯s hand tightened into a fist at his side as he struggled to control his anger and resentment. Simultaneously, a sh of jealousy crossed Grace¡¯s eyes, almost imperceptible. She silently gritted her teeth, mentally cursing Thalia a thousand times over. Victoria jumped in with a deliberately pointed tone: ¡°Well, Miss Bet, perhaps this exins why your family has such a questionable reputation. Chasing after someone Thalia grew bored with¨Crather desperate, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Who are you calling ¡®someone she grew bored with¡°?¡± Drake snapped, unable to contain himself any longer. Eliza¡¯s face flushed with anger. She was about to argue with Victoria but caught sight of Sebastian standing behind her and thought better of it. She couldn¡¯t afford to antagonize the Darwin family. ¡°I¡¯m talking about you,¡± Victoria replied coolly, crossing her arms and regarding Drake with open disdain. ¡°So you¡¯re Drake Ashcroft? Dating you seems to be like having a criminal record for Thalia. Thank goodness she came to her senses and gave you the boot. Otherwise, I might have had to hold a knife to her throat to force her to break things off. Weren¡¯t you back with your ¡®perfect ex¡® or whatever? Why not 66.3% bring her out for a stroll on such a lovely day?¡± Drake was practically apoplectic with rage. As he appeared on the verge of losing controlpletely andunching into a tirade against Victoria, Grace quickly grabbed his arm. ¡°Come now, let¡¯s all stop arguing. This is just a misunderstanding. It¡¯s my fault entirely¨CI had no idea Drake and Thalia were previously involved.¡± Grace bit her lip lightly, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at her brother, the picture of a wounded. innocent. ¡°Brother, I truly didn¡¯t know Drake was Thalia¡¯s ex¨Cboyfriend. I thought¡­ I thought he was simply Eliza¡¯s friend, nothing more¡­ Brother, you won¡¯t me me, will you?¡± Asher was about to speak when Thalia beat him to it, mimicking Grace¡¯s affected manner: ¡°Sister, it was merely an innocent mistake. How could I possibly me you? Your brother won¡¯t me you either.¡± Asher wasn¡¯t certain what Thalia was nning, but he supported her unconditionally. With a cold expression, he replied, ¡°If Thalia doesn¡¯t me you, then neither do I.¡± Grace was momentarily speechless, looking at Thalia in confusion. Thalia offered her a sweet smile that sent chills down Grace¡¯s spine. What was this woman plotting? -Thaliaughed inwardly. If Grace wanted to y games, they would see who would end up more ufortable. James, who had been silently observing the drama unfold, finally spoke up: ¡°Let¡¯s not all stand about like this. We should have something to eat and rest before the hike. We¡¯ll need our energy for the climb.¡± The spectators dispersed. Everyone began setting up camping tables and chairs,ying out tablecloths, and arranging the evening meal preparations. Portable grills, charcoal, camping stoves, cookware¨Call the necessary equipment was avable. Everyone busied themselves, some preparing the barbecue, others working on hearty stews. Thalia and Victoria gravitated toward the barbecue station together. Victoria whispered: ¡°Why don¡¯t you just send him packing?¡± The ¡°him¡± in question was Drake. Thalia calmly basted a rack ofmb with herb butter. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t work. I¡¯ve tried several times before. He¡¯d just turn up again another day.¡± 20-53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True De 66.6% ¡°Thalia, I was right, wasn¡¯t 17 This Grace Bet is absolutely devious. Would you sooner heteve she didn¡¯t know Drake was your ex, or that I¡¯m bloody Queen Victoria reincarnated?¡± ¡°I know she¡¯s doing this deliberately, I suspect Grace and Drake have been in contact, conspiring to break up Asher and me. Since they¡¯re so determined to make me ufortable, I might as well y along, and see who ends up more bothered by it all Victoria gave her a thumbs up. ¡°Spot on! Absolutely right! I¡¯m with you all the way, darling!¡± Sebastian wandered over, eager for gossip, ¡°Thalia, was that absolute tosser really your ex¨Cboyfriend? Before Thalia could answer, Sebastian yelped in pain, clutching his head. Asher¡¯s cool voice came from behind him. ¡°Mind your own business.¡± Sebastian¡¯s expression turned wounded, ¡°Why did you flick me? That bloody hurt! I was just checking if Thalia was alright.¡± ¡°Are you really that idle?¡± Victoria shoved two tters into Sebastian¡¯s hands¨Cone withmb chops, the other with marinated chicken. ¡°Make yourself useful and grill these.¡± Sebastian could only ept them wordlessly, Asher embraced Thalia from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, his arms encircling her waist. His tone was uncharacteristically tender: ¡°Lia.¡± Thalia leanedfortably against him while continuing to tend to the barbecue. ¡°Thismb will be ready in a moment.¡± ¡°Mmm.¡± His presence enveloped herpletely. Asher alternated between pressing soft kisses to her neck and gently nibbling her earlobe, his warm breath tickling her skin. Thalia couldn¡¯t help but giggle. When he attempted to nibble her ear again, Thaliaughingly moved away. ¡°Stop that! Everyone¡¯s watching,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was deep and seductive. ¡°Let them watch. Let them see how perfectly happy we are together.¡± Nearby, Sebastian quipped: ¡°Victoria, do you smell something in the air?¡± Victoria sniffed exaggeratedly, ¡°What smell? I only smell the delicious barbecue.¡± 66.8% Sebastian replied in a theatrical tone: ¡°It¡¯s the sickeningly sweet stench of love.¡± Still holding Thalia in his arms, Asher drawledzily: ¡°Rubbish. Love smells perfectly delightful.¡± Meanwhile, Grace watched Asher and Thalia¡¯s public disy of affection with barely contained rage, her knuckles white as she clenched her fists. When the food was ready, everyone gathered around the tables to eat. They had arranged two tables¨CThalia, Asher, Sebastian, James, Charlotte, and Victoria naturally gravitated to one, while Grace, her two friends, and Drake took the other. Just as Thalia and Asher sat down, Grace approached with a steaming bowl. She ced it on the table in front of Asher, leaning down so closely she was practically pressed against him. ¡°Brother, I¡¯ve made some beef stew. Try some.¡± Asher shifted subtly toward Thalia to create distance between himself and Grace, then casually pushed the bowl toward Thalia. ¡°Lia, it¡¯s beef stew¨Cyour favorite. Have a taste.¡± Grace¡¯s smile froze on her face. Thalia picked up a fork and sampled a tender piece of beef. After finishing the morsel, she turned to Grace with a sweet smile. ¡°Mmm, it¡¯s quite good. Thank you, sister.¡± That wasn¡¯t the end of it. Asher took the fork and speared a buttery potato, feeding it to Thalia. ¡°Try this one.¡± The others around the table watched this disy with inward admiration for Asher¡¯s tactics. They thought: Well yed¨Che¡¯s managed to politely refuse his sister while simultaneously pleasing his fianc¨¦e. Brilliant! Victoria, always ready to fuel the drama, chimed in: ¡°Aren¡¯t they just the sweetest couple? Always disying their affection. Grace, look how utterly devoted your brother is to your future sister¨Cinw.¡± ? (2) (0) C Your Gold Digger 67 hapter 67 Grace¡¯s lips twitched as she forced out a stiff smile that never reached her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it, Thalia.¡± ¡°Oh,e now, why are you still calling her ¡®Thalia¡®?¡± Victoria said with a mischievous smile. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be calling her ¡®sister¨Cinw¡® by now?¡± Grace opened her mouth, her face tense. ¡°It¡¯s a difficult habit to break.¡± ¡°Asher, try this grilledmb,¡± Thalia said, spearing a perfectly cooked piece with her fork and offering it to him. She was using the same fork she¡¯d just eaten with. Asher didn¡¯t seem to mind in the slightest, obediently epting the morsel from Thalia. A cold light shed in Grace¡¯s eyes as she clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. ¡°Delicious,¡± Asher said, his eyes crinkling with genuine pleasure. Thalia smiled back, her eyes forming happy crescents. Grace¡¯s expression darkened considerably. With a grim face and cold tone, she said, ¡°Brother, I¡¯ll go back to my table now.¡± Thalia pretended not to notice Grace¡¯s thunderous expression and asked cheerfully: ¡°Sister, would you like somemb? I¡¯ve just grilled it, and your brother says it¡¯s quite good.¡± ¡°No, thank you,¡± Grace replied coldly before turning away. Thalia and Victoria exchanged meaningful nces across the table, both smiling knowingly. Charlotte suppressed augh, giving Thalia a discreet thumbs¨Cup. Asher knew Thalia had been deliberately putting on a show for Grace¡¯s benefit, and he had yed along perfectly. Now that Grace had left, he still wanted to continue their affectionate disy. His eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°Lia, I¡¯d like to try those barbecued chicken wings. Would you feed me?¡± 67.3% Thalia looked at him with amused exasperation. ¡°If you want some, you can serve yourself.¡± ¡°Are you serious, mate?¡± Sebastianughed heartily. ¡°Has being in love reduced you to needing to be spoon¨Cfed? Is this really the Asher ckwood we all know?¡± Asher leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with good humor. ¡°Jealous, are you? Why don¡¯t you ask your girlfriend to feed you? Oh wait¨Cyou don¡¯t have one, do you?¡± Sebastian¡¯sughter died instantly. He clutched his chest dramatically. ¡°Bloody hell, that¡¯s a bit below the belt! Is that any way to treat your oldest friend?¡± Not to be outdone, Sebastian turned to Victoria. ¡°Victoria, darling, feed your poor brother something. We can¡¯t let them win this.¡± Victoria stabbed a grilled sausage with unnecessary force and shoved it toward Sebastian¡¯s mouth. ¡°Here, eat this and choke on it, why don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Mmph!¡± Sebastian struggled to extract the sausage as Victoria continued to push it against his mouth with surprising strength. The entire table erupted inughter at their antics, the atmosphere warm and convivial. Meanwhile, Grace was seething with rage. Thalia was unting her rtionship right in her face. The stic fork in her hand snapped in two as Grace¡¯s eyes darkened with malice. ¡°Thalia,¡± she thought venomously, ¡°let¡¯s see if you¡¯re still smiling after whates next!¡± After finishing their meal and resting briefly, everyone prepared to begin the hike. Sebastian and Victoria took the lead, with James and Charlotte following closely behind. Drake, Grace and her friends came next in the line. Thalia and Asher brought up the rear. Asher walked beside Thalia, holding her hand the entire time. ¡°Lia, it¡¯ll take about two hours to reach the viewing tform at the summit. Will you be alright?¡± 20:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hee 67.6% 250 ¡°Of course. I love hiking experiencing nature is both rxing and invigorating,¡± Asher knew Thalia enjoyed outdoor activities. During university, she¡¯d frequently gone hiking and rock climbing with her adventure society friends. He was simply concerned that she might be out of practice since she¡¯d had fewer opportunities for outdoor activities after graduation. Thalia smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve conquered far higher and more treacherous mountains. I¡¯ve climbed Mont nc and hiked through the Swiss Alps. South Downs is hardly a challenge.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes brimmed with affection and pride, his smile tender. ¡°My Lia is quite remarkable, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Naturally,¡± she replied. These were things Asher knew about Thalia, but Drake did not. When Thalia had been with Drake, she¡¯d suggested hiking numerous times, but Drake would either im to be too busy orin that hiking was too strenuous. He had never bothered to learn about Thalia¡¯s interests or spent time apanying her in activities she enjoyed. After walking for some distance, Drake suddenly stopped, positioning himself at the side of the path, ostensibly to let people behind him pass. When Asher and Thalia approached, Drake extended his hand toward Thalia. ¡°Feeling tired yet, Thalia?¡± Thalia¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Not in the slightest.¡± Asher pointedly raised their interlocked hands. ¡°Your assistance won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Drake lowered his gaze, his eyes lingering on their sped hands. ¡°You¡¯re blocking the path,¡± Thalia said irritably. Drake remained nted in the middle of the trail, showing no intention of moving. Asher looked up with a mocking smile. ¡°What¡¯s this? Eager for a front¨Crow view of our affection? Very well¨Cwe¡¯ll walk ahead, and you can admire us from behind.¡± With that, Asher unceremoniously pushed past Drake, his smile provocative. ¡°Do take plenty of photos for us, won¡¯t you?¡± Drake was left speechless. 20:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 67.8% Grace, unustomed to physical exertion, beganining of fatigue after merely half an hour. She removed her already lightweight backpack and, as Asher approached, attempted to push it into his arms. ¡°Brother,¡± she wheedled, ¡°I¡¯m absolutely knackered. Could you carry this for a bit?¡± Asher gestured to the backpack straps on his shoulders, his tone indifferent. ¡°Can¡¯t manage it. I¡¯m already carrying one.¡± Grace persisted in her whining: ¡°Brother, I¡¯m truly exhausted. Won¡¯t you help me, please?¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± Asher replied. Grace¡¯s expression brightened at his agreement, her lips curving upward in satisfaction. The next moment, however, Asher pulled out his mobile phone and began dialing. ¡°I¡¯ll call someone to take you back down. If you¡¯re tired, you should head back early and rest.¡± Her smile froze instantly. Grace stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Brother, you¡¯re sending me back down?¡± Asher didn¡¯t even look up as he continued dialing. ¡°Yes, aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Grace panicked and hurriedly stopped him. ¡°No need, no need! I¡¯ve just had a brief rest and suddenly feel much better.¡± She swiftly shouldered her backpack again. ¡°I¡¯m truly fine now. Please don¡¯t make that call.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s continue,¡± Asher said expressionlessly, pocketing his phone. Thalia watched the exchange with thinly veiled mockery dancing in her eyes. She curved her lips into a smile and affectionately took Asher¡¯s arm. ¡°Shall we continue, darling?¡± Grace and Drake could only stare in silence. Asher clearly enjoyed the endearment, so much that he couldn¡¯t suppress his smile as they walked on. After walking for some time, the group came upon a small stream. Asher carefully guided Thalia across the stepping stones. ¡°Careful, Lia.¡± The final step required arger stride to reach the bank, making it challenging for the women in the group. All the other women had needed assistance to cross. 20:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 68.0% Tha made it across with Asher¡¯s help, but as they reached the bank, they heard a startled cry from behind. Tha turned to see Grace standing on a stepping stone in the middle of the stream, her face pale with rm ¡°Brother,¡± she called out, ¡°I can¡¯t make it across, Could youe help me?¡± ( (1) 444 Your Gold Digger 68 Asher paused, giving Grace a brief nce before shifting his gaze to Drake standing behind her. His voice was deliberately casual. ¡°Drake, where are your gentlemanly manners?¡± Grace froze. She stared at Asher in disbelief. Drake¡¯s expression darkened slightly as he met Thalia¡¯s calm gaze. Perhaps Thalia hadn¡¯t truly forgotten him after all, he thought. Perhaps she was merely putting on a brave face. If he were to help another woman cross right in front of her, would she feel jealous? With this thought, Drake extended his hand to Grace, his tone deliberately gentle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grace. I¡¯ll help you across.¡± Grace lowered her eyes and spoke through gritted teeth, her voice so quiet only Drake could hear: ¡°What are you ying at? I wanted Asher to help me.¡± Drake responded, ¡°If he won¡¯t help you, would you prefer to remain stranded in the middle of the -stream?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need your help either.¡± ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Drake said, suddenly releasing her hand. ¡°Ah!¡± Grace cried out dramatically, nearly losing her footing in the stream. Instinctively, she grabbed Drake¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Just help me across first.¡± Drake gave a coldugh, mentally rolling his eyes. Seeing that Grace was no longer in any actual danger, Asher turned away and continued walking. The group progressed with frequent stops, and evening soon approached. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the horizon, with birds returning to their nests and the sky aze with spectacr colors. The scene was breathtakingly beautiful. At one particrly scenic viewpoint offering a perfect view of the sunset, Sebastian stopped first to take photographs. 20:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 68.490 Those following behind also paused to capture the stunning vista. Victoria, panting and leaning heavily on her hiking pole, finally reached the spot and was immediately captured on camera by Sebastian. He grinned mischievously as he reviewed the image on his digital camera. ¡°That¡¯s absolutely brilliant¨Cperfect meme material in ultra¨Chigh definition.¡± Victoria red at him. ¡°Sebastian, delete that this instant!¡± ¡°Not a chance. This gem deserves to be savoured properly.¡± Victoria found arge rock to sit on and tilted her head to admire the sunset. ¡°I¡¯m far too knackered to argue with you now. I¡¯ll sort you out properly when we get back.¡± When Thalia and Asher reached the viewpoint, the sunset¡¯s golden rays bathed their faces and bodies in a warm orange glow, softening even Asher¡¯s typically sharp features. ¡°You two are absolutely perfect together,¡± Sebastian remarked, aiming his camera at the photogenic couple and pressing the shutter. In the photograph, Thalia was squinting slightly as she gazed at the sunset, while Asher stood beside her, his eyes fixed on her with absolute devotion and adoration. Sebastian showed the image to Asher. ¡°Just look at that expression¨CI¡¯m half in love myself. What¡¯s that poem again? ¡®You stand on the bridge watching the scenery, while the one watching the scenery is watching you from the tower.¡°¡± Jamesughed. ¡°Well, well, quoting poetry now, are we?¡± Sebastian gave him a sidelong nce. ¡°It¡¯s a famous verse¨Ceven I know it. I may have been more interested in sports than books at school, but you can¡¯t honestly believe I¡¯mpletely uncultured.¡± Victoria scoffed. ¡°Those with the least learning are always the most eager to show it off.¡± ¡°Really now,¡± Sebastian protested, ¡°must you undermine me at every turn? Can¡¯t you at least pretend to respect your brother in public?¡± Asher examined the photograph on Sebastian¡¯s camera with clear appreciation. ¡°Your photography lessons weren¡¯t wasted. This is excellent. Send it to meter.¡± Sebastian held up two fingers. ¡°For this price.¡± 20:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True He 68.6% Victoria looked disgusted. ¡°You¡¯re charging for a photograph? Look at you, acting like some shameless merchant. How embarrassing¨Cplease don¡¯t tell people you¡¯re my brother.¡± ¡°Hush,¡± Sebastian retorted. ¡°What would you know about this, you child?¡± Asher didn¡¯t seem offended, his eyes dancing with amusement. ¡°Twenty thousand pounds?¡± Sebastian shook his head. ¡°This is the photo of the century between you and Thal¨ªa. For something this perfect, you¡¯re offering just twenty thousand? Firm price: two hundred thousand! You can disy it on the big screen at your wedding. Look how perfect it is¨Cthe atmosphere, the lighting¨Cabsolutely magnificent!¡± Thalia couldn¡¯t remain silent any longer andughed. ¡°Sebastian, you truly are a shameless merchant. Two hundred thousand for one photograph? Are you really trying to extort us like this?¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Asher agreed without hesitation. ¡°Email it to me. WhatsApp willpress the quality.¡± Sebastian¡¯s face lit up with delight as he gave Asher a thumbs¨Cup. ¡°Brilliant! I do appreciate a decisive man!¡± Thalia watched in astonishment, her lips twitching slightly, though she ultimately said nothing. Well, it wasn¡¯t her money being spent. Let him do as he pleased. As Thalia gazed at the spectacr sunset before her, she felt a profound sense of peace. It was as though her very spirit had expanded with the vast horizon. She narrowed her eyes, spread her arms wide to embrace the wind, and let out a joyful shout. The umted fatigue of many days seemed to vanish in that moment, leaving Thalia feeling lighter than she had in ages. Victoria joined in with her own exuberant cry, their delighted voices echoing through the valley, startling birds into flight. Grace, utterly exhausted, finally reached the viewpoint, panting heavily. Hearing Thalia and Victoria¡¯s enthusiastic shouting, she frowned in displeasure, her expression clearly disapproving. Beside her, Eliza rolled her eyes and muttered, ¡°Victoria had the nerve to say Ick ss, but look at her screaming like that. How is that behaviour befitting a properdy? All that racket¨Chardly the conduct of someone from good society.¡± Vanessa added, ¡°Eliza, don¡¯t lower yourself to her level. What sort of people would associate with Thalia anyway?¡± With onement, Vanessa had managed to insult both Thalia and Victoria, making Grace and Elizaugh Ateanwhile, Charlotte suggested. ¡°With such a beautiful view, why don¡¯t we take a group photo?¡± ¡°Brilliant idea!¡± Victoria jumped up from her rock. ¡°Sebastian, take it for us.¡± Sebastian protested, ¡°How can I be left out of a group photo?¡± His gaze fell on Grace as he offered his camera. ¡°Grace, would you mind taking it for us?¡± Sebastian, in his straightforward manner, hadn¡¯t noticed Grace¡¯s feelings toward Asher, assuming her earlier clinginess was merely sibling affection. Victoria quickly grabbed Sebastian¡¯s arm and took back the camera. ¡°Absolutely not.¡± The camera still contained the photos of Thalia and Asher. Knowing Grace¡¯s nature, Victoria worried she might try something¨Cperhaps damage or lose the camera, destroying both the photos and their two hundred thousand pound value. Sebastian looked confused. ¡°Why not?¡± Victoria quietly called him a ¡°bloody idiot¡± before saying aloud, ¡°Let¡¯s just not have them take it. I¡¯ve brought a selfie stick¨Cwe can use our phones instead.¡± ¡°How can a phone camerapare to a proper DSLR?¡± ¡°It can¡¯t, but it¡¯s good enough,¡± Victoria replied, already pulling out her selfie stick and setting up her phone. ¡°Charlotte, Thalia,e stand beside me.¡± Charlotte and Thalia took positions on either side of Victoria. Asher stood next to Thalia, James beside Charlotte, and Sebastian, shrugging, naturally ced himself next to Asher. Victoria extended the selfie stick and smiled brightly. ¡°One, two, three, cheese!¡± The three women smiled radiantly, each making peace signs, while the three men merely offered slight smiles. The resulting image was surprisingly harmonious. Victoria took several photos, with the women changing expressions and poses for each shot, while the men maintained the same demeanor throughout. Grace watched from the sidelines, jealousy rising in her eyes. Why hadn¡¯t they invited her to join the group photo? C(2) Your Gold Digger 69 ¡°Brother, I want to be in the photo too,¡± Grace called out, suddenly suppressing the jealousy in her eyes and using an artificially sweet tone. She walked over and wedged herself between Thalia and Asher. Victoria let out an exaggerated gasp. Sebastian turned to her with concern. ¡°Victoria, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Victoria replied with mock seriousness: ¡°Good Lord, what an enormous third wheel! I¡¯m practically blinded by it.¡± Despite hearing Victoria¡¯sment, Grace remained firmly nted between Thalia and Asher, her skin evidently thick enough to withstand the barb. Seeing that Grace had no intention of moving. Victoria leisurely folded her selfie stick and turned to Grace with a patently false smile. ¡°So sorry, Grace, but we¡¯ve finished taking photos. If you want a group shot, why not take one with Drake and your little friends?¡± Grace restrained her impulse tosh out, instead forcing a smile as she linked her arm through Asher¡¯s. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just take a few photos alone with my brother.¡± Thalia lowered hershes, her gaze falling on Grace¡¯s hand. Asher extracted his arm, giving Grace a cold look. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a bit old to be clinging to your brother? Perhaps it¡¯s time you found yourself a boyfriend.¡± Even with Grace¡¯s impressive ability to maintain appearances, she couldn¡¯t hide her dismay at Asher¡¯s suggestion that she find a boyfriend. Her carefully constructed expression showed cracks, and her eyes revealed genuine hurt. ¡°Brother, why can¡¯t I be close to you now that I¡¯m grown? You used to dote on me so much.¡± Asher¡¯s manner remained cold and distant. ¡°That was then, this is now. Grace, you need to understand boundaries.¡± Grace¡¯s recent behavior had made her intentions painfully clear to Asher. Only because she was his sister had he spared her the embarrassment of exposing her true feelings publicly, He¡¯d also noticed Grace¡¯s hostility and jealousy toward Thalia. Since Thalia disliked Grace, it was his duty as Thalia¡¯s partner to make his position clear and provide her with security. 20-54 Your Cold Diagor is Chapter 69 Asher¡¯s words stunned Grace. ¡°Brother, we¡¯re siblings¨Cwhat boundaries could possibly be needed?¡± Victoria made a disapproving sound. ¡°You¡¯re really ying the ¡®ckwood sister¡® card, aren¡¯t you? What boundaries would be needed between an unrted adult man and woman? I wonder.¡± Grace¡¯s eyes welled with tears as she looked up at Asher pitifully. Asher remained unmoved, his tone indifferent. ¡°Victoria is right. Though we are siblings, we have no blood rtion. You shouldn¡¯t behave in ways that might cause misunderstandings.¡± As Grace attempted to say more, Asher sidestepped her and took Thalia¡¯s hand. His dark eyes were deep and concerned. ¡°Lia, we¡¯ve finished with the photos. Shall we continue?¡± Thalia curved her lips into a smile, her nce toward Grace filled with triumphant challenge. ¡°Sister, if you want to take photos, stay and take your time. My fianc¨¦ and I will go ahead.¡± Inwardly, Thalia mocked Grace. Perfect performance¨Cyou¡¯ve truly mastered the art of ying the damsel in distress. The title of ¡°pick¨Cme queen¡± belongs to no one but you. Unfortunately for you, your brother has an excellent pick¨Cme radar. After sunset, the temperature dropped rapidly. The stream brought a distinct chill to the air, and the increasing humidity made everything feel considerably colder. Asher pulled a thick jacket from his backpack. ¡°Lia, put this on.¡± Grace, having no outdoor experience, was unaware of the significant temperature differences between day and night in the mountains. Now she stood shivering in her lightweight hiking clothes. Seeing Asher give Thalia his jacket, jealousy burned within her. Thalia had just put on the jacket and walked a short distance when she heard someone cry out behind them. She instinctively turned around, but the winding mountain path and surrounding trees obscured her view of what had happened. A momentter, Eliza, one of Grace¡¯s friends, came running up to them, calling out urgently: ¡°Asher, Grace has twisted her ankle!¡± Asher frowned but asked: ¡°Is it serious?¡± Eliza¡¯s anxiety appeared genuine. ¡°It looks quite bad. She can¡¯t walk. Pleasee and see.¡± 20:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 69.6% The mountain path was rugged, and it was easy enough to slip or twist an ankle if one wasn¡¯t careful. Thalia¡¯s first instinct wasn¡¯t to suspect anything¨Cafter all, Grace was Asher¡¯s sister, and if she was injured, they should check on her. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s happened,¡± Thalia said to Asher. ¡°Alright.¡± Asher and Thalia followed Eliza back along the path a short distance. They found Grace sitting on a rock at the side of the path, biting her lip and emitting pained whimpers.. ¡°What happened?¡± Asher asked. Grace looked up with tear¨Cfilled eyes. ¡°I stepped on a small stone and slipped. I took a tumble and hurt my ankle. It¡¯s terribly painful.¡± Thalia nced down at Grace¡¯s injury. Her knee was smudged with dirt, and her ankle was scraped with some blood seeping through¨Cshe was genuinely injured. Asher asked, ¡°Can you still walk?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± As she spoke, tears suddenly streamed down her face. ¡°It¡¯s fine, brother. Don¡¯t worry about me. We¡¯re almost at the summit¨Cyou should go ahead and watch the meteor shower. I don¡¯t want to ruin your evening.¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll find someone to take you back down.¡± Grace froze, her expression momentarily losing its carefully maintained control before she quickly readjusted and continued her tearful performance. ¡°Brother, I¡­ I really wanted to see the meteor shower too. Please don¡¯t send me back down now¨CI¡¯d hate to miss itpletely.¡± Grace¡¯s earlier cry had been loud enough that Victoria and Sebastian, who had been walking ahead, had heard it. Victoria hade back and arrived just in time to hear Grace¡¯sst statement. Victoria nced at Grace¡¯s injury and twisted her mouth slightly. Well, well, she thought, ying the injured damsel now, are we? Sure enough, the next moment, Grace looked up with a pitiful expression. ¡°Brother, could you carry me up the mountain? We¡¯re not far from the summit, and I¡¯m not heavy.¡± Thalia and Victoria exchanged nces, then simultaneously looked toward Asher. 20:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 69.9% It was true¨Cthey were only about a hundred metres from the viewing tform at the summit, not far at all. Grace¡¯s request seemed reasonable on the surface. But Thalia and Victoria knew it wasn¡¯t that simple. Grace¡¯s motives were far from pure. Thalia remained silent, waiting for Asher¡¯s response. Asher looked around briefly, then down at the ground. Grace, not understanding what he was looking for, asked with confusion, ¡°Brother, what is it?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was cool and detached. ¡°If you¡¯re so keen to see the meteor shower, you can sit right here and watch. The view is quite good from this spot. It¡¯s not as perfect as the summit tform, but certainly adequate for seeing the meteors.¡± ¡°What?¡± Grace clearly hadn¡¯t expected this response. She bit her lip, her face appearing even paler in the dim light. ¡°Brother, I don¡¯t want to stay here alone. If everyone else is at the viewing tform, I¡¯ll be frightened by myself.¡± Asher remained unmoved, maintaining his cold, distant demeanor. ¡°Don¡¯t you have two friends with you? They can keep youpany. I¡¯ll have someone bring you food shortly, and after the meteor shower, I¡¯ll arrange for someone to take you back down. You shouldn¡¯t spend the night on the mountain.¡± Hearing this, Victoria shot Thalia a meaningful look. Her expression seemed to say: Your man certainly knows how to handle these situations. Grace couldn¡¯t ept this oue. Crying, she said, ¡°Brother, why won¡¯t you carry me to the viewing tform? Are you afraid Thalia will be upset? Is she really that petty? I¡¯m your sister¨Cis she really jealous of even that?¡± 20:54 (2) ¡Ñ (0) Your Gold Digger is Actually A True je Your Gold Digger 70 Chapter 70 The atmosphere suddenly chilled. Asher¡¯s eyes shed, barely contained anger visible on his aristocratic features. ¡°Grace, it is my choice not to carry you. It has nothing to do with Thalia. If I ever hear you speak ill of her again, don¡¯t expect me to be so civil.¡± Grace continued sobbing. ¡°Brother, I¡­ I¡­¡± Her words dissolved into tears. Victoria whispered in Thalia¡¯s ear: ¡°Want to bet her ankle isn¡¯t actually injured?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Victoria¡¯s lips curved into a mischievous smile. ¡°Watch this.¡± ¡°Snake! There¡¯s a snake!¡± Victoria pointed behind Grace and screamed in terror. Grace leapt to her feet instantly and sprinted several steps to hide behind Asher. ¡°Ah! A snake! Brother, I¡¯m terrified!¡± Dead silence. The scene froze for several seconds. Everyone present was too stunned to speak. A breeze passed through, gently swaying the tree branches. ¡°Pfft-¡± After a few seconds, Victoria broke the silence withughter. ¡°Wasn¡¯t your ankle so badly injured you couldn¡¯t walk? You seem remarkably sprightly to me. What¡¯s this, then? ying the wounded victim?¡± Realizing she¡¯d been caught out, Grace¡¯s face momentarily contorted with rage before quickly resuming its usual expression. Her face darkened slightly, her tone displeased. ¡°Victoria, haven¡¯t you heard that people can ess extraordinary physical capabilities when frightened?¡± 20:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 70.4% Victoriaughed loudly. ¡°Ha ha ha! Grace, do you really think we¡¯re allplete idiots?¡± Grace was furious. She raised her voice: ¡°Why would you lie? There wasn¡¯t any snake!¡± Victoria smiled. ¡°Oh, there was¨Cit just slithered away. Meanwhile, you were faking an injury to get your brother¡¯s attention, weren¡¯t you?¡± Exposed, Grace¡¯s expression faltered momentarily. She tugged gently at Asher¡¯s sleeve, her voice small and pitiful: ¡°Brother, I didn¡¯t.¡± Thalia understood clearly now. The injured ankle had been fake, but the desire for Asher¡¯s attention was genuine. Grace¡¯s feelings for Asher definitely went beyond sibling affection. She stood silently observing, waiting for Asher¡¯s reaction. Asher¡¯s eyes darkened, his tone distinctly cold. ¡°Since your ankle is apparently fine, you can walk by yourself. And don¡¯t try these ridiculous tactics again¨Cthey¡¯re absurdly transparent.¡± With that, Asher turned and walked away without waiting for Grace¡¯s response. Grace shot Victoria a venomous re. Victoria pulled a face at her, then turned to link arms with Thalia as they walked away. Grace stared at their retreating figures, her gaze malevolent. Just then, Vanessa approached from behind. She nced at Asher and Thalia¡¯s departing figures and remarked scornfully: ¡°She¡¯s not even officially married yet, but she¡¯s already acting like the ckwood mistress. And that friend of hers¨Cmerely Sebastian¡¯s stepsister, hardly anyone worth noting. Grace, don¡¯t be upset. I have a way to deal with her¡­¡± Vanessa leaned close to Grac whispering something in her ear. Grace¡¯s expression gradually turned vicious. ¡°Excellent idea. Let¡¯s do it. How dare she humiliate me¨CI¡¯ll make her pay!¡± Dusk settled around them. The group reached the summit viewing tform and began setting up tents and arranging photography 20-54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 70.6% equipment. Meteors streaked across the sky in breathtaking disy. Thalia closed her eyes, making a wish upon the meteor shower. Asher stood nearby, silently watching her. Meteor showers held little fascination for Asher on their own. He knew they were merely small celestial bodies entering Earth¡¯s atmosphere, colliding with air molecules at high speed, generating friction heat that caused them to burn and emit light¨Ca simple astronomical phenomenon. He had previously been indifferent to meteor showers. But seeing how much his Thalia enjoyed them, watching her make a wish upon the falling stars, he suddenly found the cascading meteors utterly captivating. After making her wish, Thalia opened her eyes and looked up at Asher, her clear, bright doe¨Clike eyes sparkling with joy. ¡°Asher, why aren¡¯t you making a wish?¡± The night air was cold, turning Thalia¡¯s nose and ear tips a delicate pink. Asher couldn¡¯t resist reaching out to gently pinch her earlobe, his voice warm with amusement. ¡°My wish has alreadye true.¡± He had only one wish. To have her by his side, together for a lifetime. Thalia didn¡¯t understand. She blinked, hershes fluttering. ¡°What wish?¡± Asher tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his lips curving into a smile. ¡°My wish is to be with you.¡± His eyes darkened as he gazed at her, adding with profound sincerity: ¡°Forever.¡± Thalia¡¯s heart instantly flooded with tenderness. His moving words evoked a sweet shyness in her, like a delicate flower blooming in the spring breeze. She lowered her head bashfully, murmuring: ¡°You usually seem so serious. Who knew you had such a talent for romantic words?¡± 20:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 70.8% ¡°It¡¯s not romantic talk,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was deep and mesmerizing. ¡°It¡¯s my honest truth.¡± Thalia bit her lip, absently nudging a small stone with her toe, hershes lowered as she felt too shy to meet his gaze. ¡°Lia, what did you wish for?¡± Asher gently pulled her into his embrace. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you. If I say it aloud, it won¡¯te true.¡± That night, Thalia and Asher shared a tent. In the spacious tent, the atmosphere grew warm and intimate. Asher kissed Thalia¡¯s neck, murmuring, ¡°After waiting so many years, I finally have my heart¡¯s desire.¡± His gentle kisses trailed across her smooth skin, interrupted only by soft, restrained breaths. Thalia hade for the meteor shower; she hadn¡¯t anticipated Asher being this amorous in such a remote setting¡­ Naturally, they hadn¡¯t brought protection. Would she get pregnant without it? She wasn¡¯t ready for that yet¡­ Besides, their previous engagement ceremony had been cancelled. Currently, they were only dating¨Cunmarried. She wasn¡¯tfortable with the idea of conceiving before marriage, but how should she broach the subject? Thalia had never been intimate with anyone before. Speaking up about this made her rather shy. Just as she was feeling anxious, Asher suddenly stopped. His ragged breathing was especially clear in the darkness, his voice husky with desire. ¡°Your first time shouldn¡¯t be in a ce like this. Let¡¯s sleep now.¡± Thalia: ¡­ Her concerns had been unnecessary. 20:55 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 71.0% She¡¯d thought Asher wouldn¡¯t be able to stop. She hadn¡¯t expected his self¨Ccontrol to be so impressive¨Cto stop when they were so close to the final step. Meanwhile, the desire he¡¯d awakened within her made it difficult for her to fall asleep. Asher held her close, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. ¡°Goodnight, Lia.¡± Thalia snuggled closer to him, like an affectionate kitten. ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡± ? (1) ¡Ñ(0) (0) Your Gold Digger 71 Chapter 71 The day after returning from South Downs, Grace immediately went to Lady ckwood¡¯s residence to air her grievances. ¡°Grandmother, Thalia seems to dislike me greatly, and I don¡¯t understand why. That incident at the riding grounds was merely a misunderstanding¨CI was mistaken about her, but I¡¯ve already apologised. She still doesn¡¯t seem to have forgiven me.¡± Sitting beside Lady ckwood in the drawing room, Grace¡¯s eyes were red¨Crimmed, her voice trembling ¡°She has this inexplicable hostility toward me. I don¡¯t know why she¡¯s always targeting me.¡± Seeing her granddaughter¡¯s tearful state, Lady ckwood was deeply concerned. She took Grace¡¯s hand. ¡°My dear child, tell me how the Winters girl has been mistreating you.¡± Grace sniffled, her voice breaking. ¡°Perhaps she feels I¡¯m taking away some of brother¡¯s affection, so she constantly excludes me. At the base camp, when we were resting, I made some beef stew for brother, but Thalia wouldn¡¯t let him eat what I¡¯d prepared. She took the bowl and ate it herself, then imed my cooking was dreadful.¡± Lady ckwood frowned. ¡°Did she really?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± Grace continued pitifully. ¡°When I became tired from walking and asked brother to carry my backpack for a while, she refused to allow it. She dered that as brother¡¯s girlfriend, he could only carry her things. Grandmother, please tell me if this is fair¨CI¡¯ve grown up with brother since childhood, I¡¯m his sister. Is it unreasonable to ask him to help with my backpack?¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s frown deepened, her face clouding with displeasure. ¡°This Winters girl ispletely out of line. She¡¯s not even properly married into the family yet, and she¡¯s already acting like thedy of the manor, trying to establish dominance over you.¡± ¡°Exactly! I was utterly mortified. Not only that, but when we were crossing the stream, she wouldn¡¯t let brother help me across. I nearly fell into the water!¡± Lady ckwood gasped, tightening her grip on Grace¡¯s hand. ¡°How dreadful! This Thalia Winters is absolutely appalling! Grace, dear, were you hurt anywhere?¡± Grace continued sniffling. ¡°I was injured.¡± She lifted her skirt slightly to reveal the wound on her ankle. 10:04 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True What had been a minor scrape the previous night had almost healed overnight, with a scab forming. To elicit Lady ckwood¡¯s sympathy, Grace had deliberately rubbed the area against the ground that morning to create a fresh wound, enduring the pain to achieve her goal. Now her ankle disyed arge patch of broken skin. To maximize impact, Grace had neither cleaned nor bandaged the wound, deliberately exposing the bleeding area to Lady ckwood to gain her sympathy. The tactic proved immediately effective. Lady ckwood was distraught and quickly summoned the servants to clean and dress Grace¡¯s wound. ¡°Last night when I injured my ankle and couldn¡¯t walk, I asked brother to carry me to the viewing tform to see the meteor shower. Thalia refused to allow it. She even said¡­ she even said¡­¡± Grace broke off mid¨Csentence, dissolving into sobs. Lady ckwood¡¯s eyes shed with anger, her tone hardening. ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She said that as an adult, I should maintain distance from brother¨Cthat we needed boundaries. She boasted to her friends that she would soon marry into the ckwood family and be its mistress. She dered that she was brother¡¯s future wife, and he could only carry her.¡± -Grace cried bitterly. ¡°Grandmother, should I really keep my distance from brother? Am I not even allowed to ask for his help when I¡¯m injured?¡± ¡°Preposterous!¡± Lady ckwood was furious. ¡°She hasn¡¯t even officially joined the family and already she¡¯s throwing her weight about!¡± ¡°Grandmother,¡± Grace sobbed, ¡°you must help me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my dear. Grandmother is absolutely on your side. At the next family dinner, I shall certainly put this Winters girl in her ce!¡± Soon the day of the ckwood family dinner arrived. Asher picked up Thalia to bring her to the family home. The moment they arrived, Lady ckwood found an excuse to send Asher away. Thalia sat in the drawing room with Lady ckwood and Lady Catherine ckwood, Asher¡¯s mother. 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Grace sat beside Lady ckwood. She had dressed meticulously for the asion, wearing subtle makeup and an elegant high¨Cnecked tea dress in pale ivory¨Cthe traditional style that Lady ckwood preferred. Thalia wore a cream Chanel suit with her hair pulled back into a neat chignon, adorned with pearl earrings. She looked graceful and refined, every gesture reflecting her upbringing as the daughter of a prestigious family, But Lady ckwood was displeased. She looked Thalia up and down, her brow furrowing slightly. ¡°These modern designer outfits simply don¡¯t have the elegance of traditional British attire. In my opinion, a proper Englishdy looks her best in a ssic tea dress with appropriate hemlines. Look how lovely Grace looks in hers.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes respectfully, responding softly: ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Lady ckwood.¡± Lady ckwood raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re not yet married into the family. No need for such formality. Please address me as you would any family acquaintance.¡± Lady Catherine was startled by this remark. What did that mean? Lady ckwood¡¯s attitude toward Thalia seemed decidedly off. Wasn¡¯t Thalia and Asher¡¯s marriage a settled matter? There was nothing wrong with her addressing Lady ckwood formally. Why would she insist that Thalia address her as a mere acquaintance? Lady Catherine felt displeased. Thalia was her future daughter¨Cinw¨Chow could she be treated like an outsider? Thalia also faltered momentarily. It seemed Lady ckwood had taken issue with her. Catching sight of Grace¡¯s smug expression beside Lady ckwood, Thalia understood everything. Grace had clearly poisoned Lady ckwood against her. Thalia maintained herposure, responding demurely: ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am.¡± Lady Catherine couldn¡¯t bear to watch this. She intervened with a smile: ¡°Mother, Thalia is Asher¡¯s fianc¨¦e and will be a ckwood. Proper address is perfectly appropriate. ¡®Ma¡¯am¡® seems far to stant.¡± toward Lady ckwood took a leisurely sip from her fine bone china teacup before turning a cool gaze Lady Catherine. Her tone was unyielding: ¡°The engagement ceremony was cancelled. She and Asher are 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True merely dating now. It¡¯s too premature for her to presume such familiarity.¡± Lady Catherine¡¯s brow furrowed. What game was the old woman ying now? After this deration, Lady ckwood turned her attention to Grace, engaging her in animated conversation whilepletely ignoring Thalia. Thalia sensed Lady ckwood¡¯s deliberate slight but remained unperturbed. It made perfect sense¨CLady ckwood favored Grace, and since Grace disliked Thalia, it was only natural that Lady ckwood would share that sentiment. Thalia took it in stride. After all, she was marrying Asher, not Lady ckwood. It didn¡¯t matter whether the elder woman liked her or not. Besides, her future mother¨Cinw, Lady Catherine, clearly adored her. While Lady ckwood pointedly ignored her, Lady Catherine chatted warmly with her, treating her with genuine affection. Lady ckwood, noticing how pleasantly Lady Catherine and Thalia were conversing, visibly darkened. She nced at the wall clock and spoke with cool detachment: ¡°It¡¯s nearly dinner time. Thalia, perhaps you could help arrange the ce settings for everyone?¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, but before she could respond, Lady Catherine intervened: ¡°Mother, arranging the table is the staff¡¯s responsibility. Thalia is our guest. It would be most improper to ask her to do so.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s gaze suddenly turned sharp, her tone carrying distinct anger: ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say she¡¯s to be a ckwood? As her elder, what¡¯s improper about asking her to help with family matters?¡± Thalia thought: ??? How interesting. Moments ago, Lady ckwood had imed it was too early for Thalia to address her formally and insisted she be treated as a mere acquaintance. Now suddenly she was a family member when it came to performing household tasks? And pulling rank as an elder, no less. What a transparent attempt to put her in her ce. At their previous meeting, although Lady ckwood hadn¡¯t been particrly warm, she had at least been civil. What had changed to provoke such hostility? 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heaven only knew what tales Grace had been spinning, Just as Thalia was about to speak, a cold,manding voice came from the doorway: ¡°Grandmother, my Thalia is far too refined for domestic chores.¡± Your Gold Digger 72 Chapter 72 Asher had just returned home when his grandmother sent him to the study to speak with his father. After their conversation, he¡¯d barely stepped out of the elevator when he overheard his grandmother imperiously ordering Thalia to serve the food. He strode over, his tone deliberately casual. ¡°Grandmother, has the family fortune suddenly dwindled to the point we can no longer afford household staff? Since when do we expect guests to serve meals?¡± Seeing Ashere downstairs, Lady ckwood Sr. didn¡¯t dare continue harassing Thalia. She set down her teacup, her smile precisely calibrated. ¡°I was merely seeing if Thalia would be properly obedient.¡± Asher wasn¡¯t having it. His tone deepened. ¡°My Lia doesn¡¯t need to be obedient. She only needs to be happy.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression turned sour. ¡°Asher, are you actually criticizing your grandmother?¡± It seemed Grace had been right¨Cthis Thalia Winters had indeed bewitched Asher. He was actually talking back to his grandmother for her sake. Asher¡¯s lips tightened, his handsome, chiseled features turning cold. The surrounding air seemed to fill with frost. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Asher replied coolly. ¡°Grandmother, Lia is someone I¡¯ve waited years for. I sincerely hope you won¡¯t try toe between us. If Lia bes unhappy and calls off our engagement, I¡¯ll have no choice but to join a monastery.¡± Thalia was startled by his words. She hadn¡¯t expected Asher to defend her so boldly in front of his family, even pointing out that he had waited years for her, putting himself in such a humble position. Thalia¡¯s heart fluttered. The frustration she¡¯d felt from the olddy¡¯s difficult behavior evaporated instantly, reced by warmth that felt like being wrapped in the softest cashmere. His words infuriated the olddy considerably. ¡°You¡­ this is preposterous! What utter nonsense are you speaking?¡± When agitated, she would experience her old health problem¨Cheart palpitations. 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True te Grace supported Lady ckwood, anxiously helping her calm down. ¡°Grandmother, please don¡¯t upset yourself.¡± She kept her eyes downcast, concealing the jealousy within them. Asher¡¯s gaze was deep and dark as he nced toward Grace, his eyes probing. ¡°Have you been speaking ill of Lia to my grandmother?¡± Grace¡¯s back stiffened. She swallowed nervously, her eyes shing with panic. ¡°I¡­ I haven¡¯t¡­¡± Asher narrowed his eyes as he studied her, his gaze as cold as an unexpected frost in March. He spoke one word at a time: ¡°You¡¯d better not have.¡± Grace broke into a cold sweat. ¡°Right then, shall we eat?¡± Lady ckwood Jr. said with a smile, trying to ease the tension. The formal dining room alone upied over a thousand square feet, decorated in an elegant Georgian style. The dining table and chairs were antique mahogany, and the decorative nts included rare orchids worth over a hundred thousand pounds and prized roses worth tens of thousands. Originally, Lady ckwood Sr. had intended to make Thalia serve the food, so she had specifically instructed the staff not to do so beforehand. Now that Asher had intervened, her n was forcibly terminated, and she had no choice but to instruct the staff to serve the meal. Lord ckwood Sr. was away in London and couldn¡¯t join them. At the long rectangr dining table, Lady ckwood Sr. sat at the head position. Lord and Lady ckwood Jr. sat in the positions immediately to the left and right of the head, facing each other. Asher and Thalia sat together, with Grace sitting across from Thalia. The staff finished serving the food and brought a bowl of consomm¨¦ for everyone. Except for Thalia. Thalia felt displeasure rising within her. She didn¡¯t believe the ckwood family staff would make such a basic error. This could only mean the servants were acting on Lady ckwood¡¯s instructions deliberately, with the purpose of humiliating and intimidating her. 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True He¡¯s Can Even with her respect for elders, Thalia couldn¡¯t tolerate Lady ckwood¡¯s repeated harassment. just as she was about to speak up and question the olddy directly, Asher spoke first: ¡°Grandmother, when did our family be so dreadfully impoverished that we can¡¯t even provide a simple consomm¨¦ for everyone? Lady ckwood¡¯s face stiffened. She nced at Thalia with a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Perhaps the staff were preupied and overlooked it. It can be remedied immediately.¡± The servant nearby: ¡± Ather suddenly smiled. M ¡°Lia, someone here clearly doesn¡¯t wee us. Let¡¯s leave.¡± Asher abruptly stood up, the chair making a jarring sound as it scraped against the hardwood floor. While Thalia was still startled, Asher had already taken her hand and said softly, ¡°I¡¯ll take you out for dinner.* Thalia was deeply moved. Asher was directly confronting his grandmother for her sake. On one hand, she felt touched, but on the other hand, she was worried. She didn¡¯t want Asher to create tension with his family because of her. Seeing that Asher was leaving, the olddy called out sharply: ¡°Asher!¡± ¡°Grandmother, please enjoy your meal. We won¡¯t be joining you,¡± Asher said, holding Thalia¡¯s hand. ¡°I won¡¯t allow my Lia to feel slighted.¡± ¡°Asher¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s expression was hesitant. ¡°Son, is that how you speak to your grandmother?¡± Lord ckwood Jr. said sternly. Asher¡¯s expression was serious. ¡°Today, let me make something abundantly clear. Thalia is my most treasured person whom I cherish above all. I won¡¯t allow her to suffer even the slightest difort. If this meal isn¡¯t pleasant, we won¡¯t partake. If someone in this family can¡¯t ept her¡­¡± Asher paused. ¡°If someone in this family can¡¯t ept her, then perhaps I should reconsider my own ce here as well.¡± 1004 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Bett After saying this, Asher led Thalia away, not looking back despite the calls from his family membe behind them. In the car. Thalia sat in the passenger seat, looking worried. ¡°Ather, you¡¯ve argued with your family because of me. I¡¯m afraid¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lia.¡± Asher squeezed her hand reassuringly. ¡°Tm here.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t your grandmother dislike me even more because of this?¡± ¡°She deliberately tried to humiliate you. I needed to make my position clear, otherwise she¡¯ll be even worse next time.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes, her eyshes trembling slightly. ¡°Your family doesn¡¯t seem to like me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Asherforted her. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. My parents both like you very much, and so does my grandfather. As for my grandmother, she misunderstands you. I¡¯ll sort things out with hez? Thal¨ªa responded with an absent¨Cminded ¡°Mmm.¡± Asher gently pinched her cheek. ¡°What would my Lia like to eat? I¡¯ll take you somewhere special After the earlier incident, Thalia¡¯s mood had soured, and she didn¡¯t have much appetite. ¡°Anything is fine.¡± Asher drove her to an exclusive, members¨Conly Italian restaurant, where he ordered a table full of dishes that she loved. In the ckwood dining room, the atmosphere grew distinctly frosty after Asher¡¯s departure. Lord ckwood Jr. sighed, massaging his temples wearily. ¡°Mother, why on earth are you giving Thalia such a hard time? She¡¯s hardly more than a girl. What has she done to upset you so terribly?¡± Lady ckwood Jr. pressed her lips together in silence. When she had first married into the ckwood family, the olddy had subjected her to precisely the same treatment. Having tormented her daughter¨Cinw, she was now employing identical tactics with her grandson¡¯s fianc¨¦e. The woman truly had a bottomless appetite for discord. 10.04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Would it be so dreadfully difficult to simply get along She couldn¡¯t fathom it. The Winters girl came from an impecable background, perfecty matched with Asher in terms of social standing. She was strikingly beat, graceful, and endallingly courteous with excellent breeding. Why wasn¡¯t the olddy satisfied? She even found fault with the poor guts appearance and attire. Lady ckwood Sr. gave a coldugh. ¡°Did you not witness how Asher just addressed me? in all these years, when has he ever spoken to me in such a manner? Today he defied me for a woman That Thalia Winters must have poisoned him against me.¡± Lady ckwood Jr.ughed inwardly. Rubbish. You were dearly the one stirring up trouble. Good for my son, defending his fianc¨¦e so gantly. Lord ckwood Jr. said, ¡°Mother, I wish you wouldn¡¯t be so prejudiced against the Winters girl. She¡¯s not at all the sort of person you imagine. She¡¯s quite lovely, actually. Please do try to be kinder to her.¡± ¡°I¡¯m being unkind to her? You haven¡¯t the faintest idea what she did to Grace the other day?¡± ? (1) Your Gold Digger 73 Chapter 73 For several days following the family dinner incident, Asher did return to the Backordmang Lady ckwood Sr. called him numerous times. Initially, he answered, asking her why she was trying Thalia. Lady ckwood exined her reasoning, iming that Thalia had Beam ofcimizing her presus granddaughter Grace. Asher exined that the situation was nothing like what Grace had described, but Lady ckout wouldn¡¯t listen. She firmly believed that Asher had been bewitched by Thalia and refused to belle fr sweet granddaughter Grace would lie. Whenmunication proved futile, Asher ended the call. He didn¡¯t answer any of Lady ckwood¡¯s subsequent calls over the following days. During this time, Lady ckwood Jr. also phoned to attempt reconciliation Upon learning that her adopted daughter had been stirring up trouble, she felt somewhat displeased with Grace. Grace continued to fan the mes in the olddy¡¯s ear, attributing numerous ¡°offences to Tha, one of which was driving a wedge between Asher and his grandmother, causing discord in the ckbrood family. Lady ckwood Sr., who had initially harboured only mild discontent toward Thalia, now thoroughly detested her prospective granddaughter¨Cinw after Grace¡¯s instigation. Monday morning, Thalia was awakened by her rm. She struggled to open her eyes, preparing to get up for work, but felt a bone¨Cdeep chill throughout her body. Her head was pounding unbearably, and she couldn¡¯t stop coughing. When she took her temperature, it registered a concerning 39¡ãC (102.2¡ãF). The flu had been making its rounds recently, and she had unfortunately caught it. Thal¨ªa called in sick to work and responsibly checked herself into hospital for treatment. Afterpleting the hospital admission procedures, Thal¨ªa considered informing Asher but remembered he was dealing with a difficult project recently, workingte into the night. She decided She didn¡¯t want Asher to worry. 10 04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True She was an adult, perfectly capable of taking care of herself. It was just a minor flu¨Cthere was no need to trouble Asher. Thalia arranged for a private nurse and domestic help. Initially, the flu had made her voice hoarse, but after receiving IV medications and taking two rounds of oral medicine, her voice returned to normal. When Asher called, she was able to conceal her condition. ¡°Thalia Winters is actually in hospital?¡± Grace couldn¡¯t hide her delight when she received a call from her friend Olivia Spencer. Olivia confirmed: ¡°Absolutely true. I was visiting a friend at the hospital yesterday and happened to see herpleting admission paperwork.¡± Grace asked eagerly: ¡°Was she alone? Asher wasn¡¯t with her?¡± ¡°She was alone. I asked my friend who works at the hospital, and she found out that a hired nurse has been caring for her these past two days. It seems Asher doesn¡¯t know she¡¯s ill and hospitalized.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Grace replied, her mind already formting a n. Asher returned to his townhouse after a long day¡¯s work. As he switched on the lights, a figure suddenly lunged forward. Instinctively, Asher grabbed the intruder in a defensive hold. ¡°Ouch! That hurts! Asher, it¡¯s me!¡± Grace cried out in pain as she looked up. Asher frowned and released her. ¡°How the bloody hell did you get in?¡± Grace rubbed her arm. ¡°The housekeeper let me in.¡± After massaging her arm, she pointed toward the dining room. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten yet, have you? I¡¯ve prepared dinner for you.¡± mily, had Grace, who had been the housekeeper¡¯s daughter before being adopted by the ckwoc learned to cook from an early age. Sometimes she would personally prepare meals to please Lady ckwood Sr. 10:04 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Asher walked to the dining room. The table was set with two steaks, two sses of red wine, with candles and roses as decoration. A romantic candlelit dinner. Grace¡¯s intentions couldn¡¯t be more obvious. Displeasure flickered across Asher¡¯s face. ¡°Why would you turn up here unannounced? We have household staff to prepare meals. I don¡¯t need you to cook for me. Besides, I¡¯ve already eaten. And more importantly, you need to stop harbouring these inappropriate feelings for me.¡± Upon hearing this, Grace¡¯s face paled. Her lips trembled as tears welled in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Asher. I didn¡¯t think this through properly. I just wanted to surprise you.¡± She bit her lip, looking wounded. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already eaten, I¡¯ll clear all this away.¡± Grace began clearing the table. Before Asher had returned, Grace had been fantasizing about the two of them dining together¨Cflickering candlelight, fragrant roses, wine¨Cinduced warmth, everything perfectly romantic! But now her ns had been ruined, and she felt deeply frustrated. She needed to act while Thalia was in hospital. Grace¡¯s gaze fell on the wine. Asher had gone to the living room and was no longer in the dining area. Grace took out a powder she had prepared in advance and mixed it into the red wine. In the living room. Asher removed his jacket and draped it casually over the sofa. He leaned back, long legs slightly bent, tiredly rubbing his temples as he took out his phone to message Thalia. [Just got home. Has my Lia gone to sleep?] There was no reply. It was eleven o¡¯clock¨Cshe was probably asleep. He felt a slight disappointment. At that moment, Grace approached elegantly with a ss of wine. ¡°Would you like some wine, Asher?¡± Asher was known for his appreciation of fine wines. His home contained an impressive collection of valuable vintages, with an entire wall of the ground floor dedicated to a wine cer. Each bottle was worth thousands or tens of thousands of pounds, with some exceptional ones valued in the hundreds of thousands He had a habit of enjoying a small ss of wine to rx when tired, which Grace knew well. Grace walked over with the ss and sat beside him, leaning in closely. Displeasure crossed Asher¡¯s face as he pushed her away by the shoulder. ¡°You should leave. I¡¯ll have my driver take you home.¡± Grace looked on the verge of tears. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Asher? Have I done something to upset you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯te here again,¡± he replied coldly. ¡°Give up these ridiculous ideas of yours.¡± ¡°Asher, I know you¡¯ve been terribly busy and tiredtely. I only wanted to show my concern. Do you really need to be so cruel to me?¡± ¡°I have a girlfriend. I don¡¯t need your concern.¡± Asher called his driver, instructing him to take Grace home. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to stay, I¡¯ll go. But please drink this wine¨CI specially bought it for you at auction.¡± Grace handed him the ss. Asher epted it. Grace watched him nervously, waiting for him to drink. Just as the ss touched his lips, his phone screen lit up. Asher set down the wine and picked up his phone, his expression immediately brightening. It was a message from Thalia. [I fell asleep earlier. Just woke up to drink some water before going back to sleep.] Reading her message, the ice in Asher¡¯s eyes instantly melted, his features softening like warm sunshine on an April day. [Good. Drink your water and rest well. I¡¯lle see you tomorrow.] [No need. I¡¯ll be terribly busy tomorrow, likely workingte. I want to rest early when I get home.] [The day after tomorrow, then.] Thal¨ªa sighed. Her flu had hit hard, and she wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d be recovered by then. After hesitating briefly, she sent another message. [I¡¯ll be busy then too. I¡¯lle see you when things settle down a bit. You¡¯re quite busy yourself these days¨Cplease take care of your health.] Grace sat nearby, watching as Asher texted with a tender expression, a gentle smile ying on his lips. He was clearly messaging Thalia. Grace was consumed with jealousy. ¡°Crash!¡± The wine ss shattered on the floor, ss spreading everywhere. Asher looked up, meeting Grace¡¯s eyes with an icy stare. (1) (0) Your Gold Digger 74 ¡°Asher, I¡­ I identally knocked over the wine ss. I¡¯m terribly sorry¨CI¡¯ll clean this up right away.¡± Grace knelt down to clean up the shattered ss. Her low¨Ccut dress exposed her d¨¦colletage as she bent forward in Asher¡¯s line of sight. Asher darkened his expression and averted his gaze, his tone increasingly impatient. ¡°Get up. Leave at once.¡± Grace tried to pick up the ss fragments with her bare hands, then suddenly let out a cry. Her finger had been cut, bright red blood dripping steadily onto the floor. She rose weakly, her expression pitiful as she pressed her lips together. ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve cut myself on the ss. Could you possibly take me to hospital?¡± Asher¡¯s gaze moved downward, briefly examining Grace¡¯s wound. ¡°There are sters and antiseptic in the bathroom cab. Sort it out yourself.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you take me to hospital? It¡¯s frightfully painful.¡± Asher¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°By the time we reached hospital, it would have healed already.¡± 11 The following morning, when Lady ckwood Sr. couldn¡¯t reach Asher by phone, she called his executive assistant, Matt Ford. ¡°Is Asher terribly busy?¡± she inquired. Matt responded respectfully, ¡°Lady ckwood, Mr. ckwood has just finished a meeting.¡± ¡°Have him take my call.¡± Asher nced at Matt questioningly. ¡°Grandmother?¡± Matt nodded and handed over the phone. 13:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True The olddy¡¯s tone was rtively gentle. ¡°Asher, dear, your sister has fallen ill rather seriously and is in hospital. I¡¯ll send you the address and room number. Perhaps you could find time to visit her.¡± ¡°Grandmother,¡± Asher replied coldly, ¡°if she¡¯s ill, you should call for doctors. Why involve me? I¡¯m hardly qualified to treat illnesses.¡± Lady ckwood steadied her emotions, maintaining a pleasant tone. ¡°Just this once. Regardless of everything, she is your sister. Visiting her in hospital when she¡¯s ill isn¡¯t crossing any boundaries, is it?¡± ¡°Asher, I was wrong about the family dinner incident, and I apologize. Yesterday Grace became dreadfully ill. When I visited her in hospital today, she looked absolutely wretched. It truly broke my heart to see her that way. Grace is asking for you. Won¡¯t you please visit her? Do it as a favour to your grandmother, if nothing else.¡± With his grandmother swallowing her pride and offering an apology¨Csomething the typically imperious Lady ckwood rarely did¨CAsher relented gracefully. After all, she was his grandmother. He agreed to visit when he had time. At the hospital. Asher entered the ward carrying a basket of homemade chicken soup and freshly baked bread that Lady ckwood had sent over with her staff. In the hospital room, Gracey receiving intravenous fluids, herplexion rather pale. She genuinely appeared ill. Seeing Asher enter, Grace¡¯s eyes shed with delight. ¡°Asher, you came!¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Asher replied, cing the basket on the table. ¡°What¡¯s the diagnosis? Is it serious?¡± ¡°It¡¯s influenza, quite severe. I¡¯ve had no appetite today. I tried to eat a little but was dreadfully sick afterward.¡± ¡°This is some chicken soup and bread that Grandmother had prepared,¡± Asher indicated the basket. Grace nced briefly at the basket, then looked up at Asher. ¡°Asher, my left hand has the IV line, and my right hand was cut by ssst night. It¡¯s rather difficult for me. Could you possibly help me with the soup?¡± Asher¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°Where¡¯s the nurse aide?¡± 13:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True tes ¡°She stepped out for a moment.¡± Knowing Asher wasing, she had deliberately sent the nurse aide away. Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll call for another nurse.¡± Fearing she might irritate Asher further, Grace didn¡¯t press the issue of him feeding her. Shortly afterward, the nurse aide returned, helped Grace with the soup, and the IV bag was emptied. A nurse came to remove the needle. Asher spoke up: ¡°I should be going now. Rest well.¡± ¡°Wait-¡± Grace quickly interjected. ¡°Asher, I¡¯d love to get some fresh air and sunshine. Could you take me outside?¡± This request wasn¡¯t unreasonable. Asher hesitated momentarily before agreeing. ¡°Very well, then.¡± The hospital room door opened, with Grace walking in front. ¡°Asher, I knew you still cared about me. You¡¯re so busy with work yet you made time to visit me and even prepared this lovely soup for me. I¡¯m truly grateful.¡± Asher followed behind Grace, heading out. Grace¡¯s words were strange. He had clearly told her the soup was prepared at his grandmother¡¯s request, yet she was iming he had made it himself. He had just stepped out of the room, with no time to dwell on this peculiarity, when his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of someone at the neighboring room¡¯s doorway. Asher stopped abruptly, his pupils contracting sharply as if struck by lightning. ¡°Lia?¡± Asher¡¯s voice trembled. Thalia turned her head at the sound of his voice, their eyes meeting. Seeing Grace in hospital attire beside Asher, Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Asher took two quick steps toward her, his tone urgent. ¡°Darling, what on earth are you doing here?¡± The young woman was wearing hospital clothes, her face pale. 13:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°You¡¯re ill?¡± Asher took Thalia¡¯s hand in both of his, his voice tender with concern. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were unwell, sweetheart?¡± Thalia lowered her eyshes, her voice soft. ¡°You¡¯ve been so busytely. I didn¡¯t want to be a bother.¡± Pain shed in Asher¡¯s eyes. ¡°How could you ever be a bother? You¡¯re everything to me, L¨ªa. Your wellbeing matters more than anything in the world.¡± Thalia gently withdrew her hand. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine. Don¡¯t you have other matters to attend to? You should go.¡± She was referring to Grace¡¯s situation. Thalia knew that Grace harbored inappropriate feelings for Asher, and Grace¡¯s hostility toward her was obvious. Asher couldn¡¯t possibly be unaware. Thalia kept telling herself repeatedly that Grace was, after all, Asher¡¯s sister. A brother visiting his sick sister in hospital was perfectly reasonable. She shouldn¡¯t be petty or jealous. But still, she felt a twinge of sourness in her heart. The thought that Asher had made time in his busy schedule to visit Grace in hospital and personally prepare soup for her sparked an emotion that she couldn¡¯t quite control. Asher ced both hands on Thalia¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Lia, my love, you¡¯re ill. I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯m staying right here with you.¡± He turned to Grace and said: ¡°Since the nurse aide has returned, let her apany you downstairs for some sunshine.¡± Without waiting for Grace¡¯s response, Asher took Thalia¡¯s hand and led her into the hospital room. The door closed behind them, leaving just the two of them inside. ¡°Lia, when did you fall ill, darling?¡± His voice was soft with concern. ¡°Just these past couple of days.¡± ¡°What happened, sweetheart?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a minor flu, nothing serious.¡± 12.12 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Asher sat on the hospital bed, still holding Thalia¡¯s hand, his thumb gently stroking her palm. ¡°In the future, please tell me about these things immediately, won¡¯t you, my love?¡± Thalia looked down, pressing her lips together. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to interfere with your work.¡± Asher¡¯s expression softened, his eyes warm with affection. ¡°As I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s not interference. You will always be my top priority, Lia.¡± After a pause, his eyes filled with tender warmth. ¡°Besides, I work so hard to earn money for my darling wife to spend. If I can¡¯t even look after my precious girl properly, what¡¯s the point of earning all that money?¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Thalia puffed her cheeks. ¡°We¡¯re not married yet. How am I suddenly your wife?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was delightfully pleased as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re the only one who will ever be my wife, darling. You¡¯ll marry me sooner orter, so what¡¯s wrong with calling you my wife in advance?¡± Remembering what Grace had said earlier, Thalia felt a knot in her chest. ¡°Is that so? Then why didn¡¯t you prepare soup for your wife?¡± Asher realized the misunderstanding and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as he exined: ¡°She was talking absolute nonsense, love. Grandmother specifically called today asking me to visit Grace in hospital. I didn¡¯t want to go originally, but Grandmother humbled herself to apologize, saying she was wrong about the family dinner incident and asked me to do this as a favor to her.¡± ¡°That soup was prepared by someone at Grandmother¡¯s request and delivered to me at the hospital entrance. I certainly didn¡¯t make it myself, darling.¡± Thalia remained silent, though her expression softened slightly. ¡°Are you jealous, my love?¡± The man¡¯s tone was warm with delight, his eyes sparkling. ¡°My precious Lia is jealous for my sake.¡± ?(1) Your Cold Digger is Actually A True U Your Gold Digger 75 That afternoon, Matt Ford moved the CEO¡¯sptop, along with contracts, reports, proposals and project documents needed for the next few days, into Thalia¡¯s hospital room. He even arranged for a desk and chair to be set up. Although Thalia had hired a private nurse, Asher insisted on personally taking care of her at the hospital. In truth, there wasn¡¯t much for Asher to do. Nurses handled the medications and IV treatments, a housekeeper prepared meals, and the nurse aide managed cleaning and other basic needs. But despite being incredibly busy, Asher constantly found ways to be useful. When Thalia had merely mentioned that he had made soup for Grace¨Ceven though he hadn¡¯t actually made it¨Cshe was clearly bothered. To cheer her up, Asher promised he would make time the next morning to go home and prepare homemade soup for her himself. When the housekeeper brought food, Asher insisted on arranging it on the bedside table and feeding Thalia bite by bite. Thalia smiled with gentle exasperation. ¡°I¡¯m not a child, darling. I can feed myself perfectly well.¡± ¡°Absolutely not. You¡¯ve an IV in your hand¨Cit¡¯s far too awkward for you.¡± After meals, when Thalia needed to take her medicine, Asher poured water for her and supervised her taking it. He even insisted on peeling or slicing any fruit she wanted to eat. Thaliaughed, ncing at the pile of documents on his desk. ¡°Aren¡¯t you dreadfully busy, my love?¡± ¡°Never too busy to properly care for the most precious person in my life,¡± he replied warmly. The nurse aide smiled at the scene. ¡°Miss Winters, your husband absolutely adores you.¡± Thalia¡¯s cheeks flushed pink, her ears turning red, but she didn¡¯t correct the nurse aide. After the nurse aide left, Asher looked up from his desk, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°So you¡¯re epting me as your husband now, are you?¡± Thalia blinked yfully at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say I¡¯d be your wife sooner orter? I¡¯m not nning to run,
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and I couldn¡¯t escape you anyway, so I might as well ept my fate, mightn¡¯t I?¡± The man¡¯s lips curved into a smile. ¡°That¡¯s much better, my love.¡± Under Asher¡¯s attentive care, Thalia recovered quickly and was discharged from hospital. Asher had finallypleted a challenging project and now had some free time. He nned to take Thalia on a holiday to help her rx. Thest time he¡¯d taken her to see the meteor shower, Grace had interfered and ruined their enjoyment. After that, his grandmother had made Thalia ufortable at the family dinner. Asher felt guilty and wanted to use this trip to strengthen their rtionship. He asked Thalia for her preferences, and as luck would have it, she had just received verdicts on some cases while others were waiting for court dates, giving her three or four days of free time. She agreed to go on the trip with him. Due to Thalia¡¯s limited avability, they decided against traveling far. Their destination was Annecy, often called ¡°the Venice of the Alps,¡± nestled at the foot of the Alpine mountains beside the stunning Lake Annecy in France. Thalia had chosen the location, having wanted to visit for the past two years but always being too busy with various matters. When Drake Ashcroft received a call from his friend James, he had just finished a meeting. ¡°James, what¡¯s up?¡± Drake asked as he walked toward his office. James replied: ¡°Dude, guess who I just saw?¡± ¡°Who?¡± James sounded quite excited. ¡°Take a guess, man.¡± Drake responded impatiently: ¡°Not in the mood for guessing games. I¡¯m swamped. If it¡¯s nothing important, I gotta go.¡± Previously, Drake and James had been simr types¨Cfocused on eating, drinking, and entertainment, 13:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True carelessly spending their family fortunes. After Ashcroft Capital faced a crisis, Drake had be more restrained, taking a serious interest in thepany¡¯s affairs and seeking investments everywhere. After learning of Thalia¡¯s true identity as an heiress, Drake regretted his past actions even more. Now he had adopted the demeanor of a proper business executive, no longer spending his days in idleness. His contact with James had diminished significantly. Jamesughed mockingly. ¡°You¡¯d never guess¨CI just saw your ex¨Cgirlfriend Thalia Winters.¡± Drake stopped in his tracks. He had reached his office door but didn¡¯t move to open it. James paused, then continued: ¡°And her boyfriend, that ckwood heir. They look super happy together, really into each other¨Cthey were even holding hands while walking.¡± Drake remained silent for a moment. His breathing intensified, his voice bing tense and hoarse. ¡°Where?¡± ¡°In Annecy, France. You know, that cute little town by theke at the foot of the Alps.¡± Thalia had arranged their amodation for this trip. The medieval old town (Vieille Ville) of Annecy wasn¡¯t overrun withrge hotels, featuring instead charming boutique amodations and guesthouses. The guesthouse Thalia booked was in an exquisite location with windows offering breathtaking views of the snow¨Ccapped Alps across the crystal¨Cclear waters of Lake Annecy. It was winter in Annecy, but the town was still bustling with tourists drawn to its fairytale¨Clike beauty¨Ccobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and the magnificent 12th¨Ccentury Chateau d¡¯Annecy overlooking the old town. On their first day, exhausted from travel, Thalia and Asher didn¡¯t venture out but stayed in their cozy room watching films. Thalia turned on the television and selected a ssic romance film-¡°Atonement¡± starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley. The room wasfortably warm, the lighting soft and dim, creating an intimate atmosphere. Thalia curled against Asher¡¯s chest, nestled in his arms as they were engrossed in the film. Although she knew it was a tragedy, Thalia couldn¡¯t help but shed tears at the ending. Her eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion. ¡°It¡¯s truly heartbreaking, isn¡¯t it? Cecilia and Robbie loved each other so deeply, yet they lost years together because of Briony¡¯s lie. They never even saw each other again.¡± Thalia sighed, indignantly adding: ¡°Atonement? How could Briony possibly atone for this? Her sin can never be redeemed. They¡¯re both gone¨Cthey can never be together again.¡± Asher gently ran his fingers through her hair, offeringfort. ¡°Perhaps they found each other in another world, my love.¡± Outside, heavy snow began to fall. Annecy, situated in the foothills of the Alps, was transformed into a winter wondend as thick snowkes drifted down, nketing the medieval town in pristine white. Asher kissed Thalia¡¯s forehead tenderly. ¡°Look, darling, it¡¯s snowing.¡± Thalia was still immersed in the film, her mood downcast. Asher drew her closer, moving his face until their noses touched. With boundless tenderness, he whispered: ¡°My sweet girl, don¡¯t cry anymore. If your eyes are puffy tomorrow, how will you look in our photographs of beautiful Annecy?¡± Thalia sniffled, giving him an amused nce that was half exasperation, half adoration. What a peculiar way tofort someone. Yet his words made practical sense¨Cshe did want to capture beautiful memories of their trip. Swollen, red eyes would hardly photograph well. Thalia took his advice and graduallyposed herself, drying her tears. Asher gently wiped away the wetness on her cheeks with his thumb. ¡°Such a good girl deserves a reward, doesn¡¯t she?¡± He extended his hand, revealing a sweet in his palm. Thalia spoke with a slightly stuffy nose. ¡°You¡¯re treating me like a child again.¡± Asher smiled indulgently, his eyes crinkling at the corners. ¡°You are my child¨Cmy darling, my precious love.¡± Thalia took the sweet from his palm, unwrapped it, and put it in her mouth. It was her favorite peach vor. After Asher¡¯sforting and finishing the sweet, Thalia¡¯s mood improved considerably. ¡°Feeling better now, my love?¡± he asked, his voice slightly husky as he gazed into her eyes. Thalia responded with a soft ¡°Mmm,¡± her eyes meeting his. Asher leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered: ¡°Now that I¡¯ve cheered up my beautiful girl, perhaps I deserve a little reward of my own?¡± ?(1) Your Gold Digger 76 They were so close. His warm breath caressed her neck, the crisp, appealing scent of his woody cologne prating deep within her. Thalia¡¯s nerves suddenly tightened, her breathing bing rapid. After speaking, Asher lowered his gaze to Thalia¡¯s lips, so tantalizingly close, and leaned in. The gentle, warm sensation touched Thalia¡¯s lips, so light it was like the delicate brushing of a feather. ¡°So sweet,¡± he murmured. Thalia¡¯s heart pounded fiercely. Her breathing unconsciously became shallower as shey on the bed, motionless with anticipation. Was Asher¡¯s reward going to be¡­? She had never experienced such intimacy before and felt increasingly nervous. Her heart was racing uncontrobly. Sensing her tension, Asher pulled away from her lips and chuckled softly. ¡°Rx, my darling. I¡¯m not going to devour you¡­ unless you want me to.¡± With those words, Asher kissed her again. Initially, his kisses were light and tentative, barely touching her lips. Thalia was surprised, wondering if she had misinterpreted his intentions. Soon, she realized she hadn¡¯t. Asher¡¯s kisses gradually deepened, the sweet peach vor mingling between their lips as Thalia began to feel breathless. Their fingers inteced tightly as her blood seemed to boil, her body growing increasingly warm. Everything unfolded naturally. When they reached the final moment of truth, Asher paused to ask: ¡°Lia, may I?¡± Thalia nodded, her face flushed. There was protection in the bedside table drawer. After taking proper precautions, Asher proceeded. For Thalia, it was an entirely new experience. She had anticipated this might happen during their romantic getaway. Considering the timeline, she and Asher had been together for several months now, so it didn¡¯t seem too rushed. At first, Asher¡¯s movements were incredibly gentle, afraid of causing her difort. His tenderness spoke volumes about his feelings, making Thalia feel cherished beyond measure. Thalia was lost in a haze of passion,pletely surrendering herself to Asher¡¯s rhythm, rising and falling with him like waves on a moonlit shore. It was well past midnight when they finallyy spent in each other¡¯s arms. Thalia drifted into a deep, contented sleep, nestled against Asher¡¯s chest. She slept until the following afternoon. When Thalia drowsily opened her eyes, it was already three o¡¯clock. The space beside her was empty¨CAsher had already risen. Snow had fallen throughout the night, transforming the view outside into a pristine whitendscape, a dreamlike wondend cloaked in silver. Outside, tourists were building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights, theirughter and yful shouts creating a lively atmosphere. The bed was positioned near the window. Thalia watched through the ss for a while, suddenly longing to go outside and build a snowman herself. ¡°You¡¯re awake? Hungry, my love?¡± Asher¡¯s voice came from behind her, warm with affection. Thalia turned to see him holding a tray with an elegant breakfast spread. Asher ced the tray on a small round table. ¡°I¡¯ve brought you a proper French breakfast¨Cfresh croissants and pain au choct from that delightful little bongerie down the street. The owner says they¡¯ve been making them the same way for three generations. There¡¯s also caf¨¦ auit and some local Alpine honey. Thought you might fancy something authentic.¡± Thalia nodded, her eyes lighting up at the delicious spread. ¡°It looks absolutely lovely, but let me freshen up first.¡± She put on her nightgown and got out of bed, nearly losing her bnce when her feet touched the floor. Asher quickly caught her, pulling her into his arms, his tone teasing yet tender. ¡°Weak legs, darling? I do believe that¡¯s my fault.¡± Thalia¡¯s cheeks burned crimson. She hadn¡¯t noticed it much while lying in bed, but upon standing, she felt a delicious ache throughout her body. Last night, he had perhaps been a bit too thorough in his attentions. Seeing Thalia¡¯s flushed face and silence, Asher spoke in a low voice tinged with both amusement and concern. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, my love. Was I too much for youst night? Let me carry you to the bathroom.¡± Thalia puffed her cheeks in mock indignation. ¡°I wanted to go y in the snow. How am I supposed to go outside like this?¡± Asher smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. ¡°It¡¯s just temporary, darling. Walk around the room a bit to adjust, and you¡¯ll be right as rain in no time. Though I must say, I rather like the idea that you¡¯re carrying a reminder of me with every step.¡± Asher carried her to the bathroom, setting her down at the washbasin, his hands lingering on her waist. Thalia still struggled to stand steadily, feeling a particr tenderness in intimate ces that made her all too aware of the previous night¡¯s activities. Asher pressed close behind her, his arms encircling her waist. ¡°Lean on me, Lia. I¡¯ve got you.¡± Thalia: ¡°¡­¡± This was certainly her first time needing support while freshening up. Thalia took her cup, filled it with water, and squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush. When traveling, she typically brought her own toiletries and necessities. As Thalia brushed her teeth, Asher stood behind her, holding her. The mirror reflected their bodies pressed together, creating an achingly intimate tableau. Thalia looked at Asher in the mirror. On his neck were two dark red marks. Those were love bites she¡¯d left in the heat of passionst night. Recalling the sensual moments from the previous night, Thalia¡¯s cheeks again turned crimson. This subtle change didn¡¯t escape Asher¡¯s notice. He looked at Thalia in the mirror, his lips curving into a knowing smile. ¡°What are you thinking about, my sweet girl? You¡¯ve gone quite pink.¡± ¡°Nothing, nothing at all,¡± Thalia replied, her eyes darting away nervously. A few minutester, after Thalia had finished freshening up, Asher turned her to face him and leaned down to gently inhale her scent. ¡°You smell divine,¡± he murmured against her skin. Thalia¡¯s face grew warm with embarrassment. ¡°You keep changing what you call me¨Cdarling, love, sweet girl¨Cmaking it up as you go along.¡± Asher¡¯s lips curved into a tender smile, his voice deep and sensual. ¡°Does it bother you? I have so many ways to think of you, it seems only fair you should hear them all.¡± Thalia¡¯s face turned crimson as she lowered her eyes without responding. Asher¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as his eyes darkened. His voice was husky and enticing: ¡°I love how you blush for me. Only for me. I want to kiss you again.¡± Asher lightly touched his lips with his index finger. ¡°Kiss me, Lia.¡± Thalia obediently leaned forward and ced a fleeting, butterfly¨Clight kiss on his lips. ¡°Perfect,¡± Asher said, thoroughly satisfied. ¡°Though I warn you, if you keep looking at me like that, we might not leave this room today.¡± Last night had satiated him, so today he would spare her. One kiss was enough. Last night he had taken her only twice, though each time hadsted quite long. Today she was somewhat tender. He couldn¡¯t be too demanding initially¨Che wanted her to associate their intimacy with pleasure, not difort. After all, they had plenty of time ahead. Asher supported Thalia as they walked out of the bathroom. ¡°Take your time adjusting. We¡¯ll go build a snowmanter, if you¡¯re up to it.¡± The young woman, face still flushed, responded with a barely audible ¡°Mmm.¡± Although they had shared their first intimate experiencest night, discussing the topic afterward still made her shy, especially when she saw Asher¡¯s meaningful expressions. Thalia¡¯s mind would involuntarily recall vivid images from their night together. Waves of heat surged through her as their breaths mingled, wave after wave of pleasure overwhelming and consuming her. The French pastries were exquisite¨Cbuttery, ky croissants and pain au choct with perfectly melted chocte centers. The rich caf¨¦ auit was the perfectplement to the sweet pastries. After breakfast, Thalia wanted to go outside to y in the snow and take photographs. She spent over an hour applying wless makeup, leaving her slightly curled long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and changed into a thick, cream¨Ccolored down jacket. Asher wrapped a burgundy cashmere scarf around Thalia¡¯s neck, his fingers lingering at her throat. ¡°It¡¯s rather nippy outside¨Cwear this. I wouldn¡¯t want you catching cold.¡± Below their guesthouse was a charming courtyard where winter flowers bloomed despite the cold, their delicate petals contrasting beautifully with the pristine snow. A young couple was building a snowman nearby, and on the low courtyard wall sat a row of miniature snowmen of various shapes. Thalia walked over to look at them, eximing with delight: ¡°Oh, these little snowmen are absolutely adorable! Would you mind terribly if I took photographs with them?¡± The young woman smiled warmly. ¡°Please do!¡± Thalia smiled, her eyes crinkling with joy. ¡°That¡¯s awfully kind, thank you.¡± She beckoned to Asher. ¡°Darling, would you be a love and take some photos of me with these charming little snowmen?¡± Asher had brought his professional DSLR camera. After adjusting the settings, he aimed the lens at Thalia, his eyes softening as he gazed at her through the viewfinder. The sky had cleared after the snowfall, with gentle, winter sunshine casting a golden glow. Through his lens, Asher saw Thalia smiling as brilliantly as spring sunshine, with a row of little snowmen behind her like adorable sprites from a winter fairy tale. (3) Your Gold Digger 77 Chapter 77 After taking photos, Asher and Thalia began building a snowman in the courtyard. Thalia created an adorablerge snowman about half her height. She adorned it with a scarlet scarf and a little crimson hat, then used her peach oolong tea¨Ccolored lipstick to give the snowman rosy cheeks. Asher leaned close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin. ¡°Those rosy cheeks are utterly enchanting, just like yours when you¡¯re¡­ flustered.¡± Thaliaughed, a delicate blush rising to her own cheeks at his suggestive tone. ¡°Of course they are¨Cthis is my very own daughter, after all.¡± Afterpleting the snowman, Thalia brushed the snow off her gloves and looked at their creation with the pride of a new parent. ¡°We simply must give her a proper name, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Capital idea,¡± Asher¡¯s lips curved upward, his eyes never leaving Thalia¡¯s face. ¡°How about Sugar? It sounds rather like your name, Lia. Sweet¡­ irresistible¡­ tempting¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes brightened, ignoring¨Cor perhaps enjoying¨Chis yful innuendo. ¡°That¡¯s absolutely perfect. Sugar it is.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s take a family portrait, shall we?¡± Asher suggested, his smile warm and tender as his hand found the small of her back, drawing her just a fraction closer than strictly necessary. ¡°I¡¯d love that,¡± she replied, taking the camera. ¡°I¡¯ll find someone to help us.¡± Thalia approached the young couple who had been building snowmen earlier. ¡°Excuse me, would mind awfully taking a photo for us?¡± you ¡°Of course,¡± the young woman took the camera. ¡°Though I¡¯m not terribly familiar with how to use this contraption.¡± Thalia leaned in to show her. ¡°The settings are already adjusted. You need only press here.¡± ¡°Right, I see.¡± ¡°Thank you ever so much.¡± ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all.¡± The young woman whispered to Thalia, ¡°You and your boyfriend make such a gorgeous couple. Are you Instagram influencers or something of the sort?¡± Thalia shook her head, her eyes crinkling with amusement. ¡°Goodness, no. And thank you¨Cyou¡¯re quite lovely yourself.¡± After taking photos, Thalia and Asher visited a famous spot nearby. It was a traditional inn with a distinctly historical ambiance. From the carved wooden windows on the third floor, one could see the snow¨Ccapped mountains in the distance, embodying the poetic sentiment of ¡°the window frames a thousand years of snow on the western mountains.¡± Most tourists visiting Annecy made a point of taking photos here. The town had been trending online for some time, and Thalia had long wanted to visit. She had previously nned an itinerary that included this inn, but Drake had refused to apany her. Drake had never failed to disappoint when it came to dampening enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s just standing by a window looking at mountains. What¡¯s so special about that? I¡¯ll take you to Switzend someday¨Cthe mountains there are truly worth seeing.¡± Thalia¡¯s excitement had been extinguished by his cold water. Later, when work became busy, she no longer had time to go, and eventually forgot about it. Now, more than two yearster, she had finally made it. Only this time, she was here with Asher. A cold breeze blew past, causing Thalia to suddenly sneeze. ¡°Chilly, my fingers linarling?¡± Asher pulled up the hood of Thalia¡¯s down jacket and ced it over her head, his fingers lingering to brush a strand of hair from her face. ¡°Keep your hood up to block the wind. I can think of much more pleasant ways to make you shiver.¡± ¡°I want to take photos soon, and the hood won¡¯t look particrly fetching in pictures.¡± ¡°You can take it off for the photos. The wind is rather brutal now¨Cbe a good girl for me.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Thalia looked at Asher, her eyes yful. ¡°Are you cold as well?¡± Asher smiled, his eyes darkening slightly. ¡°A kiss would warm me rather thoroughly.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re not cold then.¡± ¡°Cold or not, I still want a kiss. Call it¡­ payment for services renderedst night.¡± Thalia couldn¡¯t help but smile at him. This man who normally appeared so cool and distant was always subtly seeking affection when they were together. Like now¨Cby his stance, it was clear he wouldn¡¯t budge until she kissed him. Thalia smiled helplessly and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. With Asher¡¯s height approaching six feet three inches, he stood more than a head taller than Thalia. Even on her tiptoes, she couldn¡¯t reach him. ¡°Lower your head, you impossible man,¡± the young woman pouted. ¡°I can¡¯t reach you.¡± Asher obediently bent down, bringing his lips closer to Thalia¡¯s, offering himself for her kiss. ¡°Your wish is mymand, mydy.¡± The normally imperious heir who never bowed to anyone was willingly lowering his head. Only for Thalia Winters would he dly and willingly bow. Thalia hooked her arms around Asher¡¯s neck and kissed him. With people passing by, Thalia was too self¨Cconscious for a deep kiss, so she merely gave him a fleeting peck before attempting to pull away. Asher suddenly ced his hand on the back of her head, deepening the kiss, his lips urgent against hers, reminding her vividly of the night before. When she realized what was happening, Thalia struggled free from his hold, her face instantly turning crimson. She coughed tactically twice to hide her embarrassment. ¡°Ahem, ahem.¡± ¡°There are far too many people here. We can continue this when we get back,¡± she whispered, the promise in her voice unmistakable. Asher was in excellent spirits, his eyes soft with affection, his lips curved in a satisfied smile. ¡°I shall hold you to that promise, my love.¡± Thalia turned her head, her face still flushed. Suddenly, her expression froze, the smile vanishing from her lips. A biting cold wind swept through, and snow began to fall from the sky again. Drake Ashcroft stood at the entrance of the inn, gazing at her from afar through the swirling snow. Asher also noticed Drake. The smile disappeared from his eyes, reced by an icy coldness that cut to the bone. Asher took Thalia¡¯s hand and walked toward Drake. Drake remained motionless at the inn¡¯s entrance, watching the couple approach hand in hand. Snowkes drifted down from the sky,nding on his khaki coat, melting and disappearing. The scene seemed to freeze, time standing still. Everything became suspended in this winter afternoon. Something grew increasingly clear in his mind. The girl had once smiled and clung to his arm, yfully begging him to take her to Annecy. She had dreamed of the snow¨Ccapped mountains and the quaint, historical inn. What had he said then? He couldn¡¯t quite remember. He only recalled making excuses to refuse her, watching the smile fade from her face, her disappointment painfully evident. He had understood everything clearly in his heart, but he hadn¡¯t wanted tofort her orpromise. He had felt it unnecessary¨Cit was just casual fun, after all. There was no future with her anyway. Now he hade, but she was no longer by his side. Drake¡¯s lips tightened, his heart clenching painfully, his chest constricting, nearly suffocating him. The couple stopped in front of him. Asher¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°What a remarkable coincidence. We seem to encounter you at every turn.¡± Drake¡¯s lips were rigid, his jaw tense. He ignored Asher, staring fixedly at Thalia, his eyes shing with pleading. ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m here now. Just like you wanted.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression was cold. ¡°What are you talking about? I never made any arrangements with you.¡± A sh of pain crossed Drake¡¯s eyes. ¡°Two years ago, you said you wanted toe here. I was busy then, but I¡¯m here now. Doesn¡¯t that mean anything to you?¡± ¡°Bted sincerity is worth less than grass,¡± Thalia¡¯s tone was measured, her expression calm and detached. Though she appeared polite, her words were anything but. ¡°And those who pretend to be sincere are worth even less.¡± ¡°Look, Thalia¡­¡± Drake¡¯s eyes mingled with regret and pain. ¡°Can¡¯t you give me another shot? I can make it up to you. I swear I can.¡± ¡°Hah.¡± Asherughed, his eyes filled with contempt. ¡°You? You¡¯re scarcely worthy to speak her name.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°Drake, your persistent harassment is bing exceedingly tiresome. Each time you appear, I find myself more thoroughly weary of you.¡± Drake humbled himselfpletely, his voice trembling: ¡°Then what do I need to do to make you look back at me just once?¡± Thalia stared at him, enunciating each word clearly: ¡°Nothing. That will never happen. Not in this lifetime.¡± (3) Your Gold Digger 78 Chapter 78 The inn had photographers specifically for tourists, charging ten euros per photo. Thalia found a photographer to help them. ¡°Would you mind terribly using our camera instead?¡± The photographer took the camera Thalia handed him and looked at it with undisguised admiration. ¡°Good heavens, you¡¯re proper enthusiasts, aren¡¯t you? This camera is rather dear. I¡¯ve been eyeing one myself, but couldn¡¯t quite justify the expense.¡± Thalia smiled. ¡°Just a hobby, really.¡± The photographer grinned cheerfully. ¡°This is my dream camera! I¡¯ll be sure to take several splendid shots for you.¡± Thalia smiled politely. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± ¡°Right then, stand just here, if you would. This angle is absolutely perfect¨Cyou¡¯ll capture the mountains in the background.¡± The photographer directed their positioning and helpfully suggested poses. ¡°Sir, could you move slightly -to the left? Yes, that¡¯s it, precisely there. Miss, if you could lift your chin just a touch. Perfect, just like that.¡± As he took the photos, the photographer kept marvelling: ¡°What remarkable craftsmanship! The resolution is utterly extraordinary! Quality truly does have its price, doesn¡¯t it? I simply must save up for one of these!¡± ¡°Now, let¡¯s try another pose, shall we?¡± The photographer looked up from behind the camera and smiled at Asher, speaking with easy familiarity. ¡°You and your girlfriend are extraordinarily photogenic, like film stars really. I feel as though even my casual shots could grace a magazine cover.¡± Asher was in excellent spirits today and, quite uncharacteristically, engaged with the stranger. ¡°Most kind of you to say.¡± His gaze drifted to Drake standing behind the photographer, his face dark as thunderclouds. Asher shed a victor¡¯s smile, tightening his arm around Thalia¡¯s waist, his fingers sying possessively across her hip as he drew her closer, his mood brightening considerably. Drake watched the affectionate couple with a grim expression, his heart constricting painfully. Unable to bear the self¨Cinflicted torture any longer, he turned and descended the stairs. Asher¡¯s lips curved upward in unmistakable satisfaction. The photographer, handling his dream camera for the first time, was reluctant to part with it, enthusiastically taking dozens of photos. Half an hourter, the photographer reluctantly returned the camera to Asher. ¡°I¡¯ll only charge you for two photos, sir. The rest areplementary¨Cmy way of thanking you for letting me experience this magnificent piece of equipment.¡± Asher turned on the camera to browse through the photos. ¡°You¡¯ve been rather generous with your shots.¡± ¡°Let me see, darling,¡± Thalia leaned in close, her body pressed against Asher¡¯s side as she peered at the screen. ¡°Your photography skills are truly impressive¨Cthese photos are absolutely gorgeous.¡± Thalia looked up at the photographer. ¡°Please, charge us the proper amount. You¡¯re running a business, after all, and we wouldn¡¯t dream of taking advantage of your kindness.¡± The photographer felt slightly abashed at her words. The inn¡¯s rate of ten euros per photo wasn¡¯t inexpensive, and few visitors were willing to pay such prices. Not only had this couple allowed him to use their superior equipment rather than his own, but they¡¯d initially asked for ten photos, and in his enthusiasm, he¡¯d taken forty or fifty. If he charged them the full rate, it would amount to four or five hundred euros. That wouldn¡¯t be right¨Cit would be utterly excessive. He couldn¡¯t fleece them just because they appeared to have means. The photographer¡¯s conscience prevailed, and he quickly waved his hands. ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary. I¡¯ve taken forty or fifty photos for you. If I charged the full rate, it would be frightfully expensive. Let¡¯s stick with what we agreed¨Cthe price for ten photos, one hundred euros.¡± He presented his PayPal details. Asherpleted the transaction on his phone. A momentter, the photographer received a payment notification for five hundred euros. His eyes widened. ¡°Sir, I believe you¡¯ve entered the wrong amount. Let me return the excess.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no mistake,¡± Asher replied calmly, putting away his phone. ¡°I never take advantage of others.¡± The photographer was both surprised and delighted. This gentleman was truly generous! What an extraordinary stroke of luck to encounter such benevolent people today. Thalia smiled warmly. ¡°Thank you for your help. Consider it a contribution toward your new camera.¡± ¡°I should be thanking you! You¡¯re absolute angels, both of you. Thank you, thank you.¡± The photographer bowed repeatedly in gratitude. ¡°I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!¡± ¡°How very kind.¡± After leaving the inn, they browsed the nearby market, where Thalia purchased numerous local handcrafted items to give as gifts to her friends back home. Deep in the night, snow fell heavily outside, silent and serene. By the window. Asher¡¯s passionate kisses fell like raindrops, gentle yet insistent against her heated skin. Thalia felt dizzy from his attention, her senses overwhelmed by his touch. The room¡¯s heating had created ayer of condensation on the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows. Thalia¡¯s hands pressed against the ss, leaving two distinct handprints as Asher¡¯s body curved around hers from behind. Afterward. Thalia¡¯s body felt deliciouslynguid, too spent to move. ¡°Thank you, Asher,¡± she murmured, her voice a contented sigh. Asher lifted Thalia in his arms and carried her toward the bathroom. ¡°What in the world are you thanking me for, my darling?¡± His voice was rich with affection. Thalia gently bit her lip, her eyes meeting his with unusual vulnerability. ¡°For always being by my side, for giving me such singr devotion, for allowing me to experience such beautiful love.¡± When facing Grace and Lady ckwood, he had always unhesitatingly chosen her, stood firmly on her side. Thalia spoke from her heart, her voice tinged with emotion. ¡°Do you know, Asher, you¡¯re so different from Drake.¡± Asher didn¡¯t mind her mentioning Drake, merely asking quietly, ¡°How so?¡± By now, Asher had carried Thalia into the bathroom. The bathroom was also heated, making the ceramic bathtub warm even in winter. Asher gently ced her in the tub and began running hot water, his fingers lingering against her skin as he did so. Thalia reclinedzily against the edge of the bathtub, the steam rising around her. ¡°To be precise, you and Drake are entirely different in my heart. Although I dated Drake before, I never felt possessive of him, nor did I particrly enjoy physical intimacy with him. But with you¡­¡± She paused, her eyes meeting his with unexpected intensity. ¡°With you, it¡¯spletely different, Asher. I feel intensely possessive of you. I want to hide you away for myself alone.¡± Asher finished preparing the bath and joined her in the tub, the water rippling around them. He took a washcloth, dampened it, and gently began washing Thalia¡¯s silky skin, his touch lingering over the ces he had so recently imed with his lips. Hearing her words, Asher was deeply gratified. His lips curved upward, his eyes brightening with desire. ¡°How intense is this possessiveness you feel?¡± Thalia mumbled shyly: ¡°Didn¡¯t I just say? I want to hide you away for myself alone. Lock you up so no one else can have you. ¡°Mmm.¡± The man lowered his eyes, his emotions seemingly controlled, though his slightly upturned lips betrayed his pleasure. ¡°Lia,¡± Asher called softly, his hand tracing patterns on her skin beneath the water. ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± Her voice caught slightly as his fingers found a particrly sensitive spot. ¡°Do you love me?¡± The question was simple but weighted with meaning. Thalia responded without a moment¡¯s hesitation: ¡°Of course I do. Very much.¡± Asher asked again, his eyes fixed on hers: ¡°How much is ¡®very much¡°?¡± Thalia tilted her head thoughtfully, the waterpping gently around her shoulders. After a moment, she looked up to meet Asher¡¯s gaze, her expression serious. ¡°Very much. More than anyone. Only you. No one could ever take your ce in my heart.¡± The depth of Asher¡¯s eyes rippled with emotion, like stones dropped into still water. Overwhelmed with feeling, he lowered his head to capture Thalia¡¯s lips in a kiss that spoke of possession and promise. Things quickly escted, the water sloshing over the edge of the tub as their bodies moved together. Thalia bit her lip, closing her eyes to savor the sensations flooding through her, her soft moans echoing in the tiled space. Ripples spread across the water¡¯s surface, taking a long time to settle. They spent quite some time in the bathroom before finally emerging. Thalia¡¯s body now bore several dark red marks, some visible even through her bathrobe. She puffed her cheeks in mock exasperation, chiding him yfully: ¡°Must you mark me everywhere like some territorial beast? How am I supposed to face people tomorrow without looking thoroughly debauched?¡± Asher smiled, his eyes darkening as he traced one particrly vivid mark at the junction of her neck and shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s winter¨Cyou can wear high¨Cnecked jumpers and scarves. Though I must confess, I rather like the idea of everyone knowing you¡¯re thoroughly imed.¡± ¡°You¡¯re impossible,¡± she murmured, but her eyes betrayed her pleasure at his possessiveness. Asher carried Thalia out of the bathroom, his arms securely around her still¨Csensitive body. Just as they exited, the doorbell rang. It rang again and again, indicating the urgency of whoever was outside. ¡°Who could it possibly be at this hour?¡± Thalia wondered, tightening her robe around herself. Your Gold Digger 79 Asher gently ced Thalia on the bed. ¡°Rest, darling. I¡¯ll see who it is.¡± When he opened the door, Asher¡¯s brow instantly furrowed. Drake stood in the hallway. He¡¯d nearly forgotten that Drake was staying in Annecy as well. How terribly inconvenient. Asher had just emerged from the shower with only a bath towel wrapped around his waist. The love bites on his neck and corbone were unmistakable. Confronted with this sight, the veins on Drake¡¯s forehead visibly pulsed. His breath caught, face turning ashen, eyes harboring a dangerous storm. ¡°What the hell did you do to her!¡± Drake clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on the backs of his hands protruded like cords. Asher gave a soft, derisiveugh. ¡°We¡¯re together. What do you imagine couples do?¡± This statement was the final straw. Drake felt his rage congeal in his chest, as though his blood had suddenly frozen solid. His head throbbed mercilessly. He had tortured himself with thoughts of whether Thalia and Asher might have slept together. But those had merely been imaginings. Now, faced with the reality, seeing the intimate marks on Asher¡¯s body with his own eyes, Drake felt as if for one second, everything before him wentpletely ck. A sharp ringing filled his ears apanied by an agonizing pain in his chest. He swayed unsteadily on his feet. In the next instant, Drake charged forward like a crazed beast, his eyes bulging with rage, bloodshot and 13:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 36 murderous. Asher stepped back, pivoting to avoid him, then drove his fist into Drake¡¯s face, immediately following with a vicious kick. Sharp pain exploded across Drake¡¯s face, his mind buzzing. He staggered backwards, his body mming against the corridor wall with a dull thud. ¡°Hah.¡± Contempt shed in Asher¡¯s eyes. ¡°Drake, I gave you your chance. Three years ago, when Thalia got together with you, I convinced myself that as long as she was happy, I would step aside. But what did you do? How did you treat her?¡± Drake¡¯s heart felt as though an invisible hand was squeezing it mercilessly, crushing it until he could barely breathe. Asher gave him no time to recover, immediately continuing his interrogation: ¡°Drake, what right or standing do you have to question me?¡± The question was devastating. Drake momentarily lost his bearings. Indeed. What right did he have now? He had destroyed his rtionship with Thalia with his own hands. He had pushed her into another man¡¯s arms! Asher looked at Drake with utter contempt, as if regarding a stray dog that had lost its home. This was precisely the type of man he despised most. Those who failed to cherish what they had when they possessed it, only to feign deep affection after losing it. Bted sincerity was worth less than grass. Who was he putting on this performance for? After a brief silence, the confusion vanished from Drake¡¯s face. He seemed to have found a legitimate justification for himself. He twisted his lips into a smile, the blood at the corner of his mouth making him appear both unhinged and obsessive. ¡°Of course I have the right, because I love her!¡± Drake¡¯s voice cracked with emotion. ¡°No one could possibly love her more than I do!¡± Asherughed bitterly, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Love her? Bloody hell. Even a dog would shake its head at your version of love.¡± Drake was about to say something more when Thalia¡¯s voice, filled with shock and fury, came from behind Asher. ¡°Drake, what on earth are you doing here?¡± She red at him fiercely, her expression resembling one looking at a mortal enemy. Hearing Thalia¡¯s voice, Drake raised his eyes toward her. The first thing that caught his attention was the unusual flush on Thalia¡¯s face and the lingering passion not yetpletely faded from her eyes. Looking lower, he noticed the ring love bite on her pale neck. In that moment, Drake finally understood the meaning of heart¨Cwrenching pain. If moments ago, hearing only Asher¡¯s one¨Csided ount, he had still clung to a shred of hope, allowing himself to believe it was merely a lie Asher had concocted to provoke him, Now, seeing the marks on Thalia¡¯s body and the alluring look in her eyes with his own eyes, Drake was on the verge of madness. He could faintly detect the intimate atmosphere lingering in the air. They had truly been together. This realization brought Drake to the brink of copse. It felt as though someone had violently carved out a piece of his heart, leaving it bleeding profusely, the pain nearly suffocating him. ¡°Thalia,¡± Drake¡¯s voice was hoarse, carrying an unmistakable sob. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do this to me. How could you¡­¡± How could you sleep with another man. These words were too painful for him to utter. The mere thought made his heart ache unbearably; he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say it. Only now did Drake finally understand the depth of his obsession with Thalia, the intensity of his possessiveness. In his twenty¨Csome years of life, Drake had never experienced a moment of such utter despair and devastation. A tear slid from his eye. Drake was so distraught he felt he might shatterpletely. The winter draft through the corridor carried a bitter chill. Drake stood in the cold wind, gazing at Thalia with eyes full of anguish, as if he might vanish with the wind at any moment. Thalia¡¯s jaw tightened. Her face was cold, the fury in her eyes unmistakable. ¡°Drake, we ended things amicably. I preserved your dignity. If you continue to harass me like this repeatedly, don¡¯t expect me to remain civil!¡± Tears glistened in Drake¡¯s eyes, and the ce where Asher had struck him was bruised and red. ¡°No.¡± Drake¡¯s voice was raspy. ¡°Thalia, I was wrong. So wrong. Please, juste back¡­ I¡¯m begging you, Thalia¡­¡± The man had humbled himself to dust. He no longer cared about pride or dignity, now begging Thalia in a lowered voice, crying like a child. Seeing him in this state, Thalia sighed helplessly. She rubbed her temples, saying wearily: ¡°Drake, what¡¯s the point of all this? I¡¯m exhausted. Just let me go.¡± Drake¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, his voice choked: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Thalia, but I can¡¯t do that.¡± Thalia frowned slightly but said nothing more, only giving him a cold nce as she prepared to close the door. Drake panicked and suddenly thrust his hand forward to block it. His hand caught in the gap. Thalia hadn¡¯t anticipated this, and as she closed the door with some force, Drake¡¯s hand was caught. He sucked in a sharp breath of pain. A sh of surprise crossed Thalia¡¯s eyes, but she quickly resumed her cold demeanor. ¡°Drake, just leave,¡± With that, Thalia attempted to close the door again. Asher reached out and pushed Drake away, preventing him from jamming his hand in the door again. The door closed. The corridor fell silent once more. Outside the door. Drake closed his eyes in agony. Tears fell silently. This night was a terrible nightmare for him. From this moment on, this night would be the demon haunting his dreams, never allowing him peace. Drake stood alone in the same spot for a very long time. Long enough for the lights in the room to be extinguished. Long enough for this tumultuous evening to grow so quiet that not a single sound could be heard. Drake dragged his numb body, moving like a walking corpse step by step into the lift. He pressed the button. Descended. Tonight was a bitterly cold night. Outside, snow and wind raged together. Because the room had heating, Drake had earlier worn only a thin shirt. Like a wandering ghost, he trudged silently through the snowstorm with his head bowed, without direction, without destination. It felt as though a massive hole had opened in his heart, through which the cold wind howled mercilessly. Even the biting cold outside couldn¡¯tpare to one thousandth of the chill in his heart. Drake felt that on this night, all the snow in the world was falling upon his heart. (3) Your Gold Digger 80 Early the next morning, Thalia was awakened by a telephone call. She groggily pressed answer, her voice heavy with sleepiness. ¡°Hello? Who is it?¡± ¡°Thalia, you need toe to the hospital to see Drake.¡± James¡® urgent, worried voice came through the line. ¡°Drake nearly died, do you know that?¡± The mere mention of Drake¡¯s name filled Thalia with irritation. She¡¯d already been exhausted from the previous night¡¯s activities, hadn¡¯t slept nearly enough before being rudely awakened, thinking it must be something important¨Conly for it to be about Drake. Thalia was thoroughly annoyed, her temper ring. She responded testily: ¡°If he dies, just arrange the funeral. Let me know when it¡¯s happening, and out of respect for our past rtionship, I¡¯ll send a generous condolence gift to his mother.¡± With that, Thalia promptly hung up, not caring about James¡® reaction, and switched her phone to silent. Themotion had awakened Asher. From beneath the covers, he tightened his arm around Thalia, his voice deep and maic. ¡°Stay and sleep a bit longer with me.¡± Thalia nestled closer to Asher, like an affectionate kitten seeking warmth. The two of themy snuggled in the same warm duvet, holding each other close. The world seemed to contain only the two of them. No matter how fiercely the snow and wind raged outside, it had nothing to do with them. When James ced the call, Drake was already awake. The call had been James¡® own idea, though he knew exactly what Drake was thinking. Drake was clinging to an unrealistic hope¨Che desperately wanted to know if Thalia would be concerr about him nearly dying. Would shee to see him? So he had anticipated this call eagerly. 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Fals He had instructed James to put it on speakerphone. However, when Thalia heard he had nearly died, not only did she offer not a single word of concern, but she responded with such cold¨Chearted words. Drake¡¯s hands clenched into tight fists, the veins on the backs of his hands protruding, his face paper¨Cwhite, his lipspletely drained of colour. James put away his phone, swallowing nervously. He thought Drake would explode with anger, and he barely dared to breathe. However, Drake didn¡¯t fly into a rage as he typically would. After a prolonged silence, he simply said quietly: ¡°Leave me alone. I need some time to myself.¡± Just as James exited the hospital room, he encountered Siennaing toward him. James was surprised¨CSienna had actually traveled all the way to Annecy. Sienna¡¯s face was full of concern. ¡°How is Drake?¡± James sighed, shaking his head helplessly. ¡°Not good at all.¡± ¡°What happened? How did a simple vacationnd him in hospital?¡± James exined: ¡°Last night was freezing with snow falling, about five or six degrees below zero. He was wandering around in just a thin shirt, eventually copsed in the snow. Some passerby brought him to the hospital.¡± Sienna frowned. ¡°Why would he do something like that?¡± James hesitated, seemingly caught between speaking and remaining silent. Although Drake hadn¡¯t said anything, James could guess the reason¨Cit could only be because of Thalia. The ce where Drake had copsedst night was near their amodation in Annecy, where Thalia and her boyfriend were also staying. How could he exin this? It was such a headache. When Sienna had first returned from abroad, Drake and Thalia were still together. 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hete¡¯s Drake had spent all his time hanging around with Sienna, with no regard for Thalia¡¯s feelings. Now the tables had turned, and karma was catching up to him. They say men are natural actors, and James found this particrly apt. Drake¡¯s current state wasn¡¯t necessarily because he loved Thalia so deeply¨Cit might simply be an act to gain Thalia¡¯s sympathy and make her soften toward him. As for Sienna, James genuinely despised her. Back then, Sienna had clearly known Drake and Thalia were together, yet she had shamelessly thrown herself at him. Anyone willing to be the third person in a rtionship couldn¡¯t be a decent sort. With this thought, James suddenly found it wasn¡¯t so difficult to speak after all. In a neutral tone, James said: ¡°It¡¯s probably because of Thalia. You know, Thalia has a fianc¨¦ now, and they¡¯re quite in love. Drake saw Thalia and her boyfriend at the old townst night, got emotional, and went mental. He wandered around ale at night for ages until he copsed.¡± ¡°Ah,¡± James sighed deeply, wearing an expression of profound regret. ¡°You¡¯ve no idea¨Che nearly died. If that passerby hadn¡¯t found him in time and brought him to hospital, we probably would never have seen him again.¡± Having said this, James surreptitiously observed Sienna¡¯s expression. The color drained from Sienna¡¯s face instantly. She murmured: ¡°For Thalia?¡± James sighed. ¡°Yes, indeed. Just look at him, isn¡¯t he pathetic? Ah, only learning to cherish something after losing it¡­¡± Sienna was trembling with anger, her voice rising sharply. ¡°You¡¯re saying he nearly threw his life away for Thalia?¡± A passing nurse reprimanded her disapprovingly: ¡°Madam, this is a hospital. Please keep your voice down.¡± Sienna¡¯splexion shifted from white to red with anger. She forcefully pushed open the hospital room door. ¡°Drake! What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± James smirked, his gossipy eyes peering curiously into the room. 1315 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡°BANG!¡± The door mmed shut. The next moment, heated arguing could be heard from inside. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about Thalia? Drake, how could you do this to me?¡± Drakeughed coldly: ¡°Do I owe you anything?¡± Sienna asked furiously: ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°The things I did with you before¨CI betrayed Thal¨ªa. Now I¡¯ve sorted myself out, and I can¡¯t continue like this. Sienna, don¡¯te looking for me again. I don¡¯t want to upset Thalia.¡± ¡°Ha ha ha ha ha! Drake, are you still living in a dream?¡± Siennaughed wildly, sounding unhinged. ¡°Worried about upsetting Thalia? Does she care about you even a little bit? You¡¯re ready to die for her, but has she shown an ounce of concern? Has she evene to see you once?¡± These words were like a sharp de, stabbing mercilessly into Drake¡¯s heart. ¡°Get out! Get the hell out!¡± Drake roared, humiliated and enraged, shouting like a madman. The sound of things being thrown and smashed echoed from the room. Watching Drake lose control, Sienna said mockingly with tears in her eyes: ¡°Drake, you¡¯re truly pathetic.¡± With that, she turned and left. As Sienna opened the door, she unexpectedly came face to face with James, who was still outside. James awkwardly rubbed his nose. ¡°Er, I left something inside, came back to get it.¡± Sienna ignored James and hurried away with her head down. The hospital room door remained open, and James peered inside. Well, well. What a mess¨Csomeone had quite the temper. ? (4) 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True (0) Your Gold Digger 81 On their third day in Annecy, Asher received a call from his associate, Lucas, informing him that Vanessa had been found. Thalia was also feeling rather worn out from their sightseeing and wanted to return home to rest for a couple of days, so they packed their luggage and headed back to London. After Vanessa had feigned pregnancy and been released from detention, she had been abducted by Grace¡¯s people and smuggled to the Middle East. Grace¡¯s promises to send her abroad and arrange amodation and employment had never materialized. Instead, Vanessa had been sold to a fraud operation in the Middle East, where she endured terrible abuse and lived in conditions worse than animals. Asher¡¯s people had located her, and since the operation¡¯s leader was also British and aware of the ckwood family¡¯s power and influence, he dared not offend them and had no choice but to hand her over. In a dimly lit basement. Vanessa was tied to a wooden chair. Her hair was disheveled, her body covered in wounds, her appearance utterly wretched. These injuries weren¡¯t inflicted by the ckwood people, but rather by the overseers at the fraud operation where she had been kept. Asher entered through the basement door. Dressed entirely in ck, his demeanor was cold and severe, his handsome face shrouded in darkness. He sat down on a sofa three or four meters away from Vanessa, his gaze fierce. ¡°Tell me, who put you up to this?¡± Upon seeing Asher, Vanessa immediately broke down. ¡°Asher, don¡¯t¨Cdon¡¯t look at me!¡± The woman¡¯s voice was hoarse with crying, her eyes shing with despair. ¡°I look absolutely dreadful right now.¡± Asher frowned with displeasure. To him, Vanessa was merely an unforgivable criminal; he couldn¡¯t care less about her appearance. Hearing nothing useful, Asher lost patience, his tone bing harsh. ¡°Did I stutter?¡± Vanessa shook her head through her tears. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you. I¡­ I had no choice. For the sake of all those years I loved you, couldn¡¯t you just let me go?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes were ice¨Ccold, without a trace of warmth. ¡°Tell me, and I¡¯ll let you go.¡± Vanessa begged him tearfully, ¡°Please, Asher, I truly can¡¯t say. Please spare me. I didn¡¯t mean to ruin your engagement ceremony¡­¡± At this point, her tone changed, her face full of concern. ¡°Has your wound healed? I¡¯m sorry, I never meant to hurt you¡­ I¡­¡± She hadn¡¯t intended to harm Thalia either. All of this was Grace forcing her hand! But she couldn¡¯t say that. Her father was still in Grace¡¯s clutches. She had been thrown into that operation and tortured for over a month. She hated Grace more than anyone, wanted her dead more than anyone! But she couldn¡¯t say so. Her father was her only remaining family in this world. Seeing that the man showed not the slightest softening toward her, Vanessa¡¯s heart sank to despair. ¡°Asher, just kill me. I cannot tell you¡­¡± ¡°Why would I kill you?¡± Asher¡¯s face remained severe. ¡°Miss Miller, since you refuse to tell me anything, don¡¯t me me for whates next.¡± Asher coldly rose to his feet. 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True tes ¡°Asher, what are you going to do to me?¡± Vanessa¡¯s pale face was still streaked with tears, her gaze deste. Asher¡¯s eyes were cial, his entire being seemingly encased in ice. He didn¡¯t answer the woman¡¯s question, turning to leave instead. ¡°Asher, don¡¯t go!¡± Vanessa cried out in misery. ¡°Won¡¯t you stay with me a bit longer?¡± The woman¡¯s voice was wretched, filled with pathetic pleading. ¡°During this past month in that ce, I suffered inhuman torment. I¡­ I¡­¡± Vanessa sobbed brokenly. ¡°I was defiled by those beasts! They weren¡¯t human, just monsters worse than animals! I was beaten several times daily. The bread they gave me was stale, the porridge was practically water with barely any oats. The food was worse than pig slop. Asher, I nearly couldn¡¯t go on living. Do you know, throughout this terrible month, you were my only hope for survival. Just thinking of you gave me the courage to live on¡­¡± Asher stood with his back to her, his posture straight, his profile sharp and cold. As he listened to Vanessa¡¯s tearful ount of her tragic experiences, his expression didn¡¯t change in the slightest. The woman continued sobbing. ¡°Every day I told myself I had to persevere. I had to live to escape that ce. Only by living could I see you again. If I died, I would never see you again¡­¡± ¡°Asher, please, I beg you, stay with me a little while. I¡¯m nearly mad with it all. Every time I close my eyes, I see those beasts viting me. The pain in my heart is a thousand times worse than any physical pain¡­¡± Vanessa cried brokenly. ¡°Won¡¯t you talk with me a bit longer? Even if you just scold me¡­ Don¡¯t go, don¡¯t leave me, don¡¯t¡­ I truly¡­ truly wanted to see you so badly¡­ You are the only light in my life!¡± To be someone¡¯s hope for living, to be the only light in someone¡¯s life¨Cmost men would be moved by such words. But Asher remained unmoved. His heart didn¡¯t stir in the slightest; he didn¡¯t even deign to look back at her. Without lingering, he turned and left. Vanessa watched Asher¡¯s cold, resolute back as he walked away, and thest glimmer of light in her eyes was extinguished. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Outside the basement, Asher turned to the bodyguard beside him and said: ¡°Find a way to get her to talk. Extract something useful.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Sympathy? Compassion? He might possess these qualities. But he would certainly never waste them on a criminal who had attempted to harm his Thalia. After all, just over a month ago, Vanessa had nearly killed his beloved. Those who harmed Thalia would pay dearly! Leaving the facility, Asher nced at his watch¨Cit was ten o¡¯clock. His Thalia would be waking up hungry by now. Thalia had been thoroughly exhausted by Asher¡¯s attentions the previous night. She had slept soundly, not waking until midday. The curtains were half¨Cdrawn, sunlight streaming through the ss, casting ayer of soft golden light on the pale blue duvet at the foot of the bed. Dust motes danced gently in the air, making the light visible. As soon as Thalia opened her eyes and her senses returned, she caught the enticing aroma of food. Wearing adorable teddy bear pajamas, her hair disheveled, she climbed out of bed and followed the delicious smell, her eyes still half¨Cclosed. In the dining room, the table was already set with a Sunday roast,plete with Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. The extractor fan hummed steadily in the kitchen. Thalia peered curiously toward the kitchen. Asher emerged wearing an apron, carrying a bowl of leek and potato soup. ¡°You¡¯re awake, I see?¡± 1715 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True He ced the soup on the dining table. It was Thalia¡¯s favoritefort food. ¡°Hungry, darling? Go wash your hands and we¡¯ll eat.¡± Asher still had the apron tied around him, looking every bit the picture of domestic bliss. Thalia¡¯s eyes were still drowsy, regarding him sleepily. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone to work yet?¡± And prepared such an borate meal, no less. Asher untied the apron. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be famished when you woke, so I picked up some bits from Waitrose to cook for you.¡± Thalia rubbed her eyes, her voice soft and sweet from just waking up, utterly beguiling. ¡°How terribly domestic of you.¡± ¡°Only for you,¡± Asher replied, his eyes filled with tenderness too deep to dissolve. (3) Your Gold Digger 82 He gently guided Thalia towards the bathroom, his hand lingering at the small of her back. ¡°Be a good girl, darling. Go freshen up first.¡± After washing up, Thalia took her seat at the dining table, catching Asher¡¯s admiring nce as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Asher had prepared a proper Sunday breakfast spread. Perfectly scrambled eggs with grilled tomatoes, crispy bacon, saut¨¦ed mushrooms, and homemade leek and potato soup¨Call Thalia¡¯s favouritefort foods. Thalia hadn¡¯t eaten breakfast, and her stomach was growling audibly. After washing her face, she felt fully awake, the memory ofst night¡¯s intimacy making her cheeks warm briefly. She picked up her cutlery and tucked in enthusiastically. Asher sat across from her, the corner of his eyes crinkling with amusement, his gaze lingering on her lips as she ate, filled with undisguised adoration. ¡°Is it to your liking?¡± he asked softly, his deep voice still slightly husky from sleep. ¡°Mmm!¡± Thalia nodded, taking another bite. ¡°Nobody cooks quite like you, Asher. It¡¯s absolutely perfect.¡± ¡°You should eat too,¡± Thalia said, her eyes curved into crescents. ¡°Can¡¯t have you wasting away, can we?¡± ¡°Lia,¡± Asher¡¯s voice carried a hint of mischief, his eyes darkening slightly. ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± The young woman looked up at him, fork halfway to her mouth. Asher smiled, his heated gaze holding hers captive. ¡°I¡¯ve already been thoroughly satisfied by youst night. Now it¡¯s my turn to nourish you.¡± ¡°Pfft-¡± Thalia choked on her soup and began coughing, her cheeks flooding with colour. ¡°You¡­¡± Her face turned crimson, and she gently bit her lip, utterly mortified yet secretly pleased by his forwardness. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just said that!¡± 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Asher smiled with tender affection, reaching across to brush a strand of hair from her face. ¡°All right, love. I¡¯ll behave. For now.¡± At Grace¡¯s private residence. ¡°Miss Bet, Vanessa has been taken by Mr. ckwood¡¯s men,¡± a man in a ck security uniform reported respectfully to Grace, his head bowed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t those useless idiots climinate her?¡± Grace¡¯s eyes shed with vicious intent as she snarled. ¡°Bloody fools!¡± ¡°Yes, miss,¡± the bodyguard responded mechanically, like an emotionless robot. Grace suddenly turned to re at the bodyguard. ¡°You¡¯re utterly useless as well! Complete imbecile!¡± ¡°Yes, miss.¡± Grace: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Get out!¡± She grabbed a teacup from beside her and hurled it at the man. ¡°Yes, miss.¡± The bodyguard acknowledged before leaving. After the bodyguard departed, Grace fixed her cold gaze on the broken teacup fragments on the floor and took out her mobile to send a text. [Vanessa has been found by Asher. What should we do next?] The reply came quickly: [I¡¯ll send someone to silence her.] [What do you need me to do?] [Nothing. Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t trace it back to you.] After the meal, Thalia blushed as she tried to usher Asher out, though part of her was reluctant to him go. She pushed at his chest, feeling the solid warmth beneath her palms. ¡°All right then, Asher, you really should go now. I¡¯ve arranged to go shopping with Victoria and Charlotte this afternoon, so I haven¡¯t time Actually A True for your distractions.¡± The man gave her a deliberately forlorn look, standing firmly in ce, his hands settling on her waist. ¡°Tired of me already, darling? After all we sharedst night?¡± Standing nearly six¨Cfoot¨Cthree, he was immovable against her pushing, and they both knew she wasn¡¯t trying particrly hard. The girl pouted, unconsciously adopting a coquettish manner that she knew drove him wild. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, it¡¯s not that at all. How could I ever tire of you? I arranged this with them yesterday. It¡¯s a girls¡® outing¨Cit wouldn¡¯t be proper for you to tag along, would it?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow slightly, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. ¡°Why not? I could carry your shopping bags.¡± His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, ¡°You girls certainly n to buy loads of things, don¡¯t you? Your delicate frame could hardly manage it all.¡± Thalia shivered slightly at his warm breath on her ear, but managed to stamp her foot lightly. ¡°Oh, just go, will you? I need to do my makeup, and I haven¡¯t time for your¡­ temptations now.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes darkened with desire. ¡°I could help you with your makeup.¡± Thaliaughed softly, her hands unconsciously smoothing over his chest. ¡°As if you¡¯d have the faintest idea how. Though I suspect your idea of ¡®helping¡® involves considerably less makeup and considerably more distraction.¡± ¡°Come now, I¡¯ll see you this evening, all right?¡± Thalia softened her voice, looking up at him through hershes. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll make it worth your while.¡± ¡°Is that a promise?¡± His voice dropped an octave, making her stomach flutter. Thalia nodded, biting her lower lip in a way she knew he found irresistible. ¡°Absolutely. Have I ever let you down?¡± Asher relented, but not before stealing a lingering kiss that left her breathless. ¡°Very well, then. Call me when you¡¯ve finished shopping, and I¡¯lle collect you.¡± ¡°I will,¡± she murmured, her lips still tingling from his kiss. Inside Charlotte¡¯s private residence. Waves ofughter filled the room. Chayes 82 Half an hour earlier, the three fried somehow started discussing the night Thalia had guten fruk and behaved rather scandalousy, and the conversation had spiraled from there ¡°Oh my God, Tha Victoria was practically hooting withughter. ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed here all friends here. Tell m, dom Ather really have performance is Victoria was clutching her stomach,ughing so hard tears formed in her eye. ¡°Charlotte, you should have heard it Schattian told me that Thalia got abocheby stered and announced to everyone at the bar that Ather had bedroom problems. I nearly diedughing, Thalia, you absolute lent Victoria took out her phone, her eyes gleaming with mischied ¡°Sebastian even sent me a video dip Lock at this.¡± She opened the video and held it up for Charlotte to see. Last night Ather went to the bar to collect Thalia, and she was all over him, wouldn¡¯t let go. She even demanded kisses in publicer Victoria wore a teasing expression. ¡°Who would have thought our proper barrister friend was such a minx when drunk? We¡¯ve been friends for years, and I¡¯ve never seen this delightful side of your In the video, Thalia looked thoroughly intoxicated, dinging to Asher, her voice unnaturally witry. making her current self want to crawl under the nearest rock ¡°Darling I want a kiss¡­.* ¡°Kiss me, won¡¯t you¡­¡± Thalia was now so embarrassed she could feel her toes curling inside her shoes. ¡°Aaaaahhh!!!¡± Thalia¡¯s face turned an rming shade of crimson. She let out a mortified wail. ¡°This is absolutely humiliating! Complete and utter mortification! Delete that video immediately!!!¡± She lunged for the phone. Victoria was too quick, dodging her with augh. ¡°Not a chance! Why would I delete such a treasure? It¡¯s utterly adorable, isn¡¯t it, Charlotte?¡± Charlotte sat on the sofa, her eyes curved with amusement, the picture of a demure, well¨Cmannereddy. ¡°Indeed it is, Thalia. I don¡¯t consider it embarrassing at all. It¡¯s rather sweet, actually. I¡¯ve never seen you being so¡­ affectionate before.¡± ¡°You¡¯re both absolutely horrid.¡± Thalia was dying of embarrassment. She stamped her foot lightly. ¡°Delete it immediately!¡± 13:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Victoria held her phone away, dancing out of Thalia¡¯s reach, her expression suggesting the¡¯d discovered buried treasure. ¡°My word, just look at Asher¡¯s face! He¡¯s absolutely besotted, isn¡¯t he? The desire in his eyes is unmistakable, good lord!¡± ¡°Who would have thought a man as typically stoic as Asher could be so thoroughly undone by a few words from you. Thalia, you¡¯re quite the temptress!¡± Victoria grinned wickedly. ¡°So tell me, does Asher really have¡­ performance problems?¡± Thalia¡¯s blush spread to the tips of her ears, and she instinctively defended her man: ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! Absolutely not!¡± ¡°Oh-¡± Victoria dragged out the syble, smiling knowingly at Thalia. ¡°So he¡¯s rather skilled, then? Thalia, darling, be honest with your dearest friends¨Chave you two actually¡­ you know?¡± Charlotte looked intrigued, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Thalia, have you¡­?¡± Thalia¡¯s face grew even redder. ¡°Victoria, you¡¯re absolutely impossible! Why must you pry into such things?¡± Victoria grinned, exchanging a meaningful nce with Charlotte. Charlotte returned the look The two shared a knowing smile that made Thalia squirm. Victoria set down her phone and moved closer to Thalia, tilting her head with exaggerated interest. ¡°So you really did it? Oh, you simply must tell us about it. How was your first experience? All the delicious details, please!¡± Charlotte remained silent, but her expression revealed she was equally curious, her eyes bright with anticipation. Thalia was nearly in tears with embarrassment. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to tell, honestly¡­¡± ¡°Is that an admission? Bloody hell!¡± Victoria dramatically pped her thigh, her expression exaggerated, mouth wide open in mock shock. ¡°That was remarkably fast progress!¡± Charlotte smiled amiably. ¡°It¡¯s not really that surprising, is it? They¡¯ve known each other forever, and Thalia¡¯s been back for quite some time now.¡± Before Thalia could respond, Victoria quickly asked: ¡°Was it that night when you were pissed? A passionate case of spirits leading to other¡­ spirits?¡± 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Then she immediately pped herself lightly on the cheek. ¡°Listen to me, how dreadfully crude! It wasn¡¯t just drunken tomfoolery¨Cit was more like ¡®liquid courage¡® or ¡®wine revealing what the heart truly desires¡®!¡± Thalia, her face still crimson, replied softly: ¡°No¡­ it happened during our trip to Annecy a few days ago¡­¡± ¡°Wow!¡± Victoria¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight. ¡°So you werepletely sober when it happened? Fully conscious decision, was it?¡± The word ¡°happened¡± seemed particrly loaded. Thalia hesitated awkwardly before nodding, unable to meet their eager gazes. ¡°Well done, darling!¡± Victoria¡¯s smile was positively wicked. ¡°Tell us everything. What was it like? Was he gentle? Passionate? Both?¡± Thalia hemmed and hawed, unable to form a coherent response, mortified yet secretly pleased to have such experiences to discuss. Just then, her phone rang. Thalia felt immensely relieved at the interruption. She sighed with relief and took out her phone. ¡°I need to take this call.¡± (3) Your Gold Digger 83 Thalia nced down at her caller ID. It was Lucy Jenkins from herw firm. She answered the call. ¡°Ms. Winters, could you possiblye over? There¡¯s something I need your help with.¡± Thaliaposed herself quickly. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Lucy kept it brief, exining the situation sinctly. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll be right over.¡± Ending the call, Thalia grabbed her handbag and prepared to leave. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go¨Csomething¡¯se up. Let¡¯s catch up another time.¡± Victoria pouted dramatically. ¡°Is it really urgent? You¡¯re not setting an rm as an excuse to escape our interrogation, are you?¡± Thalia sighed, showing Victoria her call history. ¡°I¡¯m not making it up, I promise. It¡¯s genuinely important.¡± Victoria crossed her arms. ¡°Fine, then. But next time I¡¯ll subject you to a proper grilling¨Cyou¡¯ll have to tell us absolutely everything!¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± With that single word, Thalia hurried out. Victoria shuffled closer to Charlotte on the sofa. ¡°Charlotte, what do you think¡­ it feels like? You know¡­ that.¡± Charlotte¡¯s face turned crimson, stuttering: ¡°I¡­ I wouldn¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯ve never had a boyfriend¡­¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Victoria patted Charlotte¡¯s shoulder with mock solemnity. ¡°You¡¯re the good girl. You¡¯re not allowed to date. None of those ruffians deserve you anyway.¡± Her words reminded her of her own regrettable first rtionship. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Victoria had dated once, during her first year at university. Her boyfriend had been an attractive upperssman with many admirers. Victoria was beautiful and from a wealthy family, so she had plenty of suitors herself, but she had fallen for that particr senior. He had been the one to pursue her. In the early days of their rtionship, she had been inseparable from him, constantly unting their happiness to Charlotte and Thalia. As the saying goes, ¡°Show off your love, and it¡¯ll quickly die¡°-and how true that proved to be. Victoria had learned this the hard way. Less than two months into their rtionship, the senior¡¯s long¨Cdistance girlfriend had confronted her, and Victoria discovered she had unwittingly be ¡°the other woman.¡± She had joined forces with the girlfriend to expose the cheater, making his two¨Ctiming known across campus and turning him into a social pariah. Sebastian had even stormed into the university and given the scoundrel a thorough beating. In the end, Sebastian had used his family¡¯s influence to force the man to drop out. Since then, Victoria had been wary of rtionships and hadn¡¯t dated anyone in all these years. The most intimate thing she had done with the cheater was kissing¨Cshe hadn¡¯t even contemted sleeping with him. ¡°Bloody hell¡­¡± Victoria let out a heavy breath, ¡°I feel like I might never get to experience it¡­¡± When Thalia arrived in her car, Lucy wasforting a distraught young woman. ¡°Ms. Winters, thank goodness you¡¯re here!¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes brightened at the sight of Thalia. ¡°Please help Teresa. She¡¯s in a dreadful situation.¡± Thalia asked: ¡°Lucy, could you exin what¡¯s happened in detail?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like this¨Cthis young woman is Teresa Bormen, my neighbor. Teresa is an orphan and dependent on 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s her brother. Her brother left school early to work and support her education, but¡­¡± Lucy¡¯s expression became pained, her eyes growing misty. ¡°Teresa was recently diagnosed with leukemia. She had to leave school and was hospitalized for treatment. Her brother, Mark, took on extra shifts at the factory to cover her medical expenses, working over twelve hours a day¡­¡± At this point, Teresa, whom Lucy had just managed to calm, began crying again. ¡°My brother was exhausted. His concentrationpsed at work, and his hand got caught in the machinery. He¡¯s lost his entire right hand¡­¡± Teresa broke down, unable to continue. ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Lucy gently rubbed Teresa¡¯s back tofort her. ¡°Ms. Winters, Mark is currently hospitalized. This is clearly a workce injury, but the factory hasn¡¯t provided properpensation. The owner merely gave him two months¡® sry and dismissed him. Mark has been sacked, and the factory hasn¡¯t paid any of the requiredpensations¨Cthe disability allowance, medical subsidy, or employment assistance payment.¡± Teresa wept heartbrokenly. ¡°I know I don¡¯t have much time left, but my brother still has his whole life ahead of him. All his savings have gone toward my treatment. Now that the factory won¡¯t pay, he can barely afford his hospital bills. Ms. Winters, please help us.¡± Thalia felt a heavy weight in her chest. Visibly moved, sheforted Teresa: ¡°I understand the situation. Please try to calm down. Would it be possible to take me to see your brother at the hospital now?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Teresa nodded eagerly. ¡°I¡¯ll take you there.¡± Meanwhile, at the Tribeca t. ¡°Mr. Ashcroft, what do you think of this t?¡± asked the estate agent in a ck suit with a polite smile. He had shown Drake several units in this building. From Mr. Ashcroft¡¯s expression, this one seemed to please him the most. Drake stood with his hands in his pockets, surveying the room before nodding slightly. ¡°This one is quite suitable. I¡¯ll take it.¡± The agent was delighted and produced the purchase agreement. ¡°Would you like to sign the contract now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True! ¡°Excellent!¡± The agent cheerfully handed the contract to Drake. Drake took the papers, sat down on the sofa, flipped through them briefly, and signed. Recently, Grace had given him a business card. When he contacted the person, they had indeed invested a substantial sum in the Ashcroft Group. With the capital in ce, thepany¡¯s projects could continue, and before long, Ashcroft Capital was back on track. Money was no longer a concern for him. To see Thalia regrly, Drake had decided to buy a t in her building. This development had beenpleted a few years ago. Located in a prime area, the units had sold quickly, and there were no new ts avable. Drake had purchased this resale unit, though the previous owner had rarely lived here, so there were few signs of habitation¨Cit was nearly indistinguishable from a new t. After signing the contract, Drake paid the full amount on the spot. Once the agent left, he examined the t more carefully. It was a fully furnished two¨Cbedroom apartment with arge balcony. Though he didn¡¯t particrly like the d¨¦cor, he decided against renovating to move in as quickly as possible. Drake sat contentedly on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, a cryptic smile ying at his lips. Thalia, we¡¯ll be neighbors now. Teresa sat in Thalia¡¯s Bentley, clearly ufortable, not knowing where to put her hands or feet. The young woman tugged gently at Lucy¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Lucy?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Teresa leaned toward Lucy¡¯s ear and whispered: ¡°Is Ms. Winters¡® car very expensive?¡± She looked down at her feet, her face flushed with embarrassment. It had rained that day, and the streets were muddy. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Teresa¡¯s once¨Cwhite canvas shoes, now yellowed from washing, were stained with mud, the toes ckened. Lucy followed her gaze. The young woman was rubbing her left foot against her right, revealing her difort. Thalia nced over. ¡°Let me help you with that.¡± Mark smiled awkwardly. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Winters. I appreciate it.¡± Thalia took Mark¡¯s phone and suddenly froze as she looked at the screen. The app disyed nothing but meals costing less than 2 pounds. Thalia examined the interface more closely. Budget Meals section. She¡¯d never paid attention to such inexpensive food options before. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. How could meals be this cheap? They must barely cover the cost of ingredients. One could only imagine what sort of materials were used in such budget food. Seeing Thalia¡¯s furrowed brow and hesitation, Mark looked at her questioningly. ¡°Is something wrong, Ms. Winters? Any option under ten pounds would be fine.¡± Thalia handed the phone back to him. ¡°I¡¯ve just remembered seeing a Burger King downstairs in the hospital lobby. Their meals are reasonably priced as well. Why don¡¯t I go down and get something for you? It would be quicker than delivery, so you could eat sooner.¡± ¡°Oh? Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. It¡¯s just downstairs. I won¡¯t be long.¡± Thalia left the hospital and walked to a nearby Granger & Co. in Notting Hill. She took out her phone and messaged Lucy. [Has Teresa had lunch yet?] Lucy replied quickly. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hote [I don¡¯t think so. She came to find me around nine this morning, and we haven¡¯t had time to eat yet.] [I see.] She ordered meals for three people¨CFresh Avocado Toast and Ricotta Hotcakes with banana and honey, all light and suitable for patients. Suddenly remembering something, she also called to arrange for two private caregivers. When she returned to the hospital with the beautifully packaged meals, the two caregivers she¡¯d hired had already arrived. One male, one female. Thalia handed a meal to the man. ¡°This is for the patient in Ward 503, Bed 4 on the fifth floor. His name is Mark Bormen, and he¡¯ll be under your care.¡± The male caregiver nodded as he epted the food. ¡°Understood.¡± Thalia then gave the other two meals to the female caregiver. ¡°These are for the patient in Ward 602, Bed 3 on the sixth floor.¡± After this, Thalia went to the hospital¡¯s payment office and paid the outstanding hospital and treatment fees for the Bormen siblings. As she left the hospital, Thalia received a PayPal notification from Mark. [Ms. Winters, you¡¯re a truly good person. Thank you for helping us.] [The nurse just informed me that someone has paid all the outstanding fees for my sister and me. It was you, wasn¡¯t it? Thank you so much. Once I receivepensation from the factory, I¡¯ll repay you.] Thalia felt a heaviness in her heart and simply replied with a brief ¡°Yes.¡± She declined the money he attempted to send her. A biting wind blew through Thalia¡¯s hair. She stood by the flower bed at the hospital entrance, unable to calm her emotions. Lucy stood behind her, wiping away tears, her voice choked: ¡°Ms. Winters, the hospital has just issue.. another critical condition notice for Teresa. The attending physician says they haven¡¯t found apatible bone marrow donor yet. If they don¡¯t find one soon, Teresa¡­ she doesn¡¯t have much time left¡­ Why is eric Actually A True Bran her life so difficult? She¡¯s such a kind, lovely girl. She¡¯s only eleven years old. Why is fate so bloody cruel?¡± Lucy¡¯s tears flowed uncontrobly as she broke down. Thalia¡¯s eyes also filled with tears. Standing in the cold wind, the tip of her nose reddened from the chill, her heart constricted painfully. Teresa was only eleven, with precious little time left. Mark had left school early to work and earn money for his sister. Now he was disabled and had lost his ability to work, and he was barely neen. After a long silence, Thalia took out her phone and made a call. ¡°Please connect me with a specialist in leukemia treatment at University College London Hospital. Also,e to themunity hospital on Harley Street to arrange transfer procedures for a brother and sister.¡± (3) (0) Thalia nced down at her caller ID. It was Lucy Jenkins from herw firm. She answered the call. ¡°Ms. Winters, could you possiblye over? There¡¯s something I need your help with.¡± Thaliaposed herself quickly. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Lucy kept it brief, exining the situation sinctly. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll be right over.¡± Ending the call, Thalia grabbed her handbag and prepared to leave. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go¨Csomething¡¯se up. Let¡¯s catch up another time.¡± Victoria pouted dramatically. ¡°Is it really urgent? You¡¯re not setting an rm as an excuse to escape our interrogation, are you?¡± Thalia sighed, showing Victoria her call history. ¡°I¡¯m not making it up, I promise. It¡¯s genuinely important.¡± Victoria crossed her arms. ¡°Fine, then. But next time I¡¯ll subject you to a proper grilling¨Cyou¡¯ll have to tell us absolutely everything!¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± With that single word, Thalia hurried out. Victoria shuffled closer to Charlotte on the sofa. ¡°Charlotte, what do you think¡­ it feels like? You know¡­ that.¡± Charlotte¡¯s face turned crimson, stuttering: ¡°I¡­ I wouldn¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯ve never had a boyfriend¡­¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Victoria patted Charlotte¡¯s shoulder with mock solemnity. ¡°You¡¯re the good girl. You¡¯re not allowed to date. None of those ruffians deserve you anyway.¡± Her words reminded her of her own regrettable first rtionship. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Victoria had dated once, during her first year at university. Her boyfriend had been an attractive upperssman with many admirers. Victoria was beautiful and from a wealthy family, so she had plenty of suitors herself, but she had fallen for that particr senior. He had been the one to pursue her. In the early days of their rtionship, she had been inseparable from him, constantly unting their happiness to Charlotte and Thalia. As the saying goes, ¡°Show off your love, and it¡¯ll quickly die¡°-and how true that proved to be. Victoria had learned this the hard way. Less than two months into their rtionship, the senior¡¯s long¨Cdistance girlfriend had confronted her, and Victoria discovered she had unwittingly be ¡°the other woman.¡± She had joined forces with the girlfriend to expose the cheater, making his two¨Ctiming known across campus and turning him into a social pariah. Sebastian had even stormed into the university and given the scoundrel a thorough beating. In the end, Sebastian had used his family¡¯s influence to force the man to drop out. Since then, Victoria had been wary of rtionships and hadn¡¯t dated anyone in all these years. The most intimate thing she had done with the cheater was kissing¨Cshe hadn¡¯t even contemted sleeping with him. ¡°Bloody hell¡­¡± Victoria let out a heavy breath, ¡°I feel like I might never get to experience it¡­¡± When Thalia arrived in her car, Lucy wasforting a distraught young woman. ¡°Ms. Winters, thank goodness you¡¯re here!¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes brightened at the sight of Thalia. ¡°Please help Teresa. She¡¯s in a dreadful situation.¡± Thalia asked: ¡°Lucy, could you exin what¡¯s happened in detail?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like this¨Cthis young woman is Teresa Bormen, my neighbor. Teresa is an orphan and dependent on 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s her brother. Her brother left school early to work and support her education, but¡­¡± Lucy¡¯s expression became pained, her eyes growing misty. ¡°Teresa was recently diagnosed with leukemia. She had to leave school and was hospitalized for treatment. Her brother, Mark, took on extra shifts at the factory to cover her medical expenses, working over twelve hours a day¡­¡± At this point, Teresa, whom Lucy had just managed to calm, began crying again. ¡°My brother was exhausted. His concentrationpsed at work, and his hand got caught in the machinery. He¡¯s lost his entire right hand¡­¡± Teresa broke down, unable to continue. ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Lucy gently rubbed Teresa¡¯s back tofort her. ¡°Ms. Winters, Mark is currently hospitalized. This is clearly a workce injury, but the factory hasn¡¯t provided properpensation. The owner merely gave him two months¡® sry and dismissed him. Mark has been sacked, and the factory hasn¡¯t paid any of the requiredpensations¨Cthe disability allowance, medical subsidy, or employment assistance payment.¡± Teresa wept heartbrokenly. ¡°I know I don¡¯t have much time left, but my brother still has his whole life ahead of him. All his savings have gone toward my treatment. Now that the factory won¡¯t pay, he can barely afford his hospital bills. Ms. Winters, please help us.¡± Thalia felt a heavy weight in her chest. Visibly moved, sheforted Teresa: ¡°I understand the situation. Please try to calm down. Would it be possible to take me to see your brother at the hospital now?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Teresa nodded eagerly. ¡°I¡¯ll take you there.¡± Meanwhile, at the Tribeca t. ¡°Mr. Ashcroft, what do you think of this t?¡± asked the estate agent in a ck suit with a polite smile. He had shown Drake several units in this building. From Mr. Ashcroft¡¯s expression, this one seemed to please him the most. Drake stood with his hands in his pockets, surveying the room before nodding slightly. ¡°This one is quite suitable. I¡¯ll take it.¡± The agent was delighted and produced the purchase agreement. ¡°Would you like to sign the contract now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True! ¡°Excellent!¡± The agent cheerfully handed the contract to Drake. Drake took the papers, sat down on the sofa, flipped through them briefly, and signed. Recently, Grace had given him a business card. When he contacted the person, they had indeed invested a substantial sum in the Ashcroft Group. With the capital in ce, thepany¡¯s projects could continue, and before long, Ashcroft Capital was back on track. Money was no longer a concern for him. To see Thalia regrly, Drake had decided to buy a t in her building. This development had beenpleted a few years ago. Located in a prime area, the units had sold quickly, and there were no new ts avable. Drake had purchased this resale unit, though the previous owner had rarely lived here, so there were few signs of habitation¨Cit was nearly indistinguishable from a new t. After signing the contract, Drake paid the full amount on the spot. Once the agent left, he examined the t more carefully. It was a fully furnished two¨Cbedroom apartment with arge balcony. Though he didn¡¯t particrly like the d¨¦cor, he decided against renovating to move in as quickly as possible. Drake sat contentedly on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, a cryptic smile ying at his lips. Thalia, we¡¯ll be neighbors now. Teresa sat in Thalia¡¯s Bentley, clearly ufortable, not knowing where to put her hands or feet. The young woman tugged gently at Lucy¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Lucy?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Teresa leaned toward Lucy¡¯s ear and whispered: ¡°Is Ms. Winters¡® car very expensive?¡± She looked down at her feet, her face flushed with embarrassment. It had rained that day, and the streets were muddy. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Teresa¡¯s once¨Cwhite canvas shoes, now yellowed from washing, were stained with mud, the toes ckened. Lucy followed her gaze. The young woman was rubbing her left foot against her right, revealing her difort. Thalia nced over. ¡°Let me help you with that.¡± Mark smiled awkwardly. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Winters. I appreciate it.¡± Thalia took Mark¡¯s phone and suddenly froze as she looked at the screen. The app disyed nothing but meals costing less than 2 pounds. Thalia examined the interface more closely. Budget Meals section. She¡¯d never paid attention to such inexpensive food options before. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. How could meals be this cheap? They must barely cover the cost of ingredients. One could only imagine what sort of materials were used in such budget food. Seeing Thalia¡¯s furrowed brow and hesitation, Mark looked at her questioningly. ¡°Is something wrong, Ms. Winters? Any option under ten pounds would be fine.¡± Thalia handed the phone back to him. ¡°I¡¯ve just remembered seeing a Burger King downstairs in the hospital lobby. Their meals are reasonably priced as well. Why don¡¯t I go down and get something for you? It would be quicker than delivery, so you could eat sooner.¡± ¡°Oh? Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. It¡¯s just downstairs. I won¡¯t be long.¡± Thalia left the hospital and walked to a nearby Granger & Co. in Notting Hill. She took out her phone and messaged Lucy. [Has Teresa had lunch yet?] Lucy replied quickly. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hote [I don¡¯t think so. She came to find me around nine this morning, and we haven¡¯t had time to eat yet.] [I see.] She ordered meals for three people¨CFresh Avocado Toast and Ricotta Hotcakes with banana and honey, all light and suitable for patients. Suddenly remembering something, she also called to arrange for two private caregivers. When she returned to the hospital with the beautifully packaged meals, the two caregivers she¡¯d hired had already arrived. One male, one female. Thalia handed a meal to the man. ¡°This is for the patient in Ward 503, Bed 4 on the fifth floor. His name is Mark Bormen, and he¡¯ll be under your care.¡± The male caregiver nodded as he epted the food. ¡°Understood.¡± Thalia then gave the other two meals to the female caregiver. ¡°These are for the patient in Ward 602, Bed 3 on the sixth floor.¡± After this, Thalia went to the hospital¡¯s payment office and paid the outstanding hospital and treatment fees for the Bormen siblings. As she left the hospital, Thalia received a PayPal notification from Mark. [Ms. Winters, you¡¯re a truly good person. Thank you for helping us.] [The nurse just informed me that someone has paid all the outstanding fees for my sister and me. It was you, wasn¡¯t it? Thank you so much. Once I receivepensation from the factory, I¡¯ll repay you.] Thalia felt a heaviness in her heart and simply replied with a brief ¡°Yes.¡± She declined the money he attempted to send her. A biting wind blew through Thalia¡¯s hair. She stood by the flower bed at the hospital entrance, unable to calm her emotions. Lucy stood behind her, wiping away tears, her voice choked: ¡°Ms. Winters, the hospital has just issue.. another critical condition notice for Teresa. The attending physician says they haven¡¯t found apatible bone marrow donor yet. If they don¡¯t find one soon, Teresa¡­ she doesn¡¯t have much time left¡­ Why is eric Actually A True Bran her life so difficult? She¡¯s such a kind, lovely girl. She¡¯s only eleven years old. Why is fate so bloody cruel?¡± Lucy¡¯s tears flowed uncontrobly as she broke down. Thalia¡¯s eyes also filled with tears. Standing in the cold wind, the tip of her nose reddened from the chill, her heart constricted painfully. Teresa was only eleven, with precious little time left. Mark had left school early to work and earn money for his sister. Now he was disabled and had lost his ability to work, and he was barely neen. After a long silence, Thalia took out her phone and made a call. ¡°Please connect me with a specialist in leukemia treatment at University College London Hospital. Also,e to themunity hospital on Harley Street to arrange transfer procedures for a brother and sister.¡± (3) (0) Your Gold Digger 84 Lucy¡¯s heart ached with sympathy. ¡°It¡¯s all right, Teresa. Ms. Winters is lovely¨Cshe won¡¯t mind any of that. Try to rx a bit.¡± Lucy reached out, intending to stroke the young girl¡¯s head. Due to chemotherapy, Teresa had lost all her hair and wore a fluffy pink beanie whenever she went out. Lucy knew this pink hat had been bought for her by Mark, and Teresa treasured it dearly. Lucy felt aplex mixture of emotions, her eyes stinging slightly. Her outstretched hand hovered in midair before finally descending to gently touch the girl¡¯s hat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Teresa. Ms. Winters will definitely help with your brother¡¯s case!¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± the young girl replied, her nervousness fading as she offered a bright smile. ¡°Thank you so much, Lucy and Ms. Winters.¡± Listening to the conversation from the front seat, Thalia sighed deeply to herself. Such a tragic situation. Why did misfortune always seem to target those already suffering? Thalia had strong empathy and sensitivity. Encountering situations like this affected her deeply, and she found her eyes growing moist. Sheposed herself, adjusting her emotions before turning to speak to the backseat passengers: ¡°Lucy, could you help Teresa with her seatbelt, please?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Mark was in the same hospital as Teresa. It was an ordinarymunity hospital, with four beds crammed into a small ward. Being early winter, the temperature outside was low, with cold winds blowing, so the ward window were tightly shut. 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Fate¡¯s As soon as Thalia entered, she was hit by the sour odor emanating from the patient in the bed nearest the door. The man clearly hadn¡¯t bathed in days, and Thalia nearly gagged. She wrinkled her nose, suppressing her difort as she followed Teresa further into the ward. Marky in the bed furthest from the door. The young man was propped up against his pillow, staring vacantly out the window at the falling autumn leaves. ¡°Brother,¡± Teresa called out brightly. Mark immediately turned to look at her. ¡°Teresa, you¡¯re here. Have you eaten?¡± Teresa nodded with a smile: ¡°Yes! I had something earlier.¡± She was lying. She¡¯d secretly slipped out of the hospital that morning to seek Lucy¡¯s help and hadn¡¯t had time to eat anything yet. To prevent her brother from worrying, she had to tell a small fib. ¡°Lucy, you¡¯re here too,¡± Mark greeted with a smile. After acknowledging Lucy, Mark¡¯s gaze shifted to Thalia¡¯s face, hesitantly asking: ¡°And you are¡­?¡± Lucy answered: ¡°This is a solicitor from our firm. You can call her Ms. Winters.¡± Thalia nodded in greeting. ¡°Hello. Lucy has exined your situation to me. Would it be possible to discuss it further? I believe I can help you impensation from your former employer.¡± Mark¡¯s expression grewplicated, and he stammered: ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m terribly sorry, Ms. Winters, but I can¡¯t afford legal fees¡­¡± The young man gave an embarrassed smile. ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m struggling to pay the medical bills as it is. I truly can¡¯t afford to hire a solicitor¡­ I apologize for wasting your time.¡± Thalia responded seriously: ¡°That¡¯s not a concern, Mr. Bormen. You can pay the legal fees after receivingpensation from the other party. I can take your case on a no¨Cwin, no¨Cfee basis.¡± Mark looked confused. ¡°What does ¡®no¨Cwin, no¨Cfee¡® mean?¡± Thalia exined: ¡°It means if we lose the case, you don¡¯t have to pay a penny. It¡¯s a conditional fee agreement.¡± Hearing this, Mark¡¯s expression changed subtly. ¡°Is that really possible?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Thalia replied earnestly. Mark nodded. ¡°Well¡­ all right then.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Thalia acknowledged with a slight nod. ¡°Now, I need to ask you some specific questions about the case.¡± Lucy spoke up: ¡°Ms. Winters, you two carry on¨CI¡¯ll take Teresa back to her ward.¡± After gathering all the necessary information, Mark took out his mobile phone. ¡°Ms. Winters, that covers the basics. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Perhaps we should exchange contacts to makemunication easier?¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± Thalia agreed, taking out her phone and opening her messaging app. ¡°I¡¯ll scan your code.¡± For solicitors, exchanging contact details with clients was perfectly normal. After adding each other, Mark opened the Deliveroo app on his phone. His entire right hand was gone, the wrist wrapped in white bandages. He struggled to navigate the phone screen with his left hand, browsing through meal options. Thalia nced over. ¡°Let me help you with that.¡± Mark smiled awkwardly. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Winters. I appreciate it.¡± Thalia took Mark¡¯s phone and suddenly froze as she looked at the screen. The app disyed nothing but meals costing less than ten pounds. Thalia examined the interface more closely. Budget Meals section. She¡¯d never paid attention to such inexpensive food options before. Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. How could meals be this cheap? They must barely cover the cost of ingredients. One could only imagine what sort of materials were used in such budget food. Seeing Thalia¡¯s furrowed brow and hesitation, Mark looked at her questioningly. ¡°Is something wrong Ms. Winters? Any option under ten pounds would be fine.¡± Thalia handed the phone back to him. ¡°I¡¯ve just remembered seeing a Burger King downstairs in the hospital lobby. Their meals are reasonably priced as well. Why don¡¯t I go down and get something for you? It would be quicker than delivery, so you could eat sooner.¡± ¡°Oh? Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. It¡¯s just downstairs. I won¡¯t be long.¡± Thalia left the hospital and walked to a nearby Granger & Co. in Notting Hill. She took out her phone and messaged Lucy. [Has Teresa had lunch yet?] Lucy replied quickly. [I don¡¯t think so. She came to find me around nine this morning, and we haven¡¯t had time to eat yet.] [I see.] She ordered meals for three people¨CFresh Avocado Toast and Ricotta Hotcakes with banana and honey, all light and suitable for patients. Suddenly remembering something, she also called to arrange for two private caregivers. When she returned to the hospital with the beautifully packaged meals, the two caregivers she¡¯d hired had already arrived. One male, one female. Thalia handed a meal to the man. ¡°This is for the patient in Ward 503, Bed 4 on the fifth floor. His name is Mark Bormen, and he¡¯ll be under your care.¡± The male caregiver nodded as he epted the food. ¡°Understood.¡± Thalia then gave the other two meals to the female caregiver. ¡°These are for the patient in Ward 602, Bed 3 on the sixth floor.¡± After this, Thalia went to the hospital¡¯s payment office and paid the outstanding hospital and treatment fees for the Bormen siblings. As she left the hospital, Thalia received a PayPal notification from Mark. [Ms. Winters, you¡¯re a truly good person. Thank you for helping us.] [The nurse just informed me that someone has paid all the outstanding fees for my sister and me. It was you, wasn¡¯t it? Thank you so much. Once I receivepensation from the factory, I¡¯ll repay you.] Thalia felt a heaviness in her heart and simply replied with a brief ¡°Yes.¡± She declined the money he attempted to send her. A biting wind blew through Thalia¡¯s hair. She stood by the flower bed at the hospital entrance, unable to calm her emotions. Lucy stood behind her, wiping away tears, her voice choked: ¡°Ms. Winters, the hospital has just issued another critical condition notice for Teresa. The attending physician says they haven¡¯t found apatible bone marrow donor yet. If they don¡¯t find one soon, Teresa¡­ she doesn¡¯t have much time left¡­ Why is her life so difficult? She¡¯s such a kind, lovely girl. She¡¯s only eleven years old. Why is fate so bloody cruel?¡± Lucy¡¯s tears flowed uncontrobly as she broke down. Thalia¡¯s eyes also filled with tears. Standing in the cold wind, the tip of her nose reddened from the chill, her heart constricted painfully. Teresa was only eleven, with precious little time left. Mark had left school early to work and earn money for his sister. Now he was disabled and had lost his ability to work, and he was barely neen. After a long silence, Thalia took out her phone and made a call. ¡°Please connect me with a specialist in leukemia treatment at University College London Hospi1 Also,e to themunity hospital on Harley Street to arrange transfer procedures for a brother and sister.¡± Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Your Gold Digger 85 Thalia went straight from the hospital to Sinir & Klein to work overtime, organizing Mark¡¯s case materials in preparation for filing a workce injury im when the Department for Work and Pensions opened on Monday. After working all afternoon, she¡¯dpletely forgotten her promise to see Asher in the evening. When Asher called, Thalia was still reviewing case documents. ¡°Lia, where are you? I¡¯ll . ¡°Weren¡¯t you shopping with Charlotte and Victoria?¡± Thalia tilted her head, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear while typing. ¡°No, I received an urgent case and had to rush back to work.¡± ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Asher asked. ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up for dinner. The work can wait until tomorrow¨Cit¡¯s getting quitete.¡± Thalia nced at the time in the corner of herputer screen. ¡°All right, I¡¯m at the firm. You cane directly here.¡± Asher replied, ¡°Good. Wait for me. I¡¯ll be there in about twenty minutes.¡± ¡°Mmm.¡± After hanging up, Thalia leaned back in her office chair, staring absently at the case materials on her screen. Mark¡¯s case wasn¡¯t particrlyplex, and the chances of winning were high. But judging by the factory¡¯s attitude, they would certainly be reluctant to paypensation. This was abor dispute, which meant the first step wasbor arbitration. After arbitration, if the factory contested the decision, they could still file awsuit. The litigation process wasplicated and lengthy. Although the final oue would most likely be favorable, Mark couldn¡¯t afford to wait. He needed the money for treatment, and Teresa needed it too. Today Thalia had covered their medical expenses, but that was far from enough. Given the siblings¡® current situation, even their basic daily needs were an issue. She rubbed her temples and called the person in charge of a charitable foundation. She donated fifty thousand pounds to the foundation, instructing them to focus on helping the Bormen siblings. Then she transferred another sum to Lucy, asking her to find a cook specifically responsible for preparing three meals a day for the siblings. Lucy excitedly called back. ¡°Twenty thousand pounds! That¡¯s twenty thousand! Ms. Winters! Not two thousand, but twenty thousand!¡± Lucy eximed. ¡°Hiring a cook doesn¡¯t require nearly that much!¡± Thalia¡¯s tone remained even. ¡°Their three daily meals and the cook¡¯s sry wille from this money. I¡¯ve already taken care of their medical expenses. You can use the rest to buy them clothes, shoes, and daily necessities. In any case, thank you for your help.¡± Lucy was nearly crying with excitement. ¡°Ms. Winters, you¡¯re truly an angel! Thank you on their behalf. You must be a saint!¡± Thalia felt a pang in her heart and sighed. ¡°This is all I can do.¡± Lucy quickly replied, ¡°It¡¯s more than enough! You¡¯ve already done so much!¡± ¡°I hope it helps them¡­¡± Meanwhile, Asher had driven barely five minutes toward thew firm when he received a call from the manager at his facility. ¡°Sir, there¡¯s an emergency! Something¡¯s happened to Vanessa!¡± 12-17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hters Asher frowned, his tone cold. ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± Thalia finished organizing the case materials and shut down herputer. By the time she went downstairs, it was already half past eight. She waited for a while before Asher called. Thalia answered. ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lia. I can¡¯t pick you up tonight. Please go home first¨CI have an urgent matter to handle.¡± Thalia asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°It¡¯s difficult to exin quickly. I¡¯ll tell you in person when Ie to see you after I¡¯ve dealt with this.¡± ¡°All right then.¡± After hanging up, Thalia went to the underground car park. She still hadn¡¯t had dinner and was feeling quite hungry. She drove to a nearby restaurant and had a quick meal before returning to her building at around ten o¡¯clock. Thalia parked her car and pressed the lift button. At her door, just as she unlocked it with her fingerprint, she heard someone call her name from behind. ¡°Thalia.¡± It was Drake. He stood in the hallway wearing a dark gray coat, his features handsome, with a faint smile on his face. Looking rather presentable, actually. Seeing Drake suddenly appear, Thalia frowned. ¡°Drake, what are you doing here?¡± Instead of answering, Drake asked, ¡°Where were you today? Why are youing home sote?¡± Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B Thalia¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°How is that any of your business?¡± Drake shrugged. ¡°Just concerned about you.¡± ¡°Not necessary.¡± Thalia didn¡¯t want to say another word to him and pushed open her door to enter. ¡°Thalia, do you know where Asher is tonight?¡± Thalia paused mid¨Cstep. Drake¡¯s voice continued from behind her: ¡°He¡¯s with Vanessa Miller right now.¡± Seeing Thalia stop, a triumphant gleam shed in Drake¡¯s eyes. He continued slowly: ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you? Well, of course not. How could he possibly tell you he was meeting Vanessa?¡± Thalia turned around, looking up at him. ¡°Drake, did youe here just to stir up trouble with these absurd insinuations? Do you honestly think I¡¯d believe you?¡± Drake curved his lips into a smile, appearing quite pleased with himself. ¡°I know you won¡¯t believe me.¡± He took out his phone and opened a recording. ¡°Listen to this before you decide.¡± ¡°Asher, I truly nearly gave up on living. Do you know that throughout this terrible month, you were my only hope for survival? Just thinking of you gave me the courage to go on¡­¡± ¡°Every day I told myself I had to persevere. I had to live to escape that ce. Only by living could I see you again. If I died, I would never see you again¡­¡± ¡°Asher, please, I beg you, stay with me a little while. I¡¯m nearly mad with it all. Every time I close my eyes, I see those monsters viting me. The pain in my heart is a thousand times worse than any physical pain¡­¡± ¡°Won¡¯t you talk with me a bit longer? Even if you just scold me¡­ Don¡¯t go, don¡¯t leave me, don¡¯t¡­ I truly¡­ truly wanted to see you so badly¡­ You are the only light in my life!¡± It was Vanessa¡¯s voice. The more Thalia listened, the tighter her chest felt. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white, her expression shifting noticeably. 13.17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Drake moved closer, bending slightly to meet her eyes. ¡°Asher never told you that Vanessa was abducted over a month ago, did he? You probably thought she was still in detention awaiting trial?¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising. Her reaction satisfied Drake. He¡¯d guessed correctly. The ckwood family had indeed suppressed the news, and Thalia knew nothing about Vanessa being abducted. Drake felt quite pleased. He straightened up, his tall frame of over six feet looming over Thalia imposingly. Drake¡¯s eyes held a mocking light. ¡°Come on, you really think that woman chased after Asher for ten years and he felt absolutely nothing? Ha! Thalia, you¡¯re still so naive. You don¡¯t understand guys at all.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes without speaking, her thoughts unreadable. Drake continued: ¡°Vanessa was indeed taken by the police on the day of your engagement ceremony, butter she imed to be pregnant. On the way to the hospital for examination, she was abducted.¡± ¡°Think about it¨Cwho in London has enough power to snatch someone from police custody in broad daylight?¡± The answer was obvious. In London, the ckwoods were the most powerful family. (3) 13-17 Your Gold Digger 86 Thalia didn¡¯t dare consider this possibility. Her heart rose to her throat, her fingers trembling slightly. It couldn¡¯t be. Asher wouldn¡¯t do this! He had told her that she was the only one in his heart and eyes. But how could she exin the recording Drake had just yed? Thalia¡¯s mind was in turmoil. Drake remained silent for a moment. Giving Thalia¡¯s racing thoughts ample time to spiral. After a while, Drake continued: ¡°Vanessa kidnapped your sister and tried to kill you. Asher took a knife for you¨Cshe nearly killed him! Logically, after everything Vanessa did, the ckwood family wouldn¡¯t possibly let her go free. But think about it¨CVanessa was already in police custody. Why was she abducted immediately after iming to be pregnant?¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, her lips pressed tightly together as she remained silent. ¡°You might wanna consider whose baby Vanessa might be carrying?¡± This question struck like lightning from a clear sky. Thalia was so disturbed that her body trembled uncontrobly. ¡°Shut up!¡°. She was visibly upset, looking up to re fiercely at Drake as she shouted: ¡°Stop spreading these ridiculous lies! Asher isn¡¯t that sort of person! He¡¯s nothing like you! Don¡¯t project your own foulness onto others!¡± A sh of hurt crossed Drake¡¯s dark eyes, a bitter feeling rising in his chest. 13:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Was Asher really so perfect in her eyes? Was he himself so utterly contemptible? How ironic. Drake suppressed the bitterness in his heart,posed himself, and affected an air of casual indifference, his eyes glinting with amusement. ¡°I¡¯m only telling you the truth, Thalia. You trust Asher too much. If he had nothing to hide, why would he keep this from you?¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Thalia demanded furiously. Drake shrugged, smiling slightly. ¡°Asher is with Vanessa right now. Why don¡¯t you call and ask him yourself?¡± ¡°Stop trying to drive a wedge between us!¡± Thalia gave Drake a forceful push and turned to enter her t. Drake grabbed her wrist and yanked her back toward the door, causing Thalia to stumble and nearly fall. Drake caught her by the waist, leaning down to inhale deeply near her hair, a look of obsession on his face. ¡°Thalia, leave him. Come back to me.¡± Thalia drove her knee hard into Drake¡¯s stomach. Drake let out a cry of pain and released her. Thalia unhesitatingly delivered a resounding p to Drake¡¯s face. ¡°SLAP!¡± The sound echoed sharply in the corridor. Thalia¡¯s eyes shed with angry sparks as she berated him: ¡°Drake, stay away from me! You¡¯re not worthy!¡± Drake¡¯s head tilted from the force of the p. Then he raised his eyes to look directly at Thalia, the corners of his eyes reddened, the handprint clearly visible on his face. ¡°Thalia, why are you so cruel to me?¡± His voice was soft, sounding genuinely hurt. Thalia gave a coldugh, her eyes filled with contempt. 13:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Potes ¡°You really need to ask why? Because you¡¯re tainted now. We can never go back to the way things were.¡± Thalia raised her chin, looking down at him haughtily. ¡°A man who doesn¡¯t respect himself is like a rotten cucumber. I never make the same mistake twice!¡± With that, she gave Drake no chance to respond, turning to m the door shut with a resounding ¡°BANG.¡± Drake stood outside, staring at the closed door, profound pain brewing in his dark eyes. Because you¡¯re tainted now. We can never go back to the way things were. Her words cut him deeply, one by one, like needles piercing his heart, leaving it riddled with wounds, a bloody mess. Drake returned dejectedly to the t he had just purchased. Right next door to Thalia¡¯s. He turned on the shower and scrubbed his body over and over. ¡°Thalia, Thalia¡­¡± Drake rubbed his skin forcefully until it turned red. He called Thalia¡¯s name as tears mingled with the shower water streaming down his face. ¡°I¡¯m not dirty¡­ If I wash thoroughly enough, I won¡¯t be dirty anymore, don¡¯t reject me¡­¡± Back in her room, Thalia couldn¡¯t calm her thoughts. The recording Drake had yed was clearly Vanessa¡¯s voice. Had she really been abducted from under the police¡¯s nose? Why hadn¡¯t Asher told her? What was the urgent matter he mentioned tonight? Could it really be rted to Vanessa? Thalia tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. 13:17 Your Gold Digger Actually A True After much deliberation, she finally couldn¡¯t resist calling Asher. The phone rang for a long time with no answer. Until it automatically disconnected. This was the first time Asher hadn¡¯t answered her call. Thalia¡¯s heart grew even more troubled. Shey in bed. Scenes from over a month ago reyed in her mind again and again. The way Vanessa had looked at Asher, so intense and obsessive. Seeing her and Asher embracing, Vanessa had charged forward with a knife, intending to stab her to death. How could a woman be so deranged over love? Even after loving someone unrequited for ten years, surely one wouldn¡¯t be so extreme as to attempt murder? Could there be something more to this story? After Asher was stabbed, Vanessa had broken down, crying andughing hysterically, appearing genuinely remorseful and frightened. It hadn¡¯t seemed like an act¨Cshe had been truly terrified that something might happen to Asher. Thinking back to when Asher was injured. Thalia clearly remembered that even as Ashery wounded, his life hanging in the bnce, he had wiped away her tears, softlyforting her, telling her not to cry. He had been on the verge of death, yet his eyes had shown only relief. Relief that she hadn¡¯t been the one injured. Asher loved her so deeply¨Chow could he possibly betray her? Drake must be trying to cause trouble between them! 13:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Asher had been willing to risk his life for her, not hesitating for even a moment when taking that knife for her. How could his feelings for her possibly be false? As for the recording¡­ Even if it was genuine, the recording was clearly edited, proving nothing. The recording contained only Vanessa¡¯s voice, not Asher¡¯s. Drake¡¯s purpose in ying it was to make her doubt Asher, and she couldn¡¯t fall into his trap. Asher had said he would exin everything in person after handling the urgent matter. All she needed to do was wait. She couldn¡¯t let Drake¡¯s words lead her astray. He imed Vanessa was pregnant, but first of all, was that even true? Even if it were, how could he prove it was Asher¡¯s child? Drake wanted her to specte wildly, to believe that Vanessa was carrying Asher¡¯s child. She couldn¡¯t let him seed! With this realization, Thalia gradually calmed down, her chaotic thoughts settling. She opened her phone and sent Asher a text message. [Tried ringing earlier but no answer. Hope everything¡¯s alright with your urgent matter. Give me a call tomorrow when you¡¯re free. Off to bed now. Night x] (3) 13:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True (0) Your Gold Digger 87 Meanwhile, on Asher¡¯s side. Vanessa had her throat slit by the guard assigned to watch her at the facility. She died instantly, The killer was quickly subdued by other personnel at the facility. Before Asher could arrive, the murderer had already died, blood flowing from his seven orifices When Asher reached the basement of the facility, Vanessa was already covered with a white sheet, lying in arge pool of blood. The man with blood streaming from his eyes, ears, nose and mouthy in the blood pool next to Vanessa. The man was Gary, one of the operatives who worked for Asher at the facility, Lucas, the facility manager, stood beside Asher, trembling as he exined: ¡°Sir, Gary and Robert were on duty tonight. Gary, apparently acting on someone¡¯s orders, suddenly attacked Vanessa, His strike was swift and precise, hitting a vital spot. Robert tried to intervene, but it was toote.¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed deeply as he stared at the horrific, vivid pool of blood on the floor. His voice betrayed no emotion: ¡°Someone wanted to silence her permanently.¡± Lucas wiped the cold sweat from his brow and suddenly dropped to his knees. ¡°Sir, I await your punishment!¡± Asher spoke dispassionately: ¡°What¡¯s done is done. Call the police.¡± Lucas looked up. ¡°But sir, if we notify the police, we could be charged with uwful detention¡­¡± Asher¡¯s cold gaze flicked toward him, and before he could speak, Lucas quickly added: ¡°I was responsible for uwfully detaining Vanessa. I¡¯ll turn myself in.¡± Asher¡¯s lips tightened as he contemted the dead man with blood seeping from his orifices. ¡°Who does Gary have in his family?¡± Lucas replied: ¡°He¡¯s forty, unmarried with no children. His only family is his elderly mother, who¡¯s in her sixties and in poor health.¡± ¡°Where is his mother now?¡± Lucas was startled. ¡°This happened so suddenly, I¡­ Sir, I¡¯ve been negligent!¡± Asher¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°He was clearly coerced. His mother is likely already in their hands. I fear the worst has happened. Lucas, you¡¯ve disappointed me greatly¡­¡± 82.7% Lucas bowed his head. ¡°Sir, I¡¯m prepared to ept any punishments Asher¡¯s eyes frosted over. ¡°Someone knew about Gary¡¯s family situation and used his mother as leverage to threaten him. It seems this perpetrator..¡± Lucas looked shocked. ¡°Sir, are you suggesting.?* A cold gleam shed in Asher¡¯s eyes. ¡°We have a mole among us. Have someone else handle the confession. You focus on getting to the bottom of this.¡± Lucas nodded gravely. ¡°Yes, sir!¡± At a private residence. A bodyguard in ck reported with his head lowered: ¡°Mr. Jones, the target has been eliminated.¡± ¡°Very good. Well done.¡± ¡°Shall we take care of Vanessa¡¯s father and Gary¡¯s mother as well? To eliminate any loose ends.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± After the bodyguard left, the man took out his phone and made an international call. ¡°Lord Malfoy, everything has been handled.¡± Asher left the facility and checked his phone, seeing Thalia¡¯s missed call. He immediately called her back. ¡°Lia, are you asleep?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice was drowsy, as if she were fighting to stay awake. ¡°Mmm¡­ I¡¯m quite sleepy, can hardly keep my eyes open.¡± Asher got into his car, sitting in the back seat, his tone gentle. ¡°If you¡¯re tired, why aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice was soft with drowsiness, sounding endearingly tender. ¡°I was waiting for your call.¡± Asher¡¯s hardened heart meltedpletely. ¡°I¡¯ve just finished dealing with things here. Would you like me toe over?¡± Thalia nced at the time, murmuring: ¡°Tomorrow, perhaps. I need to sleep now.¡± 13:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 82.9 ¡°All right,¡± Asher replied softly. ¡°It¡¯s cold tonight. Make sure you¡¯re properly covered¡± ¡°I know, you¡¯re treating me like a three¨Cyear¨Cold who doesn¡¯t know how to use a dver Thalia¡¯s sleepden voice grew progressively quieter until it faded entirely, leaving only the sound of her ventry, rhythmic breathing on the other end of the line. Asher maintained his position, phone held to his ear, quietly listening to Thalia¡¯s breathing, Even when his eras began to ache, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to end the call. He kept the line open all the way until he returned to his residence. As he stepped out of the car, his driver respectfully informed him: ¡°Sir, Lucas called saying he had an urgent matter and couldn¡¯t reach you.¡± Asher¡¯s tender expression disappeared as he ended the call with Thalia. No sooner had he hung up than Lucas¡¯s call came through. Asher answered coldly: ¡°What is it?¡± Lucas¡¯s voice was tense and slightly trembling: ¡°Sir, terrible news. Our people just called to report that Vanessa¡¯s father hasmitted suicide by jumping from the hospital building. I don¡¯t believe this is a coincidence¡­ And the team sent to find Gary¡¯s mother has reported that¡­ that¡­¡± Asher narrowed his eyes, his tone icy: ¡°Reported what?¡± ¡°That Gary¡¯s mother died from carbon monoxide poisoning while burning coal for heat¡­¡± A sharp gleam shed in Asher¡¯s eyes. ¡°Could she be resuscitated?¡± Lucas replied shakily: ¡°By the time our people found her, she was already gone.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes zed with cold fury, his voice as frigid as ice: ¡°Lucas, if you don¡¯t get to the bottom of this within five days, you know what the consequences will be.¡± Lucas responded nervously: ¡°Yes, sir¡­¡± The following morning. Thalia was awakened by knocking on her door. At first, the ¡°knock, knock, knock¡± sound appeared in her dream. It continued for quite some time. 13:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 83.1 Thalia gradually regained consciousness, rousing from her dream as the knocking became clearer¨Csomeone was actually at her door. Who could it be so early in the morning? Thalia had gone to bedtest night, troubled by various thoughts. Now she¡¯d been rudely awakened before getting enough sleep. Though she wasn¡¯t usually grumpy in the mornings, this disruption had certainly put her in a foul mood. She got out of bed, haphazardly slipping on her fluffy slippers before leaving her bedroom to answer the door. Opening the door, Thalia yawnedzily: ¡°Who is it?¡± She rubbed her sleepy eyes to find Drake¡¯s irritating face before her. Drake was holding a bag, smiling brightly. ¡°Morning, Thalia. Brought you some breakfast. You got that low blood sugar thing going on, so you really oughta eat something in the morning, you know?¡± ¡°Are you bloody mental?¡± Thalia was instantly awake with anger, snapping at him without restraint. Drake remained unperturbed. He held up the bag. ¡°Got your favorite pain au choct and those blueberry scones from that fancy bakery in Notting Hill.¡± ¡°BANG!¡± Thalia forcefully mmed the door, shutting out his unwee face. Drake was momentarily stunned, the smile freezing on his lips. From outside, he began pounding on the door, shouting: ¡°Thalia,e on, open up! You can be mad at me, you can hate me, but don¡¯t punish yourself. At least take the breakfast, okay? Please?¡± Thalia was nearly apoplectic with rage. Why was this man so utterly persistent? She shouted through the door: ¡°Drake, sod off! Keep harassing me and I¡¯ll call the police!¡± The voice outside ceased. After a moment, Drake said: ¡°I¡¯m leaving the breakfast by your door. Just¡­ remember to eat something, alright?¡± Thalia rolled her eyes and returned to her bedroom, intending to catch a bit more sleep. With so much on her mind, however, falling back asleep proved difficult. After lying in bed for a while, tossing and turning restlessly, Thalia sighed, irritably ran her fingers through her 12.20 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 83.3 hair, and got up to go to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Asher¡¯s ck Maybach stopped outside the Tribeca building, Given the events of the previous night, this was a sensitive time, and Asher didn¡¯t wish to attract attention, so he¡¯d chosen the more understated Maybach, He stepped out of the car, followed by a bodyguard in a ck suit. Reaching the building where Thalia lived, Asher instructed calmly: ¡°Wait for me here.¡± The bodyguard bowed his head respectfully: ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Asher walked to Thalia¡¯s door and knocked gently. No response. He patiently knocked a few more times. ¡°Drake, for God¡¯s sake! I really will call the bloody police!¡± Thalia yanked open the door, shouting irritably. Asher froze. Their eyes met. Deep confusion settled in Asher¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°Dra Your Gold Digger 88 83.5% Thalia¡¯s irritation vanished instantly, reced by a bright smile as her expression transformed with remarkable speed. ¡°Asher, you¡¯re here!¡± Asher¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Did you just mention Drake?¡± Thalia didn¡¯t conceal anything, answering honestly: ¡°Drake was just knocking at my door.¡± Only then did Asher notice the breakfast bag by the wall. He lowered his gaze, his voice carefully neutral: ¡°Bringing you breakfast?¡± ¡°Yes. Heaven knows what¡¯s got into him at this ungodly hour. I was sleeping perfectly well until he woke me with his infernal knocking.¡± The annoyance and irritation in Thalia¡¯s eyes were unmistakable as she spoke. Asher asked: ¡°How did he know your exact floor and t number?¡± This question caught Thalia off guard. Indeed, she had never told Drake her floor or t number¨Chow had he known? Thalia replied with genuine confusion: ¡°I honestly haven¡¯t the faintest idea.¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lia. I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this. Now, shall we go inside?¡± Thalia stepped aside to let Asher enter. Once inside, Asher removed his grey cashmere coat and casually hung it on the wall hook. Thalia bent down to retrieve a pair of men¡¯s slippers, cing them at Asher¡¯s feet. As Asher changed his footwear, Thalia tried to appear nonchnt as she asked: ¡°By the way, Asher, you suddenly mentioned an urgent matter to handlest night. What was it? Is everything sorted now?¡± Asher paused momentarily before answering in a measured tone: ¡°It concerned Vanessa.¡± Seeing his straightforward response, Thalia¡¯s anxious heart finally settled. She exhaled almost imperceptibly, her tense body rxing. Thank goodness¨Che wasn¡¯t hiding anything. She had been right about him all along. Asher was nothing like Drake. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 83.79% ¡°Vanessa?¡± Thalia continued. ¡°Wasn¡¯t she being held in detention?¡± Asher finished changing his shoes and replied: ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you earlier, Lia. I didn¡¯t want to worry you. A month ago, Vanessa falsely imed to be pregnant. While being transported to hospital for examination, she was abducted.¡± This aligned closely with what Drake had told her the previous night. The only difference was that Asher had used the word ¡°falsely.¡± ¡°Falsely? So she wasn¡¯t actually pregnant?¡± Asher nodded. ¡°No. After her abduction, we were searching for her continuously. We eventually found her at a telmunication fraud operation near the border of a country in Eastern Europe. She admitted herself that she had never been pregnant.¡± Thalia followed Asher into the living room. ¡°Who took her? What was their motive?¡± ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I didn¡¯t want to worry you.¡± Asher turned to face her, his expression serious. ¡°The people who abducted her are rather formidable. My preliminary assessment is that they¡¯re targeting me.¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he paused, his expression grave. ¡°Last night¡­ whilst on my way to pick you up, I received a call informing me that Vanessa had been killed.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°After we found her, we intended to discover who was behind all this, but before we could learn anything, she was silenced.¡± Thalia was deeply shocked. Vanessa was guilty, and Thalia detested her. But she believed thew would punish her appropriately. Kidnapping and attempted murder charges wouldn¡¯t result in immediate execution under current legal frameworks. Even in the worst¨Ccase scenario, justice shoulde through the legal system¨Cbeing murdered was a fate too cruel. In truth, Asher had withheld the most horrific details. Vanessa had died from having her throat slit¨Ca gruesome end. Her father, who had been ill for some time, had also been eliminated by the mastermind, along with Gary (the man used as the murder weapon) and his elderly mother. In Asher¡¯s position, he had seen too many dark things; he could still process these horrors. But Thalia was different. She was inherently kind¨Chearted with strong empathy. If she heard these details, she would be so distressed she igger is Actually A True 83.90 wouldn¡¯t be able to eat. Moreover, Vanessa¡¯s father and Gary¡¯s mother were innocent. Asher pulled Thalia into his embrace, resting his chin in the crook of her neck. He took a deep breath and rxed. ¡°Lia, so much has happened recently. I¡¯ve been constantly on edge. Only when I¡¯m with you can I truly rx.¡± Asher held Thal¨ªa close, closing his eyes. ¡°Lia, you need to be careful as well. I¡¯m concerned these people might target you. I¡¯ll assign two additional bodyguards for your protection. Promise me you¡¯ll take them with you whenever you go out.¡± Thalia, her head buried against Asher¡¯s chest, murmured a muffled agreement. Unease rose within her. ¡°Asher, do you have any leads? What kind of monster would do this?¡± Asher considered briefly before sharing his thoughts: ¡°I don¡¯t have any concrete leads yet, but answers shoulde soon. Some actions inevitably leave traces. I¡¯ve already notified the police, and they¡¯re investigating as well.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes, deep in thought. After a while, she spoke in a subdued voice: ¡°Drake came to see mest night.¡± Asher¡¯s arms tightened around her. ¡°What did he want?¡± Thalia¡¯s lips parted, her voice soft: ¡°He came to tell me that you were with Vanessast night. He also suggested¡­ that you were the one who had Vanessa abducted from police custody. He deliberately misled me, trying to make me believe Vanessa was carrying your child.¡± Asher asked gently: ¡°And what did you think?¡± Thalia replied: ¡°To be honest, for a moment I was genuinely anxious and upset¨Cmy hands were trembling. I was afraid you might have betrayed me¡­ But then I realized he was simply trying to drive a wedge between us. I trust that you would never betray me.¡± As she continued, her voice took on a sorrowful tone: ¡°I had no idea Vanessa had been killedst night¡­¡± Asher gently rubbed her back tofort her. ¡°It¡¯s all right, Lia. Even if you had doubted me, that would have been perfectly understandable. I would havee to exin everything personally. Of course, I¡¯m rather pleased you trust me so much. As for Vanessa, I didn¡¯t expect things to end this way either.¡± Thalia asked in a muffled voice: ¡°Vanessa¡­ was she coerced? When she kidnapped Lucy, her hand was trembling as she held the knife. She looked nervous and frightened. She didn¡¯t seem like someone inherently evil¡­¡± Asher made a sound of agreement. 12.20 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 84.1% ¡°She was indeed coerced.¡± Thalia hugged Asher tightly, ¡°Asher, this mastermind is clearly a cold¨Cblooded psychopath. You must be extremely careful.¡± The man¡¯s eyes sharpened, his jawline tense. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be careful,¡± (2) 1(0) Your Gold Digger 89 Chapter 89 Leaving the apartment, Asher tossed the breakfast bag into a rubbish bin downstairs, then coldly instructed his staff to investigate Drake. The results came back quickly. Drake had paid a substantial sum to the property managementpany for Thalia¡¯s detailed address information. Asher immediately had his legal team file awsuit against the property managementpany and summoned thepany¡¯s CEO. The man was in his early forties,pletely unaware of the trouble heading his way. He actually believed the CEO of ckwood Industries had called him in to discuss a potential partnership. For someone so insignificant, Asher didn¡¯t bother meeting him personally. The meeting was handled by Matt Ford, Asher¡¯s assistant. The man bowed obsequiously, his smile sycophantic. ¡°Mr. Ford, has Mr. ckwood summoned me today to discuss a potential coboration with ourpany?¡± Matt raised an eyebrow, contempt shing in his eyes. ¡°Why would ckwood Industries coborate with apany that casually sells residents¡® private information?¡± The man¡¯s expression transformed like a turbulent sea, his face instantly darkening. ¡°What? What do you mean selling residents¡® information?¡± Matt threw a stack of documents in front of the man. ¡°Mr. Wood, take a good look. This is evidence of yourpany selling residents¡® private information. Mr. ckwood wanted you to fully understand the situation before your downfall.¡± Firenze Wood¡¯s hands trembled as he flipped through the documents. The more he read, the paler he became, cold sweat forming on his brow. ¡°This¡­ there must be some misunderstanding¡­ I¡¯ll have my staff verify this immediately!¡± Matt smiled coldly. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Mr. Wood. We¡¯ve thoroughly investigated the evidence. You were the mastermind behind selling residents¡® information. Almost all of Drake Ashcroft¡¯s payment went directly into your pocket. We¡¯re proceeding with legal action. You were summoned here simply to be informed that from today onwards, you¡¯ll face a series of difficulties. You¡¯re likely to lose everything¨Call of your own making.¡± The man turned deathly pale, his legs weakening and his voice trembling. ¡°Please ask Mr. ckwood to give me another chance. I¡¯ll reform, I swear! I¡¯m willing to offer half my assets aspensation!¡± Matt gave a contemptuousugh. ¡°Do you honestly think Mr. ckwood would be interested in that? Let me be 84.6% perfectly clears the resident whose information you sold to Drake Ashcroft is our CEO¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Do you understand §á§à§Þ§á In an instant, Wood¡¯s face turned ashen, his eyes filled with nothing but despair. For the past few days, Thalia had been incredibly busy, with court appearances daily and still finding time to help Mark file for workce injury recognition and a capacity for work assessment. The weather forecast predicted an approaching cold front. Tomorrow would see a dramatic temperature drop, with lows expected around minus four degrees Celsius. The Bormen siblings had already been transferred to private rooms in a top¨Ctier hospital. Thalia had asked Lucy to buy down jackets, thick duvets, and electric nkets for them. When Lucy returned after delivering these items, her eyes were rimmed with red. The young woman sniffled, her voice trembling with emotion. ¡°Ms. Winters, I¡¯ve arranged everything as you requested.¡± Thalia was drafting documents on herputer. Hearing Lucy¡¯s choked voice, she looked up and paused. ¡°Why do you look as though you¡¯re about to cry?¡± Lucy pressed her lips together, her eyes misting over. ¡°Teresa¡¯s condition is deteriorating rapidly. The doctor says if they can¡¯t find apatible bone marrow donor, she might not make it through the winter¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s hands froze over the keyboard, her eyshes suddenly damp. ¡°Just wait a bit longer. I¡¯ve already got people searching for apatible donor. There will be one¡­ I¡¯m certain there will be,¡± Thalia¡¯s voice quivered slightly. Lucy couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. She looked at Thalia with reddened eyes. ¡°Ms. Winters¡­ if Teresa really¡­¡± Before she could finish, Thalia interrupted firmly: ¡°That won¡¯t happen! Teresa will be alright!¡± Lucy choked back a sob, tightly pressing her lips together to force back her tears. Throughout the afternoon, Thalia was noticeably distracted. She made time to ce a phone call. ¡°Still no suitable bone marrow match?¡± The person on the other end replied: ¡°Ms. Winters, we¡¯re searching with all our resources. If there¡¯s any news, you¡¯ll be the first to know!¡± 244 in Actually A True 84.9% That evening, Asher came to pick Thalia up from work, and they went to dinner together. At Rules, London¡¯s oldest restaurant. Soft piano music yed in the background of the elegant Victorian¨Cstyle dining room. The finest Bordeaux and traditional game meat were served, with roses and candlelight creating a romantic atmosphere among the historic paintings and antique furnishings. Yet Thalia was preupied, not even touching her cutlery as her roast grouse grew cold. Asher looked at her with concern. ¡°Lia, is something troubling you?¡± Thalia came back to herself, looking up at him and replying softly: ¡°I took on a case recently. The client is a young man, just neen, whose parents are both deceased. He lives only for his sister.¡± She sighed, her eyes sorrowful. ¡°He left school early to work and support his sister¡¯s education, but fate yed a cruel trick on them. His sister was diagnosed with leukemia. She¡¯s only eleven years old. The doctors say if they can¡¯t find a matching bone marrow donor, she might not survive the winter.¡± Asher asked: ¡°Have you tried offering a substantial reward? In such situations, a high reward often quickly locates apatible donor.¡± Thalia¡¯s hand resting on the table tensed. She shook her head with a frown. ¡°I considered that, but I¡¯m concerned it might backfire. A high reward might attract unscrupulous individuals. You know what those ck market operators are capable of for money.¡± Asher gently reached over to hold her hand, his voice softening tofort her. ¡°Leave this to me. I promise to find a suitable donor without harming the donor in the process.¡± Hope shed in Thalia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Asher gently caressed her hand. ¡°Trust me, Lia. Now, will you please eat something?¡± The warmth of his hand was reassuring. ¡°All right.¡± The young woman set aside her worries, the corners of her mouth curving into a meaningful smile. This was indeed something Asher could help with. Thalia wasn¡¯t short of money, but not everything could be solved with wealth alone. Sometimes, influence was necessary too. After dinner, Asher took Thalia back to the Tribeca t. Your Cold Digger is Actually A True 85.1% After spending some time with her at her t, he returned to his residence around ten o¡¯clock. Just as he parked his car and entered the main hall, Lucas called. ¡°Sir, we have a lead. I¡¯m outside now. May Ie in to report?¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Lucas entered, bringing the chill of the night air with him. Asher poured a ss of warm water, cradling it as he sat on the sofa, his eyes slightly cold. ¡°Tell me.¡± Lucas kept his head lowered, cautiously ncing up at Asher. ¡°The people who abducted Vanessa are connected to Tom Malfoy,¡± At the mention of this name, Asher¡¯s eyes sharpened. ¡°Tom Malfoy?¡± Lucas nervously murmured an affirmative. (3) Your Gold Digger 90 Tom Malfoy, Andrew ckwood¡¯s illegitimate son. Asher¡¯s eyes darkened like ink. ¡°He¡¯s in Russia, yet k¨¦s reach extends quire fart Lucas stood nervously to the side, scarcely daring to breathe. Asher spoke coldly: ¡°Since he¡¯s made his move, I see no reason to be courteous. I hear in resety secu ma project in Russia?¡± Lucas responded: ¡°Yes, sir. He finalised it just recently. In recent years, Tom Malloy beat¡¯s only developed its influence in Russia but has also cultivated supporters in several smaller rigtowing couns, satsing dedicated facilities¡­¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Asher¡¯s lips curved slightly, ¡°Send him a weing gift. That project cannot be allowed to pros Lucas responded promptly: ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Asher continued: ¡°Were Malfoy¡¯s people also responsible for killing Vanesh!¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lucas replied gravely. ¡°It seems once she outlived her usefulness, he eliminated her to restone all traces Asher narrowed his eyes, a cold fury emanating from him. ¡°That¡¯s certainly consistent with us usual methods* Contempt for thew, casual murder, utterly devoid of humanity. Asher¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Since he¡¯s evidently bored, let¡¯s give him something to oumpy himself with Contact Alistair Talbot in Russia and have him assist in dealing with Malfoy, That project must be taken from him at all costs; he cannot be allowed to proceed.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Russia, Tom Malfoy¡¯s private estate. The phone on the bedside table had been ringing for ages. After automatically disconnecting, it immediately rang again, like a death knell. ¡°Tom¡­. your phone¡¯s been ringing for ages¡­ aren¡¯t you going to answer it?¡± the woman asked between shallow breaths. 13.39 Your Gold Dhager i Artually A Tre Tom remained silent, his entrancing eyes glinting with amusement, a sheen of sweat forming on his brow. He was already handsome with an air of wickedness, but desire had made him even more captivating. The woman caught her breath at the sight, bing lost in his gaze, surrenderingpletely to the moment. Grace Bet had made numerous calls that went unanswered. Her heart grew increasingly cold. As time ticked by, her tension and unease intensified. ¡°Miss Bet, has Mr. Malfoy still not answered his phone?¡± her bodyguard inquired. Grace¡¯s face turned deathly pale, her voice trembling: ¡°He¡¯s likely abandoning me. I¡¯m nothing but a disposable pawn now¡­¡± Two days before the engagement ceremony, Arno Jones, Tom Malfoy¡¯s operative in Ennd, had approached her, instructing her to assist Vanessa in disrupting the event. She had hoped to use Vanessa to eliminate Thalia, but through a twist of fate, Asher had been injured instead. Fortunately, Tom Malfoy¡¯s influence was considerable, and Arno Jones, his operative in Ennd, was shrewd. The ckwood family had not traced the engagement ceremony incident back to them. She had thought the matter was over, but then the ckwoods had somehow found Vanessa. Vanessa¡¯s silencing was undoubtedly on Tom Malfoy¡¯s orders. Would she be next? Would Tom Malfoy silence her first, or would the ckwood family discover her involvement? Russia, Tom Malfoy had just satisfied himself and was now reclining against the headboard, smoking contentedly. The womany naked against him, her slender, pale hand tracing across his tanned chest. ¡°Tom, was that one of your little girlfriends calling? I thought once you had me, you¡¯d forget about her. Didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d call her back.¡± Emboldened by how well she¡¯d pleased Tom, the woman yfully expressed her jealousy. 13:39 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 85.8% Tom took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling smoke rings with satisfaction. The white smoke swirled, partially obscuring his features. He smirked, lifting the woman¡¯s chin with his hand, gazing deeply into her eyes with his captivating expression, his smile rakish and unrestrained. ¡°What lover could satisfy me as well as you do? She¡¯s merely a pawn. She still has some use, so I¡¯ll keep her afloat for now. Once she loses her value, she¡¯ll be worth less than your Be.¡± The woman, Valeria Petrov, was one of Tom¡¯s mistresses. Be was her dog, a snowy Samoyed. Hearing Tom¡¯s exnation, Valeria¡¯s red lips curved into a smile, a sweet feeling spreading through her heart like honey. The woman coyly chided him: ¡°Tom, how can you talk about another girl like that?¡± Valeria¡¯s coquettishness was alluring, her eyes inviting, thoroughly enticing. Tom smiled, lifting Valeria¡¯s chin and leaning down to kiss her. His desire was intense; though he had just found release, Valeria¡¯s flirtation had aroused him again. They entangled themselves in passionate abandon, the sensual atmosphere lingering long afterward. After speaking with Tom, Grace¡¯s suspended anxiety finally eased. It seemed she still held value for him. Since Tom had personally assured her that Vanessa¡¯s situation wouldn¡¯t affect her, he must be confident the ckwoods wouldn¡¯t trace anything back to her. Atst, she could sleep peacefully. In the ckwood family study. Asher had reported everything about Tom Malfoy¡¯s actions to his grandfather and father, Andrew ckwood. Andrew¡¯s expression was grim. On the desk sat aptop, its screen showing the livid face of the ckwood patriarch. A True 86.0% The elder Mr. ckwood was on a video call with Andrew, his voice filled with authority: ¡°Andrew, I told you from the beginning that illegitimate son should never have been spared. You shouldn¡¯t have been soft hearted; Asher alone is sufficient as the ckwood heir.¡± Andrew looked both guilty and regretful, his expression troubled. ¡°Father, I was wrong in this matter, I shouldn¡¯t have been so sentimental. I only considered that he carried our ckwood blood¡­¡± The elder Mr. ckwood¡¯s face reddened with anger as he berated his son: ¡°Because of your momentarypassion, we now face disaster! Look at what he¡¯s done! Killing people without a second thought! That¡¯s three human lives!¡± Asher stood quietly to the side, not speaking. Andrew lowered his head as he listened to his father¡¯s reprimand, not daring to offer a single word of defence. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Andrew kept his head bowed as his father continued to castigate him. The patriarch was thoroughly enraged, venting his considerable fury through theputer screen. He held a significant position in government in London, and leaving the capital required official approval, so he couldn¡¯t return immediately. He could only discipline his inept son via video call. After berating Andrew at length, the elder ckwood finally calmed himself. He spoke in a measured tone: ¡°Let me speak with Asher.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Andrew turned theptop toward Asher, who stood nearby. ¡°Grandfather,¡± Asher greeted respectfully. The patriarch raised his gaze to look at Asher, his expression serious. ¡°What do you intend to do next?¡± Asher replied: ¡°Tom has recently secured a major project. I n to make him suffer for it. He¡¯s invested considerable time and resources in this project; its failure would be devastating for him.¡± ¡°Good.¡± The patriarch responded grimly. ¡°Teach him that the ckwood family is not to be trifled with.¡± ¡°However¡­¡± the patriarch continued, his expression grave, his tone weighty: ¡°Judging by his methods, he¡¯s aplete psychopath. Now that you¡¯re engaged in conflict with him, you must be thoroughly prepared.¡± Asher lowered his eyes, his tone neutral: ¡°I understand. It was only due to ack of preparedness that he seeded previously.¡± The patriarch nodded slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve always been reliable, far more so than your father.¡± He cast a displeased nce at Andrew, who stood with his head bowed nearby. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 86.2% Andrew dared not offer a single word in his defence. After a moment. The patriarch addressed Asher: ¡°Asher, you¡¯re quite grown now. It¡¯s time for you to take over the family affairs. I know that previously, with your limited authority, many investigations and actions were difficult to pursue. Given recent events, transferring the family¡¯s power and business to you will aid you in dealing with Tom. I understand he¡¯s done quite well abroad in recent years; his influence is not to be underestimated. Don¡¯t be careless.¡± Asher responded calmly: ¡°Yes, Grandfather. Rest assured, I know what to do.¡± The patriarch nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve always trusted your judgement, except for that impulsive moment when you took a knife for Thalia.¡± (3) 1 Your Gold Digger 91 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 R¨¦s 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, 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 86.5% 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 ice¨Ccold. 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, 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. 13.30 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 86.7% 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¨Ccolored beanie from a gift bag, 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.¡± 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: ¡°Thal¨ªa, 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.¡± 86.9% ¡°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¡± ¡°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 Thal¨ªa. 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¨Ctears 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?¡± 87.1% 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 returning to the apartment, her excitement remained palpable. Asher, seeing her furrowed brow finally rxed after days of worry, felt his own spirits lift. The two of them cuddled on the sofa, and the atmosphere gradually shifted to one of intimacy. Asher tightened his arm around Thalia, desire steadily intensifying in his eyes. ? (2) (0) Your Gold Digger 92 When Thalia next awoke, it was already one in the afternoon. The other side of the bed was empty; Asher had already risen. Thalia rubbed her eyes sleepily and lifted the duvet, preparing to get up and freshen herself Last night, when they¡¯d returned to the bedroom, he¡¯d said he would just hold her as they slept, nothing more¨Cgaa theyy together, his embrace had gradually evolved into something far more passionate. Thalia stepped out of the bedroom to find Asher sitting on the sofa in the living room, one leg crossed over the other, aptop bnced on his knee. When he was working seriously, he exuded an utterly captivating charm. The snow had stopped. Gentle winter sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft, warm glow over Asher, softening his usually sharp, austere features. The heating was on in the apartment. Asher wore only a ck shirt, buttoned meticulously to the cor. He gazed at hisptop screen withplete concentration, his face expressionless, his long, elegant fingers dancing rapidly across the keyboard. He looked the very picture of restraint and discipline. Only Thalia knew that those same articte hands had, just hours before, unbuttoned her clothing one button at a time, drawing her into wave after wave of passion. Only she knew how wild Asher could be beneath thatposed, restrained exterior. It was the first time she had seen him so focused on his work, the contrast withst night striking. Thalia found herself mesmerised by the sight. Asher sensed her gaze and looked up. His stern features instantly softened, and his expressionless face warmed with a tender smile. ¡°Lia, you¡¯re awake?¡± Thalia responded with a soft ¡°Mmm¡± and walked over to sit beside him, tucking her legs beneath her on the sofa and tilting her head to peek at hisptop screen. Asher spoke gently: ¡°Grandfather has asked me to formally take over thepany. I¡¯ll be rather busy for a while.¡± Thalia found this surprising. She had thought Andrew ckwood was currently in charge of the ckwood Group. It involved internal ckwood family matters, however, so she hadn¡¯t intended to inquire. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 87.5% To her surprise, Asher volunteered more information. ¡°The situation with Vanessa is connected to my father¡¯s illegitimate son.¡± Asher continued looking at his screen as he spoke, his face betraying no emotion, as if discussing something entirelymonce. Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What illegitimate son?¡± There was a slight shift in Asher¡¯s tone. His typing fingers paused, and his eyes reflected something like reluctance and sadness. It was the first time Thalia had seen such emotions in his eyes. Asher¡¯s voice was quiet: ¡°More than twenty years ago, whilst my mother was pregnant, my father had an affair. When my mother was in confinement after giving birth to me, the other woman approached my father with hospital pregnancy test results, attempting to use the child to secure a position in the family. When my mother learnt of this, she suffered an emotional breakdown and developed postpartum depression, nearly attempting suicide by jumping from a building.¡± ¡°At the time, my grandparents pressured my father to terminate the pregnancy, but my father genuinely cared for this woman and couldn¡¯t bear to abort their child. He outwardly agreed to end the pregnancy but secretly sent the woman abroad, concealing this from my grandparents.¡± Thalia was too shocked to speak. She had never heard of this scandal in the ckwood family¡¯s past. They must have suppressed it thoroughly. Asher continued: ¡°In truth, my father probably loved this other woman. Unfortunately for them, they could never be together properly. My grandmother deeply despised women with no moral boundaries who destroyed others¡® families, and my grandfather, a man of principle, absolutely refused to allow such a woman into our home, tarnishing our family¡¯s reputation.¡± ¡°Initially, everyone in the family was deceived, believing he had truly terminated the pregnancy and severed ties with the woman. When I was about five or six, my mother discovered the truth and had a massive row with him. They nearly divorced, which rmed the elders of both families. Their marriage was an alliance, not just a union between two individuals but a significant arrangement between the Lawson and ckwood families with substantial interests at stake.¡± ¡°Naturally, the divorce didn¡¯t proceed. Under pressure from both families, my father cut contact with the woman, but my mother was left with emotional scars. During my childhood, they frequently argued about this woman and her son.¡± ¡°Later, I heard the woman had died. My father wanted to bring his illegitimate son back to acknowledge him formally, but my grandparents remained adamantly opposed. Eventually, the matter was dropped, and after a period of despondency, my father gradually returned to family life.¡± Thalia was speechless with shock. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 87.7% She could never have imagined that Andrew ckwood, who appeared so refined, courteous, and respectful, was in fact an utterly irresponsible husband who casually phndered outside his marriage. Thinking of how the gentle J ckwood had nearlymitted suicide. Thalia felt both sympathy and retrospective fear. If she had actually taken her life, Asher would have grown up motherless. Had that woman brought the illegitimate child into the household, Asher¡¯s life would surely have been miserable. Thank goodness such a tragedy had been averted. Noting Thalia¡¯s silence, Asher shifted his gaze from theptop screen to look at her. In his deep, dark eyes lurked a barely perceptible plea. ¡°Lia, do you think my family is dreadfully dysfunctional? I assure you, I¡¯m nothing like my father. From a very young age, I promised myself I would love only one person in my lifetime¨Cwith absolute fidelity and devotion.¡± There was something almost humble in his demeanour now. As if he feared Thalia might think him cut from the same cloth as his father and consequently distance herself from him. Thalia¡¯s heart swelled withplex emotions, both bitter and sweet, her eyes growing moist. The bitterness came from empathy for his childhood experiences and seeing him so vulnerable before her, afraid she might reject him. The sweetness came from knowing how much he cared for her. Thalia sniffled slightly and wrapped her arms around Asher, giving him a heartfelt embrace. The young woman¡¯s eyes glistened with tears, her voice slightly choked: ¡°Asher, I know. I understandpletely.¡± She knew he wasn¡¯t that kind of person. Since being with him, she had never doubted his sincerity. Asher returned her embrace, closing his eyes and inhaling her scent, feeling profoundly reassured. Thalia¡¯s voice was soft and soothing, calming the unease in Asher¡¯s heart: ¡°Asher, as long as you don¡¯t leave me first, I¡¯ll never let you go.¡± Hearing these words, something resonated deep within Asher¡¯s heart, bringing him to the verge of tears. His Thalia was so wonderful¨Chow could he ever bear to leave her first? ???? 88.0% When Thalia next awoke, it was already one in the afternoon. The other side of the bed was empty; Asher had already risen. Thalia rubbed her eyes sleepily and lifted the duvet, preparing to get up and freshen herself Last night, when they¡¯d returned to the bedroom, he¡¯d said he would just hold her as they slept, nothing more¨Cgaa theyy together, his embrace had gradually evolved into something far more passionate. Thalia stepped out of the bedroom to find Asher sitting on the sofa in the living room, one leg crossed over the other, aptop bnced on his knee. When he was working seriously, he exuded an utterly captivating charm. The snow had stopped. Gentle winter sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft, warm glow over Asher, softening his usually sharp, austere features. The heating was on in the apartment. Asher wore only a ck shirt, buttoned meticulously to the cor. He gazed at hisptop screen withplete concentration, his face expressionless, his long, elegant fingers dancing rapidly across the keyboard. He looked the very picture of restraint and discipline. Only Thalia knew that those same articte hands had, just hours before, unbuttoned her clothing one button at a time, drawing her into wave after wave of passion. Only she knew how wild Asher could be beneath thatposed, restrained exterior. It was the first time she had seen him so focused on his work, the contrast withst night striking. Thalia found herself mesmerised by the sight. Asher sensed her gaze and looked up. His stern features instantly softened, and his expressionless face warmed with a tender smile. ¡°Lia, you¡¯re awake?¡± Thalia responded with a soft ¡°Mmm¡± and walked over to sit beside him, tucking her legs beneath her on the sofa and tilting her head to peek at hisptop screen. Asher spoke gently: ¡°Grandfather has asked me to formally take over thepany. I¡¯ll be rather busy for a while.¡± Thalia found this surprising. She had thought Andrew ckwood was currently in charge of the ckwood Group. It involved internal ckwood family matters, however, so she hadn¡¯t intended to inquire. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 87.5% To her surprise, Asher volunteered more information. ¡°The situation with Vanessa is connected to my father¡¯s illegitimate son.¡± Asher continued looking at his screen as he spoke, his face betraying no emotion, as if discussing something entirelymonce. Thalia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What illegitimate son?¡± There was a slight shift in Asher¡¯s tone. His typing fingers paused, and his eyes reflected something like reluctance and sadness. It was the first time Thalia had seen such emotions in his eyes. Asher¡¯s voice was quiet: ¡°More than twenty years ago, whilst my mother was pregnant, my father had an affair. When my mother was in confinement after giving birth to me, the other woman approached my father with hospital pregnancy test results, attempting to use the child to secure a position in the family. When my mother learnt of this, she suffered an emotional breakdown and developed postpartum depression, nearly attempting suicide by jumping from a building.¡± ¡°At the time, my grandparents pressured my father to terminate the pregnancy, but my father genuinely cared for this woman and couldn¡¯t bear to abort their child. He outwardly agreed to end the pregnancy but secretly sent the woman abroad, concealing this from my grandparents.¡± Thalia was too shocked to speak. She had never heard of this scandal in the ckwood family¡¯s past. They must have suppressed it thoroughly. Asher continued: ¡°In truth, my father probably loved this other woman. Unfortunately for them, they could never be together properly. My grandmother deeply despised women with no moral boundaries who destroyed others¡® families, and my grandfather, a man of principle, absolutely refused to allow such a woman into our home, tarnishing our family¡¯s reputation.¡± ¡°Initially, everyone in the family was deceived, believing he had truly terminated the pregnancy and severed ties with the woman. When I was about five or six, my mother discovered the truth and had a massive row with him. They nearly divorced, which rmed the elders of both families. Their marriage was an alliance, not just a union between two individuals but a significant arrangement between the Lawson and ckwood families with substantial interests at stake.¡± ¡°Naturally, the divorce didn¡¯t proceed. Under pressure from both families, my father cut contact with the woman, but my mother was left with emotional scars. During my childhood, they frequently argued about this woman and her son.¡± ¡°Later, I heard the woman had died. My father wanted to bring his illegitimate son back to acknowledge him formally, but my grandparents remained adamantly opposed. Eventually, the matter was dropped, and after a period of despondency, my father gradually returned to family life.¡± Thalia was speechless with shock. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 87.7% She could never have imagined that Andrew ckwood, who appeared so refined, courteous, and respectful, was in fact an utterly irresponsible husband who casually phndered outside his marriage. Thinking of how the gentle J ckwood had nearlymitted suicide. Thalia felt both sympathy and retrospective fear. If she had actually taken her life, Asher would have grown up motherless. Had that woman brought the illegitimate child into the household, Asher¡¯s life would surely have been miserable. Thank goodness such a tragedy had been averted. Noting Thalia¡¯s silence, Asher shifted his gaze from theptop screen to look at her. In his deep, dark eyes lurked a barely perceptible plea. ¡°Lia, do you think my family is dreadfully dysfunctional? I assure you, I¡¯m nothing like my father. From a very young age, I promised myself I would love only one person in my lifetime¨Cwith absolute fidelity and devotion.¡± There was something almost humble in his demeanour now. As if he feared Thalia might think him cut from the same cloth as his father and consequently distance herself from him. Thalia¡¯s heart swelled withplex emotions, both bitter and sweet, her eyes growing moist. The bitterness came from empathy for his childhood experiences and seeing him so vulnerable before her, afraid she might reject him. The sweetness came from knowing how much he cared for her. Thalia sniffled slightly and wrapped her arms around Asher, giving him a heartfelt embrace. The young woman¡¯s eyes glistened with tears, her voice slightly choked: ¡°Asher, I know. I understandpletely.¡± She knew he wasn¡¯t that kind of person. Since being with him, she had never doubted his sincerity. Asher returned her embrace, closing his eyes and inhaling her scent, feeling profoundly reassured. Thalia¡¯s voice was soft and soothing, calming the unease in Asher¡¯s heart: ¡°Asher, as long as you don¡¯t leave me first, I¡¯ll never let you go.¡± Hearing these words, something resonated deep within Asher¡¯s heart, bringing him to the verge of tears. His Thalia was so wonderful¨Chow could he ever bear to leave her first? ???? 88.0% Your Gold Digger 93 Ten dayster. Randolph Winters held a grand banquet for Thalia. The banquet was set at Great Fosters, Randolph¡¯s newly purchased estate in Surrey. Though the event was scheduled for seven in the evening, Thalia had risen at eight in the morning to begin her preparations. During the previous ckwood family dinner, Lady ckwood had insisted that proper British girls ought to wear traditional evening gowns. Thalia had initially considered visiting the most prestigious couturier in London for a bespoke evening dress, but upon remembering the banquet hall¡¯s Medieval European Rococo aesthetic, she decided on something more borate. For tonight, she¡¯d selected a light blue Rococo¨Cstyle off¨Cshoulder gown inspired by the one worn by Marie Antote in the 1956 film ¡°The Queen of Fashion.¡± The dress featured numerous petticoats and a pannier, creating an exquisitely wide, magnificent silhouette. Underneath, she wore a structured corset that entuated her waist and d¨¦colletage, showcasing her perfect figure. The gown was crafted from luxurious silk with borate embellishments, adorned with intricatece and pearl detailing¨Cboth elegant and regal. Toplement the ensemble, her stylist had fitted Thalia with a tinum blonde wig styled in period fashion. The upper portion was swept back and secured, while the lower section cascaded in European¨Cstyle curls on either side, adorned with hair ornaments matching the gown¡¯s palette. For makeup, she was given light blue contact lenses, transforming her appearance to blonde¨Chaired and blue¨Ceyed, perfectlyplementing the Rococo¨Cstyle gown. Thalia¡¯s naturally porcinplexion required minimal cosmetics¨Cjust a lightyer of foundation and a subtle lip colour sufficed to make her appear like an angel descended to earth. The estate was located approximately an hour¡¯s drive from Thalia¡¯s Tribeca t. At five in the afternoon, Asher arrived at the stylist¡¯s salon to collect Thalia, finding himself momentarily stunned by her transformation. Thalia turned to him with a gentle smile. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Asher was also impably dressed in period¨Cappropriate formal attire, his hair styled in subtle waves to match the era, enhancing his aristocratic bearing. Thalia sat at the dressing table adjusting her appearance in the mirror. Asher approached, bowing slightly and extending his hand. ¡°My little princess.¡± Thalia gently ced her hand in his. Asher brought her hand to his lips, cing a reverent kiss upon it and speaking in wless French: ¡°Ma princesse, puis¨Cje avoir l¡¯honneur de vous escorter ce soir?¡± 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Ute¡¯s 88.5% Thalia returned his smile, responding in equally perfect French: ¡°Mais bien sor¡± An hourter, the Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan finally arrived at Great Fosters. The car proceeded along the broad driveway, lined with majestic ne trees. Their winter bare branches fractured the grey winter sky into a delicatettice of shadows above. From a distance, one could see the magnificent Tudor¨CGothic mansion that served as the estate¡¯s main building The estate wasrger and more magnificent than the Powell residence, covering over two hundred acres. The main building was an imposing historic structure, with several period cottages and guest amodations elegantly positioned throughout the grounds. Thendscaping featured evergreens, providing lush greenery even in winter. The expansive gardens contained numerous rare specimens and architectural follies. The estate also included a helipad, an ornamentalke, swimming facilities, a private cinema, tennis courts, a gymnasium, equestrian facilities, and otherprehensive amenities. Randolph had studied in France in his youth and had traveled extensively throughout Europe. He spoke impable French with a genuine Parisian ent, and when dressed in formal attire, his every gesture exuded the quality of French aristocracy. He particrly favoured Rococo and Baroque architectural styles. This estate was one he had recently purchased as part of Thalia¡¯s dowry. Having justpleted the transaction, today marked its inaugural reception for entertaining guests. Luxury vehicles continuously arrived at the estate. At the entrance, numerous uniformed security staff stood in formation, verifying invitations and confirming identities. ins achee men When the Cullinan reached the entrance, the security personnel allowed it to pass without inspection. They had been instructed to memorise the registration tes of vehicles frequently used by the ckwood and Winters families, including Asher¡¯s Cullinan. The car proceeded unhindered into the estate, finally stopping before the main building. Other guests¡® vehicles were directed to the designated parking area; only cars from the Winters, ckwood, and Powell families were privileged to stop directly at the main entrance. After the chauffeur parked, Asher opened the door. The estate butler, who had already emerged to wee them, stood nearby with a respectful bow. Asher extended his hand toward Thalia, who alighted gracefully with his assistance. The mansion doors stood wide open, with a red carpet extending from outside far into the interior, its end not visible from the entrance. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Beas 88.7% On either side of the red carpet, dozens of staff lined up in two rows, all in formal livery, bowing as they called out in unison: ¡°Good evening, Miss Winters! Good evening, Mr. ckwood!¡± Thalia, arm in arm with Asher, walked elegantly along the red carpet into the mansion. The banquet hall on the ground floor was designed after the ballroom of Versailles¨Cmagnificent and splendidly decorated. Several enormous crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, which was painted with Renaissance¨Cinspired murals. Entering the banquet hall was like stepping into a royal French pce from centuries past. This ballroom rivalled even its Versailles inspiration in grandeur. Inside, the orchestra yed gentle ssical melodies while guests conversed animatedly, champagne flutes clinking in celebration. The moment Thalia and Asher appeared, they captured everyone¡¯s attention. The crowd automatically parted to create a path. Thalia and Asher walked hand in hand into the banquet hall amid admiring nces, as elegant and noble as a royal couple from a bygone era. Grace Bet, in an effort to please Lady ckwood, had once again worn a traditional British evening gown today, which shed conspicuously with the banquet hall¡¯s historic French aesthetic. However, since there was no formal dress code stipting that attire must match the banquet¡¯s theme, she hadn¡¯t initially felt self¨Cconscious about her choice. But now, seeing Thalia and Asher looking like they¡¯d stepped from the pages of a historical romance, Grace was consumed with jealousy, herposure brittle with resentment. The pair immediately became the focal point upon their entrance, outshining all other meticulously dressed guests, including Grace. Grace, apanying Lady ckwood Sr., watched as Thalia and Asher mingled with other guests. She spoke with a caustic undertone: ¡°Grandmother, just look at how Thalia is dressed. You explicitly mentioned at our family dinner that her attire was inappropriate and she ought to embrace her British heritage, but today she¡¯s gone even further with this borate costume. She¡¯s even wearing a blonde wig! Isn¡¯t she simply putting on airs? It seems rather like she¡¯s deliberately trying to provoke you, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Lady ckwood was decidedly traditional in her thinking and conservative in her behavior. She had always been wary of foreign influences and held strong opinions about preserving what she considered to be proper British traditions and values. Although times had changed dramatically, with increasingly nuanced cultural exchanges and globalization bing the prevailing reality, the elderly woman¡¯s traditional views remained deeply entrenched, and she still harbored certain prejudices against what she perceived as foreign affectations. Grace¡¯s remarks immediately incensed Lady ckwood. She red at Thalia, who was cheerfully conversing with others nearby, her eyes shing with disapproval, ¡°She deliberately appears before me dressed like this, knowing my views on the matter, and she¡¯s influencing Asher as well. Even his styling looks utterly foreign now. Having someone with so little respect for tradition as my grandson¡¯s wife would bring nothing but discord to our family!¡° Ten dayster. Randolph Winters held a grand banquet for Thalia. The banquet was set at Great Fosters, Randolph¡¯s newly purchased estate in Surrey. Though the event was scheduled for seven in the evening, Thalia had risen at eight in the morning to begin her preparations. During the previous ckwood family dinner, Lady ckwood had insisted that proper British girls ought to wear traditional evening gowns. Thalia had initially considered visiting the most prestigious couturier in London for a bespoke evening dress, but upon remembering the banquet hall¡¯s Medieval European Rococo aesthetic, she decided on something more borate. For tonight, she¡¯d selected a light blue Rococo¨Cstyle off¨Cshoulder gown inspired by the one worn by Marie Antote in the 1956 film ¡°The Queen of Fashion.¡± The dress featured numerous petticoats and a pannier, creating an exquisitely wide, magnificent silhouette. Underneath, she wore a structured corset that entuated her waist and d¨¦colletage, showcasing her perfect figure. The gown was crafted from luxurious silk with borate embellishments, adorned with intricatece and pearl detailing¨Cboth elegant and regal. Toplement the ensemble, her stylist had fitted Thalia with a tinum blonde wig styled in period fashion. The upper portion was swept back and secured, while the lower section cascaded in European¨Cstyle curls on either side, adorned with hair ornaments matching the gown¡¯s palette. For makeup, she was given light blue contact lenses, transforming her appearance to blonde¨Chaired and blue¨Ceyed, perfectlyplementing the Rococo¨Cstyle gown. Thalia¡¯s naturally porcinplexion required minimal cosmetics¨Cjust a lightyer of foundation and a subtle lip colour sufficed to make her appear like an angel descended to earth. The estate was located approximately an hour¡¯s drive from Thalia¡¯s Tribeca t. At five in the afternoon, Asher arrived at the stylist¡¯s salon to collect Thalia, finding himself momentarily stunned by her transformation. Thalia turned to him with a gentle smile. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Asher was also impably dressed in period¨Cappropriate formal attire, his hair styled in subtle waves to match the era, enhancing his aristocratic bearing. Thalia sat at the dressing table adjusting her appearance in the mirror. Asher approached, bowing slightly and extending his hand. ¡°My little princess.¡± Thalia gently ced her hand in his. Asher brought her hand to his lips, cing a reverent kiss upon it and speaking in wless French: ¡°Ma princesse, puis¨Cje avoir l¡¯honneur de vous escorter ce soir?¡± 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Ute¡¯s 88.5% Thalia returned his smile, responding in equally perfect French: ¡°Mais bien sor¡± An hourter, the Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan finally arrived at Great Fosters. The car proceeded along the broad driveway, lined with majestic ne trees. Their winter bare branches fractured the grey winter sky into a delicatettice of shadows above. From a distance, one could see the magnificent Tudor¨CGothic mansion that served as the estate¡¯s main building The estate wasrger and more magnificent than the Powell residence, covering over two hundred acres. The main building was an imposing historic structure, with several period cottages and guest amodations elegantly positioned throughout the grounds. Thendscaping featured evergreens, providing lush greenery even in winter. The expansive gardens contained numerous rare specimens and architectural follies. The estate also included a helipad, an ornamentalke, swimming facilities, a private cinema, tennis courts, a gymnasium, equestrian facilities, and otherprehensive amenities. Randolph had studied in France in his youth and had traveled extensively throughout Europe. He spoke impable French with a genuine Parisian ent, and when dressed in formal attire, his every gesture exuded the quality of French aristocracy. He particrly favoured Rococo and Baroque architectural styles. This estate was one he had recently purchased as part of Thalia¡¯s dowry. Having justpleted the transaction, today marked its inaugural reception for entertaining guests. Luxury vehicles continuously arrived at the estate. At the entrance, numerous uniformed security staff stood in formation, verifying invitations and confirming identities. ins achee men When the Cullinan reached the entrance, the security personnel allowed it to pass without inspection. They had been instructed to memorise the registration tes of vehicles frequently used by the ckwood and Winters families, including Asher¡¯s Cullinan. The car proceeded unhindered into the estate, finally stopping before the main building. Other guests¡® vehicles were directed to the designated parking area; only cars from the Winters, ckwood, and Powell families were privileged to stop directly at the main entrance. After the chauffeur parked, Asher opened the door. The estate butler, who had already emerged to wee them, stood nearby with a respectful bow. Asher extended his hand toward Thalia, who alighted gracefully with his assistance. The mansion doors stood wide open, with a red carpet extending from outside far into the interior, its end not visible from the entrance. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Beas 88.7% On either side of the red carpet, dozens of staff lined up in two rows, all in formal livery, bowing as they called out in unison: ¡°Good evening, Miss Winters! Good evening, Mr. ckwood!¡± Thalia, arm in arm with Asher, walked elegantly along the red carpet into the mansion. The banquet hall on the ground floor was designed after the ballroom of Versailles¨Cmagnificent and splendidly decorated. Several enormous crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, which was painted with Renaissance¨Cinspired murals. Entering the banquet hall was like stepping into a royal French pce from centuries past. This ballroom rivalled even its Versailles inspiration in grandeur. Inside, the orchestra yed gentle ssical melodies while guests conversed animatedly, champagne flutes clinking in celebration. The moment Thalia and Asher appeared, they captured everyone¡¯s attention. The crowd automatically parted to create a path. Thalia and Asher walked hand in hand into the banquet hall amid admiring nces, as elegant and noble as a royal couple from a bygone era. Grace Bet, in an effort to please Lady ckwood, had once again worn a traditional British evening gown today, which shed conspicuously with the banquet hall¡¯s historic French aesthetic. However, since there was no formal dress code stipting that attire must match the banquet¡¯s theme, she hadn¡¯t initially felt self¨Cconscious about her choice. But now, seeing Thalia and Asher looking like they¡¯d stepped from the pages of a historical romance, Grace was consumed with jealousy, herposure brittle with resentment. The pair immediately became the focal point upon their entrance, outshining all other meticulously dressed guests, including Grace. Grace, apanying Lady ckwood Sr., watched as Thalia and Asher mingled with other guests. She spoke with a caustic undertone: ¡°Grandmother, just look at how Thalia is dressed. You explicitly mentioned at our family dinner that her attire was inappropriate and she ought to embrace her British heritage, but today she¡¯s gone even further with this borate costume. She¡¯s even wearing a blonde wig! Isn¡¯t she simply putting on airs? It seems rather like she¡¯s deliberately trying to provoke you, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Lady ckwood was decidedly traditional in her thinking and conservative in her behavior. She had always been wary of foreign influences and held strong opinions about preserving what she considered to be proper British traditions and values. Although times had changed dramatically, with increasingly nuanced cultural exchanges and globalization bing the prevailing reality, the elderly woman¡¯s traditional views remained deeply entrenched, and she still harbored certain prejudices against what she perceived as foreign affectations. Grace¡¯s remarks immediately incensed Lady ckwood. She red at Thalia, who was cheerfully conversing with others nearby, her eyes shing with disapproval, ¡°She deliberately appears before me dressed like this, knowing my views on the matter, and she¡¯s influencing Asher as well. Even his styling looks utterly foreign now. Having someone with so little respect for tradition as my grandson¡¯s wife would bring nothing but discord to our family!¡± ¡°Indeed, Grandmother,¡± Grace added with feigned concern. ¡°Asher never used to dress in such theatrical costumes, Thalia must have insisted upon it.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°What a waste that I even offered an apology after the family dinner, admitting I had been rather harsh. This sort of behavior shouldn¡¯t be indulged. Perhaps I wasn¡¯t firm enough in expressing my concerns previously.¡± (3) ¡°Indeed, Grandmother,¡± Grace added with feigned concern. ¡°Asher never used to dress in such theatrical costumes, Thalia must have insisted upon it.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°What a waste that I even offered an apology after the family dinner, admitting I had been rather harsh. This sort of behavior shouldn¡¯t be indulged. Perhaps I wasn¡¯t firm enough in expressing my concerns previously.¡± (3) Your Gold Digger 94 Chapter 94 ¡°Indeed,¡± Grace chimed in with a pinched voice. ¡°She didn¡¯t evene to greet you first when she arrived. Instead, she¡¯s chatting with others. What does that say? She clearly doesn¡¯t consider you worth her attention.¡± Lady ckwood was absolutely fuming. ¡°This Thalia Winters truly has no respect for her elders. No manners whatsoever. And to think your mother imed she was well¨Cbred and cultivated.¡± A small triumphant smile yed at the corner of Grace¡¯s lips as she spoke in a gentle, understanding tone. ¡°Grandmother, please don¡¯t be upset. Don¡¯t let her affect your health¨Cthat¡¯s what matters most.¡± Lady ckwood patted Grace¡¯s hand affectionately. ¡°You¡¯re always so considerate and caring, my dear. You truly are my granddaughter.¡± Grace¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Grandmother, would you like me to stay by your side forever?¡± The elderly woman gave her an indulgent look. ¡°Silly child, you¡¯ll marry someday. How could you possibly stay with your grandmother forever? Though I¡¯d love to have you with me always, you¡¯re bound to marry eventually.¡± If I married Asher, I could stay with you forever, Grace thought but didn¡¯t voice aloud. Instead, she smiled demurely and said in a sweet, cajoling tone, ¡°For you, Grandmother, I could remain unmarried my entire life.¡± Thisment delighted Lady ckwood immensely, bringing a broad smile to her face. Just as she was beaming with pleasure, Asher and Thalia spotted Lady ckwood and, after exchanging a few words with those they were conversing with, began walking in their direction. Grace alerted her, ¡°Grandmother, they¡¯reing over.¡± Lady ckwood let out a disdainful sniff. ¡°About time.¡± Thalia approached Lady ckwood on Asher¡¯s arm, stopping before her with a polite, formal greeting: ¡°Lady ckwood.¡± Lady ckwood had previously insisted Thalia not address her as ¡®Grandmother,¡® which Thalia now respectfully observed. However, the elderly woman¡¯s expression reflected deep dissatisfaction. ¡°Such a formal address. Are you still harbouring resentment over the family dinner incident? I¡¯ve already apologised to Asher. Why must you be so vindictive?¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed immediately. ¡°Grandmother, wasn¡¯t it you who explicitly told Thalia not to call you ¡®Grandmother¡®? Thalia is following your instructions¨Chow can you now be so unreasonable?¡± Thalia inwardly gave a coldugh. Lady ckwood was clearly looking for trouble again. 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Asher had essentially acted as her mouthpiece, expressing her exact thoughts. Thalia merely offered a slight smile without adding anything further. When Lady ckwood heard her grandson use her of being unreasonable, she immediately red up. ¡°How dare you call me unreasonable? I am your grandmother! Asher, this woman has clearly been a negative influence on you. Just look at yourself¨Cyour attire is preposterous! And your attitude toward the is hardly befitting a grandson addressing his grandmother!¡± Asher¡¯s expression turned equally cold. ¡°Grandmother, why do you persistently find fault? You were once so reasonable and understanding.¡± Lady ckwood scoffed. ¡°That depends entirely on who I¡¯m dealing with.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curled in silent mockery. At that moment, a little girl ran up and grabbed Thalia¡¯s dress. ¡°Wow, princess! Are you a Disney princess?¡± Thalia was amused by the child, bending down to gently pinch her cheek. ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± The little girl gazed up at Thalia with bright, wonder¨Cfilled eyes. ¡°But you are a princess! You¡¯re even more beautiful than the princesses I¡¯ve seen on television.¡± The little girl¡¯s innocent words instantly dispelled the irritation Thalia had felt from Lady ckwood¡¯s attitude. ¡°Princess, can I y with you?¡± the child asked hopefully. ¡°Of course you can,¡± Thalia replied in a gentle voice. ¡°This is utterly improper!¡± Lady ckwood suddenly eximed in a harsh tone. Nearby guests turned to look at themotion. The elderly woman continued angrily, ¡°I was still speaking to you. How dare you start conversing with someone else? Have you no respect for your elders whatsoever?¡± Thalia lowered her head, taking a deep breath before looking up again with aposed expression. ¡°Lady ckwood, I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯ve done to earn such targeted animosity from you. Since my presence clearly offends you, wouldn¡¯t it be preferable if I simply removed myself?¡± Without waiting for Lady ckwood¡¯s response, Thalia took the little girl¡¯s hand and walked away. Asher gave Grace a meaningful, frigid look. ¡°If I discover you¡¯ve been poisoning Grandmother¡¯s mind against Thalia, I won¡¯t let it pass.¡± Grace adopted a wounded expression. ¡°Brother, I haven¡¯t done anything of the sort.¡± Lady ckwood red at Asher. ¡°This has nothing to do with Grace. Just look at how Thalia treats me. How can you 13.10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 89.7% possibly expect me to approve of her?¡± ¡°Hmph,¡± Asher let out a derisiveugh. ¡°If you¡¯re not satisfied, so be it¨CI¡¯m not marrying you.¡± Lady ckwood was beingpletely unreasonable, and Asher knew further discussion would be pointless, so he didn¡¯t waste any more breath on the matter. ¡°You-¡± Lady ckwood sputtered with anger. ¡°How dare you speak to me that way? I am your grandmother!¡± Asher ignored herpletely and walked away. The elderly woman was so enraged she was breathing heavily, struggling for air. ¡°Grandmother, please calm yourself,¡± Grace soothed, patting her back. ¡°Don¡¯t argue with Asher. It¡¯s all Thalia¡¯s fault. She¡¯s bewitched him. A woman like her ispletely unworthy of him.¡± Lady ckwood made an effort topose herself. After a moment, she spoke with grave conviction: ¡°You¡¯re right. Such a woman is indeed unworthy of Asher.¡± A brief, triumphant smirk shed across Grace¡¯s lips. Thalia yed with the little girl for a while until the child¡¯s mother came looking for her. ¡°Miss Winters, I¡¯m terribly sorry. My daughter doesn¡¯t know any better¨CI hope she hasn¡¯t been a bother,¡± the woman apologised with genuine remorse, her manner exceptionally polite. Thalia smiled warmly. ¡°Not at all. She¡¯s a delightful child.¡± §á§Ö§ç§à§Þ §ä§Ö§Ù§Ö §ä§Ó§à The little girl looked up at her mother and said in a sweet, endearing voice: ¡°Mummy, the princess is so beautiful. May I take a photo with her? Could you take it for us?¡± The woman looked hesitant as she nced at Thalia. ¡°Would that be all right?¡± Thalia readily agreed. ¡°Of course.¡± After the photo, the little girl waved goodbye to Thalia. Thalia responded with a bright smile. Asher approached. ¡°Lia, I¡¯m sorry about all that.¡± Thalia appearedpletely unconcerned. ¡°It¡¯s hardly your fault. Why are you apologising?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand why Grandmother is being so unreasonable. She wasn¡¯t like this before,¡± Asher said, taking 13:40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 89.9% Thalia¡¯s hand in his. ¡°If we can¡¯t resolve this conflict, we¡¯ll simply see less of her. There¡¯s no need to subject yourself to such treatment.¡± Thalia looked up, meeting his gaze directly. ¡°What if your grandmother opposes our marriage?¡± Asher replied firmly: ¡°I have full authority over my own marriage. Her opposition is irrelevant.¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°That¡¯s all I needed to hear.¡± Spotting familiar faces in the crowd, Thalia said, ¡°I¡¯m going to join Charlotte and Victoria for a bit. I¡¯ll leave you to yourself for a short while.¡± Internally, Asher felt a bit abandoned, though he wouldn¡¯t express it. His expression remainedposed as he replied in a neutral tone: ¡°Of course, go ahead.¡± As Thalia walked toward Charlotte, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, Grace appeared out of nowhere, colliding with Thalia. The wine ss in her hand fell, spilling red wine all over Thalia¡¯s gown. Grace lightly covered her mouth, her expression exaggeratedly surprised. ¡°Oh my! Thalia, darling, you really should watch where you¡¯re going, shouldn¡¯t you?¡± (3) (0) Your Gold Digger 95 Chapter 95 The surrounding guests turned to look, whispering among themselves. Thalia took a deep breath, closing her eyes momentarily. When she opened them again, they were filled with cold fury. ¡°Grace, you did that deliberately, didn¡¯t you?¡± Grace excelled at ying the innocent victim. Her lips formed a perfect pout as she adopted a wounded expression. ¡°Thalia, you were clearly the one not watching where you were going when you bumped into me. How can you use me of doing it deliberately? This is your family¡¯s event¨Cwhy on earth would I dare to intentionally collide with you?¡± At that moment, Charlotte and Victoria, having spotted Thalia, were walking toward them. ¡°Oh, do stop the theatrics, Grace,¡± Victoria said bluntly, giving Grace a rough shove. ¡°Everyone knows you¡¯re green with envy. You deliberately spilled that wine on her to humiliate her in front of everyone.¡± Grace¡¯s eyes instantly welled with tears. ¡°How dare you make such usations?¡± Victoria retorted indignantly: ¡°Your behaviour at the riding grounds and at South Downs has already proven what you¡¯re capable of. Do you honestly think we¡¯re all blind?¡± Grace appeared on the verge of tears. ¡°What have I done?¡± Victoria gave her a cold stare. ¡°With all these people present, do you really want me to spell it out?¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening, Grace?¡± Lady ckwood approached, having heard themotion. Grace rushed to Lady ckwood¡¯s side, clutching her arm with a wounded expression, choking back sobs as she said: ¡°Grandmother, they¡¯re all ganging up against me.¡° Thalia gave a coldugh, finally losing her patience and confronting Lady ckwood directly. ¡°With Lady ckwood protecting you, who could possibly bully you?¡± ¡°Grandmother, you see how she¡¯s treating me?¡± Grace sniffled, tugging at the elderly woman¡¯s sleeve. Lady ckwood exploded in anger: ¡°Thalia Winters, don¡¯t you dare go too far!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going too far? Lady ckwood, is this how you¡¯ve raised your granddaughter? You use me ofcking manners and propriety¨Cperhaps you should take a good look at what your granddaughter has been doing!¡± Thalia responded, then calmly instructed a nearby attendant: ¡°Check the security footage.¡± The colour drained instantly from Grace¡¯s face. She had specifically checked earlier and was certain there were no cameras in this area. 13.40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 90.1% 95 Thalia¡¯s piercing gaze swept toward her, seeming to read her thoughts. With a cold smile, she said: ¡°Did you think there weren 7any security cameras here? Use that pathetic brain of yours¨Cthis is a massive banquet hall with countless guestsing and going. Of course there would be surveince.¡± Thalia gestured around the room. ¡°There, there, and over there¨Call security cameras. For aesthetic purposes, they¡¯ve been designed to blend with the decorations, but they¡¯re using the most advanced technology avable with 360¨Cdegree coverage and no blind spots, Let¡¯s see how you try to weasel your way out of this.¡± Lady ckwood responded furiously: ¡°Check the footage then! My Grace would never lie, I want to see how you¡¯ll apologise when you¡¯re proven wrong!* Grace felt cold sweat breaking out across her back, her heart pounding with anxiety, The security footage would be disastrous. She had deliberately bumped into Thalia to ruin her gown. Why should Thalia look so stunning tonight, with Asher¡¯s gaze constantly fixed on her? Why should Thalia be the centre of attention the moment she arrived? She couldn¡¯t bear it! If the security footage revealed that she had deliberately collided with Thal¨ªa, even Grandmother would no longer defend her. They absolutely could not check that footage. Just then, Grace caught sight of Asher approaching from the corner of her eye. She immediately bit her lip with a remorseful expression and apologised: ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m so dreadfully sorry. It¡¯s entirely my fault. Please don¡¯t be cross.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± Asher asked as he approached Thal¨ªa. Upon seeing Asher, Thalia immediately understood the situation and a mocking smile yed at her lips. ¡°Now I understand your sudden apology¨CAsher has arrived.¡± Grace wept delicately, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, Thal¨ªa. I identally bumped into you. I¡¯ll rece your gown¨Cplease don¡¯t be upset anymore, will you?¡± She had adopted an extremely humble posture, appearing utterly pitiful. Thalia saw through her act, recognizing that Grace was performing for Asher and Lady ckwood¡¯s benefit. ¡°My goodness, you¡¯re quite the actress, aren¡¯t you? If I don¡¯t ept your apology, I¡¯ll appear unreasonable and harsh.¡± Lady ckwood pointed an usatory finger at Thal¨ªa, turning to Asher as she spoke: ¡°Asher, just look at her behaviour, bullying Grace right in front of us!¡± Mees True 90.6% Asher frowned, lowering Lady ckwood¡¯s pointing hand. ¡°Grandmother, let¡¯s wait for the security footage.¡± Grace panicked. She redoubled her performance, crying with increased vigor, as if suffering some tremendous injustice. The surrounding guests murmured among themselves. Though they spoke softly, somements reached Thalia¡¯s ears due to their proximity. ¡°Isn¡¯t Miss Winters supposed to be the future Mrs. ckwood? Why is she arguing with Lady ckwood?¡± ¡°It seems Lady ckwood strongly disapproves of this prospective granddaughter¨Cinw.¡± ¡°Well, the elderlydy clearly dotes on her granddaughter. Though Grace is only adopted, she¡¯s been raised in the family for over a decade. Naturally, she¡¯s closer than an outsider. Thalia hasn¡¯t even married into the ckwood family yet¨Cshe can hardlypare to the ckwood¡¯s adopted daughter.¡± ¡°Grace may be adopted, but she¡¯s still publicly recognized as the ckwood family¡¯s daughter. After Thalia marries in, Grace will be her sister¨Cinw. If she¡¯s already offending both her sister¨Cinw and Lady ckwood, will she even have a ce as the future Mrs. ckwood?¡± ¡°Precisely. Thalia should really temper that entitled attitude of hers. Using her family¡¯s wealth to bully others is simply despicable. Is she looking down on Grace because she was once the housekeeper¡¯s daughter?¡± ¡°This is truly excessive. Someone identally bumps into her, and she¡¯s making such a fuss. It¡¯s just a gown¨Cwith her family¡¯s wealth, what¡¯s the big deal about one dress?¡± ¡°Offending Lady ckwood over a mere gown¨Cthe consequences far outweigh any satisfaction. Thalia clearlycks perspective.¡± ¡°What do you think the ckwood heir will choose?¡± ¡°That¡¯s obvious¨Che¡¯ll side with Lady ckwood and Grace. Lady ckwood is his grandmother, and Grace is the sister he¡¯s know for over a decade. Is that even a question? His engagement to Thalia is a business arrangement, a marriage of convenience. There¡¯s no genuine feeling between them.¡± ¡°Exactly. In our social circles, these arranged marriages never involve real emotion. The young Mr. ckwood will undoubtedly favour Grace.¡± ¡°Hmm, Lady ckwood seems absolutely furious. Do you think this engagement will actually proceed?¡± ¡°Highly doubtful.¡± Thalia heard thesements, as did Grace and Asher. Grace kept her head lowered as she wiped away tears, appearing to cry while only she knew that she was hiding the Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 90.9% smile that yed at her lips. However, Asher suddenly raised his voice, his eyes cold with fury. ¡°Who says I would side with Grace? Who says this marriage won¡¯t proceed?¡± His voice rang out loudly, filled with anger, ensuring everyone present heard him clearly. Instantly, all the whispered discussions ceased. Even the orchestra dared not continue ying The banquet hall fell into an eerily tense silence, Under the astonished gazes of the assembled guests, Asher took Thalia¡¯s hand in his. Each word he spoke resonated with absolute conviction: ¡°This is the woman I love deeply, Marrying her has been my wish for many years. I specifically sought this arrangement with Uncle Randolph¨Cnot for any business interests.¡± O(4) Your Gold Digger 96 91.1% Grace abruptly lifted her head, tear tracks still visible on her face, her eyes filled with hurt. Asher had just openly dered his feelings for Thalia in front of everyone! Thalia stood stunned. When those whisperedments had reached her ears, she had felt genuinely anxious. She had feared that Asher might indeed, as they suggested, favour Grace and position himself against her. In this moment, Thalia felt an overwhelming sense of security. Warmth radiated from Asher¡¯s hand as it enveloped hers, providing her with reassuring strength. Thalia¡¯s heart gradually settled, her emotions calming. Lady ckwood, however, was far from calm. Wasn¡¯t Asher publicly humiliating her with such a deration? The elderly woman was so furious that her voice trembled as she spoke. ¡°Asher, I absolutely forbid you to-¡± ¡°Miss Winters, I¡¯ve brought the security footage,¡± the attendant interrupted Lady ckwood, holding out a USB drive to Thalia. All eyes turned to the small device in the attendant¡¯s hand, everyone eager to see its contents. Thalia took the USB drive and addressed the gathering: ¡°If you¡¯d all be so kind as to join me in the screening room on the fifth floor, we can settle this matter once and for all.¡± Grace felt ayer of perspiration forming on her palms from sheer anxiety. She bit her lip, feigningposure as she said: ¡°Thalia, I¡¯ve already said I¡¯m sorry. Must you really drag this out?¡± ¡°You call that a sincere apology?¡± Thalia shot her a cold nce. ¡°I¡¯m not having it.¡± Grace continued to deflect: ¡°Even if you¡¯re cross with me, think about the other guests. The hall¡¯s absolutely packed¨Csurely the screening room can¡¯t fit everyone?¡± Thalia smiled sardonically. ¡°No need to fret on that ount, Miss Bet. The screening room upstairs seats a thousand quitefortably.¡± Grace¡¯s expression froze momentarily as she desperately tried to formte another excuse. 91.3% Victoria folded her arms, watching Grace with evident amusement. ¡°Getting rather jittery, aren¡¯t we? Worried about something, perhaps?¡± Grace gritted her teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. I simply think it¡¯s awfully petty to make a mountain out of a molehill. It was just a misunderstanding.¡± Victoriaughed heartily. ¡°Funny, I don¡¯t recall mentioning your name just now. Guilty conscience ying up, is it?¡± ¡°Right then, anyone who¡¯d like to see the footage, please make your way to the fifth floor,¡± Thalia announced calmly. Lady ckwood spoke up again: ¡°Just look at yourself¨Cthis behavior is hardly bing of a youngdy from a good family. It was merely a spot on your dress, for heaven¡¯s sake, and you¡¯re carrying on as if it were a capital offense. I¡¯ll have the wretched thing reced if it means so much to you. There¡¯s absolutely no need for this theatrical production. We¡¯re family, after all¨Clet¡¯s not create an unnecessary spectacle.¡± Victoria rolled her eyes, thinking to herself: What an absolute hypocrite. She¡¯s been horrid to Thalia from day one, and now she¡¯s ying the ¡®we¡¯re family¡® card. Typical. Thalia and her friends shared everything, and she had immediately vented to Charlotte and Victoria about the mistreatment she¡¯d suffered at the ckwood family dinner. Victoria harboured intense dislike for both Lady ckwood and her adopted daughter. Randolph wasn¡¯t in the banquet hall at that moment; he was in the garden outside discussing business with several important clients,pletely unaware of themotion. Lucy had contracted influenza a few days prior and was receiving IV treatment at the hospital, with Lady Victoria apanying her, making it impossible for them to attend the banquet. Thus, no one from the Winters family was immediately avable to support Thalia. Thalia had expected to face Grace¡¯s bullying alone, never anticipating that Victoria and Asher would stand up so firmly in her defence. ¡°What exactly does Grandmother believe a youngdy from a respectable family should be like?¡± Asher asked, his tone frigid. ¡°Someone who quietly epts being walked all over?¡± Lady ckwood looked utterly incredulous. ¡°Asher, what on earth are you on about? ¡®Walked all over¡®? Are you actually suggesting that Grace and I are bullying her?¡± ¡°If the shoe fits,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes were cold as steel. ¡°The stained gown itself was a minor issue, but Grace immediately med Thalia for not watching where she was going. Thalia¡¯s request to check the security footage is perfectly reasonable, yet you use her of making a fuss over nothing. I absolutely insist on viewing this footage now. I won¡¯t stand by while you bully my wife in my presence.¡± Grace¡¯s heart lurched at the word ¡°wife,¡± which pierced her painfully. How could Asher defend Thalia so fiercely! 12-11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True ¡®s 91.6% They weren¡¯t even officially engaged yet, and he was already calling her his wife! How could he? Lady ckwood¡¯s chest heaved with fury, ¡°Asher, you are a ckwood. How dare you take an outsider¡¯s side against your own family?¡± Asher tightened his grip on Thalia¡¯s hand, meeting Lady ckwood¡¯s gaze unflinchingly, his tone utterly sincere ¡°My loyalty lies only with my wife. That¡¯s not going to change¨Cnot for anyone.¡± ¡°You, you, you¡­¡± Lady ckwood clutched at her chest, too enraged to form coherent sentences. ¡°Brother, please, mind what you¡¯re saying,¡± Grace implored Asher. ¡°You know Grandmother¡¯s heart isn¡¯t strong¨Cyou really shouldn¡¯t upset her like this.¡± Asher gave a derisiveugh, cutting straight to the point: ¡°She wouldn¡¯t be in this state if you hadn¡¯t stirred up trouble in the first ce.¡± Grace was left speechless, her heart seething with rage and embarrassment. ¡°That¡¯s quite enough from everyone. Let¡¯s go to the screening room,¡± Thalia said coldly. At the far end of the banquet hall stood six lifts, three on each side. Each lift could transport fifteen people at once, allowing ny people to be moved upstairs in a single trip. Thalia announced: ¡°I absolutely will not be falsely used. Anyone interested may take the lift with me to the screening room to view the security footage.¡± Many guests promptly followed Thalia toward the lifts. The murmuring among them started again. ¡°It seems Miss Winters has truly been wronged. The Winters heiress can have anything she desires¨Cwhy would she make such a fuss over a mere gown?¡± ¡°I agreepletely. This adopted ckwood daughter seems dodgy. If she has nothing to hide, why oppose viewing the footage?¡± ¡°When they were criticising Thalia earlier, I was biting my tongue. Grace is obviously putting on the waterworks. Haven¡¯t you noticed the way she looks at the ckwood heir? It¡¯s quite inappropriate.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve spotted that too. Her feelings for the ckwood heir clearly go beyond sibling affection.¡± ¡°Oh my, pseudo¨Cincest? How deliciously scandalous. The lives of the wealthy never disappoint, do they?¡± ¡°Darling, I¡¯m an expert at spotting these butter¨Cwouldn¡¯t¨Cmelt types. Grace is undoubtedly ying the innocent while scheming behind everyone¡¯s backs. Fortunately, the ckwood heir isn¡¯t blind¨Che can see through her act, which puts him leagues ahead of most men.¡± 91.8% ¡°Absolutely. I simply can¡¯t stand the way Grace speaks¨Cso affected and contrived, always ying the perfect innocent!¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go see the footage. I can¡¯t wait to see her caught out.¡± Though deliberately hushed, thesements still reached Asher¡¯s ears. He squeezed Thalia¡¯s hand reassuringly. ¡°Lia, I¡¯ve only ever had brotherly feelings for Grace, nothing more.¡± After a pause, he added: ¡°And after today, even those are gone.¡± Thalia responded with a soft ¡°Mmm,¡± offering no furtherment. Among the guests, the young aristocrats and socialites who loved drama almost all followed to the screening room, while the older generation, considering this merely youthful theatrics, remained in the ground floor hall¨Csomeworking, others discussing business. Therge group of drama¨Chungry young people arrived on the fifth floor and entered the screening room. Several eximed in awe. ¡°Bloody hell, the Winters family truly deserves their reputation as the premier family in the city. This screening room is enormous, and look at that starlit ceiling! I¡¯m properly jealous.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask your father to build one for you?¡± ¡°Not a chance. This screening room alone must have cost tens of millions. Our family can¡¯t possiblypare with the Winters.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard this entire estate was purchased by Randolph Winters as part of Thalia¡¯s dowry. We simply can¡¯tpete¨Cthis is genuine old money.¡± ¡°My father has a meltdown when I spend a hundred thousand a month, calling me wasteful. There truly are different levels of wealth, aren¡¯t there?¡± ¡°Indeed. As they say, some are born with silver spoons¨Cothers with the entire canteen.¡± After all the guests were seated, Thalia personally approached theputer at the front to operate it. She inserted the USB drive, opened the folder, located the corresponding security footage, and activated the projector. (3) Your Gold Digger 97 Chapter 97 In the video, Grace could be seen looking around anxiously, as if searching for someone. The moment Thalia appeared, Grace quickly snatched a ss of red wine from a passing server and hurried directly toward Thalia. As she approached Thalia, Grace¡¯s pace increased, culminating in a deliberate collision. The wine ss left her hand, its contents spilling onto Thalia¡¯s gown¨Cthe rest, everyone had witnessed firsthand. From the security footage, the truth was undeniable. Grace had deliberately bumped into Thalia. Murmurs of surprise rippled through the audience as the whispered discussions resumed. Several guests had been recording the screening with their mobile phones. This security footage would undoubtedly appear on social media within hours. High society drama involving wealthy heiresses always attracted more attention than any television programme. Whether for clicks, views, or simple entertainment, this video was destined to go viral. After leaving the screening room, Asher phoned Lady ckwood. Neither she nor Grace hade to view the footage. Now that the truth was evident, they needed to apologise to Thalia. The call was answered by Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper responsible for Lady ckwood¡¯s care. ¡°Master Asher, I¡¯m afraid Lady ckwood has had another episode with her heart. We¡¯re on our way to hospital right now.¡± ¡°Oh, how terribly convenient,¡± Asher replied, his skepticism evident. Mrs. Hughes nced discreetly at Lady ckwood seated nearby. The elderly woman exchanged a meaningful look with her. Mrs. Hughes maintained a steady tone as she lied: ¡°I¡¯m afraid so, sir. After your disagreement earlier, Lady 13:41 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 92.3% ckwood became rather upset, which triggered her condition. As you know, sw¡¯s terribly sensitive to any sor upset.¡± Asher remained silent for a moment ¡°Put Grace on, would you?¡± The phone was on speaker, and upon hearing this, Grace frantically shook her head at Mrs. Hughes ¡°Miss Bet isn¡¯t with us in the car, sir. I¡¯m afraid I haven¡¯t the foggiest where she might be.¡± ¡°How remarkably convenient,¡± Asher responded with cold derision. ¡°If they won¡¯t talk to me now, they can jolly well apologise to Thalia in person at her home.¡± Thal¨ªa had gone upstairs to change her clothes. Asher was alone in the garden making his call. As he finished and walked back toward the banquet hall, he encountered Randolph. Having concluded his business discussions, Randolph had been briefed by the estate manager about the incident in the banquet hall. He had sought out Lady ckwood for an exnation, only to be informed that she and Grace had already departed. Now he was looking for Asher. Randolph¡¯s expression was thunderous. ¡°Asher, what on earth happened in the banquet hall? Why are your grandmother and sister treating Thalia so poorly?¡± Asher adopted a conciliatory tone. ¡°Uncle Randolph, I¡¯m terribly sorry about all this. Please allow me to offer my apologies on their behalf.¡± Randolph scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re not the one who should be apologising. I¡¯ve been fully briefed on the situation. You consistently defended Thalia¨Cit was your grandmother and sister who behaved appallingly. They¡¯re the ones who should apologise! And not to me, but to Thalia herself.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more. I¡¯ll ensure they personallye to make amends.¡± ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± Randolph¡¯s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained severe. ¡°My daughter is the pride of the Winters family. I won¡¯t have her mistreated by anyone¨Cnot even members of the ckwood family!¡± ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, sir,¡± Asher responded with his customary respectful manner toward Randolph. 13:41 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 92.5% Soon enough, the video of Grace deliberately bumping into Thalia at the banquet went viral online. Beyond the security footage, videos of the argument between Thalia and Grace were also circting. The headlines grew increasingly sensational: ¡°Scheming Social Climber Confronted by True Heiress, Publicly Exposed¡± ¡°Calcted Innocent Act Backfires as Heiress Demands Justice¡± ¡°Heiresses sh at Elite Gathering¨CYou Won¡¯t Believe Why!¡± ¡°Wealthy Heiresses Come to Blows Over Eligible Bachelor¡± ¡°High Society Sisters Be Bitter Rivals for Man¡¯s Affection¡± Victoria scrolled through the trending topics. ¡°These headlines are bing utterly ridiculous.¡± Charlotte looked puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m surprised the ckwood family is allowing these videos to circte.¡± Thalia responded coldly: ¡°People don¡¯t realise Grace is the ckwoods¡® adopted daughter. Haven¡¯t you noticed that Lady ckwood and Asher aren¡¯t visible in any of the footage?¡± Charlotte nodded in realisation. ¡°That exins why they¡¯ve been released.¡± Victoria made a contemptuous sound. ¡°That dreadful old bat is really something¡­¡± Charlotte quickly interrupted: ¡°Thalia, aren¡¯t you going to have these trending topics removed? Couldn¡¯t this affect your reputation?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°I won¡¯t remove them, nor will I allow the ckwood family to do so. The security footage has been uploaded, and anyone can see who was in the wrong. I¡¯m quite happy for Grace to be humiliated¨Cit serves her right for constantly scheming against me.¡± Victoria nodded firmly. ¡°I¡¯m with you on that one!¡± Charlotte added: ¡°I support you as well.¡± The following day, Mr. and Mrs. ckwood brought Grace to formally apologise. Asher apanied them, but Lady ckwood was notably absent. She imed to have suffered a heart attack from distress and was supposedly in the ICU. Whether this was true remained unclear, but as Mr. and Mrs. ckwood appeared genuinely contrite, Randolph didn¡¯t press the issue of Lady ckwood¡¯s condition. Thalia and Randolph had spent the night at the estate, so the ckwoods came there to deliver their apology. 92.7% p 97 Wendo ged In the treations per the pops with thr and thre. ckwood seated to tos lote and rigia. Thats and Asher at the Owner was on her knees The press rigia, kater had hacked up the sowity footage on phone and send it to us parents. They had immediately reprimanded Grace severely Though they hadn¡¯t dared criticise Lady ckwood, Ader had gone to the hospital and shown her the security footage Faced with irrefutaide evidence, Lady ckwood¨Cdespite her disapproval of Thalia¨Ccondar¡¯t deny the truth. She acknowledged Grace¡¯s wrongdoing, and tacitly approved their n to take her to myoton No matter how much Grace pleaded and cried to see her, Lady ckwood refused all visitors. With Lady ckwood¡¯s implicit consent, Mr. and Mrs. ckwood brought suitable gifts and escorted Grace to formally apologise, Grace had intended to remain seated. As she was about to sit down, before Mr. and Mrs. ckwood could say anything, Asher coldly ordered: ¡°Who said you could sit? On your knees!¡± His tone was cial, carrying an authority that brooked no argument. Grace pressed her lips together, on the verge of tears, looking beseechingly toward Mr. and Mrs. ckwood. Mr. ckwood maintained a stern expression. ¡°You heard him, Grace, Kneel,¡± Mrs. ckwood¡¯s face was equally cold, ¡°Do as you¡¯re told.¡± Asher¡¯s entire demeanour radiated frigid displeasure. Fearing to provoke him further, Grace had no choice but to kneel Randolph appeared moderately satisfied. Mr. and Mrs. ckwood delivered lengthy opening remarks expressing their regret. When it was Grace¡¯s turn to apologise, Asher intervened coldly: ¡°Turn around properly, Face Thalia when you apologise.¡± Grace struggled to contain herself, but ultimately dared not defy him. She obediently turned ny degrees to face Tha directly, still kneeling, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. 1 shouldn¡¯t have deliberately embarrassed you in such a public setting. I know I was wrong¡± Thalia regarded Grace with curious interest. ¡°Why are you constantly gunning for me?¡± Your Gold Digger 98 ¡°1,1¡± Under everyone¡¯s scrutiny, Grace felt immense pressure. She stammered: ¡°I was jealous that you were taking Asher¡¯s attention away from me. I just wanted him to notice me¡­ I¡¯m truly sorry for what I did¡­¡± Thalia pressed: ¡°Is that really all there is to it?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Lady Catherine sighed deeply. ¡°How could you be so thoughtless? Are you still a toddler throwing tantrums?¡± Grace kept her head lowered, her voice breaking with tears. ¡°Mother, I was wrong I promise it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Lord ckwood spoke sternly: ¡°Recognising your mistake is a start. Ensure this behaviour never repeats itself. You¡¯ve already brought quite enough embarrassment to the ckwood name.¡± Thalia fixed Grace with a prating stare, knowing full well she wasn¡¯t being truthful. However, expecting Grace to admit her inappropriate feelings for Asher in front of his parents was clearly unrealistic. Thalia didn¡¯t pursue the matter further, responding with feigned nonchnce: ¡°Right, so that¡¯s what it was.¡± Lord ckwood turned to Randolph. ¡°We must apologise for our family¡¯s failure in properly raising Grace. I hope you can find it in yourself to move past this incident. As for those videos online¡­¡± Randolph pretended ignorance. ¡°What videos?¡± Lord ckwood exined: ¡°Someone recordedst night¡¯s incident and posted it online.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Randolph took a sip of tea. ¡°Let me have a look, shall I?¡± He took out his phone, ¡°Where would I find them?¡± Thalia walked over and opened the social media app, locating the videos. After watching them and scanning the oundish headlines, Randolph nearlyughed aloud. Thement section was universally condemning Grace. Randolph smiled. ¡°This seems entirely appropriate. When one makes a mistake, one should face the consequences. The public criticism is well¨Cdeserved.¡± 93.3% Lord ckwood objected: ¡°That may be true, but this reflects poorly on both our families.¡± Randolph disagreed: ¡°I don¡¯t find it embarrassing at all. My daughter did nothing wrong. Besides, no one online would dare connect Grace to your family. The footage of Lady ckwood has been edited out, and Asher isn¡¯t visible either. How exactly is this tarnishing the ckwood reputation?¡± Lord ckwood insisted: ¡°But everyone who attended the banquet knows that¡¯s Grace in the video and her connection to our family.¡± Randolph responded evenly: ¡°Precisely. The damage was already done yesterday. Those who know already know, and those who don¡¯t won¡¯t learn of it. What good would removing the videos and trending topics do now?¡± Lord ckwood fell silent. Randolph had a point. The conversation continued for two hours. Grace remained kneeling for the entire duration. By the end, Thalia¡¯s anger hadrgely subsided. As they were leaving, Grace walked with a pronounced limp, her knees clearly injured from the prolonged kneeling. She walked ahead of Asher, once again employing her usual tactics to elicit his sympathy. However, Asher remainedpletely indifferent, paying her no attention whatsoever. At the hospital. The bone marrow donor¡¯s indicators were all normal, and the hospital had scheduled the transnt surgery for two dayster. Learning that his sister¡¯s condition could be treated, Mark¡¯s face lit up with a smile that had been absent for months. ¡°This is absolutely incredible. I can¡¯t thank you enough, Miss Winters. You¡¯ve saved my sister¡¯s life. I¡¯m forever in your debt¨Canything you might ever need, just say the word.¡± Mark was so moved he wiped away tears. Thalia smiled warmly. The knowledge that the bone marrow match was sessful and the surgery could proceed had finally lifted the tremendous weight from her heart. ¡°I¡¯m simply delighted I could help Teresa,¡± she said, linking her arm through Asher¡¯s. ¡°But the real credit goes to my fianc¨¦. He¡¯s the one who found the matching donor.¡± Mark expressed his profound gratitude repeatedly. Your Cold Digger is Actually A True ?? 93.5% Lucy was equally overjoyed. Thalia had promised Teresa she would help with makeup, so after exchanging a few more words with Mark, she left to visit the young girl¡¯s room. Asher had other matters to attend to and departed shortly after. Thalia and Lucy went to Teresa¡¯s room, where they coborated to give her a beautiful makeover. The young girl gazed at herself in the mirror, smiling sweetly. ¡°Miss Winters, Miss Jenkins, I¡¯ve never seen myself look so pretty before.¡± Thalia gently stroked the child¡¯s head. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go show your brother now?¡± ¡°Yes, I will!¡± Teresa nodded enthusiastically. Back at Thalia¡¯s t, Asher received a call from Alexander. They had sessfully taken over Tom Malfoy¡¯s project in Russia, causing him significant financial losses. Tom was currently scrambling to fill the financial void. Alexander warned that Tom would soon discover Asher¡¯s involvement and cautioned him to be wary of potential retaliation. Although Tom was based in Russia, he had operatives in London as well. After ending the call, Asher turned to Thalia with a grave expression. ¡°Lia, there¡¯s something important I need to tell you.¡± Seeing his serious demeanour, Thalia sat up straight. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°My father¡¯s illegitimate son is named Tom Malfoy. When my grandparents refused to allow him to join the ckwood family, he endured a difficult period in Russia before being adopted by an influential crime syndicate leader. In recent years, he¡¯s established his own operation there,plete with personnel and even armed forces.¡± Thalia responded immediately: ¡°That sounds incredibly dangerous for you. Asher, you must be extremely careful when dealing with him!¡± Asher paused, a warmth spreading through him at her concern. He pulled her close. ¡°Lia, I¡¯m not worried about myself. I¡¯m concerned for you. You¡¯re the most important person in my life, and I fear he might target you to get to me.¡± ¡°Target me?¡± ¡°Yes. Confronting me directly would be challenging, but you¡¯re my weakness. If he were toe after you, I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± 93.8% Thalia embraced Asher tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I can take care of myself. You¡¯ve assigned additional security personnel, which should be sufficient protection. Besides, this is London, not Russia¨Cit¡¯s outside Tom¡¯s sphere of influence. Surely he doesn¡¯t have enough power to cause trouble here?¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°He has people here as well. The individuals who kidnapped Lucy during our engagement ceremony were his operatives.¡± Asher emphasized repeatedly: ¡°Regardless, please ensure you¡¯re apanied by security whenever you go out.¡± ¡°I promise I will.¡± The couple remained cuddled on the sofa for a while until the doorbell rang. Asher rose. ¡°That will be our dinner.¡± Thalia smiled. ¡°When did you order? What perfect timing¨CI¡¯m absolutely famished.¡± ¡°On our way back from the hospital.¡± ¡°How thoughtful of you.¡± Asher had ordered from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the celebrated chef¡¯s first independent restaurant established in 1998. The restaurant had held three Michelin stars continuously since 2001 and was notoriously difficult to get a table at, with only 45 seats and typically requiring reservations three months in advance. Thalia spotted the logo on the packaging and gave Asher a quizzical look. ¡°Don¡¯t they have a strict no¨Ctakeaway policy?¡± Asher smiled as he opened the containers and arranged the food. ¡°They make exceptions when properly persuaded.¡± Thalia looked at him suspiciously before quickly realizing the implication: such policies existed for ordinary people¨Cand Asher was far from ordinary. Thalia sat down at the table, picking up her utensils with evident anticipation. She was genuinely hungry, having slept through breakfast and missed lunch as well. The table wasden with an abundance of exquisite dishes. The Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was renowned for its meticulous presentation, impable vours, and rather steep prices. Asher had ordered all of Thalia¡¯s favourites. (3) Your Gold Digger 99 After returning from Annecy, France, Drake had been diagnosed with severe depression and admitted to hospital for treatment. During his stay, many people came to visit him. But never Thalia. Each time the door to his room opened, Drake would hold his breath in nervous anticipation, staring hopefully at the entrance. But every time, his hopes were dashed, and he would lower his eyes and slump his shoulders in disappointment. From dawn until dusk, he waited, but the one person he longed to see never came. Drake¡¯s heart ached unbearably. He thought in despair that his Thal¨ªa truly would never return to him. Thalia, without you, what¡¯s the point of living? At dinnertime, Margaret arrived with a care worker to bring Drake his meal. The moment she pushed open the door, Margaret let out a piercing scream, dropping the insted food container and rushing forward. ¡°Drake!¡± Margaret grabbed Drake¡¯s arm. ¡°Drake, what are you doing? Stop it right now! Oh my God, no!¡± When she had entered, she¡¯d seen Drake gripping a fruit knife, shing at his wrist! Margaret wept uncontrobly. ¡°What are you thinking? Why would you do something so crazy? What would I do without you? Oh God, Drake, please¡­¡± Blood had already soaked the bedsheets. Drake had made a deep gash across his wrist, and blood was flowing freely. Drake¡¯s eyes were vacant, his expression nk. He hadn¡¯t registered a single word Margaret had said. His mind was filled with only one thought: Thalia didn¡¯t want him anymore. Thalia would nevere back. The pain made it difficult to breathe. He felt utterly hopeless, as though life held no meaning. It hurts so much, Thalia. 94.2% My heart is in agony. The care worker was terrified and ran out into the corridor, shouting for help. Doctors and nurses quickly arrived. Drake was rushed to the emergency room. Margaret copsed in the corridor, sobbing uncontrobly. ¡°Oh God, this can¡¯t be happening! How could he do this to himself? My poor baby Thalia received Margaret¡¯s call just as she was leaving the hospital. It was minus five degrees outside. Thal¨ªa had gotten into her car and turned on the heating when her mobile rang disying an unknown number. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Thalia, it¡¯s Margaret Ashcroft. You need toe to the hospital right away. Drake tried to kill himself because of you. The doctors saved him, but they¡¯re saying he doesn¡¯t want to live. I know I was horrible to you before, and I¡¯m truly sorry, but please help save my son. He¡¯s all I have!¡± Thalia froze. ¡°What do you mean, suicide?¡± Drake had attempted suicide? Thalia couldn¡¯tprehend what she was hearing. She simply couldn¡¯t associate the word ¡°suicide¡± with Drake. Someone like him would never attempt suicide. Margaret was sobbing so hard she could barely catch her breath. ¡°Did Drakee to see youst night?¡± Margaret managed to ask, trying to control her crying. ¡°Yes.¡± More sobbing came through the phone. ¡°He was found copsed in the snowst night. When I came to see him today, I walked in to find him cutting his wrist open. What happened between you two? What did you say to him? Why would he try to kill himself?¡± 94.4% Chapter Thalia frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to him.¡± Margaret continued through her tears: ¡°Thalia, I didn¡¯t know who you really were before. I admit I was shallow and awful to you. I¡¯m so sorry for everything. I¡¯m begging you¨Cpleasee to the hospital. He¡¯s stable now, but the doctors say he¡¯s given up. He doesn¡¯t want to wake up. Could you pleasee talk to him? Please?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this has nothing to do with me.¡± Upon hearing Thalia¡¯s response, Margaret instantly became furious. She raised her voice usingly: ¡°How can you be so cold? Don¡¯t you have anypassion? Drake tried to kill himself over you, and you won¡¯t evene see him? What kind of person are you?¡± Thalia gave a coldugh. ¡°I¡¯m cold? Think what you like¨CI can¡¯t help that.¡± With that, she refused to waste any more words on Margaret and decisively ended the call. At the hospital. Drakey in his bed, and in his semi¨Cconscious state, he thought he heard Thalia¡¯s voice. Thalia¡­ Thalia¡­ He struggled to open his eyes. His vision was filled with the stark white ceiling. A sharp pain emanated from his wrist, and the smells of antiseptic and medication permeated the air. He moved his fingers slightly. ¡°Drake, thank God you¡¯re awake! Why would you do this to yourself?¡± Margaret¡¯s eyes were red and swollen from crying, her face puffy and distraught. Drake spoke with difficulty: ¡°Mom, why are you here? Where¡¯s Thalia?¡± He was certain he had just heard Thalia¡¯s voice. Drake moved his eyes around the room, scanning his surroundings. His father and mother were there, along with Mason, James, and several other friends. Even Sienna, with whom he¡¯d had a massive argument that morning, hade. But the one person he desperately wanted to see was nowhere to be found. 94640 Hearing that Drake¡¯s first words upon waking were to ask about Thalia, Sienna¡¯s expression turned pained, and she turned away with tears in her eyes. Drake¡¯s father, Trump Ashcroft, berated him with disappointment: ¡°Trying to kill yourself over a woman? Jesus Christ, what kind of son did I raise?¡± ¡°Watch your mouth! Our son nearly died. Are you trying to push him over the edge again?¡± Margaret red at her husband with fury. Trump had dark circles under his eyes, clearly the result of several days of worry andck of sleep. He spoke harshly: ¡°This is what happens when you spoil a kid. Look at him¨Cthrowing his life away over some woman! It¡¯s pathetic!¡± Margaret wouldn¡¯t tolerate this. She fixed her swollen eyes on Trump. ¡°What do you mean, I spoiled him? Isn¡¯t he your son too? Were you ever even around? If anyone failed him as a parent, it¡¯s you!¡± Mason quickly intervened: ¡°Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft, let¡¯s take it easy. Drake just woke up and needs to rest.¡± James agreed: ¡°Yeah, guys,e on. Not now.¡± Thalia¡¯s voice suddenly came from James¡¯s phone. Drake¡¯s expression froze as his gaze locked onto James¡¯s mobile. ¡°Is that Thalia? Is she calling?¡± A spark of hope shed in his lifeless eyes. James scratched his head awkwardly. ¡°No, sorry man. The doctors said you wouldn¡¯t wake up, that you¡¯d lost your will to live. So I thought this might help.¡± James turned his phone screen toward Drake, revealing a video of Thalia ying. It was recorded when they had just started dating, on Thalia¡¯s birthday. At that time, Sienna hadn¡¯t yet returned from abroad, and Drake hadn¡¯t been involved with other women. He had genuinely loved Thalia then. Thalia had cared for him too, with eyes only for him. They had been sweetly in love, like any ordinary couple¨Cgoing on dates, taking photos and videos to document the beautiful moments in their life together. In the video, Thalia wore a pretty dress with elegant makeup, holding a birthday cake and smiling sweetly at the camera. ¡°Drake, thank you for celebrating my birthday with me. Today has been really special.¡± ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve celebrated my birthday with a boyfriend. It means a lot to me.¡± Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 948% Drake¡¯s voice came from the video: ¡°Thalia, I¡¯ll be there for every birthday from now on. I promise.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± So the voice he had heard was from the video. Tears streamed uncontrobly down Drake¡¯s face. Three yearster, everything had changed. Watching this video now, his heart contracted with excruciating pain. (2) Your Gold Digger 100 Drake reached toward James. ¡°Let me see that.¡± James handed over his phone. Drake clutched the device, watching the birthday video over and over, tears flowing uncontrobly. Trump¡¯s face darkened with anger. ¡°Looking at you like this makes my blood boil! Pull yourself together!¡± Margaret pulled at his arm. ¡°Our son is lying here after trying to kill himself, and you¡¯re making things worse? What do you mean, ¡®pull yourself together¡®? Wasn¡¯t he the one who secured that investment for yourpany? Without Drake, yourpany would have gone bankrupt by now!¡± Trump maintained his rigid expression without responding further. He gave Drake one long, prating look before turning and walking out. Sienna, watching Drake obsessively reying Thalia¡¯s video like a man possessed, couldn¡¯t bear to stay any longer and also left. ¡°Honey, you need to forget about that woman,¡± Margaret wiped away her tears, her voice breaking. ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to someone much better.¡± James sighed deeply. ¡°Drake,e on man, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Why fixate on just one? I can hook you up with anyone you want.¡± Drake stared at the video vacantly, saying nothing. Mason shook his head helplessly. ¡°Let¡¯s give him some space. He needs time alone.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Margaret objected. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving him by himself again! What if he tries to kill himself again?¡± Teresa¡¯s bone marrow transnt was sessful. She showed no signs of rejection, and her life was no longer in danger. Thalia could finally turn her attention to other matters. These past few days, she had been busy preparing case materials and attending court. After learning about Drake¡¯s desperate suicide attempt, Thalia no longer felt safe staying at her Tribeca t. Asher had purchased a new apartment for her at Pan Penins in Canary Wharf, about four miles from herw firm¨Cnot too far, making for a convenientmute. That Saturday, Thalia hired a housekeeper to pack her belongings and called a movingpany. 95.2% As thest suitcase was being carried out, Drake emerged from the lift. He looked deathly pale, with sunken eyes and dark circles beneath them. He appeared utterly haggard, having lost a considerable amount of weight. Drake saw the movers carrying out luggage and stopped, his mncholy gaze turning toward Thalia. ¡°You¡¯re moving out?¡± Thalia merely nodded without saying anything. As she stepped toward the lift, passing Drake, he suddenly grabbed her wrist. ¡°Thalia, please don¡¯t go,¡± Drake¡¯s tone was pleading, his eyes filled with fragmented emotions. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t bother you anymore. Please don¡¯t move away. I just want to be near you, quietly by your side.¡± Thalia lowered her gaze to Drake¡¯s hand, her voice ice¨Ccold. ¡°Let go!¡± Drake maintained his grip. Thalia tried forcefully to pull away. Drake tightened his hold. ¡°Drake, you¡¯re hurting me!¡± Thalia cried out with a furrowed brow. Drake released her immediately, as if he¡¯d been shocked. Guilt shed across his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Thalia. I didn¡¯t mean to¨CI just¡­ I just don¡¯t want you to leave.¡± Thalia rubbed her reddened wrist, speaking in a detached tone: ¡°I¡¯ve made myself perfectly clear. We can never go back to the past, nor can we start over. There¡¯s no need for these self¨Cpitying dramatics.¡± She took a few steps forward, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned back, looking directly into Drake¡¯s eyes. ¡°I heard about your suicide attempt. Drake, if you¡¯re truly this unstable, I can only be grateful that I left you, not touched that you supposedly love me so much you can¡¯t live without me.¡± Thalia continued calmly: ¡°Don¡¯t try anything like that again. I don¡¯t want a failed rtionship to end with blood on my hands.¡± With that, Thalia entered the lift with the movers. Drake stood rooted to the spot, reying Thalia¡¯s parting words in his mind. She had said, ¡°Don¡¯t try anything like that again.¡± Didn¡¯t that mean she still cared about him? 95.4% Chagne Bi She cared witherther the lived or died. She didn¡¯t want him to devalue his own life. At this thought. Drake¡¯s eyes reddemed He knew in¨CThalia couldn¡¯t be so cold¨Chearted. There was still hope. The apartment Asher had bought for Thalia was in the prestigious Pan Peninsplex at Canary Wharf. offering spectacr views of the Thames and the dds. Siming on the balcony, one could see the vast riverscape and the impressive London skyline. The apartment came fully furnished with top¨Cquality appliances, and the interior design matched her preferences perfectly¨Cevidence of Asher¡¯s thoughtfulness. Thalia directed the movers as they ced her belongings in their appropriate locations. She had left most of the furniture and appliances at her Tribeca t, bringing only her personal items to the new ce. Once everything was settled, Thalia took a shower and enjoyed a restful sleep in thefortable, spacious bed. Mason was concerned that Drake was developing psychological issues. He constantly deluded himself that Thalia still loved him. When Mason visited, he often heard Drake talking to himself. Listening carefully, he realized Drake was having conversations with ¡°Thalia¡°-an imaginary version he had created in his mind. Mason ced a hand on Drake¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Dude, you¡¯re seriously freaking me out.¡± Drake appeared not to hear him, continuing his conversation with the imaginary ¡°Thalia,¡± seemingly quite happy in his delusion. At mealtimes, he would set an extra ce at the table, saying Thalia would be joining them. Mason strongly urged Drake to see a psychiatrist. Drake adamantly refused, insisting there was nothing wrong with his mental state. Eventually, Mason and James had no choice but to forcibly take Drake to the hospital. The psychiatrist was a woman in her thirties named Dr. Emiliana Hawards. With her practical short haircut, she exuded intellectual elegance. One workday afternoon, shortly after her lunch break, Dr. Hawards arrived at the hospital for her shift. She had barely settled into her office when Drake was brought in. As an experienced psychiatrist in the city, Dr. Hawards had encountered countless patients over the years. Honestly, patients like Drake were exceedingly rare in her experience. This young Mr. Ashcroft was handsome and wealthy. By conventional social understanding, the wealthier one was, the less likely one would be troubled by love, as money typically made obtaining love easier. As the joking meme went, ¡°Young, sessful, and driving a Bentley¨Clove is just another game to y.¡± For someone of Drake¡¯s social standing, love often seemed insignificantpared to their usual concerns: reputation, status, power, and wealth. Drake showed extreme resistance to treatment. ¡°What the hell are you doing? There¡¯s nothing wrong with me! Let me go¨CI want to go home!¡± Drake shouted. Dr. Hawards found the situation concerning. She quickly recognized the severity of the problem. This Mr. Ashcroft wasn¡¯t merely unwell¨Chis condition was serious. Dr. Hawards swiftly entered her professional mode, engaging Drake with her therapeutic approach. The agitated Drake gradually calmed down and began following the psychiatrist¡¯s conversational lead. Dr. Hawards informed Drake that his current mental state was dangerous. In his condition, he was at high risk of further extreme behavior. Drake gave a bitterugh. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you¨CI¡¯ve already gone there.¡± Dr. Hawards frowned. Drake murmured: ¡°A few days ago, I tried to kill myself. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t seed.¡± As he spoke, Drake pulled up his sleeve, showing the psychiatrist the ghastly scar on his left wrist. ¡°This scar is proof of my love for her.¡± Ô»(0) Your Gold Digger 101 Dr. Hawards rubbed her forehead in resignation. ¡°This will only make her despise you more tee is mated to someone who behaves so extremely.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Drake lowered his sleeve, his expression vacant. ¡°She already told me that she said. Don¡¯t try anything like that again.¡¯ Doctor, doesn¡¯t that prove she still cares about me?¡± Dr. Hawards didn¡¯t follow his line of thinking, deftly changing the subject and redirecting Dear¡¯s thongies. She gently guided him through the session, providing therapeutic support The treatment that daysted nearly four hours. At the conclusion, Dr. Hawards offered sincere advice. She rmended that Drake gradually distance himself from this rtionship and from the person who dominated his thoughts. Dr. Hawards told Drake he needed to shift his life¡¯s focus and stop directing his attention toward that person Drake appeared to listen, even nodding vaguely as he left. In reality, he hadn¡¯t absorbed a single word. Stay away from Thalia? That was impossible! Nightfall brought insomnia for Drake. He was still living in the apartment next to Thalia¡¯s Tribeca t, but she had moved out. The night was silent and still. Drakey in bed. The room was unlit,pletely dark. Drake closed his eyes, and Thalia¡¯s face appeared in his mind, over and over. Suddenly, a hateful figure forced its way into his thoughts. Asher gave him a taunting smile, then took Thalia¡¯s face in his hands and kissed her passionately. ¡°No! Stop!¡± Drake suddenly shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t touch her! Get away! Get out!¡± Drake yelled like a madman in the darkness of his room. Again and again, he tormented himself by imagining scenes of Asher and Thalia together, sweet moments and even passionate encounters. ¡°No¡­ Thalia¡­ please don¡¯t¡­¡± Drake curled up on his bed, muffled sobs echoing in the dark room. ¡°No¡­ no¡­¡± This six¨Cfoot¨Ctall man had contracted into a ball, crying uncontrobly. Thalia had just woken from her afternoon nap and was feeling rather peckish when the doorbell rang She ran a quick hand through her hair, casually threw on a cream¨Ccolored fur coat, and went to answer the door in her fluffy slippers. ¡°Good afternoon, Miss Winters. I¡¯m the housekeeper Mr. ckwood arranged to cook for you.¡± Standing outside was a woman approaching fifty, dressed in a ck padded jacket, with a kind face. Thalia paused. ¡°Just a moment, please. I should check on this.¡± Being cautious with strangers, she couldn¡¯t simply let anyone in. ¡°Of course! Please do confirm with Mr. ckwood. I¡¯ll wait right here,¡± the woman replied cheerfully. Thalia dialed Asher¡¯s number. ¡°Did you arrange for a housekeeper to cook for me?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s Mrs. Wilson¡¯s daughter¨Cinw. Mrs. Wilson is getting too old toe herself, but fortunately her daughter¨Cinw has learned all her cooking techniques. I specifically asked her to cook for you, thinking you¡¯d enjoy familiar vours.¡± Thalia was momentarily stunned. She remembered Mrs. Wilson. Her mother, Rosalind, had learned her cooking skills from Mrs. Wilson, and Asher had once taken her to visit Mrs. Wilson¡¯s home. At that time, Thalia had only met Mrs. Wilson and her son, not this daughter¨Cinw who hadn¡¯t been present. She was touched that Asher had been so thoughtful, specifically asking Mrs. Wilson¡¯s daughter¨Cinw to cook for her. Women often notice these small gestures. Thalia¡¯s heart softened instantly, bing as sweet and tender as candy floss. ¡°Right, I understand now.¡± Thalia ended the call and politely invited Mrs. Wilson¡¯s daughter¨Cinw inside. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± During their casual conversation, Thalia learned that the woman¡¯s name was Mary, she was forty¨Cseven years old, and had a daughter two years younger than Thalia who worked as a primary school teacher. ¡°Miss Winters, Mr. ckwood told me which dishes you enjoy, so I¡¯ve purchased ingredients for those. What would you like for dinner this evening?¡± Mary entered carrying tworge bags from Whole Foods Market. Thalia smiled. ¡°If Asher rmended them, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll enjoy everything. I¡¯m not particr¨Cplease prepare whatever you think best.¡± ¡°Lovely! Mr. ckwood specifically instructed me to shop at Whole Foods. It was my first time in such a ce! My goodness, everything was quite dear, but all organic and naturally sourced. Should be top quality, very safe to eat.¡± Mary was warm and straightforward, somewhat familiar in her manner, which Thalia rather appreciated. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, Miss Winters. I wonder if you remember me¨CI used to hold you when you were little.¡± Thalia was momentarily taken aback. With Mary¡¯sment, she began to recall. Thalia smiled. ¡°Please, there¡¯s no need to be so formal. Just call me Thalia.¡± Mary asked, ¡°Very well then, Thalia it is. Now, where might I find the kitchen?¡± Thalia pointed. ¡°Just over there.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get started on dinner, then. Mr. ckwood mentioned he¡¯d be joining us this evening. Would a roast chicken with seasonal vegetables and a butternut squash soup be suitable?¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°Perfect.¡± Having finished his work, Asher instructed his driver to take him to Pan Penins. This was where he had purchased the apartment for Thalia. To avoid any future awkwardness about not having a change of clothes, Asher had arranged for severalrge suitcases filled with new toiletries, bathrobes, loungewear, and everyday clothing. OC COL At the door, Asher rang the bell. Thalia opened it and was genuinely surprised. ¡°Why on earth have you brought so many things?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow, a smile ying at his lips. ¡°I¡¯d hate to be caught without a change of clothes again if I stay over.¡± Thalia thought to herself: This seems rather excessive¨Cit¡¯s practically like moving in together. On second thought, if Asher were to suggest living together, she realized she wouldn¡¯t actually object. Noticing he had rung the doorbell, Thalia asked curiously: ¡°Haven¡¯t you got a key? Why ring the bell when you arrive?¡± ¡°This is the apartment I bought for you. You¡¯re the sole owner now, so naturally, I would need your permission to have a key.¡± Thalia looked at him with amusement. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll give you a spare keyter.¡± Asher followed Thalia inside, with his security detail carrying the suitcases behind them. ¡°Don¡¯t put it off¨Clet¡¯s do it today. I fear you might forget.¡± Thaliaughed. ¡°I¡¯m hardly that forgetful.¡± Sienna had been upset with Draketely. Drake had attempted suicide because of Thalia, and upon waking, his first words were to ask where Thalia was. Sienna was heartbroken. In a noisy bar with shing lights and a dance floor packed with revelers, Sienna sat with her friend Celine in a private booth, drinking. Celine swirled her ss. ¡°I never would have guessed that Thalia was the Winters heiress. It wasn¡¯t obvious at all.¡± ¡°Ha,¡± Siennaughed bitterly. ¡°Celine, do you think I¡¯m just aplete joke?¡± Celine awkwardly pulled at the corner of her mouth. Truthfully, it did seem like a joke. (3) Your Gold Digger 102 (0) Ever since discovering Thalia¡¯s true identity, Celine had been gossiping about Sienna with their other friends countless times behind her back. Of course, she would never say such things to Sienna¡¯s face. Even the most superficial of friendships required maintaining appearances. Celine patted Sienna¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Come on, Sienna, don¡¯t talk about yourself that way. If you ask me, Thalia¡¯s the real joke here. When you first got back from abroad, we all saw how Drake was totally into you. Thalia¡¯s been cheated on like a million times¨Cshe¡¯s the one everyone¡¯sughing at, not you!¡± Sienna smiled, her mood seemingly lifting. ¡°You¡¯re right. Thalia¡¯s the real joke.¡± Celine took a sip of tequ, smiling. ¡°I heard Thalia¡¯s got a new boyfriend now. Doesn¡¯t that mean things are looking up for you and Drake?¡± The bar¡¯s dim lighting concealed Sienna¡¯s gloomy expression. She forced a smile, cold light glinting in her eyes. This Celine was definitely doing this on purpose. News of Drake¡¯s suicide attempt over Thalia had spread throughout their social circle¨CCeline couldn¡¯t possibly be unaware. Asking such a question was clearly meant to mock her. She¡¯d always known Celine wasn¡¯t to be trusted! Sienna was seething, her face twitching with anger. After a moment topose herself, she replied in a measured tone: ¡°Not exactly. Drake¡¯spany has just started operating again, and he¡¯s crazy busy with work. He doesn¡¯t have time for dating.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Celine¡¯sughter rang clear. ¡°Oh right, I heard Drake was hospitalized recently. Must have been from overworking, I guess? I¡¯ve been too busy to visit him in town. Mason mentioned it was pretty serious¨Che was in hospital for several days. What happened exactly?¡± Sienna¡¯s face darkened. She casually flipped her hair, feigning nonchnce. ¡°Nothing major. Just his immune system taking a hit from too many all¨Cnighters. When the temperature dropped, he caught a bug.¡± Celine covered her mouth in exaggerated surprise. ¡°Really? Hospitalized for so long over a cold? His immune system must be shot to hell.¡± 97.1% Sienna steadied herself, then asked with feigned casualness: ¡°By the way, Celine, how are things with your boyfriend?¡± Celine immediately deted, squeezing out two words through clenched teeth: ¡°We¡¯re done.¡± Celine had been dating a guy named Kevin Han. He was three years younger than her and had worked as a dancer in Magic Mike Live before meeting her. When Celine first saw him¨Ctall at what appeared to be over six feet with a boyish, handsome face¨Cshe was instantly smitten. Kevin calling her ¡°baby¡± in that sweet voice had Celine swooning, and after a few dates, she fell head over heels. Later, Sienna heard from their mutual friends that Kevin wasn¡¯t actually even 5¡¯9¡°-he¡¯d worn special shoes with nearly three¨Cinch tforms during performances, with additional inserts for extra height. Celine¡¯s family owned apany, and she herself ran a mid¨Cto¨Chigh¨Cend women¡¯s clothing shop, making her rtively wealthy by ordinary standards. After getting together with Celine, Kevin had quit his dancing job and moved into her vi. He spent his dayszing about¨Csleeping, eating, and asionally flirting with female influencers behind Celine¡¯s back, spending her money while chasing other women. Sienna mimicked Celine¡¯s earlier gesture, covering her mouth with a smallugh. ¡°Ha! Finally dumped him, have you? He turned you into such a clich¨¦ with all his cheating. I honestly felt bad for you. Didn¡¯t he hint that he wanted you to buy him a Ducati?¡± Celine sat stone¨Cfaced, saying nothing. Sienna continued unperturbed: ¡°I heard those things aren¡¯t cheap¨Clike what, eighty grand for one bike? I really don¡¯t get it. It¡¯s just a fancy motorcycle, right? Is it really worth that much? And wasn¡¯t he also involved with that what¡¯s¨Cher¨Cname? That Instagram model who went viral recently? He pretended to be single, got caught red¨Chanded¡­ Good thing you ended it. Bullet dodged, girl!¡± ¡°Cheers to that!¡± Sienna raised her ss to clink with Celine¡¯s, cold mockery shing in her eyes. Ha, you¡¯re no match for me. Sienna sipped her drink, her mind working furiously. Celine¡¯s thinly veiled jabs meant that people in their circle wereughing at her behind her back. She absolutely had to win Drake back, to shut them all up for good! On Monday, Thalia went to work at Sinir & Klein. She had prepared all the arbitration request forms and evidence for Mark¡¯s case, which needed to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions today. Digger is Actually A True 97.4% Once the materials were approved, the case would be heard at the districtbour dispute aristrete tribal The Bentley Continental that Asher had given her was too ostentatious for work. Thetis typically dr understated BMW for court appearances and client meetings. There was no parking directly in front of the DWP office, so Thalia parked in an open air car park a dvr dieser away. To reach the office from there, she needed to cross a road. Thalia stood at the roadside, waiting for the pedestrian light to change. Suddenly, a powerful force from behind shoved her forward, Caught off guard, Thalia stumbled uncontrobly toward the street, Before her was a busy main road, with the pedestrian light still red, An approaching car couldn¡¯t brake in time¨Cthe driver¡¯s eyes widened in horror as the vehide bore down on Thaliat In that instant, Thalia felt as though Death itself were beckoning to her. At the crucial moment, a pair of strong hands yanked her back. It all happened in less than a second! Thalia was badly shaken. She gasped for breath, her heart pounding violently, After a moment, she finally regained her senses, She had nearly lost her life just now! ¡°Miss Winters, are you all right?¡± The security guard¡¯s face had drained of colour from the shock They had very nearly failed in their duty to protect her! Fortunately, the car had been just far enough away to give them time to react. ¡°Miss Winters, this bloke pushed you!¡± The other security guard had restrained a thin man, twisting his arms behind his back. Thalia¡¯s heart was still racing, her body trembling slightly. She felt dazed. ¡°Who are you? Why did you push me?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice quavered uncontrobly, 97.6% The man¡¯s eyes darted nervously as he stammered: ¡°I¡­ I identally bumped into you. I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I really didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± The security guard¡¯s voice was cold. The man hurriedly protested: ¡°No, no, I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose¡­¡± ¡°Crack!¡± The security guard applied pressure, dislocating the man¡¯s arm. ¡°Aaah!¡± The man screamed in agony. The pedestrian light had turned green, and the curious onlookers who had gathered began crossing the road, leaving just the four of them. The security guard said firmly: ¡°Miss Winters, I saw him push you with my own eyes. It was absolutely deliberate.¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, anger rising in her eyes. ¡°Why did you push me?¡± The man was in too much pain to speak, his face contorted in agony. ¡°Right. If you won¡¯t talk, I¡¯ll ring the police.¡± ? (2) (0) Your Gold Digger 103 Across the street, a ck Aston Martin was parked with its windows half lowered. Tom Malfoy reclined in the back seat, his eyes gleaming with predatory interest as he watched the scene unfold. His lips curved into a calcting smile. ¡°So that¡¯s ckwood¡¯s woman?¡± ¡°Indeed, sir,¡± Damian Walsh confirmed beside him. Tom¡¯s mouth quirked slightly. ¡°Resilient little thing, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Those men nking her are clearly ckwood¡¯s security detail.¡± Tom studied her with deliberate intensity. ¡°She is rather captivating. No wonder ckwood is so thoroughly consumed by her.¡± ¡°This woman,¡± Damian remarked with quiet certainty, ¡°is ckwood¡¯s sole vulnerability.¡± ¡°How convenient,¡± Tom replied, his gaze shifting away as something dark flickered across his features. ¡°ckwood demolished my operation. It¡¯s only fair I reciprocate with an appropriate gesture of¡­ appreciation.¡± That Russian venture had cost him an extraordinary investment of resources and capital. Then, at the critical moment, ckwood had systematically dismantled everything, inflicting catastrophic financial damage that had nearly crippled him. This debt wouldn¡¯t go unpaid. Thalia Winters. Let¡¯s see if luck continues to favor you quite so generously. At the police station. Thalia made a brief call, and within minutes, the officer handling her case received instructions from above. After ending the call, the officer¡¯s demeanor transformedpletely. ¡°Ms. Winters,¡± he said with newfound deference, ¡°we¡¯ve officially ssified your case as attempted murder. The investigation is now underway. You¡¯re free to leave¨Cwe¡¯ll contact you immediately with any developments.¡± Thalia acknowledged this with a slight nod. ¡°I appreciate your assistance.¡± As she exited the station, her phone rang with an unfamiliar number. ¡°I understand you¡¯ve taken on Bormen¡¯s case,¡± the caller began without preamble, his toneced with barely concealed hostility. ¡°Filing for arbitration against mypany?¡± 13:43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.1% Thalia¡¯s expression cooled. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°Ms. Winters, perhaps we might discuss this matter in person? At my office, if you¡¯d be so inclined.¡± The man¡¯s tone carried an unmistakable undercurrent of entitlement and disdain. ¡°Who am I speaking with?¡± A coldugh came through the line. ¡°Feynman Port. Mark Bormen¡¯s former employer.¡± The name registered immediately. In preparing thebor arbitration documents, she had reviewed thepany¡¯s registration files where Port was listed as the legal representative. ¡°What exactly did you wish to discuss?¡± Thalia asked evenly. ¡°A private settlement, naturally. Far more efficient than dragging everyone through formal proceedings, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± ¡°Very well. The address?¡± Port provided the location¨Can exclusive business club approximately ten miles from her current position. After disconnecting, Thalia¡¯s fingers drummed thoughtfully against the steering wheel. This wasn¡¯t a casual invitation: it reeked of ulterior motives. Caution would be essential. His eagerness to meet on his own territory, under the pretext of discussing settlement terms, could easily mask more sinister intentions. Thalia signaled her security detail. They approached immediately. ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡± ¡°We¡¯re attending a meeting. Stay vignt¨CI suspect our host may have arrangements beyond what he¡¯s indicated.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Inside the private room of the business club. A lean man with a buzz cut, d in a ck leather jacket, lounged on the sofa, swirling whisky in his ss with evident satisfaction. Four heavyset men stood vigntly positioned at strategic points around him. Feynman Port¡¯s eyes were cold as he addressed them. ¡°When thatwyer walks in, I want her dealt with properly. If things get messy, our friends upstairs will smooth it over.¡± Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.3% ¡°Got it, boss,¡± his men responded in unison. Thalia approached, impably dressed in a tailored light grey suit that radiated profesional authority. Her ck heels clicked decisively against the floor as she reached the door. One of her security detail moved forward to open it. Before she could even step inside, four men charged toward the doorway, each brandishing some form of makeshift weapon. Thalia instinctively stepped back, her quick assessment of the situation allowing her bodyguards to intercept. They moved with lethal efficiency, their techniques speaking of extensive military training The room erupted with groans and shouts of pain. In what seemed like mere seconds, all four of Port¡¯s meny sprawled across the floor, thoroughly incapacitated. Thalia¡¯s cool gaze found Port¡¯s now¨Cterrified eyes from across the room. Her lips curled into a smile that held no warmth whatsoever. ¡°Is this your idea of a settlement discussion?¡± Port, his face now a canvas of fresh bruises and cuts, had lost all his previous swagger. Thalia stood before him, arms crossed, her posture rxed yet somehow menacing ¡°Was it your people who pushed me into traffic this morning?¡± The legal profession came with its risks¨Cshe knew this well. The recent near¨Cfatal stabbing of Edward Thompson QC by a former client had been a sobering reminder for the entire legalmunity. Port fell to his knees, any remaining pretense of dignity abandoned. ¡°For God¡¯s sake, I¡¯m sorry¨CI¡¯ve made a terrible mistake. This won¡¯t happen again, I swear.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question. Did you arrange for someone to push me into oing traffic earlier today?¡± ¡°Traffic? What traffic?¡± Port looked genuinely bewildered. ¡°I¡¯ve never even seen you in person before now.¡± Not him? Then who? Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as she considered the possibilities. Could Grace Bet be responsible? She dismissed the thought almost immediately. Grace was maniptive and spiteful, certainly, but attempted murder seemed beyond even her capacity for malice. Who else, then? 1 A name crystallized in her thoughts. Tom Malfoy, Asher had specifically warned her about him, mentioning that Tom might target her as a means of vriking at Asher himself. ¡°Are you working for Tom Malfoy?¡± Thalia asked, her voice cutting through Port¡¯s whimpering ¡°Malfoy? Never heard of him,¡± Port insisted, desperation evident in every word. ¡°Please, I¡¯ll sort out Bormen¡¯spensation today¨Cevery penny. Just let me walk away from this.¡± ¡°That¡¯s rather difficult to believe,¡± Thalia replied, her tone arctic. ¡°A factory manager doesn¡¯t typically arrange for thugs to assault a barrister without significant backing. Someone¡¯s pulling your strings. Give me their name, and perhaps we can resolve this without further¡­ unpleasantness.¡± Port visibly trembled. His actual employer wielded considerable influence in both legitimate businesses and decidedly shadier enterprises. In certain circles, the man was spoken of in hushed tones. The factory was merely one of many holdings in his portfolio, with Port serving as nothing more than a convenient legal ceholder. The mere thought of betraying him, knowing his penchant for brutal retribution, made Port¡¯s skin crawl with terror. ¡°There¡¯s nobody,¡± he insisted, sweat beading on his forehead. ¡°I just¡­ I thought since you seemed young, I could scare you off the case easily.¡± Thalia studied him with the practiced scrutiny of someone who interrogated witnesses for a living, weighing every micro¨Cexpression for truth. Port cringed under her examination, terrified she might signal her security to resume their earlier demonstration. ¡°Please,¡± he begged pathetically, ¡°I¡¯ve learned my lesson.¡± ¡°How remarkably unconvincing,¡± Thalia replied, her smile thin and dangerous. ¡°I simply can¡¯t fathom why a businessman of your¡­ limited stature would risk attacking a barrister without substantial protection. Since you¡¯re being uncooperative, I¡¯ll have to let the police sort it out.¡± Port¡¯s shoulders actually rxed at this threat. The police posed no real concern. His employer¡¯s influence extended well intow enforcement. At ckwood Industries headquarters. Asher received the call from his security detail, his expression darkening with each word. In the span of a single day, Thalia had faced two life¨Cthreatening situations, narrowly escaping serious harm both 98.7% times. A wave of cold dread washed over him. Without another word, he ended the call, grabbed his coat, and strode purposefully toward the door. Mall Ford hurried after him. ¡°Sir, where are you going? The board meeting starts in ten minutes! Sir? Sir?¡± At the Pan Penins apartment. Mary had prepared an borate spread of all Thalia¡¯s favorite dishes. ¡°Come on, love, you¡¯ve had quite the day,¡± she said with motherly warmth. ¡°Let¡¯s get some food in you.¡± Thalia picked up her fork but found she had little appetite. Her mind kept returning to that moment at the roadside earlier today. It was the first time she had ever been so close to death. One more second, and she would never have seen another sunrise. Lost in thought, she barely registered Asher¡¯s arrival. ¡°Lia, darling,¡± his voice was tight with concern as he strode quickly toward her, hands gently cupping her face, his eyes searching hers intently. ¡°Are you all right?¡± Thalia returned to the present moment. ¡°Asher, you already know what happened.¡± Asher made a soft sound in his throat, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly against him. ¡°My sweet girl,¡± he whispered into her hair. ¡°I almost lost you today.¡± ? (1) Your Gold Digger 104 ¡°Asher, 1 suspect the person who puded is into tattic today we working for Tone Malloy car think of ye else who would do something like fi Thalia said qvary Asher¡¯s arm tightened around her, his dark eyes gleaming with cold twy. ¡°To made arquies Matry has inded returned to London.¡± Thalia stiffened against h¨¢m. ¡°Lia, darling, 1 think it¡¯s best if you work from home for a while, Keep outings to a mini ¡°Is he¡­ is Malfoy truly that dangerous?¡± Asher released her from his embrace but kept his hands on her shoulders, looking intently into her eyes. Immu willing to gamble with your safety. When I learned how close you came to being killed today, my heart entry stopped. You mean more to me than my own life¨Cyou must know that The corners of Asher¡¯s eyes reddened slightly. ¡°Against Malfoy, I¡¯m entirely confident in my ability to prevail. His tactics are brutal, but I can be more ruthless when necessary. The difference is, hecks any human feeling¨Cno emotional vulnerabilities, nothing to exploit. One might say hecks basic humanity. 1, however, have you ¡°Lia, I simply can¡¯t put you at risk.¡± The dining room was brilliantly lit, the dishes on the table releasing enticing aromas. From the living room, the evening news yed at low volume, the presenter¡¯s voice barely audible in the background. Thalia lowered her gaze, her eyes stinging with emotion. ¡°Asher, am I bing a liability to you?¡± she asked softly. Asher¡¯s eyes immediately shed with anguish and guilt. ¡°How can you even think that? If anyone¡¯s at fault, it¡¯s me. If not for our rtionship, you wouldn¡¯t be targeted by Grace, nor would you have caught Malfoy¡¯s attention.¡± Thalia shook her head slowly, ¡°You¡¯ve never been at fault. I¡¯ve never once thought that.¡± ¡°But I do, because it¡¯s the truth,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°Just stay in for the next few days, would you? I¡¯lle round every day to be with you.¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°All right.¡± ¡°Asher, could you look into someone for me?¡± ¡°Who?¡± 99.0% ¡°Feynman Port.¡± A dangerous glint appeared in Asher¡¯s eyes. ¡°The man who arranged those thugs to assault you today?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°My gut tells me he has powerful backing. A small factory owner wouldn¡¯t dare arrange such a brazen attack on a barrister. It had all the hallmarks of organized crime.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already put people onto it,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Lia, let¡¯s eat before everything gets cold,¡± Asher said, pulling out the chair beside her and sitting down. ¡°Yes, do join me.¡± Tom Malfoy sat in the back seat of his car. From the front, his driver and bodyguard Jerry nced in the rearview mirror. ¡°Back to Miss Petrov¡¯s ce tonight, sir?¡± Valeria Petrov was half¨CEnglish, half¨CRussian, from a wealthy family. With her fluentnguage skills, she had worked as a luxury travel guide before meeting Tom. Since then, she hadn¡¯t returned to Ennd in over two years. She was his most favored mistress in Russia and had apanied him on this trip to London. In the back seat, Tom lit a cigarette, lifting his eyelids slightly. ¡°No. Take me to that girl¡­ you know, the innocent¨Clooking one. What was her name again?¡± Tom was notorious for his phndering ways. With his strikingly handsome face and captivating eyes that could make even the most cynical person feel special, he had countless mistresses in Russia. Within days of arriving in London, women were already throwing themselves at him. As long as they were attractive, Tom never refused. His business ventures constantly flirted with death; one small mistake could cost him his life. Living in excess and pursuing immediate pleasures had be his philosophy. He craved intense gratification and used sexual indulgence to release tension. For Tom, women¡¯s bodies were merely instruments for his relief. He could sleep with many, give them anything they desired¨Cexcept love. He was a man without sentiments or heart. To him, love was the most useless thing in existence. An innocent¨Clooking girl? Jerry thought for a moment, then tentatively asked, ¡°You mean Miss Sophie, sir?¡± Tom took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling smoke rings that swirled in the air. 1343 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 99.3% ¡°Don¡¯t think that was her name. The one Arno Jones brought round the night we arrived. Petite thing, long straight ck hair,rge eyes. Just turned eighteen, university student, I believe.¡± With this description, Jerry remembered. When they had firstnded in London, Arno had arranged a wee gathering. To please Tom, he had specifically selected several exceptionally beautiful virgins, including the girl Tom was describing. That night, Tom had casually chosen two other girls to apany him. After drinks, he took them to his hotel for a threesome, leaving the ck¨Chaired girl behind. Nevertheless, Tom had apparently been interested in her. Though he hadn¡¯t taken her that night, he had generously given her ¡ê20,000, ostensibly to fund her university education. Girls who came to such gatherings were there to be bought. The ¡ê20,000, everyone understood, was payment for her virginity. Tom had also gifted the girl an apartment near her university. Having served Tom the longest, Jerry understood his nature perfectly. Tom was consistently debauched and promiscuous, keeping over a dozen women. Some, like Valeria, had been with him longer¨Cnearly two years in her case. Others he would sleep with once or twice and never contact again. Remembering something, Jerry hesitantly spoke up: ¡°Sir, Miss Petrov rang about an hour ago. She¡¯s prepared dinner and is waiting for you. You did say you¡¯d be back for supper with her.¡± Since Valeria had been with Tom for quite some time, Jerry felt she was somewhat different from the other women and thought it worth reminding him of his promise. Tom gave a derisiveugh, his eyes reflecting indifference. ¡°Lost my appetite for that, I¡¯m afraid.¡± ¡°Very well, sir.¡± Jerry said nothing more, quietly starting the car. At Valeria¡¯s luxurious residence, the dining room stood empty and silent. She had spent the entire evening preparing. A perfectly cooked steak sat on the table, alongside roses and a bottle of fine wine. She had even dressed for the asion in an elegant burgundy silk gown. She sat at the dining table, gently swirling her wine ss, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation. The wall clock ticked steadily. Time passed, minute by minute. The anticipation in her eyes gradually gave way to disappointment. After restraining herself repeatedly, she finally 12.42 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B 99.5% reached for her phone and made a call. The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. ¡°Tom, are you busy?¡± Valeria asked carefully. There were sounds from the other end that made her heart clench painfully. She gripped the phone tightly, her knuckles turning white, tears falling instantly. ¡°Can¡¯t talk now, darling. Won¡¯t make it for dinner tonight,¡± Tom¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse. Valeria bit her lower lip, tears streaming down her face. Tom didn¡¯t end the call but carelessly tossed his phone aside. The sounds that continued toe through were unmistakable. Valeria listened with a sort of self¨Cinflicted punishment. Each sound was like a knife twisting in her heart, leaving her breathless with pain. She had believed she was different in Tom¡¯s eyes. She was the woman who had been with him the longest, the only one he¡¯d brought with him to London. But now she realized her perceived special status was merely self¨Cdelusion. As the sounds from the other end grew more intense, Valeria couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. She hurled her phone across the room. (3) (0) Your Gold Digger 105 Thalia had obediently followed Asher¡¯s advice these past few days, not venturing outside and working from home. Asher quickly discovered who was backing Feynman Port. The man¡¯s name was Arno Jones, a powerful figure in London with connections in both legitimate business and criminal enterprises. He had influential protectors in high ces. Jones secretly controlled dozens ofpanies, all registered under names of unrted individuals who served as legal scapegoats. While these businesses appeared legitimate on the surface, they were fronts for illegal operations. Asher hung his coat on the rack as he exined, ¡°My sources have confirmed that Jones met with Malfoy shortly after his return to London. It appears Jones is seeking Malfoy¡¯s protection.¡± ¡°Malfoy has substantial influence in Russia with numerous business interests. Jones is clearly looking to establish international connections through him. Meanwhile, Malfoy has limited reach in London and needs a local partner. They¡¯re perfectly matched¨CI suspect they¡¯re already strategizing against me.¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°How do you intend to handle this?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lia. I¡¯ve already formted a strategy. Malfoy won¡¯t gain significant traction in London.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Thalia remained visibly worried about Asher¡¯s situation. ¡°Has anyone suspicious approached the apartment?¡± Asher asked. He had stationed several security personnel to guard the building round the clock, and they would certainly report any suspicious individuals immediately, but he still wanted to confirm with Thalia personally. Thalia shook her head. ¡°No one.¡± ¡°Good. Don¡¯t trust any strangers, whatever they might im.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hotel suite. Drake Ashcroft was lost in a moment of passion, repeatedly murmuring, ¡°Thalia, Thalia¡­¡± ¡°Drake,¡± Sienna whispered. The sound of a sharp p cut through the air as Drake struck Sienna across the face. ¡°Shut up! I told you not to speak when we¡¯re together like this!¡± 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 94.5% As long as she remained silent, he could pretend she was Thalia. Sienna bit her lip, fighting back tears, feeling utterly humiliated. The couple¡¯s themed suite was decorated with rose petals, the lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. In the dim light, Sienna¡¯s features were indistinct, allowing Drake to imagine she was Thalia. Recently, Sienna had begun hopelessly imitating Thalia. Her body type was simr to Thalia¡¯s, and their facial features had a slight resemnce. Initially, Drake had admitted that when he first became involved with Thalia, he had seen traces of Sienna in her. When Sienna first met Thalia, she had alsomented on their resemnce. At the time, Sienna had made this observation simply to provoke Thalia, suggesting she was merely a substitute. How ironic that the tables had turned. Now Sienna willingly yed the role of Thalia¡¯s recement, imitating her clothing style, makeup, hairstyle, and even wearing her signature perfume. It seemed Drake¡¯s devotion to Thalia wasn¡¯t as steadfast as he imed. Or perhaps, like many men, he could separate physical desire from love. Though he insisted he couldn¡¯t live without Thalia, he had sumbed to Sienna¡¯s persistent advances. Even though he called another woman¡¯s name in intimate moments, Sienna no longer cared. As long as she could remain by Drake¡¯s side, such humiliation seemed a small price to pay. At Pan Penins. Thalia received a call from Lucy Jenkins; her voice bubbling with excitement. ¡°Thalia, Teresa will be discharged from hospital tomorrow. I¡¯m going to collect her¨Cwould you like to join us?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t. I¡¯m staying put for the time being.¡± ¡°Has something happened?¡± Lucy asked with concern. Thalia stood in the garden, idly pulling at the leaves of an evergreen nt. ¡°Just a bit of a family situation. I need to keep a low profile for the next few days.¡± Lucy, sensing it was a private matter, didn¡¯t pry further. ¡°Right, I understand. I¡¯ll fetch her myself, then. Any message you¡¯d like me to pass on to Teresa?¡± 16.14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 94.8% Thalia replied warmly. ¡°Wish her well on her discharge and tell her to keep her spirits up. Do get her a small gift from me¨CI¡¯ll transfer some funds to you shortly.¡± Lucy quickly declined. ¡°Oh no, that won¡¯t be necessary. I still have plenty left from what you sent before.¡± ¡°Very well, then.¡± That evening. Thalia received a call from her father, Randolph Winters. ¡°Thalia, Lucy¡¯s birthday is the day after tomorrow, Saturday. We¡¯ve reserved a private room at a restaurant for the celebration. Do make sure you¡¯re avable to join us.¡± Thalia hesitated. She had promised Asher she wouldn¡¯t leave the apartment. She wanted to attend her sister¡¯s birthday celebration, but she couldn¡¯t. There was no telling what a vtile character like Tom Malfoy might do. She couldn¡¯t risk her safety. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Dad. I have to travel out of town for work on Saturday.¡± Randolph was taken aback by her refusal. ¡°What could possibly be more important? Can¡¯t you reschedule? Or have a colleague cover for you? You know how attached Lucy is to you¨Cshe¡¯ll be absolutely devastated if you¡¯re not there for her birthday.¡± Randolph sighed heavily. ¡°Since the kidnapping incident, Lucy has been struggling psychologically. I¡¯ve only recently managed to get her to see a therapist, and she¡¯s just beginning to show improvement. The doctor says she needs family support and attention right now. Despite her mother being with her constantly, she keeps asking for her sister. Can¡¯t you really make it home to see her?¡± A wave of guilt washed over Thalia. Lucy was her precious little sister. After Lucy¡¯s kidnapping, Thalia had suffered nightmares for several consecutive nights, unable to eat or sleep properly. ¡°I¡­¡± Thalia wavered. Lucy hadn¡¯t fully recovered psychologically. If she visited her sister, it would certainly help with her recovery. But thinking of the dangerous Tom Malfoy, Thalia steeled herself to refuse. 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 95.0% hapter ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Dad, but I really can¡¯t make it on Saturday¡± ¡°Well, all right then,¡± Randolph replied, disappointment evident in his voice, After ending the call, Thalia stood by the floor to ceiling windows, her expression forlorn. Why was Tom Malfoy targeting her specifically? She had never wronged him in any way. Was Asher right¨Cwas it simply because she was his only vulnerability? She wondered how long she would remain confined to this apartment. Saturday. Thalia was awakened by her ringing phone. The mobile vibrated rhythmically on her bedside table. After ringing for what seemed like ages and disconnecting automatically, it immediately began ringing again. Without opening her eyes, Thalia fumbled on the bedside table, finally grasping her phone and groggily answering ¡°Hello? Who is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s terrible, Ms. Winters! Your father¡¯s been in an ident!¡± It was Mrs. Wilson¡¯s voice. ¡°Mrs. Wilson, what¡¯s happened?¡± A white BMW hastily pulled into the open¨Cair car park outside the hospital. Thalia flung open the door and ran toward the hospital entrance. Mrs. Wilson had told her that during Lucy¡¯s birthday celebration, Randolph had suddenly lost his footing and fallen down a flight of stairs. He was now in critical condition. Upon hearing this news, Thalia nearly fainted from shock. In moments of crisis involving loved ones, rational thinking often gives way to emotion. Despite all concerns about Tom Malfoy, she grabbed her car keys and rushed out the door. 15:14 ? (1) (0) Your Gold Digger 106 At the hospital. In the corridor outside the enrergency room, Victoria Winters continuously wiped away tears, her eyes swollen and red from crying. ¡°Victoria, what happened to my father?¡± Thalia asked, her face tight with worry, Victoria dabbed at her eyes as she exined, ¡°Your father stepped out to the stairwell for a cigarette. When he didn¡¯te back after a while, I went to check on him. When I opened the emergency door-¡± her voice caught, ¡°I found him unconscious on the floor with blood pooling beneath his head.¡± ¡°How could this happen¡­¡± Thalia whispered, her gaze unfocused. ¡°He just went out for a smoke,¡± Victoria said through her tears. ¡°How could he have fallen? He¡¯s not exactly elderly¨Che can still see where he¡¯s going perfectly well.¡± Victoria¡¯s words struck Thalia with sudden rity. It was Tom Malfoy. It had to be Tom Malfoy. The psychopath couldn¡¯t get to the ckwoods and couldn¡¯t find her, so he went after her family instead. His objective was obvious¨Cto flush her out of hiding. Thalia¡¯s lips trembled with rage, fury building to a breaking point within her. Why was Tom Malfoy targeting her family? First Lucy, now her father. Thalia¡¯s fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. In this moment, her legal training and rationality vanished entirely, consumed by white¨Chot rage. Despite her years studyingw, she wanted only one thing: revenge. Tom Malfoy. This name, I will remember it. After the medical team stabilized Randolph, they transferred him to a private room. Outside the room, two security professionals stood guard on either side of the door. 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 95.5% Victoria approached with a thermos, eyeing them warily. ¡°Who are you two?¡± Thalia opened the door from inside. ¡°Victoria, my father¡¯s fall wasn¡¯t an ident. Asher sent these security specialists to protect him.¡± Victoria¡¯s forehead creased with concern. ¡°What are you saying, Thalia?¡± ¡°Come inside. I¡¯ll exin everything.¡± Ten minutester. Victoria¡¯s expression had transformed to one of horror, her eyes wide with fear. ¡°So ckwood¡¯s illegitimate brother arranged this to draw you out?¡± Thalia nodded grimly. ¡°Everyone needs to be extremely careful now. Victoria, don¡¯t go anywhere without security, and Lucy needs to stay home from school for a while. The people who kidnapped her before were working for Malfoy.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Victoria replied, visibly shaken. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange private tutors immediately.¡± Thalia cautioned, ¡°Make sure the tutors arepletely trustworthy. Their backgrounds need thorough investigation. I¡¯m worried they might send someone posing as a tutor to get to you and Lucy.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll only use tutors we¡¯ve worked with before.¡± ¡°Thank you for handling all this,¡± Thalia said, massaging her temples from exhaustion. ¡°How¡¯s Lucy doing? Yesterday didn¡¯t frighten her, did it?¡± Victoria shook her head. ¡°We haven¡¯t told her anything. Your father¡¯s ident happened right as the birthday party was ending. I just told Lucy that her father had to leave for an urgent matter.¡± ¡°Smart thinking. I¡¯ll have Asher send over his best security team to protect both of you.¡± ¡°That would be a relief.¡± The following afternoon. Asher finally managed to visit the hospital afterpleting his urgent business. Victoria sat beside the bed, helping Randolph with his medication, while Thalia worked on herptop at a small table nearby, bncing her professional responsibilities while keeping her fatherpany. Asher entered the room with Matt Ford following behind, carrying various gift baskets and nutritional supplements which he ced on a side table. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Uncle Randolph,¡± Asher said, ¡°I¡¯ve been preupied with tracking down those responsible and 15:14 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 95.6% couldn¡¯te sooner.¡± Randolph responded with a curt ¡°hmm,¡± barely acknowledging him. Thalia looked up from herputer. ¡°Have you found who did this?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Asher replied. Thalia¡¯s eyes zed. ¡°Where are they?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been handed over to the police, but Malfoy has covered his tracks meticulously. At present, we can only prosecute the actual attacker. We don¡¯t have grounds to arrest Malfoy himself.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough to leave any connection to himself.¡± Asher turned to Randolph in the hospital bed, his tone apologetic. ¡°Uncle Randolph, I¡¯m truly sorry you¡¯ve been caught in this. This situation exists because of me.¡± Randolph looked pale and frail, his condition clearly serious. ¡°Asher, Thalia has exined everything. With all the power and influence the ckwood family has, you really can¡¯t do anything about this Malfoy character? You¡¯re just going to let him continue hurting people?¡± ¡°I apologize, sir. While we¡¯re convinced he¡¯s behind this, we have no concrete evidence. The police can¡¯t help us without it.¡± ¡°Sometimes, Asher, ying by the rules isn¡¯t the answer,¡± Randolph said wearily. ¡°When your opponent fights dirty, you may need to fight dirtier. You¡¯re not the police¨Cwhy do you need evidence?¡± Asher lowered his eyes. He understood this logic perfectly. It wasn¡¯t that he needed evidence to confront Malfoy. The problem was that Malfoy had only recently returned to London and was constantly on the move, never staying in one ce. His team had tracked Malfoy¡¯s whereabouts several times, only to find he¡¯d already moved on. Asher patiently exined the current situation to Randolph. Randolph seemed thoroughly unsatisfied, sighing deeply as he took his medicine in silence. After exining the details about the assant to the Winters family, Asher produced a bank card. ¡°Uncle Randolph, please ept this small token of my concern.¡± Randolph¡¯s displeasure was evident. He didn¡¯t need money. His eyes fell on the card with disdain. ¡°Don¡¯t bother with these useless gestures. Catching Malfoy would be far more meaningful.¡± 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 95.8% For Thalia¡¯s sake, Asher maintained impable politeness in front of his future father inw, his manner beyond reproach. He nodded slightly. ¡°Of course.¡± As Asher prepared to leave, Thalia closed herptop and spoke quietly: ¡°Asher, I¡¯lle with you.¡± Randolph¡¯s cool gaze swept over to her, his expression darkening. Thalia sighed. ¡°Dad, they hurt you to draw me out. Only if I¡¯m visible will you, Victoria, and Lucy be safe.¡± Victoria looked startled. ¡°Thalia, we have security now¨Cwe should be fine. It¡¯s you who needs to be careful!¡± Randolph gave a cold snort. ¡°If an alliance with the ckwood family puts our lives at risk, perhaps this engagement shouldn¡¯t continue.¡± Thalia froze, her heart sinking as she felt a sudden chill envelop her. She understood Randolph was deadly serious, not merely testing them. What made it most painful was that she had no grounds to object. The victims were her sister and father, not herself. She couldn¡¯t justify subjecting her family to continued danger for the sake of her own romantic happiness. ¡°Dad,¡± Thalia¡¯s voice was strained, ¡°I¡¯ll talk this through with Asher.¡± Randolph¡¯s tone was grave. ¡°Yes, you certainly should.¡± In the hospital¡¯s underground car park. The car¡¯s heating system created a cocoon of warmth. Asher removed his coat, revealing a ck shirt with a tie¨Cclearly he hade directly from ckwood Industries. ¡°Asher,¡± Thalia began, ¡°we need to talk.¡± Asher kept his eyes lowered, concealing his emotions. ¡°What about?¡± Thalia felt a sharp pain in her heart. The words she needed to say were impossible to voice. But her family had been repeatedly harmed, and she couldn¡¯t selfishly prioritize her own love and happiness. Yesterday it was Lucy¡¯s kidnapping, today her father¡¯s injury. What would tomorrow bring? 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 96.0% Would it be Victoria next, or herself? ? (0) Your Gold Digger 107 A lengthy silence hung between them. The car¡¯s heating made the air inside slightly stifling. Asher loosened his tie and partially lowered the window. Cold air rushed in, bringing immediate relief. Thalia carefully chose her words: ¡°About what my father said-¡± Before she could finish, Asher floored the elerator. Thalia lurched forward unexpectedly, the remainder of her sentence caught in her throat. She pressed her lips together and quietly fastened her seatbelt. Asher was clearly emotional, driving far too fast. Thalia sat in the passenger seat, her heart racing with anxiety. The security detail following behind panicked. ¡°Bloody hell! Where¡¯s Mr. ckwood¡¯s car? How did we lose them so fast? The man in the passenger seat broke into a cold sweat. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, right? How did you manage to lose them?¡± The driver mmed his fist against the steering wheel in frustration. ¡°Come on! Mr. ckwood was going t out. That¡¯s a Bugatti La Voiture Noire¨Cthis heap of junk doesn¡¯t stand a chance! What the hell do we do now?¡± His colleague frantically pulled out his mobile. ¡°I¡¯ll give him a ring and find out where they¡¯re headed.¡± The ck Bugatti sped along the road, the scenery outside bing a blur. The roar of the supercar¡¯s engine drowned out the soft vibration of the iing call. Thalia¡¯s heart was in her throat. Her face had gone pale as she gripped the seatbelt tightly. ¡°Asher, slow down, please.¡± Asher stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched, his profile rigid with tension. His mood was visibly dark. Though he didn¡¯t respond verbally, the car gradually slowed. 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 96.4% Thalia¡¯s tense hody gradually rxed the looked out the window. The Inuildings andndscape around them were unfamiliar. This wasn¡¯t the route to Pan Penins, nor was it the way to the ckwood estate. ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked. Asher replied coldly. ¡°Pan Peninsda lurt safe anymore. You can¡¯t go back there for a while. I¡¯m taking you to a country estate to lie low until I sort this mess out. Then I¡¯lle get you.¡± ¡°Is it far?¡± ¡°Not really, just up ahead, there¡¯ll be people waiting for you. You¡¯ll get out and go with them. They¡¯ve got top security personnel¨Cyou¡¯ll be safe with them.¡± Thalia immediately asked, ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± The car continued forward. The city¡¯s skyscrapers became fewer, reced by smaller buildings and wilderness. Wild green vegetation flourished on both sides of the road, creating a refreshingly peaceful scene. ¡°We¡¯re almost there. L¨ªa, you need to go with them when we stop.¡± Thalia turned to look behind them. ¡°Where¡¯s our security today? I thought you said never go out without them?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was grave. ¡°After leaving the hospital, I spotted someone following us. I sped up to lose them, which is probably when our security detail lost us too.¡± Thalia felt a stab of worry. ¡°Won¡¯t you be in danger when you head back?¡± Just then, Asher¡¯s phone began vibrating again. As the car had slowed, he answered this time. The security guard¡¯s voice was urgent and serious: ¡°Sir, where are you and Ms. Winters? We¡¯vepletely lost you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m at-¡± Before he could finish, a loud ¡°bang¡± resonated as a bullet struck the car body. Simultaneously, a ck Aston Martin appeared in the rearview mirror. Asher wrenched the steering wheel sharply, narrowly avoiding a bullet aimed at the tire. The projectile hit the car body instead¨Cfortunately, the tires remained intact. 15:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 96.5% Thalia instinctively cried out in rm. The Bugatti¡¯s tires screeched against the asphalt. Asher pushed Thalia down in the passenger seat. ¡°Lin, get down! Now Thalia had barely ducked when a bullet shot through from the side, missing her by inches, Had hopes not jok quickly, the bullet would have struck her head. The bullet passed diagonally through the passenger side, hitting the windscreen, which immediataty devotesat a hole with fractures spreading outward. Cold air whistled in through the bullet hole. Thalia struggled to curl her body smaller, trembling with fear. Once again, she had narrowly escaped death. In this moment, she fully grasped Tom Malfoy¡¯s murderous intent! To use firearms so brazenly in London¨Che truly waspletely deranged. Faced with this critical emergency, Asher remained coollyposed. ¡°They came prepared,¡± Asher said in a low voice, speaking rapidly. ¡°Lia, stay down. Don¡¯t move.¡± He had been careless. Asher thought he¡¯d lost them, but they had caught up. His Thalia had nearly been shot. His brow furrowed, his eyes filled with deadly intent. Asher pushed the Bugatti to its limits, the steering wheel spinning in his hands as he swerved left and right, shifting , Thalia was jostled from side to side, bumping against the interior. Behind the Bugatti, two cars had caught up. A ck Aston Martin and a silver Porsche 918, both traveling at extreme speeds, attempting to surround the But In the passenger seat of the Porsche, a man wielded a heavy sniper rifle¨Cthe source of the previous shots.. 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 96.7% apter Asher slightly reduced his speed. With one hand on the wheel, he reached to the side of the driver¡¯s seat and pulled out a gun, loading it single¨Chandedly. Ordinarily, Asher wouldn¡¯t keep a weapon in his car, but he had specifically prepared this one as a precaution against Malfoy. Just as the Aston Martin was about to draw level with the Bugatti, Asher suddenly decreased his speed, allowing the cars to run parallel. In that split¨Csecond window, Asher swiftly raised his gun and fired. The bullet passed through the gap in the window. The Aston Martin¡¯s window shattered with a hole. The passenger seat was empty, but the bullet struck the driver. The car violently veered off course, crashing into the guardrail on the right side of the road. The Aston Martin¡¯s front end crumpled, the guardrail twisted from the impact, and thick ck smoke immediately billowed from the vehicle. The Porsche 918, which had beengging slightly behind, visibly slowed¨Cthe driver distracted by his colleague¡¯s ident. Asher seized the opportunity, controlling the steering wheel with one hand while firing multiple shots at the pursuing vehicle with the other. The bullets prated the Porsche¡¯s windscreen. To avoid the sudden gunfire, the Porsche driver frantically turned the wheel. Unlike Asher, the driverckedposure under pressure. The Porsche lost control, swerving wildly before breaking through the left guardrail and plunging off the cliff. Thalia remained crouched in the car, unable to see what was happening outside. She had only felt the momentary deceleration, followed by the tremendous noise of a vehicle hitting the guardrail. While chaos reigned outside, Thalia obediently stayed down, not daring to move. The Bugatti finally escaped its pursuers, elerating forward for a considerable distance. Only after confirming they were out of danger did Asher rx. ¡°It¡¯s okay now, Lia. You can sit up.¡± Thalia slowly raised herself. Asher reduced their speed, ncing at her. Thalia¡¯s face waspletely drained of color, her eyes still haunted by terror¨Cclearly severely shaken. ¡°Was that Malfoy himself?¡± Thalia asked, her voice trembling. Asher shook his head. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t put himself out in the field like this. The guy with the rifle was probably 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True someone he brought over from Russia. The way he handled that weapon¨Cdefinitely one of Malfoy¡¯s mercenaries.¡± Thalia remained badly shaken, cold sweat drenching her clothes. ¡°He¡¯s absolutely insane.¡± Asher felt a wave of guilt. ¡°God, Lia, you must be terrified. I¡¯m so sorry¨Cbeing with me has put you in danger again.¡± Perhaps, Asher thought, he should seriously consider Randolph¡¯s words¡­ (4) (0) Your Gold Digger 108 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 97.1% At ckwood Manor. The television in the ground floor drawing room was broadcasting the evening news. ¡°This afternoon, a serious road collision urred on the A21 in Kent. We now go live to our correspondent at the scene.¡± ¡°Good afternoon, viewers. It¡¯s currently 4:15 PM, and I¡¯m reporting from a stretch of the A21 approximately forty miles southeast of London. At 3:40 PM, motorists reported a serious collision on this section of road. As you can see behind me, a vehicle has smashed into the guardrail, sustaining catastrophic damage. The driver was found unconscious with severe injuries and has been rushed to King¡¯s College Hospital in critical condition.¡± ¡°Additionally, as the camera pans left, you can see that the barrier further down the road has also beenpromised. Evidence suggests another vehicle broke through and plunged down the embankment. Emergency services are currently conducting a technical rescue operation¡­¡± Lord ckwood Sr. watched the television screen with furrowed brows, his piercing gaze unwavering. ¡°Grandfather, you¡¯re back?¡± Asher entered, casually tossing his car keys onto the mahogany side table. Lord ckwood turned, his prating gaze sweeping over his grandson. ¡°This wasn¡¯t merely a traffic incident, was it? Malfoy¡¯s handiwork?¡± Asher sank into the leather sofa, looking uncharacteristically weary as he massaged his temples. ¡°Yes.¡± Lord ckwood Sr. continued: ¡°I¡¯ve heard Randolph Winters took a fall down a staircase?¡± Asher responded with a deep, solemn ¡°Indeed.¡± Lord ckwood¡¯s brows remained tightly knitted as he stared at the news broadcast, his expression inscrutable. The atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken tension. The housekeeper arrived with a silver tray of Earl Grey. Asher lifted a cup and took a measured sip. ¡°Asher, you must end your rtionship with the Winters girl.¡± Asher set down his teacup with deliberate precision, his dark eyes clouding over with shadow. He remained silent, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. Lord ckwood sighed deeply before speaking with grave authority: ¡°Your conflict with Malfoy should never li drawn in the Winters family. If he can¡¯t strike at you directly, he¡¯ll target her instead.¡± 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 97.3% ¡°Mmm.¡± Asher¡¯s nomittal response hung in the air. Lord ckwood continued earnestly: ¡°You and Miss Winters have merely a verbal understanding. Thankfully, you haven¡¯t formally announced your engagement, so severing ties needn¡¯t beplicated. A straightforward breakup can establish clear boundaries. We¡¯ll offer the Winters family appropriatepensation and tender our personal apologies. I¡¯m certain they¡¯ll understand the circumstances.¡± Notplicated? Asherughed suddenly¨Ca hollow sound devoid of mirth that never reached his eyes. His voice was quiet, fractured with barely contained emotion. ¡°How could I possibly let her go?¡± The elderly man paused momentarily, then fixed his grandson with a prating gaze. ¡°Have you fallen in love with her, Asher?¡± Lord ckwood hadn¡¯t fullyprehended the depth of Asher¡¯s feelings for Thalia, assuming theirs was merely a pragmatic alliance of influential families. Asher felt his chest constrict painfully and remained silent, his gaze fixed on the Persian carpet beneath his feet. The patriarch saw through his reserve and sighed deeply. ¡°You¡¯ve be a devoted man. You¡¯re quite unlike your father¨CI see rather more of myself in you than I expected.¡± His tone shifted abruptly. ¡°Nevertheless¡­ even if the separation feels impossible, it must be done. You know perfectly well what Malfoy is capable of. During his years in Russia, he built his empire through the most ruthless criminal syndicate in Moscow. Hemands weapons and mercenaries at his disposal. When provoked, there¡¯s nothing he wouldn¡¯t do. To speak inly, if Miss Winters remains by your side, she might very well forfeit her life. Surely you wouldn¡¯t risk such an oue?¡± ¡°Randolph Winters was fortunate today¨Che survived his ¡®ident.¡® But if he hadn¡¯t regained consciousness, do you imagine Thalia would forgive you or the ckwood family? This afternoon¡¯s attack on the A21 was Malfoy¡¯s opening salvo directed at you. Asher, if you truly love her, you must protect her properly. You cannot allow her to face mortal danger simply because of her association with you.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes reddened at the corners, his heart constricting with bitter resignation. He opened his mouth to object but then recalled that horrifying moment on the road hours earlier¨Ca bullet whistling past Thalia¡¯s head, missing her by mere inches. She had nearly been executed before his eyes. Whatever protest he had intended died in his throat. Asher remained silent for a long while. The patriarch continued with measured patience: ¡°Randolph Winters is a legitimate businessman; he¡¯s unfamiliar with this world of violence and retribution. Even with your most skilled security detail, you cannot shield them every moment. As you¡¯ve witnessed firsthand today, the Winters family bears the immediate brunt of your con with Malfoy.¡± Asher¡¯s deep obsidian eyes remained calm as an unfathomableke. His Adam¡¯s apple shifted visibly as he 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 97.5% swallowed, the corners of his eyes brightening with repressed emotion. ¡°Grandfather, are you certain Malfoy would believe a separation between Thalia and myself?¡± ¡°That¡¯s precisely why it must be an authentic breakup, not a charade. Miss Winters has a transparent nature¨Cthe¡¯s incapable of sustaining a convincing deception. If you were to propose a pretend separation, she would inevitably reveal the truth. Asher, you must be absolute in your actions¨Cmake a clean, decisive break.¡± Pain shed across Asher¡¯s features. ¡°I once promised her I would never do anything to cause her harm.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t harming her¨Cit¡¯s preserving her life.¡± ¡°Grandfather, Malfoy targeted the Winters family precisely because he recognizes Thalia as my vulnerability. I doubt he would ept that I¡¯ve distanced myself from her based merely on a breakup.¡± The old man shook his head decisively. ¡°No, he will believe it. Your position as the ckwood heir and the sole sessor to our empire would make such a narrative entirely credible. He would readily ept that you aren¡¯t a devoted or faithful man. Someone of your standing and background is expected to be capricious in matters of the heart.¡± Asher gave a bitterugh. ¡°Grandfather, might I have some time to consider this?¡± Lord ckwood squeezed Asher¡¯s shoulder, speaking with grave intensity: ¡°Asher, I can afford to wait, but the Winters family cannot.¡± Asher closed his eyes briefly, his chest rising and falling as though struggling against some immense internal pressure. ¡°If you truly care for Miss Winters¡­.¡± the old man said with measured patience, ¡°you could always pursue her again after neutralizing Malfoy. Wouldn¡¯t that resolve the situation?¡± Asher¡¯s voice emerged slightly hoarse, his eyes reflecting a bewilderment that Lord ckwood had never before witnessed in his typicallyposed grandson. ¡°What if, by then, she no longer wishes to be with me?¡± The old man had no ready answer. He understood Asher¡¯s torment, yet he couldn¡¯t offer false assurances. The human heart was mercurial¨Cwho could predict its future course? Moreover, it would be Asher initiating the separation; Miss Winters would have no reason to wait faithfully for his return. He needed Asher to make the break absolute¨Conly then would Thalia truly relinquish hope, and only then would Malfoy be convinced of their separation. But if Asher were to hurt her so thoroughly, why would the young woman ever consider reconciliation? It was an impossible dilemma. Lord ckwood considered carefully before speaking solemnly: ¡°Asher, if you¡¯re unwilling to enact a genuine 1:11 C Your Gold Digger is Actually A Trus 97.7% Chapter 10% separation, then you must exin everything to her withplete transparency. Have her perform alongade you in this deception. Of course, this assumes you can guarantee she¡¯ll execute her role wlessly, without revealing any vulnerability that might expose her or her family to further danger¡± Asher: ¡°¡­¡± That wouldn¡¯t suffice. Thalia couldn¡¯t conceal her emotions effectively. If she hadn¡¯t truly abandoned hope, her eyes would betray her every time they met. Anyone observing closely would detect the truth. ¡°Consider your options thoroughly,¡± the old man said, rising to his feet. ¡°I returned to London specifically to dissolve this engagement with the Winters family. Reflect carefully and give me your decision tomorrow. Tomorrow evening, we shall visit the hospital together to tender our apologies to Randolph Winters.¡± Asher kept his gaze downcast without speaking, enveloped in a palpable aura of mncholy, Understanding his grandson needed solitude to contemte this painful decision, Lord ckwood departed without furtherment, his footsteps fading as he ascended the grand staircase. The drawing room fell silent and deste. With doors and windows sealed against the winter chill, not even the faintest breeze disturbed the oppressive stillness. The air felt suffocating, heavy with unspoken anguish. Asher tugged at his cor, his heart constricting with an unbearable, spreading pain. The pale winter sunlight filtered through the leaded ss windows, casting his solitary shadow across the polished parquet floor. Deste and utterly alone. (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 109 The silence in the room was absolute, making the vibration of his mobile seem unnaturally loud against the polished side table. Asher nced at the screen before answering. It was Thalia calling. His eyes darkened momentarily as he epted the call, his voice rough with strain. ¡°Hello, Lia.¡± Hearing the hoarseness in his voice, the young woman on the other end immediately sounded concerned. ¡°Asher, what¡¯s the matter? You sound dreadful. Did something happen on your way back?¡± ¡°No, nothing happened.¡± Thalia: ¡°¡­¡± A moment of silence hung between them. Thalia spoke again, providing the update he¡¯d requested. ¡°I¡¯ve arrived safely. The journey was quite straightforward. This ce is properly secluded, and the housekeeper looking after me is lovely¨Cever so kind and attentive. Everything¡¯s perfectly fine.¡± Except I can¡¯t see you. I¡¯ll miss you terribly and worry constantly about your safety. She kept these thoughts to herself. She didn¡¯t want to be overly sentimental. This wasn¡¯t the time for romantic derations¨CAsher had critical matters to handle. Her role now was simply to follow his instructions and remain safely hidden away. Asher responded with a nomittal ¡°Mmm.¡± Thalia noticed his unusually distant manner, assuming he was still processing the traumatic events they¡¯d experienced on the road. ¡°Well¡­¡± Thalia began hesitantly, ¡°I ought to let you go. I know you¡¯ve got rather a lot on your te at the moment.¡± Asher tilted his head back, staring vacantly at the sunlight streaming through the window. As though summoning every ounce of strength he possessed, his eyes reddening, he spoke each word with deliberate precision: ¡°Lia, I think we should end things.¡± There was no need to consider further. Grandfather was right¨Cthe Winters were legitimate business people ill¨Cequipped to withstand Malfoy¡¯s ruthles methods. 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.2% Each day they remained together ced the Winters family in greater danger. Thalia froze, clutching her phone as her lips moved soundlessly, unable to form a single word. Tears fell unbidden down her cheeks. After what seemed an eternity, Thalia finally managed to ask, her voice trembling with emotion: ¡°Is it because you¡¯re afraid of putting me in danger?¡± ¡°No, nothing like that. I¡¯ve simply realized this arrangement isn¡¯t particrly¡­ fulfilling. You see¡­¡± Asher drew a deep breath, fighting back his own tears as he forced himself to continue: ¡°My previous attentions toward you were based on my assessment that you would make a suitable Mrs. ckwood. Only someone of your beauty, intelligence, and family background would be qualified to be the ckwood matriarch, but¡­¡± Asher closed his eyes briefly, suppressing his anguish as he continued with painful effort: ¡°But I¡¯vee to realize I¡¯m not quite ready to settle down. I don¡¯t fancy being limited to just one woman for the rest of my life. So, I think it¡¯s best we part ways. Try to forget me. I¡¯m truly sorry for letting you down.¡± The country estate consisted of a charming two¨Cstory cottage with a small garden. From the window of Thalia¡¯s room, she could look down at the garden below. In this season, the garden presented a scene of destion, mirroring the despair in her heart. Thalia curled up on the bed, clutching the duvet as she wept silently. Since ending the call over an hour ago, her tears hadn¡¯t ceased. How could a person possess so many tears? It seemed an inexhaustible supply. She didn¡¯t believe Asher¡¯s im that he was ending things because he wasn¡¯t ready to settle down. That wasn¡¯t the man she knew. This had to be because of Malfoy. Asher was desperate to sever their connection to prevent Malfoy from harming her. But those words had wounded her deeply; she couldn¡¯t remain unmoved. She hadn¡¯t wanted to cry, but the tears flowed beyond her control. Winter days grew dark early¨Cby six in the evening, twilight had already descended. A gentle knock sounded at the door as the housekeeper called softly from outside: ¡°Miss Winters, dinner¡¯s ready when you are.¡± 15:15 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.4% Chayay 199 Thalia sniffled, her voice slightly hoarse. ¡°Mary, I¡¯m not feeling up to eating, thank you.¡± Perhaps the housekeeper hadn¡¯t heard her, as she knocked again. ¡°Miss Winters, have you nodded off?¡± Thalia wiped her tears, climbed off the bed, and hastily adjusted her hair and clothing before opening the door. ¡°Mary, I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have much of an appetite this evening. Please do go ahead without me.¡± The housekeeper¡¯s expression changed upon seeing Thalia¡¯s red, swollen eyes. ¡°Miss Winters, is everything all right? You look rather upset.¡± Thalia shook her head gently, her voice thick with congestion. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡± The housekeeper looked concerned and asked, ¡°Would you like me to ring Mr. ckwood for you?¡± Of all things to mention. It was an innocent mistake, of course. Thalia forced her lips into a smile more painful than tears, feigning strength as she replied: ¡°Truly, I¡¯m absolutely fine. It¡¯s just the unfamiliarity of this ce, and I¡¯m terribly worried about my father¡¯s condition. I couldn¡¯t help but shed a few tears, but there¡¯s nothing to fret about.¡± The housekeeper wasn¡¯t aware of Randolph¡¯s hospitalization, and so didn¡¯t press further after Thalia¡¯s exnation. ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear you¡¯re well. You gave me quite a fright! Mr. ckwood specifically instructed that you should contact him for anything at all¨Ceven if the meals aren¡¯t to your liking or you¡¯re having trouble sleeping.¡± Thal¨ªa paused, slightly taken aback. ¡°Did he really say that?¡± The housekeeper smiled warmly. ¡°Indeed he did, Miss Winters. It¡¯s quite clear Mr. ckwood cares tremendously for you.¡± Thalia fell silent. The housekeeper continued: ¡°Do rest now. If you be peckishter, just give me a shout, and I¡¯ll prepare something for you.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t trouble yourself. I won¡¯t be eating tonight. Once you¡¯ve finished your tasks, you should get some rest.¡± The housekeeper looked somewhat conflicted. ¡°Mr. ckwood was most emphatic about ensuring yourfort. I¡¯ll be staying in the room diagonally across from yours. Should you need anything at all, simply knock.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± At a secluded estate outside London. Tom Malfoy lounged on the leather Chesterfield, arms stretched across the back cushions, long legs crossed with 1515 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.6% affected nonchnce as he reclined in a picture of deceptive ease. Despite his rxed posture, his eyes glinted with dangerous intent as he spoke through clenched teeth: ¡°Let me get this straight¨Cthe three of you couldn¡¯t handle ckwood, even with a bloody woman in tow?¡± The man kneeling before him had bandages wrapped around his head and arm. He was the driver of the Aston Martin that had pursued Asher that afternoon. Asher¡¯s bullet had struck his arm, and he¡¯d sustained a serious head injury when his vehicle collided with the guardrail, knocking him unconscious. After being rushed to hospital and stabilized, he¡¯d ripped out his IV line and immediately hastened to Malfoy¡¯s estate to report, his wounds barely treated. The man¡¯s face was ghostly pale, though whether from his injuries or sheer terror remained unclear. He trembled visibly as he responded: ¡°Y¨Cyes, sir. That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s precisely what happened.¡± ¡°And those two useless pillocks¨Cstill no sign of them, I take it?¡± Malfoy narrowed his eyes, murderous intent radiating from his gaze. At that moment, Jerry, the bodyguard standing behind him, leaned forward, speaking in hushed tones: ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve just had word. The police have recovered the bodies of Jack and Zac.¡± Jack was the Russian mercenary who had operated the high¨Ccaliber sniper rifle that afternoon. Zac was British, one of the hit men under Jerry¡¯smand. Both men had been in the Porsche 918 when it crashed through the barrier and plunged down the embankment. Their survival had been virtually impossible, so the discovery of their bodies was hardly unexpected. However, Jack had still been clutching his rifle when the vehicle fell. Which meant the weapon was now in police custody. Thisplicated matters tremendously. Malfoy¡¯s gaze turned razor¨Csharp, cold as steel. He raised his foot and viciously kicked the kneeling man before him, showing utter disregard for the severity of his injuries. ¡°You¡¯re of no further use,¡± he spat. ¡°Get out of my sight!¡± ? (0) (0) Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Your Gold Digger 110 In Randolph¡¯s hospital room. The ckwood staff carefully arranged the expensive gifts, nutritional supplements, and fruit before quietly withdrawing from the room. The space around Randolph¡¯s bed was crowded with visitors. Every member of the ckwood family was present, except for the elderly Lady ckwood who was confined to bed with a winter cold. Lord ckwood Sr. spoke first: ¡°Randolph, when I heard of your injury, I immediately requested leave from Westminster toe to London personally. I do hope you make a swift recovery.¡± Lord ckwood Sr. held considerable influence in political circles; even London¡¯s highest officials would treat him with profound respect. Though a man of great authority and senior standing, he addressed Randolph with remarkable courtesy, showing none of the condescension one might expect. Randolph was visibly moved by this deference. He pushed himself up against the headboard, his expression somewhat anxious. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, sir. My injuries are rtively minor¨Cyou needn¡¯t have troubled yourself.¡± Andrew ckwood spoke up: ¡°Randolph, please ept this small token of our concern.¡± He stepped forward, presenting a bank card. With Lord ckwood Sr. having set such a conciliatory tone, Randolph could hardly express any grievances he might harbor. He epted the card with a smile. ¡°I appreciate this. Thank you.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Andrew replied courteously. ¡°Randolph,¡± Lord ckwood Sr. continued, having noted Randolph¡¯s eptance of theirpensation, ¡°there¡¯s another matter that brought me to London.¡± Randolph had already anticipated this discussion. Heposed himself, listening attentively. ¡°Your injury was no ident, as I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware. Has Asher mentioned to you about Andrew¡¯s¡­¡± Lord ckwood Sr. hesitated, having nearly said ¡°illegitimate son,¡± but stopped himself¨Cthe term seemed excessively harsh. After a brief pause, he continued: ¡°Has he mentioned Andrew¡¯s other son, Tom Malfoy?¡± 15:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True tes 99.1% Randolph¡¯s expression darkened slightly as he nodded. ¡°Malfoy¡¯s target is the ckwood family. You¡¯ve been caught in the crossfire because of Thalia¡¯s engagement to Asher. After careful consideration, we believe it best to dissolve the engagement.¡± Victoria, Randolph¡¯s second wife, standing nearby, looked somewhat surprised by this direct statement. Randolph had discussed the possibility of ending the engagement with her the previous evening, but had been reluctant to broach the subject first, given Lord ckwood Sr.¡¯s considerable influence. It was fortuitous that the ckwood patriarch himself had raised the matter. From the moment the ckwood family had entered the room, Randolph had been mentally prepared for this conversation. He wasn¡¯t particrly surprised by Lord ckwood Sr.¡¯s deration. He nodded slightly. ¡°Very well. Since you¡¯ve raised the matter so directly, I¡¯ll be equally forthright. I had been considering this myself. You must understand, our family has paid a tremendously high price for this engagement thus far.¡± The patriarch¡¯s expression reflected genuine regret. ¡°I understandpletely.¡± Andrew added: ¡°Randolph, the ckwood family deeply regrets the harm that hase to your family. We suggest that the public announcemente from the Winters family¨Cwe¡¯ll prepare the press statement and assume all responsibility for the dissolution.¡± Andrew¡¯s wife handed Randolph a document. ¡°We¡¯ve drafted this statement regarding the broken engagement. Please review it and suggest any additions you feel necessary.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Randolph epted the document and began reading through it. After a moment, he closed the file. ¡°This seemsprehensive. It will suffice.¡± Lady ckwood nodded. ¡°Excellent. I rmend issuing it as soon as possible. Each day¡¯s dy ces your family at continued risk.¡± Randolph agreed with a nod, then turned his gaze meaningfully toward Asher. ¡°Asher, have you discussed this with Thalia?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Asher replied, his Adam¡¯s apple shifting visibly as he swallowed. ¡°Sir, to ensure Thalia doesn¡¯t harbor any false hopes, I told her I¡¯d had a change of heart. I would appreciate your discretion in maintaining this narrative rather than revealing the true circumstances.¡± Randolph solemnly agreed. ¡°Well, Randolph, we¡¯ll leave you to rest now,¡± Lord ckwood Sr. said. ¡°Thank you foring. Victoria, would you see our guests out?¡± Victoria nodded. ¡°Of course.¡± 15:15 O 99.4% Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 481 Having slept poorly the night before, Thalia had fallen intox fitful afternoon tap. She had barely drifted off when her phone began ringing insistently Thalia reluctantly opened her eyes and answered with a weary, ¡°Hello?¡± Victoria¡¯s voice came through in a rush of excitement. ¡°Bloody hell, Liat Have you checked Twitter? Asher¡¯s heen caught with some actress and it¡¯s trending everywhere!¡± (0) Your Cooled Diever is Your Gold Digger 111 Thalia¡¯s heart sank. Victoria¡¯s words hit her like a bucket of ice water, instantly clearing the fog from her mind. She opened Twitter, where the top trending topic boldly disyed: ¡°ckwood Industries CEO and Actress Laurina Kensington Romantic Rtionship Exposed.¡± Thalia saw the headline but couldn¡¯t bring herself to tap on it. Laurina Kensington was one of Britain¡¯s leading actresses; Thalia had even watched some of her television dramas before. Why would Asher be linked with her? He¡¯d never once mentioned knowing Laurina Kensington. ¡°Lia? Are you still there?¡± The call was still connected, and Victoria¡¯s indignant voice came through. ¡°I can¡¯t bloody believe it! I never thought Asher would be that sort of bloke! You said yesterday you¡¯d only had a disagreement, and today he¡¯s photographed entering a hotel with some actress. I¡¯m absolutely livid¨Cwhat aplete and utter wanker! God, I could throttle him!¡± Entering a hotel? Thalia¡¯s heart contracted painfully, her entire body suddenly cold as if plunged into icy water. Finally, she tapped on the trending topic. Her screen filled with gossip stories. [Recently, acimed actress Laurina Kensington was photographed entering a hotel with a mysterious man. The pair appeared intimate, suggesting a romantic rtionship. Sources im the mystery man is ckwood Industries CEO Asher ckwood. Kensington¡¯s representatives have yet to issue a statement.] Below the text was a surreptitiously taken photograph of Laurina with a man. In the picture, Laurina was caught looking back over her shoulder, her entire face visible, while the mysterious man was shown only in profile. The moment Thalia saw the photograph, her blood froze. That profile¨Cperhaps others couldn¡¯t identify who it was, but she recognized Asher instantly. In the photograph, Asher wore a ck coat, walking beside Laurina. They made a striking pair, and the topments gushed about how well¨Csuited they looked together. The next Twitter post read: [Laurina Kensington to join elite society? ording to insider sources, the mysterious man entering the hotel with Kensington is the CEO of ckwood Industries. The pair are reportedly in a romantic 15:18 Your Gold Diveer is Ac True. 97.3% rtionship, with spection that Laurina may be marrying into one of Britain¡¯s wealthiest families.] The apanying images were simr to those in the previous post. Scrolling further, Thalia found several more posts with essentially identical content. As she continued reading, Thalia began trembling with anger, her heart aching with each beat, breathing bing difficult. Tears sshed onto her phone screen, blurring the Thalia ended the call with Victoria and rang Asher. The phone rang for ages without an answer. imagee After it disconnected automatically, she immediately called again. Still no answer. Thalia¡¯s heart grew colder by the second. On her fifth attempt, the call finally connected. Thalia spoke through her tears, her voice trembling: ¡°The trending story isn¡¯t true, is it? That¡¯s not you in the photograph, right? Asher, just tell me, and I¡¯ll believe you.¡± There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by a melodious female voice: ¡°Um¡­ sorry, who¡¯s calling? This is Laurina. Asher¡¯s in the shower at the moment and can¡¯te to the phone. Is there something I can help you with?¡± Thalia felt a sharp pain in her chest, her breathing momentarily stopping. Receiving no response, Laurina continued: ¡°Hello? Are you still there?¡± ¡°She¡¯s hung up,¡± Laurina said with a shrug, looking up at Asher. ¡°I must say, that was rather brutal. If I were in her shoes, I¡¯d loathe you till the end of time.¡± The woman tossed the phone back to Asher. ¡°I don¡¯t mind being your decoy, but you ought to think this through properly. When a woman is wounded this deeply, you might find it bloody impossible to win her backter.¡± The celebrated actress Laurina Kensington had another identity¨Cshe was the second daughter of the prestigious Kensington family from Manchester. She came from genuine aristocracy. Asher¡¯s maternal grandmother, Elisabeth Kensington, had been born into the same Manchester Kensington family. Laurina¡¯s grandfather and Asher¡¯s grandmother Elisabeth were siblings, making Laurina and Asher distant 15:18 C Your Gold Digger is Actually rtives. As a sought¨Cafter actress, Laurina¡¯s schedule was perpetually packed with film shoots and television appearances, leaving her precious little personal time. During the period when Thalia had returned to London, Laurina hadn¡¯t been able to spare a moment to meet her formally, She hadn¡¯t even been able to attend Asher and Thalia¡¯s engagement ceremony, as she¡¯d been abroad attending the Oscars ceremony. This time, in his desperate attempt to make Thalia give up all hope, Asher had specifically sought out his distant cousin, asking her to participate in this charade. When Laurina had first heard that her cousin needed her acting skills, she¡¯d assumed he was nning to finance a major film production. She¡¯d been delighted, saying, ¡°Darling cousin, if you¡¯re investing, it must be a significant production. Rest assured, I¡¯m a BAFTA winner¨Cyou¡¯ve definitelye to the right person. With me in your film, it¡¯s guaranteed to be a smashing sess!¡± Asher had regarded her coolly, his tone t. ¡°It¡¯s not a film role. I need you to act alongside me.¡± Laurina¡¯s smile had faltered. ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± ¡°I need you to y the role of my romantic interest.¡± ¡°Have you got yourself tangled up with some desperate woman? You want me as your shield?¡± Laurina had caught the scent of gossip, her expression turning sly. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right. With your status as the ckwood heir, what woman would dare to be so frightfully persistent? Besides, aren¡¯t you already engaged?¡± Asher¡¯s expression had darkened instantly. ¡°She¡¯s not some desperate woman. She¡¯s the only woman I¡¯ve ever loved.¡± Laurina had been struck speechless, unable to respond for several moments. Asher had then, with uncharacteristic patience, exined the situation to Laurina. After hearing the full story, Laurina had sighed deeply. ¡°Your poor fianc¨¦e. May I refuse? I haven¡¯t even met her yet, and you want me to y the other woman in her love story. How am I supposed to face her after this?¡± ¡°This is yourpensation,¡± Asher had said, sliding a card across the table. Laurina had snorted dismissively, turning her head away. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can buy me off. I refuse to be party to hurting an innocent woman!¡± ¡°Five million pounds.¡± ¡°On second thought¡­¡± Laurina had smiled sweetly as she took the card. ¡°We¡¯re doing this to protect her, aren¡¯t we? Later, when the misunderstanding is sorted out, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll understand our good intentions, given her generous nature!¡± 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 97.79% Inwardly, Laurina had thought: Please don¡¯t hate me, future sister¨Cinw. His offer is simply too substantial to refuse. For a television drama, she would exhaust herself filming for months to earn five million, and then have to pay taxes on it. To simply appear in public with Asher, have a few photographs taken, and receive several months¡® worth of ie¨Cwhere else could she find such a lucrative arrangement? Asher¡¯s eyes had been cold, his expression impassive. ¡°Make it convincing. Don¡¯t let her see through it.¡± Laurina had thumped her chest with confidence. ¡°Put your mind at ease. I am a BAFTA winner, after all!¡± After ending the call, Thalia sat by the window, staring nkly, tears falling uncontrobly. A few minutester, Asher returned her call. Thinking he might offer an exnation, Thalia felt a surge of hope and hastily answered. Asher forced himself to sound calm. ¡°Laurina mentioned you¡¯d called looking for me.¡± Laurina. Such an intimate way to address her. Just as he had once called her ¡°Lia.¡± The hope that had briefly risen in Thalia¡¯s heart was cruelly crushed by those two sybles. Thalia couldn¡¯t suppress the tremor in her voice as she asked: ¡°You and her¡­¡± Are the rumors true? Are you really together? The words were simple, yet Thalia couldn¡¯t bring herself to finish the question. The pain in her chest was suffocating. ¡°Yes,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was devoid of warmth. ¡°We¡¯ve already ended our rtionship. Who I¡¯m with now is hardly your concern.¡± Thalia¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Her voice hoarse, she asked: ¡°You¡¯re lying to me, aren¡¯t you? Asher, I don¡¯t believe you would be with someone else so soon after our breakup. Tell me the truth¨Cis this because of Malfoy? You haven¡¯t really changed your feelings, have you? You¡¯re only doing this to protect me¡­¡± 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 97.9% Chapter 111 ¡± On the other end of the line, Asher listened to Thalia¡¯s sobs, his heart shattering into pieces. He closed his eyes briefly, drawing a deep breath before speaking coldly: ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourself.¡± With that, he could maintain the charade no longer and hastily ended the call. One more second, and his resolve would have crumbled entirely. ? (0) Your Gold Digger 112 The call ended abruptly. Don¡¯t tter yourself. Those words echoed in her mind like a haunting curse, repeating endlessly. Thalia felt utterly deste, all the tender affection that Asher had oncevished upon her now draining away, moment by moment. Outside the window, the snow fell more heavily, fierce northern winds howling, shaking the tree branches. Thalia stared nkly at the swirling snowfall beyond the ss. After a moment of silence, her phone began ringing again, insistently. With tears still drying on her face, the morous ringtone suddenly made her feel profoundly weary. It was Randolph calling. ¡°Thalia, the ckwood family came to dissolve the engagement today.¡± Her heart had already grown numb with pain. Thalia responded with a faint acknowledgment. Randolph hesitated, seemingly reluctant to continue. ¡°Have you seen the gossip about Asher and that actress?¡± ¨C Thal¨ªa remained silent. Randolph went on: ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll arrange for a press conference to publicly announce the termination of our engagement with the ckwood family. The responsibility for this falls entirely on them. Thalia, they¡¯re the ones at fault here¨Cdon¡¯t let this weigh on you. There¡¯s no shame in a broken engagement. I¡¯ll find you someone far more suitable in future. My beautiful, aplished daughter could have any man she desires.¡± Thalia continued her silence. She didn¡¯t know how to respond. She hadn¡¯t expected the ckwoods to move so quickly¨CAsher had broken up with her justst night, and today they had alreadye to officially end the engagement. Were they really so eager? Recalling the alluring female voice on the phone earlier, Thalia felt a crushing pain in her chest. Was Asher in such a rush to distance himself from her because he wanted to make things official with Laurina? 15:18 Your Gold Diever is AL 98.2% ¡°Thalia, get some rest. After tomorrow¡¯s press conference, I¡¯ll send a car to bring you home.¡± Once the press conference was over, the Winters family would have no further connection to the ckwoods. Surely then Malfoy would stop targeting them. With this thought, Randolph added a few moreforting words, urging her not to let heartbreak damage her health. Thalia responded with vague, perfunctory acknowledgments. In a dimly lit private room at an exclusive club. Drake Ashcroft sat on the sofa, his face hidden in shadows, his expression unreadable. Around him, people drank, chatted, and flirted, but Drake remained disinterested. The revelry had nothing to do with him; he only wanted to sit alone in the corner, lost in his thoughts. In recent days, Thalia had disappeared. After being discharged from hospital, he¡¯d discovered she had moved. The adjacent apartment was already empty. He had no idea where she¡¯d gone, and her phone was unreachable. It seemed that suddenly, Thalia had vanished from his world. He¡¯d fallen into a state of despair, numbing himself with alcohol daily. Once, when particrly intoxicated, he¡¯d imagined seeing Thalia return. She¡¯d been wearing the dress he had bought for her when they were together, smiling softly at him. ¡°Drake.¡± Overwhelmed with joy, he¡¯d embraced her,ughing and crying simultaneously. Thalia had gently touched his face, her eyes full of concern. ¡°You really ought to stop drinking so much. It¡¯s terribly bad for you. Come on, let¡¯s get you to bed.¡± He¡¯d covered her hand with his own, tilting his head to nuzzle against her palm, tears running down his cheeks. ¡°Thalia, I truly regret everything. Won¡¯t youe back to me?¡± Thalia had smiled sweetly, her voice soft. ¡°But I havee back, haven¡¯t I?¡± Drake, red¨Ceyed, had asked: ¡°I swear I¡¯ll only ever love you, only be good to you. Can we start again?¡± Thalia¡¯s gaze had been tender, full of affection. ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t leave again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± he had mumbled. ¡°I thought¡­ I¡¯d lost my chance forever¡­¡± 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.4% He had broken down, sobbing uncontrobly. It was the emotion of recovering something precious,bined with remorse for past mistakes. How wonderful. His Thalia had returned to him. Thalia had been all tenderness, gently wiping away his tears before leaning in to kiss him. Desire had red, the atmosphere growing heated. That night, he had taken her repeatedly. Abandoned to passion, ecstatic. However, when he¡¯d opened his eyes the next morning, the naked woman lying beside him had actually been Sienna! In that moment, his world had copsed! How could it be Sienna? Last night, it had clearly been Thalia. Humiliated and furious, he had harshly rebuked Sienna. Far from being angry, Sienna had gazed at him with tearful eyes, biting her red lips, crying beautifully. ¡°Drake, you love Thalia Winters so much¨CI¡¯ll imitate her. Didn¡¯t you once say we look somewhat simr? I can copy her style, her makeup, her hairstyle. I¡¯ll do whatever you want, just don¡¯t send me away, please?¡± Recalling the events of the previous night, he had hesitated. Sienna,st night, had truly resembled Thalia! Seeing his silence, Sienna had taken his hand, gently swaying it as she pleaded softly: ¡°Drake, you enjoyedst night, didn¡¯t you? Don¡¯t pretend otherwise.¡± ¡°Let me stay with you. I¡¯m willing to be Thalia¡¯s substitute,¡± Sienna had begged quietly. No man could resist a woman¡¯s humble plea. Especially a beautiful woman, a woman who loved him with all her heart! Drake had rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply. 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 98.6% He missed Thalia desperately; in these days without seeing her, he¡¯d nearly gone mad. The moment Sienna had pressed against him and kissed him, Drake had surrendered. He had thought defeatedly: without Thalia, a substitute was better than nothing. From that day forward, Sienna had remained by his side. Undeniably, she was apetent substitute. As promised, she had imitated Thalia¡¯s style and hairstyle, even using Thalia¡¯s preferred perfume. Drake most enjoyed holding Sienna from behind, inhaling her scent. Their silhouettes were nearly identical, and they smelled exactly the same, which delighted him immensely. Thus he deceived himself, gradually sinking deeper. Yet a substitute, no matter how convincing, could never rece Thalia¡¯s position in his heart. She could never be Thalia. Now, sitting on the sofa in this ambiguous atmosphere, his longing for Thalia grew like wild vines, spreading uncontrobly. With an aching chest that made breathing difficult, he could only drink ss after ss, letting alcohol numb his senses. Someone mentioned, ¡°Quick, look at Twitter¨Cthere¡¯s absolute dynamite trending.¡± Initially, Drake paid no attention. He had no interest in such frivolity. Until he heard Asher ckwood¡¯s name. He turned his head sharply, his gaze intense. ¡°What did you just say about ckwood?¡± The girl looked up at him. ¡°He¡¯s been spotted with actress Laurina Kensington! It¡¯s trending on Twitter. Paparazzi caught them entering a hotel together, and insiders im they¡¯re dating. Laurina¡¯s a proper A¨Clister¨Cthis is massive gossip!¡± Celine interjected: ¡°Isn¡¯t Asher ckwood engaged to Thalia Winters? How could he¡­¡± She paused meaningfully, looking up at Drake. ¡°Drake, you and Thalia were close once. Has she broken up with him?¡± Sienna¡¯s expression stiffened, the dim lighting concealing her pallor. 15:18 Your Gold Digger is A True 98.8% ¡°That¡¯s absolutely impossible!¡± Sienna raised her voice unconsciously. ¡°They were madly in love, about to be married. You must be mistaken.¡± She was so close to sess. Drake was now insatiable for her body. Once she conceived an Ashcroft heir, she could use the child to secure her position in the family. At this crucial juncture, she couldn¡¯t allow anyplications! Thalia and Asher couldn¡¯t break up¨CDrake couldn¡¯t be given an opportunity. ¡°Here, Sienna, see for yourself. It¡¯s all over Twitter. We¡¯re not making this up,¡± Celine said, extending her phone. Before Sienna could touch it, Drake snatched it from her hand. (0) Your Gold Digger 113 The first light of dawn crept across the horizon, pale morning rays filtering through the window to fall gently upon Thalia¡¯s face, illuminating her haggard, ashen features. Thalia had remained by the window all night, slumped in the same position until dawn finally lulled her into fitful sleep. Her rest was fragmented, haunted by several dreams of Asher, each one jolting her awake throughout those precious few hours. In her final dream, she saw Asher and Laurina standing before her, hands intertwined. Asher¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy, his face radiating happiness as he told her he was getting married, asking her to attend the wedding. Thalia had wept in her dream. When she woke, tears still stained her cheeks. Mary knocked softly from the hallway. ¡°Miss Winters, are you awake? Lunch is ready.¡± Thalia wiped away her tears and made her way to the door, pulling it open. ¡°Mary, please go ahead without me. I need to shower and change beforeing down.¡± Mary¡¯s eyes lingered on Thalia¡¯s exhausted appearance and the dark shadows beneath her eyes. ¡°Miss Winters, did you not sleep wellst night?¡± she asked, concern evident in her voice. Mary didn¡¯t follow Twitter and knew nothing of Asher¡¯s rumored affair, nor was she aware that the engagement between the ckwood and Winters families had been dissolved. She simply believed Mr. ckwood and Miss Winters were in a rtionship¨Cone where Mr. ckwood deeply cared for Miss Winters, having specifically instructed Mary to look after her with particr attention. Seeing Thalia¡¯s poor condition, she couldn¡¯t help but express her concern. Thalia was utterly spent. She had managed only five hours of interrupted sleep. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine, nothing to worry about,¡± she replied. The housekeeper didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Right, you go have your shower then. I¡¯ll keep everything warm¨Cwouldn¡¯t want it getting cold on you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s very kind, thank you.¡± ¡°Not at all, Miss. Just doing my job.¡± As Mary descended the stairs, Thalia closed the door and leaned against it, slowly sliding down until she was sitting on the floor. Her phone disyed numerous missed calls and unread messages. 15:18 0 You Cudd Dinge in Ac.. 49 195 She scrolled through them one by one. Nothing from Asher. Thalia hadn¡¯t eaten since yesterday morning, and after a sleepless night, her body had reached its limits. She felt utterly drained, her face deathly pale, as though she had battled through a serious illness. Leaning against the door, she felt her fingers growing numb around her phone. A call came through. It was Randolph. Remembering he had mentioned sending a car for her today, Thalia answered. On the other end, Randolph¡¯s voice was gentle and deep, carrying the concern and tenderness of a father. ¡°Thal¨ªa, how are you holding up? Have you been eating and sleeping properly?¡± Thalia¡¯s nose stung with emotion, her eyshes dampening again. ¡°I¡¯m fine, nothing serious,¡± she replied, her voice hoarse. Randolph paused. This child was clearly lying. Just from her voice, he could tell she was far from fine. She obviously hadn¡¯t slept well, nor had she eaten properly. Her voice was so weak and listless¨Chow rapidly she had deteriorated. Bloody hell. Randolph sighed internally, his heart aching. Afterposing himself, he spoke again: ¡°Thalia, the press conference concluded this morning. We¡¯ve officially announced the dissolution of the engagement. I¡¯ve already sent a car to collect you. Once you¡¯ve had lunch, pleasee home.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips parted as if to say something, but ultimately she remained silent, only managing a weak ¡°Mmm¡± in acknowledgment. ¡°Go have your lunch then. I¡¯ll speak to youter.¡± Knowing his daughter was heartbroken and needed space, Randolph ended the call after delivering his message. Thalia sat on the floor for quite some time before dragging her exhausted, numb body to the bathroom, moving like a hollow shell of herself. Downstairs, Mary dialed Asher¡¯s number. To ensure he received immediate updates about Thalia, Asher had given Mary his private number. ¡°Mr. ckwood, it¡¯s Mary, the housekeeper looking after Miss Winters. Her state has been rather concerning since 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True? 99.396 yesterday. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s happened, but she didn¡¯t touch her dinnerst night or breakfast this morning. When I called her just now, she looked dreadful¨Cdark circles under her eyes, as though she hadn¡¯t slept a wink all night.¡± Asher remained silent for a moment, his voice rough when he finally spoke: ¡°Try to get her to eat something, won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve prepared all her favorites. She¡¯s just said she¡¯lle down after her shower,¡± Mary replied, then added, ¡°Miss Winters really doesn¡¯t look well at all. Would you like toe round and see her?¡± Asher¡¯s lips tightened, his voice betraying his exhaustion. ¡°No. Someone will being to take her home today.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Very well then.¡± After her shower, Thalia came downstairs. Mary brought the dishes to the table. ¡°Miss Winters, these are all your favorites. You must be absolutely famished after missing dinner and breakfast. Do try to eat properly.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Thalia replied without energy, her eyelids heavy. Her head throbbed painfully from severe sleep deprivation. ¡°Please enjoy your meal. I¡¯ll just go tidy up the kitchen.¡± Thalia looked at the steaming, fragrant dishes on the table but had no appetite whatsoever. She took a few sips of soup and checked her phone for any WhatsApp messages or texts. Still nothing from Asher. Mary had mentioned that Asher had instructed her to take good care of Thalia and to report any issues to him immediately. So he must know what state she was in by now, mustn¡¯t he? Why was there still no word from him? Had he truly stopped caringpletely? Thalia lowered her eyes, a bitter emptiness filling her gaze. At the Winters estate. The moment Thalia entered, Lucy rushed toward her. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯re finally home! I¡¯ve missed you terribly!¡± 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 99.6% Thalia forced a slight smile and reached out to stroke her sister¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m back to keep youpany now.¡± ¡°Brilliant!¡± Lucy smiled with pure joy. Victoria stood nearby, her eyes filled with concern. ¡°Thalia, are you all right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Victoria didn¡¯t press further. ¡°We¡¯ve kept your room just as you left it. Why don¡¯t you go up and rest?¡± ¡°Yes, I will.¡± ¡°Thalia, I¡¯lle with you!¡± Lucy said brightly, holding Thalia¡¯s hand. ¡°Lucy, Thalia is absolutely exhausted and needs to rest. Why don¡¯t I stay down here with you instead?¡± Victoria suggested gently. Lucy pouted, her chubby little face clearly showing her disappointment. ¡°No! Thalia¡¯s been gone for ages, and I want her to y with me.¡± Victoria spoke with patient kindness: ¡°Be a good girl, Lucy. Thalia is home now, and you can see her anytime. Let her rest properly first, and then she¡¯ll have energy to y with you.¡± The little girl looked up at Thalia, her gaze pausing briefly. ¡°Thalia, why do you have dark circles under your eyes?¡± Thalia responded listlessly, utterly drained: ¡°Didn¡¯t sleep well.¡± Hearing this, Lucy stopped insisting and maturely said: ¡°Then you should go sleep first. You can y with me after you wake up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my good girl.¡± Thalia¡¯s head throbbed painfully, her eyes dry and irritated, her bodypletely spent. She climbed the stairs with unsteady steps. (0) (0) 15:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually Your Gold Digger 114 In a bedroom on the second floor of a luxurious vi, men¡¯s and women¡¯s clothingy scattered across the floor. A pair of torn ck stockings hung haphazardly over the edge of the sofa. Tom Malfoy reclined against the headboard,zily drawing on a post¨Ccoital cigarette, his expression one ofplete satisfaction. Beside him, a young woman gazed at him through seductive eyes, still basking in the afterglow. His phone vibrated. Tom took another drag of his cigarette before answering with unhurriedposure. ¡°Sir,¡± Jerry reported respectfully, ¡°the Winters family has just held a press conference announcing the termination of their engagement with the ckwood family. Additionally, Twitter is aze with photos of Asher ckwood entering a hotel with a famous actress, suggesting he¡¯s been unfaithful.¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Tomughed derisively. ¡°And here I thought he was some great romantic. Turns out he¡¯s just another phnderer, exactly like his father.¡± ¡°About the Winters family¡­¡± Jerry began. Tom lowered his eyes, considering for a moment. ¡°Keep monitoring them. This could be a false breakup designed to throw us off the scent.¡± ¡°Understood, sir.¡± ¡°Pay particr attention to Thalia Winters¡® movements. Report any developments to me immediately.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± After a day¡¯s rest at home to collect herself, Thalia returned to work at Sinir & Klein, resuming her normal schedule. These past two days had been remarkably peaceful, with no mysterious incidents befalling her or her family members. Thalia¡¯s lips curved into a bitter smile. Apparently, dissolving the engagement did have its advantages¨Cat least Malfoy wouldn¡¯t be targeting her or her family anymore. As she entered thew firm, colleagues greeted her warmly. Thalia responded with polite smiles, her ck mid¨Cheeled court shoes clicking against the floor as she made her way to her office. 14:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress The firm had a strict dress code requiring professional attire and ck leather shoes. Today, Thalia wore a tailored ck suit with her hair neatly pinned back. Concealer masked the dark circles under her eyes, while ssic red lipstick brightened herplexion. She appeared markedly different from the woman she¡¯d been two days ago¨Cno one would have guessed she¡¯d just experienced heartbreak. Sarah, the litigation department head, assigned three new cases, and Thalia quickly immersed herself in analyzing them. After the previous head, Sara Thompson, had resigned, Sarah had taken over the position. Unlike her predecessor, Sarah harbored no personal grudges against Thalia nor was she acting on anyone¡¯s instructions to target her, making Thalia¡¯s work life considerably more pleasant. That evening, after workingte toplete her pending tasks, Thalia switched off her office light and prepared to leave when she heard faint sobbing from somewhere outside. Frowning slightly, she closed her office door and went to investigate. The sound wasing from the paralegals¡® workspace. Unlike the solicitors, paralegals didn¡¯t have private offices but worked in an open area with dividers between their desks. As Thalia approached, she discovered the source of the crying was none other than Lucy Jenkins. ¡°Lucy, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Thalia asked with concern. ¡°Has something happened?¡± Lucy hastily grabbed some tissues and wiped her tears. ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Thalia pulled up a chair from a nearby desk and sat down. ¡°Come off it. No need for the brave face with me. Tell me what¡¯s happened¨Cperhaps I can help.¡± The young woman¡¯s eyes were red¨Crimmed. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she began haltingly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, I¡­¡± At that moment, two colleagues walked past, and Lucy quickly fell silent, reluctant to be overheard. Thalia immediately understood. ¡°Would you prefer to discuss this elsewhere? Any ns this evening? If not, why don¡¯t we grab dinner together?¡± ¡°No ns at all.¡± ¡°Brilliant. Gather your things, and we¡¯ll head out.¡± Knowing Lucy¡¯s preferences, Thalia chose a Korean barbecue restaurant. 14:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress The establishment had a stylish interior with dim lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere. Lucy had heard of this ce¨Can upscale barbecue restaurant where the average bill reportedly ran into hundreds of pounds. The young woman looked somewhat embarrassed. ¡°Thalia, isn¡¯t this ce rather expensive?¡± Thalia smiled warmly. ¡°It¡¯s my treat. Come on, we¡¯re friends¨Cno need to stand on ceremony with me.¡± After the incident with Mark and Teresa Bormen, Thalia and Lucy had grown closer. They were no longer merely colleagues but genuine friends. Lucy still seemed ufortable. ¡°Are you¡­ are you quite sure?¡± ¡°You¡¯re feeling down, and I, as your friend, am taking you out for a proper meal to cheer you up. What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± The young woman gently pressed her lips together, appreciating Thalia¡¯s kindness. ¡°Thank you, Thalia.¡± Thalia chose a window seat with an excellent view. ¡°The nightscape from here is quite spectacr.¡± ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Lucy agreed, sitting somewhat stiffly across from Thalia. ¡°Order whatever you fancy,¡± Thalia said, passing the menu to Lucy. -Lucy shook her head. ¡°Please, you order. I¡¯m happy with anything.¡± Understanding the young woman¡¯s hesitation, Thalia nodded and took back the menu, ordering several signature barbecue dishes and some vegetables. The raw meat arrived promptly, with the staff doing all the cooking at their table. After the server had grilled the meat and ced it on their tes, Thalia thanked him politely and dismissed him. ¡°Now, tell me what¡¯s happened,¡± Thalia prompted. In the private atmosphere of the restaurant, Lucy finally opened up. ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, really. I was just bollocked by Amanda Carter today.¡± ¡°Amanda Carter?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Amanda Carter was Lucy¡¯s supervising solicitor. Thalia hadn¡¯t interacted with her much, but she¡¯d heard colleagues mention that Amanda had a vtile personality. When in good spirits, she could be exceptionally kind, but when moody, she tended to take out her frustrations on the paralegals. 14:48 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Previously, a young man who had started at the firm the same day as Lucy had quit immediately after being on the receiving end of Amanda¡¯s temper twice. That young man hadn¡¯t passed the Legal Practice Course yet and had been hired as a paralegal without needing toplete a training contract at the firm, making it easy for him to leave. Lucy¡¯s situation was different¨Cshe had passed her LPC and had been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in April. She needed toplete her first year of practice before she could move elsewhere. This meant she was bound to the firm until next April. ¡°What did she chastise you for?¡± Thalia asked. ¡°We have this divorce case with an absolutely nightmare client who¡¯s practically impossible tomunicate with.¡± Lucy sighed, her face clouded with worry. ¡°She ignores my requests for documentation, barely responds to my calls, and is generally uncooperative. Amanda used me of poormunication skills. Then the petition I drafted didn¡¯t meet the client¡¯s approval¨Cshe keeps banging on about including ¡ê30,000 for emotional distress.¡± ¡°The problem is, her circumstances don¡¯t warrant any im for emotional distress whatsoever. Not only would the im fail, but the higher amount would increase her court fees. I exined this repeatedly, but she wouldn¡¯t listen and insisted I include it. I¡¯d never encountered such a situation before, so I sought Amanda¡¯s advice. Instead of helping, she berated me for being ¡®thick as two short nks¡® and ¡®waffling on¡® and used me of not knowing how tomunicate with clients.¡± ¡°Later, Amanda called the client herself and exined exactly what I had already told the client. She then drafted a petition herself, but the client remained dissatisfied and made several ridiculous demands.¡± ¡°I¡¯d warned Amanda that this client was particrly difficult, but she didn¡¯t believe me and kept insisting the problem was mymunication skills. When she herself grew frustrated with the client, she took it out on me, summoned me to her office, and absolutely tore into me. I felt it was unfair and tried to exin myself, but she used me of talking back and berated me again.¡± As she recounted the story, Lucy¡¯s eyes welled up with fresh tears. Thalia handed her some tissues. ¡°There, there, no more crying. Why don¡¯t you be my paralegal? I¡¯ll have a word with Sarah about it.¡± Lucy looked up suddenly. ¡°Is that possible?¡± ¡°Of course. Your training contract is with the firm, not with Amanda specifically. You can work with any supervising solicitor.¡± Hearing this, Lucy broke into a genuine smile. ¡°Thank you so much, Thalia.¡± ¡°That¡¯s better. No more tears, all right? Let¡¯s enjoy our meal.¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s.¡± 14:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapose 114 After they finished eating. Thalia rose to settle the bill. She had taken only a few steps when a couple approached from the opposite direction. Thale Winters? The man, with alluring almond shaped eyes greeted her with a smile. Thalia looked at him, confusion evident in her expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, do I know you?¡± Your Gold Digger 115 Tom Malfoy cut an impressive figure¨Ctall with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. Dressed impably in designer wear with his handsome face arranged in a harmless smile, he looked every inch the gentleman. When he chose to y a part, no one would ever connect him with the psychopath who had vited half the criminal code. Having never met Tom before, when Thalia heard him call her name and noted his elegant attire and designer clothing, her first thought was that he might be a friend of one of her friends. Tom offered no introduction, merely regarding Thalia with a meaningful look. ¡°Truly a beauty, indeed.¡± The woman beside him, Valeria Petrov, frowned slightly, a sh of jealousy crossing her eyes before quickly disappearing. She knew nothing about Tom¡¯s vendetta against the ckwood and Winters families, and as a suitable mistress, she never inquired about his other women. Asking such questions would be courting disaster. Valeria stood quietly at Tom¡¯s side, discreetly appraising Thalia. Yes¡­ the woman was genuinely beautiful¨Cnaturally so. Her fair skin and delicate features showed no signs of cosmetic intervention. Her figure was excellent too¨Cslender with a tiny waist and long legs, thin but with curves in all the right ces. Thalia hadn¡¯t noticed Valeria¡¯s scrutiny. She heard the man¡¯s flippant remark and furrowed her brow. Something about this man made her deeply ufortable. The way he looked at her¨Clike a predator eyeing its prey¨Cwas filled with predatory interest and amusement. Thalia asked again, this time with a hint of offended anger in her voice: ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Tom smiled without answering her question. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough, Miss Winters. We¡¯ll be seeing each other again.¡± How bizarre. Thalia ignored him and walked past to settle the bill at the counter. Lucy followed, unable to resist ncing back even as they were leaving the restaurant. ¡°Thalia, was that your friend? He¡¯s absolutely gorgeous! You rarely see men that handsome in real life!¡± 11.19 Di Hy A True Heiress Chapter 115 For some reason, Thalia felt inexplicably unsettled. That man had been distinctly odd, though she couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint why. Thalia replied casually, ¡°I don¡¯t know him. He was behaving rather strangely¨Cbest to ignore him.¡± ¡°Oh, right. I thought you might be friends.¡± December 31st, New Year¡¯s Eve. Victoria had organized a gathering to ring in the New Year. The Shard, Britain¡¯s tallest building at 310 meters (1,016 feet) with 95 floors, dominated London¡¯s skyline. They were in the presidential suite of the Shangri¨CLa Hotel, which upied floors 34 to 52 of the building. The suite offered spectacr views of the Thames and the city¡¯s glittering lights. Inside the suite, flowers, balloons, and streamers created a festive atmosphere. Victoria tossed her mink coat carelessly onto the sofa, wearing only a figure¨Chugging champagne¨Ccolored evening gown. She had done full makeup for the asion and looked stunningly vibrant. ¡°I must say, Sebastian made quite a shrewd decision when he bought into this ce for his hotel chain,¡± she remarked Sebastian grunted. ¡°As if I need your approval.¡± Victoria shot him a teasing nce. ¡°Surprising, actually. Seems that thick skull of yours can asionally produce decent ideas.¡± Several floors of the Shangri¨CLa section were owned by Sebastian¡¯s hospitality group, and they were currently in the presidential suite, which typically went for over ¡ê15,000 per night. Sebastian smirked. ¡°Look who¡¯s talking about thick skulls.¡± Victoria pulled a face at him. ¡°If you can¡¯t figure out who I¡¯m referring to, that rather proves my point, doesn¡¯t it?¡± The room was toasty warm, so Charlotte had also removed her coat. She walked to the sofa, picked up Victoria¡¯s coat along with her own, and hung both garments up before turning back with a bright smile. ¡°This really is the perfect spot for a New Year¡¯s party¨Cideal for watching the fireworks and enjoying the view.¡± ¡°Right? Brilliant choice for New Year¡¯s Eve, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Victoria grinned. Charlotte nodded with a smile. ¡°Absolutely!¡± 14-42 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress ¡°Hang on, why hasn¡¯t Thalia arrived yet?¡± Victoria nced toward the door and reached for her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll give her a ring.¡± As she spoke, the door opened. Victoria looked up with a smile. ¡°I was just about to call you¨Cbloody hell!¡± Instead of Thalia, Asher ckwood entered. With Laurina Kensington. Victoria¡¯s smile froze instantly, reced by ring anger. ¡°Who invited them?¡± she demanded. Charlotte shook her head, clearly indicating she had nothing to do with it. Mason also imed no knowledge. Sebastian cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Well, you said we were having a New Year¡¯s celebration. How could I not invite my best mate?¡± ¡°Are you genuinely thick or just pretending?¡± Victoria exploded. ¡°Have you somehow missed that he cheated on Thalia? He¡¯s been photographed checking into hotels with this actress, and you invited him here? I organized this gathering specifically to cheer Thalia up, and you brought Asher along? What exactly were you thinking?¡± ¡°What?¡± Sebastian lookedpletely baffled. ¡°You never mentioned not to invite Asher! He¡¯s been my best friend for over a decade¡­¡± Sebastian rubbed his nose and sighed. ¡°Look, don¡¯t get so worked up. They¡¯ve broken up, that¡¯s all. We¡¯re all part of the same social circle¨Cwe¡¯re bound to run into each other. Surely you¡¯re not suggesting we cut ties with one of them forever just because they¡¯re no longer together?¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Victoriaughed sarcastically. ¡°Why not? The ckwood heir is well above my social grade anyway. Cutting ties works perfectly fine for me!¡± Seeing that Victoria was deadly serious, Sebastian began to panic. ¡°Come off it, you¡¯re being dramatic. It¡¯s not that serious¨Clet me exin¡­¡± ¡°Shut it!¡± Victoria cut him off sharply. ¡°Either they leave or I do!¡± Charlotte wanted to calm Victoria down, but as she nced over at Asher and Laurina standing together, she felt a twinge of difort herself. Thalia was her dear friend, and she naturally took Thalia¡¯s side. Although Asher was also her friend, and her brother¡¯s childhoodpanion, cheating was unforgivable! Charlotte aligned herself with Victoria, jointly protesting Asher and Laurina¡¯s presence. ¡°Oh, do calm down, everyone. Asher only got together with me after breaking up with Thalia. There was no cheating 14:42 Your Gold Dizver is Actually A True Heiress involved Laurina said with a cating smile. ¡°You can shut your mouth too!¡± Victoria gave her absolutely no quarter. Sebastian sighed, pulling Victoria aside. ¡°For God¡¯s sake, leave it. This is all a misunderstanding.¡± Unlike Victoria, who was unaware of the true nature of Laurina and Asher¡¯s rtionship, Sebastian knew exactly what was going on. When the rumors first broke, Asher had confided in Sebastian and Mason. It made sense¨Chow could the media dare publish gossip about the ckwood heir without his tacit permission? At the time, Mason had even warned Asher that Thalia might be too hurt to return to him afterward. Now, seeing Victoria¡¯s reaction, Sebastian nearly blurted out the truth, but Asher stopped him with a single look. Victoria was outspoken and terrible at keeping secrets. If she knew, Thalia would soon find out as well, rendering all their efforts pointless As the argument continued, the door opened again. ¡°Sorry I¡¯mte¨Cgot held up with something.¡± Thalia walked in and found herself staring directly at Asher, her heart abruptly stopping. 14:48 Your Gold Digger 116 Chapter 116 Laurina tossed her hair flirtatiously and slipped her arm through Asher¡¯s, staking her im. ¡°You must be Miss Winters? Hello, I¡¯m Laurina Kensington, Asher¡¯s girlfriend.¡± Asher¡¯s girlfriend. Thalia lowered her eyes, her gaze fixed on Laurina¡¯s hand resting in the crook of Asher¡¯s arm. Her heart felt as though something had pierced it. Asher stood motionless, his eyes briefly flicking to the woman¡¯s hand on his arm. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed, wanting to exin but unable to speak. Victoria couldn¡¯t bear to watch. She lunged forward and yanked Laurina¡¯s hand away. ¡°Get your bloody hands off him! ¡°If you want to unt your rtionship, do it elsewhere! This isn¡¯t the ce for your little disy!¡± Victoria¡¯s face flushed with anger, her eyes zing. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t the mighty ckwood heir afford a hotel room?¡± That was rather harsh. Sebastian looked rmed and quickly stepped in as peacemaker. He pulled Victoria back. ¡°For God¡¯s sake, calm down. We¡¯re all friends here¨Clet¡¯s not make a scene.¡± Victoria struggled against his hold. ¡°Let go of me! Don¡¯t hold me back!¡± Sebastian maintained his grip, desperately trying tomunicate something to Victoria with meaningful nces. Laurina wasn¡¯t offended. She smiled good¨Cnaturedly, her voice soft as she addressed Asher. ¡°Darling, it seems your friends aren¡¯t particrly weing. Perhaps we should book our own room and enjoy a private celebration instead?¡± Laurina, true to her award¨Cwinning actress reputation, had the demeanor of a calcting, sweet¨Cfaced maniptor perfected to thest detail. Thalia¡¯s heart ached hearing these words. Her doe¨Clike eyes immediately misted over, her nose stinging with the effort of holding back tears. She refused to cry in front of Asher and Laurina. She fixed her gaze stubbornly on Asher, her voice quavering despite her attempt to appear calm. ¡°Asher, there¡¯s something more to this, isn¡¯t there? Please tell me. I¡¯ll understand. Don¡¯t do this¨Cit¡¯s tearing me apart¡­ Can¡¯t we just talk properly?¡± Her eyes grew wetter, her voice betraying the imminent tears. ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise that as long as I never mentioned breaking up, you would never leave me?¡± Asher¡¯s dark eyes were as deep and unreachable as a lightless ocean. His lips curled into a mocking smile. ¡°Miss 14:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Winters, we¡¯re all adults here. Did you really believe that sort of childish promise?¡± All colour drained from Thalia¡¯s face. Her eyes filled with pain as her lips moved, trying to form words, but no sound came out. Asher was wounded by her expression, unable to bear the sight any longer. He looked away, his voice cold as ice. ¡°Miss Winters, I¡¯ve made myself perfectly clear. Let¡¯s not engage in pointless emotional entanglements. Let¡¯s all maintain some dignity.¡± Thalia deted like a punctured balloon, her shoulders slumping. She swayed slightly, unsteady on her feet, and moved two steps to the side to clear the doorway. Charlotte, concerned for Thalia, quickly moved to embrace her. ¡°It¡¯s all right, Thalia. You still have us. Everything will be fine¡­¡± ¡°Asher, don¡¯t be such aplete bastard!¡± Victoria was so furious she tried to lunge at him, but Sebastian held her firmly in ce. ¡°Victoria, don¡¯t! Calm down!¡± Sebastian pleaded desperately. Whileforting Thalia, Charlotte caught her brother Mason¡¯s eye and gave him a meaningful look. Mason went over and whispered something to Asher. Asher left with Laurina. ¡°I¡¯m absolutely livid! I can¡¯t believe how utterly horrid they were!¡± Victoria continued to rage. Sebastian held onto her, looking thoroughly stressed. Suddenly, Victoria whipped around to re at Sebastian. Sebastian immediately sensed impending disaster. Sure enough, Victoria took out her frustration on him, delivering a punch to his arm. ¡°You can bugger off too!¡± ¡°Ohe on, this isn¡¯t my fault!¡± Sebastian protested, feeling unjustly used. Victoria zed with anger. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t been thick enough to invite Asher, would any of this have happened? Today was supposed to be about cheering Thalia up, but instead she¡¯s been hurt all over again. Get out, get out, get out! You get out too!¡± With that, Victoria began shoving him toward the door. Charlotte turned to her brother Mason. ¡°Mason, why don¡¯t you go with Sebastian? Victoria and I will stay with Thalia. We girls need some time together.¡± 14:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Mason said nothing, merely nodding before leading Sebastian out. As soon as Asher and Laurina closed the door behind them, he immediately removed her hand from his arm. Laurina shrugged, unbothered. They walked to the lift, Laurina asked casually, ¡°What¡¯s your n now? Thalia looked utterly devastated. How do you intend to fix this when the timees?¡± Asher¡¯s lips formed a tight line, his long fingers clenched into fists at his sides. He didn¡¯t answer. His mind was filled with the image of Thalia¡¯s bloodless face and wounded eyes. Saying those hurtful, insincere words had caused him as much pain as they had caused her. As long as you never mention breaking up, I will never leave you. When he had made that promise, he never imagined he would one day mockingly tell her, ¡°Did you really believe that sort of childish promise?¡± Inside the suite. After the men left, the room fell quiet. Victoria took two bottles of fine red wine from the bar. ¡°Thalia, don¡¯t waste your tears on that cheating wanker. He¡¯s not worth it. Tonight, we¡¯re getting properly stered. You¡¯re gorgeous and loaded¨Cyou could have any bloke you want.¡± Victoria continued as she uncorked the wine. ¡°The world is absolutely heaving with men! Next time, we¡¯ll line up some proper male models for you¨Chow about ten of them?¡± Thalia sat on the sofa, her eyes reflecting her pain, unable to muster any enthusiasm. After several sses of wine, Thalia began to feel light¨Cheaded. This was her first time drinking alcohol. Victoria held her wine ss in one hand and her phone in the other, opening Instagram. ¡°Thalia, listen, I know loads of fit blokes. Look at this one¨Che¡¯s 6¡¯2¡°, has an eight¨Cpack, and he¡¯s still at university.¡± Victoria leaned closer to show Thalia the photo. ¡°Not bad, eh?¡± 14:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Hoiross She had been about to say that although this young man wasn¡¯t as handsome as Asher, he was considered quite the catch at his university. More importantly, he was a young university student, vibrant and energetic¨Csomething the older Asher couldn¡¯tpete with. But she caught herself before the words left her mouth. Best not to mention Asher. Thalia¡¯s gaze swept over the photo on the phone. In her tipsy state, she smiled. ¡°He does look quite nice.¡± ¡°Right? I¡¯ve got plenty more. Let me find some.¡± Victoria scrolled through her screen. ¡°Look at this one¨Che¡¯s 6¡¯3¡°, a sports science student with a fantastic physique. His skin¡¯s a bit dark, but that sun¨Ckissed look is more wild and sexy. Shall I introduce you?¡± Thalia, unable to hold her alcohol, was already quite drunk. She giggled and said, ¡°Why not?¡± The three women drank and chatted, and time passed quickly. The New Year¡¯s countdown began. ¡°Ten, nine, eight, seven¡­¡± The three friends raised their sses and counted down together, shouting in unison: ¡°Three, two, one, Happy New Year!¡± Brilliant fireworks exploded across the night sky. Below, crowds filled the streets in celebration. Thalia sat cross¨Clegged and barefoot on the cashmere rug by the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, watching the spectacr fireworks with dreamy eyes. A new year had begun. Asher, I should say goodbye to you too. For the new year, I wish you happiness every day. Goodbye, Asher. ? (0) (0) 14:49 Your Gold Digger 117 The next day¨CNew Year¡¯s Day. Thalia returned to the Winters Estate for a visit. Victoria and Randolph were both there. As soon as Thalia entered. Victoria greeted her with a smile. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯re back! We¡¯re just about damn for lunch. Freshen up first?¡± Thalia had been hungover from the previous night and hadn¡¯t woken until eleven that morning. She¡¯d quickly showered, changed, and driven home, arriving just in time for lunch. Lucy came running over in her little leather shoes and hugged Thalia¡¯s legs. ¡°Thalia!¡± Thalia smiled warmly as she pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift from her bag and handed it to Lucy. ¡°Lucy, Happy New Year, darling.¡± The little girl epted the gift with a sweet smile and nted a noisy kiss on Thalia¡¯s cheek. Randolph handed her a gift bag. ¡°Your New Year¡¯s present. Open it and see.¡± Thalia took it, puzzled, and looked inside. It contained a key and property documents. Randolph spoke matter¨Cof¨Cfactly: ¡°Thalia, this t is very close to Sinir & Klein¨Cconvenient for work. I know you young people enjoy your New Year celebrations. This is my New Year¡¯s gift to you. The car was Victoria¡¯s choice¨Cit¡¯s in the garage. After lunch, you can go and have a look.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes warmed with emotion, a wave of gratitude washing over her. ¡°Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Victoria.¡± She epted their thoughtful gift with genuine appreciation. After lunch, Thalia casually checked her phone and noticed a WhatsApp friend request. Her heart suddenly tightened. She instinctively held her breath as she opened it, only for disappointment to flood through her. It wasn¡¯t from Asher. Drake, whom she had long since blocked and deleted, had created a new ount to contact her. 15:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 07.59% Thalia might not have recognized who it was, but he had added a message [Have you broken up with Asher?] II told you all men are the same, but you wouldn¡¯t believe me. Thullee bark tesne & Reading these messages made her feel physically ill, as if shed swallowed a By. She declined the request and blocked all future messages frote bes The car Randolph had given her was a white Rolls Royce Phantoon. Thalie left the kilise Ersey Sher Ander het ges her gathering dust in the Winters Estate garage and drove away in her new car. The t was in No. 1 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair¨Cprime real estate in one of London¡¯s not yerdigon ¨¦limen It was a spacious 2,000¨Csquare¨Cfoot luxury apartment, fully furnished with high end appliences and fenced a the cream¨Ccoloured palette she preferred. Thalia called Mary, the housekeeper from Pan Penins, asking her to throw away all her belongings from ther ce. Upon receiving the call, Mary agreed verbally while her eyes darted nervously toward the man sing on the s After hanging up, Mary cautiously spoke: ¡°Mr. ckwood, Miss Winters has asked me to throw away all her things¡­¡± The man¡¯s voice was heavy with exhaustion. ¡°Don¡¯t throw anything away. Keep everything exactly as it is. Her room should be cleaned daily. She¡¯lle back eventually.¡± ¡°But I¡­¡± Mary hesitated, unsure how to continue. She had been hired by Asher specifically to cook for Thalia. Now that Thalia was gone, who would she be cooking for? Was she about to lose her job? Asher was silent for a moment before speaking. ¡°She¡¯s moved to a new ce. I wonder if the housekeeper there cooks to her taste.¡± Fifteen minutester. Thalia received another call from Mary. ¡°Miss Winters, Mr. ckwood has dismissed me, and I¡¯m now without work. Might you need a cook at your new ce?¡± Thalia was momentarily startled before quickly understanding the situation. 97.6% Il puede ser that juler wisses Mary now that Thai had moved out, as she had been hired specifically to Look to s cakers bo Finery in Thalia saw Mary, de was reminded of how Adher had gone to great length to ensure die ats pisqauty, room learning respet frodo Mrs. Wilson and hiring Mary specifically to prepare meats that outed her lean The old Aster bed kruly cared for her so deeply Thalle udally wasted to refuse but the thought of Mary losing her livelihood made it impossible to say no ¡°Mary, I actually do need someone to cook for me. I¡¯ll send you my addresse whenever it¡¯s convenient for you just let me know before you arrive Mary regionded cheerfully: ¡°I¡¯m avable right now, actually. Are you home? I coulde straight away¡± ¡°That would be fine. Come on over,¡± After ending the call, Mary turned to Asher, ¡°Mr. ckwood, Miss Winters has agreed.¡± ¡°Good. She often forgets to eat when she¡¯s busy. The t is close to her firm, so you¡¯ll need to deliver lunch to Sinir & Klein on workdays. I¡¯ll continue paying your sry, but don¡¯t refuse if she offers to pay you as well. And don¡¯t tell her I sent you.¡± When Mary realized she would be receiving double wages, her face lit up with delight. ¡°Yes, of course, Mr. ckwood. Don¡¯t worry¨CI¡¯ll take excellent care of Miss Winters.¡± After New Year¡¯s Day, Asher threw himself into work at ckwood Industries, keeping frantically busy. He didn¡¯t dare allow himself a moment¡¯s pause¨Cthe instant he had even a second of free time, Thalia¡¯s face would inevitably appear in his mind. In the CEO¡¯s office, Asher sat at hisputer, deeply engrossed in work. Sebastian lounged on the sofa, regarding Asher with aplicated expression. ¡°Mate, there¡¯s something I¡¯m not sure whether I should mention.¡± Asher didn¡¯t even look up, his tone indifferent. ¡°Then don¡¯t.¡± Sebastian opened and closed his mouth several times. ¡°It concerns Lia. Are you certain you don¡¯t want to hear it?¡± Asher¡¯s typing hands faltered momentarily as he looked up from theputer screen. ¡°What is it?¡± Sebastian thought to himself: I knew it. Anything concerning Lia, and he can¡¯t help but be interested. 97.8% athemation But due pardr gier of the materacy going to igines Asher¡¯s mood. Alueneburst enter its finer stonegically. ¡°Victoria¡¯s been banging on about setting Lia up with some uni Tarts As the gleet to gauge batereaction. As expected Ashers expression darkened immediately. in y Asies deurled up agam Tiniversity students? Year Selingan saline syrying to think of a more tactful way to phrase what came next. Asher slips prasota tim line is fick eyes glinting dangerously. ¡°What sort of university students?¡± ¡°Several actually One247 with angin pack another¡¯s a 3¡± atilete, then there are what Victoria calls cute puppies and wild wales¨Call sums of monsense like that¡­¡± Asher¡¯s expression greasingly tintherous and Sebastian didn¡¯t dare continue. Silence A deathly, oppressive silence Sebastian fidgeted nervusly, taking a sip of water. ¡°You know what Victoria¡¯s like¨Calways getting caught up in these ridiculous schemes. I¡¯ve already told her to sod off* Sebastian¡¯s im was aplete fabrication In truth, when Victoria had started talking about university students and ¡°cute puppies¡± and ¡°wild wolves,¡± he had felt an inexplicable urge of irritation and had made some sarcastic remarks. Victoria, unamused, had pinched him hard in retaliation¨Cthe spot will Eur ¡°How did Lia respond? Asher asked coldly. ¡°Sorry, what?¡± Sebastian was momentarily confused. ¡°Your sister wants to introduce men to Lia. What did Lia say about it?¡± Sebastian¡¯s expression turned awkward He hesitated before speaking: ¡°Do you¡­ do you really want to know?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get your knickers in a twist when I tell you Sebastian replied cautiously: ¡°ording to Victoria, on New Year¡¯s Eve, Lia¡­ well, she agreed.¡± ¡°Agreed to what? 98.0% Sebastian¡¯s mouth worker fer the heat, beding me the agrostis moti The moment the words left his mont THUD The ceramic teacup on Asher¡¯s desk crashed to the fine Fortunately, the office was carpeted, so the cup didn¡¯t shatter on inwest ? m Sebastian¡¯s mouth worked faster than his brain, blurting out: ¡°She agreed to meet other blokes.¡± The moment the words left his mouth- THUD! The ceramic teacup on Asher¡¯s desk crashed to the floor. Fortunately, the office was carpeted, so the cup didn¡¯t shatter on impact. Your Gold Digger 118 Tea spilled from the cup, soaking into the carpet and leaving a wet stain. Sebastian stared at the cup and clicked his tongue. ¡°Mate, don¡¯t worry. Thalia¡¯s not the sort to jump into anything like that.¡± Asher seemed dazed. ¡°She really agreed?¡± he asked, his voice hoarse. Sebastian paused before answering, ¡°Look, on New Year¡¯s Eve, you know what happened. She saw you with Laurina, who suggested you two get a room together. If it were me, I¡¯d be utterly gutted too. Thalia probably only agreed to wind you up, or perhaps she was sloshed and talking rubbish. I wouldn¡¯t read too much into it.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Asher¡¯s voice tightened, ¡°I never said anything about getting a room.¡± ¡°Your cousin did. Same difference, innit?¡± A moment of silence fell between them. Asherposed himself and said, ¡°I need you to do something for me.¡± Just as Thalia was leaving Sinir & Klein after work, she spotted a white McLaren parked nearby. Sebastian was leaning against the car, looking at his phone, apparently waiting for someone. Given the time and location, he was likely waiting for her. Thalia walked over, and Sebastian looked up, greeting her with a smile as he approached. ¡°Thalia! Finished atst, have you?¡± ¡°Sebastian, were you looking for me?¡± Thalia nced behind him. ¡°Where¡¯s Victoria? Not with you today?¡± Sebastian replied, ¡°Nah, I¡¯vee on my own. Need to have a word with you about something.¡± ¡°What about?¡± ¡°Well, about New Year¡¯s Eve. I was a proper muppet for inviting Asher, and it ruined everyone¡¯s evening, I wanted to apologize properly. I¡¯ve booked a table¨Cfancy joining me for dinner?¡± Thalia frowned slightly. ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary, Sebastian. I understand¨Cwater under the bridge. I¡¯ll pass on dinner, I¡¯m afraid. I¡¯ve got ns this evening.¡± ¡°What ne? Seliastian couddn¡¯t help asking Thalia had only made up an excuse to decline, and hadn¡¯t expected Sebastian to probe further. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she improvised, ¡°I¡¯m meeting some friends.¡± ¡°Blokes or birds?¡± ·Û Thalia was bemused. Aren¡¯t you being a bit nosy? This doesn¡¯t really concern you, does it? Since they¡¯d been friends for years, she didn¡¯t want to be rude. Instead, she continued with her fabrication: ¡°Both, actually,¡± When Sebastian heard there were men involved, he immediately thought of Asher¡¯s worried face. He felt obligated to get more details for his friend. ¡°Thalia, apart from Mason and me, you have other male friends? You¡¯ve never mentioned them before. What¡¯s his name? What does he do? How old is he? How tall? Is he good¨Clooking? Got a photo?¡± Thalia¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Sebastian, what¡¯s gotten into you? You¡¯re acting rather oddly today.¡± Sebastianughed awkwardly. ¡°Just looking out for you. We¡¯re mates, aren¡¯t we?¡± Thalia looked directly into Sebastian¡¯s eyes, her expression cool. ¡°Did he ask you toe?¡± They both knew exactly who ¡°he¡± was. When Sebastian met Thalia¡¯s piercing gaze, he feltpletely transparent, as if all his little schemes were exposed. He nervously averted his eyes. Barristers are bloody terrifying¨Cthose eyes seem to see right through everything. ¡°No¡­ of course not. I came to apologize on my own. Nothing to do with anyone else.¡± Thalia didn¡¯t respond. Sebastian pulled out a key and handed it to her. ¡°Thalia, this is my apology gift. Just a small token¨Cplease take it.¡± Thalia lowered her eyes to the key, then looked at the white McLaren parked nearby. Her tone was measured: ¡°Sebastian, if I¡¯m not mistaken, the McLaren P1 starts at around ¡ê800,000. Surely that¡¯s a bit excessive for an apology over a New Year¡¯s Eve misunderstanding?¡± Sebastian lied without hesitation: ¡°Not at all! I upset you that night, and Victoria¡¯s been doing my head in ever since¨Cworse than a broken record. Eight hundred grand isn¡¯t a big deal. I know you don¡¯t need the money, but it¡¯s 08.5% just a small gesture. Please ept it¨Cotherwise, Victoria will keep banging on about it. Consider it a favour to me, would you?¡± Thalia¡¯s expression remained calm, her bright eyes glimmering as she looked steadily at Sebastian. ¡°Sebastian, be honest with me. Did Asher buy this car? Go back and tell him I¡¯m not interested. Since we¡¯ve broken up, we should make a clean break. No point dragging things out.¡± Sebastian felt a cold sweat break out. Barristers really are impossible to fool. Fortunately, he¡¯d already coordinated with Victoria. Victoria had been criticizing Asher quite a bittely, so when Asher asked him to deliver the car, Sebastian immediately told Victoria about it, exining that Asher felt guilty and had bought a car as a breakuppensation. Victoria had rolled her eyes and snapped, ¡°A car and that¡¯s it? Asher¡¯s such a tight¨Cfisted git.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just the car,¡± Sebastian had replied. ¡°There are several limited¨Cedition Herm¨¨s bags in the boot. Asher said one for you, one for Charlotte, and the rest for Thalia. Of course, he needs your help¨Cyou¡¯ll have to tell Thalia the bags are from you and Charlotte, tofort her broken heart. Don¡¯t mention they¡¯re from Asher.¡± When Victoria heard about the limited¨Cedition Herm¨¨s bags, her eyes lit up. ¡°Bloody hell, I tried to get this white one and couldn¡¯t find it anywhere! Trust the ckwood heir to secure three of them! He¡¯s got good taste. Charlotte and Thalia love this style too. One for each of us¨Chow thoughtful of Asher.¡± Sebastian had then pulled out a ck credit card. ¡°Also, take this. Sinir & Klein will be on holiday soon. Take Thalia away somewhere nice to cheer her up. Asher will cover all expenses.¡± Victoria had pinched the ck card between her index and middle fingers, snorting, ¡°That¡¯s more like it. But don¡¯t think that just because I¡¯ve epted his gifts, I¡¯m on his side. As far as I¡¯m concerned, Asher ckwood will always be a heartless bastard!¡± Sebastian had sighed, rubbing his forehead wearily. ¡°Yes, yes, whatever you say. Just please, look after Thalia with Charlotte during this time.¡± He couldn¡¯t tell Victoria the truth about Asher and Thalia¡¯s breakup. If being called a bastard is the price, then so be it, mate. You brought this on yourself. Surely you can handle a few insults? Meanwhile, in Asher¡¯s office. ¡°ACHOO!¡± Asher frowned, pulling out a tissue to wipe his nose before going to the washroom to clean his hands. How strange. He wasn¡¯ting down with anything, yet he¡¯d suddenly sneezed. 98.7% ¡°Yeah, Thal¨ªa, I absolutely told Sebastian to get this car as an apology to you,¡± Victoria¡¯s voice came through the phone. ¡°Just take it, would you? What¡¯s ¡ê800,000 to him? If you don¡¯t ept it, I¡¯ll be giving him grief about it for weeks.¡± Thalia didn¡¯t trust Sebastian, but she did trust her close friend Victoria. Thalia relented, ¡°Alright then¡­ it wasn¡¯t such a big deal anyway. Don¡¯t be too harsh on Sebastian¨Che¡¯s just a bit thick and didn¡¯t think it through. I know he didn¡¯t mean any harm.¡± Sebastian, waiting nearby, felt both touched and guilty hearing her words. Sorry, Thalia. I didn¡¯t mean to deceive you. This is a well¨Cintentioned lie. I hope you won¡¯t hold it against me when you eventually find out. After ending the call, Thalia handed Sebastian¡¯s phone back to him. ¡°Fine, Sebastian. I¡¯ll ept the car. Thank you.¡± Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Thalia took the key and walked over to open the car door. When she saw the passenger seat piled high with Herm¨¨s bags, she paused in surprise and turned to ask Sebastian, ¡°What are these?¡± Sebastian improvised: ¡°Oh, those are bags that Victoria and Charlotte bought for you. To cheer you up, they said.¡± Thalia took a photo and sent it to Victoria and Charlotte. Both had already coordinated their story, and their responses matched Sebastian¡¯s exnation perfectly. Finally convinced, Thalia felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She thanked her two friends and exchanged some heartfelt messages with them. Seeing that everything was settled, Sebastian spoke up: ¡°Well, Thal¨ªa, since you¡¯ve got ns tonight, I¡¯ll get out of your hair. You can drive this car home.¡± Thalia asked, ¡°Sebastian, if you came in this car, how will you get back after I take it? Would you like me to drop you somewhere?¡± Sebastian waved his hands dismissively. ¡°No need, no need. I¡¯ll ring my driver to pick me up. I¡¯ll nip into that coffee shop nearby to get a cappino for Victoria first. You know how fussy she is about her coffee.¡± Asher¡¯s car was actually parked in the underground garage of a nearby shopping center, where Sebastian was due to meet him shortly. Thalia didn¡¯t suspect anything and waved goodbye. ¡°I¡¯ll be off then. Bye!¡± ¡°Cheers!¡± Sebastian replied. ? (0) Your Gold Digger 119 Chapter In the underground car park Sebastian slid into the passenger seat of the Cullinan, bringing a st of cold air with him. ¡°Mate, everything¡¯s sorted. Thalia epted the bags and the car. Asher¡¯s long fingers rested on the steering wheel as his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. ¡°Did she suspect anything?¡± Sebastian answered honestly: ¡°She did ask if your¡¯d bought the car. I coordinated with Victoria to smooth it over. Thalia trusts Victoriapletely, so she shouldn¡¯t question it further.¡± Asher responded with a heavy ¡°Mim.¡± For a while, Sebastian wasn¡¯t sure what to say. Asher stared nkly into space, and the car was so quiet that the soft whoosh of the heating was clearly audible, Sebastian knew Asher was thinking about Thalia again and tactfully remained silent, not wanting to disturb his thoughts. After a long moment, Asher spoke: ¡°I miss her so much.¡± Sebastian: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Hang on.¡± Sebastian pulled out his phone. ¡°Let me see what I can do.¡± Sebastian called Victoria, ¡°Hello, Victoria. I just delivered the car to Thalia and she seemed rather down¨Clike a deted balloon, really. I think she¡¯s still hurting inside. I¡¯m worried she¡¯ll make herself ill bottling it all up. Tomorrow¡¯s Saturday and she¡¯s not working¨Cwhy don¡¯t you take her out tonight, try to cheer her up?¡± Victoriained from the other end: ¡°Well of course she¡¯s not over it yet! She waspletely smitten with Asher. How is it fair that she¡¯s suffering while he¡¯s gallivanting around with some actress like nothing happened? You men are such cold¨Chearted bastards!¡± Sebastian instinctively nced sideways at Asher. He had visibly lost weight over the past few weeks. There were dark circles under his eyes, clear evidence that he hadn¡¯t been sleeping properly for several nights. Sebastian knew exactly how deeply Asher loved Thalia. In all their years of friendship, he¡¯d never seen Asher so devoted to a woman. This typicallyposed, self¨Ccontrolled man was practically falling into depression over their breakup. True Wairess 99.2% He was actually a hopeless romantic, yet circumstances had forced him to bear thebels of ¡°heartless bastard¡± and ¡°cheating scoundrel.¡± Even as an observer, Sebastian found it painful to watch. Sebastian exchanged a few more words with Victoria, who mentioned she was nning to take Thalia out for drinks. Sebastian feigned casual interest: ¡°Which bar are you heading to? I¡¯lle byter to pick you up.¡± Victoria didn¡¯t think twice about it and easily took the bait, telling him the name of the bar. ¡°Right then, keep Thaliapany tonight. I¡¯lle get youter. Don¡¯t drink too much¨Cyou¡¯ll end up with another headache and upset stomach.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, I know. Stop fussing,¡± Victoria replied. After hanging up, Sebastian shrugged. ¡°All set. In twenty minutes, we head to The Connaught Bar.¡± Thalia had no ns for the evening originally. She¡¯d intended to eat dinner, watch some television, and go to bed early. Shortly after finishing dinner, she received Victoria¡¯s call inviting her out for drinks. During the day, Thalia had thrown herself into work, keeping herself busy to avoid thinking about Asher. But when evening came, her longing grew uncontrobly, making her chest so tight she could hardly breathe. Heartbreak was like a serious illness with no cure¨Conly alcohol could numb the pain. Thalia needed to release her emotions. The white McLaren moved through the winter fog like a phantom. The outdoor car park at The Connaught Bar was filled with luxury vehicles. Thalia handed her keys to the valet and walked up the steps in hermbskin heels, heading into the bar. At eleven at night, the nightlife was just beginning. The bar was packed, lights shing, music ring. In the central dance floor, a crowd of revelers pressed against each other, swaying to the music. This was a breeding ground for ambiguity and indulgence. As Thalia entered, the cacophony of voices and music made her frown. She didn¡¯t particrly enjoy such settings. 99.4% ¡°Thalia, over here!¡± Victoria waved, with Charlotte standing beside her. Thalia walked over, and Victoria expertly led her to the bar counter, sitting her on a high stol. ¡°Lan, the Mogios please,¡± The bartender smiled and nodded, skillfully beginning to mix the drinks. Victoria leaned close to Thalia¡¯s ear and whispered: ¡°This bartender, Lea, is 25 this year. Ife patre attraction¡® of this bar. What do you think? Rather fit, isn¡¯t he Thalia lifted her gaze to appraise the man. He wasn¡¯t very tall, perhaps around 59, with delicate features and an attractive face. His slightly curly hairstyle gave him the appearance of a handsome Japanese actor from a Lim. Thalia discreetly withdrew her gaze and replied: ¡°He¡¯s alright.¡± Victoria grinned. ¡°Do you fancy this type? This is what I meant by a ¡®cute puppy. Many girls Why should men be the only ones who get to y? Asher¡¯s already parading around with some actress¨Care you still going to save yourself for him? Have some fun! Let loose!¡± Thalia frowned. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not interested¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you haven¡¯t experienced the pleasure of it.¡± The bartender ced three Mojitos in front of them. Victoria smiled at him. ¡°Thanks, handsome.¡± The bartender met Victoria¡¯s gaze with a seductive smile. ¡°No need for thanks, beautiful.¡± Their eyes connected, and a subtle chemistry developed between them Thalia and Charlotte exchanged a bewildered nce, their wide eyes filled with shock. Did they just hook up like that? After finishing one drink, Thalia felt even more miserable than before. The saying ¡°drowning sorrows in alcohol only deepens the sorrow¡± certainly held true. Under the influence of alcohol, she seemed to miss Asher even more. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.6% Victoria tried to encourage her: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if you don¡¯t like him, I¡¯ll introduce you to others. Remember I mentioned getting some male models? This bar has plenty of gorgeous ones. Wait here, I¡¯ll call their manager niet. Just tell me what type you fancy, and I¡¯ll sort it.¡± Thalia had already consumed three drinks and was feeling quite tipsy. She mumbled indistinctly. ¡°Don¡¯t ward any of Victoria was also rather drunk, and the bar was noisy. She didn¡¯t hear clearly. ¡°What? You do want some Thalia shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t like that sort of thing¡­¡± Victoria misheard again: ¡°What? You just want to see those eight¨Cpack abs?¡± What was she on about? Thalia was drunk, her cheeks flushed and her gaze unfocused. Ten minutester, five members of The Dreamboys, all over 6 feet tall with chiseled abs, stood in a line before Thalia, saying in unison: ¡°At your service~¡± Thalia, in her drunken state, giggled foolishly. ¡°Hello there.¡± She had to admit, they were quite attractive. Meanwhile, in a dimly lit booth in the bar, Asher stared at the payment notification that had just appeared on his phone, his expression darkening severely. ¡°She¡¯s using my card to hire The Dreamboys for Thalia?¡± ? (1) (0) Your Gold Digger 120 Sebastian¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t much better than Asher¡¯s. He was practically grinding his back teeth to dust. ¡°I¡¯m bloody furious. Victoria actually hired The Dreamboys!¡± Asher watched as Thalia held her drink in one hand while running her other hand over a male performer¡¯s chest. The sourness of the tequ and lemon cocktail he¡¯d just drunk lingered in his mouth, making even the air seem acidic. Asher couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He stood up abruptly, startling Sebastian. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Taking her home.¡± Sebastian grabbed him. ¡°Don¡¯t be daft! You can¡¯t show yourself now. What if Malfoy has eyes in the bar? All that effort of nearly getting yourself killed to break up with her would be for nothing.¡± Asher knew this was true, of course. Not far away, Thalia was all smiles, surrounded by several men vying for her attention, with Victoria egging them
  1. on.
Asher watched with a dark expression. Before he could say anything, Sebastian suddenly bolted away, leaving a rush of cool air in his wake. Asher looked up and saw that Victoria, clearly intoxicated, was resting her head against one of the performers¡® chests with a look of absolute bliss. Seeing Sebastian rush over, Asher, concerned about being spotted, moved to a position where Thalia couldn¡¯t see him. Meanwhile, Victoria was happily leaning against the handsome performer¡¯s muscr chest when she suddenly felt herself pulled into a different, warm embrace. Before Victoria could react, Sebastiannded a punch on the performer. ¡°Sod off!¡± The performer, having taken the blow, was about to retaliate when his colleagues held him back. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± The punch sobered Victoria up considerably. She cried out in surprise and instinctively went to check on the performer who¡¯d been hit. ¡°Are you alright, darling?¡± The performer looked thoroughly displeased, his face flushed as he red at Sebastian. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry. Let me sort you out,¡± Victoria said, reaching into her handbag and taking out several notes to stuff into the performer¡¯s hands. ¡°Sorry, this is all the cash I have. I¡¯ll add a ¡ê5,000 tip on my card for youter.¡± 14:51 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 05 206 ¡°Get over here!¡± Sebastian grabbed Victoria with a dark expression, pulling her toward him. ¡°Haven¡¯t you made enough of a spectacle of yourself?¡± Thalia, who had been rather disoriented, was now somewhat sobered by Sebastian¡¯s disruption. She stared at him. ¡°Sebastian, what are you doing here?¡± ¡°I came to take Victoria home,¡± Sebastian replied to Thalia before turning back to Victoria. ¡°You¡¯reing home with me!¡± Thalia asked, ¡°Is he here too?¡± ¡°No, I came alone.¡± Disappointment shed in Thalia¡¯s eyes. Of course. He was probably wrapped up in his actress¡¯s arms right now, lost in pleasure. Why would he spare a thought for her? Thalia hugged the bottle and took another couple of swigs. ¡°Sebastian, what¡¯s wrong with you? Couldn¡¯t you just talk to me like a normal person instead of punching someone?¡± Victoria was furious, her tone sharp. Sebastianughed bitterly. ¡°How exactly was I supposed to talk to you? You were practically in his arms! Victoria, is this how your mother raised you?¡± ¡°Mind your own business! You¡¯re not actually my brother, you know!¡± Victoria struggled, trying to break free from Sebastian¡¯s grip. Sebastian held on tight, refusing to let go. ¡°You¡¯reing home with me!¡± Shortly after, the bar manager hurried over. Initially, when the manager heard someone was causing trouble and hitting people, he had brought several bouncers with him, intending to throw out the troublemakers. However, when he saw it was the young heir to the Quinn family, he immediately became obsequious. ¡°Mr. Quinn, what seems to be the problem?¡± Sebastian¡¯s face was dark, his eyes fierce as he curled his lips. ¡°Are you running some sort of host club here?¡± The manager turned pale with fright. ¡°Absolutely not, sir! You¡¯ve got it all wrong. We¡¯re a legitimate establishment.¡± ¡°Then how do you exin these men?¡± Sebastian pointed at the performers. Cold sweat beaded on the manager¡¯s forehead as he carefully replied, ¡°They¡¯re professional hosts, sir. Completely legitimate. They only providepanionship¨Cnothing more.¡± Sebastian pressed aggressively: ¡°Oh? Is that so? Then why didn¡¯t this one move away when my sister, clearly drunk, 14:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress. 951% fell against him? He looked like he was rather enjoying it.¡± ¡°No, no, our host was simply trying to help the youngdy because she was intoxicated. It was a kind gesture, Mr. Quinn. This is all a misunderstanding.¡± Victoria, not wanting to escte the situation, backed up the manager: ¡°I simply had too much to drink and nearly fell. This gentleman was helping me stay upright. Sebastian, stop making a scene!¡± Sebastian was furious, his expression incredulous. ¡°I¡¯m making a scene?¡± Victoria rubbed her temples. ¡°Enough. I¡¯ll go home with you. Just stop acting like some spoiled rich boy causing trouble everywhere.¡± Sebastian was about to explode with anger, his face turning red. ¡°Fine, fine, fine! I¡¯m making a scene, I¡¯m a spoiled rich boy, I cause trouble everywhere. Well done, Victoria, well bloody done!¡± With that, Sebastian released Victoria¡¯s hand and stormed off in anger. Victoria smiled apologetically at the manager. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. My brother can be quite unreasonable sometimes. Let me settle the bill.¡± A staff member in a waistcoat and shirt approached with a card machine. ¡°Your total for the eveninges to ¡ê65,000.¡± Victoria inserted her card and paid ¡ê70,000. ¡°The extra ¡ê5,000 ispensation for the gentleman who was hit.¡± The manager smiled obsequiously. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Victoria actually had quite a high alcohol tolerance. She hadn¡¯t been drunk at all¨Cshe was only pretending in order to flirt with the host. Who would have thought Sebastian would appear out of nowhere, not only ruining her fun but also embarrassing her in public? She was now so mortified she wished the ground would open up and swallow her. Looking back at Thalia, she saw her friend¡¯s flushed face and unfocused eyes as she continued to drink directly from the bottle. Victoria snatched the bottle away. ¡°Darling, stop drinking. You¡¯repletely stered. I¡¯ll call someone to take you home.¡± Thalia was genuinely intoxicated, with wet tear tracks on her alcohol¨Cflushed cheeks. ¡°Wahhh¡­ Asher is such a bastard¡­¡± she sobbed. Thalia¡¯s crying was unreserved. Asher, not far away, could hear her sobs even through the loud music. His heart trembled, and his body reacted before his brain could. He stood up and took two steps forward before suddenly stopping. Don¡¯t be impulsive. 14:51 Your Gold Digger is That¡¯s what he told himself. Thalia suddenly looked up in his direction, and for a moment, their eyes met. Asher quickly averted his gaze and returned to his booth. ¡°There, there, Thalia, don¡¯t cry.¡± Charlotte, with her back to Asher¡¯s direction, gently embraced Thalia. Charlotte rarely drank and disliked ces like bars and nightclubs. She had onlye tonight to keep Thaliapany. ¡°Victoria, your brother seems very upset. You should go home with him. I¡¯ll look after Thalia¨CI¡¯ll call a driver to pick us up.¡± She had drunk one Mojito when she arrived and couldn¡¯t drive. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back. Thanks for taking care of Thalia.¡± Thalia¡¯s face waspletely flushed, and in her dazed state, she thought she¡¯d seen a familiar figure. ¡°Asher?¡± Thalia murmured. Charlotte held Thalia, ng her like a child: ¡°Come on, Thalia. I¡¯ll take you home.¡± ¡°Charlotte, I saw him. I saw Asher.¡± Thalia stumbled forward a couple of steps. Charlotte pulled her back. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯repletely sloshed.¡± ¡°I really did see him. He¡¯s here.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes were misty, her expression sorrowful. ¡°Asher, you¡¯re here, aren¡¯t you? Show yourself!¡± (3) Your Gold Digger 121` Asher sat in the corner, his thin lips pressed tightly together, his deep eyes as dark and fathomless as an endless abyss. Thalia¡¯s voice trembled with heartbreaking sorrow. ¡°Asher, you coward, if you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t you have the courage to face me?¡± In the neglected corner, someone secretly raised their phone to capture the scene. Charlotte, seeing Thalia¡¯s state, felt her heart ache. ¡°Thalia, you¡¯re drunk. I¡¯m taking you home to rest,e on now, love.¡± Charlotte supported Thalia as they pushed through the crowd toward the exit. Two male Darwin family security guards followed closely behind them. When Jerry received the video, Tom Malfoy was busy flirting with a beautiful woman he¡¯d just picked up. The private room was thick with an ambiguous atmosphere, the scent of alcohol and cigarettes mingling with an undercurrent of hedonism. Tom had his arm around the woman¡¯s waist as they kissed, her breathing bing increasingly urgent. Jerry stood quietly in the corner, trying to minimize his presence, ying the role of a blind, deaf, and mute fixture in the background. When Tom indulged, he did sopletely. Two hourster, it was finally over. The womany on the sofa, disheveled and breathless. Tom, however, was immactely dressed. He lounged back against the sofa with casual elegance, taking a cigarette from a case and lighting it. The white smoke swirled around his finely sculpted features, giving him an air of wild abandon. Seeing that Tom had finished his business, Jerry stepped forward to deliver his report. The woman tactfully gathered her clothes from the floor and left the room. ¡°Sir, the shipment from Moscow has been sessfully acquired.¡± 14:51 Your Gold Diggor is Actually Tom made a disinterested sound of acknowledgment. ¡°And Koren?¡± ¡°There when profdem with Parshan. The police showed up during the meeting with fin Min, forcing them to abort was a the transaction. The goods were seized, but fortunately, everyone got away safely.¡± Tom¡¯s expression darkened with murderous intent. ¡°Usedess idiots. They lose the merchandise and still have the Jerry remained silent ¡°What¡¯s the status of the project with Merstar in Russia?¡± jerry swallowed nervously before answering ¡°After the project was terminated, both our side and Mershar Group suffered substantial losses, ckwood Industries seized the opportunity to acquire Mershar, and they¡¯re currently processing the paperwork¡± ¡°BANG!¡± A tremendous crash echoed through the room. Tom had kicked the long table in front of him, sending it crashing to the floor. ¡°Asher ckwood, someday I¡¯ll make you pay double for this!¡± Jerry stood quietly, observing Tom¡¯s mood. Only when Tom¡¯s anger seemed to have subsided did he dare to speak again: ¡°Sir, we have thetest news about Thalia Winters.¡± Tom collected himself. ¡°What is it?¡± Jerry opened a video and handed over his phone. ¡°Our people followed Thalia to a bar and captured this scene. It seems she and Asher have genuinely broken up.¡± Tom took the phone and nced at it, his eyes shing with contempt and disdain. He sneered, his tone mocking: ¡°Hah, another stupid woman who believed in love.¡± ¡°Regarding her situation¡­¡± ¡°No need to monitor her anymore. She¡¯s just a piece of clothing Asher discarded, a worn¨Cout shoe he got tired of. I need the manpower elsewhere¨C1 don¡¯t have time to waste on her.¡± ¡°Understood, sir.¡± ¡°Oh, and sir, Drake Ashcroft called saying he wants to meet with you.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Jerry replied: ¡°Tha Winters¡® ex¨Cboyfriend.¡± 14:51 (# ) ¡ª ¡ª Tom¡¯s lips curled in contempt as he spat out three words: ¡°Don¡¯t know him.¡± Jerry exined: ¡°Previously, Grace Bet exchanged information about Asher¡¯s movements and ckwood family internal affairs for our investment. That investment waster directed to the Ashcroft Group. The Ashcroft Group is now doing well, ranking among the major enterprises nationally. The Ashcroft Group could still be useful to us.¡± Tom¡¯s eyes shed with contempt. ¡°Someone that idiot Grace found can¡¯t be worth much¨Cjust another stupid dog.¡± ¡°So, sir, will you meet with him?¡± ¡°A dog eager to curry favor with me? When I¡¯m in a good mood, I might take it for a walk.¡± After safely delivering Thalia home, Charlotte gave some instructions to the live¨Cin housekeeper before leaving with peace of mind. Thaliay on the bed talking nonsense. Mary had just gone to the kitchen to prepare a hangover remedy when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, Mary was startled. ¡°Mr. ckwood, why are you here?¡± ¡°How is she?¡± His voice was gentle but tinged with concern. ¡°Miss Winters had too much to drink. I was just about to make her a sobering soup.¡± Asher opened his wallet and took out several notes. ¡°Go stay somewhere else tonight. I¡¯ll look after her.¡± Mary took the money. ¡°Very well, Mr. ckwood. Please wait a moment while I gather a few things.¡± The housekeeper stepped aside to let Asher in. He entered the house smelling of alcohol and cold air, his gaze wandering as he surveyed the interior, calmly assessing the apartment. Randolph had been quite generous to Thalia; this t was impressive. Mary brought a cup of hot tea and ced it on the coffee table in the living room. ¡°Please sit down and rest, Mr. ckwood, I¡¯ll be ready shortly.¡± ¡°Where is her room?¡± he asked softly. Mary pointed toward Thalia¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Miss Winters¡® room is over there, first door on the left.¡± Asher didn¡¯t bother to rest but headed straight for Thalia¡¯s room. 14:51 ¡ª¡ª The door wasn¡¯t locked. Asher opened it and walked in, just in time to hear the girl talking in her sleep. ¡°Asher, Asher¡­¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you want me¡­ waaah¡­¡± Hearing her soft crying, Asher felt a sharp pain in his heart. He quickly walked to the bedside. Thalia continued to speak intermittently in her sleep. ¡°Asher is a bad man¡­ I don¡¯t want you¡­ go away¡­¡± The man lowered his eyes, his eyshes trembling as he gently caressed Thalia¡¯s face, wiping away her tears. His tone was as tender as a spring breeze. ¡°Yes, my darling, I¡¯m a terrible man.¡± The sleeping girl seemed to sense Asher¡¯s presence and instinctively moved closer to him. ¡°Asher¡­¡± 1 In her dreams, her emotions fluctuated wildly¨Cone moment she was like a bristling lion, cursing and telling Asher to bugger off, the next she was like a clingy kitten, gently nuzzling his hand with her face. ¡°Asher, don¡¯t go, don¡¯t leave me. I¡¯ll be good¡­¡± Asher¡¯s heart melted. ¡°I¡¯m here, sweetheart. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± His expression softened, his eyes overflowing with love and tenderness. The palm of his hand felt warm and soft as the girl gently nuzzled against it. A long¨Cabsent feeling of happiness surged through him, like something stolen, sweet yet tinged with bitterness. He sat on the edge of the bed, greedily looking at Thalia for a long time, unable to get enough. Mary had packed her things and was about to say goodbye to Asher before leaving. As she approached the door, she caught a glimpse of the scene through the crack and quietly left without disturbing them. Asher couldn¡¯t resist leaning down to ce a kiss on Thalia¡¯s flushed cheek. It was reverent, devoid of any lust. The girl seemed to sense something and groaned softly, suddenly wrapping her arms around Asher¡¯s neck. ¡°Asher¡­¡± she murmured. Her voice lilted upward at the end, carrying a coquettish softness. Asher¡¯s back instantly stiffened, a tingling sensation spreading throughout his body. 14:51 His gentle kisses fell on her forehead, cheeks, red lips, and corbone. Moving downward, he kissed her corbone and the hollow of her neck. That night, Asher stayed. Thalia waspletely unconscious from the alcohol. He carried her to the bathroom and gave her a bath, during which she remained in a drunken stupor, never fully waking. After the bath, he gently ced her on the bed and tucked her in. He then sat in a chair, watching her sleeping face, his expression filled with tender affection. As dawn broke, he rose, taking onest look at the sleeping girl before turning to leave. (3) Your Gold Digger 122 The next day, Thalia slowly opened her eyes. Her hangover made her head pound mercilessly. Looking down at the pajamas she was wearing. Thalia was momentarily bewildered. How had she gotten homest night? Who had changed her clothes? She only remembered going out for drinks, with Victoria urging her to check out The Dreamboys. She couldn¡¯t hold her alcohol well and had gotten drunk after just a few sses. Vaguely, she recalled thinking she¡¯d seen Asher. Was it just her imagination? Reaching under her pillow for her phone, Thalia called Victoria. The phone rang twice before someone answered. ¡°Hello?¡± Thalia was startled. ¡°Sebastian? Why are you answering? Where¡¯s Victoria?¡± Hearing Thalia¡¯s voice, Sebastian instantly became fully alert. He had been sleeping peacefully with Victoria in his arms when the phone rang. In his drowsy state, he¡¯d assumed it was his own phone and answered it without thinking. The realization of what he¡¯d done rmed him considerably. Sebastian¡¯s mind raced as he quickly fabricated an excuse. ¡°Victoria left her phone in the downstairs loungest night. She¡¯s still asleep upstairs in her room. Did you need to speak with her about something?¡± Thalia couldn¡¯t yet know about his rtionship with Victoria. He wasn¡¯t concerned about gossip for his own sake. If word got out, people would merely consider him adies¡® man, but for a woman, it would be entirely different. People would gossip behind Victoria¡¯s back, saying she was shameless for getting involved with how u 14:51 using her of incest and loose morals. The rumor mill could be merciless, and the resulting bacsh might be devastating. Thalia didn¡¯t question his exnation. ¡°Oh, I see. When she wakes up, could you ask her to call me back?¡± Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Of course.¡± After hanging up, Sebastian nced down at Victoria beside him. ¡°Awake, are you?¡± Victoria¡¯s face still showed signs of sleepiness, her eyes half¨Copen as she murmured a soft ¡°Mmm.¡± Having just woken up, Victoria¡¯s voice was incredibly soft and sweet. That single sound was enough to ignite Sebastian¡¯s desire. He leaned down to ce a kiss on her lips. ¡°Fancy another go, darling?¡± Victoria, hearing this, snapped fully awake. She clutched the duvet to her chest, her eyes wary. ¡°Get off!¡± Sebastian¡¯s gaze was tender, his lips curving into an indulgent smile. ¡°Do you have any idea how irresistible you look right now?¡± Victoria held onto the duvet tightly, so nervous she began to stammer: ¡°S¨CSebastian¡­ don¡¯t you dare. Last night¡­st night we were bothpletely stered. We¡¯re adults¨CI can pretend nothing happened. From now on¡­ we can just go back to being like brother and sister.¡± Sebastianughed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I wasn¡¯t drunkst night. I waspletely sober.¡± Victoria¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Sebastian continued leisurely: ¡°Darling, I was entirely clear¨Cheaded. I knew exactly what I was doing. The truth is, I¡¯ve been aware of my feelings for you for quite some time, but I¡¯ve been holding back. Last night, when you were flirting with that host and leaning against him, I simply couldn¡¯t control myself any longer.¡± Victoria looked incredulous. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯ve fancied me all this time?¡± Sebastian nodded. ¡°Since when?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure exactly when it started. I suppose it developed gradually over time.¡± Victoria bit her lip. ¡°But I¡­ I¡¯m not ready for this.¡± Sebastian gently caressed her face, asking softly: ¡°Darling, do you fancy me? Not as a brother, but as a man?¡± ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Victoria denied vehemently. 14:51 Sebastian chuckled softly before leaning down to kiss her again. ¡°That¡¯s alright. We have plenty of time to develop those feelings.¡± He deliberately emphasized a certain word. Victoria¡¯s face flushed crimson to the tips of her ears. What followed was another bout of passion. Several days passed in London¡¯s winter snow, and soon it was mid¨CJanuary. That day, Thalia received a call from the head of Sinir & Klein. ¡°Thalia, I hear you y golf?¡± Thalia wondered who had mentioned this, then remembered filling out an intake form when she first joined the firm. Under ¡°hobbies and interests,¡± she had written that she enjoyed ying golf. Thalia replied: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Is there something specific?¡± The head partner chuckled warmly. ¡°I have an important client, Mr. Johnson from Caresol Group. He¡¯s quite fond of golf. I¡¯ve arranged to y with him at St. Andrews Links on the 18th. I¡¯d like you to join us.¡± Thalia thought that apanying the head partner should be straightforward enough, so she agreed: ¡°Of course, I¡¯d be happy to.¡± ¡°Mr. Johnson has several cases he might be willing to entrust to our firm. If we secure the deal, you¡¯ll receive a 20%mission. Thalia, I know your family is quite well¨Coff and you¡¯re not concerned about the money, but as solicitors, we need to continually develop our negotiation skills through practical experience.¡± The fact that Thalia was the Winters heiress had already spread throughout the firm, and the head partner had certainly heard about it. ¡°I understandpletely.¡± ¡°Excellent. Prepare yourself well. My assistant will book your flight ticket.¡± ¡°Very good.¡± After ending the call, Thalia nced at the calendar on her desk. January 13th already. It had been thirteen days since New Year¡¯s Eve. 14:51 She and Asher hadn¡¯t seen each other for nearly half a month. During this time, she had thrown herself into work, trying desperately to stay busy. Whenever she had a moment¡¯s respite, her thoughts inevitably turned to Asher, causing her heart unbearable pain. Entertainment news was filled with stories about Asher and Laurina. Thalia didn¡¯t actively seek out such information, but she frequently overheard colleagues gossiping about them. ¡°Have you seen what¡¯s trending? Laurina Kensington and the ckwood heir are holidaying in the Maldives. They make such a perfect couple¨Cthey¡¯re absolutely gorgeous together! I¡¯m totally shipping them!¡± ¡°My idol¡¯s beauty is beyond question. She¡¯s undeniably the top female celebrity in the industry! No one else is worthy of the ckwood heir.¡± ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t Thalia from our firm the Winters heiress? Did you know she was almost engaged to that ckwood bloke?¡± ¡°Yes, yes, I heard about that! It¡¯s true¨Cthe ckwood heir used to be Thalia¡¯s boyfriend. I even saw him outside our office once. He¡¯s incredibly handsome in person!¡± ¡°Really? Thalia and the ckwood heir were together before?¡± ¡°Shh¡­ keep it down. Don¡¯t let Thalia hear us¡­¡± Thalia stood at the doorway of the break room with her water cup, listening to their conversation. She paused, sighed helplessly, and walked away without saying anything. Sometimes, when she saw Laurina¡¯s giant billboards on the LED screens at shopping centers, Thalia would unconsciously stop, her heart filled with mixed emotions. So that was the type of woman he preferred. Strikingly beautiful, exuding charm and allure when she smiled. Soon, the day of the business trip arrived. Thalia boarded the flight to Edinburgh with the head partner. As they walked past the first¨Css section, Thalia unexpectedly caught sight of that face she had been longing for day and night. She stopped abruptly, her expressionless face showing a momentary crack in herposure. Asher sat there in a ck coat, looking dignified and elegant as he worked on hisptop. 14:51 Beside him, Laurina was smiling radiantly. Sensing an intense gaze, Asher looked up from hisptop screen and met Thalia¡¯s eyes, momentarily stunned. The atmosphere grew awkward. The air seemed to be permeated with a subtle hint of jealousy, tinged with bitterness. Laurina smiled brightly and greeted Thalia: ¡°Miss Winters, we meet again.¡± (11) Your Gold Digger 123 Thalia walked past without acknowledging them, her face expressionless. After she had gone, Laurina nudged Asher¡¯s arm. ¡°What a coincidence! Imagine running into your ex on the same flight.¡± Asher lowered his eyes and remained silent. ¡°Oh, look at you with that brooding expression. You¡¯re impossible,¡± Laurina teased. Early the next morning, Thalia arrived at the golf course with the head partner. She was dressed in a white sports outfit with her hair in a high ponytail, looking youthful and vibrant. Langdon Johnson¡¯s eyes lit up the moment he saw her. The head partner made the introductions: ¡°This is Mr. Johnson from Caresol Group. Mr. Johnson, may I present Thalia Winters, a solicitor from our firm.¡± Thalia smiled politely. ¡°Pleased to meet you, Mr. Johnson.¡± That gentle smile made Langdon Johnson¡¯s heart flutter. ¡°I had no idea yourw firm employed such young and beautiful solicitors,¡± he remarked with a broad smile. Thalia smiled without responding, while the head partner chuckled appreciatively. ¡°Do you y golf regrly, Miss Winters?¡± Langdon Johnson asked. Thalia shook her head. ¡°I only know a little. I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m an enthusiast.¡± Sensing an opportunity, Johnson¡¯s smile widened. ¡°That¡¯s no problem at all. I¡¯d be happy to teach you.¡± ¡°What¡¯s everyone discussing that¡¯s so amusing?¡± A male voice interrupted their conversation. Thalia froze. Asher approached, apanied by another man. Johnson immediately adopted a deferential tone, all traces of his earlier flirtatiousness vanishing. ¡°Mr. ckwood, you¡¯re here to y golf as well? We were just discussing hobbies with Miss Winters here. I got a bit carried away 14:51 with the conversation. I hope we haven¡¯t disturbed you?¡± Thalia¡¯s hands tensed at her sides as she raised her eyes to meet Asher¡¯s gaze, addressing him with formal politeness: ¡°Mr. ckwood.¡± The head partner rarely spent time at the firm and didn¡¯t follow entertainment news. Though Laurina¡¯s face seemed familiar to him, he was unaware of the rumored rtionship between her and Asher, and had no idea that the CEO of ckwood Industries standing before them was Thalia¡¯s ex¨Cboyfriend. The head partner seldom had opportunities to interact with someone of Asher¡¯s status, but he was adept at reading social cues. Seeing the respectful attitude the Caresol CEO showed this young man, he immediately understood that this elegant, dignified young gentleman must be someone of considerable importance. He followed suit with a respectful greeting: ¡°Mr. ckwood, a pleasure.¡± Asher¡¯s gaze lingered on Thalia. She was wearing makeup today, and with her high ponytail and sports outfit, she looked like a university student¨Cbeautiful and full of energy, impossible to look away from. No wonder that lecher had been staring at her. His eyes traveled downward, noting her long, fair legs beneath her short skirt, and his brow furrowed slightly. Looking so attractive while in thepany of these two older men¨CAsher felt a sudden surge of irritation. He almost couldn¡¯t resist taking off his jacket to wrap around her waist and sending those two men packing Suppressing his annoyance and displeasure with considerable effort, Asher¡¯s expression remained impassive as he responded with a curt ¡°Mmm¡± and added, ¡°Quite disruptive, actually.¡± Johnson bowed his head apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Mr. ckwood. I¡¯ll be more mindful.¡± ¡°Carry on,¡± Asher said tersely before walking away. He hade to the golf course today to apany a friend who had just returned from Russia. His friend, Alexander Wellington, had been instrumental in helping Asher swiftly secure the deal that had undermined Tom Malfoy¡¯s project in Russia. Once they were at a distance, Alexander, who had remained silent until now, immediately adopted an expression of discovery. ¡°Asher, unless I¡¯m mistaken, wasn¡¯t that your fianc¨¦e? Why did you two act as though you barely knew each other?¡± Alexander had emigrated to Russia over a decade ago. He didn¡¯t know Thalia personally, but several years earlier, he had seen her photograph at Asher¡¯s vi in Russia. At that time, Asher had told him that the woman in the photo was the girl he had secretly loved for years. 14:51 Later, Alexander had made a special trip back to London to attend Asher and Thalia¡¯s engagement ceremony, congratting his friend on finally winning the heart of the woman he had pined for all those years. ¡°We¡¯ve broken up.¡± ¡°What?¡± Alexander was shocked. ¡°How could you suddenly break up when everything was going so well? Didn¡¯t you wait more than a decade to finally be with her?¡± A caddy approached and handed Asher a golf club. Asher took it and swung, sending the ball flying. ¡°I didn¡¯t want her caught in the crossfire. Being with me nearly cost her her life.¡± Alexander understood. At the previous engagement ceremony, Thalia¡¯s sister had been kidnapped, and Asher had been seriously injured, forcing them to cancel the event. Later, he had learned the kidnapping was orchestrated by the ckwood¡¯s adopted daughter, with Tom Malfoy backing her. From that point on, Tom Malfoy had been actively seeking revenge against the ckwood family. Alexander asked, ¡°Did Malfoy make another move against her after that?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes grew cold as he told Alexander about Tom¡¯s assassination attempt and how Randolph had been pushed down a staircase. Alexander¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Using military¨Cgrade weapons? This is Britain, for God¡¯s sake! How dare that madman?¡± ¡°He covered his tracks well. The police couldn¡¯t pin anything on him.¡± ¡°You¡¯d better be careful, then. That rabid dog Malfoy is capable of anything when cornered.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± ¡°Ah,¡± Alexander sighed, patting Asher¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Breaking up was the right decision, but what a shame for both of you¨Cin love but unable to be together.¡± Asher lowered his eyshes, his heart stirring. Unable to be together despite being in love? No. This was only temporary. Once the situation with Tom Malfoy was resolved, he would definitely win Thalia back. 14:51 Meanwhile, Johnson was edging closer to Thalia. ¡°Do you enjoy ying golf regrly, Miss Winters?¡± Thalia shifted away, maintaining a polite distance as she replied: ¡°I know a bit, but I don¡¯t y often.¡± Johnson was unaware of Thalia¡¯s family background and assumed she was just an ordinary solicitor, dependent on a modest monthly ie of a few thousand pounds. To him, a few thousand pounds was negligible¨Cbarely enough for a single dinner. Johnson smiled, his expression rather self¨Csatisfied. ¡°Understandable. Even a basic set of equipment would cost you a month¡¯s sry, not to mention green fees and coaching. The annual membership for this club alone is over ¡ê300,000. It hardly seems worth spending all your hard¨Cearned money on something like this.¡± Thalia pretended not to notice the condescension in his tone and smiled brightly. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡± Her radiant smile left Johnson captivated, his self¨Ccontrol wavering. He was ustomed to unting his wealth, never short of femalepany. He maintained multiple rtionships simultaneously and had kept numerous young mistresses over the years. Feeling emboldened, he suggested: ¡°Miss Winters, why don¡¯t I arrange a membership for you? Then you could join me for a round whenever you have time.¡± Thaliaughed inwardly. She could see right through Johnson¡¯s sordid intentions. He imed he wanted herpany for golf, but if she agreed, it would clearly involve much more than that. Attempting to buy a young woman¡¯s affections with a ¡ê300,000 membership¨Cand at his age, he undoubtedly had a wife at home. How utterly shameless. Thalia didn¡¯t reveal her contempt and derision, merely offering a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I must decline, Mr. Johnson. I¡¯m happy to y with you today, but I simply don¡¯t have the time regrly.¡± The head partner was frantically signaling to Thalia with his eyes. His message was clear: Why are you refusing such a generous offer? Thalia pretended not to notice. Johnson wasn¡¯t offended by her refusal. He¡¯d seen it all before and attributed her response to feminine coyness and pride. He believed he¡¯d encountered many such women¨Cinitially pretending to be uninterested in his money while strategically positioning themselves for greater rewards. The colloquial term for such women was ¡°gold¨Cdiggers.¡± 14:51 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress But in his eyes, the modest sums such women typically sought were insignificant to him. The beautiful woman before him was extraordinarily attractive, far more so than the influencers and minor celebrities he¡¯d previously bedded. If he could have her, no amount of money would be too much. Johnson was confident of sess, maintaining a gentle smile. ¡°No matter. I understand solicitors are extremely busy. We¡¯ll arrange something when you have time. For today, let¡¯s simply enjoy ourselves.¡± Thalia responded with a sweet smile: ¡°Certainly, Mr. Johnson.¡± Her smile left himpletely enchanted, his judgment clouded by desire as he proposed: ¡°How about a little wager? If you can get a ball onto the green within ten strokes, I¡¯ll give you ¡ê10,000. For each stroke under ten, I¡¯ll add another ¡ê10,000.¡± Thalia asked with an innocent smile: ¡°And if I lose? What if I can¡¯t make it onto the green in ten strokes?¡± Johnson¡¯s face flushed with anticipation. ¡°Then perhaps you¡¯d do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight? Just the two of us.¡± 14:51 Your Gold Digger 124 Johnson thought to himself that though this young woman imed to know how to y golf, women typicallycked the strength to hit effectively. Whether she could reach the green at all remained uncertain, and even if she did, it would likely take eight or nine strokes. Losing a bit of money to see her smile would be worth it. Thalia pressed her lips together in a smile. ¡°I¡¯m happy to join you for dinner, but betting money is rather dull. Let¡¯s- wager something else.¡± ¡°What did you have in mind, Miss Winters?¡± ¡°If I can get a ball onto the green within ten strokes, you¡¯ll sign a one¨Cyear legal advisory contract plus a case representation agreement with our firm. For each stroke under ten, add another year to the contract. If I make it in one stroke, you¡¯ll sign a ten¨Cyear contract, and all of Caresol Group¡¯s legal matters during those ten years must be handled by our firm. How does that sound?¡± Johnson chuckled, thinking to himself that this young woman was rather clever¨Cnot interested in a paltry ten or twenty thousand pounds, but nning something more ambitious. Apany asrge as Caresol Group generated enough legal cases annually to sustain their entire firm for a year. He had underestimated her. Johnson turned to the head partner with an amused smile. ¡°Where did you find Miss Winters? She¡¯s remarkably dedicated, always thinking of your firm¡¯s interests. I¡¯m half tempted to poach her for our legal department.¡± The head partnerughed. ¡°Very funny, Mr. Johnson.¡± Finding the situation entertaining, Johnson agreed with a smile. ¡°Since Miss Winters has proposed using contracts as stakes, let¡¯s proceed that way. Whatever makes her happy.¡± Thalia smiled sweetly. ¡°Excellent.¡± A caddy handed her a golf club, which she took and swung experimentally. Johnson, in a somewhat fawning manner, remarked with a smile, ¡°Very good! Miss Winters clearly has natural talent.¡± Thalia curved her lips into a smile without responding. She positioned herself, took careful aim, and said, ¡°Mr. Johnson, I hope you¡¯re prepared.¡± Before Johnson could fully grasp her meaning, Thalia had already executed a smooth, expert swing. The small white ball traced a perfect are through the air beforending firmly on the green. Johnson stared in astonishment. She had reached the green in a single stroke. 14:52 The head partner couldn¡¯t help but apud. ¡°Brilliant!¡± Thalia walked to the green and elegantly putted the ball into the hole, her smile radiant. ¡°Mr. Johnson, one stroke to reach the green. As agreed, yourpany will sign a ten¨Cyear representation agreement and legal advisory contract with our firm.¡± Johnson recovered hisposure and apuded in admiration. ¡°Well done! What a surprise! Miss Winters, you¡¯re quite the golfer¨Cyour technique looks even more refined than mine. You said you merely ¡®knew a bit¨Cyou were being far too modest.¡± Thalia smiled demurely. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Johnson.¡± The head partner stood nearby, grinning from ear to ear. A ten¨Cyear legal advisory and representation contract! He had brought Thalia along today merely to apany Johnson, hoping to keep the client entertained before discussing contracts. Never had he expected Thalia to secure a ten¨Cyear contract with Caresol Group in a single stroke! In all his years of practice, he had nevernded such a significant deal in one go. The head partner felt somewhat humbled. Meanwhile, Alexander nudged Asher with his elbow, gesturing toward the scene. ¡°Your ex¨Cgirlfriend is quite impressive¨Cone stroke to the green. Those movements could rival a professional¡¯s.¡± Asher turned to look, his eyes reflecting pride and fondness. ¡°Thalia won the National Junior Championship in secondary school.¡± ¡°Well, well,¡± Alexander¡¯s eyes narrowed knowingly. ¡°Look at that pride in your eyes. Like a parent whose child just won an award.¡± Asher¡¯s expression softened. ¡°She is my girl, after all.¡± Alexander casually remarked, ¡°Wonder what those two blokes are saying that¡¯s making them allugh so happily.¡± The moment these words left his lips, the tender affection in Asher¡¯s expression instantly vanished. He handed his club to the caddy and strode purposefully in their direction. ¡°Oi, where are you going?¡± Alexander followed. Asher¡¯s expression cooled, his tone emotionless. ¡°To discuss business.¡± ¡°Business?¡± Alexander was puzzled. ¡°With whom?¡± ncing up to see the three cheerful figures in the distance, Alexander immediately understood. Asher was jealous and looking to create a diversion to keep those two older men from hovering around Thalia. 1452 C How could he possibly stand by and watch? Alexander inwardlyughed¨Csomeone had finally reached their limit after holding back for so long. Asher came to a stop directly in front of Thalia, the sunlight casting his shadow over her. Thalia stood in his shadow, looking up at him. He was wearing a dark gray sports outfit today, maintaining his typically cool demeanor. Why has he returned? Thalia wondered privately. Johnson was also confused. The CEO of ckwood Industries was normally difficult to meet, and even when encountered, he was typically dismissive. Why had he approached them twice today to initiate conversation? Had something strange happened? Asher stood with his hands in his pockets, affecting casualness, his tone deliberately nonchnt. ¡°Mr. Johnson, I recall you mentioning a potential coboration with our Celestial hotel brand?¡± Celestial was a hotel chain owned by ckwood Industries. Upon hearing that the ckwood CEO was initiating business discussions, Johnson immediately became deferential. ¡°Yes, yes, indeed, Mr. ckwood. Caresol has been hoping to coborate with Celestial for quite some time. I mentioned it to you at a reception previously, but you were rather tied up and suggested discussing it another time. Today is an excellent opportunity since we¡¯re both free¨Cno time like the present, eh?¡± Johnson nced at his watch and smiled broadly. ¡°It¡¯s nearly lunchtime. Perhaps I could book a restaurant, and we could discuss it over a meal?¡± Asher¡¯s gaze swept casually over Thalia before quickly returning to Johnson, his voice cool as he responded with a simple ¡°Right.¡± Johnson was delighted. The head partner, recognizing the social cues, interjected, ¡°Well then, Mr. ckwood, Mr. Johnson, we¡¯ll leave you to your discussion. Mr. Johnson, we can talk about the contract details another time.¡± Thalia had been standing silently beside them, staring absently at Asher¡¯s shadow on the ground, lost in thought. Hearing that they were leaving, she snapped out of her reverie and prepared to depart with the head partner. Johnson replied, ¡°Brilliant. I¡¯ll discuss the contract with you tomorrow afternoon. Since I lost the wager to Miss Winters, I¡¯ll certainly honour mymitment. I pride myself on my integrity.¡± Johnson had deliberately said this for Asher¡¯s benefit, hoping to create a favorable impression as he sought cooperation with ckwood¡¯s hotel chain. However, Asher paid no attention to these details. He had only registered that Thalia was about to leave. 14.62 (0) Asher¡¯s voice remained neutral, betraying no emotion, appearing genuinely indifferent. ¡°Since you¡¯re all together, why not join us for lunch?¡± ? (0) Your Gold Digger 125 At the restaurant. Langdon Johnson had reserved a luxurious private dining room. Though there were only five people in their party, the table wasrge enough to seat ten. Johnson considerately pulled out a chair, bowing slightly toward Asher with a deferential gesture. ¡°Mr. ckwood, please,¡± he said with practiced courtesy. Asher, ustomed to such deference, took his seat naturally. This was Thalia¡¯s first time witnessing how others treated the CEO of ckwood Industries in public. The man before her received others¡® ttery with cool detachment, his features radiating an icy remoteness, his entire being exuding an unapproachable distance. It made Thalia feel as though she was watching a stranger. She found it impossible to reconcile this aloof man with the one who had once worn an apron to cook for her. After Asher sat down, Alexander took the seat to his right. Johnson then chose a seat to Asher¡¯s left, deliberately leaving one chair empty between them. His seating choice was strategic¨Cnot too distant to discuss business, yet not too close to impose on Mr. ckwood. The head partner sat to Johnson¡¯s left. Thalia deliberately chose the position furthest from Asher, sitting directly across from him. Asher leaned back in his chair, his cool gaze sweeping over to her, a flicker of disappointment passing almost imperceptibly through his eyes. Alexander caught this interaction and sighed inwardly. What a pair of star¨Ccrossed lovers. Once everyone was seated, Johnson pushed the menu toward Asher. ¡°Mr. ckwood.¡± Asher casually flipped through it, naming several dishes before sliding the menu back to Johnson. Johnson added a few more expensive specialties. 14:52 Thalia kept her gaze lowered, not daring to look at the man across from her, staring absently at the sszy Susan on the table instead. The dishes Asher had just ordered were all her favorites. Thalia felt a surge of resentment. They¡¯d broken up, yet he continued these meaningless gestures¨Cfirst insisting she stay for lunch, then ordering her favorite dishes right in front of her. What was he ying at? Acting the role of devoted ex¨Cboyfriend? With the head partner and Johnson present, Thalia couldn¡¯t simply stand up and leave. But sharing the private dining room with Asher made her feel suffocated. She couldn¡¯t fathom what game he was ying. Asher engaged in casual conversation with those beside him, but his gaze kept straying to the woman across the table. She sat with her head bowed, neither speaking nor checking her phone, like a dejected little quail. The sight made Asher want to reach across and gently stroke her head, or pull her into a tight embrace. The server finished bringing all the dishes. Thalia remained silent, focusing on her food. She was genuinely famished. Last night on the ne, after unexpectedly encountering Asher and Laurina, she¡¯d felt utterly miserable and had no appetite. She¡¯d struggled with insomnia and this morning hadn¡¯t even had time for breakfast before rushing to the golf course. Now her stomach feltpletely empty. Unable to join the conversation between the men¨Cnor wanting to¨Cshe concentrated on her meal. Asher agreed to coborate with Caresol, saying he¡¯d send his assistant to sign the contract tomorrow. Johnson was ecstatic and had several drinks. As the alcohol took effect, Johnson¡¯s demeanor transformed from initially respectful and ingratiating to increasingly uninhibited. His face flushed as heunched into the story of his rise to sess, talking endlessly. Asher paid no attention to Johnson¡¯s self¨Caggrandizing chatter. His thoughts remained fixed on the woman opposite him, his gaze repeatedly drawn in her direction. He rotated thezy Susan, deliberately stopping her favorite dishes in front of her. Johnson and the head partner were too busy drinking and chatting to notice Asher¡¯s subtle actions, but Alexander observed everything clearly. 274 14:52 Alexander shook his head resignedly. It was obvious¨Chis friend was hopelessly lovesick. The typicallyposed and self¨Ccontrolled Asher had countless admirers growing up, including persistent pursuers like Grace Bet, yet cold and aloof as he was, he¡¯d never shown interest in any of them. Alexander had previously thought Asher might be asexual or simply uninterested in women, until he¡¯d seen Thalia¡¯s photograph at Asher¡¯s home. Then he realized Asher wasn¡¯t disinterested in women¨Che had been saving his heart for one specific person. For her, he had rejected everyone else. After the meal, Johnson, thoroughly intoxicated, departed early in a car arranged by the restaurant manager. At the restaurant entrance. The head partner bid farewell to Asher and Alexander: ¡°Mr. ckwood, Mr. Wellington, we¡¯ll be off then.¡± Asher remained silent. Some things he couldn¡¯t express directly, but Alexander understood him. ¡°Are you taking a taxi back?¡± he asked on Asher¡¯s behalf. The head partner replied: ¡°Yes, Miss Winters and I are here on business¨Cwe¡¯re staying at a hotel.¡± At this, Asher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Alexander, knowing Asher was ufortable with Thalia returning to a hotel with an intoxicated middle¨Caged man, immediately offered: ¡°I can drive Miss Winters back. I haven¡¯t touched a drop, so I¡¯m perfectly fine to drive.¡± The head partner nced at the ride¨Csharing app on his phone, thinking: Why couldn¡¯t he have said that earlier? Having already ordered a car, he didn¡¯t want to cancel it and impose on Alexander, so he replied: ¡°That would be most kind, Mr. Wellington, thank you.¡± But Thalia declined: ¡°Please don¡¯t trouble yourself. I¡¯ll just grab my own taxi.¡± She opened her phone to order a car. Alexander asked, half¨Cjokingly, half¨Cseriously: ¡°Miss Winters, don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Thalia nced quickly at Asher before meeting Alexander¡¯s gaze, responding politely: ¡°Mr. Wellington, you know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Alexander smiled. ¡°Then please ept my offer. It¡¯s on my way anyhow.¡± The head partner listened to their exchange with a slight twitch of his lips. On the way? He hasn¡¯t even heard which hotel we¡¯re staying at¨Chow could he possibly know if it¡¯s on his way? 14.52 Perhaps this Wellington fellow was interested in Thalia? Using this opportunity to make a good impression? The head partner¡¯s eyes darted between Thalia and Alexander with a curious gleam. Thalia looked toward Asher, about to refuse, when Asher suddenly spoke: ¡°You go ahead and take her back. I need to get to Laurina¨Cshe¡¯s been messaging me.¡± The words hit Thalia like a bucket of ice water, leaving her chilled to the bone. Alexander gave Asher a meaningful look. ¡°Then you¡¯d better go.¡± Asher merely responded with a nomittal ¡°Mmm,¡± not sparing Thalia another nce as he turned and walked toward the ck Maybach. Thalia watched his retreating figure, her heart both sour and constricted. Indeed, she still couldn¡¯t maintain a detached indifference. Asher, what exactly are you ying at? These past weeks, she had tried so hard to forget him, fought against thinking of him. Yet he repeatedly appeared before her, doing things that could easily mislead her¨Cinviting her to lunch, ordering her favorite dishes, constantly gazing at her, and then unting his rtionship with Laurina in front of her. What did he take her for? A ything to toy with? ¡°Miss Winters, I can drive you-¡± ¡°I said I don¡¯t need it!¡± Thalia cut Alexander off harshly before he could finish, her tone filled with bitterness, as if she¡¯d been shot. Alexander paused, awkwardly touching his nose. ¡°Right, fair enough. You can take a taxi back.¡± Well, well. The young woman might appear gentle andposed, but she certainly has quite the temper. Asher, oh Asher, you¡¯ve made your wife angry. I¡¯d like to see how you cate her now. 14:52 Your Gold Digger 126 After securing the major deal with Caresol, the head partner, having had several drinks at lunch, fell asleep immediately upon returning to the hotel. With nomitments for the afternoon, Thalia was free to do as she pleased. St. Andrews, perched on Scond¡¯s east coast, was a renowned tourist destination, famous for its historic golf courses and university. Thalia¡¯s hotel was situated overlooking the sea, offering exceptional views of the North Sea and the golden sands of West Sands Beach. By afternoon, the temperature had risen to a pleasant 15 degrees, unusually warm for January in Scond. Thalia had remained in her hotel room resting all afternoon. As sunset approached, she changed into a light sweater and jeans, applied sunscreen, put on her sunsses, and headed for the beach. This section of beach was rtively quiet, with only a few people strolling along the shoreline. Thalia settled on a bench overlooking the sea, removed her sunsses, and gazed at the boundless ocean, allowing her mind to drift. The crimson sun hung at the horizon where sea met sky. The clouds were tinged with orange¨Cred, their edges gilded with gold. The water sparkled with fractured light, glittering like a mirage. The sea breeze carried a hint of salt, crisp and refreshing. Thalia sat back, leisurely appreciating the seaside sunset, feeling a profound sense of tranquility. She had been working non¨Cstop recently, overwhelmingly busy, and hadn¡¯t rxed like this in ages. ¡°Hello beautiful, all by yourself?¡± Thalia had barely settled when a man approached her. Thalia, expressionless, didn¡¯t even deign to look at him properly. ¡°Married with two children. My husband¡¯s looking after them in the hotel.¡± Rather than deterring him, her response seemed to encourage the man. He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on Thalia, looking her up and down with leering eyes. ¡°Well, well, a yummy mummy! And still with such a cracking figure after two kids.¡± Thalia ignored himpletely. The man moved another step forward, now ufortably close to Thalia. ¡°While hubby¡¯s not around, fancy a bit How is Actually A True Heiress 97.7% of fun?¡± Thalia turned a look of disgust toward him. ¡°Sod off.¡± One phrase, concise and to the point. ¡°Ooh, feisty one, aren¡¯t you?¡± the man continued with a lecherous grin. ¡°I quite like a woman with a bit of fire.¡± Thalia was about to stand up and take action when suddenly the man was kicked to the ground. ¡°Who the hell is this loser?¡± came a new voice with a distinct American ent. Thalia turned to look, her brow furrowing. What was Drake doing here? The man who had been kicked down scrambled to his feet, cursing profusely and lunging forward to attack. The sleazy man, barely 5¡¯7¡°, stood no chance against Drake, who was around 6¡¯1¡± and regrly worked out. Realizing he was outmatched, the sleazy man fled in disgrace. Drake dusted off his clothes and turned to Thalia. ¡°Thalia, you okay?¡± Thalia¡¯s face remained cold. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Drake sat down on the bench next to Thalia. He had, of course, bribed one of Thalia¡¯s colleagues at thew firm to learn her whereabouts. Drake didn¡¯t admit the truth. ¡°It¡¯s been so damn cold in Londontely. I came to St. Andrews for a vacation. What are the odds we¡¯d be at the same hotel? You here on vacation too?¡± Thalia didn¡¯t bother analyzing how much of Drake¡¯s story was true. Whether he was genuinely on holiday or had deliberately followed her made no difference to her. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± she said coldly. ¡°Did you know Asher¡¯s in St. Andrews too? He came with that actress.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡± ¡°Thalia, I told you, all men are the same. Did you really think Asher would be any better than me? Do you be. me now?¡± ¡°Right.¡± 97.9% ¡°I saw the news about your broken engagement. You¡¯ve split up, haven¡¯t you? You¡¯re single now, so can I pursue you?¡± ¡°No.¡± Thalia stood up, unwilling to stay and listen to Drake¡¯s nonsense any longer. Seeing Thalia about to leave, Drake quickly grabbed her hand, but before he could speak, Thalia twisted his wrist with a swift countermotion, making it crack audibly. ¡°Jesus Christ!¡± Drake cried out in pain. Thalia released his hand, her eyes filled with undisguised revulsion. ¡°Drake, I made myself perfectly clearst time. Stop pursuing me. Can¡¯t you understand that?¡± Drake looked wounded, his gaze fixed obsessively on Thalia. ¡°Thalia, I can¡¯t. I just can¡¯t let you go.¡± ¡°Drake, you disgust me.¡± With that, Thalia turned and walked away without looking back. Drake chased after her. ¡°Asher must have been involved with that actress while you were still together. You¡¯d barely broken up when rumors about them surfaced. Did you end the engagement because you discovered his betrayal?¡± Thalia pressed her lips together, her features cold as she quickened her pace, refusing to answer Drake¡¯s question. Drake followed closely behind. ¡°Have you seen tonight¡¯s entertainment g? Asher and that actress are walking the red carpet together. They¡¯re making it official, Thalia. It¡¯s time to move on.¡± At the words ¡°making it official,¡± Thalia¡¯s steps faltered. Drake, seeing that Thalia had finally stopped, smirked. ¡°Thalia, I¡ª¡± ¡°Piss off!¡± ¡°Thalia, don¡¯t send me away. I know you¡¯re currently-¡± ¡°I said piss off!¡± There were security guards in the hotel lobby. Thalia walked briskly toward them. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m a guest here. This man is harassing me. Could you please help?¡± ¡°Thalia, Thalia, listen to me.¡± Drake followed. The security guard held Drake back. ¡°Sir, please refrain from harassing women here.¡± Drake¡¯s face reddened with anger. ¡°Harassing? She¡¯s my girlfriend. We¡¯re just having a spat. Let go of me!¡± 98.0% They leongy sang ¡°The go, Th The Gerrity guard formy dear, please mop harassing thisdy. You¡¯re disrupting our hotel¡¯s Let go of me Godde we¡¯ll have to call the police¡± Tota tetessing were together¡± Thalia returned to her room, dosed the door, and leaned against it, staring vacantly at the floor. After a while, she numbly took out her phone and opened the trending topics. A photo of Asher and Laurina together immediately caught her eye. ¡°tter¡± Her phone fell to the floor. The evening breeze blew through the window, making the white gauze curtains billow. Thalia stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, her blood turning to ice, her face deathly pale in themplight. (0) The security guard looked toward Tha questioningly. Thalia¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°He is not my boyfriend.¡± With that, Thalia turned and walked away. Drake continued shouting: ¡°Thalia, don¡¯t go, Thalia¡­¡± The security guard firmly restrained Drake. ¡°Sir, please stop harassing thisdy. You¡¯re disrupting our hotel¡¯s operations¡­¡± ¡°Let go of me! Goddamnit!¡± ¡°Sir, if you continue, we¡¯ll have to call the police.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not harassing her! I told you, we¡¯re together!¡± Thalia returned to her room, closed the door, and leaned against it, staring vacantly at the floor. After a while, she numbly took out her phone and opened the trending topics. A photo of Asher and Laurina together immediately caught her eye. ¡°tter-¡± Her phone fell to the floor. The evening breeze blew through the window, making the white gauze curtains billow. Thalia stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, her blood turning to ice, her face deathly pale in themplight. ? (0) Your Gold Digger 127 It waste January when they returned from St. Andrews With St. Patrick¡¯s Day approaching in March, Sinir & Klein had granted a hang meskond. The day Thalia returned from St. Andrews, she caught infinenza at the airport and fell. After redeg all intravenous treatment at the hospital, she spent her days confined to bed, with Mary preparing and bringing her meals. On St. Patrick¡¯s Eve, Mary delivered lunch to Thalia¡¯s room as usual. Thalia coughed several times and wiped her nose with a tissue. ¡°Mary, tomorrow¡¯s Parks Day. You world finish up today and have the weekend off to celebrate with your family.¡± Mary looked hesitant. ¡°But you¡¯re still poorly, love. Who¡¯ll look after you if I¡¯m not here! ¡°It¡¯s just a nasty cold, nothing to fuss about.¡± Mary suggested, ¡°Perhaps I ought to take you to the Winters estate. I¡¯d feel much better knowing your family¡¯s looking after you.¡± Randolph had called a few days earlier asking when she would be joining them for the holiday. Thalia had originally nned to return home as soon as Sinir & Klein closed for St. Patrick¡¯s weekend, but this bout of influenza had been particrly severe. With Lucy at home and Randolph having recently been discharged from hospital, Thalia feared passing the virus to them and had postponed her return. ¡°I¡¯d better not go back just yet,¡± Thalia replied. ¡°I¡¯ll pop round once I¡¯ve recovered.¡± Mary was concerned. ¡°Will you be on your own tomorrow for St. Patrick¡¯s Day? Why note and spend the holiday with my family?¡± Thalia shook her head. ¡°Mary, don¡¯t forget you¡¯ve got elderly Mrs. Turner at home. What if I passed this on to her?¡± Only then did Mary remember the frail elderly woman in her household. If someone like that caught influenza, it could be life¨Cthreatening. She scratched her head, ¡°Well¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can manage perfectly well.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re quite sure¡­¡± After lunch, Mary conducted a thorough cleaning, making every room at No. 1 Grosvenor Square spotless, then went shopping for holiday provisions. 98.4% Havingpleted these tasks, Mary opened Thalia¡¯s bedroom door. ¡°I¡¯ve done a bit of shopping, love. There¡¯s plenty of food in the fridge and I¡¯ve left some of those fancy biscuits you like on the coffee table.¡± Thaliay in bed, nestled under the duvet with only her head visible. ¡°Thank you, Mary. You¡¯ve been ever so kind.¡± ¡°I¡¯m off now. Ring me if you need anything at all.¡± ¡°I will. Happy St. Patrick¡¯s Day, Mary.¡± ¡°And to you, love.¡± After leaving the estate, Mary still worried about Thalia. She took out her phone and called Asher. ¡°Mr. ckwood, Miss Winters has been rather poorly. She¡¯s been bedridden for two days since returning from the hospital, with no sign of improvement. She¡¯s insisted I take the holiday off, but I¡¯m concerned about leaving her alone.¡± Asher felt his heart tighten. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Mary exined, ¡°She seems to have caught that nasty flu that¡¯s going round at the airport. She fell ill immediately upon returning.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± After hanging up, Asher immediately called James, informing him of Thalia¡¯s illness and asking if Charlotte could check on her. Upon hearing Thalia was ill, Charlotte called her right away. ¡°Thalia, why on earth didn¡¯t you tell me you were ill? Are you on your own at home now?¡± Thalia, huddled under her duvet, answered in a voice made hoarse by her cold, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s just a cold. I¡¯m nearly better.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pop roundter, is that alright?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need, Charlotte. I went to hospital for IV treatment a couple of days ago. The doctor prescribed medication, and after two days I¡¯m almost recovered. I¡¯ve just taken my medicine and n to have a kip. I should be right as rain when I wake up.¡± ¡°Your voice sounds absolutely dreadful. You don¡¯t sound nearly recovered to me,¡± Charlotte replied with concern. ¡°I¡¯ll bring our family doctor to examine you.¡± ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need to trouble yourself.¡± 98.6% Capor 1X1 ¡°Thalia, don¡¯t be daft. What are friends for?¡± An hourter, Charlotte rang Thalia¡¯s doorbell Soon, the faint sound of footsteps could be heard from inside. Thalia opened the door with weak, unsteady steps. Charlotte gasped in shock at the pale, sickly face that greeted her. ¡°Bloody hell, Thalia, you look absolutely ghastly!¡° Thal¨ªa responded with little energy. ¡°I¡¯m not seriously ill.¡± Charlotte quickly supported Thalia. ¡°I¡¯ve brought our family doctor. Let¡¯s have him examine you.¡± ¡°All right.¡± After examining Thalia, the doctor gave her an injection and prescribed medication. Hearing that Thalia should be better by tomorrow, Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s St. Patrick¡¯s Day. You¡¯ll be able to properly enjoy the celebrations.¡± St. Patrick¡¯s Day. The streets of London were awash with green, as people celebrated with parades and festivities throughout the city. Thalia slept until she naturally awoke. Opening her phone, she found several missed calls. From Randolph, Victoria, and her friends Emma and Charlotte. They were all asking if she had recovered or wishing her a happy St. Patrick¡¯s Day. Thal¨ªa returned Randolph¡¯s call, saying she would return home for the celebration. ¡°Thal¨ªa, will you be joining us for lunch? We¡¯ll hold off until you arrive.¡± Thalia checked the time on her phone¨Cit was eleven o¡¯clock. There was still time to make it for lunch. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be there.¡± As she drove into the estate toward the Winters residence, she spotted the familiar Cullinan in the distance. Checking the number te, she confirmed it was Asher¡¯s car. True Heiress 98.8% The ckwood estate was adjacent to the Winters estate, so Thalia would inevitably pass the ckwood property on her way home. Thalia¡¯s grip on the steering wheel tightened, her heart filling with bitterness. ording to tradition, the main St. Patrick¡¯s celebration would be held in the evening But lunch at the Winters estate was also avish affair. Alongside several of Thalia¡¯s favorite home¨Ccooked dishes like shepherd¡¯s pie and roast beef with Yorkshire puddings, there was also Irish smoked salmon, Dublin Bay prawns, and freshly shucked oysters. Thalia presented a small gift box to Lucy. ¡°Lucy, Happy St. Patrick¡¯s Day. I¡¯ve got you something special¡± Lucy epted it with delight, opening it to find a beautiful silver four¨Cleaf clover bracelet. Randolph gave gifts to both Thalia and Lucy. ¡°One for my grown¨Cup daughter, one for my little one¨Cpresents for everyone.¡± He handed Thalia a bottle of premium Jameson Irish Whiskey with a beautiful crystal ss, and Lucy received a plush leprechaun toy wearing a green hat. Thalia¡¯s eyes crinkled with a smile. ¡°Even I get a gift as an adult?¡± Randolph replied with a warm smile: ¡°In your father¡¯s eyes, you¡¯ll always be my little girl. As long as I¡¯m here, Thalia will always be spoiled on holidays.¡± Thalia was so moved her eyes moistened. ¡°Dad, when did you be so sentimental?¡± Victoria, standing nearby,ughed in agreement: ¡°Your father¡¯s absolutely right, Thalia. Some traditions shouldn¡¯t change, no matter how grown¨Cup you get.¡± The meal was filled with warmth and harmony. Afterward, Thalia walked with Lucy in their garden, chatting. Looking up, she spotted a woman standing in the garden of the neighboring estate. It was Laurina. Thalia froze on the spot. Lucy, noticing her sister¡¯s sudden halt, looked up with her bright, curious eyes and asked, ¡°Thalia, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Thalia stood rigid, her lips pressed together as she stared at Laurina in the ckwood garden. The woman had also noticed Thalia and waved at her, smiling brilliantly. 98.9% Thalia found that smile particrly jarring She remained motionless, not acknowledging Laurina¡¯s greeting Just after Laurina waved, Asher emerged from the house. Laurina turned to say something to him, then suddenly pointed in Thalia¡¯s direction. Realizing what she was doing. Thalia¡¯s breath caught. Sure enough, Asher turned to look at her. Across the distance, their gazes met. The bitter March wind, carrying a bone¨Cchilling coldness, crept through her cor and sleeves. Thalia felt an icy chill spread throughout her body. Asher looked at Thalia only briefly before nonchntly shifting his gaze away. He lowered his head to say something to Laurina, and they returned to the house together. He had brought Laurina home for St. Patrick¡¯s Day to formally meet his family¨Cwere they nning to get engaged? A dense, crushing pain spread through Thalia¡¯s chest. She had been separated from Asher for nearly a month, and she thought she had moved on. But the moment Laurina appeared in the ckwood garden, Thalia realized she had never truly let go. ? (0) Your Gold Digger 128 99.1% At ckwood Estate, Lady ckwood sat on the sofa in the living room, leafing through a stack of photographs while mumbling to herself: ¡°The Montgomery girl has such elegant poise, and the younger Window daughter looks quite charming, And there¡¯s Ravena Harrington who justpleted her Master¡¯s at Cambridge¨Chas such a schrly air about her. I rather like her as well.¡± The elderlydy looked up at Asher with a smile. ¡°Asher, dear, do have a look at these photographs. See if any of them catch your eye,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes were distant, his thoughts elsewhere. He had just briefly caught Thalia¡¯s gaze in the garden. Herplexion had looked terribly poor, her lipspletely drained of colour. Was she ill? ¡°Asher,¡± Lady ckwood raised her voice, the smile fading from her face. ¡°Your grandmother is speaking to you What on earth are you daydreaming about?¡± Asher pulled himself back to the present and looked up. ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Lady ckwood set down the photographs, clearly displeased. She adjusted her silk shawl and spoke deliberately. ¡°Ravena Harrington justpleted her Master¡¯s. I met the girl a few days ago¨Cshe¡¯s gentle¨Cnatured and quite pretty. The day after tomorrow, you and your mother should pay a visit to the Harringtons. You ought to spend some time getting to know Ravena.¡± Asher sat on the sofa, his eyes darkening. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m otherwise engaged.¡± Lady ckwood frowned, giving him a stern look. ¡°Too busy even during the holiday?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve worked all year. Take a few days off for yourself during the holiday, and do as you¡¯re told. Go with your mother to see the Harringtons.¡± Grace, hearing this talk of matchmaking, felt distinctly ufortable. They had barely broken off the engagement with Thalia Winters, and already Grandmother was arranging introductions? How long had it been since they¡¯d severed ties with the Winters family? Grace affectionately linked arms with the elderlydy, softening her voice. ¡°Grandmother, Asher¡¯s engagement with Thalia has only just ended, and you¡¯re already arranging for him to meet Ravena Harrington? People will talk.¡± Laurina chimed in from the side: ¡°That¡¯s right, Lady ckwood. It¡¯s not as if Asher is short of prospects. Every eligible young woman in London would jump at the chance to marry him. There¡¯s really no need to fuss.¡± True Heiress 99.2% Lady ckwood cast a displeased nce at Asher. ¡°I¡¯m not concerned about him finding someone. I¡¯m worried he¡¯s still thinking about someone he shouldn¡¯t be.¡± Laurina pursed her lips, ncing between Lady ckwood and Asher. Blimey, so Lady ckwood didn¡¯t approve of Asher being with Thalia? That was surprising¨CThalia came from an excellent family, was beautiful, and had an impable character. What could the elderlydy possibly find objectionable? Asher¡¯s lips were set in a tight line. ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m going to the study to see Grandfather.¡± With that, Asher stood. ¡°Wait just a moment. Do take what I¡¯ve said to heart, instead of always trying to avoid the issue. You¡¯ve broken your engagement with the Winters girl. Stop thinking about her. How are the Harrington or Montgomery girls any less suitable?¡± Asher paused and turned back, his eyes dark. His lips curled into a sardonic smile. ¡°If you¡¯re so fond of them, why not marry them all into the family? I don¡¯t want any of them.¡± Laurina secretly gave him a thumbs¨Cup, her eyes full of approval. That¡¯s my cousin, she thought. What a backbone! Lady ckwood was furious, her expression rigid. ¡°Listen to yourself! You never used to speak to your elders this way. How have you be so rebellious?¡± Asher¡¯s tone was deliberately casual, almost designed to irritate. ¡°Grandmother, I suggest you worry less about my affairs. With your heart condition, you really ought to be more concerned about yourself.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s chest heaved with anger, her breathing bing uneven. ¡°Asher, you never used to speak to your grandmother this way. Has that Winters girl been poisoning your mind against us? I¡¯ve noticed that whenever Thalia Winters is involved, you seem to be apletely different person.¡± Asher gave a scornfulugh, a fleeting destion passing through his eyes. ¡°Poisoning my mind? You¡¯re overthinking it. We haven¡¯t spoken in quite some time.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s tone brooked no argument. ¡°Then you will go to meet Ravena as arranged.¡± Asher turned and began walking upstairs,zily dropping two words: ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± ¡°You¡¯re bing increasingly insolent!¡± Lady ckwood shouted at his retreating figure. Grace gently patted the elderlydy¡¯s back, trying to calm her. ¡°Grandmother, please don¡¯t upset yourself.¡± Cove Heiress 99.4% The elderlydy took a deep breath, replying irritably: ¡°Grace, just look at your brother now, Speaking to me with such disrespect. He was never like this before.¡± Grace answered with feigned concern: ¡°It¡¯s true. Ever since he became involved with Thalia Winters, he¡¯s been like a different person. He never would have spoken to you this way before. It must be Thalia¡¯s influence.¡± Lady ckwood asked, ¡°You think it¡¯s because of Thalia Winters too?¡± ¡°Yes, Grandmother. Every time Thalia is mentioned, Asher¡¯s characterpletely changes. I can¡¯t think of any other exnation except that she¡¯s been turning him against you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not quite fair, Grace,¡± Laurina interjected, casually eating nuts from a bowl. ¡°Were you hiding under their bed to hear Thalia poisoning Asher¡¯s mind?¡± Grace turned to Laurina, her expression darkening. ¡°Well, no, but-¡± Laurina didn¡¯t let her finish. ¡°Did Thalia whisper something in your ear to turn you against your grandmother?¡± Grace¡¯s face darkened further as she gritted out: ¡°No.¡± ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that strange,¡± Laurina said with a smile. ¡°You didn¡¯t actually hear anything, yet you¡¯re using Thalia of trouble.¡± meddling. If you ask me, you¡¯re the one stirring up Laurina, as the daughter of the prestigious Kensington family and a celebrated actress, didn¡¯t fear the ckwood influence like others might. She had never held Grace in high regard. Laurina had disliked Grace since childhood, always feeling there was something disingenuous about her. During their teenage years, Grace had constantly engineered little scenarios to attract Asher¡¯s attention. Being a typical oblivious young man, Asher hadn¡¯t noticed anything amiss, but Laurina had always seen through Grace¡¯s little tricks. Long ago, Laurina hadbeled Grace as a fake. Now, the evidence confirmed her assessment. Grace was indeed a master of deception. Laurina¡¯s hostility was undisguised. Grace could no longer maintain her act and red at Laurina. ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡± Laurina smiled sweetly. ¡°Exactly what I said, dear.¡± you have Grace was about tosh out when she suddenly remembered the elderlydy sitting beside her. She immediately switched tactics, adopting a pitiful expression and softening her voice to sound wounded: ¡°Laurin some issue with me?¡± ¡°Yes, and you¡¯d have to bepletely blind not to see it,¡± Laurina rolled her eyes. ¡°I absolutely detest fakers.¡± 99.6% ¡°Laurina, have I offended you somehow? Why are you so hostile toward me?¡± Laurina smiled. ¡°Not just blind, but deaf as well.¡± Laurina raised her voice, enunciating each word clearly: ¡°I said, L. Really. Hate. Fakers!¡± After saying this, Laurina smiled brilliantly and deliberately affected a higher pitch: ¡°Did you hear me clearly that time, darling?¡± ?(0) Your Gold Digger 129 Chapter 129 On the third day of St. Patrick¡¯s celebrations. Rtives came to visit the Winters estate. Thalia sat in the living room receiving guests, chatting with the older family members. In the midst of conversation, an aunt with permed hair suddenly asked Randolph, ¡°Brother, whatever happened with that engagement between your family and the ckwoods?¡± Thalia lowered her eyes, sighing inwardly. The inevitable question had finallye. Randolph maintained hisposure. ¡°The children weren¡¯tpatible, so we ended it.¡± Another uncle chimed in, ¡°Word has it that ckwood chap¡¯s got himself involved with some actress. Any truth to that?¡± Inwardly, Thalia thought: How can a grown man be such a gossip? Randolph replied, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. He and Thalia have broken their engagement; what he does now is hardly our concern.¡± The permed¨Chair aunt spoke again: ¡°Did the ckwood boy cheat on Thalia while they were together? These privileged sons from powerful families¨Cso many of them are absolute wastrels. Quitemon for them to carry on with actresses and models, isn¡¯t it?¡± Victoria smoothly changed the subject: ¡°That¡¯s a lovely handbag. I spotted it in a magazine recently. It¡¯s a limited edition for the holiday, isn¡¯t it?¡± The aunt¡¯s attention immediately shifted to her handbag, her face brightening. ¡°Yes, I fell in love with it at first sight. Gorgeous, isn¡¯t it?¡± Victoria smiled. ¡°Absolutely stunning. I was thinking of getting one myself.¡± ¡°I believe they¡¯ve sold out nationwide. Only just received mine yesterday. If you¡¯re keen, I could ask my contact if any more are avable.¡± Victoria replied, ¡°That would be lovely, thank you.¡± The subject appeared to have been sessfully changed, but the gossipy aunt stubbornly steered the conversation back. ¡°Now, where were we?¡± she asked with eager interest. ¡°Was it because the ckwood heir was carrying on behind Thalia¡¯s back that you broke off the engagement?¡± 15:57 C Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.7% As Victoria was about to speak, Thalia cut in: ¡°That¡¯s not it, Aunt. Our rtionship had simply run its course. He found someone else after we separated¨Che didn¡¯t cheat.¡± This answer clearly wasn¡¯t what the aunt wanted to hear. A rtionship naturally ending and finding someone new afterward wasn¡¯t nearly as scandalous as infidelity. The aunt persisted, ¡°How could the rtionship have run its course? Didn¡¯t you just have an engagement ceremony recently? The previous one was disrupted by some unfortunate incident, but I recall your father mentioning that you two were very much in love and nning another ceremony after the holiday. How did it suddenly end?¡± The uncle immediately added, ¡°Exactly! What a brilliant match it was. The ckwoods, no less! Many would kill for such an opportunity. If you ask me, the engagement shouldn¡¯t have been broken off at all. Men will be men¨Ca bit of fun on the side is perfectly normal. She¡¯s just an actress, after all. A family like the ckwoods would never allow an actress into their fold. Once he¡¯d had his fun, he would havee back to marry you. You should have simply put up with it.¡± Hearing this, Thalia¡¯s brows furrowed. His perspective was entirely male¨Coriented, weighing only the advantages and disadvantages. There wasn¡¯t a single word she appreciated. ¡°I¡ª¡± Thalia had just begun to speak, preparing to counter his argument, when Randolph, unable to bear it any longer, interjected. ¡°I strongly disagree with that sentiment,¡± Randolph said, his expression darkening. ¡°The ckwoods may have wealth and influence, and others might scramble to curry their favour, but the Winters family has no need for such connections. Thalia is my precious daughter, and I won¡¯t allow her to be mistreated.¡± Victoria added, ¡°Precisely. Our daughter has no need to chase after the ckwoods.¡± The permed¨Chair aunt turned to Thalia, ¡°Thalia, dear, when I attended that garden party, you two seemed so in love. When you had that dispute with the ckwood adopted daughter and the elderly Lady ckwood, Asher stood by your side and even contradicted his grandmother, saying something about always taking his wife¡¯s side. He genuinely seemed to care for you deeply. How could the rtionship have ended so soon?¡± ¡°Well, matters of the heart are unpredictable, aren¡¯t they?¡± Victoria intervened with a smile, then waved at a little boy who was ying with building blocks with Lucy not far away. ¡°Oliver, 15:57 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.9% became distinctly ufortable. Oliver, unconcerned about his poor performance, answered truthfully: ¡°Auntie, I got a D in maths, an E in English, and a D in science. My ss ranking¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite enough,¡± his mother interrupted sharply. ¡°You might not be embarrassed, but I certainly am.¡± ¡°What¡¯s embarrassing? I¡¯ve improved!¡± Oliver protested. ¡°Last term I was third from the bottom in my ss. This term I¡¯m fifth from the bottom. That¡¯s progress!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± The rtives allughed in unison. ¡°Children say the most amusing things, don¡¯t they?¡± The permed¨Chair aunt pulled Oliver close and red at him, scolding in a low voice: ¡°I told you to y with Lucy. What are you doing over here, making a spectacle of yourself? Fifth from the bottom¨Cyou actually have the nerve to boast about that.¡± Victoria smiled silently, satisfied that she¡¯d finally silenced the aunt. Randolph cast a concerned nce at Thalia, who smiled back and shook her head slightly, indicating she was fine. After the meal, Thalia went for a walk in the nearby garden and unexpectedly encountered Asher, who was also out for a stroll. The biting wind howled around them, making her blood feel as though it were freezing in her veins. They stood facing each other in the cold wind, neither speaking. Thalia looked away first, breaking the silence: ¡°What a coincidence.¡± ¡°Happy St. Patrick¡¯s Day.¡± These were the first words Asher had spoken to her in a long time. Almost instantly, Thalia¡¯s eyes grew moist. She lowered her wetshes, her gaze wandering, inadvertently falling on the watch on Asher¡¯s wrist. Her breath caught. ¡°You¡­¡± Thalia wanted to ask why he was still wearing the watch she had given him, but couldn¡¯t finish the question. Even her tone betrayed a hint of tears. Asher followed her gaze to the watch on his wrist, feeling a sudden pain in his heart. This watch was the first gift Thalia had ever given him. 95.1% It wasn¡¯t particrly expensive by his standards¨Cabout sixty thousand pounds¨Cbut he had worn it constantly, never removing it even after their breakup. On asions when Thalia was present, he had always hidden the watch to keep it from her sight. He¡¯d done so on New Year¡¯s Eve and at the golf course in St. Andrews. But just now, having gone out for a solitary walk, he hadn¡¯t expected the coincidence of meeting Thalia in the garden. The watch was now exposed to her view. He knew what she wanted to ask. He desperately wanted to tell her that he missed her, that he couldn¡¯t bear to remove the watch she had given him. After a long, bitter internal struggle, Asher spoke with difficulty: ¡°Oh, I forgot to take it off.¡± ? (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 130 In the garden, hyacinths released their subtle fragrance as the cold wind brought gentle rain. Raindropsnded softly on Thalia¡¯s hair, running down in tiny rivulets. Thalia stood in the wind, looking unsteady on her feet. Her influenza hadn¡¯t fully subsided, and standing in the cold wind for too long made her head begin to ache again. Hearing Asher¡¯s words, Thalia concealed the sorrow in her eyes, raising her gaze to meet his. ¡°Yes, you should remember to take it off in future.¡± Asher¡¯s throat tightened painfully. Thalia¡¯s voice was soft, carried to Asher¡¯s ears by the wind. Despite her efforts to hide it, her tone was heartbreakingly fragile. ¡°I understand. When you loved me, it was real. And when you stopped loving me, that was real too.¡± A sudden chill ran down Asher¡¯s spine, quickly spreading throughout his entire body. Thalia¡¯s eyes reflected a calm resignation, a serenity tinged with profound sadness. ¡°I admit I couldn¡¯t ept it at first. You promised you¡¯d always be by my side. I couldn¡¯t understand why you changed so suddenly. I tried to find reasons, tried to understand your difficulties, but you said I was deluding myself. Now I understand¨Cwho can predict matters of the heart?¡± Asher felt a sharp pain in his chest, a sh of anguish crossing his eyes. ¡°Promises only count when you¡¯re in love,¡± Thalia said, her voice so faint it was nearly lost in the wind. As Asher listened to her words and observed her mncholic face, an uncontroble fear spread through him. He suddenly felt terrified. He feared that once he resolved the situation with Tom Malfoy, they might never be able to return to what they once had. He couldn¡¯t imagine a future without Lia. Through the rain, Thalia gazed quietly at Asher¡¯s features. After a long moment, Thalia smiled at Asher, forcing a lightness into her voice: ¡°Asher, I wish you happiness.¡± Asher¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. He instinctively reached out as if to grasp something, but the young woman had already turned away without a backward nce. The tassels of her burgundy scarf brushed against the back of his 15:57 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.5% hand, a light, tickling sensation. Pain etched itself across Asher¡¯s face as he unconsciously took two steps forward, as if to follow her. Finally, unable to contain himself, he called out: ¡°Lia¡­¡± The young woman paused momentarily, but quickly resumed walking. She didn¡¯t look back. Not even once. Asher took two steps in pursuit before suddenly stopping. He told himself he couldn¡¯t continue following her. If he did, all his efforts would be wasted, and Thalia¡¯s suffering would have been for nothing. He had to resolve the threat from Tom Malfoy before he could return to Lia¡¯s side. Asher returned to his private residence. The spacious room felt cold and empty. Asher sat on the sofa, as if his soul had been hollowed out, staring nkly into space. The sun set in the west. Thest rays of sunset illuminated the destion on the man¡¯s face. He sat there alone, motionless, like a statue. The daylight faded as dusk descended. The room gradually darkened. After an indeterminate time, Asher slowly lowered his gaze, staring fixedly at the watch on his wrist. After a long while, Asher carefully removed the watch and ced it gently in its box. As he closed the lid, a burning sensation suddenly spread in his eyes. The feeling was unfamiliar. It came suddenly and forcefully, leaving him defenseless. 15:57 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.7% Drip. A tear fell onto the metal box. The darkness concealed his reddened eyes, but the moonlight traced the outline of his solitary, forlorn figure. A few dayster, guests arrived at the ckwood Estate. The Fitzgeralds were a distinguished family in London, known for their academic heritage. Professor Fitzgerald was a renowned English literature professor at Cambridge University. His wife, Cami Fitzgerald, was a celebrated contemporary essayist. The couple had only one son, who worked as an Administrative Officer in the local government. Their daughter¨Cinw was a member of The National Writers¡® Union and a popr novelist. Their granddaughter, Alice Fitzgerald, hadpleted both her undergraduate and master¡¯s degrees at Oxford University, one of the top¨Cranked universities in the country. Cami Fitzgerald and Mabel ckwood, Asher¡¯s grandmother, had long been acquainted, and due to the Fitzgerald son¡¯s governmental position, the two families asionally socialized. Before the holiday, Cami had invited Mabel to a hyacinth viewing party, where Alice Fitzgerald had made an impression on Mabel with her conduct and conversation. Upon returning home, Mabel had conceived the idea of matchmaking between her grandson Asher and Alice Fitzgerald. The ckwoods didn¡¯tck wealth, but Mabel favored the schrly Fitzgerald family over wealthy families like the Winters. After Mabel shared her thoughts with Cami, she found that the elderdy¡¯s thinking aligned perfectly with her own. Cami had just this one son working in government. If the two families were joined by marriage, the ckwood connection would certainly benefit her son¡¯s career prospects. When Asher refused to visit the Fitzgerald home, Mabel instead invited the Fitzgerald family to their estate. Mabel had kept this visit a secret from Asher, merely telling him that they would be having a family dinner and that his presence was required. Since most ckwood Industriespanies would resume operations after St. Patrick¡¯s Day, and Lord ckwood Sr. would be returning to Parliament, the family traditionally held a dinner at this time. Thus, Asher had no reason to suspect anything unusual about his grandmother¡¯s request. As soon as Asher entered the house, he heardughtering from the main hall. He handed his coat to a maid and asked, ¡°Has someonee to visit today?¡± 15:57 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.9% The maid smiled and replied, ¡°Yes, sir. The l¡¯itzgerald family hase to pay their respects for the holiday.¡± Asher frowned slightly at this. ¡°The Fitzgeralds? Which Fitzgeralds?¡± The maid answered, ¡°The same Fitzgerald family that Lady ckwood wanted you and your mother to visit. Their granddaughter is here as well.¡± With this information, Asher immediately understood. It seemed the family dinner was merely a pretext; his grandmother¡¯s true intention was to arrange a match for him. As they were speaking, Grace spotted Asher. She hurried over, appearing quite urgent. ¡°Asher, Alice Fitzgerald is here. This is a matchmaking setup. I¡¯d advise you to find an excuse to leave.¡± ¡°Is that Asher who¡¯s arrived?¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s voice called out, causing Grace¡¯s expression to freeze. The elderlydy approached, arm¨Cin¨Carm with Alice Fitzgerald, smiling broadly. ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve finally arrived. We¡¯ve been waiting for you for quite some time.¡± Asher¡¯s gaze barely skimmed over Alice¡¯s face, his tone reflectingplete indifference. ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s been an urgent matter at thepany that requires my attention. I won¡¯t be staying for dinner. I just came to collect some documents from Father¡¯s study.¡± ¡°But St. Patrick¡¯s Day has only just passed. The holiday hasn¡¯t even ended yet,¡± the elderlydy said, her prating gaze sweeping over Asher. Her tone was measured but pointed. ¡°I am, after all, a member of the board of directors and a shareholder. Surely any urgent project would require approval from the board? I¡¯m not aware of any urgent projects at thepany recently.¡± ((0) (0) 15:57 Your Gold Digger 131 Chapter 131 ¡°I haven¡¯t had time to notify anyone yet,¡± Asher replied, ncing at his watch. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I need to grab these documents and leave immediately.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s brow creased with displeasure, her tone taking on a reproachful quality. ¡°Stay for dinner and go afterwards. If there¡¯s any problem, I¡¯ll handle the consequences.¡± ¡°That¡¯s hardly appropriate,¡± Asher maintained his air of indifference. ¡°You alone can¡¯t represent thepany. Just wait¨Cyou¡¯ll be receiving a call about an emergency board meeting any minute now.¡± With that, Asher left everyone in the hall and went upstairs,pletely disregarding the gathering. Downstairs, the Fitzgerald family exchanged bewildered looks. Professor Fitzgerald was the first to speak: ¡°Lady ckwood, does your grandson not know that today¡¯s dinner was arranged for him to formally meet Alice?¡± Though Professor Fitzgerald was two years older than Lady ckwood, he still addressed her respectfully as ¡°Lady ckwood¡± given her status and position. His question was diplomatically phrased. Cami, however, made no attempt to hide her displeasure. ¡°Lady ckwood, what exactly does this mean? Alice was standing right in front of him, and he didn¡¯t even greet her. Is he pretending not to know what this dinner signifies, or is he genuinely unaware?¡± Grace lowered her head to conceal the mockery in her eyes, thinking to herself: Who does your granddaughter think she is, expecting my brother to acknowledge her? So desperate to get married, are you? Lady ckwood, publicly slighted by her grandson, was certainly displeased. However, facing the Fitzgeralds¡® questioning, she maintained a forced smile. ¡°You misunderstand. My grandson was likely in such a hurry to retrieve something from the study that he forgot to greet everyone. When hees back downstairs, I¡¯ll formally introduce Alice to him.¡± Cami was about to say more, but her husband silenced her with a look. Grace, seated beside Lady ckwood, inadvertently met Alice¡¯s gaze. Alice offered a polite smile. Grace, consumed with jealousy, couldn¡¯t be bothered to reciprocate and coldly averted her eyes. Alice¡¯s smile became strained, not understanding why the ckwood adopted daughter seemed to harbor such inexplicable hostility toward her. In the study. 15:57 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.2% Asher made a phone call. Ten minutester, Lady ckwood and Andrew downstairs received calls informing them that an emergency board meeting had been called to address an urgent matter at ckwood Industries, Andrew knew exactly what was happening¨Cthis was his son¡¯s doing. Lord ckwood Sr. had already officially transferred the family¡¯s leadership to Asher, and Andrew, following his father¡¯s instructions, had handed over thepany¡¯s operations to Asher as well. Asher was now the most influential figure in ckwood Industries. Lady ckwood hung up the phone, her face ashen. It seemed she no longer had any control over her grandson. Cami, noticing her expression, asked, ¡°Lady ckwood, is something wrong?¡± Lady ckwoodposed herself, though her face remained cold. She could choose not to attend the board meeting¨Cshe wasn¡¯t particrly concerned about corporate projects. Her primary concern was Asher¡¯s future marriage. However, this call had given Asher the perfect excuse to avoid today¡¯s matchmaking arrangement. Lady ckwood replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. It seems there genuinely is an urgent matter at thepany, as Asher mentioned. I¡¯ve just received the call.¡± Professor and Cami Fitzgerald exchanged nces before saying, ¡°Well¡­¡± Alice¡¯s expression became slightly rigid. Was the matchmaking meeting she had anticipated going to fall through like this? As they were speaking, Asher came back downstairs with the documents and headed straight for the door, ignoring everyone. ¡°Asher, stop right there,¡± Lady ckwoodmanded sternly. Asher turned, waving the document folder. ¡°Grandmother, you received the call too, didn¡¯t you? I wasn¡¯t lying¨Cthere¡¯s genuinely an urgent matter.¡± Lady ckwood spoke sharply, ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that you arranged for that call. Stop ying ignorant. You will stay for dinner today!¡± Asher stood his ground, looking at his grandmother with perfectposure. ¡°Fine, then I won¡¯t pretend anymore.¡± He turned to Alice, his tone cold. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Asher ckwood. I apologize, but I have no interest in matchmaking. I Actually A True Heiress 99.4% wasn¡¯t informed about this arrangement beforehand. I currently have no ns for dating or marriage, so please don¡¯t waste your time on me.¡± Alice¡¯s face paled. Having said his piece, Asher turned and left,pletely unconcerned about the reactions behind him. ¡°You¨Cyou stop right there! Asher!¡± Lady ckwood shouted furiously. Asher didn¡¯t pause for a moment, quickly disappearing from everyone¡¯s sight. The Fitzgerald family was livid. Professor Fitzgerald¡¯s chest heaved with anger. ¡°However powerful the ckwood family may be, this is no way to treat people. Our granddaughter is hardly without suitors. You invited us here and proposed this match, and now it seems as though we¡¯re the ones desperately seeking a connection with your family!¡± Lady ckwood was thoroughly exasperated, havingpletely lost theposure she¡¯d disyed earlier. Catherine, Asher¡¯s mother, stepped forward to apologize: ¡°This is entirely Asher¡¯s fault. We¡¯re truly sorry. Please don¡¯t be upset.¡± The Fitzgerald family continued to express their outrage until Lady ckwood offered a substantialpensation to appease their anger. It wasn¡¯t that the ckwoods particrly cared about the Fitzgeralds¡® feelings, but Lady ckwood valued her reputation. The fault clearlyy with the ckwoods, and for the sake of her dignity, she had to apologize¨Cotherwise, word would spread, causing her to lose face. She had thought that by ambushing Asher with this arrangement, he would have no choice but to participate in the matchmaking. She never expected that he would refuse to even go through the motions. After finally seeing the Fitzgeralds off, Lady ckwood went toin to Lord ckwood Sr. ¡°Look at what your grandson has done. He wouldn¡¯t even give me the slightest consideration in front of all those people.¡± The elderly gentleman sat at his desk reading a newspaper, not even bothering to look up. ¡°I told you not to rush into arranging matches for Asher so soon after breaking his engagement with the Winters girl. You refused to listen.¡± ¡°How can I not be anxious? Asher will soon be twenty¨Cnine. Men his age already have children running around.¡± Lord ckwood Sr. calmly turned a page of his newspaper. ¡°Is that so? As I recall, those closest to Asher¨Cyoung Darwin and Quinn¨Care still unmarried, aren¡¯t they?¡± Lady ckwood was displeased, giving her husband a sharp look. ¡°Alwaysparing with the wrong examples. Look at the Johnsons and the Montgomerys¨Ctheir great¨Cgrandchildren are already calling them great¨Cgrandmother.¡± 1537 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.6% Lord ckwood Sr. smiled wearily. ¡°Why are you worrying unnecessarily? Asher knows what he¡¯s doing, I will favor his match with the Winters girl. Once he resolves the matter with Tom Malfoy, it would be best if they consid find their way back to each other.¡± Lady ckwood shook her head. ¡°Absolutely not. I don¡¯t like that Winters girl. Solicitors are too sharp tongued She¡¯s contradicted me several times. Where¡¯s her respect for elders?¡± The elderly gentleman gave her a cool nce. ¡°If I may say so, why are you, as an elder, quibbling with the younger generation?¡± Lady ckwood continued to argue incessantly, determined to make her case to her husband. Lord ckwood Sr., thoroughly annoyed and unable to dismiss her, simply stood up and walked out himself ? (1) 30 99.8% Your Gold Digger 132 On the tenth day after St. Patrick¡¯s, Thalia returned to work at Sinir & Klein. On her first day back, the firm received an unexpected visitor. Grace Bet, dressed in an expensive designer suit and carrying a high¨Cend handbag, made a conspicuous entrance into Sinir & Klein, heading straight for Thalia¡¯s office. The office door wasn¡¯t locked, and Grace walked in without knocking. Thalia was on the phone. Looking up to see Grace¡¯s uninvited presence, she frowned slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s leave it there for now. Something¡¯se up¨CI¡¯ll call you back.¡± Grace sat on the sofa with an air of entitlement, casually cing her handbag beside her, surveying Thalia¡¯s office. ¡°This ce is frightfully small. You call this an office?¡± Thalia hung up and looked at her, expressionless. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Grace¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°I forgot to tell you¨CI¡¯ve invested in yourw firm. I¡¯m now one of the silent partners. Your boss, essentially.¡± Thalia¡¯s gaze remained calm, seemingly unsurprised. ¡°And?¡± Grace smiled at Thalia. ¡°There¡¯s no one else here today, so I¡¯ll drop the act. Thalia, I truly despise you, you know?¡± Thalia calmly picked up her water ss and took a sip. ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m not particrly fond of you either.¡± ¡°Huh,¡± Grace chuckled dismissively. ¡°Grandmother was right¨Csolicitors are so sharp¨Ctongued. You can only win verbal sparring matches with me now. Before, when you were my brother¡¯s fianc¨¦e, I called you ¡°Thalia¡® as a courtesy. Did you actually think you were someone important?¡± Grace¡¯s eyes gleamed with triumph as she taunted, ¡°You probably don¡¯t know this yet, but Grandmother is arranging matchmaking meetings for Asher. You and my brother are never getting back together.¡± Thalia¡¯s hand faltered briefly, her heart feeling as though it had been stung. She didn¡¯t reveal this reaction to Grace, however. Thalia looked up with a wless smile. ¡°That¡¯s lovely, isn¡¯t it? It shows that even without me in the picture, you still have no chance of marrying into the ckwood family. Your grandmother is arranging dates for Asher, yet you¡¯re still smiling? If I were you, I¡¯d be crying under my duvet all day.¡± The smug smile on Grace¡¯s face instantly froze. 19:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.8% The mockery in her eyes transformed into shock. ¡°You¡­ you knew?¡± Thalia gave a coldugh. ¡°Your feelings for your brother are obvious to anyone with eyes. It¡¯s only because you don¡¯t dare act on them in front of the ckwoods that Lady ckwood hasn¡¯t thrown you out yet.¡± Grace¡¯s face paled slightly. ¡°So what if you know? Even if you told the ckwoods now, no one would believe you!¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯m like you? Someone who enjoys stirring up trouble and causing mischief?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes cooled, her voice filled with disdain. ¡°What feelings you harbour for Asher are none of my concern. At the end of the day, you¡¯re the housekeeper¡¯s daughter, adopted by Catherine ckwood. Lady ckwood would never tolerate you having those kinds of feelings for Asher.¡± Grace shot to her feet, flushed with anger and embarrassment. ¡°So what? I¡¯d remain unmarried for life for him! And you¨Cyou¡¯ll never have any connection with him again!¡± Thalia¡¯s heart trembled, a sh of destion crossing her eyes. ¡°Then I wish you sess,¡± Thalia lowered her gaze to conceal her emotions and began gathering her things from the desk. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Grace asked. Thalia ignored her. She quickly stood up, opened the office door, and walked out. Outside the head partner¡¯s office. Thalia knocked gently. ¡°Come in.¡± Thalia got straight to the point: ¡°Sir, I¡¯d like to resign.¡± The head partner was stunned. ¡°What¡¯s happened? Why resign on your first day back after the holiday?¡± During their recent business trip to St. Andrews, Thalia had casually made a bet and secured a ten¨Cyear representation and legal advisory contract with Caresol Group. The head partner now saw her as a golden goose, and he was certainly not inclined to let her go easily. Thalia was forthright. ¡°Grace Bet and I have personal issues. I refuse to work for her.¡± Solicitors at firms like theirs might appear prestigious, but they were still employees working for the firm. For every case they handled, the firm took a percentage, which was ultimately distributed as dividends to partners and investors. 19:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A Trus Heiress So no matter how many cases Thalia handled, she remained an employee. Previously, she hadn¡¯t minded this arrangement, as she had joined the firm to gain experience. But now things were different. With Grace as one of the owners, every case Thalia handled would essentially mean working for Grace. Given Grace¡¯s nature, she would certainly cause problems for Thalia. She didn¡¯t want to remain and make herself miserable. When the head partner heard about the conflict between Thalia and Grace, he was immediately distressed. Grace had invested eight million pounds. Having such a wealthy partner made him giddy with delight. Moreover, as the ckwood adopted daughter, Grace could potentially connect the firm to the ckwood family. This could not only secure Sinir & Klein¡¯s position as the top firm in London but perhaps even help thempete nationally. But Thalia had just secured thergest contract in the firm¡¯s history, and he was extremely reluctant to let her go. ¡°Sir, there¡¯s no need to deliberate. My mind is made up. I¡¯ll hand over my cases to colleagues in the next few days.¡± ¡°Thalia, won¡¯t you reconsider? Sinir & Klein is London¡¯s leading firm. Ourpensation and career prospects far exceed other firms. You¡¯ll find it difficult to secure a position of this calibre elsewhere.¡± Thalia shook her head gently. ¡°My decision is final.¡± She had already made up her mind. After leaving Sinir & Klein, she would establish her own firm. The past several months of experience had been sufficient preparation. With her resources and connections, she could recruit top industry solicitors and promising graduates from prestigious universities. She was confident she could surpass Sinir & Klein and lead her firm to be London¡¯s premier legal practice. Previously, her pride and confidence had led her to believe she could excel without relying on her family¡¯s resources and connections. But reality had dealt her a harsh blow. In this society, it was exceedingly difficult to achieve sess without leveraging family background, resources, and connections¨Cparticrly when faced with a powerful adversary like the ckwood adopted daughter. Thalia hade to understand that building her career took precedence now. Three dayster, Thaliapleted the handover of her cases and officially left Sinir & Klein. Lucy Jenkins was quite emotional, her eyes reddened with tears. ¡°Thalia, are you really leaving?¡± Thalia smiled and embraced Lucy, whispering in her ear, ¡°I¡¯m starting my own practice. When you get your 19:17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.1% solicitor¡¯s certificate, you¡¯re wee to join me.¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes brightened, and her tears instantly receded. ¡°I definitely will!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Thalia patted Lucy¡¯s shoulder with a smile. ¡°Soon you¡¯ll be a solicitor yourself, Miss Jenkins. I look forward to your joining me.¡± (2) ¡Ñ (0) 19:17 Your Gold Digger 133 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.30% Thalia had been incredibly busytely. She was upied with viewing potential office spaces and recruiting staff. After extensive searching, she finally leased an entire floor in a building located in the City of London to serve as Aerw firm¡¯s premises Thale named her firm Winters & Associates ording to regtions,w firm partners must be qualified solicitors registered with the Solicitors Regtion Authority or barristers registered with the Bar Standards Board. Most firms typically require partners to have at ease S¨C10 years of practice experience and deep expertise in their field. Finding suitable partners with these quadrications proved challenging for Thalia. Her cousin Louis had introduced her to many renowned London solicitors, but most had already established their en firms and were serving as partners there. Legal regtions prohibited solicitors from practicing at or being partners in multiple firms simultaneously. finding suitable partners had be her primary challenge. One afternoon, Thalia was having tea with two of her friends at a high¨Cend caf¨¦. Upon learning about Thalia¡¯s ns to establish her own firm, Charlotte offered to introduce someone to her. ¡°Do you remember Rupert Lysander?¡± Charlotte asked. ¡°He was in our year, from the neighbouring Law School.¡± Thalia. Victoria, and Charlotte had all attended Cambridge University, one of Britain¡¯s most prestigious institutions. The neighbouring London School of Law that Charlotte mentioned was a highly regarded institution, second only to Oxford¡¯s Law Faculty in national rankings. Th repbed. ¡°Rupert Lysander? The name sounds familiar, but I can¡¯t quite ce him.¡± Victoria szmacked the table lightly. ¡°You don¡¯t know Rupert Lysander? He was practically the star of his university! Students from both schools were alwaysparing him with Asher. How could you not remember him?¡± Thalia searched her memory and then shrugged. ¡°I honestly can¡¯t recall. You know I wasn¡¯t interested in those things and rarely socialised. What did I care about who was considered handsome?¡± ¡°That¡¯s trae,¡± Victoria sighed, shaking her head. ¡°You were such a bookworm,pletely focused on your studies. While everyone else was dating on weekends, you were in the library. You rejected every bloke who asked you out. Four years at university and not a single rtionship.¡± Charlotte smiled gently. ¡°Thalia has her own aspirations. She wasn¡¯t interested in business; she was determined to be a top solicitor.¡± ¡°But seriously.¡± Victoria continued, ¡°Rupert truly is quite handsome, I actually had a crush on him for a while, but he wasn¡¯t interested in me at all. After he rejected me, I was absolutely gutted for days.¡° Thalia looked at her with an amused smile. ¡°Really? When did this happen? How did I not know about this?¡± ¡°It was mortifying.¡± Victoria mumbled. ¡°Of course I wouldn¡¯t tell you about being rejected. Although, the queue of girls who¡¯ve been turned down by Rupert could stretch from here to Paris, so it¡¯s hardly something to be embarrassed about.¡± Thalia teased, ¡°You¡¯re contradicting yourself. First it¡¯s ¡®mortifying,¡® then it¡¯s ¡®nothing to be embarrassed about.¡° ¡°Oh, stop it!¡± Victoriaughed, yfully swatting at Thalia. ¡°Don¡¯t be so pedantic.¡± ¡°Let me show you his photo. He¡¯s genuinely gorgeous! It¡¯s not just me¨Cthere¡¯s a reason peoplepared him to Asher. In all these years, Rupert is the only person I¡¯ve met whose looks could rival Asher¡¯s.¡± ¡°Ahem. Victoria,¡± Charlotte nced cautiously at Thalia, clearing her throat to signal Victoria not to mention certain people. Victoria waved dismissively. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine. They¡¯ve been broken up for ages. Thalia¡¯s well over it, aren¡¯t you, Thalia?¡± Thalia smiled somewhat resignedly. ¡°I¡¯ve moved on, but right now I¡¯m focused on my career. I¡¯m not interested in men ¡°That¡¯s all right. Just have a look at his photo¨Cyou might change your mind!¡± ¡°You still have his photos?¡± Charlotte asked, surprised. Victoria scrolled through her phone while answering, ¡°Not really. I had them on my old university phone, and they automatically synced to my Google Drive. I¡¯ve been toozy to clean it out, so they¡¯re still there.¡± Thaliaughed. ¡°That¡¯s quite a way to preserve them.¡± A few minutester, Victoria found Rupert¡¯s photo and passed her phone to Thalia. ¡°Here he is. Handsome, isn¡¯t he?¡± Thalia lowered her gaze to look at the photograph. The background appeared to be a library. The young man was sitting by a window, reading a book, with bookshelves filled with volumes behind him. The warm orange sunlight bathed him, entuating his defined features¨Cstrong eyebrows, bright eyes, and a 1917 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress high¨Cbridged nose. His good looks were undeniable. Thalia stared at the photo, momentarily lost in thought. She felt as though she¡¯d seen him somewhere before. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Charlotte leaned over to look as well. ¡°How did you get this photo? Isn¡¯t this the Law School library? Were you there?¡± Victoria replied, ¡°No, it was saved from their university¡¯s confession page. Some girl took the photo and posted it there, trying to find out who he was.¡± ¡°So, Thalia? Interested now that you¡¯ve seen his face? It¡¯s such a waste for someone this handsome to be a solicitor. He should be a model or an actor. His face looks almost too perfect to be real.¡± Thalia smiled. ¡°As I said, I¡¯m not interested in men at the moment.¡± Just as she finished speaking, a pleasant male voice sounded behind them. ¡°That¡¯s quite a shame.¡± Thalia turned toward the voice, slightly startled. Charlotte and Victoria also looked around. ¡°Bloody hell! Speak of the devil!¡± Victoria¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Charlotte smiled politely. ¡°What a coincidence.¡± The man wore gold¨Crimmed sses and an impably tailored dark grey suit. As he approached, he smiled slightly. ¡°I had a client meeting here. Just finished and spotted you, so I thought I¡¯de over to say hello.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fate!¡± Victoria said, giving Thalia meaningful looks. Thalia offered a polite smile and extended her hand. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Thalia Winters.¡± Rupert shook her hand. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Rupert Lysander.¡± Charlotte smiled. ¡°I was just about to introduce you two when you appeared.¡± Rupert smiled gently and asked, ¡°Would you mind if I joined you?¡± Victoria replied enthusiastically, ¡°Please, do sit down.¡± Victoria was seated in the middle, with Thalia and Charlotte on either side. Rupert pulled out the chair next to Thalia and sat down. ¡°What were you all discussing?¡± 19:17 ¡°You, actually,¡± Victoria said directly. Charlotte exined, ¡°Thalia is nning to open her ownw firm. I thought of introducing you two. If I remember correctly, you¡¯ve been practicing for quite a few years now? Would you be interested in bing a partner?¡± Upon hearing this, Rupert turned to Thalia, his eyes crinkling with his smile, his voice gentle. ¡°Would that be possible?¡± As Thalia looked at his face, that sense of familiarity grew stronger and stronger¡­ (2) Your Gold Digger 134 Thalia responded: ¡°Of course, if Charlotte rmends you, I haveplete confidence.¡± Rupert felt a little disappointed. It seemed she truly didn¡¯t remember him. Rupert smiled gently and took out his phone. ¡°Let¡¯s exchange contact information first. We can arrange a time to discuss the detailster.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Thalia agreed, opening her phone to scan his code and add his contact. Charlotte stirred her coffee lightly, smiling as she spoke: ¡°Thalia, although Rupert has only been practicing for just over three years, my brother says he¡¯s already be quite renowned in the field of intellectual propertyw. Several IP¨Crted cases for my brother¡¯spany were handled by Rupert¨Che¡¯s never lost a case.¡± Thalia was slightly surprised, her gaze returning to Rupert¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re that aplished, Mr. Lysander?¡± Typically, solicitors with only three years of experience were just emerging from the novice stage and still umting experience. Those with established reputations usually had seven to eight years of practice, or even more than a decade. Rupert had graduated in the same ss as her, and to have be a notable solicitor in intellectual propertyw with just over three years of experience was truly exceptional. Thalia was ambitious and passionate about her profession. Her goal was to be a renowned, top¨Ctier solicitor. Meeting such an aplished colleague as Rupert, she couldn¡¯t help but admire him. If initially she had no interest in this man whatsoever, now she had to admit she felt a degree of admiration and respect. Thalia smiled, offering sincere praise: ¡°I had no idea you were so aplished at such a young age. It would be my privilege to have you as a partner.¡± Rupert maintained his refined demeanor, his voice gentle: ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Ms. Winters.¡± Victoria mumbled to herself nearby: ¡°Perfect match! They¡¯re absolutely perfect together!¡± Charlotteughed, nudging Victoria with her elbow. ¡°What on earth are you going on about?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just stating the obvious. Don¡¯t you think they make a brilliant pair? Both solicitors withmon interests, both attractive¨CI¡¯m quite invested in this potential rtionship.¡± Thal¨ªa turned to Rupert with slight embarrassment. ¡°My friend enjoys making jokes. Please don¡¯t mind her.¡± 19:19 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 09 20 Rupert smiled warmly, the embodiment of a perfect gentleman. ¡°Not at all.¡± The four chatted for a while longer. Victoria primarily drove the conversation with Rupert. They discussed everything from university life to post¨Cgraduation experiences, with Victoria thoroughly enjoying the conversation. Finally, Victoria asked Rupert with exaggerated seriousness: ¡°So, why didn¡¯t you ept when I confessed my feelings to you at university?¡± Rupert instinctively nced at Thalia, but she was engaged in a conversation with Charlotte about a recent fashion show,pletely unaware of his exchange with Victoria. Victoria, being rather oblivious, hadn¡¯t noticed Rupert¡¯s nce toward Thalia. Rupert quickly shifted his gaze back, smiling politely but with a hint of distance. ¡°I already had someone special at the time.¡± Victoria was surprised. ¡°Really? Who was it?¡± Rupert lowered his eyes with a slight smile but offered no answer. Seeing his reluctance to respond, Victoria suddenly had a thought and covered her mouth in shock. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re not¡­ gay, are you?¡± ¡°Ahem-¡± Rupert hadn¡¯t anticipated this misunderstanding, and the coffee he¡¯d just swallowed caught in his throat, causing him to cough. Thalia, hearing the word ¡°gay,¡± turned in surprise. ¡°What¡¯s this about being gay? Mr. Lysander, are you¡­?¡± She trailed off, uncertain how to continue. ¡°No, no,¡± Rupert hastily waved his hands in denial. ¡°My sexual orientation is quite conventional.¡± Victoria eyed him skeptically. ¡°Then why won¡¯t you tell us who you liked?¡± ¡°I-¡± ¡°What¡¯s so amusing over here?¡± A cool male voice interrupted just as Rupert was about to speak. Victoria felt a chill run down her spine, her smile instantly freezing. Sebastian approached, casually pulled out a chair, and sat down with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, staring at Victoria. ¡°Victoria, since when have you be so friendly with Rupert?¡± 19:19 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.4% Victoria: ¡°¡­¡® ¡± Why had this jealous man suddenly appeared? ¡°Sebastian¡­¡± Victoria immediately deted, offering an awkward smile. ¡°I was just helping Thalia find a partner for herw firm.¡± ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± Sebastian gave Rupert a cold nce. Rupert responded with a polite smile. Sebastian¡¯s tone was decidedly bitter as he curled his lips into a cold smile. ¡°Funny, I thought I heard you asking him why he rejected your confession at university.¡± Victoria was speechless: ¡°I¡­¡± Thalia and Charlotte exchanged bewildered looks. Something seemed off about Sebastian today, though they couldn¡¯t quite ce what it was. Victoria forced augh. ¡°You misheard.¡± She then took out her phone, fiddled with it for a moment, and suddenly it began to ring. Victoria pretended to answer a call. ¡°Hello? Yes, it¡¯s me. What¡¯s the matter? Right now? Alright, I¡¯ll be there straight -away.¡± With exaggerated seriousness, Victoria hung up, grabbed her bag, and stood. ¡°Something¡¯se up. I need to go. You all carry on¨Cbye Charlotte, bye Thalia.¡± With that, Victoria hurried away. From her retreating figure, it looked very much like she was fleeing. Watching Victoria¡¯s departing back, Thalia turned to Charlotte. ¡°That ringtone just now¡­ wasn¡¯t that her rm sound?¡± Charlotte confirmed: ¡°Yes, you heard correctly. It was her rm.¡± Sebastian gave Rupert a meaningful look. ¡°So that¡¯s her type, is it?¡± Rupert: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Carry on with your chat. I¡¯m off as well,¡± Sebastian said, standing to leave. After he¡¯d gone, Thalia leaned toward Charlotte and whispered: ¡°Charlotte, did you notice something odd between Sebastian and Victoria?¡± 19:19 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 9960 ¡°I thor Your device is at risk Harmful app found by Google y Protect. ¡®EverNovel¡® can put your device at¡­. Soon after, Sebastian caught up with Victoria in the car park. ¡°Running so fast¨Cguilty conscience?¡± Sebastian pulled Victoria into his arms. Victoria pushed against his chest, her expression anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t do this out here. What if Thalia and the others see us?¡± Sebastian¡¯s lips twitched as he let out a cold snort. ¡°Are you worried about Thal¨ªa seeing us, or that man you fancy?¡± ¡°What rubbish are you talking?¡± Victoria red at him. ¡°It¡¯s you I care about.¡± ¡°I heard everything you said. You fancied Rupert at university, did you?¡± Sebastian kept one arm firmly around Victoria¡¯s waist while using his other hand to grip her chin. Victoria bit her lip, stammering: ¡°I¡­ who hasn¡¯t had someone they liked in the past? Are you iming you never fancied anyone at university?¡± Sebastian scoffed. ¡°As a matter of fact, I didn¡¯t.¡± Victoria suddenly looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock. Sebastian stared directly into her eyes, speaking with absolute sincerity: ¡°You¡¯re the only person I¡¯ve ever had feelings for.¡± Victoria was stunned. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m your first love?¡± ¡°What did you think?¡± Sebastian lowered his head to kiss Victoria¡¯s lips. The kiss was passionate and tender. ¡°You ungrateful thing.¡± When the kiss ended, both were breathing heavily. Victoria¡¯s face was flushed, her eyes somewhat dazed. ¡°Come to my ce?¡± Sebastian¡¯s finger gently brushed across Victoria¡¯s lips. Victoria softly murmured her agreement. At Sebastian¡¯s private residence, they surrendered to their passion. 19:19 Your Gold Digger is Actualiu In the heat of the moment, Sebastian held Victoria¡¯s chin and asked: ¡°Do you fancy me or Rupert?¡± Victoria, her eyes heavy with desire, breathed her answer: ¡°You. Only you.¡± Satisfied with her response, the man leaned down once more. ? (1) Your Gold Digger 135 Easter was approaching. Thalia was reminded of the Italian proverb: ¡°Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi¡± (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you choose). But being single andpletely focused on establishing herw firm, she had no interest in celebrating the holiday. The office space she had leased was still under renovation when Drake Ashcroft, having somehow discovered the address of her new firm, ostentatiously sent sixty¨Csix flower arrangements to celebrate her new venture. When the renovation contractor called, Thalia was meeting with Rupert at a caf¨¦ to discuss their partnership. ¡°Ms. Winters, someone has sent you sixty¨Csix flower arrangements. They won¡¯t fit in the corridor, so we¡¯ve had to pile them inside. Could youe and sort this out? We can¡¯t continue with the renovations.¡± ¡°Flower arrangements? Is there a name attached?¡± ¡°Yes, Drake Ashcroft.¡± Thalia felt an immediate headache at the mention of his name. She took a deep breath, massaging her temple with a resigned expression. ¡°I understand. I¡¯lle by shortly and have them removed. Please take a short break in the meantime.¡± After hanging up, Thalia turned to Rupert. ¡°There¡¯s an issue at the office that I need to address. I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯ll have to sign the contracts another time.¡± ¡°No need to apologise,¡± Rupert said, rising politely along with Thalia. ¡°Since it¡¯s concerning the firm, would it be alright if I apanied you?¡± Thalia paused briefly before responding: ¡°Of course. You¡¯ll be a partner at the firm, after all. It makes sense for you to see the ce.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± At the office. Thal¨ªa frowned in irritation at the room full of flower arrangements. She randomly selected one and examined the ribbon attached to it. [Wishing Thalia sess with her neww firm. -Drake Ashcroft] Thalia¡¯s expression was one of pure distaste. 15:48 ¡°Sess with her neww firm¡°-as if she were opening a shop rather than establishing a legal practice. Rupert also noticed the message on the ribbon. ¡°Drake Ashcroft?¡± Thalia rubbed her forehead in frustration. ¡°Yes. I do apologise for this embarrassing situation.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind my asking, who is Mr. Ashcroft?¡± Rupert asked, his eyes downcast, concealing his emotions. Thalia felt that since Rupert was going to be her partner, she should be transparent about the situation to avoid any concerns that might jeopardise their coboration. ¡°He¡¯s my ex¨Cboyfriend. We broke up over six months ago.¡± ¡°Ex¨Cboyfriend¡­¡± Rupert murmured quietly. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sorry you had to witness this.¡± Rupert suddenly asked: ¡°Wasn¡¯t your ex¨Cboyfriend Asher ckwood?¡± Thalia looked surprised. ¡°You know about that?¡± Rupert adjusted his sses. ¡°Victoria mentioned it.¡± In truth, he had been closely following her arranged marriage to Asher, but this wasn¡¯t the appropriate time to admit that. Thalia somewhat awkwardly exined: ¡°Drake was my first boyfriend. After graduation, I worked in Manchester for a while, which is where I met him. After breaking up with him, I returned to London for the arranged marriage with Asher. Then some things happened, and Asher and I also broke up.¡± Rupert responded with a simple ¡°I see,¡± offering nothing further, Thal¨ªa continued: ¡°I¡¯ll have these flower arrangements removed immediately. Rest assured, I won¡¯t allow Drake to interfere with the firm¡¯s operations in the future.¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite alright.¡± Thalia called a cleaning service to remove the flower arrangements. The cleaning team was remarkably efficient, removing all sixty¨Csix arrangements in less than half an hour. The renovation contractors resumed their work. Thalia showed Rupert around the floor, and they discussed the officeyout and design. During the contractors¡® break, one of them joked: ¡°Ms. Winters, are you starting thisw firm with your boyfriend?¡± Thalia, who tended to blush when embarrassed, quickly shook her head in denial: ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood. This is my business partner, not my boyfriend.¡± The contractor scratched his head sheepishly. ¡°Sorry for the misunderstanding. I just assumed he was your boyfriend. You two look like a proper couple.¡± ¡°No, not at all,¡± Thalia denied again. Rupert stood nearby withoutmenting, his expression somewhat distant. Thalia nced at him ufortably, noticing the subtle change in his expression. Feeling awkward, she said: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the contractor to misinterpret our rtionship. I apologise if it caused you any difort.¡± Rupert smiled, adopting a teasing tone: ¡°Are you that eager to deny any connection to me? You seemed quite keen to correct him.¡± ¡°What?¡± Thalia was confused. ¡°That wasn¡¯t my intention at all. I was just worried about making you ufortable or giving you the wrong impression.¡± Rupert looked at her with an amused expression. ¡°What wrong impression might that be?¡± Thalia averted her gaze, pressing her lips together without responding. Rupert seemed to read her thoughts, a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°Afraid I might think you fancy me?¡± Thalia¡¯s blush deepened as she hesitantly murmured agreement. Rupert regarded her with amusement. ¡°Do I look that narcissistic to ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Thalia quickly exined. ¡°I just¡­ I heard from Victoria and Charlotte that many women have expressed interest in you, and you¡¯ve turned them all down. I thought perhaps you were tired of receiving romantic attention, and I was worried you might misinterpret my intentions¡­ and then decline to partner with me. Does that make sense?¡± Rupert watched as Thalia earnestly exined herself, and suddenly broke intoughter. Thalia: ¡°. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± When Rupert smiled, he was quite handsome, exuding a warm, spring¨Clike charm. His attractiveness differed from Asher¡¯s. Asher gave the impression of being untouchable¨Cadmirable from afar but unapproachable. Rupert was like the gentle sunshine of spring¨Ccourteous, refined, and approachable. Rupert replied: ¡°Nothing. I just find it rather endearing how seriously you¡¯re exining that you have no romantic interest in me.¡± ¡°You really needn¡¯t exin. I¡¯m well aware that you aren¡¯t interested in me.¡± Thalia: ¡°Oh?¡± I¡¯ve known for a very long time. This was what Rupert thought to himself. He nearly couldn¡¯t resist asking her that question. Do you truly have no recollection of me whatsoever? On second thought, he restrained himself. Asking could jeopardise his chance to work with her. After showing Rupert the office renovations, it was time for a meal. Rupert smiled warmly and asked: ¡°May I treat you to dinner, partner?¡± Thal¨ªa readily agreed. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± She hadn¡¯t given Easter a second thought, her mindpletely focused on business matters. She was nning to discuss partnership details over dinner and finalise the contract. Since this was her first formal meal with a partner, Thalia felt it should be appropriately professional, not too casual. She selected The Ivy City Garden, an upscale restaurant nearby. As Thalia and Rupert entered the restaurant, she unexpectedly encountered a familiar face. Asher was dressed in a ck suit, a standard business attire that failed to conceal his distinguished aura and striking features. His gaze lingered on Thalia¡¯s face for several seconds before coolly shifting to Rupert behind her. (12) (0) Your Gold Digger 136 London was too small after all. Thalia never expected to run into Asher at The Ivy City Garden. As she stood frozen, Rupert spoke up from behind her: ¡°Mr. ckwood, what a coincidence. Are you dining here as well?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was cool, outwardly calm. ¡°Yes.¡± Thalia, not knowing what to say, simply walked past Asher toward the restaurant interior. A server approached them. ¡°Good evening. How many in your party? Do you have a reservation?¡± Thalia maintained herposure. ¡°Two people. I have a reservation under the mobile number ending in 0725.¡± ¡°Please follow me.¡± Seeing that Thalia had already followed the server, Rupert smiled as he met Asher¡¯s gaze. ¡°Mr. ckwood, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± Asher remained motionless, lowering his eyes. Easter was approaching. On this particr day, why was Thalia dining alone with Rupert? Was it¡­ a date? A wave of bitterness swept through him, each surge stronger than thest. Asher¡¯s throat tightened as he stood immobile, as if he had turned to stone, his legs numb. Seeing that Asher wasn¡¯t responding, Rupert let his gaze slowly drift over him. The restaurant¡¯s dim lighting, designed to create a romantic atmosphere, obscured the deste, bitter expression on Asher¡¯s face. A subtle smile yed at the corners of Rupert¡¯s lips. He knew Asher had misunderstood. On this special day, a man and woman dining alone naturally suggested a romantic date. Rupert chose not to rify. He walked past Asher with measured steps to follow Thalia. In the private dining room. Thalia sat in her chair, staring nkly into space. She showed no reaction when Rupert opened the door and entered. ¡°Ms. Winters,¡± Rupert called as he pulled out a chair and sat down. Thalia came back to herself, somewhat distracted. ¡°The menu¡¯s there. Please go ahead and order.¡± A smile touched Rupert¡¯s lips, his eyes gentle. ¡°Of course.¡± He refrained from asking questions or mentioning certain people that were better left unmentioned. Thalia quicklyposed herself, pushing the chance encounter to the back of her mind. After ordering, while waiting for their food. Thalia resumed discussing the partnership with Rupert. Rupert said. ¡°I have a friend who specialises in criminal defence. Like me, he has three years of experience. If you¡¯re interested, I could bring him in as a partner.¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°That sounds excellent. Let¡¯s arrange a meeting to discuss the details.¡± Ruperi nodded slightly. ¡°Perfect.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a university ssmate of mine. You needn¡¯t worry about his professional capabilities.¡± Thalia smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sure anyone you rmend would be excellent.¡± She offered the polite response expected, but remained cautious internally. As partners, they would be in the same boat, sharing both risks and profits. She needed to thoroughly investigate her partners¡® backgrounds and professionalpetencies. Rupert¡¯s eyes remained gentle. ¡°I¡¯m nning to invest three million pounds and register with the firm as a practising solicitor. We can sign the contract whenever you¡¯re ready.¡± Thalia smiled and extended her hand to Rupert. ¡°I appreciate your straightforwardness. Here¡¯s to a sessful partnership.¡± Rupert shook her hand. ¡°To a sessful partnership.¡± After dinner, Rupert politely inquired: ¡°Today is a memorable day. May I take a photo with you, my partner?¡± It was perfectly normal for business partners tomemorate their coboration with a photograph. Thalia thought nothing of it and smiled. ¡°Of course.¡± 18:48 Rupert asked a server to take a photo of them. In the picture, they stood side by side. Thalia looked at the camera with a gentle smile on her lips. Rupert¡¯s eyes reflected his happiness. Originally, it was a full¨Cbody shot with both maintaining an appropriate social distance, nothing that would suggest a romantic rtionship. But Rupert cropped the lower half, leaving only their upper bodies in the frame. This changed the impression entirely¨Cif one ignored the background, it resembled the kind of photo used on a marriage certificate. That same afternoon, Rupert posted the photo on Instagram. The caption read: [A very special day.] Rupert¡¯s choice of words was deliberate. Given that Easter was approaching, he didn¡¯t write something like ¡°Happy Easter¡± that might deliberately invite misunderstanding, as this would likely offend Thalia. But neither did he write something straightforward like ¡°Sessful partnership¡± that would prevent any misinterpretation. The ambiguous ¡°A very special day¡± struck just the right bnce. It wouldn¡¯t offend Thalia, yet it could lead Asher to misunderstand. Rupert had added James on social media, as he had handled several cases for James¡¯spany. James would certainly see this post. Given James¡¯s rtionship with Asher, the post would undoubtedly reach Asher as well. After posting, Rupert put away his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and sipped his red wine with a sense of satisfaction. Thalia saw Rupert¡¯s post, casually liked it, and scrolled on. When James saw the post, he took a screenshot, including Thalia¡¯s like, and sent it to Asher. [Someone¡¯s making a move on your territory?] [This photo looks like a wedding picture. I have to say, they do make a handsome couple.] Asher¡¯s eyes darkened as he read the message. The bright smile on the young woman¡¯s face in the photo pierced his heart. He stared at the photo for a long time in silence. Then he made a call. ¡°What¡¯s the situation with Tom Malfoy?¡± That evening, Thalia returned home. She had just finished her shower and was about to watch a series on her tablet when she received a call. ¡°Hello, delivery service. Are you at home at the moment?¡± ¡°Yes, I am. But I haven¡¯t ordered anything. Could you tell me what this delivery is?¡± ¡°It must be a gift from someone. It¡¯s from a jewellery shop, sent via same¨Cday delivery.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Thalia was puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m home. You can leave it at my door.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Ten minutester, the delivery person ced the package at Thalia¡¯s door and knocked. ¡°Hello, I¡¯ve left your package at the door.¡± Thalia got up from the sofa, slipped on her slippers, and went to open the door. A cardboard box sat quietly at her doorstep. Thalia picked it up curiously and examined it. The sender¡¯s address showed the name of a high¨Cend jewellery store in London. Thalia took the package inside and called the number listed for the sender on the delivery slip. It was just after eight in the evening, but the jewellery store was still open. A staff member quickly answered the phone with a standard greeting. Thalia spoke politely. ¡°Hello, I¡¯ve just received a package with your store listed as the sender. Could you tell me what¡¯s inside and who purchased it?¡± The staff member asked: ¡°Could you provide your mobile number so I can check our records?¡± Thalia gave her number. The staff member said: ¡°One moment, please, while I look into this.¡± Shortly after, the staff member responded. ¡°Ms. Winters, correct?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hello, Ms. Winters. I can confirm that this package contains a ne selected by a gentleman who visited our store this afternoon. He provided your address and telephone number, with specific instructions that it be delivered today without fail.¡± ? (0) Your Gold Digger 137 Chapter 137 Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Could you tell me the gentleman¡¯s name?¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid that information wasn¡¯t provided to us.¡± ¡°I see. Thank you.¡± Thalia ended the call. Opening the package revealed an exquisite pink heart¨Cshaped gift box. Thalia frowned as she opened it, finding a beautiful diamond ne that was clearly quite valuable. Inside was also a card with a simple message that made her heart skip a beat. Only then did Thalia remember that Easter was approaching. Who could have sent this? A familiar face suddenly shed through her mind. She had just seen Asher at the restaurant earlier today. Could it be from him? The thought made Thalia¡¯s mind go momentarily nk, her fingertips tingling. But she quickly dismissed the idea. When she¡¯d encountered him at the restaurant, his eyes had appeared cold and indifferent, his face expressionless. He hadn¡¯t seemed to care at all. Could it be from Drake? As she pondered this, her phone rang again. She set down the ne box and answered. ¡°Hello, delivery service.¡± ¡°Delivery?¡± Thalia was perplexed. ¡°I haven¡¯t ordered anything.¡± The delivery person¡¯s voice carried a hint of amusement. ¡°It must be from your boyfriend. It¡¯s a bouquet of flowers.¡± ¡± Would it never end? Thalia sighed and opened the door to ept the flowers from the delivery person. It was arge bouquet of pink roses. In the center was a card. It read: ¡°Thalia, who needs a partner for Easter when you have friends? Sisters forever! -Victoria.¡± Shortly after, Thalia received another bouquet. A bunch of pink peonies with a card that read: ¡°Friendship is forever. -Charlotte.¡± A warm feeling flowed through Thalia¡¯s heart. She took photos of the flowers and sent them to her friends¡® group chat. [Thank you, darlings. I¡¯ve received the flowers and I love them.] Victoria: [Which bouquet do you prefer?] Thalia: [That¡¯s a trick question. I refuse to answer.] Charlotte: [I¡¯d like to know too.] Thalia: [Charlotte, don¡¯t encourage her.] Victoria: [Fine, fine, I¡¯ll let you off the hook. I¡¯ll only ept being either first in your heart or tied for first with Charlotte.] Thalia: [You¡¯re definitely tied for first ce, of course.] Thalia: [Ipletely forgot what day it was. I¡¯ll get you both gifts another Victoria: [Don¡¯t put it off. I¡¯ve got my eye on that new Chanel bag.] Thalia responded with an ¡°OK¡± bunny emoji. Thalia: [Charlotte, what about you?] Charlotte: [No rush. I haven¡¯t decided yet.] Thalia: [Just let me know when you¡¯ve decided.] After arranging the flowers, Thalia¡¯s eye caught the diamond ne box again. Who could have sent it? Drake? Surely not¨Che didn¡¯t know her current address. This t had been recently purchased by Randolph as a gift to her. Only her family and her two close friends knew the address. But the shop assistant had said it was sent by a gentleman. Thalia couldn¡¯t figure it out. After a moment, she ced the ne back in its box and called the shop assistant again to inquire about returning it for a refund. She didn¡¯t want the ne and preferred that the money be returned to the sender¡¯s ount. The assistant exined that a refund was possible, but the gentleman would need toe to the store in person to process it. Thalia felt helpless. If she knew who had purchased it, she wouldn¡¯t have needed to call the shop in the first ce. But she didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for the assistant, who was just doing their job, so she ended the call after a brief conversation. She tossed the ne box into a storage cab. At Charlotte¡¯s vi. Victoria was admiring her new handbag, unable to put it down. Charlotte looked somewhat guilty. ¡°Victoria, is what we¡¯re doing really alright?¡± Victoria replied casually: ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°As Thalia¡¯s friends, aren¡¯t we sort of betraying her by doing this?¡± ¡°Oh, . He won¡¯t do anything inappropriate. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Charlotte frowned anxiously. ¡°If Thalia finds out we sent flowers because we felt guilty, I wonder if she¡¯ll be angry with us.¡± ¡°Ahem.¡± Victoria coughed awkwardly. ¡°What are you talking about? It¡¯s not guilt at all. The flowers are¡­ a symbol of friendship!¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Victoria nodded emphatically, trying to convince herself. ¡°A symbol of friendship!¡± Charlotte: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Victoria, I seem to recall you saying just the other day that Thalia and Rupert would make a good match. Why are you supporting Asher on Easter?¡± ¡°Well, he was quite generous, wasn¡¯t he? Besides, Sebastian says Asher had his reasons for breaking up with Thalia. Once he resolves his issues, he¡¯ll try to reconcile with her. Let¡¯s give him the benefit of the doubt. We¡¯ve known him for years, after all. There¡¯s nothing wrong with helping him a bit, right?¡± Charlotte conceded: ¡°I suppose that does make some sense.¡® In Asher¡¯s office. His assistant, Lucas, arrived to report. ¡°Sir, do you remember the case of Mark Bormen that Ms. Winters took on previously?¡± Asher asked: ¡°I recall it. What about it?¡± Lucas exined: ¡°Mark Bormen¡¯s factory supervisor, Feynman Port, has a boss named Arno Jones. I sent you his profile earlier.¡± ¡°I remember.¡± Arno Jones had connections in both legal and illegal circles, controlling dozens ofpanies. He installed unrted individuals as legal representatives while thepanies appeared legitimate on the surface but engaged in illegal activities behind the scenes. Asher¡¯s expression turned severe. ¡°Get to the point.¡± Lucas continued: ¡°Arno Jones works for Tom Malfoy. We¡¯ve recently discovered that Jones has beenundering money for Malfoy.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes frosted over. ¡°Do we have evidence?¡± Lucas lowered his head as he replied: ¡°We have partial evidence of Jones¡¯s criminal activities. Afterundering the money, Jones transferred it to an offshore ount. The nominal ount holder is a scapegoat recruited by Malfoy, The current evidence can only implicate Jones. Malfoy¡¯s influence in Britain is limited, relying mainly on Jones and his associates. Although we don¡¯t yet have evidence of Malfoy¡¯s crimes in Britain, if we can put Jones away, Malfoy will lose his strongest support here.¡± ¡°Move immediately,¡± Ashermanded coldly. ¡°Submit the evidence to the police and cooperate with them to arrest Jones.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± In early April, the renovations of Thalia¡¯sw firm werepleted. After professional safety testing and certification, Thalia and Rupert purchased arge quantity of office supplies, including desks, chairs,puters, stationery, and document folders. Besides Rupert, the firm gained another partner¨CRupert¡¯s ssmate, Ares Harris, who specialized in criminal defense. After bringing in the new partner, Rupert also took charge of recruiting several solicitors, including both newly qualified practitioners and experienced senior solicitors. ? (1) Your Gold Digger 138 Chapter 138 Chapter 138 With all preparationsplete, Winters & Associates officially opened for business. That day, Thalia received a long¨Cawaited call. ¡°Thalia, do you remember me? It¡¯s Katie.¡± Thalia was pleasantly surprised¨Cshe and Katie hadn¡¯t been in touch for quite some time. ¡°Of course I remember you. I still have your number saved.¡± Katie had been a trainee solicitor at the firm where Thalia worked in New York, and also her assistant. When Thalia left, she had told Katie she could alwayse to her if needed. Katie said: ¡°Thalia, my training period has ended, and I¡¯ve sessfully passed the Law Society interview. I was wondering if your offer to join you still stands?¡± ¡°Congrattions!¡± Thalia said warmly, genuinely pleased. ¡°Of course you can join us. My firm has just opened, and you¡¯re wee anytime.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Katie asked excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ll definitelye, then! As long as you don¡¯t mind having me!¡± Thaliaughed. ¡°How could I mind? I helped train you, after all. I¡¯m in London now. I¡¯ll send you the address shortly.¡± Katie was thrilled. ¡°Brilliant! I¡¯ll book my ticket right away!¡± When Louis, Thalia¡¯s cousin, learned about her new firm, he immediately helped her recruit two excellent and well¨Cknown solicitors. In a private dining room at a restaurant, Louis introduced the two solicitors to Thalia. ¡°This is Christine Reynolds, a solicitor and my former ssmate from secondary school,¡± Louis exined. Christine had the appearance of an elite female solicitor¨Cher smart bob haircut paired with a light tan professional suit gave her a highlypetent look. Thalia¡¯s gaze lingered on Christine¡¯s face for a moment. ¡°Hello, Ms. Reynolds.¡± Christine responded with a smile: ¡°Hello, Ms. Winters. It seems we¡¯ll be colleagues from now on.¡± ¡°This is Tobias Walter, whom I specifically poached from another firm for you. He¡¯s a top expert inmercial 15:10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.9% Tobias appeared to be in his forties, formally dressed in a suit and tie, wearing sses and with a slim build, giving an impression of steadiness and reserve. ¡°Hello, Mr. Walter. I¡¯ve heard great things about you. I look forward to working together,¡± Thalia said. ¡°Hello, Ms. Winters. Let¡¯s grow together,¡± he replied. Apart from Louis, everyone at the table was in the same profession, giving them plenty to talk about. The atmosphere was lively. After the meal, Thalia bid farewell to Louis and her new colleagues before getting into her Rolls¨CRoyce. She pressed the elerator, and the white Rolls¨CRoyce slowly drove out of the car park onto the wide main road. Checking the time, she noted that Katie¡¯s flight would soon bending at Gatwick Airport. Thalia was on her way to meet her. When Katie had sent her flight information earlier that afternoon, Thalia had insisted on picking her up. Katie had said it wasn¡¯t necessary and that she could take a taxi to the hotel. But Thalia thought about how the young woman would be unfamiliar with the area, without rtives or friends nearby, knowing only Thalia. So she insisted on meeting her at the airport to help her get settled. Gatwick Airport was about 45 kilometres from central London. Finding the air in the car a bit stuffy, Thalia lowered the window halfway, allowing the outside breeze to circte. Byte April, London¡¯s temperature had begun to warm. The wind had lost its biting cold and carried a refreshing coolness. As the cool breeze dispelled the stuffiness in the car, Thalia reflected on recent events with a sense of contentment. The firm had opened sessfully, her partners and new colleagues seemed easy to get along with, and several renowned and capable solicitors had already joined despite the firm being newly established. Even Katie, her former assistant, wasing to join her. Everything was developing positively. Her career was like the rising sun, full of energy and promise. She was one step closer to her dream. The white Rolls¨CRoyce navigated through the traffic, leaving the bustling city streets behind as it entered the 15:10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress suburban roads. At just after ten in the evening, this remote suburban route was sparsely popted. Thalia had been driving for about ten minutes when she suddenly noticed a ck car that seemed to be following her. This road didn¡¯t only lead to the airport¨Cthere were forks ahead leading to other destinations. Even if it did only lead to the airport, it would be normal for other cars to be behind her; perhaps they were also heading to the airport. The problem was that when Thalia saw the ck car in her rearview mirror, something shed quickly through her mind. She had seen this car earlier while waiting at a traffic light in the city. At that time, it had been parked diagonally behind her. This meant the car had been following her all the way from the city to the suburbs. A chill suddenly ran through Thalia¡¯s body, raising goosebumps on her back. Thalia noticed that when she slowed down, the other car also reduced its speed, showing no intention of overtaking. When she elerated, they did too. This further confirmed her suspicion. The car was following her. Thalia picked up her phone, preparing to make a call. Meanwhile. In the car behind. The driver frowned, speaking to the man in the back seat: ¡°Boss, I think she¡¯s spotted us.¡± ¡°Get on with it, then,¡± he snarled. ¡°Right you are, boss.¡± Thalia had just picked up her phone but hadn¡¯t yet made the call. Suddenly. ¡°CRASH!¡°¨Ca tremendous sound. 15:10 Your Cold Diens ¡ª Chapter 138 The ck car behind her suddenly elerated and rammed into her. The massive impact caused Thalia¡¯s car to lose control instantly. The white Rolls¨CRoyce crashed into the roadside barrier, its front severely dented, and the airbags deployed. Thalia¡¯s phone was jolted from her hand. She was also left dazed by the collision. Thalia recovered slightly and painfully bent down to search for her phone. She needed to call for help immediately. However, just as she found her phone, the car window was violently shattered from outside. The assant had clearlye prepared, bringing a professional window¨Cbreaking hammer. After breaking the ss, he reached in to open the door and roughly pulled Thalia out. ¡°Who are you?¡± Thalia instinctively asked as she was dragged from the car. The man didn¡¯t answer, continuing to try to drag her toward the roadside. While inside the car, the confined space had limited her movements, but once outside, Thalia immediately fought back. She quickly broke free from the man¡¯s grip and managed tond several punches. The man clearly hadn¡¯t expected this seemingly delicate woman to possess such fighting skills. Caught off guard, he took several blows, cursing profusely before charging forward to attack Thalia with renewed intensity. However, he was no match for her. Thalianded a solid punch on the man¡¯s nose, causing it to bleed instantly. Using both her hands and feet, she quickly subdued him. This section of road had no surveince cameras or streetlights. The harsh headlights illuminated the man¡¯s pitiful state. Hey awkwardly on the ground, his chin covered in bright red blood, still spewing vulgar obscenities. ¡°You bloody useless piece of shit! Can¡¯t even handle one sodding woman?¡± Another man got out of the ck car, his tone dripping with contempt. ¡°Boss, the bitch knows how to fight,¡± the injured man growled through gritted teeth. During the exchange between the two men, Thalia quietly edged toward her car, trying to retrieve her phone to make a call. 15-10 She had just picked up the phone when the second man rushed over and snatched it away. He then removed her SIM card, violently smashed the phone on the ground¨Cthe screen shattering into pieces¨Cand broke the SIM card in half before tossing it into the roadside bushes. ¡°Get in the fucking car,¡± the man said coldly. ¡°Now.¡± 15:11 Your Gold Digger 139 Chapter 139 Chapter 139 Afternding, Katie waited at the airport exit for Thalia to pick her up. She stood in the cold wind for half an hour without seeing any sign of Thalia. She took out her phone to call her. But she was met with a cold, mechanical voice: ¡°The number you have dialled is not in service.¡± How could it suddenly be out of service? They had spoken just an hour ago. Katie found this extremely strange. Had something happened to Thalia? When the call failed to connect, she immediately opened WhatsApp to video call Thalia. The call went unanswered until it disconnected automatically. Katie made five consecutive video calls with no response, and started to worry. During their earlier conversation, Thalia had said she would reach the airport in about twenty minutes. But now, forty minutes had passed without any sign of her. Phone calls weren¡¯t connecting, and WhatsApp video calls went unanswered. Katie didn¡¯t know anyone else in London apart from Thalia. In her anxiety, Katie suddenly remembered that Thalia had mentioned the name of herw firm and had sent the address in a text message. It was called Winters & Associates. Katie immediately searched for the firm online and quickly found its information, including the officendline number. She dialled the number, but after ringing for a long time, no one answered. In her panic, Katie had forgotten it was after office hours and there would be no one at thew firm. The call was futile. Increasingly anxious, Katie had no choice but to call the police. The police immediately contacted Thalia¡¯s family to confirm if she was indeed missing. When the Randolph couple heard that Thalia was missing, they quickly telephoned her friends to ask if she was with any of them. 15:1 Your Guted to Victoria was drinking when she received the call. ¡°No, she¡¯s not with me.¡± Randolph spoke urgently, ¡°Can you get in touch with her? We can¡¯t reach her phone.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t panic, Uncle. Let me try contacting her first.¡± After hanging up, Victoria immediately tried to reach Thal¨ªa. Just as Randolph had said, Thalia¡¯s phone wasn¡¯t connecting, and her WhatsApp voice calls went unanswered. Victoria sensed something was wrong and immediately shared this information with Asher. The ck car that had rammed Thalia¡¯s vehicle was only partially damaged externally, but it was still functional and drivable. The second man who had emerged from the car was much more skilled than the first. Thalia was no match for him. After a brief struggle, Thalia was overpowered. The man bound her hands and feet and forced her into the car. ¡°Why are you kidnapping me? Is it for money?¡± Thalia asked. The driverughed as if he¡¯d heard a great joke. ¡°For money? Bloody hell! Our boss doesn¡¯t need your pathetic cash, you stupid cow.¡± ¡°Your boss?¡± Thalia caught the key information immediately. Recalling the terrifying moment when she had nearly been shot on the road, Thalia¡¯s face paled. ¡°You work for Tom Malfoy?¡± The driver suddenly barked angrily: ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are, using the boss¡¯s name like that? Got a death wish, have you?¡± From the back seat, Tom Malfoy¡¯s bodyguard and most trusted assistant, Jerry, spoke in a deep voice: ¡°You know about Mr. Malfoy?¡± Thalia¡¯s eyes shed with mockery. ¡°How could I not? I nearly lost my life because of him.¡± Jerry was silent for a moment. ¡°Since you already know, I might as well be straightforward. Your man screwed with our operations, cost us a bloody fortune. So now we¡¯re taking his woman. Fair¡¯s fair.¡± ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curled into a derisive smile. ¡°If you¡¯re referring to Asher ckwood as ¡®my man, you¡¯re dead wrong. Didn¡¯t you know we broke up ages ago? If you¡¯re looking to take revenge on his woman, you¡¯ve got the wrong person. We¡¯re finished.¡± Jerry sneered. ¡°Who else would be his woman if not you?¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen the bloody papers? He¡¯s been photographed with some actress everywhere. Are you blind? Why the hell are you after me?¡± After a moment, Jerry said coldly: ¡°You don¡¯t know that Asher ckwood broke off your engagement precisely to keep you out of all this?¡± Thalia scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re giving me too much credit. He¡¯s publicly announced his rtionship with that actress, yet you¡¯re still fixated on me?¡± Jerry¡¯s lips twitched in amusement. ¡°Miss Winters, are you genuinely this thick or just pretending? The actress linked with Asher ckwood is his bloody cousin.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression froze, and her eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Jerry mocked coldly. ¡°Miss Winters, I don¡¯t know whether to praise your acting skills or tomend Asher ckwood for protecting you so well.¡± Thalia¡¯s face was filled with confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jerry was Tom Malfoy¡¯s personal bodyguard. Normally, he rarely left Malfoy¡¯s side for operations. But recently, Arno Jones had been arrested, dealing them a severe blow. The men Malfoy had sent to assassinate Asher had either died or been severely injured. Now, Malfoy had very few reliable operatives left in London. Jerry had been ordered by Malfoy to kidnap Thalia, and with his target now secured, his mission wasplete. Thalia was bound, severely injured, and cut off from all outsidemunication. There was no way she could escape on her own. In Malfoy¡¯s hands, Thalia likely wouldn¡¯t survive. Since she was essentially a dead woman walking, Jerry saw no harm in telling her the truth. ¡°Judging by your face, you genuinely don¡¯t know. When you were with Asher ckwood, you nearly got your head blown off. Then your father almost died at our hands. Asher was afraid that if you stayed with him, you might not live to see another day. So he staged those rumors with the actress and dumped you.¡± Jerry was telling the truth. Initially, Tom Malfoy and he had indeed been deceived. They believed Asher had genuinely changed his heart. After all, for someone of his status as the ckwood heir, being involved with an actress was entirely normal. The ckwood family had been cautious, keeping even their adopted daughter Grace Bet in the dark. Even Grace didn¡¯t know the real reason behind Asher and Lia¡¯s breakup. Recently, while Arno Jones was carrying out business for Malfoy, Asher¡¯s people had caught him making a mistake. Now the police had arrested Jones. With the ckwood family¡¯s assistance, dozens ofpanies controlled by Jones were being investigated by the police. Thesepanies appeared to be under Jones¡¯s control on the surface, but in reality, they were all tools for Malfoy¡¯s illegal ie. Jones was charged with multiple crimes and had been formally arrested. His sentencing was just a matter of time¨Clikely either death or life imprisonment. Malfoy had suffered enormous losses and could no longer remain in London. They were already preparing to return to Russia. But before leaving for Russia, Malfoy was determined to exact revenge. Malfoy had sent people to assassinate Asher several times recently, but all attempts had failed. At a loss for options, he thought of Thalia. Malfoy was naturally suspicious. Lately, he had carefully reviewed everything and felt that there was something strange about Asher and Thalia¡¯s breakup. ? (0) Your Gold Digger 140 By coincidence, Tom Malfoy had recently taken a young woman he was keeping to a jewellery store to buy essories, where he¡¯d caught the eye of a sales assistant. Malfoy, having known countless women and living a profligate lifestyle, wanted to bed any attractive woman who caught his fancy. He had spent over two million pounds on a ne for his kept woman, simultaneously showing off his wealth to the shop assistant. While the young woman was in the restroom, Malfoy had asked for the sales assistant¡¯s contact information. That very night, they ended up in bed together. On Valentines, Malfoy arranged another meeting with the sales assistant. In a themed hotel suite, after they¡¯d finished, Malfoy tossed a card to the woman. ¡°Happy Valentines, darling. Spend it however you like.¡± The woman smiled as she epted the card, and with suggestive intent, said coquettishly: ¡°You never put any thought into choosing a gift for me. It¡¯s always just money. Today, a gentleman in our store purchased the Valentines limited edition ne priced at ¡ê9,990,000 for his girlfriend. I¡¯m so envious. He must truly love her.¡± Malfoy scoffed, leaning against the headboard casually smoking a post¨Ccoital cigarette, exhaling clouds of smoke. Having just been satisfied, his mood was good, and he wasn¡¯t angered by her words. He smiled, responding with unusual patience: ¡°There¡¯s over a hundred thousand in that card. Buy whatever you fancy. Money is all that matters¨Cyou¡¯re not seriously expecting love, are you?¡± The woman snuggled up to him, resting her head on his chest as she said in a babyish voice: ¡°I was just making conversation.¡± Malfoy flicked his ash, his expression cold. ¡°Don¡¯t mention that word¨Clove.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Malfoy hadn¡¯t given the matter much thought initially. Shortly after Valentines, Asher seemed suddenly motivated by something and began investigating Malfoy¡¯s operations relentlessly. Arno Jones had made only a minor oversight, but Asher¡¯s team immediately spotted the weakness. Before long, Jones was arrested by the police. 15-11 All thepanies under his control were also investigated. At first, Malfoy had frantically sent people to assassinate Asher, but all attempts failed. After losing considerable manpower and resources on Asher, Malfoy decided to revert to his previous strategy¨Ctargeting those close to him. Originally, his target had been the actress rumoured to be involved with Asher. However, Grace Bet had informed him that the actress was actually Asher¡¯s distant cousin, and their rumoured rtionship was merely to boost her publicity and poprity. Upon hearing this, Malfoy immediately recalled when Thalia had just broken up with Asher. He had sent people to follow her, and her heartbroken, intoxicated state hadn¡¯t seemed like an act. She had cursed Asher as fickle, unfaithful, and abandoning her. Judging by Thalia¡¯s behaviour, she truly seemed unaware that the actress was Asher¡¯s cousin. Looking at the timing of their breakup, it had urred shortly after Randolph¡¯s incident. Malfoy realised that he had likely been deceived by Asher. Just then, he remembered what the woman had told him on Valentines about someone spending ¡ê9,990,000 on an exclusive ne for his girlfriend. Few people in London could afford such an extravagant gesture. Malfoy immediately called the woman to inquire about the purchaser. Because the incident had made such a strong impression on her, she had taken special note of the man¡¯s information. When Malfoy asked, she truthfully replied: ¡°He appeared to be in his thirties, about 5¡¯8¡± or 5¡¯9¡°, slim, with the surname Ford.¡± ¡°What address did he leave? Who was the recipient?¡± ¡°It was delivered to an upscale residential area in London. The recipient was a Miss Winters.¡± Malfoy was almost certain that this ¡°Miss Winters¡± must be Thalia. Heughed bitterly and asked the woman to send him the CCTV footage from that day. Soon, she sent the video. In the surveince footage, the man buying the ne was clearly visible. Malfoy recognised him immediately as Matt Ford, Asher¡¯s special assistant. So he had been deceived! Asher had only broken up with Thalia to keep her out of harm¡¯s way. Malfoy sat on his sofa, his eyes cold and menacing. The ss tumbler in his hand shattered. ¡°How interesting,¡± Malfoy said, his hand bleeding profusely from the ss shards, yet his face bore an amused smile that appeared sinister and terrifying. The man muttered: ¡°Asher ckwood, you love her so much. Would you trade your life for hers?¡± ¡°What the hell did you just say? They¡¯ve kidnapped Thalia?¡± Drake¡¯s veins bulged on his forehead, his expression frantic. Compared to Drake¡¯s agitation, Grace Bet appeared remarkably calm. She sat on the sofa, smiling, seemingly in a good mood. ¡°Yes,¡± Grace said, lifting her eyes to meet Drake¡¯s, smiling. ¡°When I first learned that my brother broke up with her to protect her, I wished she would just die. Now my wish is finallying true. In Mr. Malfoy¡¯s hands, Thalia Winters certainly won¡¯t survive.¡± Drake¡¯s eyes reddened with fury. He lunged forward, grabbing Grace¡¯s cor and lifting her up. His anger exploding, he shouted at Grace: ¡°You goddamn liar! You said working with you was just to break up Thalia and Asher! You promised me you wouldn¡¯t hurt her!¡± Before Grace could respond, the bodyguards standing nearby rushed forward to rescue her and began assaulting Drake. Drake grappled with the bodyguards. The ckwood bodyguards were professionally trained and highly skilled. Drake was no match for them, and within moments, he was beaten to the ground. Grace straightened her clothes that had been dishevelled during the altercation, her eyes showing contempt and annoyance. ¡°I did say I wouldn¡¯t hurt her, and I haven¡¯t. I¡¯m not the one who kidnapped Thalia Winters. Why on earth are you taking your anger out on me?¡± Drake struggled painfully to his feet. His face was bruised, and he had multiple injuries, but he paid no attention to his own wounds, concerned only about Thalia. ¡°What have they done to her? Where is she now?¡± he demanded. Grace looked at him coldly. ¡°How would I know? If you¡¯re so concerned, go find her yourself.¡± Drake fixed a malevolent gaze on Grace, saying through gritted teeth: ¡°If anything happens to her, I swear to God I will never let you get away with this!¡± Grace couldn¡¯t help butugh dismissively. ¡°Drake Ashcroft, don¡¯t forget how your pathetic Ashcroft Group survived. Remember who thergest shareholder is now. Threatening me? Please. You¡¯re not even remotely qualified.¡± Drake¡¯s fists were tightly clenched, veins protruding on the back of his hands. Back when the Ashcroft Group¡¯s funding chain had broken, facing bankruptcy, he had sought investments everywhere. But because he had offended both the Winters and ckwood families, nopany was willing to help him. Later, Grace had approached him, giving him a business card. At his wit¡¯s end, he had agreed to cooperate with Grace and made that call, seeking help from Arno Jones. It was onlyter that he discovered Arno Jones and Grace were merely pawns working for someone else. Drake had never met the person behind them, nor did he know his full name. He only knew they called him ¡°Boss.¡± The Ashcroft Group no longer belonged to the Ashcroft family. Thergest shareholder of the group was one of ¡°Boss¡± Malfoy¡¯s subordinates, who was only a nominal shareholder, holding shares on behalf of Malfoy. This meant that the actual controller of the Ashcroft Group was now their so¨Ccalled ¡°Boss.¡± (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 141 Meanwhile. After receiving Victoria¡¯s call and learning that Thalia was missing. Asher immediately suspected Tom Malfoy. Since returning to Britain, Malfoy¡¯s whereabouts had been unpredictable. He used forged identity information and prepaid mobile phones registered under other people¡¯s names. Asher had no way to contact Malfoy and could only wait passively for Malfoy to reach out to him. But he couldn¡¯t wait¨Cnot even for a second. The thought of Thalia being in mortal danger made Asher¡¯s vision blur, his heart ache dully, and his breathing beboured. Forcing himself to remain calm, Asher took out his phone and made a call. ¡°I need to see Arno Jones.¡± Just as he ended that call, a call from an unknown number came through. His intuition told him it was Malfoy. Asher answered immediately. ¡°Good evening,¡± said the man on the other end of the line, his tone amused as he addressed Asher mockingly as ¡°brother.¡± Asher¡¯s heart suddenly tightened. ¡°Did you kidnap Lia?¡± Malfoyughed, repeating: ¡°Lia.¡± After a brief, telling pause, Malfoy continued in azy drawl: ¡°It seems I¡¯ve got the right person. You¡¯re still in love with her after all.¡± Asher spoke sharply, ¡°If you have an issue with me,e at me directly! Don¡¯t hurt Lia!¡± On the other end, Malfoy seemed to give a softugh. ¡°Patience. I took her to get to you.¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± Asher asked urgently. Malfoy gave an address, adding: ¡°Eight o¡¯clock tomorrow morning. Come alone. If you dare call the police, I¡¯ll make 97.9% ppear from this world forever.¡± The next day. At an abandoned construction site in a provincial border area. This was originally intended to be an entertainmentplex, but due to a funding crisis, the developer had been forced to withdraw and halt construction, leaving behind what became a locally famous abandoned building It was famous because many film crews had used it as a shooting location. The previous evening, after Thalia had been forced into the car, they drove for about half an hour before stopping in an open area. Her mouth was gagged, and a ck hood was ced over her head. Then Thalia felt herself being pushed up several steps. When she heard the sudden sound of helicopter rotors, she realized she had been brought onto a helicopter. After an indeterminate time, the helicopter finallynded. Thalia couldn¡¯t see anything and had no idea where she was. After leaving the helicopter, she was pushed into another vehicle. Thalia could feel the car speeding along, and during turns, if she hadn¡¯t been wearing a seatbelt, she would have been thrown about. After a period of high¨Cspeed driving, the car suddenly came to an abrupt stop. As soon as the car stopped, the door was yanked open. Thalia was roughly pulled out of the car. With the hood still covering her head, she could see nothing and nearly fell. ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve brought her,¡± said a voice Thalia recognized as belonging to the skilled man from the previous day. Hearing the word ¡°Boss,¡± Thalia felt her scalp tingle with fear. The man who had nearly taken her life. Asher had warned her that he was a psychopath, devoid of feelings or humanity. Even before Malfoy spoke, Thalia¡¯s heart constricted, and fear spread uncontrobly through her. 11 Dissor is Actually A True Heiress 98.0% Would she die here today? Suddenly, the hood was removed from her head. Having spent a long night in darkness, the sudden exposure to sunlight made Thal¨ªa feel dizzy and unsteady on her feet. Her body swayed, but she fought to keep her bnce and prevent herself from falling. ¡°Miss Winters, we meet again,¡± Malfoy said with a soft voice that belied its menacing undertone. Thalia recovered her senses and raised her eyes to meet the man¡¯s gaze, suddenly hesitating. She had seen this man before. That day when Lucy Jenkins was upset, she had been dining with Lucy at a restaurant. After paying the bill, she had encountered a strange couple. The man had greeted her. At the time, she had assumed he was a friend of a friend and hadn¡¯t given it much thought. She never expected to see him here. Thalia¡¯s gaze quickly scanned the surroundings. The two men who had kidnapped her the night before were now standing with their heads bowed in a respectful posture before this stranger. Behind the man were several subordinates. It appeared he was the leader here. Someone had just called him ¡°Boss¡°-could he be Tom Malfoy? He was Tom Malfoy! Out of fear, Thalia instinctively took two steps back, her face paling slightly. The man standing before her had repeatedly tried to kill her! He was the culprit who had nearly murdered her father! Facing such a madman, she couldn¡¯t remain calm andposed. ¡°Afraid of me?¡± Malfoy¡¯s almond¨Cshaped eyes gleamed with amusement, his voice deceptively gentle. Malfoy¡¯s mother, Fiona Malfoy, had once been a great beauty in the entertainment industry, and his father, Andrew ckwood, had been a handsome young heir in London society. Malfoy had perfectly inherited his parents¡® good looks, resembling his mother more than his father. His features were so refined they could be described as ¡°alluring.¡± 98.2% Before seeing Malfoy in person, Thalia had always imagined him to be a rough looking, burly thug with a fierce face. She never expected him to appear like this¨Cwhen he smiled, he seemed almost harmless. Thalia nervously swallowed. ¡°Kidnapping me is useless. Asher and I arepletely estranged. You can¡¯t use me to threaten him.¡± ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Seeing her retreat, Malfoy stepped forward, his eyes fixed on hers, his voice silky but threatening. ¡°Whether that¡¯s true or not, you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± Looking into Thalia¡¯s eyes, a faint smile curved Malfoy¡¯s lips. ¡°Miss Winters is indeed a rare beauty. No wonder both Asher ckwood and Drake Ashcroft remain obsessed with you.¡± Thalia took another step back, suspicion shing in her eyes. ¡°You know Drake Ashcroft too?¡± Malfoy shrugged indifferently, his tone sweetly venomous: ¡°He¡¯s merely a dog I keep. Sometimes I take him out for a walk when I¡¯m bored. It¡¯s quite amusing.¡± Thalia frowned. From his words, it seemed Drake was working for him. No wonder the Ashcroft Group, on the brink of bankruptcy, had miraculously revived. So Malfoy had been pulling the strings behind the scenes. this How had they met? Hadn¡¯t Malfoy been abroad all this time? As Thalia pondered the rtionship between Malfoy and Drake, she wasn¡¯t paying attention to what the man before her was saying. Seeing Thalia¡¯s inattention, a sh of impatience crossed Malfoy¡¯s eyes, and his tone grew icy despite his gentle delivery. ¡°I¡¯m speaking to you.¡± Thalia came back to herself, recalling Malfoy¡¯s earlier words about finding out soon enough. Her eyes filled with concern, and she immediately asked: ¡°You¡¯ve already contacted Asher?¡± ¡°What¡¯s this? You¡¯re worried about him?¡± Malfoy eyed her obliquely with a leisurely air, his voice soft but chilling. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you and he werepletely estranged with no rtionship? Why are you so concerned about him?¡± Malfoy, hands in pockets, asked with a deceptively pleasant smile: ¡°Afraid he¡¯lle to die?¡± Thalia feignedposure. ¡°I simply don¡¯t want to be responsible for anyone¡¯s death. Even if it weren¡¯t him¨Cif it were anyone else¨CI wouldn¡¯t want them risking their life.¡± ¡°You think I¡¯ll believe that?¡± Malfoy looked at Thalia with amusement, his voice dangerously gentle. ¡°You two really enjoy your little performances. Since you¡¯re so fond of acting, put on a good show of true love for me. If I¡¯m entertained enough, I might consider leaving Asher¡¯s body intact.¡± 98.3% Thalia couldn¡¯t bear such cruel talk. She felt chilled to the bone, her fear growing stronger. Although Asher had hurt her, and she had resolved topletely move on from his world, she couldn¡¯t ept himing to his death. She only wanted Asher to be safe, even if they never spoke again. But if he truly lost his life trying to save her, she would live in that shadow forever. Your Gold Digger 142 (3) The previous evening. Randolph¡¯s call reached the ckwood residence. ¡°Is Thalia¡¯s disappearance connected to that illegitimate son of yours?¡± Randolph demanded, his voice taut with barely contained fury despite his measured tone. Andrew¡¯s expression immediately darkened. ¡°Good lord, Thalia¡¯s gone missing? Have the police been informed?¡± ¡°The police themselves rang me to confirm she¡¯s missing! We¡¯ve been calling her mobile countless times¨Cit¡¯spletely dead. Victoria and I have been to her t andw firm and found no trace of her whatsoever.¡± Randolph¡¯s voice trembled with a mixture of anger and concern. ¡°And where, might I ask, is Asher in all this? His former fianc¨¦e has vanished into thin air and he¡¯s not even looking for her?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve only just heard about Thalia ourselves. Asher¡¯s still at the office and presumably doesn¡¯t know yet. I¡¯ll notify him straightaway. Try not to worry too much¨CI¡¯m sure there¡¯s a reasonable exnation. Perhaps her mobile¡¯s simply out of battery. Once it¡¯s charged, I¡¯m certain she¡¯ll be in touch.¡± ¡°Out of battery? You can¡¯t be serious!¡± Randolph retorted with bitter incredulity. ¡°Victoria and I have been searching for her all bloody night without so much as a glimpse! It¡¯s terribly convenient for you to be so nonchnt¨Cshe¡¯s not your daughter, so naturally you couldn¡¯t care less!¡± ¡°Randolph, please, do try to stay calm,¡± Andrew urged. ¡°Calm? How the bloody hell am I supposed to stay calm?¡± Randolph¡¯s voice escted, raw with emotion. ¡°If it were Asher who¡¯d suddenly disappeared, would you be sitting there telling me to ¡®stay calm¡®?¡± Andrew winced at Randolph¡¯s intensity, massaging his temple as a headache began to form. ¡°Let¡¯s see what the police have to say first, shall we?¡± Catherine sat beside Andrew. She could hear most of Randolph¡¯s distressed voice through the phone and pieced together what was happening. She was genuinely fond of Thalia, regarding her almost as a daughter. Upon learning of Thalia¡¯s disappearance, Catherine felt immediate anxiety flood through her. ¡°What¡¯s happened? Thalia¡¯s missing?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking, concern etched across her face. Andrew exchanged a few more words with Randolph before ending the call. ¡°Yes, Randolph says they can¡¯t reach Thalia. He and Victoria have been searching for her all night.¡± 98.69% Catherine¡¯s brow furrowed deeply with worry. ¡°Have they gone to the police?¡± ¡°They have,¡± Andrew replied. ¡°That¡¯s how the police contacted them.¡± ¡°Does Asher know? We must tell him immediately so he can help with the search.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ring him now.¡± Just as Andrew was about to dial Asher¡¯s number, his son called first. Asher was direct: ¡°Father, you¡¯ve heard about Thalia¡¯s disappearance, I take it? She¡¯s been kidnapped.¡± Andrew paled, genuine shock crossing his features. ¡°Good God! Kidnapped? What on earth happened?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was heavy with exhaustion, his tone gravely serious. ¡°It¡¯s Tom Malfoy. I¡¯m on my way home now. Please don¡¯t panic¨Cwait until I arrive. And under no circumstances contact the police.¡± ¡°Tom Malfoy?¡± Andrew¡¯s expression darkened, a mixture of dread and guilt crossing his face. ¡°But Randolph mentioned they¡¯ve already reported it to the police.¡± ¡°What!¡± Asher¡¯s grip tightened on his phone, his knuckles turning white as he barked, ¡°They absolutely mustn¡¯t involve the police! Malfoy just rang me. I was heading home to discuss our strategy. If the police get involved, Malfoy will likely kill her without hesitation. Thalia¡¯s life hangs in the bnce!¡± ¡°What are we to do? The authorities already know she¡¯s missing,¡± Andrew frowned, genuine concern in his voice. ¡°Wait for me at home. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± With those terse words, Asher ended the call. Catherine anxiously asked, ¡°Any news about Thalia?¡± ¡°That was Asher,¡± Andrew replied, his voice hollow with worry. After a heavy pause, Andrew continued gravely: ¡°Thalia has been kidnapped by¡­ Tom Malfoy.¡± ¡°Tom Malfoy?¡± Catherine¡¯s face paled instantly, her voice rising with indignation. ¡°Him again? He has no quarrel with Thalia¨Cwhy on earth would he suddenly kidnap her? If it¡¯s about revenge against Asher because of his engagement to Thalia, they¡¯ve already broken things off!¡± Catherine¡¯s voice trembled with upset. ¡°Asher¡¯s rtionship with Laurina has been sshed across every tabloid in Britain. Laurina¡¯s background isn¡¯t widely known¨CTom Malfoy certainly wouldn¡¯t know about it. The Winters family has been left in peace for some time now. Why would Malfoy suddenly target Thalia?¡± After listening to Catherine¡¯s distraught words, Andrew felt his headache intensifying. Massaging his temples, he replied, ¡°I know as little as you do. Asher said he¡¯ll be home soon. We¡¯ll discuss our 00:07 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.8% strategy with him. I should ring Randolph and ask him toe over so we can coordinate.¡± Genuinely concerned for Thalia¡¯s safety, Catherine looked at Andrew with using eyes, her voice low and bitter: ¡°Tom Malfoy, Tom Malfoy¨Cwhy is it always him! Andrew, look at what you¡¯ve done. If it weren¡¯t for your¡­ indiscretion back then¡­¡± Hearing her dredge up old grievances, Andrew grew irritable, though a shadow of guilt crossed his face. His patience evaporated. ¡°That¡¯s quite enough!¡± Andrew snapped, though his eyes betrayed his inner conflict. ¡°That was decades ago! What possible good cane of bringing it up now? Instead of rehashing ancient history, please try to stay calm until Asher returns so we can discuss how to rescue Thalia.¡± Seeing Andrew¡¯s anger directed at her, Catherine¡¯s pent¨Cup emotions finally erupted. Her voice rose sharply,den with years of hurt. ¡°Ancient history? Is that what you call it? Andrew ckwood, search your conscience and tell me how I¡¯ve ever wronged you! Since marrying into the ckwood family, I¡¯ve devoted myself entirely to your family¡­¡± ¡°I said enough!¡± Andrew harshly interrupted, rising to his feet. ¡°This is hardly the time for arguments!¡± With that, he stormed upstairs, leaving her alone, though his shoulders sagged slightly with the weight of unspoken guilt. In the drawing room below, Catherine sat on the sofa, her eyes reddening with anger and hurt. Andrew always used her of dwelling on the past, but after all these years, that old wound had never truly healed. It remained a thorn in her heart, an obstacle she could never ovee. As her anger subsided, it gave way to profound hurt. Tears welled in Catherine¡¯s eyes as she sat alone, silently weeping. The heated argument had reached the ears of one of the household staff. This particr housekeeper had served Lady ckwood for over twenty years and routinely reported any family disturbances to her employer. No sooner had Andrew and his wife finished arguing than Lady ckwood was informed of the situation. The housekeeper conveyed everything she had overheard to Lady ckwood, detail by detail. Lady ckwood was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re saying Tom Malfoy has kidnapped Thalia Winters?¡± The housekeeper nodded gently. ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression darkened with anger. ¡°This is absolutely outrageous!¡± 49.0% Although Lady ckwood strongly disliked Thalia, her personal feelings didn¡¯t extend in candoning itinal ep like kidnapping. A human life was at stake, which she absolutely could not ha Moreover, while Tom Malfoy had never been officially recognized as part of the family dogdan. carrying ckwood blood. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her own grandsonmitting such a serious me Lady ckwood immediately telephoned Asher, urging him to return home quickly Asher answered, saying he would arrive shortly. After ending the call, Lady ckwood asked the housekeeper. ¡°Where is Grace? Where is she an ? (4) Your Gold Digger 143 Just as Asher arrived at the ckwood residence, Grace¡¯s car polled into the underground car park of the family home The two entered the house one after the other. In the ground floor drawing room, Lady ckwood, Andrew, and Catherine were waiting for them on the sofa Asher entered with urgency, hisposed voice belying the anxiety churning within him. ¡°It was Thalia¡¯s friend who contacted the police. She couldn¡¯t reach Thalia and became concerned, so she reported her missing. The police only contacted the Winters family to confirm Thalia¡¯s disappearance. The authorities don¡¯t yet know she¡¯s been kidnapped by Malfoy, and since she¡¯s only been missing for a few hours, they haven¡¯t officially opened a case.¡± Asher¡¯s expression was grim, his dark, fathomless eyes cold with determination. ¡°Malfoy has called demanding that Ie alone- ¡°Absolutely not! You can¡¯t possibly go alone!¡± Grace interrupted before Asher could finish, her voice pitched with genuine rm. Since learning about Thalia¡¯s kidnapping by Tom Malfoy, Grace had been in unusually good spirits. She had even been humming to herself on the way to the ckwood residence. However, upon hearing that Asher nned to rescue Thalia alone, her cheerful mood instantly evaporated. Grace¡¯s expression became agitated, her voice tense with concern. ¡°Malfoy certainly won¡¯t let you leave alive. It¡¯s far too dangerous for you to go alone. We should inform the police and have them apany you!¡± Asher¡¯s brow furrowed, his tone deadly serious though perfectly measured. ¡°That¡¯s out of the question. We cannot involve the police. If Malfoy discovers we¡¯ve contacted the authorities, he¡¯ll kill her immediately.¡± Grace persisted: ¡°But her friend has already reported her missing. The police already know she¡¯s disappeared.¡± ¡°As I just exined,¡± Asher replied with forced patience, ¡°the police only know she¡¯s missing, not that she¡¯s been kidnapped. If we coordinate with the Winters family and inform the police that she¡¯s been found, the matter will be closed. Then we can focus on rescuing Thalia.¡± Andrew asked, ¡°What¡¯s your n for the rescue?¡± Asher¡¯s expression was resolute. ¡°Malfoy is targeting me. I¡¯ll exchange myself for her.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve lost your mind!¡± Andrew eximed. ¡°You can¡¯t!¡± cried Grace. 99.3% 1 absolutely forbid it Lady ckwood dered. The three objected almost simultaneously. Catherine¡¯s expression grew somber as she asked, ¡°Is there truly no other option?¡± ¡°I must go.¡± Asher stated in a tone that brooked no argument, the quiet intensity of his voice revealing how deeply this affected him. Grace urgently protested: ¡°But exchanging yourself ispletely mad! How can Thalia Winters¡® life possiblypare to yours, brother?¡± Upon hearing this, Asher¡¯s frigid gaze swept toward her. His look was so intimidating¨Ca warning mixed with fury¨Cthat Grace immediately fell silent. She opened her mouth, but no sound emerged from her throat. A momentter, Asher said coldly: ¡°I never want to hear such words from you again.¡± Grace¡¯s eyes reddened at the corners, her lip caught between her teeth, feeling utterly wounded. ¡°Brother, is Thalia Winters truly more important to you than your own life?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Without the slightest hesitation. One word that left the entire ckwood family speechless with shock. The room fell into a deathly silence. After a prolonged moment, Lady ckwood recovered, her face contorted with anger as she reprimanded: ¡°This is absolute madness!¡± Andrew¡¯s expression was equally grim. ¡°Asher, have you forgotten what your grandfather told you?¡± ¡°No,¡± Asher replied calmly, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his inner turmoil. ¡°There¡¯s no need for such concern. While Lia does indeed mean more to me than my own life, I¡¯m not foolish enough to trade my life for hers. If I were to go alone, neither of us would survive.¡± Hearing this, everyone¡¯s expressions rxed somewhat. Catherine asked: ¡°Are you saying you already have a solution?¡± Asher nodded and proceeded to exin his n in detail. After listening, Lady ckwood frowned. ¡°It¡¯s still far too risky. You are the ckwood heir¨Cour only heir. I cannot allow you to put yourself in such danger!¡± 11 Dissor is Actually A True Heiress 99.5% ¡°Exactly, brother, Grace implored. ¡°You mustn¡¯t go. I think we should inform the police and let then ran Thalia If you go. Malfoy certainly won¡¯t spare you.¡± Asher¡¯s face hardened, his eyes sharp as daggers, full of warning. ¡°I said, no polie ¡°I¡¯m only concerned for your safety, brother Grace wilted under his re, her voter beraking with what appeared to be genuine distress, Though her tears were partially an act, they weren¡¯t entirely feigned the truly was worried that Asher might not return. Asher ignored Grace¡¯s theatrics. He looked at Andrew, Catherine, and then Lady ckwood Father, Mother, Grandmother, this is currently the best rescue n avable. Let¡¯s proceed as I¡¯ve outlined. I need your cooperation.¡± Lady ckwood shook her head firmly. ¡°I disagree. You cannot go.¡± Asher set his jaw, his expression impassive though his eyes betrayed his fierce determination, ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯ve made my decision.¡± The implication was clear: your objection is irrelevant. ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± Lady ckwood trembled with anger. ¡°You would truly risk your life for this woman? Very well. I see I can no longer control you. I shall inform your grandfather immediately and let him deal with you!¡± Seeing the elderly woman¡¯s agitation, Andrew grew rmed. He quickly patted her back, trying to calm her. ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t upset yourself. Your heart condition might re up again.¡± Andrew was genuinely caught in a difficult position. The elderlydy had recently suffered a heart attack and had nearly not been revived. Now she was bing this agitated again. He feared that before they could rescue Thalia. his mother might be in serious danger. ¡°Brother, you can¡¯t do this,¡± Grace pleaded. ¡°Grandmother has a heart condition and can¡¯t handle such stress. You can¡¯t frighten her like this. If anything should happen to you, Grandmother would¡­¡± Seeing that Asher wouldn¡¯t be dissuaded, Grace invoked Lady ckwood¡¯s health¨Costensibly concern, but in reality a form of emotional maniption and veiled threat. After receiving Tom Malfoy¡¯s call, Asher had quickly devised a rescue n. His n was indeed the best option avable under the circumstances. Originally, Asher could have gone straight to Harwich without returning to the ckwood residence. But remembering Malfoy¡¯s warning that he would kill Thalia immediately if they involved the police, Asi worried that the ckwood and Winters families might panic and disrupt his rescue n. Thus, he had retu. home to exin his strategy. 99.7% As tensione mounted, Bandolph and Victoria arrived in beste ¡°Any news of Thalia?¡± Randolph asked urgently as he entered,s ke tige with pearl co Asher revealed the truth. ¡°What! You¡¯re saving Thalia¡¯s been kidnapped by Tom Malfoy Bands face drained of odor Randolph became frantic, his eyes widening as he lunged forward, only to be restrained by security pervane ¡°Randolph, please try to calm down, Andrew urged. ¡°Calm? You keep telling me to be calm!¡± Randolph¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, his chest heaving with cotton ¡°Yos imed that breaking off the engagement would keep my family safe from Malfoy, Yet here we are¨Cthe engagement has been over for months, and he¡¯s still targeting Thalia! I demand an exnation from you this instant!¡± Compared to Randolph, Asher maintained hisposure. With genuine remorse in his eyes, he spoke patiently. ¡°Sir, Thalia¡¯s life hangs in the bnce. This isn¡¯t the time for exnations. I need your cooperation to rescue her. Once she¡¯s safe, I promise you¡¯ll have the answers you seek.¡± Asher shared his n with Randolph. Upon hearing that Asher was willing to risk his own safety to save Thalia, Randolph¡¯s expression softened slightly, his emotions gradually settling. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed with your n,¡± he agreed. (11) (0) 99.8%
  1. A True Heiress
Your Gold Digger 144 Thalia was forced up the stairwell of the abandoned construction site by Malfoy¡¯s men. She suffered from acrophobia, and with each step higher, her legs grew increasingly weak. The unfinished concrete structure had no handrails on the staircase and no safety barriers on the upper floors. Thalia climbed slowly, one precarious step at a time, nked by Malfoy¡¯s thugs. Silently counting the floors as they ascended, Thalia noted they stopped when they reached the twenty¨Csixth level. The man restraining her halted as well. ¡°What¡¯s the time?¡± Malfoy asked withnguid indifference. ¡°Seven¨Cforty, boss,¡± replied the man who had kidnapped Thalia the previous night. Thalia didn¡¯t know his name. Upon hearing the response, Malfoy raised an eyebrow slightly, turning his gaze toward Thalia. ¡°Tell me¡­ do you truly believe Asher will sacrifice himself for you? Come alone to die like the lovesick fool he is?¡± Thalia pressed her lips together, lowering her eyes. ¡°Frightened?¡± Malfoy¡¯s voice was deceptively gentle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If you¡¯re so desperate not to part with him, I can arrange for to be together¨Ca pair of star¨Ccrossed lovers meeting their tragic end.¡± Thalia kept her head down, maintaining her silence. Malfoy gave a derisiveugh. Finding her silence tedious, impatience flickered in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m speaking to you. Are you bloody deaf?¡± Malfoy suddenly seized Thalia¡¯s arm, yanking her roughly before shoving her forward with brutal force. Caught off guard, Thalia stumbled forward, losing her bnce. Her body swayed precariously before she crashed hard to the ground. With her hands bound, she couldn¡¯t maintain her bnce or break her fall. A heavy thud echoed as she hit the concrete. Thalia¡¯s knees struck the ground first, sending excruciating pain through her body. Her face contorted in agony, and herplexion turned ashen. Her upper body followed, striking the floor. Though her face was white with pain, she didn¡¯t cry out¨Cshe merely bit her lip and endured. ¤¤ The fall had sent her dangerously close to the edge of the building. Seeing the drop before her, Thalia¡¯s fear intensified, causing her body to tremble uncontrobly. Lying at the edge of the twenty¨Csix¨Cstorey building, she looked down at the dizzying drop below. Her acrophobia made her vision darken, and she quickly closed her eyes. ¡°Gone mute, have you?¡± Malfoy observed her continued silence with an incredulousugh, his tone hardening. He suddenly kicked over a metal bucket beside him with savage force. The harsh sound of metal scraping and nging against concrete was jarring and abrupt. Malfoy¡¯s henchmen all held their breath, not daring to make a sound. Thalia frowned, unable toprehend the man¡¯s vtile mood swings. Just moments earlier, while they were downstairs, he had been smiling almost innocently, seemingly in good spirits. Now he had suddenly turned vicious and erratic, like a rabid dog. ¡°Right then, since you won¡¯t bloody talk, I¡¯ll find a way to make you scream,¡± Malfoy¡¯s expression twisted maliciously as he fixed his gaze on Thalia, suddenly breaking into a coldugh. ¡°Tell me¡­¡± Malfoy slowly stepped toward Thalia, his voice dropping to a threatening purr. He looked at her as if she were prey, a sadistic smile ying on his lips, his eyes full of predatory intent. ¡°How do you think Asher would feel watching you being vited by my men? One after another? Hmm?¡± Hearing this, Thalia¡¯s body trembled violently. Her eyes flew open, filled with a mixture of fear, shock, and revulsion. Her face grew even paler. Malfoy, noting the change in her expression, seemed pleased. His smile deepened. ¡°ying mute, are you? I¡¯ll make you scream,¡± Malfoy said, his voice taking on a vicious edge. Thalia¡¯s body shook with fear as she forced herself to speak: ¡°No¡­ please don¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t?¡± Malfoy¡¯s smile took on an indescribably sinister quality that sent chills down one¡¯s spine. ¡°Too bloodyte for that.¡± ¡°I told Asher toe alone and exchange himself for you, but I never promised I wouldn¡¯t have a bit of fun with you first.¡± Malfoy stood before Thalia, looking down at her with arrogant, untamed eyes, as if regarding an insect he could crush at will. ¡°You¡¯re certainly fit, aren¡¯t you? But what a shame¨Cjust Asher ckwood¡¯s used¨Cup g. I despise damaged goods,¡± Malfoy deliberately humiliated her, hisnguage growing increasingly vulgar. Thalia kept her eyes lowered, concealing the hatred and fury within them. Malfoy smiled cruelly. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll let myds take turns with you instead. They¡¯re not nearly as particr as I am.¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, Malfoy¡¯s henchmen became visibly excited, barely able to contain themselves. The woman was exceptionally beautiful, and they had already been eyeing her. Now, hearing their leader¡¯s offer, they stared at Thalia with undisguised lust. Jerry stood to the side, keeping his head down throughout, not once looking in their direction. He had no interest in such depravity. Nevertheless, contemting the woman¡¯s impending fate, a flicker of barely perceptible sympathy crossed his eyes. Malfoy typically treated women with consideration. His mistresses were all well¨Cprovided for. But with Thalia, because she was Asher¡¯s woman, Malfoy was channeling his hatred for Asher onto her. Truthfully, in all the years Jerry had worked for Malfoy, he had never seen him be so cruel to any woman. Allowing his men to vite Thalia was something Jerry hadn¡¯t anticipated. ¡°Tom Malfoy!¡± The instant after he suggested letting his men ¡°enjoy¡± her, Thalia suddenly spat out his full name through clenched teeth, her voice filled with boundless hatred and surging fury. She red at him as if he were her mortal enemy, her gaze wishing a thousand cuts upon him. ¡°Well, not so bloody mute anymore?¡± Faced with her anger, Malfoy remained unfazed. His smile deepened as he bent down slightly, addressing Thalia. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t fancy it? So many men taking turns having their way with you, and you¡¯re still ungrateful? Most girls would be ttered by the attention.¡± ¡°You¡¯re an animal! A bloody monster!¡± Thalia snarled through gritted teeth. The more violent her reaction, the more Malfoy enjoyed it. ¡°What are you all standing around for? Get on with it!¡± Malfoy jerked his chin toward his men, signaling them to approach and assault the woman. Jerry¡¯s body tensed, and he quickly nced up. Malfoy noticed this subtle movement. He looked at Jerry with an ambiguous smile,,,,t¡¯s this? Fancy a go yourself, do you?¡± Before Jerry could respond, Malfoy added with a crudeugh: ¡°This one will be ruined soon enough. I¡¯ll find you a cleaner bit of skirtter.¡± Jerry lowered his gaze. ¡°Boss, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Malfoyughed carelessly, speaking in a nonchnt tone: ¡°Perfect. You can film it then. I¡¯m quite eager to see Asher¡¯s face when he watches his precious little tart being passed around like a party favor. Hahaha¡­¡± ? (5) Your Gold Digger 145 Chapter 145 ¡°Go, untie the ropes binding her. Where¡¯s the sport in keeping her restrained?¡± Malfoy directed this to Jerry. ¡°Right away, sir,¡± Jerry replied, walking toward Thalia. Everyone present heard their exchange clearly. Moments earlier, Malfoy had ordered his men to assault Thalia. They had advanced like a pack of hungry wolves toward their prey. Thalia was lying at the edge of the building, somewhat distant from them. The group had only made it halfway when they heard Malfoy¡¯smand. They all stopped in unison, swallowing hard, their eyes fixed eagerly on Thalia as they impatiently waited for Jerry to untie her. Thalia red fiercely at Malfoy, her eyes conveying a desire to subject him to a thousand agonizing cuts. Malfoy, the psychopath, savored her hatred. A smile yed on his lips as he asked with perverse pleasure, ¡°Hate me, do you?¡± ¡°Too bad. Crushing you would be as simple as squashing an ant. No matter how much you loathe me, you¡¯re utterly powerless. The impotent rage of the helpless is like a stimnt to me.¡± Jerry walked over, pulled Thalia away from the edge, and untied the ropes binding her. The moment she was freed, Thalia recklessly charged at Malfoy. Jerry had just dragged her closer to where Malfoy stood, putting them in close proximity. When Thalia lunged, Jerry couldn¡¯t react in time. Malfoy¡¯s other henchmen were distracted, their minds filled with vile thoughts about assaulting the woman. They had assumed Thalia was a helpless female, never imagining she would risk her life attacking Malfoy once freed. So no one stopped her initially. She sessfully reached Malfoy. Malfoy reacted quickly, dodging her potentially lethal blow. Then he immediately counter¨Cattacked, shouting, ¡°Stand back, all of you! Nobody interfere!¡± Malfoy¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement, his entire being in a state of manic frenzy as he ordered his men to stand down. When his men had previously monitored Thalia, they had reported videos of her crying, drowning her sorrows in alcohol, and pining for Asher. Malfoy had dismissed her as merely a pretty airhead, hopelessly love¨Cstruck, unable to function without a man. He knew Thalia was a solicitor by profession, but hadn¡¯t respected her for it. In Malfoy¡¯s mind, Thalia was simply a fool obsessed with romance. He had never understood why someone like Asher would be interested in such a woman. She was undeniably beautiful, but there were plenty of attractive women. Why had Asher be so utterly besotted with this particr one? When Malfoy had ordered his men to capture Thalia, they hadn¡¯t mentioned that she had any fighting skills. After bringing her up to the building, she had been pale with fear. To Malfoy, she seemed no different from any other fragile woman¨Ca pampered youngdy obsessed with romance, terrified at the slightest trouble, irritatingly tearful. He never expected she would have the courage to attack him, much less possess actual fighting ability. Malfoy had grown up with gang leaders in Russia. The training he had endured was beyond what ordinary people could withstand. At twelve, his mentor had abandoned him on a deserted ind to survive in the wilderness. At sixteen, he had been thrown into a fighting pit to battle ferocious beasts. When he emerged from that pit, Malfoy had acquired his first armed force, beginning to handle his mentor¡¯s illegal dealings, engaging in violent confrontations with rival gangs,mitting murders and robberies, while receiving military¨Cgrade training simr to mercenaries. By eighteen, Malfoy¡¯s power had grown substantially, even rivaling the local military in Russia. At twenty¨Cfour, he had killed his mentor with his own hands, bing the leader of Russia¡¯srgest criminal syndicate. Against such an inhuman opponent, Thalia stood no chance. However, a person in a state of extreme anger and reckless abandon can tap into limitless potential. Like Thalia at this moment. She knew she couldn¡¯t possibly leave this building alive. Given the choice between being vited by a group of vile men or fighting Malfoy to the death, she chose thetter. Either way meant death. Rather than dying in humiliation, she chose to release all her emotions¨Cthe hatred and fury toward Malfoy that she had suppressed for so long. ¡°Well, well¡­. aren¡¯t you full of surprises,¡± Malfoy¡¯s expression shifted from contempt to genuine astonishment, his eyes showing newfound interest. He had never encountered a woman like Thalia before. Most women, once untied, would either passively await their vition or leap from the building to end their lives. He had considered these two possibilities but never imagined she would attack him¡­ Now Thalia was like a frenzied lioness, possessed of incredible strength. Malfoy¡¯s men were stunned, frozen in ce, watching the intense battle with astonishment. In all these years, no one had dared to engage their boss in hand¨Cto¨Chandbat like this. This woman truly had a death wish. Their boss had survived a deserted ind and fighting pits, and undergone years of mercenary¨Cstyle military training. Not just women¨Ceven his professionally trained male associates who regrly faced death wouldn¡¯t dare fight Malfoy. Though they all knew she was doomed to fail, the fight before them was a visual spectacle. It had been ages since they¡¯d witnessed such an impressivebat. Thalia attacked Malfoy ferociously, only to be kicked to the ground. She grabbed a nearby steel bar and swung it at Malfoy¡¯s head with all her might. Malfoy dodged by tilting his head, then seized the bar, pulling it forcefully toward himself. Thalia was dragged forward with it, about to fall. She immediately released the bar, regained her bnce, and aimed a kick at Malfoy¡¯s groin. Malfoy was momentarily stunned. Was this woman trying to kill him or ensure he could never have children? He had never encountered such fighting tactics¨Cit was truly surprising. He opened his mouth to speak, but Thalia suddenly looked up, their eyes meeting. Malfoy was shocked by the woman¡¯s gaze. Her eyes were filled with bloodthirsty madness. She was in a killing frenzy. Malfoy abandoned his previously casual attitude and the contemptuous smile on his face. That look in her eyes was so familiar. Through Thalia¡¯s eyes, he seemed to see himself as a young boy, fighting those beasts to the death in the pit years ago¡­ ?(7) Your Gold Digger 146 Gunfire echoed across the skyline. The local residents had grown ustomed to such sounds, assuming it was just another film crew shooting at the abandoned building. They had no idea that the scene unfolding inside was more dramatic than any film. Ten minutes earlier. Asher had arrived at the building precisely on time. When he reached the twenty¨Csixth floor, the sight before him made his blood run cold. Thalia was covered in blood, her face bruised purple and red. Malfoy had her by the throat, her feet dangling in the air as she struggled to breathe, her face turning crimson from theck of oxygen. Beneath her feet was the crumblin edge of the unfinished building with no railing. If Malfoy released his grip, Thalia would plummet from the 4th floor. Even Asher, with all his self¨Ccontrol, couldn¡¯t remain calm at such a sight. His heart contracted painfully, his breath catching in his throat. Malfoy tightened his grip around Thalia¡¯s neck and, keeping her suspended, turned to look at Asher with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Well, well¡­ look who¡¯s arrived on schedule.¡± Asher¡¯s throat constricted, his mouth tasting of blood. He struggled to keep his voice steady. ¡°Put her down first.¡± ¡°Bit worried, are we?¡± Malfoy¡¯s eyes gleamed with amusement, though his grip remained unchanged. Seeing the young woman struggling to breathe, herplexion worsening by the second as she verged on asphyxiation, Asher felt as though he were being yed alive¨Craw and agonizing. Asher heard his own hoarse voice. ¡°I¡¯vee alone as you requested. Let her go.¡± Malfoy smiled casually, turning his gaze toward the girl he held by the throat. Thalia was bloodied, her face turning purple, barely holding on. He shifted his grip on Thalia¡¯s neck, moved away from the edge, and tossed her onto the floor like discarded rubbish. ¡°You-¡± Asher¡¯s forehead veins bulged as he instinctively stepped toward Thalia. The next moment, a gunshot rang out. 12:35 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.3% ¡°Not so fast,¡± Malfoy toyed with a gun in his hand, his eyes cold. The bullet had struck the ground at Asher¡¯s feet, warning him not to advance. ¡°Let my men confirm you¡¯vee alone first,¡± Malfoy said with a smile. ¡°If you¡¯ve tried anything clever, neither of you will leave here alive.¡± Asher stood still, surrounded by an aura of ice¨Ccold intensity. He didn¡¯t respond to Malfoy¡¯s words, remaining silently in ce. After a moment, one of Malfoy¡¯s men approached with his report: ¡°He¡¯s alone, boss.¡± Malfoy acknowledged with a sound, his gaze mocking. ¡°Quite the bloody Romeo, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Will you release her now?¡± Asher¡¯s tone was frigid. Malfoy raised an eyebrow with a smile. ¡°But of course.¡± Thalia had already lost consciousness. Asher approached and knelt beside her to check her injuries. ¡°Why involve her in our feud? She¡¯s innocent¨Cwhy harm her?¡± he asked. Malfoy curved his lips into a provocative smile. ¡°Because¡­ she¡¯s your woman.¡± ¡°Nothing makes me happier than seeing you suffer, Asher,¡± Malfoy taunted. Asher kept his head down, his fists clenched tight, murderous intent shing in his eyes. He suppressed his overwhelming hatred and fury as he performed CPR on Thalia. After his efforts, Thalia finally regained consciousness. ¡°A¡­sher¡­¡± Her voice was barely recognizable, rough and broken. Asher¡¯s heart clenched painfully. ¡°Lia¡­¡± Thalia opened her eyes to see Asher, her gaze first registering joy, then quickly shifting to worry and rm. ¡°Why did youe? Go¨Cget out now! Don¡¯t worry about me!¡± Thalia rasped with difficulty. ¡°Lia¡­¡± Asher¡¯s expression was deeply moved. 12:35 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5% Malfoy pped his hands, looking at Asher and Thalia with a mocking tone. ¡°How bloody touching, truly.¡± Asher raised his head to meet Malfoy¡¯s gaze. ¡°Take me instead. Send someone to escort her away from here.¡± Malfoy¡¯s smile was beautiful in its cruelty. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Shouldn¡¯t lovers face hardship together? Why the separate escape ns when disaster strikes?¡± Asher ignored Malfoy¡¯s taunt. He carefully lifted Thalia into his arms, taking great care not to aggravate her wounds. Yet Thalia had multiple cuts, not deep but still bleeding, staining her clothes red. Asher¡¯s heart had already shattered into pieces. ¡°I¡¯m taking her downstairs,¡± Asher stated coldly, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°You arrange for someone to escort her away.¡± Even as Asher spoke, he swiftly moved to the side, still holding Thalia. Simultaneously, a red dot appeared on Malfoy¡¯s forehead. Simr red dots appeared on the foreheads and chests of all Malfoy¡¯s men. ¡°You brought fucking snipers?¡± Malfoy roared in fury as he noticed the red dots on his men. Asher¡¯s lips curled in contempt. Malfoy¡¯s henchmen exchanged bewildered nces, clearly surprised that Asher had an ace up his sleeve. ¡°Bloody hell, I thought he came alone! Who checked?¡± one henchman cursed in a low voice. ¡°He was definitely alone when we looked,¡± another replied. ¡°Then where the bloody hell did these sniperse from?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Malfoy had experienced situations like this countless times. After his initial surprise, he quicklyposed himself, shrugging nonchntly. ¡°That¡¯s more like it. This is the Asher I know. If you¡¯d trulye alone to die for a woman, you wouldn¡¯t be worthy of being my adversary.¡± But Malfoy¡¯s demeanor suggested he had anticipated this. Now Malfoy was exposed, while Asher¡¯s forces remained hidden. Beyond the snipers, Malfoy had no idea what other resources Asher had monitoring the situation, ready to intervene at any moment. The tables had turned, putting Malfoy at a disadvantage. Yet Malfoy appearedpletely unfazed, his expression calm. 12:35 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Just then, a helicopter approached, hovering directly outside the twenty¨Csixth floor. The helicopter and the rising sun were in the same direction. Thalia turned to look, squinting against the re of the morning sunlight. Then, in the next second: ¡°Sister¡­¡± She heard a familiar voice filled with terror. Thalia¡¯s eyes flew open in shock. Lucy was being held by a muscr man, dangling like a helpless chicken. They were close enough that Thalia could clearly see the fear on Lucy¡¯s face. Thalia¡¯s expression instantly turned ghastly, her blood freezing in her veins. After Thalia had gone missing, Randolph and Victoria had been searching frantically for her, leaving Lucy unattended at the Winters estate. Victoria had put Lucy to bed before leaving, but shortly after her departure, Malfoy¡¯s men had broken into the Winters home and abducted Lucy. Malfoy had brought several mercenaries from Russia to Britain. The men who had kidnapped Lucy were professionally trained military operatives¨Cordinary security guards were no match for them. Malfoy looked at Thalia and Asher with a smile. ¡°What do you think¡­ if we dropped her from here, what state would she be in when she hit the ground?¡± ¡°No! Don¡¯t touch her!¡± Thalia screamed hoarsely. ¡°Hah!¡± Malfoyughed. ¡°Tell your man,¡± he said to Thalia, ¡°to let all of us leave, or your sister will be smashed to a pulp before your eyes.¡± 12:35 Your Gold Digger 147 Chapter 147 This day had been long awaited by Asher. With Malfoy finally within his grasp, he could atst capture both Malfoy and his subordinates in one fell swoop. Outside, many of his meny in wait¨Cnot just snipers, but also mercenaries he had urgently brought in from abroad overnight. When Asher had arrived, he¡¯d carefully assessed the situation and confirmed his earlier prediction: Malfoy had few resources left in Britain. The men here represented almost all of his remaining British operation. ording to the rescue n Asher had formted the previous night, if all went smoothly, he could both save Thalia and capture Malfoy along with all his British associates. However, this n required him to put himself at risk. If it failed, neither he nor Thalia would survive. Now, they were on the verge of sess. Then suddenly, an unexpectedplication arose. Asher hadn¡¯t anticipated that Malfoy would send men to kidnap Lucy¡­ ¡°Save Lucy¡­ Asher, please save Lucy¡­¡± Thalia was still cradled in Asher¡¯s arms. She clutched his cor desperately, her eyes filled with pleading. Asher¡¯s eyes darkened with conflict. He had waited so long for this opportunity. They were in Harwich, on Ennd¡¯s eastern coast in Essex. The Nethendsy just across the North Sea. The helicopter hovered before them. If Malfoy escaped to his Dutch stronghold now, he would have two options¨Ctake a sea route to the Nethends and then return to Russia, or fly directly to the Nethends before returning to his Russian headquarters. With Malfoy¡¯s drug and arms trafficking operations in the Nethends, and his main base in Russia, dealing with him in the future would be nearly impossible. But with Lucy as a hostage, Asher had to consider his options carefully. Asher lowered his gaze to meet Thalia¡¯s imploring eyes, his heart aching. True Heiress 96.1% In the helicopter, Lucy continued to cry and struggle. ¡°Sister¡­ please¡­ help me, sister¡­¡± her sobs carried across to them. Malfoy was in no hurry. He simply waited, smiling at them. He knew the snipers outside were using red dot scopes, These enhanced uracy even when the target was mording, allowing for precise headshots regardless of how the target might weave or dodge. In this situation, Malfoy and his men had virtually no chance of escape, No matter how quickly they moved, they couldn¡¯t evade bullets from the red dot scopes, Malfoy looked at Asher with casual confidence. He wasn¡¯t afraid to die. He was curious about Asher¡¯s choice. In his view, sacrificing one little girl to eliminate a mortal enemy and his entire operation would be an easy decision. He wouldn¡¯t hesitate to abandon the child. In his eyes, human life held no precious value worthy of protection. After a moment, Asher said: ¡°Release Lucy, and I¡¯ll let you go. But your men must stay behind.¡± This answer seemed to both surprise Malfoy and yet align with his expectations. Malfoy curved his lips into a smile and pointed at Jerry. ¡°I¡¯m taking him with me.¡± Jerry had been with him for many years, his most capable assistant and the most skilled operative after Malfoy himself. With Jerry at his side, many tasks could be aplished efficiently without Malfoy¡¯s direct involvement. Naturally, Malfoy was reluctant to abandon such a valuable subordinate. Asher¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°Not a chance.¡± Hearing this, Malfoy let out a cold snort. ¡°Fine by me. I don¡¯t mind dropping this little girl.¡± The hands clutching Asher¡¯s cor tightened further. Asher¡¯s lips set in a rigid line. After a moment, he conceded. ¡°All right.¡± ¡°To the roof,¡± Malfoy said, then strode toward the staircase with long steps. It was just five more floors to the rooftop. The helicopter ascended alongside them, heading for the roof. 96.2% Asher carried Thalia and followed. In his arms, Thalia continued to grip Asher¡¯s shirt tightly, her eyes filled with tension and worry. Asher¡¯s gaze softened as he reassured her gently: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Lia. Your sister will be safe.¡± Thalia¡¯s hands trembled as they clutched his shirt. When people are extremely nervous and frightened, they cannot control their body¡¯s instinctive reactions. When Thalia had been fighting Malfoy, she had feared nothing, not even death. But the moment she saw Lucy, her blood froze in an instant. She could face her own death, but she couldn¡¯t bear to watch her young sister being brutally killed before her eyes Asher reassured her again: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lia.¡± On the rooftop. The helicopter hadnded. Lucy was still in the grip of the muscr, imposing man. As they moved, the snipers hidden in the surrounding buildings adjusted their positions ordingly. Fortunately, the snipers were positioned in the tallest building in the area. Even though Malfoy¡¯s group had ascended five more floors, the snipers still maintained their tactical advantage, finding optimal shooting positions. Seeing the red dots reappear on his men¡¯s foreheads, Malfoy remained unperturbed. He moved toward the helicopter. Asher approached to take the hostage. Just as Malfoy boarded the helicopter and Asher was about to reach Lucy, a bullet whizzed through the air. The bullet struck the helicopter¡¯s fusge with a loud bang. This unexpected development disrupted the n. Both Asher and the man holding Lucy instinctively retreated, widening the distance between them. ¡°Police! Nobody move!¡± In an instant, several officers appeared at the rooftop entrance. Malfoy¡¯s expression darkened severely. ¡°You called the bloody police?¡± Malfoy snapped, ring at Asher. Vero Cold Therer is Actually A True Heiress Asher was equally startled. ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± he replied. This was exactly the scenario he had feared most, and now it was unfolding¡­ ¡°Asher, since you¡¯ve broken our agreement, you can hardly me me for what happens next,¡± Malfoy said as he closed the helicopter door. Everything happened so quickly that Asher had no time to intervene before Malfoy sealed the door. The officers fired several shots at the helicopter, but ordinary handgun bullets had no effect on Malfoy¡¯s specially reinforced bulletproof aircraft. After several shots, the helicopter remainedpletely undamaged. As the helicopter took off, the police continued firing, to no avail. ¡°No! We can¡¯t let him leave¨CLucy¡¯s still with him!¡± Thalia cried out in panic, seeing that Malfoy hadn¡¯t released her sister. Asher hadn¡¯t anticipated the police intervention. How had this happened? The previous evening, he had specifically returned to the ckwood residence to prevent exactly this scenario. He had coordinated with both families and informed the police that Thalia had been found. Before leaving, he had repeatedly emphasized to both families that he could rescue Thalia himself and warned them not to contact the police, which would jeopardize his n. Yet now¡­ As the helicopter took off, the snipers could see that the little girl was still in Malfoy¡¯s custody. Without Asher¡¯s order. they didn¡¯t dare to fire. Seeing Malfoy escaping with Lucy, Thalia broke free from Asher¡¯s arms and ran a few steps in desperate pursuit. But it was futile. ¡°How could this happen? Why did he suddenly change his mind?¡± Thalia could only watch helplessly as Malfoy flew farther away with Lucy. (5) Your Gold Digger 148 Thalia followed Asher in a dazed state to the local police station to give their statements. Upon learning Asher¡¯s identity, the police¡¯s attitude toward them improved noticeably. From the officers, Asher discovered that the person who had called the police was a man whose identity had been traced through technical means. This person was Drake Ashcroft. An officer exined: ¡°The caller imed his girlfriend had been kidnapped and taken to Harwich. He also mentioned that the kidnappers were likely armed. Upon receiving this report, we immediately initiated a search operation and, once we confirmed the location, rushed to the scene¡­¡± The police shared this information with Asher privately; Thalia wasn¡¯t privy to it. Soon, theypleted their statements. Thalia emerged from the interview room. ¡°You¡¯re free to go now,¡± an officer told them. ¡°Officer, my sister has been kidnapped. Please, you must save her¡­ the man who took her¡­ he¡¯s aplete madman. My sister is only eight years old. In his hands, she¡­ I¡­¡± Thalia was extremely distraught, her words broken and tearful. Although Lucy was her stepmother¡¯s daughter, they had been together for so long that Thalia genuinely loved her half¨Csister. Though she rarely expressed it verbally, in her heart she had epted Victoria and Lucy as her family. She couldn¡¯t bear to imagine what would happen if her sister never returned¡­ ¡°The suspect crossed the border by helicopter,¡± the officer exined. ¡°We¡¯re attempting to liaise with Dutch authorities to request assistance in apprehending him. We¡¯ll notify you immediately if we receive any informa Harwich was already near the border. The abandoned building Malfoy had chosen wasn¡¯t far from it, allowing the helicopter to quickly cross into Dutch territory. From there, they could return to Russia via the Nethends, cing them beyond British jurisdiction. The British police could only contact their Dutch counterparts to request Malfoy¡¯s arrest. Malfoy and Jerry had escaped by helicopter, while all his other associates were arrested. Faced with Thalia¡¯s inconsble sobbing, Asher knew that words would offer littlefort. He remained silent, standing beside her and gently holding her hand in quiet support. 96.7% Just then, Asher¡¯s phone rang. He nced at the screen and saw it was Randolph calling. Asher instinctively looked at Thalia. She was still talking to the officer about Lucy, unaware of Asher¡¯s phone call. ¡°I need to take this,¡± Asher said softly, squeezing Thalia¡¯s hand. He walked a short distance away to answer. ¡°Asher, Lucy¡¯s missing too. Where are you? Have you reached Harwich? Have you seen Malfoy? Are both Thal¨ªa and Lucy in his custody? What¡¯s the situation? Can you rescue them¡­?¡± As soon as the call connected, Randolph fired off a barrage of questions. Asher provided a detailed ount of the current situation. When Randolph learned that his younger daughter had been kidnapped and taken to Russia, his hand trembled and he dropped the phone. The line filled with static. Soon after, Victoria¡¯s voice came through, sounding as though she had lost all control over her emotions. After leaving the police station, Thalia boarded a private jet with Asher, returning to London. Asher exined Malfoy¡¯s conditions to Thalia, as well as his original rescue n. ¡°So if someone hadn¡¯t called the police, you could have rescued Lucy even though Malfoy had kidnapped her, right?¡± After hearing everything. Thalia¡¯s eyes shed with fury. ¡°Yes,¡± Asher replied, lowering his gaze. ¡°At the police station, I asked who made the call. It was Drake Ashcr ¡°Drake Ashcroft?¡± Thalia frowned deeply. ¡°I¡¯ve only been missing for one night. I normally have no contact with him whatsoever¨Chow on earth did he know I¡¯d been kidnapped?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what puzzles me as well. Initially, it was your friend who reported you missing because she couldn¡¯t reach you. Later, I specifically went home to instruct both our families to tell the police you¡¯d been found and to prevent further police involvement. By all logic, Drake shouldn¡¯t have known you were missing, let alone kidnapped.¡± After the three¨Chour flight, Thalia¡¯s emotions had stabilized. What had happened couldn¡¯t be changed¨CLucy had been taken to Russia by Malfoy. After her initial emotional thee A True HeireeS 96.9% breakdown, Thalia began to think more clearly. ¡°And he even knew I¡¯d been taken to Harwich¡­¡± Thalia analyzed calmly. ¡°Someone must have told him about my kidnapping, or he has connections to Malfoy¡¯s people. Otherwise, he couldn¡¯t possibly have known such specific details.¡± Asher¡¯s expression turned grave. ¡°The only people who knew you¡¯d been taken to Harwich were¡­ At the ckwood residence. Randolph sat on the sofa, his expression fraught with anger and worry, waiting for Asher to return with Thalia. Three hours earlier, Victoria had fainted upon learning that Lucy had been taken to Russia by Malfoy. She was now in hospital, while Randolph remained at the ckwood residence awaiting Asher¡¯s return. The ckwood family was relieved to hear that Asher was safe. As for Lucy, they were genuinely concerned about her kidnapping, especially Catherine. However, since Lucy wasn¡¯t a ckwood, they couldn¡¯t be expected to be as frantic as Randolph and Victoria. When Asher arrived with Thalia, everyone rose to greet them. Randolph was the first to rush forward, inquiring about the situation. After offering some reassurance to Randolph, Asher narrowed his eyes and scanned the faces of everyone present, his gaze cold and prating. ¡°Which one of you leaked information about Thalia¡¯s kidnapping by Malfoy?¡± The ckwood family members exchanged bewildered nces. Lady ckwood was the first to speak: ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡± A chilling aura emanated from Asher as he set his jaw, his expression severe. ¡°Only you knew my n, kne. Thalia had been taken to Harwich by Malfoy. I repeatedly emphasized before leaving that the police must not be involved. Why did someone still call them?¡± ¡°What! Someone called the police?¡± Grace stared in shock. ¡°Could it have been one of Thalia¡¯s friends?¡± ¡°No,¡± Asher replied coldly. ¡°Last night, I already contacted Sebastian and James. I asked them to help notify Thalia¡¯s other friends, including the one who initially reported her missing. They were all informed and wouldn¡¯t have called the police.¡± Asher¡¯s gaze was scrutinizing as he examined each person present. 97.0% Moiress ¡°Brother, don¡¯t you trust us? Do you really think we called the police?¡± Grace¡¯s face showed hurt. ¡°You repeatedly warned us not to involve the police before you left. How could it possibly be any of us?¡± Catherine added: ¡°That¡¯s right, Asher. Though I was concerned for your safety, I ultimately agreed with your rescue n. I wouldn¡¯t sabotage your efforts to save Thalia by calling the police.¡± Asher remained unmoved, his expression still cold. ¡°I know perfectly well that none of you called the police directly¨Cit was Drake Ashcroft. But someone among you leaked the information.¡± Your Gold Digger 149 The statement stunned everyone present. Andrew¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Everyone here is family. What exactly are you implying, Asher? Are you suggesting that one of our own leaked information to outsiders to harm you?¡± Lady ckwood also spoke up: ¡°Indeed, Asher. You specifically instructed us not to contact the police before you left. Even if I¡¯m getting on a bit, I¡¯m hardly senile. We didn¡¯t call the police, and we certainly wouldn¡¯t leak information that could endanger your life to outsiders.¡± Randolph added: ¡°I can absolutely guarantee that neither Victoria nor I leaked any information. Thalia was still in their hands¨Cleaking information could have cost both your lives. We absolutely wouldn¡¯t take such a risk. Even when Lucy disappeared shortly after you left, we remembered your strict instructions not to involve the police.¡± Catherine strongly disagreed with Asher¡¯s usation. ¡°There must be some misunderstanding here.¡± Grace interjected: ¡°That¡¯s right, brother. This must be a misunderstanding. Perhaps one of Thalia¡¯s friends or colleagues identally let something slip, and someone with ill intentions overheard and deliberately called the police to sabotage you.¡± Before Asher could respond, Thalia suddenlyughed. Her lips twisted into a cold smile, her eyes like frozen daggers. ¡°Grace, the person who called the police was Drake Ashcroft. You leaked the information to him, didn¡¯t you?¡± ked Grace¡¯s face paled. ¡°Thalia, what on earth are you saying? How could I possibly¡ª¡± A sharp, resounding p interrupted her. Grace hadn¡¯t finished speaking before Thalia struck her across the face. The p was so swift and forceful that Randolph and the ckwood family were momentarily stunned, clearly caught off guard. Grace clutched her cheek, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°Thalia, I know you¡¯ve never liked me, but you can¡¯t just use me without evidence¡­¡± any As she spoke, Grace turned toward Lady ckwood. ¡°Grandmother, please, you must stand up for me.¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°Thalia Winters, how dare you p Grace in front of all of us! You have absolutely no breeding! Is this how your parents raised you? Resorting to violence at the slightest provocation¨Csome cultured heiress you are! You¡¯re nothing but amon shrew!¡± Andrew¡¯s expression was equally displeased. Grace was his adopted daughter, a member of the ckwood family. For Thalia to p her in front of them was tantamount to pping the entire ckwood family in the face. 97.4% Andrew¡¯s tone was disapproving: ¡°Thalia, you¡¯ve gone too far. If you have something to say, say it properly. There¡¯s no need for violence¡­¡± ¡°Thalia, please calm down¡­¡± Catherine urged. Unlike the other ckwood family members, Asher¡¯s first reaction was to step forward and shield Thalia, concerned that Grace might retaliate. Of course, Grace was no match for Thalia in a physical confrontation. Nevertheless, Asher instinctively moved to protect Thalia. This gesture was like a knife to Grace¡¯s heart, causing her face to pale even further. Initially caught off guard, Randolph quickly recovered when he heard Lady ckwood insulting his daughter. Abandoning all pretense of respect for elders or social niceties, he immediately confronted her. ¡°Lady ckwood, I¡¯ve shown you respect as the ckwood matriarch, yet you publicly call my daughter a shrew? How bloody dare you! If Thalia is a shrew, what does that make your Grace? At that party, she ndered Thalia, and you immediately took her side without investigating, humiliating my daughter. When Thalia found video evidence, you all refused to watch it. Have you forgotten? Is this how you¡¯ve raised your granddaughter? Judging by her behaviour, Thalia must have had good reason to p her!¡± Randolph was furious, his voice rising. ¡°Furthermore, Thalia was kidnapped because of her connection to your family. Now Lucy has been taken to Russia by your illegitimate grandson, her fate unknown. If your adopted daughter leaked information, I¡¯d want to kill her myself! A p is getting off bloody lightly!¡± ¡°You¨CRandolph, you-¡± Lady ckwood was so enraged her chest heaved violently. She pointed a trembling finger at Randolph. ¡°You¡¯repletelywless! Threatening to kill Grace in broad daylight¨Chave you no respect for thew? I should call the police and have you arrested this instant!¡± ¡°Ha! The police?¡± Randolphughed coldly. ¡°Go ahead! Let them investigate exactly what happened with Thalia¡¯s kidnapping!¡± ¡°You-¡± Lady ckwood¡¯s face turned ashen, her breathingboured as if she might lose consciousness. ¡°Quickly! Get thedy¡¯s medication!¡± Andrew shouted to a servant. The servant rushed to retrieve the medicine. Meanwhile, Asher spoke up. ¡°Since Grandmother wants to involve the police, let¡¯s do that. I¡¯d also like to know who leaked the information, why Malfoy knew about Thalia¡¯s whereabouts, and why he knew the real reason behind our breakup and cancelled engagement.¡± He fixed Grace with a cold stare. ¡°You¨Cstay right where you are and wait for the police.¡± 97.5% Grace looked on the verge of tears, herrge eyes glistening. ¡°Brother, you don¡¯t believe me¡­.. This concerned your life¨Chow could I possibly leak information to outsiders¡­¡± *Randolph, get out! Get out of our house! You¡¯re not wee in the ckwood home¡­.¡± Lady ckwood red at Randolph, her eyes zing with anger. Asher¡¯s voice was frigid. ¡°Grandmother, that¡¯s enough.¡± Though he addressed her as ¡°Grandmother,¡± his tone wasmanding and intimidating, brooking no opposition. Seeing her precious grandson protecting Thalia and using such a tone with her, Lady ckwood felt her heart turn ice¨Ccold. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not bloody leaving,¡± Randolph retorted. He returned Lady ckwood¡¯s re with equal intensity. ¡°Call the police! I want them to uncover the truth!¡± Andrew tried to mediate. ¡°Come now, we¡¯re all family here. Let¡¯s all calm down a bit.¡± Randolph scoffed: ¡°Family? Don¡¯t make meugh. Your kind of family is deadly¨Cgetting involved with you lot is life¨Cthreatening!¡± Andrew sighed, turning to Lady ckwood with a helpless expression. ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t get upset. Don¡¯t trigger your heart condition. Why don¡¯t you go upstairs to rest? Asher and I can handle this.¡± ¡°Yes, Mother, please rest first,¡± Catherine added. ¡°I will not!¡± Lady ckwood dered loudly. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the police to arrive and uncover the truth, and then Thalia will apologize to Grace.¡± Hearing this, Thalia gave a coldugh. ¡°Apologize? Not bloody likely.¡± Grace¡¯s tears fell silently as she sobbed. ¡°Grandmother, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ve done wrong to make Thalia hate me so much. I really didn¡¯t leak any information¡­ Father, Mother, please believe me.¡± Seeing his daughter crying with a red handprint on her face, Andrew¡¯s heart softened. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, wronged.¡± Catherine, however, furrowed her brow. Her gaze settled on Grace, thoughtful. I¡¯ve been Thalia stepped out from behind Asher, fixing Grace with an icy stare. ¡°Stop the act, you maniptive cow. It¡¯s revolting.¡± Thisment further infuriated Lady ckwood. Seeing Lady ckwood struggling to breathe, the servant quickly administered her medication. 97.7% Andrew frowned at Thalia. ¡°You should watch what you say¡­¡± Thalia snorted dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m no longer your future daughter¨Cinw. Why should I listen to you?¡± This retort left Andrew speechless. ¡°No one¡¯s calling the police, then?¡± Randolph took out his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± O (20) (0) Your Gold Digger 150 Randolph called the police, who arrived promptly. After assessing the situation, the officers exined that since Lucy had been kidnapped in London, they had jurisdiction to investigate the case. They would work with the Harwich police and Russian authorities to apprehend Tom Malfoy, However, regarding their dispute about who leaked information to Drake Ashcroft, the police stated this wasn¡¯t a police matter and advised them to resolve it themselves. After the police left, Lady ckwood, having taken her medication, was not prepared to let Thalia off the hook The elderly woman insisted that Thalia apologize to Grace. Thaliaughed coldly. ¡°Apologize? She hardly deserves it.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Lady ckwood red at Thalia. ¡°Thank goodness you never joined the ckwood family!¡± Both Catherine and Asher frowned simultaneously. Catherine spoke up: ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t speak like that. Thalia has just been through a kidnapping ordeal and nearly lost her life. Moreover, she suffered this because of our family. Her sister¡¯s fate is still unknown. Though she struck Grace, it was a momentary outburst¡­¡± Asher furrowed his brow and said coldly: ¡°I was the one who pursued Thalia, not the other way around. She wasn¡¯t desperate to marry into the ckwood family. Please refrain from making suchments in future.¡± Randolph¡¯s eyes reflected disdain. ¡°We have no interest in your bloody ckwood family. Thalia, let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Thalia agreed. She stared directly at Lady ckwood, her eyes cold as ice. ¡°I will get to the bottom of who leaked the information. If I find evidence that Grace was responsible, I won¡¯t let her off lightly.¡± With that, Thalia turned to leave, but Asher quickly grabbed her wrist. ¡°Lia¡­¡± Thalia lowered her gaze to his hand on her wrist and said coldly: ¡°Let go. Asher pressed his lips together but didn¡¯t release her. ¡± Thalia pulled her hand free from Asher¡¯s grip, her eyes fierce. ¡°If Grace leaked the information, I¡¯ll make her pay the price, even if it means bing your enemy¨Cbing an enemy of the entire ckwood family.¡± 98.0% Asher was momentarily stunned, a sharp pain spreading through his heart. Why didn¡¯t she believe he would stand with her? If Grace had indeed leaked information to Drake, Asher would be the first to hold her ountable. Why did Thalia automatically assume he would protect Grace and oppose her? Asher¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed, but he couldn¡¯t utter a single word. Having said her piece, Thalia left without hesitation. ¡°Stop right there!¡± Lady ckwoodmanded angrily. ¡°Since when does the ckwood household tolerate such behaviour? You strike someone and think you can simply walk away? Who do you think you are?¡± ¡°Grandmother!¡± Asher¡¯s patience had reached its limit, his voice sharp with irritation. Though not loud, his tone carried unmistakable authority. Lady ckwood fell silent immediately. Grace, tears streaming down her face, gently bit her lower lip and reached for Asher¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Brother, I really¡­¡± Asher pushed Grace away abruptly and headed upstairs, already making a phone call as he went. Grace, nearly losing her bnce from the forceful push, red at Thalia¡¯s retreating figure with increased hatred. After Randolph and Thalia left, Lady ckwood continued her incessantining. Catherine gave Grace a cool, appraising look, then went upstairs withoutment. Andrew, listening to his mother¡¯s unceasing litany of grievances, developed a severe headache. He furrowed his brow and wearily massaged his temples. ¡°Mother, you¡¯re being rather unreasonable. The Winters family has suffered repeatedly because of us. How can you still harbour such animosity toward Thalia?¡± Lady ckwood was incensed. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®unreasonable¡®? She just pped Grace in front of all of us without a shred of evidence. What kind of father are you? Your daughter gets pped, and not only do you fail to defend her, but you use me of being unreasonable. Who¡¯s truly being unreasonable here?¡± Andrew sighed deeply. ¡°While it was wrong of her to strike Grace without provocation, your words were also excessively harsh. Anyway, the damage is done. Discussing it further serves no purpose.¡± Having said this, Andrew also left. Grace sat down beside Lady ckwood, sobbing, ¡°Grandmother, it¡¯s all my fault. I¡¯ve always known Thalia dislikes
  1. A True Heiress
98.2%
  1. me. I don¡¯t mind the p, but it distresses me to see you so upset on my ount. I¡¯m worried about your health
Please calm down.¡± Lady ckwood looked at Grace with affection, gently stroking her face. ¡°My poor child, I¡¯m sorry you had to endure such treatment. Does it still hurt?¡± Grace shook her head, her eyes still brimming with tears. ¡°No, Grandmother, it doesn¡¯t hurt anymore.¡± Seeing the red swelling on Grace¡¯s cheek, Lady ckwood was distraught. She immediately instructed a servant to boil eggs to help reduce the swelling. Meanwhile, Asher had called Mason, asking him to investigate Grace and Drake¡¯s recent activities. After leaving the ckwood residence, Thalia and Randolph went to visit Victoria in hospital. Victoria had regained consciousness but remained emotionally unstable. Upon seeing Thalia, her eyes immediately reddened. ¡°Thalia, your sister¡­ your sister¡­¡± Victoria broke down in tears. Thalia felt her own heart ache at the sight and offered whatfort she could. ¡°Victoria, Malfoy ns to use Lucy as leverage to negotiate with Asher. She¡¯s too valuable as a hostage, so her life shouldn¡¯t be in immediate danger. Please don¡¯t distress yourself to the point of harming your health.¡± There was logic to this reasoning. Although Tom Malfoy was a ruthless psychopath, he was also calcting. Killing Lucy would serve no purpose, whereas keeping her alive to negotiate with Asher was the most strategic approach. Thalia forced herself to remain calm, convincing herself that Lucy still had value to Malfoy, ensuring he would keep her alive. After leaving the hospital, Thalia went to a nearby mobile phone shop to purchase a new phone and rece her SIM card. When she turned it on, she was flooded with missed calls and unread messages. Thalia quickly scanned through them¨Cmost were from Asher, with the remainder from Randolph, Victoria, and her friends and colleagues. After the harrowing night, she was finally safe. 98.4% With her new phone, Thalia immediately contacted Katie. ¡°Thalia?¡± Katie seemed disbelieving, her voice tearful. ¡°Are you alright? I couldn¡¯t reach youst night and was so worried. I feared something had happened to you, so I called the police. How are you? Where are you now?¡± Thalia didn¡¯t want to involve unnecessary people or worry her friends, so she didn¡¯t mention being kidnapped by Malfoy. She responded gently: ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I¡¯m sorry, something came upst night, and I couldn¡¯t answer your call.¡± Katie sighed in relief. ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re alright.¡± Thalia then asked: ¡°Where are you now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m at the hotel.¡± ¡°Send me the address. I¡¯lle to you right away.¡± Katie sent over an address. Having just left the ckwood residence, Thalia had been driven to the hospital by the Winters family driver. She had borrowed the car when leaving the hospital. Thalia checked the navigation¨Cthe hotel wasn¡¯t far, just a ten¨Cminute drive away. ? (0) (0) 98.5% Your Gold Digger 151 On the way to the hospital, Thalia returned calls to her friends Victoria and Charlotte, assuring them not to worry. Upon reaching the hotel, she caught up with Katie for a while until dinner time approached. Thalia nced at her watch and suggested: ¡°Shall we grab some dinner?¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s,¡± Katie agreed. ¡°What would you like to eat?¡± Katie smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not fussy.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a look at what¡¯s nearby, then.¡± After dinner, Thalia said: ¡°You should go ahead and submit your CV to the firm through the normal application process.¡± ¡°I will.¡± ¡°Have you found anywhere to live yet?¡± Thalia asked, inquiring whether Katie had secured a rental. Katie replied: ¡°Not yet.¡± Thalia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll help you look into some options.¡± Katie quickly waved her hands. ¡°Don¡¯t trouble yourself, Thalia. I can manage.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. You hardly know London, and I don¡¯t want you getting ripped off.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Katie hesitated briefly. ¡°If you¡¯re sure it¡¯s no bother.¡± ¡°Of course not,¡± Thalia checked the time. ¡°Let me take you back to your hotel first. I¡¯ve got someu- shortly.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± After dropping Katie at the hotel, Thalia immediately drove to Ashcroft Group headquarters. At half past five, the employees hadn¡¯t yet left for the day, so Drake was likely still in the office. Just as she parked outside the Ashcroft building, her phone rang with an unknown number.
  1. A True Heiress
end to 98.7% In fact, when Thalia had first turned on her new phone, she¡¯d noticed several calls from unknown numbers but had paid them little attention. The phone rang several times before she answered: ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Thalia, you finally picked up. Where are you? Are you okay? Did Malfoy hurt you?¡± It was Drake¡¯s voice. Thalia¡¯s grip tightened on the phone as a surge of rage coursed through her. Suppressing her fury, she replied coldly: ¡°Me? Thanks to you, I nearly died. As it happens, I¡¯m right outside your office building. Come down and let¡¯s have a chat.¡± ¡°You¡¯re outside my building?¡± Drake sounded disbelieving and repeated the question. Thalia responded impatiently: ¡°Stop wasting time. Juste down.¡± Drake quickly replied: ¡°Okay, sure. Wait for me in the lobby. I¡¯ll be right down.¡± After hanging up, Thalia walked to the lobby and sat on a sofa. Before Drake appeared, she encountered another familiar face. Sienna was wearing a cream¨Ccolored Chanel suit, carrying a white LV handbag with light blue patterns. Her outfit was strikingly simr to Thalia¡¯s, and even her hairstyle was identical. Thalia didn¡¯t recognize her immediately, merely noting that the woman¡¯s style strongly resembled her own. Looking closer, she realized with interest that the woman was Sienna. What was this about? Was she copying Thalia¡¯s style? Thalia frowned. Sienna was imitating her? It felt as though something unpleasant was stalking her. Sensing her gaze, Sienna turned, hesitated in her steps, and frowned. ¡°Thalia Winters?¡± rm bells instantly rang in Sienna¡¯s mind as her expression darkened. She walked over and demanded, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Seated on the sofa, Thalia looked up at her with a casual, mocking tone: ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t you. I saw you earlier and thought you were my sister or something. Why have you started copying me? ying the doppelg?nger game, are we?¡± Sienna¡¯s face paled. She noticed that? 98.8% Quicklyposing herself, she responded defensively: ¡°Copying you? God, you¡¯re so full of yourself. Why would I need to copy you?¡± Thalia scrutinized her from head to toe. Then, suddenly, she let out a derisiveugh. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Sienna asked, irritated. ¡°I just remembered a story,¡± Thalia replied with a contemptuous nce. ¡°Have you ever heard of the ugly woman who tried to imitate the beautiful one¡¯s frown, Miss Quinn?¡± Sienna¡¯s face turned green with anger. Of course she knew that story. ¡°Thalia Winters, I¡¯ve met conceited people before, but you really take the cake. What, is this style your patent? Only you¡¯re allowed to dress this way?¡± Thalia looked at her with amusement. ¡°The style isn¡¯t my patent, of course. I understand, Miss Quinn. It¡¯s just a coincidence that your outfit resembles mine, your hair resembles mine, your makeup resembles mine, and even your perfume happens to be the same as mine. Correct? It¡¯s all just a happy ident. You¡¯re certainly not copying me, just a massive coincidence.¡± Sienna¡¯s expression turned extremely unpleasant. She was about to retort when a male voice interrupted. ¡°Thalia!¡± Drake¡¯s excited voice rang out. Sienna froze. Thalia¡¯s face darkened as she coldly regarded Drake. Sienna red at Thalia. ¡°You¡¯re here for Drake? Thalia, you guys broke up forever ago. Why are you still chasing after him? That desperate for male attention, huh?¡± Thaliaughed coldly. ¡°You think everyone¡¯s like you, picking up rubbish and treating it like treasure? Drake approached just in time to hear thisment. Thalia had called him rubbish, which did cause him a small pang of disappointment. But it didn¡¯t matter. He was used to it. He knew that given his past treatment of Thalia, ¡°rubbish¡± was actually quite mild. He was self¨Caware enough to recognize this. 99.0% Chapter 1st ¡°Thalia, I¡¯m just d you¡¯re safe,¡± Drake said as he reached her, his expression gentle, his eyes full of lingering affection. This remark immediately angered Thalia. She abruptly stood from the sofa and pped him across the face The sharp, resounding p was jarringly out of ce in the lobby. The few passersby all turned to look, and the receptionists cast curious nces their way. Drake was rather handsome and always well¨Cdressed. Some female employees, including the receptionists, harbored secret crushes on him. Seeing him get pped, the receptionist was stunned. If she hadn¡¯t feared losing her job, she would have recorded this dramatic moment to show the other employees upstairs¨Ctheir CEO being pped by a woman was quite the spectacle. ¡°Thalia Winters, are you out of your mind?¡± Sienna cried out when she recovered from the shock of seeing Drake pped, clearly distressed. Sienna pulled Drake toward her concernedly. ¡°Drake, are you okay? Let me see your face.¡± Drake had turned his head with the force of the p. After a moment of stunned silence, he brushed Sienna¡¯s hand away and met Thalia¡¯s gaze. Drake asked with a wounded expression: ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Thalia?¡± Thalia¡¯s voice was icy, radiating a palpable chill. ¡°You called the police?¡± Drake replied: ¡°Yeah, I did. I heard you¡¯d been kidnapped. I was worried about you, thought something bad might happen.¡± Thalia¡¯s face flushed with anger as she coldly demanded: ¡°How did you know I¡¯d been kidnapped by Malfoy? Was it Grace who told you?¡± ? (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 152 Drake¡¯s expression shifted subtly. Grace had just contacted him, emphatically insisting that he must never let Thalia and Asher discover their Connection. Besides, Arno Jones had already been arrested. There wouldn¡¯t be serious consequences even if Thalia learned about his connection to Jones. Drake shook his head. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t her.¡± Thalia red at him, her voice harsh. ¡°Then how did you know? How did you know Malfoy had taken me to Harwich? How did you know about Asher¡¯s n? Did you deliberately call the police hoping we¡¯d never return?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Drake¡¯s eyes flickered with urgency as he hastened to exin. ¡°That¡¯s not it, Thalia. I didn¡¯t know Asher¡¯s n. I only knew you¡¯d been kidnapped by Malfoy. I called the police to save you! How could I possibly just stand by and do nothing when you were in danger?¡± Thalia¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you onest time. How did you know I¡¯d been taken to Harwich by Malfoy?¡± ¡°It was¡­ one of his associates who told me¡­¡± Drake averted his gaze, visibly ufortable. Thalia¡¯s eyes remained locked on Drake as she asked, ¡°Why would Malfoy¡¯s associate tell you anything?¡± Drake exined: ¡°Mypany was facing bankruptcy. I was seeking investment everywhere, but because I¡¯d offended the ckwood family, the Sullivan family, and your Winters family, nopanies dared to help us. Then a man named Arno Jones approached me, offering to invest and save Ashcroft Group, with the condition that they¡¯d be the controlling shareholder.¡± This wasn¡¯t the truth. The person who had actually approached him for coboration was Grace. But he couldn¡¯t say that. ¡°Arno Jones?¡± Thalia frowned. The name was familiar. Mark¡¯s former employer had been one of Jones¡¯s subordinates. If she remembered correctly. Jones had considerable influence in London, operating in both legitimate and criminal spheres, ruthless and unscrupulous. He controlled dozens ofpanies. Financially, Jones was indeed formidable, and investing in Ashcroft Group would have been trivial for him. Recently, Jones had been arrested for criminal activities, and Thalia had learned that he was actually Malfoy¡¯s man. All thepanies he controlled in Britain were working for Malfoy, Logically, there was no reason for Jones to invest in a nearly bankruptpany like Ashcroft Group. His money would yield far greater returns if invested elsewhere. Realizing this, Thalia gave Drake a suspicious look. She asked coldly: ¡°Why would Jones invest in Ashcroft Group? Yourpany was on the verge of bankruptcy then. What benefit would he gain? I¡¯ve investigated Jones before¨Che only acts for profit and is extremely ruthless. Investing in Ashcroft Group doesn¡¯t align with his typical behavior.¡± ¡°Because I agreed to work for Malfoy,¡± Drake lowered his eyes, his tone unreadable. ¡°And also¡­¡± He paused for a few seconds, then looked directly at Thalia. ¡°He investigated my background and knew I¡¯d dated you. He also knew about my conflict with the ckwood family. He was interested in precisely these points¨Che wanted to use me against Asher¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, the anger in her dark pupils intensifying. ¡°Against Asher? You? As if you could.¡± This clearly struck a nerve with Drake. The light in his eyes dimmed, pain shing across them. His voice became somewhat hoarse. ¡°ording to Jones, Malfoy¡¯s exact words were: whatever Asher wants most, he wants Asher to lose it. Breaking you and Asher up was the simplest way to hurt him.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Thalia¡­¡± Drake stepped forward, reaching out to touch her, but Thalia pped his hand away. Thalia red at him fiercely. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Four Drake¡¯s eyes darkened with pain. ¡°It¡¯s my fault for not satisfying Malfoy, for not breaking you two up had separated you from Asher then, Malfoy would have achieved his goal and wouldn¡¯t have gone after y father and Lucy¡­¡± Thalia: ¡°???¡± This man was utterly iprehensible. Thaliaughed from sheer anger. ¡°So you¡¯re apologizing for not breaking Asher and me up?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Drake¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, Thalia¡­¡± Thalia¡¯s expression grew animated, the corners of her eyes reddening as she shouted: ¡°Drake, my sister was 99.5% kidnapped by Malfoy¡¯s men as a hostage. We could have rescued her, but because you called the police, the officers rushed in and disrupted everything. Now she¡¯s been taken to Russia!¡± Drake¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his face draining of color. ¡°What! Lucy was kidnapped too?¡± ¡°Are you absolutely certain Grace didn¡¯t tell you to call the police?¡± Thalia was livid. ¡°Do you know what Malfoy told Asher on the phone? If the police were involved, he would kill his hostage immediately!¡± ¡°Grace knew everything. She made you call the police because she wanted Malfoy to kill me. You¡¯ve been used, don¡¯t you understand?¡± Thalia red at Drake, consumed by fury. Drake lookedpletely at a loss. Learning that he had nearly gotten Thalia killed, his face paled, the pain in his eyes deepening. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Thalia. I had no idea. If I¡¯d known, I would never have called the police¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Thalia cut him off sharply. ¡°Drake, tell me the truth. Did your call to the police really have nothing to do with Grace?¡± Drake pressed his lips together tightly, his hands hanging at his sides, clenched into fists. Faced with Thalia¡¯s questioning, he almost couldn¡¯t resist revealing the truth, but¡­ Although Arno Jones had been caught, the nominal controlling shareholder of Ashcroft Group remained unaffected. Ashcroft Group was now Malfoy¡¯s ything. Even though Malfoy had returned to Russia, with just one word from him, Ashcroft Group could again face bankruptcy. The current Ashcroft Group, while still bearing the name, had effectively be ¡°Malfoy¡¯s¡± long ago. Drake weighed the pros and cons in his mind. After all, thepany represented his father¡¯s life¡¯s work. Having it exist was better than not having it at all. He couldn¡¯t expose Grace yet. ¡°It had nothing to do with her,¡± Drake finally said, his voice slightly hoarse. Thalia simply looked at him silently. After a few seconds, she gave a lightugh, said nothing more, and turned to leave. Sienna, who had been listening the whole time, approached Drake again. ¡°Drake, are you okay? Let me get you some ice for your face.¡± Drake ignored Sienna, roughly pushing her away, his expression full of impatience. ¡°Get lost!¡± He turned away angrily, took out his phone, and began making a call. He needed to find out whether Grace knew about Malfoy¡¯s threat to kill the hostage if the police were called. If she knew, then she had used him to indirectly kill the woman he loved most If that was true, he would never forgive her. (0) Your Gold Digger 153 Chapter 153 Thalia opened the driver¡¯s door, sat down, fastened her seatbelt, and made a call. ¡°I need you to check the business records of Ashcroft Group,¡± she said. Thalia¡¯s eyes were cold as her slender, pale fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel. ¡°Also, find me a reliable private investigator. I want to investigate Drake Ashcroft.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± After hanging up, Thalia tossed her phone onto the passenger seat, pressed the elerator, and drove away. Dusk was falling, and the city lights were beginning to illuminate the streets. It was rush hour, and the roads werepletely congested. Her ck Rolls¨CRoyce Phantom was buried in an endless queue of traffic. The gridlock was irritating and frustrating. Just then, her phone rang. Thalia picked it up and nced at the screen. It was Asher calling. After their breakup, Thalia had kept Asher¡¯s number, though it hadn¡¯t appeared in her call history for quite some time. She initially didn¡¯t want to answer, but then thought he might be calling about Lucy. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she answered. Her tone was cold and distant. ¡°Hello, what is it?¡± ¡°The police just called to say they¡¯re discussing a n with Russian authorities to rescue Lucy,¡± Asher said. Thalia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her breathing quickening. ¡°Do they think they can seed?¡± Asher paused, his cool voiceing through the phone. ¡°On that point, the police couldn¡¯t give any guarantees.¡± How well Thalia understood this. But because her sister¡¯s life was at stake, she couldn¡¯t help asking. After a moment of silence, Thalia asked, ¡°Is there anything else?¡± 98.1% Heiress Asher hesitated, his voice bing slightly hoarse through the phone. ¡°Lia, L¡­¡± Sensing that what Asher was about to say had nothing to do with Lucy, Thalia interrupted, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing urgent, I¡¯m going to hang up.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Asher quickly said. ¡°Lia, I¡¯m sorry about what my grandmother said to you at our house earlier. I apologise on her behalf. I really am sorry.¡± Thalia remained silent. She looked up through the windscreen at the endless queue of traffic, her gaze unfocused. To say she hadn¡¯t been affected by Lady ckwood¡¯s words would be a lie she wouldn¡¯t even believe herself. The person on the other end of the line also fell silent. He seemed to be waiting for her response. The air felt stifling. Thalia lowered the window slightly to improve cirction. The cold wind from outside rushed in, finally allowing her constricted chest to breathe normally. After a moment, Thalia heard herself speak in a deliberately casual, indifferent tone. ¡°No need. It¡¯s not as if I ever wanted to marry you anyway.¡± With that, not waiting for Asher¡¯s response, she hung up. He didn¡¯t call back. By the time she reached the Winters estate, it was nine in the evening. Randolph was at the hospital with Victoria, and Lucy was gone. The grand Winters mansion felt cold and empty. The Rolls¨CRoyce Phantom entered the underground garage. After parking, Thalia took her keys and rode the lift to the first floor. The live¨Cin housekeeper was mopping the floor in the living room. Seeing Thalia return, she smiled warmly. ¡°Good evening, Miss Thalia. Would you like something to eat?¡± Thalia nodded and, thinking of Victoria in the hospital, asked, ¡°Has Victoria had dinner? Is someone looking after her meals?¡± 98.2% The housekeeper replied, ¡°Yes, Mr. Winters arranged for a cook at the hospital to prepare proper meals.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Thalia turned to go upstairs. ¡°You should get some rest too.¡± Back in her room, Thalia stood by the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, allowing her mind to empty itself for a while. Thinking about her sister¡¯s current situation, Thalia felt a heavy ache in her heart. Asher had said the police were formting a n to rescue Lucy. She wanted to call and ask about the progress but, looking at the time, she restrained herself. The police would likely be off duty and resting by now. After letting her mind wander for a while, something suddenly urred to Thalia. She opened a storage box. Inside was a drawing. Thalia¡¯s eyes shed with pain as her trembling hand reached for the picture. Lucy had drawn it. The picture showed their happy family of four. Randolph and Victoria on either side, with Thalia and Lucy in the middle, all holding hands, harmonious and happy. Thalia¡¯s slender, pale fingers gently brushed over the drawing, her fingertips lingering on Lucy¡¯s figure. Almost instantly, Thalia¡¯s eyshes glistened with tears. ¡°Lucy¡­ sister¡­¡± A tear fell. St. Itnded on the drawing. Lucy had given this picture to Thalia shortly after she¡¯d returned from Manchester. At that time, Thalia had been aloof towards her clingy little sister. But Lucy hadn¡¯t been deterred by her attitude. Instead, she¡¯d be increasingly attached, increasingly obedient and considerate. Her sister was the most well¨Cbehaved, adorable, and thoughtful child in the world. Thalia¡¯s eyes were damp, her eyelids reddened. During the day at the ckwood residence, she had strictly controlled her emotions. Now, at home, she no longer needed to maintain that restraint. 98.3% With waves of pain shooting through her heart, tears fell uncontrobly like pearls from a broken string. Thalia covered her face with both hands, lowering her head in anguish. ¡°Lucy¡­¡± After his call with Grace, Drake realized he had been used and had nearly indirectly caused Thalia¡¯s death. He was filled with regret, pain, and self¨Creproach. He called Thalia several times, but she didn¡¯t answer a single call. Sienna noticed his depressed mood and approached tofort him, only to be pushed away. In Drake¡¯s office. Sienna fell to the floor, her gaze fixed on a spot on the ground, a cold light shing in her eyes. Thalia Winters, you forced me to do this. That evening, Sienna logged into her TikTok ount and started a livestream. Sienna had previously posted videos of herself ying the piano on TikTok, gathering quite a following. By the time she returned to Britain, her ount already had over a million followers. Recently, Sienna had gained even more followers by posting a series of ¡°CEO Boyfriend POV¡± and ¡°Day in the Life of a CEO¡¯s Girlfriend¡± TikToks. In her recent videos, she frequently showed glimpses of Drake¡¯s luxury cars, his mansion, corners of his expensive bespoke suits, his well¨Cdefined hands, or his tall, straight silhouette from behind¡­ Meanwhile, she always showed her face on camera, wearing meticulously applied makeup, dressed in luxury brands, carrying designer handbags¨Ctheplete image of a wealthy socialite. Netizens were obsessed. Whenever she posted a video, herments section would explode. ¡°The way I just GASPED. The wealth gap is real, bestie?¡± ¡°My phone watching me watch people who can afford Herm¨¨s: ???¡± ¡°No because WHY am I watching this while eating beans on toast?¡± ¡°My toxic trait is thinking this could be me someday¡± 98.5% Heiress ¡°The algorithm is just bullying me at this point¡± ¡°This is my viin origin story fr¡± ¡°Living vicariously through you because my bank ount could never¡± ¡°Alexa, how to manifest a CEO boyfriend overnight¡± ¡°Sorry, I think you¡¯ve got my life by mistake. I¡¯d like it back please x¡± ¡°Your boyfriend¡¯s HANDS?? Ma¡¯am I¡¯m on my knees¡± ¡°Just a day in the life of the girl I wanted to be when I was 7?. ¡°Your life is literally my dream scenario in the notes app¡± ¡°Rtionship goals! You two are MADE for each other?¡± ¡°Does your boyfriend have a brother/cousin/friend who¡¯s single? Asking for me actually¡± Simrments were endless, with each video unting her love life and luxury lifestyle receiving hundreds of thousands or even millions of likes andments. Sienna loved the feeling of being admired. Every time she read thements, her vanity was immensely satisfied. Bytching onto Drake Ashcroft and showing off their rtionship and wealth, her follower count had surpassed five million. Tonight, within five minutes of starting her livestream, there were already over ten thousand viewers in her chatroom. In the livestream, Sienna appeared with perfect makeup, crying beautifully. The chat immediately flooded with concerned messages: ¡°OMG WHAT¡¯S WRONG¡± ¡°Why are you crying queen?¡± ¡°Who hurt you? I just wanna talk?¡± ¡°Someone¡¯s getting cancelled today¡± Sienna gently bit her lower lip, her innocent and pitiful eyes looking into the camera. ¡°Good evening, everyone. I¡¯ve been strugglingtely because there¡¯s been a problem in my rtionship with Mr. Ashcroft¡­¡± ¡°Someone¡¯s been trying toe between us¡­¡± ? (0) §³§Ö 98.6% ¡°The algorithm is just bullying me at this point¡± ¡°This is my viin origin story fr¡± ¡°Living vicariously through you because my bank ount could never¡± ¡°Alexa, how to manifest a CEO boyfriend overnight¡± ¡°Sorry, I think you¡¯ve got my life by mistake. I¡¯d like it back please x¡± ¡°Your boyfriend¡¯s HANDS?? Ma¡¯am I¡¯m on my knees¡± ¡°Just a day in the life of the girl I wanted to be when I was 7?¡± ¡°Your life is literally my dream scenario in the notes app¡± ¡°Rtionship goals! You two are MADE for each other?¡± ¡°Does your boyfriend have a brother/cousin/friend who¡¯s single? Asking for me actually¡± Simrments were endless, with each video unting her love life and luxury lifestyle receiving hundreds of thousands or even millions of likes andments. Sienna loved the feeling of being admired. Every time she read thements, her vanity was immensely satisfied. -Bytching onto Drake Ashcroft and showing off their rtionship and wealth, her follower count had surpassed five million. Tonight, within five minutes of starting her livestream, there were already over ten thousand viewers in her chatroom. In the livestream, Sienna appeared with perfect makeup, crying beautifully. The chat immediately flooded with concerned messages: ¡°OMG WHAT¡¯S WRONG¡± ¡°Why are you crying queen?¡± ¡°Who hurt you? I just wanna talk?¡± ¡°Someone¡¯s getting cancelled today¡± Sienna gently bit her lower lip, her innocent and pitiful eyes looking into the camera. ¡°Good evening, everyone. I¡¯ve been strugglingtely because there¡¯s been a problem in my rtionship with Mr. Ashcroft¡­¡± ¡°Someone¡¯s been trying toe between us¡­¡± ? (0) Your Gold Digger 154 Sienna wiped away her tears and said tearfully: ¡°Those of you who¡¯ve been following me for a while know I was abroad until I returned to the Statesst year.¡± ¡°Aftering back, I reconciled with my first love.¡± The TikTokments flooded in: ¡°Is the CEO your first love, then?¡± ¡°OMG so your Mr. Ashcroft is your first love? No wonder you¡¯re couple goals. They say men never forget their first love tbh!¡± Sienna nced at thements and nodded. ¡°Yes, Mr. Ashcroft is my first love. He picked me up from the airport the day I returned, and we got back together that very night.¡± Comments: ¡°But what¡¯s this about someoneing between you?¡± Sienna lowered her eyes in silence, tears streaming silently down her face. The viewers were instantly protective. Thements section exploded with abuse directed at the supposed homewrecker. ¡°Don¡¯t cry hun! Who is she? Name and shame, we¡¯ll sort her out!¡± ¡°Expose the homewrecker! I just wanna talk?¡± ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous, the CEO would never leave you for someone else. She¡¯s probably just throwing herself at him, he might have a bit of fun but he loves YOU.¡± ¡°Absolute trash behavior, imagine knowingly being a homewrecker in 2025¡± ¡°Nooo don¡¯t cry babes, it¡¯s breaking my heart?¡± ¡°Men are all the same, always chasing something new. Don¡¯t let him live in your head rent¨Cfree.¡± ¡°Come on, tell us who she is! I¡¯m ready to throw hands!¡± Seeing things were going as nned, Sienna bit her lip and said: ¡°The other woman is Mr. Ashcroft¡¯s ex¨Cgirlfriend.¡± Thements exploded again. ¡°Ex¨Cgirlfriend? But weren¡¯t you each other¡¯s first loves?¡± ¡°Yeah, I remember you posting videos saying you were each other¡¯s first loves. Did I imagine that?¡± 98.7% Sienna, eyes red from crying, sobbed: ¡°You¡¯re not imagining things. Mr. Ashcroft and I are indeed each other¡¯s first loves, but we broke up years ago due to a misunderstanding. During the years I was abroad, he dated someone else here in New York. This girl is now the one trying toe between us.¡± ¡°After Mr. Ashcroft and I got back together, his ex¨Cgirlfriend kept pursuing him. When he ignored her, she started copying my makeup and clothing style, desperately trying to be my recement.¡± ¡°I never imagined people like this actually existed in real life¡­¡± Sienna said, wiping her red eyes. ¡°The first time I met her, I even greeted her with a smile. I¡¯m not unreasonable¨Cit¡¯s perfectly normal for boyfriends to have exes. But shouldn¡¯t proper exes just move on after a breakup? Why does she keep trying to get attention from Mr. Ashcroft and me? She¡¯s always clinging to him, even waiting outside hispany to ambush him. I had a massive row with Mr. Ashcroft about this today, and I¡¯m absolutely gutted¡­¡± Comments poured in: ¡°What a shameless cow! Disgusting homewrecker!¡± ¡°Drop her @, I just want to have a little chat?¡± ¡°I¡¯m absolutely fuming! You¡¯re stunning and the CEO is still entangled with his ex? They¡¯re both trash!¡± Sobbing, Sienna replied: ¡°I don¡¯t have her social media, but I know she¡¯s a solicitor who recently opened her own Comments: A solicitor being a homewrecker? So much for professional ethics!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t put solicitors on a pedestal. They¡¯re just service providers who do whatever they¡¯re paid for.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the name of herw firm? I¡¯m going to camp outside.¡± Sienna put on an innocent face. ¡°I think it¡¯s called Winters & Associates, in London. The girl¡¯s surname is Winters, but I¡¯d rather not disclose her full name.¡± Thalia was awakened by her phone ringing. She used to keep her phone on silent while sleeping, but to ensure she wouldn¡¯t miss any news about Lucy, she now set her ringtone to maximum volume. Hearing the ring, Thalia jolted awake and retrieved her phone from under her pillow. The caller ID showed ¡°Lucy¡± and for a brief moment, her heart leapt¨Cbut then she saw ¡°Jenkins¡± and felt a wave of disappointment. Since it was Lucy Jenkins calling, it probably wasn¡¯t about her sister. ¡°Hello, Lucy, what¡¯s up?¡± Thalia answered, ncing at the time¨Chalf past seven in the morning. It was Saturday with no work. Why was Lucy up so early? While pondering this, Lucy¡¯s agitated voice came through: ¡°It¡¯s a disaster, Thalia! Someone¡¯s spreading lies about 15:33 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.9% you online!¡± Thalia was taken aback. ¡°What?¡± Lucy eximed excitedly: ¡°Lies! Someone¡¯s using you of being a homewrecker. It¡¯s trending! You need to check it out right now.¡± Frowning. Thalia opened Twitter¡¯s trending topics. Scanning through the trends, only the sixth¨Cranked topic seemed rted to her. #Sienna ims Homewrecker# Thalia clicked on it. A gossip ount had posted: [BOMBSHELL! TikTok star Sienna with 5M followers ims her rtionship is being disrupted by a homewrecker¨Cwho turns out to be a solicitor!] Below the post was a video clin Thalia yed it, and the moment she saw Sienna, she understood everything. The video was a recording of Sienna¡¯s livestream. Thalia could only stomach a few minutes before she had to stop watching. When it came to twisting facts, nobody could match Sienna. Sienna was actually the one who had interfered in someone else¡¯s rtionship, yet with a few clever words, she had shifted the me entirely. ¡°Thalia, are you there?¡± Lucy asked worriedly. ¡°Have you seen the trending topic?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve seen it. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± After hanging up, Thalia made another call, gave a few brief instructions, and ended the call. Within half an hour, the trending topic was removed. Shortly after, Winters & Associates issued a legal notice, announcing its intention to sue Sienna for defamation. Even more dramatically, two hourster, Drake Ashcroft posted on his own social media: ¡°Sienna and I are not in a rtionship, and Thalia Winters is not a homewrecker.¡± This set the inte aze. ¡°What? The CEO himself is clearing things up? Am I seeing this right?¡± ¡°Wait, Sienna isn¡¯t the CEO¡¯s girlfriend? Then what about all those lovey¨Cdovey videos she posted?¡± ¡°I heard this Sienna is actually the homewrecker. Apparently, Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.0% she¡¯s the reason the CEO and the solicitor broke up in the first ce. The audacity to y the victim!¡± ¡°Seriously? The thief crying ¡®stop thief?¡± ¡°Unbelievable. First time seeing someone so brazenly be a homewrecker while using others. She actually went online to get her followers to attack the real victim.¡± ¡°Sienna is finally being exposed! Who else has been waiting for this day?!¡± ¡°Just a neutral observer, but Sienna seems like a maniptive snake.¡± Meanwhile. Asher listened to his assistant¡¯s report, his expression darkening instantly. ¡°Contact Tiktok and have Sienna¡¯s ount permanently banned!¡± ? (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 155 99.2% Sienna woke from her slumber and gleefully opened Twitter, eager to witness the public dragging Thalia Winters through the mud. However, after scrolling for ages, she couldn¡¯t find any of the trending topics where her devoted followers had been hurling abuse at Thalia. Perplexed, Sienna opened TikTok and suddenly her eyes widened in shock. Her ount had been permanently suspended! How on earth¡­? She opened her contacts to ring Drake Ashcroft for assistance, only to discover several missed calls from him. Sienna promptly rang him back. ¡°Hey, Drake, I-¡± Before Sienna could finish, Drake cut her off with a biting tone. ¡°Sienna! Have you seen the mess you¡¯ve created?¡± Drake was absolutely livid. ¡°You actually had the audacity to spread rumors online iming Thalia¡¯s a home¨Cwrecker? Who¡¯s the real home¨Cwrecker here¨Chave you no bloody self¨Cawareness? Hmm?¡± Sienna was momentarily lost for words. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°Thalia¡¯sw firm has already sent you a formal legal notice,¡± Drake said icily. ¡°I won¡¯t be helping you with this. You¡¯ve made your bed, now lie in it.¡± With that, Drake decisively ended the call. Sienna was utterly gobsmacked. Hang on, what legal notice? She hastily returned to Twitter and scrolled until she found the legal letter from Thalia¡¯sw firm, Winters & Associates, which stated they would be suing her for defamation. Sienna frantically searched online about the legal ramifications of defamation. What she discovered made the blood drain from her face. Defamation was actually a criminal offense that could result in imprisonment! In other words, if Winters & Associates sessfully sued her and the court found her guilty of defamation, she could very well find herself behind bars. 15:33 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.4% This wouldn¡¯t do. She couldn¡¯t just sit around waiting for disaster to strike¡­ When business hoursmenced. Thalia rang the police station again to inquire about the rescue efforts for her sister Lucy. The duty officer merely stated that the case was highlyplex and that the rescue operation wasn¡¯t straightforward to formte. They asked her to remain patient, continue cooperating, and assured her they would notify her immediately of any developments. After hanging up, Thalia¡¯s shoulders instantly slumped, like a deted balloon. Soon Monday arrived, and Thalia needed to head to Winters & Associates to handle work matters. The firm was in its startup phase, and as managing partner, she couldn¡¯t afford to ck off even slightly. After working for two hours, Yetta, Winters & Associates receptionist knocked on Thalia¡¯s office door. ¡°Come in.¡± Yetta opened the door. ¡°Ms. Winters, someone¡¯s here to see you.¡± ¡°Right, I¡¯ll be there in a moment.¡± Thalia walked into the reception area, and that familiar figure unexpectedly entered her field of vision. A perfectly tailored charcoal grey suit showcased the man¡¯s impable physique¨Cbroad shoulders, trim waist, andmanding posture. Even just his back view was captivating. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Thalia¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Mr. ckwood, kindly refrain from disrupting my work.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes dimmed. ¡°Lia, I¡¯ve heard about the social media storm. Are you alright?¡± Thalia turned away. She fixed Asher with an icy stare. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine. Don¡¯t trouble yourself on my ount.¡± Asher was quiet for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken with the tform administrators. Sienna¡¯s ount has been permanently suspended.¡± ¡°Well, how terribly kind of you.¡± Asher: ¡°¡­¡± ¡­ ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, you can see yourself out. I¡¯m rather busy and haven¡¯t the time to waste on this conversation. Good day.¡± Thalia dropped these words and turned to leave. ¡°Lia, please, just hear me out¡­¡± Asher quickly rose and followed after her. As they exited the reception area, Yetta approached Thalia again. ¡°Ms. Winters, there¡¯s someone else here to see you.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± Thalia inquired. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5% ¡°Are you Ms. Winters?¡± a bespectacled man asked, eyeing Thalia. Thalia nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me. How can I help?¡± ¡°Lia, look out!¡± Asher¡¯s voice rang out from behind. In a split second, Asher pulled Thalia into his arms. The bespectacled man hurled a colorless, transparent liquid directly at Thalia¡¯s face. Because Asher had yanked Thalia into his embrace, the liquid sshed onto the potted nt behind her instead. The nt rapidly corroded. Sulfuric acid. Thalia¡¯s face turned deathly pale. If Asher hadn¡¯t pulled her away, the acid would have hit her face directly, and her entire face would likely have been horrifically disfigured. The bespectacled man in front of her red with unbridled fury, as if she were his mortal enemy. His eyes seemed to wish a thousand painful deaths upon her. ¡°You bloody g! Home¨Cwrecking bitch who destroyed our Sienna¡¯s rtionship and got her ount banned. Rot in hell!¡± the bespectacled man spat venomously. Evidently one of Sienna¡¯s obsessive fans and devotedpdog. The bespectacled man was now restrained by Asher¡¯s two bodyguards, his arms pinned, yet he continued to spew vulgar abuse. Asher, with a thunderous expression, viciously drove his foot into the man¡¯s stomach. ¡°Shut your bloody mouth!¡± The impact was brutal. The bespectacled man instantly paled, his features contorting in agony as he doubled over, clutching his stomach and howling in pain. Asher asked, his eyes brimming with concern, ¡°Lia, are you alright?¡± Thalia recovered from the shock of nearly being doused with sulfuric acid, a wave of horror washing over her. With a bloodless face, she said simply, ¡°Call the police.¡± The authorities arrived promptly. The bespectacled man was taken into custody. Asher remained at Winters & Associates, hovering around Thalia and anxiously asking if she was truly unharmed. Concentrated sulfuric acid has high density, meaning the liquid wouldn¡¯t have sttered widely. All the acid had 15:33 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.6% ¡°Lia, perhaps I should take you to hospital for a proper check¨Cup?¡± ¡°Not necessary. I¡¯m perfectly fine,¡± Thalia replied coldly. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, you should leave now. I need to get back to work.¡± Thalia walked toward her office with Asher trailing behind. ¡°Laurina Kensington is my cousin.¡± Thalia continued walking. ¡°I¡¯m aware. Your point being?¡± Asher¡¯s throat constricted. ¡°I ended our rtionship to protect you from Tom Malfoy.¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curled in derision. ¡°How utterly absurd. You broke things off and called off our engagement, so pray tell, why would Tom Malfoy still abduct both me and Lucy?¡± Asher was rendered speechless. Thalia halted at her office door and turned back, her cial gaze settling on Asher¡¯s face. ¡°Asher ckwood, you are truly full of your own self¨Cimportance.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lia.¡± Asher¡¯s eyes darkened with regret. ¡°Could you possibly give me another chance? I swear I¡¯ll make amends and treat you properly.¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Thalia called out to the reception desk, ¡°Yetta, please show Mr. ckwood out.¡± When Rupert Lysander walked into Winters & Associates, this was the scene that greeted him. ¡°Mr. ckwood.¡± Rupert¡¯s eyebrow arched slightly, regarding Asher with interest. ¡°Are you here to engage our services for a case?¡± Asher started. ¡°What on earth are you doing here?¡± Rupert smiled. ¡°I¡¯m a partner at this firm.¡± Asher stared nkly at Thalia. ¡°Lia, you¡¯ve gone into partnership with him?¡± How could she possibly partner with Rupert Lysander! Rupert had always had designs on her! Thalia¡¯s eyes reflected nothing but impatience. ¡°Mr. ckwood, whom I choose to partner with is hardly your tually A True Heiress 99.7% concern.¡± ¡°Lia¡­¡± Asher¡¯s eyshes fluttered with emotion. Thalia pushed open her office door and stepped inside, closing it firmly and shutting him out. Rupert smiled pleasantly. ¡°Mr. ckwood, if you wish to engage our firm, you¡¯re wee to discuss matters with me. Ms. Winters is rather upied at present.¡± ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re ying at.¡± Asher fixed Rupert with an icy re, practically seething. Rupert adjusted his sses and smiled. ¡°Oh? Perhaps Mr. ckwood would care to borate on what precisely I¡¯m ¡®ying at¡®?¡± ? (0) Your Gold Digger 156 Thalia might have truly forgotten who Rupert Lysander was, but for Asher ckwood, it was impossible to forget. Rupert and Thalia were in the same year at university. When Rupert was a first¨Cyear undergraduate, Asher was already in his first year of postgraduate studies. Logically, since Rupert was several years behind Asher and they attended different universities, they shouldn¡¯t have had any connection. However, one was the most handsome campus heartthrob in Cambridge University¡¯s history, while the other was the most attractive male student at London School of Law in nearly a decade. Both were campus celebrities frequentlypared due to their exceptional good looks. This alone wouldn¡¯t have bothered Asher, as he had no interest in suchparisons. The reason he remembered Rupert Lysander was because of that confession. Rupert Lysander¡¯s confession to Thalia Winters. Asher remembered it clearly. In December of Thalia¡¯s first year at university, on Christmas Day¨Ca holiday perfect for derations of love¨CRupert had arranged roses in a heart shape on the Cambridge University sports field with great fanfare. He was dressed as mboyantly as a peacock disying its feathers, strumming his guitar and singing love songs. Asher was alsopleting his Master¡¯s degree at Cambridge University and had a habit of running in the evenings. That day, he went to the field for his usual run, and the center of the sports ground was bustling with noise. ¡°Blimey, have you heard? That fit bloke from London School of Law hase to our uni to confess his love!¡± The gossiping voice of a female passerby reached Asher¡¯s ears, but he paid no attention. Such urrences weremon at university, nothing special, and he wasn¡¯t interested. Asher began his jog. The surrounding gossip continued to filter through. ¡°The Law School heartthrob? Is it Rupert Lysander?¡± ¡°Yeah, I just spotted him with a guitar in the middle of the field, arranging roses into a heart. I¡¯ve got to say, Rupert truly deserves his reputation¨Che¡¯s absolutely gorgeous!¡± ¡°Wow, even London School of Law¡¯s hottest guy hase to our uni to confess. I absolutely must check this out.¡± ¡°Wait up, I¡¯ming too.¡± Tove Heiress 98.1% 15 ¡°Bloody hell, eerily? Rupert Lynn Three? The ball seep zampige meight 11 Be ¡°Just saw Rupert Leeander in de fiech Hell phone property deves us foe Linden School of Lave¡¯s in heartfiredd Same girls were even crying upon terning of Rape ¡®sto qu The evening Beld was dindy fit, and fee people did the Carte Cordy¡¯s deen campur heartthrob. Afor ckwood, was s gging around the track But some of Ashen admirers knew tu semuld be on the rim an their ward always one or two girls following him. asionally, some would bring him water, though he never epted it. J¨²m. Originally, Asher had zero interest in this confesson wemontil he heard a familiar name Around his secondp. from the crowd of onlookers, he faintly heard someone call out the name Thalia Winters. Asher gradually slowed his pace, and the gossiping voices came through clearly. ¡°So Rupert Lysander¡¯s after our campus beauty Thalia Winters. In that case, I¡¯ll just give up¨Closing to the campus beauty isn¡¯t embarrassing.¡± ¡°Honestly, Rupert and Thalia would make a perfect match¨Cthe campus heartthrob and the campus beauty. They look absolutely stunning together. This pairing gets my vote!¡± ¡°But I really fancy Rupert¡­ sob¡­ Thalia, couldn¡¯t you just turn him down¡­¡± Asher changed direction and walked toward the center of the field. Rupert Lysander was surrounded by a crowd. He wore a light khaki coat over a white turtleneck sweater, looking refined and elegant. His eyes were full of warmth, exuding a tenderness that was impossible not to be drawn into. His fingers strummed the guitar strings, ying his own apaniment. Rupert was singing a popr love song of the time. He sang beautifully, hitting every note perfectly. His voice was gentle, deep, and textured, captivating countless female students. As the love song ended, someone brought Thalia Winters before Rupert. Asher stood stone¨Cfaced among the spectators, watching this theatrical confession unfold. Rupert held out the roses to the girl before him, his voice incredibly tender: ¡°Thalia Winters, I like you. Would you go out with me?¡± After a burst of cheering from the crowd, the scene fell into utter silence. Everyone waited for Thalia¡¯s response. 98.2% Dissor is Actually A True Heiress On that winter night, tiny snowkes drifted through the air, light and graceful, creating a perfectly romantic atmosphere for this confession. It seemed even the heavens were supporting Rupert. Rupert stood holding the roses, tall and straight, in the center of the crowd¨Chandsome beyondpare and the focus of everyone¡¯s attention. Not only was Rupert exceptionally good looking and academically aplished, but he also came from a wealthy family. He was the sole heir to the prestigious Lysander family fortune. A handsome man and a beautiful woman¨Ca match made in heaven. The answer seemed obvious. Asher was so tense he forgot to breathe, his fingertips gradually tightening, his heart aching. However. Thalia¡¯s answer surprised everyone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t ept your offer.¡± The smile faded from Rupert¡¯s lips. The night breeze disheveled his ck hair, and the dim lights failed to illuminate the disappointment on his face. ¡°May I ask why?¡± His mood seemed to have sunk, his voice even slightly trembling. The girl pursed her lips, her expression cool andposed, her tone revealing no emotion whatsoever. ¡°Because I¡¯m not interested in dating right now, and I don¡¯t have time for rtionships. So I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t ept.¡± The crowd erupted inmotion once more. Asher raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile. He was very satisfied with this response. Thalia turned and left immediately, never taking the bouquet of roses. Asher knew that Thalia had many suitors during her university years. She probably rejected over a dozen such confessions annually, so it was normal for her not to remember what each confessor looked like. But Asher remembered clearly the name and face of every person who confessed to Thalia Winters. So when he saw Rupert with Thalia at the restaurant on Valentine¡¯s Day, he felt a genuine sense of crisis. Recalling all this, Asher¡¯s eyes grew dark. ¡°I never expected that after all these years, you still haven¡¯t given up.¡® ¡± Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.4% Rupert smiled, appearing perfectlyposed. ¡°I should thank you for giving me the opportuary, Ms. Mart Asher watched him with narrowed, vignt eyes. ¡°Stay away from her? Rupert¡¯s eyebrow arched slightly. ¡°What right does Mr. ckwood have to say such things to me? Asher gave a cold snort. ¡°You won¡¯t stand a chance. Lia only has me in her heart.¡± Rupert wasn¡¯t angered, maintaining his elegant demeanor. ¡°Then we shall see.* That night, Thalia had a nightmare. In her dream, she was running across a vast, deste wastnd. Behind her were vicious criminals. She ran forward with all her might, when suddenly the scene changed. Her neck was seized, and Tom Malfoy¡¯s face suddenly loomed before her eyes. The man¡¯s smile was cold and gloomy, like a fierce ghost from helling to im her life. Breathing became increasingly difficult. Just as she felt she was about to die, the scene changed again. She saw her sister Lucy tied to a chair, with Tom Malfoy smiling as he poured gasoline over Lucy¡¯s body. ¡°No! No!¡± Thalia screamed. ¡°Don¡¯t touch her! Stop!¡± Suddenly, Tom Malfoy¡¯s face began to contort grotesquely, transforming into that of the bespectacled man. ¡°Die-¡± The bespectacled man hurled concentrated sulfuric acid at her with a twisted expression. ¡°Ah-¡± Thalia woke with a scream, bolting upright, her body drenched in cold sweat The night was silent and still. In the darkness, the woman¡¯s rapid breathing was particrly clear. After a long while, Thalia finally regained herposure. Her phone screen lit up. Thalia picked up the phone and nced at it. Three¨Cthirty in the morning. She had received an anonymous text message. She had received an anonymous text message. [If you want your sister to live, do exactly as I say.] Your Gold Digger 157 Chapter 157 Thalia frowned, staring at the text message and sinking into deep thought. This message could be from Tom Malfoy¡¯s people, but it could also be from someone with ulterior motives impersonating Tom¡¯s associates. She couldn¡¯t act rashly; she needed to rify the source of this information before taking action. She refused to deliver herself into someone else¡¯s hands. When shey back down, Thalia waspletely wide awake. Thinking about her sister still missing with no news of whether she was alive or dead made her heart heavy with anguish. Sienna¡¯s extreme fans also posed a potential threat to her. The bespectacled man¡¯s vicious expression¨Chatred etched into his very bones¨Cas he threw acid at her was deeply imprinted in Thalia¡¯s mind, bing her nightmare. Thalia had never experienced anything like this before. She had been lucky to escape the bespectacled man, but what about next time? Sienna had over five million followers. While obvious dangers could be avoided, hidden attacks were difficult to prevent. Thalia didn¡¯t know when she might face retaliation from other fans. This wouldn¡¯t do. She needed to take measures to prevent yesterday¡¯s incident from happening again. Her mind raced with thoughts. Thalia¡¯s eyelids grew heavier, drowsiness overtaking her as she finally closed her eyes. Her sleep that night was restless. Thalia woke up several times, tossing and turning. Thest time she awoke was at eight in the morning; daylight had finally broken. The first thing Thalia did upon opening her eyes was call a friend who was a technical expert in themunications field. ¡°Can you help me trace the source of this number?¡± The text message number wasn¡¯t the usual eleven digits but rather a long string of numbers like those from spam messages. She couldn¡¯t identify the source of the number and needed her friend¡¯s help. Her friend responded, ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll get back to you in a bit.¡± 15:06 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.7% ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Ohe off it. No need to be so formal.¡± Her friend called back quickly. ¡°The message was sent domestically, from right here in London.¡± London? Did Tom Malfoy still have people working for him in London? Her friend said. ¡°I¡¯ll send you the detailed address.¡± ¡°Brilliant.¡± After hanging up, she received the address from her friend via WhatsApp. Thalia immediately forwarded the address to another contact, asking them to investigate. As a daughter of the prestigious Winters family in London, she had numerous resources and connections at her disposal. Investigating such matters was child¡¯s y. Soon, that person replied: ¡°It¡¯s an apartment. The property owner is named Sienna.¡± Thalia¡¯s expression stiffened. It was Sienna. Sienna again! Was this woman always this desperate for attention? Her ount had been permanently suspended, she¡¯d received awyer¡¯s letter, and yet she still wouldn¡¯t back off? When Thalia had gone to see Drake Ashcroft previously, Sienna had been there too and heard everything she said to Drake. So it wasn¡¯t surprising that Sienna knew about Lucy¡¯s kidnapping. It seemed the ount suspension had hit Sienna hard¨Cshe was desperate enough to use Lucy to threaten her. Both stupid and malicious. It seemed Sienna needed to be taught a lesson she wouldn¡¯t soon forget. Thalia investigated Sienna¡¯s background and found her father¡¯spany¨CFred Carroll¡¯s clothing business with limited liability. Its registered capital was only ¡ê500,000, which hadn¡¯t even been fully paid up. For a smallpany like this, Thalia could bankrupt it with a mere flick of her finger. Previously, Thalia had dismissed Sienna as nothing more than a clown, a virtual pet not worth her time or attention. But things were different now. 15.07 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.9% With her sister kidnapped, Thalia was emotionally devastated, physically and mentally exhausted, constantly on edge. And now Sienna had chosen this crucial moment to spread rumors, orchestrate online attacks, direct her fans to cause deliberate harm in real life, and even use Lucy¡¯s situation to trick her. Thalia had reached her breaking point. Bringing down the Carroll family business was such a minor task that Thalia didn¡¯t need to personally intervene. She merely needed tomunicate her requirements to others, and there would be plenty of people willing to set up schemes to destroy the Carroll familypany¨Call to curry favor with the Winters family heiress. In the afternoon, Thalia visited the hospital. Victoria¡¯s mood remained desperately low. She looked terrible¨Cpale¨Cfaced, haggard, with dark circles under her eyes. Randolph Winters had returned to thepany to handle work matters, leaving only the caregiver in the hospital room. ¡°Thalia, any news about Lucy?¡± As soon as she mentioned Lucy, Victoria¡¯s eyes instantly welled up. Thalia silently shook her head. Tears immediately streamed down Victoria¡¯s face. The woman sobbed inconsbly. Thal¨ªa, deeply concerned about her sister, was also in tremendous pain. She tried tofort Victoria with a few words, but to no avail. ¡°Aunt Victoria, please get some rest. Try not to worry yourself sick. I¡¯lle back to see you tomorrow.¡± With that, Thalia turned and left. After leaving the hospital, she headed straight to the police station. It was the same story¨CLucy¡¯s kidnapping case wasplex, involving transnational crime, making the arrest challenging. The police were doing their utmost in the pursuit and would notify her immediately of any developments. Thalia left the police station disappointed, wandering the streets in a daze. Suddenly, images fromst night¡¯s nightmare shed through her mind. Lucy tied to a chair, with Tom Malfoy pouring petrol over her. This was exactly the sort of thing that lunatic Tom Malfoy might do. Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 991 Thinking about Lucy¡¯s current situation. Thalia instinctively shuddered, her face turning pale, unable to bear thinking about it further. Just then, a woman suddenly rushed up from the roadside, pointing at her and hurling abuse. ¡°You shameless cow! How desperate must you be to seduce someone else¡¯s boyfriend? Didn¡¯t your parents teach you any bloody morals?¡± ¡°You look like a proper little tart, always trying to snare men. Absolute g!¡± Thalia was instantly furious, her gaze as sharp as a de as she swept her eyes over the woman. ¡°Another one of Sienna¡¯s brainless fans? You¡¯ll believe anything she says. I¡¯m genuinely curious how someone with the brain of a pea has survived this long.¡± Hearing Thalia insult her this way, the woman became even more agitated, shouting, ¡°You bloody g! Born with a mother but raised like an orphan. I¡¯ll fuck your-¡± ¡°SLAP!¡± Before the woman could finish, Thalia raised her hand and delivered a stinging p across her face. The woman was stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected this seemingly frail, defenseless woman would dare to strike her¨Ca robust 160¨Cpound person who looked physically strong. Thalia¡¯s eyes zed red with rage, pure fury and murderous intent radiating from her. ¡°Dare to say one more word about my mother, and I¡¯ll destroy you.¡± Her gaze was so terrifying that the previously mouthy woman instantly cowered. In Thalia¡¯s eyes, she clearly saw anger and killing intent. She had a premonition that if she uttered another filthy word about mothers, this woman would absolutely end her¡­ Sienna¡¯s deranged fan trembled with fear, unwilling to risk her life. As the fan turned to flee, she was suddenly blocked by two men in ck suits. Thalia¡¯s gaze remained sharp as a knife, her expression dark, as if the very air around her was saturated with frost. One of the bodyguards kicked the back of the fan¡¯s knee, causing the woman to copse to the ground with a thud. ¡°Apologize,¡± Thaliamanded, her pitch¨Cck eyes radiating an intimidating light. ? (0) (0) Your Gold Digger 158 Chapter 158 Asher strode quickly to Thalia¡¯s side, his face filled with concern. ¡°Lia, are you alright?¡± Asher had just been at the police station inquiring about progress in Lucy¡¯s case when he learned from an officer that Thalia had just been there. He immediately rushed out, searching for Thalia on the street. It didn¡¯t take long before he spotted her. Only as he approached did he hear the woman standing before Thalia hurling vulgar insults at her. With just one look from Asher, his personal bodyguards immediately moved forward to restrain the woman. Hearing her continuous stream of abuse, Asher realized she was one of Sienna¡¯s obsessive fans, just like the bespectacled man who had thrown acid. Asher¡¯s eyes shed with cold fury, his gaze cutting like a de toward the fan kneeling on the ground. Hismanding presence was so intimidating that one look made the fan tremble. She instantly stiffened, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Who exactly was this Ms. Winters? Why did she have bodyguards protecting her? The fan hadpletely lost her earlier bravado, now kneeling on the ground and apologizing with a thoroughly cowed expression. ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry¡­ I waspletely out of order. Please forgive me, I was bang out of line¡­¡± Thalia narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly dissatisfied with this apology. The fan sneaked a nce at Thalia and, seeing her ice¨Ccold expression, felt her heart drop as her body shook uncontrobly. She immediately pressed her forehead to the ground, kowtowing to Thalia. ¡°Please let me off the hook, I truly know I was wrong. I swear on my life I¡¯ll never do it again¡­¡± The woman¡¯s forehead hit the ground with loud thuds. After a moment, Thalia finally spoke coldly: ¡°Ring the police.¡± This was already the second incident of harassment from these obsessive fans.
  1. A True Heiress
99.4% Thalia had no intention of letting it go quietly. These two fans were adults who knew exactly what they were doing. They needed to face consequences for their actions When the woman heard the police would be called, all colour drained from her face. ¡°No, please don¡¯t call the police! I promise I won¡¯t ever do it again. I¡¯m begging you!¡± Thalia paid no attention. One bodyguard took out his phone and called the police. ¡°You-¡± Thalia pointed to another bodyguard, ¡°When the police arrive, record a video.¡± The bodyguard looked bewildered and instinctively nced toward Asher. Asher nodded slightly, and only then did the bodyguard respectfully respond, ¡°Right away, Ms. Winters.¡± The police arrived quickly. The bodyguard followed Thalia¡¯s instructions and filmed the entire process of the fan being arrested. ¡°Lia, you really ought to bring bodyguards when you go out these days. It¡¯s far too risky,¡± Asher said, his eyes full of concern. Thalia tugged at her lips, her gaze icy. ¡°That¡¯s hardly your concern, is it?¡± She continued walking forward, with Asher following. Thalia ignored Asher, walking directly toward the outdoor car park nearby. She had parked her car there when she went to the police station. Opening the door, getting in, closing the door¨Call in one fluid motion. Asher was left standing outside. Thalia started the engine and drove away, leaving him in the dust. Back home, Thalia took out her phone and watched the video the bodyguard had recorded. ¡°So, you enjoy using the inte to twist facts and direct your fans to attack me online, do you?¡± Thalia¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°Sienna, when you were doing this, did you ever consider that it might backfire on you?¡± The following day, ¡°Sienna The Senior¡± was trending again. Not only was she trending, but she appeared in three separate hashtags. However, this time, not a single one of these trending topics was in her favour. #TwistRevealed! SiennaTheSenior is actually the other woman# #Sienna TheSenior encouraged fans to harass people offline# #SiennaTheSenior fake socialite exposed# Each of these trending topics came with damning evidence. The post exposing Sienna as the other woman included chat logs from when she first returned to New York, showing conversations between her and Drake Ashcroft, as well as provocative messages she had sent to Drake¡¯s official girlfriend, Attorney Winters. The topment under that post was from someone iming to know Sienna in real life. [She IS the other woman. When she returned to New York, Drake hadn¡¯t broken up with his current girlfriend yet. Everyone in our social circle knows this.] Many curiousizens eagerly joined in condemning her. Of course, some loyal fans defended her, iming the chat logs were fabricated. [Fake news! Those screenshots are clearly photoshopped. My Senior would NEVER!] The second trending topic, about Sienna encouraging her fans to harass others, included videos of both the bespectacled man who had thrown acid and the deranged fan who had verbally abused Thalia on the street being arrested. The police had even issued an official statement exining the situation. The statement formally dered: ¡°The Metropolitan Police Service hereby confirms that Mr. Zorn has been investigated under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 on suspicion of intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The investigation has established that the suspect harboured resentment due to the suspension of Ms. Chavez¡¯s social media ount, which led to a premeditated attempt to cause harm. The Crown Prosecution Service has been consulted and formal charges have been filed.¡± The statement further noted: ¡°In a rted case, Ms. West has been detained for a period of fifteen days under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986 for intentional harassment, rm or distress. Evidence indicates that the suspect was acting under the influence and at the instigation of Ms. Chavez, engaging in disorderly conduct and verbal abuse in a public ce.¡± With videos, photos, and an official police statement, this string of evidencepletely destroyed Sienna¡¯s reputation. Thements section was flooded with condemnation. 99.6% [OMG she actually got her stans to throw ACID at someone?! I can¡¯t even 277) [Lock her up with her psycho followers rn! This is beyond toxic!] [This is way past cancel culture, this is straight up CRIMINAL ???] The final trending topic revealed Sienna¡¯s true identity. She wasn¡¯t a wealthy socialite at all¨Cher family was merely middle ss. She had interfered in Drake and Attorney Winters¡® rtionship purely for financial gain, and all those designer bags had been obtained by seducing Drake. In thements section of this post, someone pointed out that Attorney Winters was the genuine socialite. Someone posted photos of Thalia at the Winters family estate during a soir¨¦e, as well as pictures of her driving luxury cars and having afternoon tea at five¨Cstar hotels. [Tea alert!? As someone who actually knows the truth, Attorney Winters is the REAL socialite. Her family owns an estate, luxury cars for days, and designer everything. That gold¨Cdigger Sienna isn¡¯t even in the same postcode ?] [A TikTok wannabe trying toe for the Winters family heiress from London? The delusion is real!?] [To all of Sienna¡¯s deluded stans: your fave isn¡¯t even worthy of being the Winters heiress¡¯s INTERN Imao] [Small world energy¨CI literally went to uni with Ms. Winters! Someone actually had the audacity to spread rumours about HER being the other woman? I¡¯m HOWLING. She¡¯s turned down more fit blokes than most girls have matched with on Tinder. The absolute AUDACITY! ?] In an instant, public opinion hadpletely reversed. As Sienna scrolled through post after post, her features contorted with rage. She mmed her phone to the floor with a loud crash, shouting furiously: ¡°That bloody cow!¡± At the ckwood estate. In an airtight basement room, a bespectacled man was tied to an iron pir. Asher¡¯s subordinate, Lucas Zane, wearing protective gloves and holding a ss bottle, looked at the bespectacled man before him with interest. ¡°You¡¯re quite fond of sulfuric acid, aren¡¯t you?¡± The bespectacled man¡¯s eyes were filled with panic, his entire face drained of colour. He stammered, ¡°N¨Cno¡­ I 1¨CI don¡¯t like it¡­ please¡­ please don¡¯t¡­¡± Lucas¡¯s eyes gleamed with cruelty, his smile sinister. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it feels to be corroded by sulfuric acid, shall we¡­¡± ¡°AAAHHH-¡± ¡°Help me, somebody help-¡± The man¡¯s agonized screams were relentless. But Lucas became more excited with each scream. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Compared to the concentrated acid you tried to throw at Ms. Winters, this diluted sulfuric acid is nothing.¡± Though diluted, the acid still possessed corrosive properties. The bespectacled man¡¯s face was being eaten away by the acid, burning small holes into his skin, making him look horrifyingly disfigured, barely human. ¡°AHHH-¡± The bespectacled man howled in agony. ¡°Kill me, just kill me! You might as well kill me outright and be done with it!¡± Lucas gave a mockingugh. ¡°A quick death? Do you really think you deserve that?¡± As he spoke, he drew up half a dropper of acid solution and dripped it onto the back of the man¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s so much more entertaining to take things slowly¡­¡± ?(0) (0) Chapter 159 Chapter 159 After Sienna''s three trending hashtags exploded online , many of her fans flocked to Drake Ashcroft''s social media page to leavements - some begging for his help , others hurling abuse at him . Following the incident , Sienna herself had called Drake numerous times , but he hadn''t answered a single call . She then went to the Ashcroft Group headquarters to find him in person , only to be blocked at reception . Sienna received no help from Drake , but instead witnessed his public confession post . When Celine called , Sienna was arguing with the receptionist at the Ashcroft Group . Hair disheveled , Sienna was shouting at the top of her lungs ,pletely abandoning any pretense ofdylike behavior . " I''m your CEO''s girlfriend - let me in , for God''s sake ! " The receptionist was thoroughly unimpressed . " I''m sorry , Ms. Carroll , but Mr. Ashcroft has specifically instructed that you are not to be admitted . " Sienna was furious . " That''s total BS ! Drake would never ban me from entering . Call him right now . " The receptionist maintained a nk expression . " Mr. Ashcroft gave explicit instructions that you are not to be admitted . " It was at this moment that Celine''s call came through . Sienna ignored the first call . After it automatically disconnected , Celine called again . Sienna answered irritably , " What do you want ? " " Sienna , have you seen Drake''s public statement yet ? Oh my God , I never thought Drake would do something like this . Don''t take it too hard - all men are trash anyway. " Sienna froze . " Public statement ? What public statement ? " Celine let out an exaggerated " Oh ! " " You haven''t checked Twitter ? " Sienna snapped , " Been a little busy here . " Celine sounded rather pleased by the misfortune . " Well , you''d better take a look , like , right now . " After hanging up , Sienna opened Twitter . Drake''s confession post was trending . 14:43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.1 Chapter 159 With a growing sense of foreboding , she clicked on it . Ten minutester , Sienna waspletely devastated . Drake had not only confirmed that the leaked chat logs showing Sienna as the other woman were genuine , but be had also made a heartfelt apology to Thalia , admitting his mistakes and begging for her forgiveness . Celine had called specifically to witness Sienna''s humiliation . By now , news of her disgrace had spread throughout their entire social circle . Sienna walked out of the Ashcroft Group building in a daze . At Asher ckwood''spound . The man sat on the sofa , his dark eyes unfathomable , his expression impassive . " What''s the situation over in Russia ? " Luke replied , " Our people have located where Tom Malfoy is holding Ms. Lucy . He didn''t take her to his headquarters but is keeping her at a military base in Pnd . The local police there have been in cahoots with Malfoy for at least two years now . " Asher''s eyes turned cold , his lips curving into a mocking smile . " I never expected them to rescue her anyway . " Luke said , " Leo Kim''s team will move tonight . " Early the next morning , a light rain was falling . In early April , the spring breeze was like a pen and the fine rain like ink , sketching the vitality of spring . Rainy days were perfect for sleeping in . But Thalia hadn''t been sleeping welltely and naturally woke up around seven in the morning . The temperature was low in the morning . Thalia wore a pure white silk nightgown with a shawl draped over her shoulders , leaning against the floor - to - ceiling window , watching the rain curtain outside and letting her mind wander . The rain pattered steadily , and the air was humid . In this weather , she suddenly felt like taking a walk in the rain with an umbre . No sooner thought than done . 98.3 % Distoric Actually A True Heiress Chapter 159 Thalia changed into a light gray thin sweater with light blue straight - cut jeans . Just as she came downstairs , Tha saw a familiar car . A ck Bentley with a license te ending in five eights . Asher looked up and saw Tha standing in the rain with an umbre , and was momentarily startled . He hadn''t expected Thalia toe downstairs at this hour . Asher quickly grabbed an umbre , got out of the car , and walked towards Thal¨ªa . Thalia stood motionless, watching the familiar figuree closer and closer . That face with its deep contours and handsome features became gradually clearer through the rain . Within the short distance , the man''s face seemed to have absorbed the moisture of the rain , softening his usually hard features . Asher stopped in front of Thalia , his dark eyes filled with tenderness and joy . His voice was slightly hoarse , " Lia ¡­ " Thalia''s gaze was cool as she looked up at him slightly . " What brings you here ? " Asher''s Adam''s apple bobbed . " Lucy has been rescued . " Thalia''s eyes widened suddenly , and her voice unconsciously rose . She stepped forward , her expression unusually excited . " Really ? Where is she ? Has she returned to London ? Take me to see her ! " Asher said gently , " Yes , she just arrived in London . That''s why I came to find you . " " I''ll go with you , " Thalia''s eyes grew moist . " Thank you ¡­ " Asher''s throat tightened . " No need to be so formal with me . " Thalia followed Asher to the car . He opened the door for her , instinctively putting his hand on top of the door frame to ensure she wouldn''t bump her head . Thalia noticed this gesture . Her eyshes fluttered as she lowered her eyes without saying anything . Asher closed the door and walked around to the driver''s side to get in . " Fancy stopping for a bit of breakfast ? " On the road , while waiting at a red light , Asher nced at Thalia in the rearview mirror . Thalia shook her head . " No thanks . I just want to see Lucy as soon as possible . " 1441 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 159 " Right you are , " Asher didn''t press the matter . He took out his phone and sent Luke a message . [ Prepare breakfast . Full English , some scones , eggs Benedict , and those crumpets she likes with the good marmde . ] These were all the breakfast items that Lia enjoyed . Luke : [ Right away , sir . ] There were just the two of them in the car . The air was quiet and still . The light turned green . As the car started moving , Thalia suddenly asked , " Was it the police who rescued her , or ¡­ your people ? " Asher replied calmly , " The local police were bought off by Malfoy long ago . " Implying that it was his people who had rescued her . Thalia pursed her lips . " Are they alright ? Was anyone injured ? " Asher was momentarily taken aback . Thalia was concerned about his men - was this indirectly showing concern for him ? The corners of his eyes and eyebrows were tinged with barely perceptible joy . He replied , " Malfoy had Lucy locked up in a military base in Pnd . They were armed . Several of my men were seriously injured . " Thalia''s breath tightened . As he spoke , Asher was observing Thalia''s expression through the rearview mirror . As expected , Thalia''s face grew grave when she heard that people had been injured . Not wanting her to worry too much , Asher quickly added , " But it''s fine . None of the injured are in life - threatening danger . They''ll recover after some rest . " Only then did Thalia breathe a sigh of relief . " That''s good . " After a brief silence , Thalia asked again , " Have you notified my father and Victoria ? " 14:43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 159 Asher replied , " Yes , they''re on their way there now . " Thalia made a soft sound of acknowledgment , lowering her eyes , lost in thought . Asher''s gaze kept returning to Thalia in the rearview mirror . Seeing her preupied and silent , Asher initiated conversation . " Why are you up so early today ? " Thalia responded absently , " I haven''t been sleeping well the past few days . " Asher said , " Now that Lucy''s been rescued , you can finally get a good night''s sleep. " Thalia looked up at his words , meeting Asher''s eyes in the rearview mirror . " Are you sure Tom Malfoy won''te back for revenge ? " ? ( 0 ) Chapter 160 98.6 % Chapter 160 Chapter 160 Asher''s expression turned serious as he replied , " I''ve called in two teams of mercenaries from abroad . They''ve received even more rigorous training than those at Malfoy''s military base . With them protecting you and your family , Malfoy''s people won''t be able to harm you again . " Thalia was taken aback . " Mercenaries ? " " Yes . " Asher''s thin lips pressed together , his eyes shing with remorse . " I failed before . I didn''t protect you and your family properly . Lia , I promise you , something like this won''t happen again . I''ll keep you safe . " Thalia lowered her gaze , her feelingsplicated . She had intended to respond with sarcasm , but then she remembered how Asher had risked his life to meet Tom Malfoy alone to save her . The biting words reached the tip of her tongue , but Thalia couldn''t bring herself to say them . Seeing Thalia''s silence , Asher assumed she didn''t believe him . His throat tightened as bitterness washed over him . They soon arrived at Asher''spound . Lucy had been brought back by Asher''s subordinate , Leo Kim . Leo was themander - in - chief of Asher''s American base . Someone of his rank rarely participated directly in operations ; routine missions were typically assigned to his subordinates . Only extremely important and confidential missions warranted his personal involvement . In his fifteen years of service to Asher , Leo had never been asked to rescue a young girl . When he received the assignment , he was gobsmacked . He double - checked to make sure , and even after Asher confirmed it , he still found it hard to believe . Tom Malfoy was powerful in Russia , but firearms weren''t prohibited there , so their people wouldn''t be restricted . Rescuing someone shouldn''t be difficult . He could have assigned a reliable deputy asmander and sent a few mercenaries over to handle it . The situation . hardly required the personal involvement of themander - in - chief . Despite his confusion , Leo had always obeyed Asher''s orders unconditionally . Since Asher had issued thismand , he had no choice but toply . Though Malfoy''s men weren''t as formidable as those in America , their strength was still considerable . 14.43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.8 % Chapter 160 Of the team Leo took , five were injured , three seriously . However , they had brought a top - tier medical team with them , and the wounded received professional treatment on the helicopter , saving their lives . The helicopter took nearly seven hours to fly from Pnd to thepound in London . When they first rescued Lucy , she was unconscious . The apanying doctor performed a basic examination and found that she had merely fainted from hunger . The doctor administered glucose , and shortly after boarding the helicopter , she regained consciousness . The young girl was terrified . She huddled in her seat , trembling , hugging her knees , her small face deathly pale , and her doe - like eyes filled with fear . A ruggedly handsome young man under Leo''smand gave Lucy an odd look before turning to Leo . " Boss , what''s so special about this girl ? Why did you have to rescue her personally ? " Leo shook his head . " I don''t know . The young master didn''t say . " The young man''s name was Clinton Yates . He was one of the mercenaries involved in Lucy''s rescue. Despite being only seventeen , Clinton had already undergone nine years of professional training . He had never failed a mission , and his skills surpassed many veteran soldiers . He was among the top three mercenaries under Leo''smand . Clinton''s arm had been hit by a bullet , the white bandage soaked crimson with blood . Yet he showed no resentment , merely smiling and saying , " Then she must be extremely important to the young master . " When the young man smiled , his rugged features softened somewhat . Lucy looked up at him , the fear in her eyes diminishing . She recognized this brother . He was the one who had rescued her from that dark dungeon , and his arm had been injured while saving her . Seeing Lucy so timid and remembering what she had been through , Clinton felt sympathy for her . He pulled a fru candy from his pocket and offered it to her . " Little one , fancy a sweet ? " Clinton had a habit - whenever he was nervous or needed intense concentration , he had to eat candy . Eating candy helped him stay calm and collected . It was a habit he had developed as a child . Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.0 % Rory Butter in the core gay hostiligorta ay bunky the beautifully writ After a incercanos de dite de soudly wurther way and do the candy hun linton and sad T sister . I promised her Bring her own and Carone on Ass When Tha and Asher worked at thepound , die helicopter had justnded on the helipat Lucy had been brought inside for a meal Thaliashed cetingher solely Asher quickly steadied her . Tears streamed down Thalia''s face as the choked out " Lucy " Sitting at the dining table , Lucy heard her sister''s voice and turned to look . Her eyes instantly filled with tears . " Sister " Tha hurried to Lucy''s side and embraced her , crying " Thank goodness , you''re finally back . It''s so good , so good ¡­ Thank God you''re safe ¡­ " Lucy leaned into Thalia''s embrace , her quiet sobs gradually turning into heart wrenching cries . Aster stood to the side watching for a moment , then gave Leo a significant look before turning and walking out Leo led Clinton and the others out behind Asher , leaving the sisters alone . ( 0 ) Chapter 161 Chapter 161 Chapter 161 Randolph Winters and Victoria soon arrived at thepound as well . Victoria embraced Lucy , crying uncontrobly . " My darling ¡­ I thought I''d never see you again ¡­ Mummy''s been thinking of you every day , dreaming of you every night . Oh sweetheart , Mummy was absolutely beside herself . " Thalia stood nearby , silently weeping . These past few days , every time she closed her eyes , she would see that madman Tom Malfoy torturing her sister . She had nightmares constantly - dreams of Malfoy pouring petrol over Lucy , wanting to burn her alive , dreams of Malfoy telling her to exchange her own life for her sister''s . In this emotional scene , even Randolph , a grown man , had tears in his eyes . He had thousands of words he wanted to say , but when it came down to it , all he could manage was , " Lucy , Daddy missed you terribly ." After the family of four had cried together , the observant Victoria noticed that Lucy''s mental state was concerning With reddened eyes , she said , " Lucy was already traumatized from her previous kidnapping . Now she''s been taken to Russia and nearly lost her life . I''m so worried about her ¡­ Her voice trailed off as she couldn''t continue . Lucy wasn''t even nine years old , yet she had experienced two kidnappings . How could such a young girl withstand these sessive traumas ? Her mental health would certainly be affected . Dark circles shadowed Randolph''s eyes. He hadn''t had a proper night''s sleep since his younger daughter had been kidnapped . Now , Randolph looked haggard and exhausted , his eyes filled with guilt and concern as he looked at his little girl . " I''ll get onto the best psychologist straight away . " Thalia added , " I''ll also reach out to my contacts for rmendations and find the most highly regarded child psychologist avable . Victoria , Lucy will get better , I promise . " Victoria let out a heavy sigh . " I do hope so . " Chapter 161 Asher and Leo were discussing matters outside . The Winters family came out , and both parties came face to face . Asher''s gaze fell on Thalia , and their eyes met . Thalia''s eyes were red from crying A wave of concern spread across Asher''s face . Thalia pursed her lips and silently looked away . Victoria had intended to thank Asher , but when she remembered that her precious daughter wouldn''t have been kidnapped if not for him , she found herself unable to utter the words . Randolph gave Asher a cold , irritated look . Asher maintained hisposure and politely greeted him . " Uncle Randolph . " " I''d prefer you didn''t call me that . I hardly think I qualify , " Randolph replied with obvious sarcast Asher wasn''t bothered and simply nodded slightly , saying , " How is Lucy doing ? " This question further angered Randolph . He snorted coldly . " Thanks to you , she nearly lost her life . " " ¡­ " Asher lowered his eyes , his expression filled with remorse . " I''m truly sorry . " Nearby , Leo wanted to say something , but without Asher''s permission , he didn''t dare interject . Faced with Asher''s humble apology , Randolph remained unconvinced . A fire burned within him as he said coldly , " What bloody good is an apology ? Can a simple " sorry heal the harm done to Thalia and Lucy ? " Asher remained silent . Randolph snorted again and stormed off , carrying Lucy . Victoria said nothing and followed . Thalia also began to leave . As she passed Asher , he suddenly grasped her wrist . " Lia ¡­ .. " Thalia stopped and looked up at him . " Is there something else ? " Asher''s eyes were deep , filled with pain , his demeanor humble . " Can we reconcile ? " 44576 Chapter 161 Thalia froze . Her eyes were filled with disbelief . After a long moment , she responded with a furrowed brow . " What on earth are you talking about ? " Reconcile ? At this point , how could they possibly reconcile ? Putting aside the fact that Asher''s grandmother disliked her and strongly opposed their rtionship , even if by some miracle she approved , Thalia could never reconcile with him . Between them stood Lucy''s kidnapping - both she and her sister had nearly lost their lives . Randolph now harbored a deep hatred for the ckwood family . Even if Thalia still had feelings for Asher in her heart , reconciliation was impossible . So even though she had learned the truth about their breakup from Malfoy''s men - that the actress he was rumored to be with , Laurina Kensington , was his cousin , that she held an important ce in his heart , and that he was willing to risk his life to save her - she had never mentioned reconciliation . There was no going back . There was no future for them . Thalia had thought Asher understood this clearly . But now , it seemed he still harbored unrealistic hopes . Suddenly , Thalia''s heart wrenched with pain . In truth , she too found it difficult to ept this oue . But it was a dead end . She was trapped within it , suffering mentally and physically , with no way out . Yes , Asher had rescued Lucy . But the fact remained that without Asher , Lucy would never have been kidnapped , never been in mortal danger . Without Asher , she would never have be Tom Malfoy''s target for revenge against him . Seeing Thalia silent with lowered eyes , the corners of Asher''s eyes reddened . His throat felt bitter and constricted , his heart aching to the point of suffocation . After a long while , Thalia heard her own hoarse voice : " We can''t go back , Asher . We can 80 back . " re 30 The grip on herria suddenly gineand then gradually loosened . Finally . Adey released Thudie''s hand His eyes our pet back , the botondess abysses , emotions surging within them ,yer uponyer , rippling with pas Thalia dadat lookrto Asher''s eyes . She said nothing more Once Asher released her hand , she fled as if granted a great reprieve . In the cold wind The man stood motionless like a sculpture . He lowered his eyes , and beneath his distinct eyshes , a tear silently fell . Soundlessly . Unnoticed In the early spring , where the grass grew and orioles flew, all things were reviving with vibrant life . New buds sprouted from the roadside branches , flowers bloomedpetitively in gardens , and gentle winds and fine rain nourished the earth . Everything was flourishing with vitality . But Asher''s world remained deste and barren , devoid of life , reduced to ck and white . Upon learning of Lucy''s psychological problems , Asher immediately contacted the world''s most authoritative psychologist , even flying overnight to personally invite them . When Randolph found out , he merely gave a cold , dismissive curl of his lips . The doctor arrived in London and , barely having time to unpack her belongings , went straight to treat Lucy . When Asher brought the doctor to the Winters '' home , Victoria was politely distant , offering a brief " thank you , " while Randolph maintained his usual attitude , showing no warmth toward Asher .. The doctor was highly professional and experienced . After her preliminary diagnosis , she quickly provided a treatment n and proactively offered to stay at the Winters home to provide daily care for Lucy . The blonde , blue eyed , middle - aged female doctor from H?pital Sainte - Anne in Paris exined in French , " For children , familiar environments and people facilitate healing . I don''t rmend sending her to a hospital or care facility . Staying at home is best for treatment . If it''s convenient , I can remain here to treat her . " 99.8 % Chapter 161 Randolph replied in equally fluent French , " Of course it''s convenient . Please do stay . Thank you , doctor . " The doctor nodded and smiled . " No need for thanks . As doctors , we naturally hope for children to recover quickly . " Seeing that matters were settled , Asher said , " Right , I''ll be off then . " Randolph maintained his icy attitude , acting as if he hadn''t heard , not even sparing Asher a nce . Victoria , however , responded , " Take care . " Asher looked toward Thalia . His gaze filled with longing and deep affection . But Thalia lowered her eyes , avoiding his gaze . A sharp pain struck Asher''s heart . He withdrew his gaze , turned , and walked toward the door . Only after the man turned did Thalia look up at him . His retreating figure exuded loneliness and destion . Thalia''s breath caught . Her eyes stung and ached . ? ( 0 ) Chapter 162 Chapter 162 At the ckwood family estate . In the ground floor hall . Catherine , upon hearing of Lucy''s safe return , finally showed a long - absent smile . " Thank goodness she''s back , that''s a relief . " Andrew ckwood''s brow rxed as he asked , " What did the Winters family say ? " Asher''s expression remained unchanged , his demeanor calm as he replied , " Not much , really . " Catherine paused . " I''ll visit Lucy tomorrow at the Winters '' home . I''ll bring some proper gifts and apologize to Randolph and Victoria . After all , Lucy was kidnapped because of our family . " Upon hearing this , Lady ckwood snorted coldly , her mouth turned down in displeasure . " That''s hardly necessary . The girl has returned perfectly fine , hasn''t she ? Nothing serious happened . Why act so subservient ? Catherine , you are thedy of the ckwood family . Your position and status are clear . You must remember that represents the ckwood family . Don''t do things that demean our position . " your every word and actio Catherine frowned . " Mother , how is this demeaning ? After such an incident , if we remain indifferent , that would be truly inappropriate . " Asher said , " Grandmother , this kidnapping has caused Lucy severe psychological trauma . Her mental state is currently very poor . " The implication was clear : Lucy had not returned " perfectly fine " at all , and the ckwood family should take responsibility for what happened . " Hmph , " Lady ckwood''s eyes were full of displeasure . " She was just frightened , that''s all . Children are easily scared , it''s normal . She''ll be fine in a few days . No need to make such a fuss . " Catherine''s brow furrowed as she looked from Lady ckwood to Asher , appearing as if she wanted to speak but was hesitant . Asher maintained his cool demeanor , seeming not to have heard Lady ckwood''s sarcastic remarks . He simply turned to Catherine and said , " If you want to visit Lucy , you should contact Uncle Randolph or Victoria beforehand to ask their opinion . Lucy is currently receiving psychological treatment at home and may not be able to see visitors . " Catherine nodded . " Of course . " Seeing that she was being ignored , Lady ckwood''s face darkened . " Asher , are you deliberately contradicting your grandmother ? " 11 .: A True Heiress 98.29 % Chapter 162 Asher''s thin lips parted . " How could I possibly ? If you , in your esteemed position , don''t wish to visit the Winters family , that''s your prerogative , I can''t dictate your actions , can 17 " " Do you genuinely not understand my meaning , or are you pretending not to ? I forbid you from going to the Winters '' home . " Lady ckwood then turned to her daughter - in -w , Catherine . " And you are not to go either ! " " Mother ¡­ " Catherine looked troubled . " Brother , please don''t argue with Grandmother ¡­ " Grace softened her voice . Asher didn''t even nce at Grace as he stood up and said , " I have matters to attend to . I''ll be off now . " With that , he turned and left . " Brother- " Grace called after Asher''s retreating figure . " Just look at his behaviour ! " Lady ckwood was furious . " Mother , I should be going too , " Catherine said , eyeing Lady ckwood''s expression and speaking in a gentle , conciliatory tone . " Do try to calm down . " Lady ckwood looked coldly at Catherine . " Calm down ? If you didn''t vex me , would I need to calm down ? " Catherine was at a loss for words and silently sighed . " Grandmother , try the tea I''ve brewed for you . First flush Darjeeling , your favourite . " Grace lifted the teacup and offered it to Lady ckwood . " Tell me if my tea - making skills have improved . " Lady ckwood took a sip of tea , her expression softening somewhat . " Grace is always so thoughtful . " Catherine nced at Grace but said nothing , then turned and left . Andrew had never had much say in this household , and since this incident involved his illegitimate son , he felt even less entitled to speak . During the charged exchange between Lady ckwood and Asher , Andrew had pretended to be deaf and blind , acting as if he hadn''t heard anything . He took a sip of tea , made a few token remarks , and also left . During thew firm meeting , Thalia seemed somewhat distracted . After the meeting , she returned to her office to organize materials . Shortly after , there was a knock at the door . The next moment , the door opened and Rupert Lysander appeared in the doorway . " Ms. Winters , may Ie in ? " Thalia nodded . " Please , do . " 98.3 % Chapter 162 Rupert entered . Thalia asked , " Is this about the Sr case ? I was just about to find you . It''s be ratherplex , and I wanted to hear your thoughts . " Sr was a biotechnologypany whose CEO was an old friend of Randolph Winters . As soon as Winters & Associates opened . Sr had entrusted them with several cases . One of these cases involvedplicated legal rtionships and iplete evidence , making litigation quite risky . Rupert shook his head . " I didn''te to see you about the Sr case , actually . " Thalia looked up , confusion shing in her eyes . " What is it , then ? " " Something troubling youtely ? " Thalia paused . " You noticed ? " " Yes , " Rupert smiled . " You''ve been miles away . You might as well have '' I''ve got something on my mind '' written across your face . " Thalia pursed her lips . " Is it really tha " Frightfully so ." obvious ? " " Fair enough . " Thalia lowered her eyshes , speaking somewhat dejectedly . " There''s been a bit of a situation at home . " Rupert''s eyes deepened with concern . " May I ask what''s happened ? " Thalia considered for a moment , then said , " Something happened to my sister . Her mental state is rather poor right now , and I''m quite worried about her . " " I know the most authoritative and professional psychologists in the country , " Rupert said . " Perhaps I could help . " head . " We already have a psychologist providing in - home " That won''t be necessary for now , " Thalia shook h treatment . Let''s see how effective it is first . If it doesn''t work out , I''ll give you a shout . Thanks , Rupert . " Rupert''s gaze softened . " No need to stand on ceremony with me . " " After all , I''m one of the partners , essentially a co - owner of the firm , " Rupert smiled , joking . " If your state of mind affects your work and we lose cases or fail to collect final payments , I''ll end up out of pocket too , you know . " Thalia knew he was joking and smiled . " Don''t worry , Mr. Partner . I won''t let you down . Concerns aside , my professional capabilities are beyond question . " Thalia picked up a court judgment and waved it at Rupert . " Look , we''ve just received another favorable verdict . The 98.5 % Chapter 162 court supported all our ims , and the final ¡ê 15,000 in legal fees has just been credited . " Rupert''s eyes crinkled as he smiled . " As expected of Ms. Winters . " Thalia''s mood improved a bit as she joked . " Rest assured , working with me won''t leave you skint . " Rupert''s eyes gleamed with amusement , his tone gentle . " Good to know . " Soon it was time to leave work . People from thew firm gradually departed . Thalia finished organizing her case materials , turned off the office lights , closed the door , and headed toward the exit . " Ms. Winters , " Rupert called out . Thalia turned back . " Yes ? " Rupert walked over , his attractive eyes smiling behind his gold - rimmed sses . " Weren''t you going to discuss the Sr case with me ? There''s a new restaurant nearby . A friend mentioned the food is quite good . Shall we talk over dinner ? " Thalia paused briefly . " That sounds lovely . " Although the workday was over , Thalia didn''t mind discussing work with Rupert after hours . After all , she wasn''t working for someone else - this was her ownw firm , and Sr was her case . She appreciated that Rupert was willing to sacrifice his own free time to discuss the case with her . Thalia smiled and said , " Let me treat you , Rupert . Consider it thanks for helping me analyze the case . " " I''d be delighted , " Rupert graciously epted without hesitation . Thalia pressed the elevator button , and Rupert stood quietly beside her , waiting for the lift . ? ( 0 ) Chapter 163 Chapter 163 At the restaurant . Rupert elegantly cut into his steak . Thalia had ordered a bottle of Roman¨¦e - Conti Grand Cru red wine . A uniformed waiter decanted the wine for them . Rupert smiled . " Even if the judge supports all our ims in the Sr case , the legal fees would only be ¡ê 200,000 . This bottle of wine alone costs ¡ê 180,000 . Ms. Winters , I''d say you''re making rather a loss on this transaction . " Thalia gently swirled her wine ss , her star - like beautiful eyes containing a hint of amusement . " Not at all . I never make losing deals , " Rupert smiled at her , waiting for her to continue . " The revenue you can bring to Winters & Associates in a year is at least ten times the cost of this wine , " Thalia said with a smile . Rupert chuckled softly . " And here I thought Ms. Winters was just sshing the cash . I didn''t realize you''re such a shrewd businesswoman . " " But of course . Consider whose daughter I am . " When it came to business , who couldpare to London''s leading entrepreneur , Randolph Winters ? The dinner was thoroughly enjoyable . Rupert provided many practical suggestions and argumentation strategies . Thalia noted them all down . After dinner , Thalia called the waiter over to settle the bill . The waiter smiled politely and said , " Excuse me , madam , but the gentleman has already taken care of it . " Thalia''s hand , reaching for her card , paused . She looked up at Rupert sitting across from her . " Didn''t we agree that this one was my treat ? " Rupert''s lips curved upward . " Letting ady pay isn''t quite my style . " " ¡­ " Thalia puffed her cheeks slightly . " A ¡ê 180,000 bottle of wine , ¡ê 20,000 worth of food - you''ve spent ¡ê 200,000 before you''ve even earned anything at Winters & Associates . Isn''t that a losing deal for you ? " 14:26 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.8 % Chapter 163 " Like you , I never make losing deals , " Rupert''s eyes twinkled with amusement . " With Ms. Winters '' impressivework and resources , I''m not worried about finding cases . I''m just waiting for you to bring me those big ticket briefs , " " Fair enough , " Thalia returned her card to her purse . " In that case , I won''t stand on ceremony . " Thalia had just put her card away and was preparing to leave . At that moment , a woman approached their table , her eyes wide with disbelief . " Rupert ? " The woman had reached their table . " It really is you ! " Rupert blinked in surprise . " Aunt Amanda ? " The woman , named Amanda Lysander , wore her chestnut - colored hair in a smart bob and had impable makeup . Though over forty , she was so well - preserved she looked barely thirty . " And who might this be ? " Amanda smiled warmly at Thalia . " This is my partner I''ve mentioned to you , Thalia Winters , " Rupert introduced , then turned to Thalia . " Thalia , this is my aunt . " " Hello , " Thalia smiled in greeting . " Hello there , " Amanda could barely contain her smile . " Rupert has mentioned you to me . " Thalia smiled faintly . " You rascal , " Amanda nudged Rupert with her elbow . " You only said Ms. Winters was an exceptionally skilledwyer . You never mentioned she was such a beauty . " Rupert''s face showed a hint of embarrassment . " Aunt Amanda ¡­ " " Ms. Winters , do you have a boyfriend ? " Amanda asked with remarkable familiarity . Thalia was taken aback . This was rather forward . " Aunt ! " Rupert quickly interrupted Amanda . The man''s ears had turned suspiciously red ¡­ " I''m so sorry , Ms. Winters . My aunt is a bit of a social menace . Please don''t mind her , " Rupert hurriedly exined . Thalia smiled and shook her head . " It''s quite alright . " Vairess 98.9 % Chapter 163 Amanda gave Rupert a meaningful look , lowering her voice . " I think this youngdy suits you perfectly . It''s rare to see you out with a woman . You should make a proper go of it ! " Though she had deliberately lowered her voice , Thalia was close enough to hear . Thalia awkwardly averted her gaze , pretending not to have heard . Rupert rubbed his temples helplessly . " Aunt , would you please stop fussing over me . " " How can I not fuss ? Do you know that a few years ago when you showed no interest in women, your mother and I both thought you might be gay ? We were both terribly anxious but didn''t dare ask you ¡­ " Before Amanda could finish , Rupert covered her mouth . " Now you''re just being ridiculous . " Thalia couldn''t help butugh . Amanda quickly stopped herself . " Well , um , Ms. Winters , our Rupert''s sexual orientation is perfectly normal . I''ve got something to attend to , so do carry on with your evening . " Thalia responded politely : " Alright, goodbye . " " Goodbye , future niece - in -w ! " Amanda''s eyes curved with mischief . Thalia : " ¡­ " After Amanda left , Rupert apologized profusely . " I''m terribly sorry , Ms. Winters . My aunt likes to talk absolute rubbish . Please don''t take it to heart . " " It''s fine , " Thalia smiled . " I wouldn''t have expected Rupert to face marriage pressure . I thought someone as exceptional as you would already have a girlfriend or fianc¨¦e . " Hearing this , Rupert gave Thalia a meaningful look before quickly averting his gaze . " I''m waiting for someone . " " What ? " Thalia didn''t understand at first , but quickly caught on after asking . " I see . " " It''s gettingte . Let me drive you home , " Rupert stood , picking up his jacket . " No need , " Thalia also stood up . " I drove here . " " You just had wine , " Rupert gently reminded her . " Oh , right , " Thalia said . " Don''t trouble yourself . I''ll call my driver to pick me up . " She had nned to go to the Winters family vi tonight to check on her sister anyway . " That works too . " Rupert didn''t insist further . 49049 Chapter 163 In a secluded vi on the outskirts of town . Drake Ashcroft shouted furiously , " You wanted to use me to get rid of Thalia ? You knew damn well Tom Malfoy would kill Lucy if the police were called , yet you still pushed me to contact them right away ! " Grace gave a coldugh . " So what ? I''ve always wanted Thalia Winters dead ! " " Grace ! " Drake bellowed , veins bulging on his forehead . " You originally said you just wanted to break up Thalia and Asher , not that you wanted her dead ! " " That was then . " Grace''s eyes were full of mockery as she curled her lips . " Now I simply want her dead . Only when she''s gone will my brother have eyes for me . " " You''repletely insane ! " Drake was so angry his chest heaved violently . He tried to lunge at her but was blocked by Grace''s bodyguards . " Drake Ashcroft , look at your pathetic , useless self . How utterly worthless you are ! No wonder Thalia doesn''t want you . " Grace''s face was filled with contempt . " Thalia wouldn''t give you the time of day even after breaking up with Asher . You''re of no use to me anymore . Our cooperation ends here . " Drake spoke venomously , " Aren''t you afraid I''ll tell Asher everything you''ve done ? " " Hahahahaha ¡­ " Grace burst intoughter as if she''d heard an excellent joke . " Did I hear that correctly ? " Grace looked at Drake with amusement . " Are you threatening me ? " " Don''t forget who stands behind me , " Grace said , relying on her powerful backing . " For Tom Malfoy , I''m far more useful than you . Guess what happens if you expose my actions , the ckwood family disowns me , and I lose my usefulness ? Do you think Tom Malfoy would spare you then ? " At the mention of Tom Malfoy , fear shed in Drake''s eyes . This was a madman who dared to hunt down Asher ckwood with heavy assault rifles in broad daylight ! Asher might have survived Tom Malfoy , but Drake Ashcroft certainly wouldn''t . He was just an ordinary rich kid , a yboy who only knew how to eat , drink , and be merry . Although he had recently been putting effort into running hispany , unlike his previous wasteful lifestyle , he was still an ordinary person without his own power base or professionally trained mercenaries . The bodyguards he hired would be eliminated within seconds if they faced Tom Malfoy''s men . If Tom Malfoy really targeted him , he would have absolutely no chance of survival . Thinking of this , Drake gritted his teeth , having no choice but to back down . 99.1 % Chapter 153 Grace''s cooperation with Drake was terminated Neither of them noticed the camera hidden among the branches outside the vi . ? Chapter 164 Chapter 164 Katie had passed the interview at Winters & Associates and officially started today as a sriedwyer . As Lucy Jenkins had also resigned from Sinir & Klein to join Thalia''s firm , Thalia arranged for Lucy Jenkins to be Katie''s assistant . Both young women were outgoing and cheerful , getting along splendidly . For the Sr case , Thalia organized the evidence ording to Rupert''s suggestions and drafted the statement of im . Near the end of the workday , Thalia received a call from a private investigator . " Ms. Winters , I''ve made progress regarding Drake Ashcroft and Grace that you asked me to investigate . Do you have time to meet today ? I have something to give you . " Thalia replied , " Yes , I''m about to finish work . Could youe to a caf¨¦ near my office ? " " Of course . " Thalia provided an address . " Half past six , see you at the caf¨¦ . " " Very well , Ms. Winters . " After hanging up , Rupert knocked and entered her office . " Ms. Winters , about what my aunt said to you yesterday - I''ve been thinking about it and feel I should apologize properly . " Thalia raised an eyebrow . " It''s really nothing . I know she was just joking . I didn''t take it to heart . " " How about this , " Rupert adjusted his sses on the bridge of his nose . " Let me take you out for dinner , as an apology on behalf of my aunt . " Thalia smiled . " That''s really not necessary . No need to be so formal . " Rupert looked at Thalia , hesitated , then touched the tip of his nose and said , " Alright then . " " Oh , by the way , " Thalia pulled out two thick , heavy man envelopes . " We received several new cases today . These two are in your area of expertise . " Rupert epted the case files , smiling . " New cases already ? As you promised , working with you certainly won''t leave me skint . " " Is that really the extent of your ambition , Rupert ? Just not being broke ? " Thalia smiled . " Take a look . " Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.4 % Chapter 164 Rupert opened the envelopes . They were trademark dispute cases . Rupert quickly scanned the materials , a smile ying on his lips . " Well , this should cover yesterday''s wine quite nicely . " Thalia also smiled . " I told you I wouldn''t let you lose out . " " Thanks , " Rupert put away the case files . After work , Thalia tidied her desk and went to the caf¨¦ downstairs for her appointment . Thalia pushed open the ss door and entered the caf¨¦ . In an inconspicuous corner , she spotted the private investigator dressed in ck and wearing a baseball cap . Thalia walked over and sat across from the man . " Hello , Mr. Horton . " The private investigator''s name was Marco Horton . " Hello , Ms. Winters . " After exchanging greetings , Marco rummaged through his backpack . " Miss , these are photos I''ve taken recently of Drake Ashcroft and Grace together . " The investigator handed over a man envelope . Thalia opened the envelope and began looking through the photos . Seeing images of Grace with Drake , Thalia curled her lips in a cold smile . " Just as I suspected . " " Also , here''s a recording I made of their meetingst night . " The investigator opened his phone . " I''ll send it to you . " Upon receiving the audio file , Thalia put on her earphones and pressed y . " You wanted to use me to get rid of Thalia ? You knew damn well Tom Malfoy would kill Lucy if the police were called , yet you still pushed me to contact them right away ! " This was Drake''s voice . Grace''s voice came through : " So what ? I''ve always wanted Thalia Winters dead ! " " Grace ! You originally said you just wanted to break up Thalia and Asher , not that you wanted her dead ! " " That was then . Now I simply want her dead . Only when she''s gone will my brother have eyes for me . " Upon hearing this , Thalia''s eyes shed with mockery and disdain . Huh , wanting her dead over a man . 99.5 % Chapter 164 " You''repletely insane ! " Drake''s voice sounded furious . " Drake Ashcroft , look at your pathetic , useless self . How utterly worthless you are ! No wonder Thalia doesn''t want you . Thalia wouldn''t give you the time of day even after breaking up with Asher . You''re of no use to me anymore . Our cooperation ends here . " " Aren''t you afraid I''ll tell Asher everything you''ve done ? " " Hahahahaha ¡­ Did I hear that correctly ? Are you threatening me ? Don''t forget who stands behind me . For Tom Malfoy , I''m far more useful than you . Guess what happens if you expose my actions , the ckwood family disowns me , and I lose my usefulness ? Do you think Tom Malfoy would spare you then . " The recording ended there . After listening , Thalia''s brow furrowed . She had long suspected Grace''s feelings for Asher and had guessed that Grace was in contact with Drake , so she wasn''t surprised by the first part of the conversation . But then Grace mentioned she was working with Tom Malfoy . Thalia''s eyebrows knotted together in deep thought . This was truly unexpected . Should she tell Asher about this ? " Thank you , " Thalia said . " I''ll transfer the money to your ount as agreed . " " Very well . " Meanwhile , at Asher''spound . In the study , Asher sat in the chair behind his desk while Lucas stood in front , giving his report . " Sir , these are the results of the investigation into Miss Grace that you requested . " Lucas turned theptop screen toward Asher and ced it in front of him . Asher went through the materials one by one , his expression gradually darkening . " Our people have found that Miss Grace has been in close contact with Drake Ashcroft recently , " Lucas reported . " Based on the information gathered so far , it was Miss Grace who instructed Drake to call the police when Ms. Winters was kidnapped . " Lucas continued : " Ashcroft Group was on the verge of bankruptcy a few months ago , then suddenly received a 99.700 Chapter 164 substantial investment . I traced it to an overseas investmentpany whose legal representative is connected to Arno Jones , one of Tom Malfoy''s subordinates . " At this name , a cold gleam shed in Asher''s eyes . Asher''s lips curled slightly . " So Drake Ashcroft has also be Tom Malfoy''s man . " " There''s more ¡­ " Lucas hesitated . " Speak , " Asher''s eyes turned frigid . " There''s a recording about Miss Grace . " With that , Lucas took out his phone , opened the audio interface , and handed it to Asher . " Sir , perhaps you should listen to it yourself . " Asher frowned and opened the recording ¡­ ? ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 165 Chapter 165 That night , Thalia couldn''t sleep . The audio recording kept echoing in her mind . Grace''s backer was Tom Malfoy . Thalia wasn''t sure how many ckwood family secrets Grace knew , being their adopted daughter . She hadn''t previously asked Asher whether Grace held any position in the ckwood Group . If Grace did work at ckwood Group and had ess to business secrets that she then leaked to Tom Malfoy , it could be extremely damaging to thepany . Additionally , Tom Malfoy hated the ckwood family . Everything he had done previously was to exact revenge on Asher . Since Grace was infatuated with Asher , why would she help Tom Malfoy and position herself against Asher ? This was something Thalia couldn''t fathom . Perhaps Tom Malfoy had promised her something ? Pondering these questions , Thalia tossed and turned in bed , unable to sleep until the first light of dawn appeared , when drowsiness finally overcame her . When she awoke , it was already afternoon . Thalia sat up in bed and nced at the time on her phone : . She irritably ran her fingers through her hair , finally sighing in resignation . Yesterday at the caf¨¦ , after the private investigator had given her the physical photos , he had also sent her digital copies of the evidence . After freshening up , Thalia forwarded the digital evidence from the investigator to Asher''s email . She told herself , help him out - after all , he rescued Lucy , and at their engagement party , he had even taken a knife for her . No matter what , she couldn''t just stand by if he was in danger . Grace alone might not be enough to threaten Asher , but with Tom Malfoy behind her , that was a different story . 16:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 96.5 % Chapter 165 Thalia was well aware of how powerful Tom Malfoy was in Russia . Asher considered Tom Malfoy a formidable opponent . If Grace continued to act as an inside informant for Tom Malfoy against the ckwood family , not only would ckwood Group be impacted , but Asher himself might also be in danger . After sending the email , Thalia noticed a new message in her inbox . It was from the person she had asked to help investigate Ashcroft Group''s business records . The email was titled " Ashcroft Group Business Records . " Thalia opened the email and quickly scrolled through the document . When she saw the changes in Ashcroft Group''s equity and the detailed information about the controlling shareholder , Thalia read it over several times , recalling what Drake had said about Arno Jones , Tom Malfoy''s subordinate , investing in Ashcroft Group . Her brow furrowed . The document showed that the controlling shareholder was an overseas investmentpany , not Arno Jones personally . Could thispany also be controlled by Arno Jones ? Arno Jones had already been arrested , and hispanies in the UK had been seized . The overseaspany was beyond the reach of British authorities , which was fortunate for Drake . Just then , herputer notified her of a new email . Thalia opened it and paused . It was a reply from Asher . In his email , Asher said they had already discovered Grace''s close association with Drake and that Grace was working for Tom Malfoy . Thalia breathed a sigh of relief . Good that they knew . Thalia typed a long message in response but hesitated before sending it . How Asher would deal with Grace was his business . Grace was the ckwood family''s adopted daughter , Asher''s sister , and more importantly , she harboured inappropriate feelings for Asher . Since Asher had already discovered so much , knowing that Grace was working for Tom Malfoy , he must also have realized Grace''s feelings for him . 16:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 96.6 % Chapter 165 Would he be lenient ? After all , Grace had been his sister for over a decade . Would he forgive her if she cried ? Thalia suddenly felt a wave of irritation . She deleted what she had written , character by character . Enough . She had done what she needed to do . How Asher would handle Grace was no longer her concern . Today was Saturday , so Thalia didn''t need to go to the office . She drank a ss of milk and ate a sandwich to tide herself over . The restlessness in her heart remained undiminished . Seeing that the weather outside was pleasant , Thalia quickly got ready and went out to clear her mind . Near Thalia''s vi was arge park , which she reached on foot . The park was crowded on the weekend , with many parents bringing their children out to y . Evergreen trees created a lush greenndscape , verdant and thriving . Tulips and roses bloomed inpetition , a stunning disy of beauty . Many people were picking on thewn , and children were flying kites . Thalia strolled across the grass , watching these everyday scenes of life , and her unease began to dissipate . After walking aimlessly for about fifteen minutes , Thalia sat down to rest on a wooden bench under arge tree . Suddenly , she heard the intermittent sound of a child crying . Thalia followed the sound and discovered a small girl crying behind a nearby sculpture . The little girl wore a pink dress over a white knitted sweater . Her hair was tied in pigtails , with fluffy bunny hairbands . Thalia recognized the girl''s clothes as from a luxury brand''s children''s line . The bunny hairbands were the same as the ones Lucy had , which cost around ¡ê 70,000 . Thalia approached and asked , " Hello there , what''s the matter ? " The girl''s doe - like eyes were red from crying , her face streaked with tears . " I ¡­ I''ve lost my mummy ¡­ sob ¡­ " Just as Thalia had guessed . 16:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 96.7 % Chapter 165 " Do you remember your mummy''s phone number ? " Thalia asked . The little girl pouted and shook her head . Thalia asked again, " What about your daddy''s phone number ? Or any other family member''s number ? Do you remember any ? " The girl pressed her lips together and shook her head again . Thalia sighed and asked , " Do you know your parents '' names ? " The little girl nodded and said , " My mummy is called Amanda . " Thalia felt relieved . At least she remembered her mother''s name . After thinking for a moment , Thalia decided to take the little girl to the park''s management center , where staff could use the PA system to help the child find her mother . " No more tears now . I''ll help you find your mummy, alright ? " Thalia bent down , patted the little girl''s head , and spoke gently . The girl wiped her tears and looked at Thalia for a moment , her lips pursed , before responding in a childish voice , " Okay . " Thalia''s eyes curved into a smile . " That''s a good girl . " She extended her hand to the little girl . " Come along then , let''s find your mummy . " The little girl obediently took Thalia''s hand and followed her . At the management center , Thalia exined the girl''s situation to the staff . The staff member asked , " What''s your name , love ? " " My name is Lena Garret , " the little girl replied in her small voice . The staff member immediately connected to the PA system . " Ms. Amanda , your daughter Lena Garret is lost in the park . If you hear this announcement , pleasee to the management center at the north gate . " The park wasrge , but there were speakers ced at regr intervals . Before long , Amanda arrived at the management center . The moment Thalia saw Amanda , she was stunned . Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 96.8 % Chapter tes Wasn''t this Rupert''s aunt ? 20 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 166 Chapter 166 Amanda also noticed Thalia , surprise shing in her eyes . " Well , if it isn''t Ms. Winters ! What a coincidence . " Thalia smiled and said , " I was just taking a stroll through the park when I heard a child crying , so I went to check . What a lovely surprise - I had no idea you were Lena''s mother . " " Was it you who brought my Lena here ? " Amanda''s eyes were grateful . " Thank you ever so much . " Thalia smiled . " Not at all . It was nothing , really . " " Lena , darling , say thank you to Ms. Winters , " Amanda smiled , instructing her daughter . Lena , with her bright , clear eyes , looked at Thalia and said in a sweet , crisp voice , " Thank you , Ms. Winters . " " What a good girl , " Thalia bent down and patted Lena''s head , her eyes crinkling with her smile . Amanda took Lena''s hand . " Ms. Winters , I''m truly grateful . Let me treat you to dinner this evening . " " That''s really not necessary , " Thalia said with a gentle smile . " Ohe now , Ms. Winters ? Are you busy tonight ? " Amanda was extremely persistent . " Tomorrow would work just as well . When might you be free ? " Thalia waved her hand . " It''s honestly not necessary . " Amanda was so insistent that Thalia , after refusing several times , felt she couldn''t decline any further . " Well ¡­ alright then . I''ve got something on this evening , but how about next Saturday night ? " " Brilliant , " Amanda said with a beaming smile . " It''s settled then . " In Russia . Grace walked down the street , feeling as though someone was following her . She turned around several times , but everyone looked suspicious yet unremarkable . Grace felt her skin crawl , her palms cold with sweat . Three nights ago . After her meeting with Drake at the secluded vi , shortly after Drake left , her bodyguards found a listening device hidden under the leaves of a potted nt in the living room . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.1 % Chapter 166 Upon discovering her cover was blown , Grace immediately contacted Tom Malfoy and fled to Russia overnight . Having escaped the country , she had naturally severed ties with the ckwood family . Now that she was their enemy , she could no longer seek their protection , and of course , she couldn''t keep the bodyguards they had assigned to her . Fortunately , one of her former bodyguards , a rather simple fellow , had harboured feelings for her . She had recognised his infatuation long ago and had taken him with her when she fled . " Peter , I swear someone''s tailing us , " Grace whispered to the bodyguard beside her . " Don''t stress , miss . Whatever happens , I''ve got your back . No one''s getting to you while I''m around . " Peter was a tall , robust man , standing at 6''1 " with an impressively muscr build . Before leaving the country , Grace had felt very secure with him by her side . But now , things were different . She had fled to Russia , Asher was sending people to find her , and Tom Malfoy was too preupied with his own affairs to look after her . " Peter , if Asher''s guyse for me , I don''t think even you can keep me safe . " Grace got into the car , her heart filled with unease . She urged the bodyguard driving in the front seat , " Step on it , back to the vi . We need toy low . Asher''s people might have already tracked me down . " The white sedan had barely driven a short distance when it was rammed to a halt by a ck pickup truck . Peter pulled out his gun . " Get down ! Now ! " No sooner had he spoken than gunfire erupted . Grace was so frightened her legs went weak . Shey t in the car , her entire body trembling . Was she going to die here today ? The sound of gunfire came in waves . Several holes appeared in the car windows , and the smell of blood permeated the air . Grace called out in terror , " Peter , are you hit ? " " Too many of them , miss . We''re screwed , " Peter said with difficulty , clutching his wounded arm . Grace''s face turned ashen . " Is it Asher''s men ? Are they going to kill me ? " As they spoke , someone violently broke through the front windshield . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.2 % Chapter 166 " I''ll hold them off . Run for it ! " Peter shouted , rushing out to engage the group inbat . Another round of gunfire erupted . Grace opened the car door , kicked off her high heels , and began to sprint wildly . The men Asher had sent were mercenaries kept abroad for years , each highly skilled . Although Peter was a well - trained bodyguard with excellent skills , he stood no chance against this group . Peter was quickly subdued . He had been shot twice , once in the thigh and once in the left arm , blood pooling on the ground . The leader ordered , " Get him treated . Don''t let him die . " Soon , a blonde Russian mercenary dragged Grace back , gripping her roughly . " Got the bitch . " Grace kicked frantically , struggling in his grip , cursing , " Let me go ! You bloody bastards , let me go ! " " SLAP ! " The leader viciously struck her across the face . Grace''s lip instantly split open , blood trickling down as her cheek med bright red . " Shut your fucking mouth ! One more sound and I''ll rip your tongue out ! " The leader''s voice wasn''t loud , but it carried a terrifying intensity and savage cruelty . Grace was stunned by the p and terrified by his words . She fell silent, no longer daring to struggle . These men hadn''t killed her , which meant Asher didn''t want her dead yet . Their mission was probably just to capture her . They bound Grace tightly , pped duct tape roughly across her mouth , yanked a ck canvas bag over her head , and brutally threw her into the pickup truck . The vehicle jolted along the road for what seemed like ages before finally stopping . She felt herself being lifted again , carried for some distance , then violently hurled down . The floor was metal . Uponnding , Grace felt like every bone in her body was about to shatter . With a loud " thud , " she crashed onto her bottom , the pain making her break out in a cold sweat . With her mouth taped , she couldn''t speak . The terror inside her made her whole body tremble uncontrobly . Footsteps approached . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.4 % Chapter 166 The sound of a zipper being undone came from above . The bag was yanked open , revealing Grace with disheveled hair , terrified eyes , making muffled " mmm " sounds . She looked utterly frightened . " Boss told me to let you out . He was worried you''d suffocate and we''d have to exin it to the big boss . " The man''s smile was predatory , his eyes sweeping over Grace with undisguised lust . " You''re quite fit , aren''t you ? Shame I can''t touch you right now , or I''d really teach you what a real man feels like ! " Grace turned deathly pale , trembling with fear . After the man left , Grace heard the sound of waves and saw the sea through a small venttion window , realizing she was on a ship . The vessel rocked and swayed , making her dizzy and nauseous . She had never been on a boat like this before and suffered severe seasickness , vomiting all over the floor . No one came to clean it up . The stench of vomit lingered in the confined space , making her reek . Asher , do you truly hate me so much ? To have me captured and thrown onto such a ship ? Do you really have no feelings left for me at all ? Grace huddled in a corner , hugging her knees . The more she thought about it , the more miserable she felt , tears unconsciously streaming down her face . In the evening , the door opened , and someone threw something in . " Cover yourself up . Don''t bloody freeze to death ! " After throwing in the object , the man mmed the door shut again . 16:49 ? ( 6) Chapter 167 Chapter 167 Grace fumbled her way over , and by the moonlight streaming through the venttion port , she could see it was a nket . It was covered with a thickyer of grime , so ckened that its original color was indistinguishable , and it emitted a nauseating stench - clearly unwashed for ages . " Urgh- " Grace retched involuntarily . She had already vomited several times during the day from seasickness . Having had nothing to eat , her stomach contained only acid , and her dry heaving produced nothing . Feeling intensely nauseated , she kicked the nket away in disgust . She had previously lived a life of luxury in the ckwood household . When had she ever endured such hardship ? Even when her mother was still alive and she was just a housekeeper''s daughter , she had never suffered like this . Grace hugged her knees and began to sob quietly . Her soft cries were drowned out by the sound of the waves . The winter temperature was already low , and being at sea made the nights even colder . She shivered violently , her lips turning purplish - blue , as if all the blood in her body was about to freeze . Finally , she picked up that filthy , stinking nket . To survive , Grace had no choice but to wrap herself in the foul - smelling covering . After a bumpy journey , Grace finally arrived in Britain . Having been adrift for several days , unable to eat or sleep properly , she had lost considerable weight . She hadn''t bathed for days and emitted a foul odor . Even the men who came to drag her off the ship couldn''t help but feel disgusted . " Bloody hell ! She absolutely reeks ! " " Urgh- " 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.6 % Chapter 167 The man grabbed Grace , ripped the tape from her mouth with obvious revulsion , untied the ropes binding her , and threw her into the sea . " Wash yourself , you filthy g . You stink to high heaven . " The ship was docked at Port of Southampton . Although there were no sharks in these waters , Grace couldn''t swim , so being thrown overboard still put her life at risk ! Obviously , the man who tossed her in was unaware of this . Grace iled in the water , screaming for help . At first , the man thought she was faking it and stood on the shoreughing . " That''s it , ssh around a bit more . Get properly clean . Don''te back stinking near our boss . " The " boss " he referred to was Lucas , Asher''s subordinate . The port where the ship was docked was in Southampton , with early spring temperatures hovering around freezing . The seawater was bitingly cold . Grace trembled in the water , her lips blue , her limbs starting to spasm uncontrobly . Her lungs had taken in a significant amount of seawater , making breathing increasingly difficult . After struggling for a while , Grace gradually became exhausted . Seeing Grace''s cries grow feeble and her body beginning to sink , the spectator started to panic . The man cursed , " Bloody hell ! You actually can''t swim? For fuck''s sake , now I''ve got to go in after you ? " In such cold weather , the man naturally didn''t want to jump into the sea to rescue anyone . He scanned his surroundings and spotted an orange life ring hanging nearby . The man grabbed the life ring and threw it into the sea . " Grab this and pull yourself out , you dirty cow ! It''s too sodding cold for me to jump in after you ! " The life ring sshed down , but Grace stretched her hand out andcked the strength to paddle toward it . Seeing she couldn''t reach the life ring and was about to sink , the man cursed under his breath and reluctantly jumped into the sea . He managed to pull her out , but Grace had swallowed a lot of seawater and was suffering from hypothermia . She had lost consciousness . " Christ , she''s not dead , is she ? " the man swore . A colleague nearby frowned . " Mate , when you were told to get her cleaned up , is this really what you took that to 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.8 % Chapter 167 mean ? " The man shivered violently . " You''ve no idea how bad she stank . I couldn''t take it anymore , so I chucked her in the sea . How was I to know she couldn''t swim ? Just my bloody luck . I had to go in after her . I''m freezing my bollocks off Take her away and find a doctor to look at her . Don''t let her die . I need to change my clothes , " " Alright , but hurry up . If the boss arrives and you''re not here , he''ll have your guts for garters . " " Yeah , yeah , I know . " When Grace Bet next opened her eyes , three hours had passed . As consciousness gradually returned , she swiveled her eyes to survey her surroundings . A dark , cramped space , very simr to the room on the ship . Sensing movement , Grace guessed she was now in a vehicle . This dark ce was likely the trailer of arge goods vehicle . Her clothes were still soaking wet , but she now had a thick nket covering her - apparently they were worried about her freezing to death . Grace wrapped the nket tightly around herself , hugging her body , her shoulders trembling as she cried . This journey had been utterly miserable . She no longer resembled a wealthy youngdy . Even without looking in a mirror , she could guess that her current appearance was probably simr to that of a homeless beggar . She sobbed quietly . When she tired of crying , she leaned against the metal wall of the trailer to rest . Despite the nket covering her , her wet clothes were still bone - chillingly cold , making her shiver as if she were in an ice cave . Grace guessed the lorry was probably heading toward London . In a few more hours , she would likely see Asher . The lorry finally stopped . Grace was roughly dragged out . She nced up and recognized the ce - it was Asher''spound . 16:49 97.9 % Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 167 She had been here before but had never entered . This was a ce that no one could enter without Asher''s approval , not even the ckwood family patriarch . Now that she was at Asher''spound , did that mean she would soon see Asher ? This day had finallye . Grace was thrown into the basement . There was no heating here , no sunlight , just a pervasive chill . Shortly after , Lucas walked in . " Well , well , Miss Bet , " Lucas narrowed his eyes , his tone cutting like ice . " Led us on quite the merry chase , didn''t you ? Made us work for it , I''ll give you that . " Grace''s body trembled , her teeth chattering . " W - what are you going to do to me ? " Lucas curled his lips into a dangerous smile . " Me ? Nothing at all . My job was bringing you back - mission aplished . What happens next is entirely up to the young master . I wouldn''t get your hopes up , though . " " Is ¡­ is he here ? " Grace bit her lip , a glimmer of hope appearing on her pale face . Seeing her expression , Lucas let out a coldugh . " Oh , this is rich . Don''t tell me you did all this for the young master ? Harbouring some sick little fantasy about him , are we ? " Even at death''s door , Grace remained defiant . " That''s none of your bloody business . " " Fair enough , it''s not my concern , " Lucas''s voice hardened . " But you should be thinking about what''s waiting for you now . The young master isn''t known for his forgiveness when ites to traitors . " " That''s not true . Asher wouldn''t be so cruel to me ! He used to dote on me . Don''t try to frighten me . Asher was always so good to me - he wouldn''t hurt me ! " Lucas''s smile turned predatory . " Should I call you delusional or just in thick ? The young master was kind to you before because you were the ckwood family''s adopted daughter , his sister in name . But now ? " He stepped closer , his voice dropping to a menacing whisper . " You''ve been in bed with Tom Malfoy , with blood on your hands . You''ve made yourself an enemy of the ckwood family. Do you honestly think the young master will show you an ounce of mercy ? I''ve seen what he does to people who cross him . Trust me , you don''t want to know . " ( 13 ) ( 0 ) 16:49 C Chapter 168 Chapter 168 After handling ckwood Group affairs , Asher went straight to thepound , In the basement . Asher stood about three or four meters away from Grace Bet . " Asher ! Asher , you''ve finallye to see me ! " At the sight of Asher , Grace seemed to lose all control , shrieking loudly and desperately trying to lunge toward him . Her voice was severely hoarse , making her cries sound unnervingly disturbing . But her hands and feet were bound , with the ropes fixed to the iron door beside her . Grace was tethered like a dog , utterly stripped of dignity . Asher frowned , the atmosphere around him dropping to arctic levels . " Who gave you permission to address me like that ? " When Grace heard Asher speak this way , she froze momentarily , then suddenly smiled bitterly . " Why can''t I call you that ? Would you prefer I call you brother ? " Grace''s expression twisted into something unhinged . She smiled . " I can call you brother if you''d like . I''ve always adored my brother more than anyone . " Asher''s brow furrowed deeply . " Do you even realize what you''re saying ? " " Of course I bloody do ! " Grace shrieked hoarsely . " I''m in love with you ! I LOVE YOU , Asher ckwood ! Can''t you see how desperately I love you ?! " " You''re probably wondering why I did those things ? " Grace''s emotions swung wildly between sobbing and maniacalughter . " Hahahahaha , it was all for you , don''t you see ?! Asher , after all these years , how could you not have noticed my feelings ?! " In the sealed basement , under the dim yellow light , the madness and obsession in Grace''s eyes were clearly visible . In this moment , the sordid thoughts she had hidden for over a decade were fully exposed . After she finished speaking , the basement fell into a deathly silence . Asher stood tall and straight before Grace , looking down at her with cial contempt , an icy chill emanating from him . The air was permeated with a subtle scent of blood . After a moment of silence . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.2 % Chapter 168 Asher suddenly let out a short , coldugh . " Love me ? " The man''s deep eyes were dark and unfathomable , like a bottomless pool . Grace stared at Asher . She saw him curl his lips in utter disdain , his expression devoid of anything but cold revulsion . " Are you even qualified ? " Each word was delivered with such crushing contempt it was as if he were addressing something he''d found on the sole of his shoe . In an instant , all color drained from Grace''s face . She bit her lower lip hard , tears sliding down her face . " Brother , Asher ¡­ how can you be so cruel ¡­ " Grace sobbed usingly . Asher stood motionless , looking at Grace as one might regard an insect , his eyes revealing nothing but impatience . " Grace Bet , from this moment on , you have no connection whatsoever to the ckwood family . " Grace''s gaze turned vacant , her eyes lifeless as she murmured , " I''ve long stopped wanting to be your sister . " Asher nodded slightly . " Then now , it''s time for you to answer for what you''ve done . " " Lucas . " Asher''s tone was emotionless . " Take her outside . " " Right away , sir . " Grace asked , " Where are you taking me ? " Asher did not deign to respond . He turned away with cold indifference and walked out unhurriedly . Outside was arge open space . A helicopter was parked on the grounds . Lucas ordered his men to carry Grace out and throw her onto the ground . Then , a man used a thick rope to bind Grace''s hands together , with the other end tied to a bracket under the helicopter . Several minutester , the helicopter started up and took off . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.4 % Chapter 168 Grace was suspended from the helicopter , dangling in the air . The early spring wind still carried a chill , and the higher the helicopter flew , the stronger and colder the wind became . The howling wind was bone - chillingly cold . Grace''s clothing was thin , and she had never been resistant to cold . Hanging in mid - air , ravaged by the freezing wind , she would likely die of hypothermia before long . Half an hourter . Lucas wanted to tell Asher that time was almost up , that Grace was barely holding on .. Was the young master nning to let Grace die here today ? Lucas looked at Asher , appearing hesitant to speak . It wasn''t that he felt sorry for Grace . She was cold - blooded , responsible for several deaths . Compared to what she had done to those innocent people , today''s punishment was nothing . But if Grace died at Asher''s hands today , it would be difficult to exin to his grandfather and grandmother . Asher''s face remained expressionless . He showed no sign of wanting to stop . Lucas couldn''t be sure what Asher was thinking . He knew how important Thalia Winters was to Asher . He had no doubt that Would torture and kill Grace to avenge Thalia . But if that happened , what about his grandfather and grandmother ? After all , Grace was the ckwood family''s adopted daughter , and the grandmother doted on her . It didn''t take much imagination to know that ording to the wishes of his grandfather and grandmother , even if Grace hadmitted crimes , she should be handed over to the judicial authorities . Lucas thought Asher was going to let Grace die in this cold , snowy night . However , the next moment , Asher gestured to him . Lucas instantly understood and immediately said into his walkie - talkie , " Enough . Stop . " The helicopter slowly descended . Grace had been frozen to the point that her face was purple , her lips ck , with ayer of ice and snow covering her eyshes and hair . Your Cold Diggor is Actually A True Heiress 98.5 % Chapter 168 Shey on the ground motionless , appearing lifeless . Asher coldly instructed Lucas , " Tind medical staff to check on her . Don''t let her die so easily . " " Yes , sir . " Grace was resuscitated and nowy in thepound''s infirmary . Though she had survived , she was barely clinging to life . The following day , Asher returned to the ckwood family home . Catherine ckwood was drinking tea in the living room . Seeing Asher , she asked with curiosity , " Asher , what brings you home ? " Asher sat down on the sofa , casually crossing his long legs , and asked Catherine , " Father hasn''t arrived yet ? " Catherine looked at Asher . " Is there something you need to discuss with your father ? " " Yes , " Asher said calmly . " I just rang him . He should be here any minute . " Catherine asked , " What''s it regarding ? " Asher''s expression remained neutral , his tone even and unruffled . " About removing Grace Bet from the ckwood family . Permanently . " " Grace has been caught ? " Catherine''s eyes suddenly widened . " When did this happen ? " A few days earlier , Catherine had nearly had a fit when she learned that Grace had been working for Tom Malfoy . She had nned to give Grace a proper disciplining before handing her over to the patriarch , but the people sent to capture Grace had reported that she had fled . Lady ckwood had refused to believe that her dear granddaughter would help Tom Malfoy against the ckwood family . In her anger , her old condition had red up ,nding her in hospital for several days . She had only been discharged yesterday . " She was brought back from Russia yesterday . " Catherine was startled . " Have you told your grandparents about this ? " " Yes , Grandfather can''t return and said I have full authority to handle the matter . Grandmother has also been notified . " Catherine sighed . " Your grandmother has only just left the hospital . I''m concerned that informing her might ¡­ " After a pause , Catherine continued with a furrowed brow , " Your grandmother has always doted on Grace . She''ll likely try her utmost to protect her this time . " 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.6 % Chapter 168 Asher''s lips curled slightly , his voice cold . " Doting or not , what I''ve decided , even Grandmother cannot change . " 0 ( 0 ) Chapter 169 Chapter 169 Many of Grace Bet''s previous actions had been directed at Thalia Winters . So today , Asher had specifically summoned Thalia to attend . In the ckwood family''s grand hall . Lady ckwood , hearing that her grandson had an important announcement to make and guessing it concerned Grace , had rushed back from the convalescent home . Andrew ckwood had also abandoned his work and hurried back . The entire family sat on sofas in the great hall , the atmosphere tense . Lady ckwood noticed Thalia sitting on the sofa and showed her displeasure . Feigning ignorance , she asked , " Asher , what''s all this about ? " All eyes turned to Asher . Asher''s expression was extremely calm . Unhurriedly , he took out his phone , made a call , and said coldly , " Bring her in . " Hanging up , Asher said dispassionately , " You''ll find out shortly , Grandmother . " Lady ckwood''s eyes darted anxiously back and forth . Five minutester , Lucas brought Grace in . Lady ckwood was momentarily stunned , then tremblingly approached , looking utterly disappointed as she eximed , " Grace , what on earth were you thinking , child ! " Grace looked ghastly - her face pale , lips cracked and dry , eyes sunken with dark circles beneath them . She appeared haggard and emaciated , like someone at death''s door . Lady ckwood felt a pang of sympathy . She hesitated , then asked , " Grace , dear , what have you been through ? How did you end up in such a dreadful state ? " " Grandmother ¡­ " Grace called out tearfully , looking pitiful and wronged . Lady ckwood''s heart trembled at the sound . After all , this was a child raised under her care . Though Grace had made mistakes , Lady ckwood couldn''t bear to see her in such a state . 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.8 % Chapter 169 Lady ckwood only knew that Grace had worked for Tom Malfoy , but wasn''t clear on the specifics . She didn''t know that Grace had deliberately instructed Drake Ashcroft to call the police , hoping Tom Malfoy would kill Thalia . She didn''t know that on the day of the engagement ceremony , Vanessa had kidnapped Lucy under Grace''s threats . She didn''t know that the knife wound Asher sustained at the engagement ceremony was rted to her precious granddaughter Grace . In her view , Grace had merely been manipted by Tom Malfoy and led astray - a mistake that could still be remedied . But in reality , Vanessa was already dead . Vanessa''s father , bodyguard Aaron , and Aaron''s mother had all been silenced by Tom Malfoy''s people . Grace was implicated , to varying degrees , in all these deaths . Nothing could make up for that . Asher spoke coldly : " Grace Bet , in front of the entire family today , I formally announce your expulsion from the family . From now on , you have no connection whatsoever to the ckwood family ." Grace''s eyes widened , her lips trembling . Lady ckwood frowned , her expression displeased as she sharply called out , " Asher ! " Asher ignored her , his gaze fixed directly on Grace , his eyes sharp and cold . " And kneel down . Apologize to Lia . " The man''s deep eyes gleamed with an intimidating coldness , his presence overwhelming . Grace paled , looking pitifully toward Lady ckwood , crying in a way designed to evoke sympathy . " Grandmother ¡­ " The elderly woman , feeling sorry for Grace , looked at Asher with mild reproach . " Asher , it was wrong of Grace to work for Tom Malfoy . I can discipline her ording to family tradition , but isn''t throwing her out of the family rather extreme ? " Hearing this , Thalia curled her lips slightly , a flicker of mockery in her eyes , but said nothing . Andrew , who knew all the inside details , held Lady ckwood back and said gravely , " Mother , please, that''s enough . " Lady ckwood had heart problems , and the family had concealed Grace''s involvement in murder to avoid upsetting her further . Asher was growing impatient , his features sharp with coldness . " Grace Bet , I told you to kneel and apologize to Lia . Are you deaf ? " " How can a ckwood daughter kneel to anyone ? " Lady ckwood''s chest heaved slightly with anger , her nostrils ring . " Asher , I''ve already said I''ll handle her discipline . Why are you being so hard on Grace ? Whatever she''s done , she''s still your sister ! " 16:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.9 % Chapter 169 " Sister ? " Asherughed coldly . " She''s no longer a member of our family , " Lady ckwood grew increasingly angry , raising her voice to demand , " Asher , how can you be so bloody heartless ? Didn''t you used to dote on Grace ? Why are you now determined to cast her out ? " Asher narrowed his eyes , emanating an icy , intimidating aura . " Grandmother , Grace harbours inappropriate feelings for her brother , hasmitted serious crimes , and has blood on her hands . Why do you still feel sympathy for such a person ? " Asher''s shocking statement caused Lady ckwood''s face to instantly pale . Her eyes widened as she eximed , " What on earth ! " Andrew and Catherine looked rmed , fearing Lady ckwood might have another heart attack . Andrew intervened to stop Asher from continuing , " Asher , that''s enough . Someone , help Lady ckwood to her room to rest . " Catherine had only heard that Grace had done bad things behind their backs and was entangled with Tom Malfoy , Andrew''s illegitimate son . This was the first she''d heard about " inappropriate feelings for her brother " and " blood on her hands . " She was momentarily speechless with shock . Catherine was visibly shaken . What ¡­ what did this mean ? Grace harbored inappropriate feelings for Asher ? The servants supported Lady ckwood . " My Lady , let me help you to your room . " " Let go of me ! I''m perfectly fine ! Asher , exin yourself - what do you mean by '' inappropriate feelings '' and '' blood on her hands " ? " Catherine also looked at Grace with disbelief , her tone serious . " What on earth is going on ? " Grace''s face turned ashen white , her lips as pale as paper , her whole body trembling uncontrobly . " I ¡­ I ¡­ " Asher maintained his cold expression and said icily , " Exactly what it sounds like . " Thalia hadn''t expected Asher to expose Grace''s feelings in front of the entire family . Lady ckwood clearly couldn''t handle this shock . Clutching her chest , she looked at Grace with bitter disappointment . " Did you truly harbour inappropriate feelings for your brother ? Did you really get involved in murder ? You ¡­ you ¡­ " Grace wanted to deny it , but she couldn''t . She couldn''t bring herself to say she didn''t love Asher , nor could she deny her involvement in the killings . 16:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 169 Seeing Grace''s silence , Catherine was too angry to speak , just ring hatefully at her . Andrew let out a deep sigh . " Asher , let''s not talk about this now . Your grandmother''s health isn''t good ; don''t upset her . " " Apologize to Lia . " Asher was growing impatient , his eyes bing even colder . " No ! I won''t ! Why should I apologize to Thalia Winters ? I''ve done nothing wrong ! " Grace''s voice was hoarse , her face streaked with tears , still refusing to apologize . Tear - stained , she cried out in anguish ,pletely disregarding propriety , " Why ? Why can''t I love you ? We grew up together with no blood rtion - why can''t you see me ? Is it so wrong that I love you ? " " SLAP ! " A crisp , loud p suddenly rang out . Catherine had stood up and pped Grace , shouting angrily , " That''s enough ! " Grace''s face was forced to one side , the handprint clearly visible on her cheek . " Stop this rubbish at once ! " Catherine red at Grace , her face livid . " Asher is your brother ! He can only ever be your brother . Even if you were no longer a ckwood daughter in name , even if you left the family , there could never be anything between you and Asher ! " Grace gave a coldugh . " Oh please , do you think I give a toss about you adopting me ? " She raised her head , staring hard at Catherine . " If it weren''t for you , I wouldn''t have be his sister . Did you ever ask what I wanted when you adopted me ? I never wanted to be his bloody sister ! " " She''spletely lost it ¡­ " Lady ckwood , shocked by this , clutched her chest , struggling to breathe . " Quick ! Get Lady ckwood''s nitroglycerin ! " Andrew shouted anxiously . The servants hurried to fetch the medication . Asher gave Lucas a look . Understanding , Lucas kicked the back of Grace''s knees . Caught off guard , Grace fell to her knees . Lucas was merciless , cing his foot on Grace''s back , forcing her to lie prostrate on the ground , her pale face pressed against the floor - a humiliating posture . Asher sat on the sofa , emanating a cold , unyielding aura . " If you won''t apologize , that''s fine . Then bow properly to Lia . " 16:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.2 % Chapter 169 Lucas understood , grabbing Grace''s hair to lift her head off the ground , then forcefully pushing it down again . " THUD ! THUD ! THUD ! " Grace was forced to knock her head against the floor several times . Lady ckwood , witnessing this absurd scene , nearly stopped breathing and almost expired on the spot . Thankfully , the servants quickly returned with the heart medication . The elderly woman took the medicine and caught her breath . " Enough . This old woman still wants a few more years of life . Sort out this wretched mess yourselves , " Lady ckwood said , patting her chest as she left with a servant . ? ( 0 ) Chapter 170 Chapter 170 Thalia frowned , her cool gaze sweeping over Grace , who was being forced to how her head . She turned to ask the cold - faced Asher , " What did you mean by '' blood on her hands '' ? " Asher didn''t want to tell Thalia about Grace helping Tom Malfoymit murder . Thalia had been so worried about the Mark and Teresa Bormen siblings , with whom she had no rtion, that she couldn''t eat or sleep properly . If she knew those innocent , pitiful people had died brutally at Tom Malfoy''s hands , she would certainly be distressed for a long time . He replied calmly , " The Vanessa situation . " " Oh , " Thalia lowered her eyshes , feeling that things weren''t quite that simple . That day , Grace was expelled from the ckwood family . Asher handed her over to the police . Grace was formally arrested . In Russia . Tom Malfoy''s subordinate , Jerry , hung up the phone , his expression grave . " Boss , Grace Bet has been handed over to the police by Asher ckwood . She sent someone to pass along a message hoping you could save her . " Tom Malfoy smiled indifferently and asked Jerry , " Would you waste energy saving something useless ? " Jerry lowered his head and eyes , replying , " I understand , Boss . " Tom Malfoy asked again , " How''s the situation with Anthony Garret ? " " We''ve given him what Grace provided . " " Good . " Tom Malfoy gently swirled his wine ss , a smile curling at his lips . " The show is about to begin . " Saturday morning . Amanda Lysander called specifically to remind Thalia . 99.4% Chapter 170 " Ms. Winters , I got your number from Rupert . You remember agreeing to have dinner together tonight ? " Amanda asked in a gentle tone . Thalia replied , " Of course . " Amanda breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile , " I''ve booked a private room at Xiangyuan Grand Restaurant for 7 p.m. Let me have Rupert pick you up . " " That''s not necessary . I''ll drive there myself . " " That works too . See you tonight , bye - bye Ms. Winters . " " Goodbye . " At six in the afternoon , Thalia changed clothes , preparing to go out . She didn''t dress up specially , just applied light makeup . She wore a creamy white long dress with a beige coat over it . Her wavy hair fell casually over her shoulders , giving her a gentle , elegant appearance . When she arrived at the restaurant , Thalia parked in the open - air car park below . Just as she reached the entrance , she met Amanda walking out of the restaurant . Amanda was holding Lena''s hand . Upon seeing Thalia , her face immediately lit up with a smile as she warmly said , " Ms. Winters , I was just thinking you''d be arriving soon , so I popped down to check . What perfect timing ! " " Lena , say hello to thedy , " Amanda said to her daughter . Little Lena looked up at Thalia with a sweet smile , her eyes crinkling as she greeted her , " Good evening , Miss Thalia . " Thalia smiled warmly and handed Lena a pink bag tied with a ribbon . " Good evening, Lena . This is a little something for you . " Amanda was slightly surprised and quickly waved her hands . " Oh goodness , you shouldn''t have ! I invited you to dinner to thank you . Your presence is enough - you didn''t need to bring a gift . " Thalia smiled . " It''s just for the child . Lena is so adorable . My sister is about her age , and when I look at Lena , it''s like seeing my own sister . It''s just a small gift , really . " Amanda''s gaze swept over the bag in Lena''s hand . The logo printed on the bag was PRADA . Curious as children are , Lena immediately took out what was inside . It was a pair of beautiful hairpins - pink with a circle of sparkling pink rhinestones around them . The little girl''s eyes instantly lit up when she saw the hairpins . She smiled brightly and said , " Wow , thank you , Miss Chapter 170 Thalia ! The hairpins are so pretty . I love them . " Amanda''s lips curved into a smile . " You really shouldn''t have gone to the trouble , Ms. Winters . This is too kind . " " As long as she likes them . " Although Amanda had invited her to dinner as a thank you , Thalia felt ufortable going empty - handed , so she had bought a pair of hairpins . Children loved these pink , sparkly little hairpins . " Ms. Winters , let me take you upstairs , " Amanda said with a smile . " All right . " The private room was on the third floor . Thalia followed Amanda into the lift . As the lift doors closed , Lena held up the hairpins to Amanda and asked , " Mummy , can you put these on for me ? " " You silly thing . " Amanda smiled helplessly , took the pair of hairpins , and ced them on either side of the little girl''s head . " They look lovely , " Thaliaplimented . Amanda said , " Thank you so much , Ms. Winters . " " It''s nothing , really . " By the time they''d exchanged these few words , the lift had reached the third floor . Amanda led Thalia to the private room . When she opened the door and saw the people inside , Thalia was momentarily surprised . Four people were seated inside . Rupert stood up to greet her with a smile . " Good evening , partner . " '' Amanda teasingly said , " Why so formal ? You''re close enough to call her Thalia - sounds much nicer . " Then , turning to Thalia, Amanda said , " Rupert happened to be in the area on business and hadn''t had dinner yet , so I invited him to join us . You don''t mind , do you , Ms. Winters ? " Thalia shook her head . " Not at all . " Besides Rupert , there was an elderly couple with kind faces and a middle - aged man in a suit with a refined 09 60 % Chapter 176 demeanor . " Hello , Ms. Winters . I''m Anthony Garret , Lena''s father . Thank you so much for helping us find our little girl when she was lost , " the middle - aged man rose to greet her . Thalia understood . So this was Amanda''s husband , Lena''s father , and Rupert''s uncle by marriage . Thalia politely responded , " Hello , Mr. Garret . " After Anthony spoke , the elderly gentleman expressed his gratitude : " Ms. Winters , we''re truly thankful for what you did . If not for you , our Lena might have been taken by traffickers . " Judging by his age , this gentleman must be Rupert''s grandfather . Thalia replied , " You''re too kind , sir . It was nothing , really . " " Ms. Winters , don''t just stand there . Please , sit down , " Rupert''s grandfather said with a warm smile . " Thank you , " Thalia pulled out a chair and sat down . The table in the private room wasrge , with seating for ten . Including little Lena , there were seven people in the room . Three seats remained empty . Thalia''s seat had empty chairs on both sides . Amanda gave Rupert a meaningful look , suggesting he should move to sit beside Thalia . Rupert shook his head slightly , looking somewhat helpless . Thalia noticed the strange atmosphere between them and turned to ask , " Is something wrong , Rupert ? " They were ustomed to addressing each other professionally . Rupert adjusted his sses and replied normally , " No , my aunt was suggesting we sit together to discuss work , which I was thinking as well . Would you mind , Ms. Winters ? " Thalia smiled and said , " Having such a responsible partner as Rupert makes me happy . Why would I mind ? I actually wanted to discuss some aspects of the Sr case with you . " Rupert stood up and moved to sit beside Thalia . " Great , we can talk at our leisure . " Amanda watched from the side with an aunt''s knowing smile . Seeing Rupert and Thalia sitting together , her eyes 16:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.8 % Chapter 170 were full of joy as she murmured softly , " What a perfect match . " ? ( 0 ) 16:50 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress ¡Ñ ) ( 0 ) Chapter 171 Chapter 171 Rupert''s grandmother , Amanda''s mother , gazed at the young couple with growing approval The elderly woman leaned toward her youngest daughter and whispered , " Ms. Winters and Rupert make such a perfect match , don''t they ? I wonder if Ms. Winters has a boyfriend ? " Amanda smiled and replied , " Don''t worry , Mother . I''ve made inquiries - Ms . Winters is single . " Upon hearing this , the olddy beamed with delight . " That''s wonderful , simply wonderful . " Rupert''s grandfather , now eighty - three , still maintained robust health . The old gentleman , looking sprightly , pushed the menu toward Thalia with a warm smile . " Ms. Winters , please order whatever takes your fancy , " As the guest , Thalia epted graciously , taking the menu without hesitation . " Thank you , I will . " The restaurant served Italian cuisine , and Thal¨ªa noted that most dishes were traditional specialties . Thalia selected several moderately priced dishes that were delicate and fresh - suitable for both the elderly and children . After making her selections , Thal¨ªa handed the menu back to the old gentleman , politely saying , " Grandfather , I''ve finished ordering . Please , go ahead . " This familiar address of " Grandfather " delighted the old man immensely . He looked at Thalia as if she were already his grandson''s wife . " Yes , yes , of course , " the old gentleman epted the menu , smiling broadly . Anthony Garret observed this exchange , maintaining a neutral expression . Beyond his initial words of gratitude to Thalia , he hadn''t spoken again . He knew Asher ckwood . Hispany had business dealings with the ckwood Group . He had attended Asher''s engagement ceremonyst year . The ckwood family had invited him and Amanda , but Amanda had been in Australia on business and couldn''t attend . Therefore , she didn''t know Thalia was previously Asher''s fianc¨¦e . 1617 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.3 % Chapter 171 When Anthony first saw Thalia , he was genuinely surprised for a moment . However , he was characteristically adept at concealing his emotions , showing no outward sign of his surprise , He could see that the Lysander family , especially his wife Amanda , was eager to match Rupert with Thalia , But . Thalia and Asher ¡­. Anthony decided he should find time after dinner to exin to Amanda about Thalia''s rtionship with Asher . The dinner proceeded pleasantly . Rupert and Thalia discussed some of theplex cases recently taken on by theirw firm . After the meal , everyone left the private room in high spirits . Amanda once again gave Rupert a meaningful look . Rupert understood perfectly . He said to Thalia , " Ms. Winters , shall I give you a lift home ? " Thalia declined , " That''s kind of you , but I drove here myself and didn''t touch any alcohol , so I''m perfectly fine to drive . " Rupert nodded slightly . " Right you are . " The lift descended to the ground floor . As the doors opened , Thalia came face to face with Sebastian and her best friend Victoria . Outside the lift , the couple who had been intimately embracing sprang apart as if electrocuted . Victoria''s face instantly flushed red , and she stammered , " Tha - Thalia , bit of a surprise seeing you here ! " Thalia stepped out with a grave expression and nodded . Sebastian gave Rupert a meaningful look . Thalia pulled Victoria aside and turned to Rupert , saying , " Rupert , you lot go ahead . I need a quick word with my friend . " Rupert replied , " Of course . " Amanda smiled warmly and said , " We''ll be off then , Ms. Winters . We must catch up again soon . Lena , say goodbye to thedy . " 16.17 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.49 % Chapter 171 Lena obediently said in her soft voice , " Goodbye , Miss Thalia . " Anthony nodded to Thalia as a form of farewell . The elderly couple said goodbye to Thalia . The grandmother smiled cheerfully , " Thalia , dear , you must pop round sometime . " Not wanting to disappoint the elderlydy , Thalia politely responded , " I''d love to , next time for sure . " The olddy took her at her word , beaming with pleasure . " It''s settled then ! See you next time . We''ll be going now . Cheerio . " Thalia smiled and waved , " Goodbye . " Only after Rupert and his family had walked away did Thalia turn to her close friend Victoria . She crossed her arms and gave her a scrutinizing look . " Right , what''s all this about then ? " Victoria swallowed nervously , her face red as she bit her lip . " Thalia , I ¡­ " " Cat got your tongue ? " Thalia turned and shot Sebastian a piercing nce . " Sebastian , care to enlighten me ? " " Come off it , Thalia , don''t give me that look , " Sebastian touched the tip of his nose . " You''re proper scary when you re like that . " Thalia said , " This isn''t the ce for this conversation . Let''s go somewhere a bit more private . " Sebastian replied awkwardly , " Actually , Victoria and I were about to have dinner . I''ve booked a private room upstairs . Fancy joining us ? " " Lead the way . " Thalia followed Victoria and Sebastian back Her feelings wereplex . into the lift . She had known Sebastian for a very long time . In her mind , Sebastian had always been like a brother . Later , when Sebastian''s father married Victoria''s mother , Victoria became Sebastian''s sister . Sebastian had gone from initially finding Victoria annoying to taking her everywhere he went . In Thalia''s eyes , they were simply close siblings . She never imagined that one day , they would ¡­ Your Cold Diggor is Actually A True Heiress 98.5 % Chapter 171 They arrived at the private room . Thalia frowned . It was a couple''s private room . The interior was beautifully decorated . Roses filled the vase on the table , with scattered rose petals across the ss tabletop . Candlelight flickered softly , creating an unmistakably romantic atmosphere . Thalia sighed , unceremoniously pulling out a chair and sitting down . " So , when did all this start ? " Her attitude was understandable . Victoria was closer to her than a sister . She had always viewed Sebastian as a brother , and never imagined he would romantically pursue her friend ! Thalia''s emotions wereplicated . It felt like watching someone she didn''t quite trust making advances on her sister . Although Sebastian was handsome and from a good family , not exactly objectionable , Thalia still felt strange and deeply ufortable about the situation . Victoria couldn''t meet Thalia''s eyes . Her gaze wandered as she looked down at her feet , mumbling , " It¡­ it hasn''t been going on long . " Thalia asked , " Define '' not long '' . " Victoria bit her lip and said , " That night at the club , when I was teasing about getting male models for you . Sebastian got proper jealous , and when we got home , he ¡­ " Thalia felt her anger rising . She shot Sebastian a sharp look . " Did you take advantage of her ? " Sebastian scratched his head , looking somewhat embarrassed . " It wasn''t like that . Victoria fancies me too . I didn''t force myself on her ! " Thalia looked back at Victoria . " Is that right ? " " Yeah , it is , " Victoria said , her voice barely audible . Thalia massaged her temples , feeling a headacheing on . " How on earth did things end up like this ? Aren''t you worried about what your parents are going to say ? " 16:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.6 % Chapter 171 Sebastian''s expression turned serious . " They don''t know about this yet . If it all goes pear shaped , there " Sort it ? " Thalia was both angry and anxious . " Don''t be so bloody naive . Gossip can run fires Hean exactly a you going to sort it '' ? People will say absolutely vile things they''ll say Victoria threw herself at herm heather At this point . Thalia couldn''t continue . The gossip would be far worse than what she''d described . She didn''t want to see her dear friend subjected to public condemnation . Sebastian lowered his eyes , a flicker of pain crossing his face . " I know . I''ll find the right moment to have a proger chat with my dad and Victoria''s mum . " " Sebastian ? " Victoria looked up at him in disbelief . " Hang on - didn''t we agree not to tell Uncle and my mum ? ? ( 1 ) 98.7 % Chapter 171 Sebastian''s expression turned serious . " They don''t know about this yet . If it all goes pear - shaped , I''ll sort it . " " Sort it ? " Thalia was both angry and anxious . " Don''t be so bloody naive . Gossip can ruin lives ! How exactly are you going to '' sort it ? People will say absolutely vile things - they''ll say Victoria threw herself at her own brother ¡­ " At this point , Thalia couldn''t continue . The gossip would be far worse than what she''d described . She didn''t want to see her dear friend subjected to public condemnation . Sebastian lowered his eyes , a flicker of pain crossing his face . " I know . I''ll find the right moment to have a proper chat with my dad and Victoria''s mum . " " Sebastian ? " Victoria looked up at him in disbelief . " Hang on - didn''t we agree not to tell Uncle and my mum ? " ? ( 1 ) Chapter 172 ( 0 ) Chapter 172 Sebastian sighed and said . " You can''t keep something like this under wraps forever , Victoria . They''re bound to find out sooner orter . " Victoria''s eyshes trembled , her voicecking its usual vivacity , tinged with sadness . " Sebastian , I''m scared ¡­. Maybe we should just call it quits . " " Not a chance , " Sebastian''s voice carried an upromising determination . " Victoria , trust me , yeah ? I''ll sort this mess out properly . " Victoria''s expression was a mixture of sadness and resignation . " How exactly are you going to sort it ? You expecting Mum and your dad to get divorced just so we can be together ? " Sebastian frowned and fell silent . Thalia listened , feeling a headacheing on . She sighed , saying with resignation , " Look , I''ll keep your secret , but this needs sorting out sharpish . It''s one thing me finding out , but imagine if some gossip - hungry snoop spotted you , took a few sneaky photos and flogged them to the tabloids . You''d be sshed across The Sun by tomorrow morning . " Thalia looked at Victoria , speaking earnestly , " Victoria , Sebastian''s right . You can''t keep this hidden forever . Your parents will find out eventually . Better they hear it from you than from someone else . " Victoria kept her eyes downcast , staring at the floor , saying nothing . Sebastian reached out and pulled her into his arms . " Victoria , I''m here . Don''t be afraid . " Leaving the restaurant , Thalia drove back to the Winters family home . Tomorrow was Sunday , with no workmitments , so she wanted to spend time with Lucy . While waiting at a traffic light , her phone screen lit up . There was a new message . Thalia opened it . Rupert : [ Made it home yet ? ] Thalia replied . 10.10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.8 % Chapter 172 [ Still on the road . Everything alright ? ] Rupert''s response came almost instantly . Just drive carefully . We can chat when you''re home . ] Thalia : [ Will do . ] Meanwhile . Asher received a phone call . His friend and ckwood Group shareholder , Ares Hidalgo , asked gossipy on the phone : " Asher , what''s the story with you and Thalia Winters ? Haven''t you two patched things up yet ? " " What''s this about ? " Asher''s features were stern , his voice utterly cold . " Guess who I spotted tonight ? " Ares teased . Asher had little patience for games . " If there''s nothing important , I''m hanging up . " " Oh ,e off it , " Ares quickly continued . " I saw Thalia Winters ! " Asher''s fingers tightened around the phone . " When ? Where ? " Ares chuckled , teasing , " Well , well , someone''s suddenly all ears ! Just a moment ago you couldn''t be bothered , and now look at you . I knew it - mention Thalia Winters and you''re a different bloke entirely . " Asher''s tone was frigid . " Cut to the chase . " " Alright , alright , keep your hair on , " Ares adopted a more serious tone . " But brace yourself - this is bad news for you . " Asher remained silent . Ares dropped his yful manner , speaking rather seriously : " I was having dinner with clients at a restaurant tonight , and just as I stepped out of our private room , I spotted your Thalia leaving another room with Rupert Lysander . " Asher''s expression grew even colder . Ares paused briefly , then continued , " I also saw Anthony Garret , the Garret family''s eldest son , with his wife and kid , along with his in -ws . Oh , and by the way , Anthony''s in -ws are Rupert''s grandparents , did you know ? Rupert''s parents have been in Australia for years , so his only family in the country are his grandparents and his aunt Amanda , who is Anthony''s wife . " " You seem remarkably well - informed about Lysander''s family , " Ashermented . 99.00 Chapter 172 Ares chuckled . " Well , I''ve been keeping tabs on him for your sake , haven''t I ? That bloke had the cheek to chase Thalia all the way to Cambridge back at uni and even confessed his feelings right under your nose . Thought I should keep an eye on him for you . " After listening , Asher asked , " So ? What are you getting at ? " Ares replied sympathetically , " Look , Asher , from what I saw , it looked like she was meeting his family . Things are moving bloody fast , don''t you think ? Didn''t you two only break up in January ? It''s barely been three months , and Thalia''s already at the '' meeting the family '' stage with Lysander ¡­ " Before Ares could finish , Asher had already hung up , unable to listen any further . Standing before the floor - to - ceiling windows of his vi , the man frowned deeply , his handsome features filled with destion . This couldn''t continue . He had to win Thalia back . When Thalia arrived at the Winters home , the lights were on in the ground floor hall . Randolph Winters was sitting on the sofa watching financial news . Seeing her return , Randolph''s gaze softened . " You''re back . " " Yes , " Thalia walked over and sat on another sofa . " I came to see Lucy . Is she asleep ? " " Just nodded off , " Randolph said . " Did you manage to get some dinner ? " Thalia nodded . " Yes , I did . " " Has Lucy''s condition improved recently ? " Thalia asked . " Much better . " " That''s good to hear , " Thalia said . " I''m free tomorrow , so I''ll stay and keep herpany . " Randolph looked at her with approval . " That would be lovely . " " Thalia , you''ve been through so much , " Randolph''s eyes reflected concern . " In Russia ¡­ " Seeming to find it difficult to continue , Randolph paused before asking , " When you were kidnapped , did they ¡­ did they hurt you ? " Thalia shook her head . " Nothing serious . Just a bit of rough handling . It''s all behind me now . " ie Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 172 Randolph''s eyes showed deeper concern . " Thalia , I''m so sorry . I failed to protect you . I''ve hired a new team of highly skilled bodyguards . Some paperwork is still being processed , but once they arrive in London in a couple of days , I''ll assign several to you . " Thalia replied , " Bodyguards can''t protect me everywhere all the time . " " They can , " Randolph said . " One of the new recruits is a female bodyguard who previously served as personal protection for a British royal princess . With her guarding you , I''ll have peace of mind . Have her work at yourw firm , and if possible , it would be best if she lived with you . " Thalia didn''t want to be used as a pawn against Asher by Tom Malfoy again . Hearing that Randolph had arranged for a female bodyguard for her personal protection , Thalia nodded . " Alright , Dad . Please also assign more bodyguards to protect yourself , Victoria , and Lucy . " " I''ve taken care of that . Don''t worry . " " Good . " The topic concluded . After a moment of silence . Randolph asked with genuine interest , " How''s thew firm going ? Everything running smoothly ? " Father and daughter hadn''t sat down for a proper conversation in a long time . After everything they''d been through , Thalia and her father no longer bristled with tension whenever they spoke . Thalia said , " It''s going well . " Randolph looked pleased , his gaze affectionate . " My little girl''s all grown up . " Thalia pressed her lips together without responding . " Still dead set against getting involved with the family business ? " Randolph asked gently . " Your aunt and I thought we might transfer some shares to you . You wouldn''t need to worry about operational risks or liabilities - just collect the dividends . " " I''d like that . " Randolph was slightly surprised , not expecting Thalia to agree so readily . " Dad ¡­ " Thalia looked up at Randolph . " I was being childish before . Now I just want our family to live in harmony ." " Yes , yes , " Randolph''s eyes actually glistened with tears as he murmured , " Our family , get along well . " Heiress 99.2 % Chapter 173 Chapter 173 Chapter 173 Only after returning to her room did Thalia notice the message Rupert had sent half an hour earlier . [ Made it home , Ms. Winters ? ] Thalia : [ Yes , I have . Did you need to speak with me about something ? ] Rupert : [ Mind if I give you a ring ? ] Thalia : [ Go ahead . ] The next second , Rupert''s voice call came through . " What''s up , Rupert ? " Thalia asked . " I''m terribly sorry , Ms. Winters . I had no idea my aunt had invited the whole n today , " Rupert said apologetically . " She only told me that you''d found Lena when she was lost in the park , and wanted to take you to dinner as a thank you . She mentioned that since we''re partners and fairly well acquainted , she was worried you might feel a bit awkward without me there , so she asked me along . She never mentioned she''d roped in my grandparents as well . I''m truly sorry about that . " Thaliaughed , " I was wondering what this was all about . Don''t worry yourself over it . I''m not exactly shy . " Rupert said somewhat embarrassedly , " I was worried we might have thrown you in at the deep end . My aunt can be rather full - on . My parents have been abroad for years , and my aunt has taken it upon herself to sort out my love life . She''s forever arranging blind dates for me . When she met you , she got the wrong end of the stick about our rtionship . I''ve exined it to her , but it seems to have gone in one ear and out the other ¡­ " Thalia was momentarily taken aback . She hadn''t imagined Amanda had such intentions . After processing the meaning behind Rupert''s words , Thalia hesitantly asked , " So your aunt is trying to y matchmaker with us ? " There was a moment of silence on the other end of the call . The man''s breathing was clearly audible . After a few seconds , Rupert gave an ambiguous " Mm - hmm . " Thalia found it somewhat absurd . Sheughed , " Your aunt might be disappointed , I''m afraid . I don''t have any ns to date at the moment . Thew 16-18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.4 % Chapter 173 firm has just opened , and there''s loads to do . Right now , I''mpletely focused on my career , " Hearing this response , a sh of disappointment crossed Rupert''s eyes , and he silently sighed . He had actually been testing the waters with what he''d just said , trying to gauge Thalia''s feelings . Although her answer was what he had expected , he couldn''t help feeling disappointed . After all these days of interaction , he had confirmed one thing . Thalia hadpletely forgotten him . After being rejected during his university confession , he had avoided contact with women his age for a long time . Several yearster , at a graduation dinner , a ssmate who had been pursuing him confessed her feelings again . The girl was drunk and crying her eyes out . The girl had been pursuing him since Freshers '' Week , for four years straight . That night , looking at the girl with her tear - reddened eyes , he thought it was time to move on , so he agreed to give it a try with her . If falling for someone for the first time counted as first love , then Thalia Winters was undoubtedly his first love . But if the first rtionship counted as first love , then that girl was his first love . He had tried very hard to develop feelings for someone else . After three months of dating , he realized he still couldn''t do it . When he broke up with her , he offered the girl a lot ofpensation , but she didn''t ept anything . " Rupert Lysander , you don''t have a heart . " This was thest thing his ex - girlfriend said to him . At the time , he remained silent , saying nothing . The girl left . She didn''t take the ¡ê 200,000 breakup fee , nor the designer bags he had bought her . " Rupert , we are colleagues and friends , " Thalia paused , then continued , " But we won''t be romantic partners . " " Not even a glimmer of hope ? " Rupert asked in a lowered voice , the wordsing out with difficulty . Thalia almost thought she was hearing things . How could Rupert say something like this ? 16:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % In their daily interactions , she had never sensed that Rupert had any special feelings for her . Perhaps he was being pressured to settle down and wanted to find someone suitable , and she just happened to be in his line of sight at this time . That must be why Rupert was asking such a question . Thalia told herself this . Faced with Rupert''s question , Thalia didn''t know what to say . After pondering , she simply said , " I''m sorry . " Rupert''s heart sank to the bottom . " Forget I said anything . me it on the wine , " Rupert''s voice was slightly hoarse . " Get some rest . Goodnight . Ms. Winters . " " Goodnight . " Thalia hung up the phone . Rupert stared down at the ended call . His heart ached dully . Rejected again . How could they say he didn''t have a heart ? It''s just that his heart only had room for one person . But that person would never see him . The next day , after breakfast , Thalia went upstairs to Lucy''s room to draw with her . She took out the pink hairpins she had bought for Lucy . " Lucy , this is a little gift from your sister . Do you like them ? " The hairpins were the same style as the ones she had given Lena . When she bought them , she knew her sister would love these sparkly pink hairpins . Sure enough , when Lucy saw the hairpins , her eyes lit up like stars , full of delight . " Wow , they''re gorgeous ! Thanks sis . " " Here , let me put them on for you . " Thalia ced the hairpins in her sister''s hair . " They look lovely on you . " Victoria had said that Lucy''s mental state had improved significantly . The most noticeable change was that she no longer talked in her sleep or woke up crying . Thalia felt her sense of guilt ease a little . 99.7 % Chapter 173 Launch was at the Winters home , with Victoria personally preparing feast of dishes that both Locy and Thalia loved . Thalia spent the entire Sunday at home ying with her sister . That evening . Thalia stayed overnight at the Winters residence , Early the next morning , she drove back to thew firm . Upon seeing Rupert , Thalis greeted him casually : " Morning Rupert , " Rupert smiled and replied : " Morning " The atmosphere between them was the same as usual , as if that evening conversation had never happened . Thalia went to her office and quickly immersed herself in work . Just after finishing a statement of im , the receptionist came to knock on her door . " Ms. Winters , there''s a client here to see you . " Thalia was puzzled , she hadn''t scheduled any client meetings today . She rose and headed to the reception room . Opening the door , she saw a familiar face , Thalia''s brow furrowed slightly . " Mr. ckwood , what brings you here ? " Asher was wearing a blue - grey suit . His features were sharp , his expression impassive as he sat on the sofa , exuding an innate air of nobility . Upon seeing Thalia , the man''s stern gaze instantly softened. His lips moved as he greeted her : " Morning , Ms. Winters . " Thalia''s brow creased . Asher stared directly at Thal¨ªa , the corner of his eye lifting slightly . " I''d like to engage your firm to handle several cases . " Thalia : " ¡­ " " If I''m not mistaken , ckwood Group has an entire legal department full of solicitors who went to Oxford , " Thalia''s tone was professionally cool but with a hint of mockery . " Surely they can manage without our humble assistance ? " " Of course , " Asher''s lips curled slightly . " But I specifically want to work with you . That''s not a problem , is it ? " 16:18 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 174 Chapter 174 " Yes , of course , " Thalia put on a fake smile . " Who am I to turn down paying clients ? " Thalia sat down in the single armchair next to Asher . An assistant brought them tea , then quietly left , closing the door behind her . Thalia curled her lips slightly , picked up her teacup , took a sip , and asked , " How exactly does Mr. ckwood propose to work together ? " Asher took out two document folders . " These are the cases that need representation . " He handed the folders to Thalia . Thalia epted them . " The ckwood Group is such a massive enterprise , and as CEO , you must be incredibly busy . Do you really manage trivial matters like litigation yourself ? " Her tone was decidedly sarcastic . Asher , however , didn''t seem to mind . He smiled and replied good - naturedly , " Working with Ms. Winters is hardly a trivial matter . " Thalia ignored thisment and expressionlessly opened the folders to examine the contents . For a major corporation like ckwood Group , even a single sales contract could involve tens or hundreds of millions in value , with evidence running into thousands of pages or even multiple boxes . Asher couldn''t possibly have brought all that evidence with him . The folders contained consolidated case information , listing various cases that ckwood Group wanted to entrust to the firm , along with evidence summaries . Thalia quickly scanned through them . ckwood Group had many subsidiaries across various industries , including high - tech , hospitality , and fashion and jewelry . The materials concisely outlined the types of cases needing representation , the ims sought , and key evidence . Everything was clear and straightforward , obviously having been preliminarily organized . Each case hadprehensive evidence - contracts ,pany bank transaction records , chat logs betweenpany staff and counterparties , and various receipts , all preserved in full . Cases with suchplete evidence carried minimal litigation risk and had high chances of sess - the kind that allwyers preferred to handle . 98.39 After looking through the materials , Thalia smiled enigmatically . " Thanks for this , Mr. ckwood . " Asher''s gaze rested on Thalia , his eyes containing a subtle smile . " My pleasure , Ms. Winters . " Thalia nodded . " Tll have my assistant print out the engagement contract . Won''t be a moment " " Take your time . " Thalia rose , opened the door , and walked out . As soon as she left the reception room , she saw everyone gathered around a table in the hall . Katie saw her and excitedly said , " Ms. Winters , Rupert''s treating the entire firm to coffee today . He''s so generous - he''s even ordered Starbucks ! " Thalia smiled and half jokingly said , " Seems I found the right partner after all . " Lucy Jenkins approached her and whispered , " Thalia , I think I just spotted Mr. ckwood . My eyes weren''t ying tricks on me , were they ? Is that him in the reception room ? " Lucy had been struck by Asher''s appearance the first time she saw him . After witnessing the sweet interactions between Asher and Thalia at the bar , she had be their biggest supporter . Later , when Asher helped find apatible bone marrow donor that saved Teresa Bormen''s life , Lucy became even more grateful to him . In short , she firmly supported Thalia and Asher as a couple . Thalia gave a simple " Mm - hmm . " Lucy craned her neck to peek at the reception room behind Thalia . " Is Mr. ckwood here to win you back ? " Thalia gave her a sidelong nce and lightly flicked her forehead . " Don''t be daft . Mr. ckwood is here to discuss business . " " What kind of business requires the great CEO toe discuss in person ? Is our firm that prestigious ? " Lucy gave Thalia a meaningful smile . " Those who know , know . " " Just drink your coffee , " Thalia pretended to re at her as she walked past . After printing the contract and returning to the reception room , Thalia noticed a Starbucks coffee cup in front of Asher . It appeared to be from Rupert''s coffee treat . Asher noticed her nce at the coffee and said with a half - smile , " One of your colleagues just brought this in , say Rupert was treating everyone to coffee . " The man looked at Thalia , amusement ying at his lips . " There was even a cup for me . How terribly generous of 15-13 Your Gold Divver is Actually A True Heiress 98 Chapter 174 Rupert . " " I imagine you''re not used to this sort of coffee , Mr. ckwood , " Thalia casually remarked . " If it''s not to your taste , don''t feel obliged . Leave it for someone who''d appreciate it . No sense wasting it . " Asher smiled but said nothing . " I''ve printed the contract . Have a look and sign if everything''s in order , " Thalia handed Asher a thick stack of A4 papers . " Right . " Asher took the contract and made a phone call . " Come up now . " " Right away , sir . " Five minutester , a bespectacled , formally dressed middle - aged man appeared at thew firm . Asher introduced him : " Legal representative , Martin rke . " Thalia nodded and politely greeted him : " Hello , Mr. rke . " " Hello , Ms. Winters . " Martin sat down , took out thepany seal and a pen from his briefcase , and professionally began signing the contracts . For each case aw firm handles , two copies of the contract must be signed , with each party keeping one . Asher had entrusted them with so many cases that signing all the contracts would make one''s hand cramp . Thalia''s mouth twitched slightly . Well , well - Asher had specifically brought someone to sign the contracts . Martin signed the contracts without even ncing at them , his pen moving rapidly across the pages Thalia asked , " Mr. rke , don''t you want to review these before signing ? " " If Mr. ckwood has approved them , there''s certainly no issue , " Martin replied without looking up , continuing to sign like an automated machine . " ¡­ " Thalia paused momentarily . " Mr. ckwood hasn''t actually reviewed them either . " Martin suddenly froze , looking up at Asher with a stiff expression . " Sir , this ¡­ " " It''s fine , " Asher smiled . " It''s practically our familyw firm . Just sign . " 98 . Thalia " , " Since when were they " family " ? Martin''s rigid expression suddenly became an en he nodded stopwoody tight you are dir of course After signing and sealing all the contracts , Martin handed them to her " Sir , for signed corything Would you tomotive like to review them ? " " Give them to Ms. Winters , " Asher instructed caddy . " Yes , sir . " Thalia looked them over . " Everything seems in order . I''ll sign our coples and return one set to you ow Asher handed the Starbucks coffee to Martin , smiling as he said , " Cheers for your help . Have this coffee Martin appeared utterly honored , quickly epting the cofise and repeatedly expressing gratitude . Thank you , sir . Much appreciated , sir . " Asher seemed to be in a very good mood , his eyebrow lifting slightly . " Not at all Thalia : " " How generous of you to give away someone else''s gift Thalia finished stamping and signing the contracts , ced them in a man envelope , and handed it to Martin . As he reached out to take it , Asher snatched it away . Asher smiled and said , " A pleasure doing business with you , Ms. Winters . " Thalia''s expression remained neutral . " Likewise . " Outside thew firm , in the elevator , Martin approached Asher and said , " Sir , let me take those contracts . " Asher''s handsome eyes were dancing with amusement , his mood clearly elevated . " It has my wife''s personal signature on it . Why on earth would I give it to you ? " Martin : " ¡­ " The joke was on him . Chapter 175 Chapter 175 Chapter 175 Less than half an hour after signing the contracts , thew firm''s ount suddenly received a massive wire transfer . Lawrence from ounting nearly had a heart attack , rushing immediately to Thalia''s office . " Ms. Winters ! We''ve just received an ¡ê 8 million payment into the firm''s ount ! " Lawrence''s eyes were wide as saucers . " What on earth is this about ? " " We''ve just signed a major deal with ckwood Group , " Thalia replied calmly . " This is just the initial payment - there''s more toe after the cases are settled . " " What ? You mean this is only a portion ? There''s moreing ? " Lawrence looked utterly gobsmacked . " Indeed . " Thalia smiled , her clear eyes sparkling . " I''ll treat everyone to dinner on Friday . " " Brilliant ! " Lawrence beamed with delight . Shortly after Lawrence left , Rupert appeared at her door . " I hear we''vended another big client ? ckwood Group , no less ? " he inquired . " Yes , I''ll be assigning several cases to your team shortly , " Thalia replied . Rupert looked slightly ufortable . " Mr. ckwood is certainly generous . Eight million upfront - what''s the total fee ? " " This much . " Thalia held up two fingers in a V - sign . Twenty million pounds . Rupert let out a low whistle . " After this job , we could practically retire , couldn''t we ? " " Where''s your ambition , Mr. Lysander ? " Thalia gave him a teasing look . " My goal is to make Winters & Associates the top firm in London . " " Even Sinir & Klein doesn''t pull in twenty million a year , " Rupert smiled . " In terms of revenue , we''re already miles ahead of them . We just need to catch up on headcount and brand recognition . " " Don''t worry , once we''ve handled these major ckwood cases , our reputation will soar . Keep at it ! " Thalia gove Rupert an encouraging pat . " I''ve got high hopes for you . " Rupert nodded . " We''ll need to expand the firm . " " Absolutely , " Thalia agreed . " I''ll have HR rush to recruit more solicitors and assistants . We should also refine our 15-13 Your Cold Dignor is Actually A True Heiress 02 90 % Chapter 175 internal policies and procedures . " Thalia distributed the newly acquired ckwood Group cases among the legal teams and tagged everyone in the group chat , announcing a firm - wide dinner on Friday . She encouraged everyone to work hard , promising bonuses after the final payments from ckwood Group came through . The entire office was bubbling with excitement , everyone attacking their work with renewed vigor . The whole firm was awash with an atmosphere of joy . Just after four in the afternoon , a steady stream of delivery riders began arriving at the firm . Premium coffees , fine wines , champagne , gourmet pastries , fresh fruit , and an assortment of upscale canap¨¦s - it all kepting . The receptionist stoodpletely bewildered . She went to Thalia''s office to ask , " Ms. Winters , is there an afternoon reception scheduled today ? I thought we just had onest Tuesday ? " The receptionist usually handled such arrangements , and she was certain nothing had been nned for today . Thalia looked up , equally confused . " Afternoon reception ? I haven''t arranged anything . " " Oh ? You don''t know either ? How odd . " Thalia followed the receptionist out to the hall , where she saw tables piled high with deliveries . She looked utterly puzzled . " Could Mr. Felton or another partner have ordered it ? " the receptionist suggested . Mr. Felton was one of the other partners at the firm . Given that the firm had justnded a massive deal and received a substantial payment , it seemed reasonable that a partner might treat everyone to celebrate . Thalia took a photo and sent it to the firm''s group chat , asking who was responsible . Christine Reynolds : [ Wow , drinks and nibbles today as well ? I''m in court - save some champagne for me ! ] Tobias Walter : [ Not me , I''ve got court too in a bit . ] Rupert : [ I already treated everyone to coffee this morning , so it wasn''t me . ] Justin Felton : [Wasn''t me either . ] Christine Reynolds : [ Ooh , which House Elf has blessed us with this feast ? ] As Thalia pondered , a familiar face suddenly shed through her mind . Surely not him ? Just as she was thinking this , her phone rang . Mairnes 99.0 Chapter 175 Looking at the familiar number , Thalia fell silent . She had deleted Asher''s contact from her phone , but she still knew his number by heart . After a moment''s hesitation , she answered . " Has the reception spread arrived ? " The man''s voice was unmistakably pleased , rich and captivating . " Of course it was you , " Thalia said , her tone giving away nothing . " You guessed it , then ? " Asher chuckled softly . " Rupert treated me to coffee , so I''m treating your firm to drinks and refreshments . I''ve never been one to leave a debt unpaid . " During his visit to the firm today , he''d noticed how many young people worked there . The receptionists , assistants , and many of the solicitors all appeared to be under thirty . He had specifically asked his assistant , Matt Ford , what young professionals these days enjoyed eating and drinking Matt had rattled off aprehensive list . " Order a selection of drinks and canap¨¦s for Lia''s firm , " Asher had instructed . " Handle it personally . " So Rupert was trying to win people over with coffee , was he ? Well , he''d counter with fine wines and gourmet treats . Matt was always thorough . As the CEO''s personal assistant , Matt was well aware of Asher''s feelings for Thalia . Ordering refreshments for the boss''s would - be wife''s firm meant nothing but the best would do . The coffee he ordered was single - origin , the wines were vintage , and the pastries came from Harrods . Thalia heard what Asher said and her lips twitched slightly . Was it really because he disliked being in anyone''s debt ? She couldn''t bring herself to call him out on it . First dering her firm was " practically family " in front of her staff this morning , and nowpeting with Rupert Considering how hard everyone had been working , and that the food had already been delivered it would be wasteful to send it back - Thalia reluctantly said , " How much did all this cost ? I''ll transfer the money to you . " She was happy to treat her staff herself ; there was no need to be indebted to Asher . Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 375 Asher''s voice carried a line of amusement Wing our day yo pay me back ? You''ll be distributing anypany as aloer your ten ma pur say t side now , so they have less resentment when working up for s Thalia was momentarily taken aback " What exactly are you implying ? " she frowned , deadly deplexed harga mengewohn resentment ? " " You dearly don''t understand the working y Adler chucket toy tully enng employed deat everyone bring at least a touch of resentment to avuck In truth . Asher knew little about this himself that had told fun je ma Thalia was speechless , Well , thinking back to her own days working for others perhaps there and tear some ment Especially during those three years in New York when ded our tes with family reying alety on her mode sry , with an overly demanding boss . She had indeed harbored numerous m " Don''t even think about paying me ," Asher emphasized again . Ta thing this for thepany''s cases " We would have handled yourpany''s cases properly regardles " die coglied " Then I thank you in advance , Ms. Winters Asher sounded thoroughly pleased with himself Thalia thought that Asher did have a point These little perks would certainly be appreciated by the maff , and the had no gir to rejer sich ganfwill on their behalf . After hanging up , Thalia told the receptionist , " Let everyone know they shoulde and enjoy the food . Til them it''s from our client , Mr. ckwood . " " Brilliant ! " the receptionist eximed excitedly . Before long , people had gathered around the tables in the hall . " Blimey ! Am I seeing things ? Harrods cakes ? And so many ! This m have cost thousand Mr. ckwood is too generous ! I''ve never had such expensive cakes in my lifer " I''m in heaven . Working here is absolutely magical . * " I love my job ! Work makes me happy ! " " All my favorites - sorted for dinner tonight " Chapter 175 " Mr. ckwood , I love you ! Ms. Winters , I love you ! " Lucy Jenkins''s eyes sparkled with delight . " Mr. ckwood is the absolute best ! " " Who''s Mr. ckwood ? " Katie asked Lucy . Lucy replied enthusiastically , " That gorgeous bloke who came in this morning ! Didn''t you see him ? " Katie shook her head . " No , I didn''t . " Lucy lowered her voice , " He''s proper fit , and he''s also Ms. Winters '' ex . I really hope they get back together soon . " Rupert stood at the edge of the crowd , his deep eyes revealing nothing of his thoughts . ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 176 99.3 % Chapter 176 Winters & Associates was thriving with an ever - increasing caseload , prompting the recent recruitment of teneral new solicitors and their assistants . The HR , Finance , and Administrative departments had likewise expanded , adding fresh faces to their teams . As the firm grew , its policies and procedures became increasingly sophisticated to match its new scale . Thanks to Asher''s interventions , the staff now enjoyed gourmet refreshments every few days , which had nofoall brightened the office atmosphere . Thalia couldn''t deny seeing a marked improvement in everyone''s motration and efficiency . She had to admit - begrudgingly - that Asher''s " charm offensive " was actually working , Her only headache was Asher''s persistent presence at the firm , appearing two or even three days out of the the day workweek . Under the paper - thin pretense of " checking on case progress , " heaven only knew what his real agenda was Whenever he appeared , the female staff would be visibly flustered , stealing nces at him andpletely losing focus on their work . That afternoon , Asher arrived once again . He strolled into Thalia''s office with the easy confidence of someone who belonged there , settled on the sofa , and casually poured himself a cup of tea , acting as though thew firm were his second home . Thalia kept her eyes fixed on herputer screen , methodically typing legal documents without even a fleeting nce in his direction . For all the attention she gave him , the distinguished man sitting in her office might as well have been invisible . Asher sat quietly , sipping his tea . He made no attempt to interrupt her work . After a couple of sips , he ced the cup on the coffee table , crossed his long legs casually , and let his gaze rest on Thalia . From his vantage point , her profile was perfectly framed . For work , she wore subtle makeup , her long hair neatly pinned back , dressed in a light caramel - colered perfectly bnced professional authority with refined elegance . Her skin had a healthy glow against the neutral tones of her outfit . In profile , the elegant line of her nose was more pronounced , and her long eyshes flickered slightly with each blink . Asher''s dark eyes remained focused on her , his Adam''s apple shifting almost imperceptibly . 15:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 176 God , she''s beautiful . I want to kiss her . Perhaps sensing his unwavering attention , Thalia turned to look at him . Their eyes met across the room . Asher held her gaze openly , making no attempt to disguise his interest . Thalia''s fingers paused over the keyboard , her brow creasing slightly . Finally unable to maintain the charade of ignoring him , she spoke with evident irritation : " Finding yourself with an abundance of free time , Mr. ckwood ? " " Quite the contrary , " he replied , his tone lifting with undisguised pleasure . " Simply stealing a moment from an otherwise packed schedule . " Thalia scoffed . " Is our firm''s performance causing you concern ? These constant inspection visits suggest a certainck of trust . " Asher looked at her , his lips curving slightly . " I am concerned , but not about your firm . My concern is directed at a particr individual . " " And who might that be ? " Thalia''s frown deepened . " Mr. Lysander , " Asher said quietly . " ¡­ " Thalia was momentarily speechless . " What exactly has Rupert done to offend you ? " Asher smiled . " Attempting to poach my staff - would Ms. Winters not consider that provocation ? " Thalia : " ¡­ " A weighted silence fell between them . After a beat , Asher continued with a self - satisfied smile : " Not that my people are so easily poached . I''ve noticed our mutual friend looking rather detedtely - rejected , I presume ? " Thalia rolled her eyes at him , then pointed to a stack of papers on her desk . " If you''re genuinely that desperate for upation , make yourself useful and shred these documents . " " With pleasure , " he readily agreed . He immediately stood , strode over with natural grace , and collected the stack of papers . Rather than retreating , however , Asher leaned down , his face unnecessarily close to hers as he asked in a deliberately lowered voice " " Where might I find the shredder , Ms. Winters ? " 94506 Chapter 176 . He stood too close , the subtle notes of his expensive cologne - sandalwood and something distinctly masculine invading her personal space . His voice carried that particr husky quality that seemed calcted to disarm . Tha''s pulse quickened Traitorously . He was being deliberately provocative . She was certain of it . Thalia felt heat rising to her cheeks - purely from annoyance , she told herself . " How could you possibly miss a shredder of that size staring you in the face ? " Her tone was sharp with exasperation . " Where exactly ? " he persisted . " It''s right there . " Thalia instinctively turned her head to point , and her lips identally brushed against his . Thalia sprang to her feet instantly . " Asher ckwood ! " He had leaned in even closer , which had caused the inadvertent contact when she turned . Genuine anger shed across her face . " Would you kindly stop this ridiculous behavior ? I''m exceptionally busy and haven''t the slightest inclination to entertain your childish games . " Recognizing he''d pushed too far , Asher backed off a bit . He lifted the stack of papers from the desk and adopted a gentler , cating tone : " I genuinely didn''t see it , Lia . My apologies . " " Do you take me for aplete idiot ? " Thalia''s face flushed crimson , her voice rising noticeably . Asher walked to the shredder and began methodically feeding in the papers . " Don''t be cross . Let me make it up to you with dinner - that Korean barbecue ce you''re so fond of . " " Absolutely not ! " Just then , someone knocked on the door . Thalia took a deep breath topose herself before saying , " Come in . " Rupert entered , impably dressed as always , his gold - rimmed sses framing an amused expression . " Since when does the illustrious CEO of ckwood Group perform tasks typically assigned to junior staff ? " He then turned to Thalia with a teasing smile . " Ms. Winters , when did our modest firm be prestigious enough to have Mr. ckwood performing clerical duties ? " Thalia was in no mood for banter . Her expression darkened visibly , her tone clipped : " Some people evidently have an excess of leisure . " Actually A True Heiress 99.7 % Chapter 176 Noticing her genuine displeasure , Rupert''s smile faded as concern took its ce . " Is everything alright ? Has something happened ? " Before Thalia could respond , Asher interjected : " She''s rather upied at present , and your arrival has interrupted her concentration . Hardly cause for celebration , wouldn''t you agree ? " Thalia : " Rupert appeared momentarily wrong footed . " Should Ie backter , then ? " " That would be best , " Asher replied dismissively . " Would you please stopplicating matters ? " Thalia directed this squarely at Asher . Asher fell silent . He returned his attention to the shredder , continuing his task without furtherment . Rupert nced between Thalia and Asher , evidently trying to read the situation . Asher met his gaze with an enigmatic smile . Suddenly , Rupert''s attention caught on something - a smudge of red on the other man''s lip . The crimson streak extended diagonally from his lower lip toward his chin . Rupert''s expression darkened perceptibly . His eyes moved up to meet Asher''s , finding unmistakable triumph and challenge in the other man''s gaze . Rupert lowered his eyes , his voice entirely stripped of its earlier warmth : " I''ll leave you to your work , then , Ms. Winters . " With that , he turned and left without another word . Asher''s lips curled into a subtle , satisfied smile as he continued feeding papers into the shredder . Thalia was bewildered by the exchange - what had caused Rupert''s sudden change in demeanor ? She turned to study Asher suspiciously . He was bent over the shredder , casually humming to himself , radiating an air of utter contentment with every fiber of his being . Thalia stared at him , trying to decipher Rupert''s abrupt shift in attitude . Sensing her scrutiny , Asher looked up with a smirk . " Your words may say one thing , but your body tells quite Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.8 % Chapter 176 another story . " Thalia blushed instantly . " What absolute nonsense are you spouting now ? " " I merely meant your eyes betray you - they can''t help but find their way to me , " Asher met her gaze directly , his expression insufferably smug . " Why , what did you think I meant ? " " I wasn''t thinking anything ! Stop putting words in my mouth ! " As she finished speaking . Thalia suddenly noticed the red smudge on his lip . She froze , horrified realization washing over her . Her lipstick had transferred to him ! And Rupert had seen it ! ? ( 0 ) Chapter 177 Chapter 177 Chapter 177 " You did that deliberately , didn''t you ?" Thalia''s cheeks burned - this fame from embarrassment . That had been an ident ! Aplete ident ! Surely Rupert wouldn''t think they''d bean terraty Ksing in her office ? It wasn''t that she cared about Rupert''s feelings , but she genuinely didn''t want anyone misinterpreting her rtionship with Asher . Regardless of who that person might be . Asher tilted his head slightly , regarding her . " Did what ? " " You know exactly what you did ! " Thalia gritted her teeth . " You deliberately moved closer so I''d identally touch your lips , knowing you''d get lipstick on you , specifically so Rupert would see it Admit in Asher shrugged , his lips curved in amusement . " Wanting a kiss was genuine , but I honestly didn''t realize there was lipstick involved . " " Drop the innocent act , " Thalia scoffed . " If you didn''t know , why were you smirking at Rupert ? " Asher maintained his look of exaggerated innocence . " Was I ? It wasn''t intentional . I''d just had a little kiss with my darling - I couldn''t help smiling from sheer happiness . " " Asher ckwood ! " Thalia snapped , grabbing a box of tissues from her desk and hurling it at him . Asher caught it effortlessly . " Yes , I''m right here ! " He was grinning now , his dark eyes dancing with mischief . " I am not your '' darling '' ! Stop with these ridiculous terms . I absolutely detest flippancy ! " Thalia red at him , pointing emphatically toward the door . " Now , this instant , get out ! " " As you wish . " Asher , having finished shredding the papers , obediently headed for the door . " Next ume you need odd jobs done , I''m at your service . " Thalia fumed . " Out ! " As Asher left the office , he nearly collided with Lucy Jenkins . " Good afternoon , Mr. ckwood . " Lucy smiled politely , then froze when she noticed the lipstick on his lip . " Hello , " Asher replied , clearly in excellent spirits . 98.3 % Chapter 177 " Mr. ckwood , yourves " Lany hindisied , meritain how to m Asher was perfectly aware of the lipstick , but he feigned ignorance , giving het dig and heure gen Lucy''s eyes suddenly lit up with excitement Her mind was racing . This is brilliant ! Mr. ckwood and Ms. Winters have been kissing ! My ship lives on ! As Asher waited for the lift , Rupert happened to be leaving the office on business . Rupert approached with his briefcase , and upon seeing Asher , his tone carried a distinct erige of ckwood seems to be thoroughly enjoying his role as our office assistant . " " What''s wrong with being an assistant ? " Asher''s expression remained cheerful . " That she''d ask me to means we''re close . She feelsfortable enough to ask favors of me . Notice she doesn''t ask you to do Rather telling , isn''t it ? She''s likely too ufortable to impose on you - suggests your rtionship isn''t particrly intimate , wouldn''t you say ? " Rupert : " . He''d never encountered someone so adept at twisting reality to suit themselves . Rupert''s lips curved into a smile that didn''t reach his eyes . " Mr. ckwood certainly has a unique sense of humor . " The lift arrived . The doors opened , and both men entered . " Has Mr. ckwood heard that expression ? " In the mirrored interior of the lift , Rupert''s handsome face was reflected . " Proximity breeds opportunity . " Asher smiled dismissively . " And has Mr. Lysander heard the saying '' You don''t fish off thepany pier " ? " Rupert was momentarily silenced . But he quickly recovered . " Between fishing near the pier and going back to waters that have already proven barren , surely the former offers more promise ? Thetter has already disappointed , while waters unexplored might yield a fresh catch . " In the confined space , tension crackled between the two men , neither willing to concede . Asher smiled . " Is that so ? I rather think differently . Someone who has rejected you once will reject you again . Ack of feeling is precisely that ack of feeling . Likewise , someone who loved once can love again , because love is love , 14:21 98 5M Chapter 177 and its absence is equally definitive . " Rupert''s lips tightened , his eyes darkening to unfathomable depths . " Such confidence , Mr. ckwood ? " Rupert''s tone was cial " How does a wounded heart heal ? When someone has loved with their entire being , only to be devastatingly hurt by the person they trusted most - who would be foolish enough to give that person a second chance to break their heart ? " Asher''s smile faded . He said nothing more . The lift soon reached the underground car park . The doors opened . Asher exited first . Rupert followed , his expression grim . We shall see , Asher ckwood . We shall see . After work on Friday , Thalia was just leaving her office when she ran into Rupert . Rupert''s demeanor was perfectly normal as he said , " Ms. Winters , there''s something I feel I should rify with you . It''s been weighing on my mind . " " What is it ? " Thalia asked . " This isn''t the ce to discuss it , " Rupert said . " Fancy a walk in the park nearby ? We can talk as we go . " Thalia , seeing that Rupert seemed to have something genuinely important to discuss , hesitated briefly before nodding . " Alright . " The April evenings were growing longer . At just after six , the glow of sunset was gradually fading . The air already carried the promise of warmth . Thalia wore a light gray suit , her long hair pinned up , with a few loose strands being gently disturbed by the evening breeze , creating a beautifully disheveled effect . Rupert found himself momentarily breathless at the sight . He walked beside Thalia , the two of them side by side , while she gazed straight ahead , unaware of the affection in his eyes . 98.6 % Thalia pad dighly my gard have the go to yo friend . It h M y Thalia released analmon impertops w " About what ? " "Nothing important . " Thalia''s tone lightened considerably . " Your perspective align with mine - diness partners and friends . " Rupert''s voice remained gentle and even . " If my aunt continues her matchmaking efforts and invites you out , please feel free to decline . " " Yes , of course . " " Ms. Winters , don''t you have a sister about Lena''s age ? Rupert asked Thalia inquired , " How old is Lena now ? " " She''ll be turning seven in just over a month . " " My sister is about a year older , then . " " That''s close enough , " Rupert said . " Perhaps they could meet ? Children benefit from having ymates their own age . As adults , we inevitably have a generational gap with them - no matter how well we get along , we can''t rece friends their own age . " Thalia agreed with this sentiment . Lucy was still undergoing psychological treatment . Might a new friend help with her recovery ? " I''ll ask her , " Thalia said , " My sister has been through some difficulties recently . I need to make sure she''s open to meeting new people before I can give you an answer . " " Of course , " ? ( 0 ) Chapter 178 Chapter 178 On Saturday , Thalia visited the Winters home and had a conversation with Lucy''s psychologist . The doctor advised that having a friend to y with could indeed help with Lucy''s psychological treatment . Thalia approached Lucy , softening her voice as she asked , " Lucy , darling , how would you feel about meeting a new friend to y with ? " Lucy pressed her lips together and asked quietly , " What new friend ? " " Her name is Lena . She''s a little girl about your age - very sweet and lovely . " " Do you like her , Thalia ? " Lucy asked . " I do , " Thalia smiled . " Lena is a very well - behaved child , just like you . I''m fond of both Lena and you . " Lucy smiled shyly , her voice bright and clear . " Then I''d like to be friends with Lena . If you like her , then I''ll like her too . " Thalia smiled tenderly , stroking Lucy''s head . " You''re such a good girl . " Back in her room , Thalia sent Rupert a message . [ Lucy''s agreed . She can''t go out at the moment , so when might Ms. Garret be able to bring Lena over for them to y together ? ] Rupert replied : [ Excellent . How about this afternoon ? ] Thalia : [ That would be fine . What sort of snacks and fruit does Lena enjoy ? I''ll get some in . ] Rupert sent a list of Lena''s favorite treats . [ I''ll check what time works for my aunt and get back to you with specifics . ] [ Perfect . ] Around half past three in the afternoon , Rupert drove up to the Winters residence with Lena . " Ms. Winters , " Rupert said as he guided Lena by the hand , " my aunt couldn''t get away , so she asked me to bring Lena over . " " Lovely , " Thalia smiled . " Please , make yourselvesfortable . Lucy''s upstairs - I''ll call her down . " 14.21 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.9 % Chapter 178 A housekeeper served tea to Rupert and Lena . Rupert settled onto the sofa . Linte Lena was dressed in a light pink spring dress and was wearing the pink hairpins that Thalia had given her Soon , Thalia came down the stairs with Lucy . Upon seeing strangers , Lucy hid behind Thalia , clutching her trousers and peering out with just her small round head visible . " Don''t be afraid , Lucy . This is your new friend , Lena . " Thalia gently guided Lucy toward Lena . Lena lived up to her name - sweet by nature with an equally sweet voice . " Hello , Lucy . I''m Lena Garret " This is a present that my mummy and I chose for you , " Lena said , holding out a white gift bag in her small , pale hand . Lucy looked up at Thalia , herrge eyes blinking with an unspoken question . " Go ahead , Lucy . This is Lena''s weing gift for you , " Thalia nodded encouragingly . " What should you say to Lena ? " " Thank you , " Lucy said softly , epting the gift bag . " You''re wee , " Lena replied , her eyes crinkling with her smile . " Lucy , we''re going to be good friends now . " " Yes ! " Lucy smiled back . " Lena , shall we go up to my room ? I''ve got lots of fun things - we can draw , build with blocks , y board games , or y with Barbie dolls . " " I''d love that ! " Lucy extended her hand to Lena , who took it happily . The two girls walked hand in hand toward the stairs , creating an adorably harmonious picture . " They seem to be hitting it off splendidly , " Rupert observed with a smile . Thalia watched the retreating figures of the two sweet children and replied , " Indeed . I never would have thought to arrange this ydate - it was quite thoughtful of you . " Rupert''s eyes sparkled with amusement , his lips curving into a pleased smile . Of course it was thoughtful , he thought to himself . Having Lena y with Lucy was simply an excuse to see you , to have a few more moments of conversation . Just thinking about Asher''s words- " someone who has rejected you once will reject you again " -made his chest tighten ufortably . Thalia sat down on the sofa . " Please , have some tea , Rupert . Make yourself at home . " She then turned to the housekeeper . " Mrs. rke , would you mind taking some fruit and snacks up to Lucy and Lena ? " " Of course , ma''am . " Rupert deliberately steered the conversation toward work . " Ms. Winters , has the court date for the Sr case been confirmed yet ? " " Yes , it''s the fifteenth of next month . " " How are the preparationsing along ? " " Nearlyplete , " Thalia replied . " There are still a few minor issues to iron out . Actually , since you''re here , perhaps we could discuss them ? " " I''d be delighted , " Rupert smiled . " It would be my pleasure . " Thalia was passionate about her career , and once she started discussing work , she became thoroughly engaged . Rupert had chosen his topic well . The two talked all afternoon . As the sun began to set , twilight gradually descended . Before they realized it , evening had fallen . Mrs. rke had prepared dinner . Randolph and Victoria were attending an evening banquet and wouldn''t be home for dinner . Mrs. rke had included Rupert and Lena in the dinner preparations . Lucy and Lena had bonded wonderfully . Lucy led Lena downstairs , saying , " Lena , stay for dinner at our house . We can sit together . " " I should ask my mummy first , Lucy , " Lena replied politely . " She''s waiting for me at home for dinner . " At this point , Rupert interjected smoothly : " Your mother just called . She said if you''d like to stay for dinner here , that would be fine , and we can go home afterward . " " Really ? " Lena''srge , grape - like eyes brightened . " Then I''d love to stay and have dinner with Lucy . " Lucy cheered : " Brilliant ! " 14:21 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 178 At the dinner table , the two girls sat together . Rupert sat opposite them , next to Thalia . " I do apologize , Ms. Winters , " Rupert said with a smile . " Ipletely lost track of time discussing the case and now I''m imposing on your hospitality for dinner as well . " Little did anyone know that despite his apologetic words , he was absolutely delighted . This was precisely what he''d hoped for . Thalia smiled gently . " No need for such formality . It''s just dinner . I should be thanking you - it''s been ages since I''ve seen Lucy this happy . " Rupert replied , " Seeing the children enjoying themselves brings me joy as well . " As Mrs. rke served the final dish , Rupert caught his young cousin''s eye and gave her a subtle signal. Lena looked at Thalia with a sweet smile and asked in her soft voice , " Miss Thalia , may I take a photo with Lucy ? " " Of course you may . " Lena turned to Rupert . " Could you take the picture for us , please ? " " dly . " Rupert took out his phone and photographed Lena and Lucy together . " What a lovely spread - I should take a picture of this too , " Rupert said , taking another photo of the table . In the photo , Thalia''s profile was " coincidentally " captured . Rupert was quite satisfied . His lips curved into a slight smile as he put away his phone . After dinner , Rupert drove Lena home . In the car , he praised her : " Did you have a good time today , Lena ? " " Yes , I really like Lucy . " " You did very well today . The doll I promised to buy you will be delivered to your house tomorrow . " He was referring to the photo opportunity they had arranged beforehand . He had instructed Lena to find a chance to ask for photos . Actually A True Heiress 99.2 % Chapter 178 The reward was a limited - edition doll that Lena had been coveting . The little girl , excited about getting the doll she''d been dreaming of , had happily agreed . That evening , Rupert posted on social media : Caption : Little Lena has found a new friend , and I scored a dinner invitation . The post included two photos : the first of Lena and Lucy together , and the second of the dinner table with Thalia''s profile " identally " captured . Thalia saw the post and even liked it . Shortly afterward , screenshots of both the post and Thalia''s like were sent to Asher by James Darwin . [ What''s this all about ? ] ? ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 179 Chapter 179 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 ) Chapter 180 Chapter 180 Drake Ashcroft had been having a difficult timetely . Several major projects at Ashcroft Group had encountered one problem after another . The investments his friends had persuaded him to join were consistently losing money , and various investment partners were withdrawing their funding . Drake had been overwhelmingly busy , rushing about from one meeting to another every day . That afternoon , Sienna came to Drake''s office . Unusually , she hadn''t applied makeup or perfume today . " Drake , I have a surprise for you , " Sienna said with a bright smile . Drake was in no mood to humor her . Sitting at his desk reviewing documents , he responded impatiently , " Make it quick . I''m extremely busy . " Sienna smiled coyly and perched herself on the edge of his desk . " You''re going to be delighted , Drake . " Sienna took a medical report from her handbag and passed it to him with a smile . " Drake , you''re going to be a father . " Drake''s expression froze as he snatched the paper . " What did you say ? " Sienna''s face radiated joy and excitement . " I''m pregnant ! You''re going to be a father ! " Drake''s expression darkened instantly . He stared intently at the paper , his voice cutting . " Get rid of it . This child cannot be born . " " What did you just say ? " Sienna''s smile vanished , reced with shock . " You''re joking , surely ? That''s our child ! Why would you want to terminate the pregnancy ? " " Hmph . " Drake gave a coldugh . " I don''t want it . It''s that simple . " " Drake Ashcroft ! " Sienna slid off the desk to stand before him , pointing angrily . " You absolute bastard ! " " Don''t make me repeat myself , " the man''s eyes were cold as frost . " Terminate it . " " I absolutely refuse ! " Sienna shouted . " This is my child , and I''ll have it if I want to . You have no say in the matter ! I''ll be a single mother if necessary ! " 07:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.4 Chapter no " How muchpensation do you want ? " Draks asked coldly . " Compensation ? " Stenna was thoroughly incensed . " This is your own flesh and blood . Are you trying to buy your child''s life ? Are you even human ? Even tigers don''t devour their young ! " " You make it sound so simple . If you have this child , you''ll expect me to take responsibility , " Drake fixed Sienna with a cold , sinister gaze . " I don''t have the time or inclination to raise a child right now . " Sienna stood her ground , ring hatefully at Drake . " How convenient . You were happy enough not to wear protection at the time , promising we''d keep the baby if I got pregnant . Now that I actually am pregnant , you don''t want to take responsibility ? " Drake''s expression was contemptuous , his eyes mocking . " You actually believed what I said when I was drunk ? " " You truly are an absolute cad ! " Sienna grabbed her handbag and stormed out . That afternoon , Winters & Associates received an unexpected visitor . The receptionist didn''t recognize Sienna or know about her history with her boss , so she politely escorted her to the reception room and served her tea . " Ms. Winters is in court this afternoon , " the young woman nced at her watch . " The hearing should have concluded by now , so she''s likely on her way back . If you could wait a moment . " Sienna maintained her politeness , nodding slightly . " Of course , thank you . " After the receptionist left , Sienna sat in the reception room and sent a photo of her pregnancy test results to Drake''s mother , Margret . [ Mrs. Ashcroft , I''m pregnant , but Drake says he doesn''t want the baby ¡­ ] Margret quickly called her . Sienna let the phone ring for a while before answering unhurriedly . " Sienna , dear , are you really pregnant? " Margret''s voice conveyed surprise and anticipation . Sienna flicked her hair back , a smile silently curving her lips . Then , adopting a tearful voice , she said , " Yes , Mrs. Ashcroft . I''ve been craving sour foodstely - they say that means it''s a boy . The baby is very likely a little boy , but ¡­ but Drake doesn''t want the baby ¡­ sob ¡­ " Upon hearing that Sienna was genuinely pregnant , and possibly with a male heir , Margret''s eyes lit up with Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98 Chapter 150 excitement , her voice trembling : " Sienna , dear , don''t cry . Don''t worry - I''ll sort this out for you . You take care of yourself and the baby . I''lle by to see you this evening . " Sienna continued between sobs , " But what about Drake ¡­ " " Don''t worry about Drake , " Margret said softly . " I''m his mother ; he''ll listen to me . His father and I have been longing for a grandchild . If we say you can have this baby , then you can have it . " " Mrs. Ashcroft , then I ¡­ " " You''ll have everything you deserve . I''ll take you for a proper check - up soon , and then we''ll arrange for both families to meet . Don''t worry , now that you''re carrying the Ashcroft family''s bloodline , I certainly won''t let you be treated poorly . " The meaning couldn''t have been clearer . Margret was agreeing to Sienna marrying into the Ashcroft family . Sienna smiled as she held the phone , but maintained her tearful voice : " You''re so kind , Mrs. Ashcroft . " When Thalia returned to the firm and heard there was a client waiting , she went directly to the reception room . Opening the door and seeing Sienna sitting on the sofa , Thalia paused , her brow furrowing . " Sienna ? What are you doing here ? " Sienna lifted her chin slightly , meeting Thalia''s gaze with a challenging look . " Thalia , I came here today to share some good news with you . " Thalia remained silent , frowning as she waited for Sienna to continue . " Well , it''s certainly good news for me , " Sienna smiled . " But perhaps not so much for you . " She handed the pregnancy report to Thalia . Thalia took it and nced at it , a sh of mockery crossing her eyes . " Is that all ? You''re pregnant. " " It''s Drake''s child , " Sienna said with smug satisfaction . " Drake is delighted . Mrs. Ashcroft and Mr. Ashcroft know as well . We''re currently discussing arrangements for our families to meet and formalize our engagement . I''m so sorry , Thalia - in the end , I''ll be the one marrying Drake . How unfortunate for you , dating him for three years and ending up with nothing . " Seeing Sienna''s expression , Thalia understood - she hade to gloat . " Sienna , have you forgotten something ? " Thalia looked at her with amusement . " You spread rumors about me online and incited your followers to cyberbully me . The court has already epted the case . The hearing is in two Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 92699 Chapter 180 weeks . " " So what ? " Sienna smiled . " I''ve checked - thew is lenient toward pregnant women during trials . The punishment will be reduced . Besides , Drake wouldn''t let me go to prison while carrying his child . He''ll certainly find a way to get me out . " Thalia gave a mocking smile . " Drake can barely save himself , let alone worry about you . " Sienna''s expression faltered . " What do you mean ? " Thalia shrugged . " Why don''t you ask him yourself ? " " You''re obviously jealous that I''m pregnant with Drake''s child and can marry into the Ashcroft family . That''s why you''re saying these things , " Sienna''s smile returned . " I''m sorry to disappoint you , Thalia , but I''m about to be Mrs. Ashcroft . " " Jealous of you ? " Thaliaughed as if she''d heard the funniest joke . " You''re still living in a fantasy world . " After learning that Drake had been secretly working with Grace Bet and had deliberately called the police , nearly causing her to be killed by Tom Malfoy , Thalia had used her connections to strike back at Drake . Arno Jones and Grace Bet were now in prison , and Tom Malfoy''s political backing in Russia was about to copse . Now that she was moving against Ashcroft Group , no one could save him . ( 5 ) Chapter 181 Chapter 181 Thalia''s words had nted a seed of doubt in Sienna''s mind . After leaving thew firm , Sienna made inquiries among her social dirde , only to discover that Ashcroft Group was indeed in serious trouble , Apparently , thepany''srgest shareholder had already liquidated their shares , leaving Drake to handle what had be aplete mess . Sienna frowned . No wonder Drake had been so busytely , always looking exhausted as if he hadn''t had a proper night''s sleep in days , Could Ashcroft Group survive this crisis ? If the Ashcroft family truly went bankrupt , wouldn''t marrying Drake be like jumping into a fire pit ? She''d need to observe the situation further . If Ashcroft Group really was on the verge of copse , then perhaps this child shouldn''t be born after all . On Wednesday evening , Thalia attended an auction . Upon arriving at the venue , she was surprised to see Asher there . He typically wouldn''t attend such events in person , usually sending an assistant to handle any bidding on his behalf . Thalia hadn''t expected to encounter him here . Dressed in a ck shirt and trousers , Asher exuded an aura of cool elegance . A crowd had gathered around him , everyone eager to engage him in conversation . The ckwood heir was always the center of attention wherever he went . Thalia merely nced at him briefly before looking away . Asher spotted Thalia and immediately made his way through the crowd toward her . " Lia , " Asher approached her quickly . " You''re here for the auction as well ? " He hade specifically because he''d had his eye on several items in this evening''s catalog 07:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.900 The auction featured an exquisite collection of fine jewelry . He wanted to personally acquire some pieces to give to Thalia . Ruperi had the same iden As Rupert approached to greet them , Asher''s expression immediately darkened . " What are you doing here ? " Rupert similed courteously . " What a small world . " Thalia nodded . " You two carry on . I''ll head inside . " Rupert quickly said , " I''ll join you . " Asher gave a cold snort and followed Thalia into the main auction hall . The auction began shortly . Thalia had her eye on a pair of sapphire earrings with a starting price of ¡ê 500,000 . She immediately raised her paddle . " ¡ê 600,000 . " Seeing Thalia''s interest in the earrings , Rupert joined the bidding . He wanted to purchase them as a gift for her . " ¡ê 700,000 . " Asher followed without hesitation . " ¡ê 1 million . " He had increased the bid by ¡ê 300,000 , clearly determined to win . Thalia nced in Asher''s direction , her brow furrowing . Other bidders joined in . " ¡ê 1.2 million . " " ¡ê 1.3 million . " " ¡ê 1.4 million . " Rupert : " ¡ê 1.6 million . " Asher : " ¡ê 2 million . " Thalia had already stopped bidding . Rupert and Asher were now locked in their own personal battle . After Asher''s ¡ê 2 million bid , Rupert immediately raised his paddle without hesitation . " ¡ê 2.2 million . " 07:53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.0 % Chapter 181 Asher curled his lip coldly . " C2.5 million . " Rupert : " ¡­ This had gone beyond mere bidding - Asher was now being deliberately antagonistic . Seeing the two men locked inpetition . Thalia instantly lost interest in the sapphire earrings . Rupert continued : " ¡ê 2.6 million . " Asher : " ¡ê 2.8 million . " Rupert nced at Thalia . Seeing her expression - disinterested and impassive - he realized she had lost interest in the earrings and decided not to continue bidding . In the end , the earrings , which had started at ¡ê 500,000 , were acquired by Asher for ¡ê 2.8 million . The next item was an exquisite jade bracelet . Thalia seemed quite taken with this piece as well . The starting price was ¡ê 5 million . Thalia bid : " ¡ê 5.2 million . " Others in the hall began raising thei " ¡ê 5.3 million . " paddles . " ¡ê 5.4 million . " " ¡ê 5.5 million . " The price quickly rose to ¡ê 6 million . Thalia , finding it tiresome to keep bidding , decided to wait until the bidding slowed down before making another offer . However , at that moment , Rupert suddenly called out : " ¡ê 7 million . " Rupert had noticed Thalia''s interest in the bracelet . Since Asher had imed the earrings , he intended to get this jade bracelet for her instead . 07.53 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chap 18 ) No sooner hout fuperi spoken don Asher''s rold Voice Fang mur : " 48 million . " Even the suctioneer was visibly started -pone had just increased the bid by 1 million in one go ! The auctioners could barely contain his smile as he announced : " The current bid stands at ¡ê 3 million . Do I hear any advance on CB million ? Rupert''s eyes darkened . " To million . " Ashey didn''t hesitate for a second . " E10 million . " People throughout the room turned to look. Asher''s expression remained unchanged , maintaining his customary cool demeanor . Rupert also remainedposed . " ¡ê 11 million . " Asher''s lips curled into a cold smile . " ¡ê 15 million . " Thalia was growing irritated by the spectacle. What was wrong with these two ? Why were they relentlessly driving up the prices on everything she showed interest in ? Even if money wasn''t an issue , this sort of extravagance was absurd . Rupert persisted in hispetition with Asher . " ¡ê 16 million . " Asher calmly raised his paddle . " ¡ê 20 million . " Rupert thought to himself : Fine , if you want to throw your money away , the bracelet is yours . The color is too old - fashioned anyway - not suitable for Thalia . And so , the jade bracelet was ultimately acquired by Asher for ¡ê 20 million . Thalia was on the verge of exploding . The next three auction items didn''t particrly interest her . Then came the ne she had been most eager to acquire. Thalia took out her phone and called Asher . When Asher saw the iing call , his heart leapt with joy . It had been ages since Thalia had called him of her own ord . A smile spread across his face , his eyes reflecting his delight . 07:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.2 % Chapter 181 However , as soon as he answered , he was met with a furious tirade . His smile froze instantly . He had miscalcted badly . He''d been bidding on those items to please Thalia , but instead , he''d only angered her . Asher felt a surprising twinge of guilt . He lowered his voice , speaking soothingly : " I''m sorry , darling . I won''t bid recklessly anymore . " " Be quiet , " Thalia fumed . " And who are you calling '' darling '' ? " " You , of course . " The moment Asher finished speaking , the call abruptly ended . Thalia had hung up on him . This time , Asher obediently refrained from bidding . Rupert noticed Asher''s unusual behavior and looked toward Thalia . Seated diagonally in front of her , not far away , he could clearly see her expression . She looked furious . Was it because theirpetitive bidding had disrupted the auction''s proceedings ? Asher''s bidding had certainly been unreasonable . Realizing this , Rupert astutely put down his bidding paddle and ceased participating . Thalia finally seeded in acquiring the ne she wanted . As the auction concluded , she rose and headed directly toward the exit . Asher hurried after her . " Lia , wait . " Thalia didn''t slow her pace , walking straight out of the hall to the open - air car park . By the time Rupert caught up , Thalia was already arguing with Asher . " Asher , when did you be so childish ? " Thalia''s eyes shed with anger . " Must you alwayspete with 07:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.39 % Chapter 181 Rupert ? He''s already made it perfectly clear that he has no romantic interest in me ! " Hearing these words , Rupert stopped a short distance away from them . Chapter 182 Chapter 182 Asher''s dark eyes were prating , his tone low . " Lia , you don''t understand men at all . Rupert looks at you with undisguised affection . Can''t you see his feelings for you ? " Thalia suddenlyughed . Her eyes met Asher''s , filled with incredulity . Thalia replied sarcastically : " Yes , I certainly don''t understand men . That''s why when my ex - boyfriend said he would never leave me unless I ended things , I believed him . Yet when we broke up , he mocked me , saying only a child would believe such nonsense . " Asher froze . Weren''t they discussing Rupert ? How had the conversation suddenly shifted to him ? Those were the words he had spoken to Thalia during their breakup . He knew how deeply he''d hurt her . His own pain had been no less severe . Uttering those cruel words had torn him apart inside . The jealousy in Asher''s eyes gave way to profound sadness and helplessness . He lowered his gaze , his expression somber . " Lia , I had my reasons for saying those things . They weren''t what I truly felt . " Thalia gave a bitterugh . " Which part ? The part where you said you''d never leave me unless I ended things ? No need to rify - I already know that wasn''t sincere . " " That''s not what I meant . " Asher stepped forward earnestly , his hands gripping Thalia''s shoulders . " You know that''s not the part I meant . Lia , you''re the only one in my heart . My feelings for you have never changed . " " Enough , " Thalia''s eyes were cold . " It''s toote for all this . I have matters to attend to . Excuse me . " With that , Thalia turned and opened her car door . " Lia , listen to me ¡­ " Asher held the door open . Thalia forcefully pushed him away and mmed the door shut . 07:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % Chapter 18 % After Thalia''s car had departed , Bumper approertu He looked smugly satisfied . Tak tak berlubed his tongue to Brand , mert myers W hurt once won''t give the same perom a second chance in at the expect Asher''s cold gave swept over him . " ll create my man opportunities Bidety kw that has thebody no romantic interest in you . I suppeal you shendon that notion wood that is Rupert maintained his smile , his eyes crinkling dightly , listons enperturbed the may not have fastings now , hot who can say what the future holde ? " The next day , Thalia received the jewelry Asher had acquired at the auction . The sapphire earrings and jade bracelet . They were delivered by Asher''s assistant , Mall Ford , Matt was extremely deferential . " Ms , Winters , the CEO flew to Russia early this morning Before leating , he repeatedly instructed me to deliver these items directly to you " Asher had gone to Russia ? Was he dealing with the Tom Malfoy situation ? Thalia nced at the jewelry pieces , her tone neutral . " Take them back . I don''t want them . " " But ¡­ " Matt looked troubled , " Ms. Winters , please ept them . The CEO said if they were returned , I needn''t bothering back to work - I should go straight to HR and submit my resignation . " " ¡­ " Thalia was speechless . Asher was resorting to emotional ckmail . Matt appeared genuinely distressed , his eyes pleading , " Ms. Winters , please ept them . I have elderly parents and children to support . I truly cannot afford to lose this job . " " Fine , leave them there , " Thalia relented . She didn''t want to make life difficult for a working person . " Thank you ! " Matt''s expression immediately brightened . " I''ll leave you to your work . I should get back . " Thalia nodded . " Yes . " After Matt left , Thalia looked at the exquisite jewelry pieces and sighed resignedly . 07:54 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99 Citata 182 HOFFIC The current Prime Minister , Viktor Sokolov , had been colluding with Tom Malfoy even before taking office , each serving the other''s interests . Sokolov''s election had beenrgely facilitated by Malfoy''s assistance . Salto''s terra was nowing to an end . ording to mianw , candidates for Prime Minister must be members of the State Duma , nominated by the Speaker and approved by both houses of parliament before being officially appointed by the President . Given his position . Asher couldn''t directly involve himself in Russian politics . However , he could work behind the scenes , lending support through intermediaries . Before Prime Minister Sokolov''s election , there had been a formidable contender , Natalia Volkova . Volkova''s family background and capabilities far exceeded Sokolov''s . In the previous election , she had nearly won the position . Unexpectedly , Sokolov had surged ahead midway through the campaign , overtaking Volkova in both poprity and After his election , Sokolov immediately passed legition that legalized certain controlled substances for medical This legition directly benefited Tom Malfoy , head of Russia''srgest criminal organization . Only then did Volkova confirm that Sokolov had been working with Malfoy all along . Malfoy had invested substantial financial resources in Sokolov''s campaign . After Sokolov became Prime Minister , he continued to aid Malfoy''s expansion of power . This was precisely why Malfoy had dared to openly challenge the ckwood family and repeatedly ordered assassination attempts on Asher in Britain . Asher''s current visit to Russia was aimed at helping Volkova win the Prime Ministership . Volkova was entirely different from Sokolov . Where Sokolov was corrupted by greed and obsessed with power , willing to coborate with criminal elements like Malfoy , Volkova was principled and ambitious , genuinelymitted to serving her country and its people . Over two weeks ago , Leo Kim had already stepped in on Asher''s behalf to support Volkova''s campaign . The election was scheduled for the following day . Asher had brought men to Russia to capture Tom Malfoy . 99.7 % 2 YouCad Digger in Actually & True Heiress Chapter 182 Malfoy''spound waspletely surrounded by Asher''s men , sealed so tightly that not even a fly could escape . As soon as the election results confirmed Volkova''s victory , his men would move in . Thalia returned to the Winters home for dinner after work . The television in the living room was broadcasting international news . Mrs. rke was bringing dishes to the table one by one . Victoria came downstairs with Lucy . " You''re home , Thalia . " " Yes ." Thalia ced her handbag on the sofa , washed her hands in the bathroom , and emerged to see news about the Russian Prime Ministerial election on television . " Today , candidate Natalia Volkova received support from over half of the State Duma deputies and has been elected as Russia''s new Prime Minister ¡­ " Thalia approached the television , staring at the screen . Was Asher''s trip to Russia connected to this ? He had mentioned that Tom Malfoy''s political backing was about to fall . Could Malfoy''s Russian connection have been the outgoing Prime Minister Sokolov ? What was Asher doing now ¡­ ? Just then , Thalia''s phone rang . Her heart pounded . Taking out her phone , she saw that familiar number . " Hello ? " Thalia answered with slight tension in her voice . ( 10 ) ( 0 ) Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 183 Chapter 183 Chapter 183 " It''s over , Lia , " Asher''s voice was deep and slightly hoarse . " Malfoy is dead . It''s all over . " Thalia''s heart suddenly raced . " Are you ¡­ are you alright ? " There was a moment of silence on the other end . Then Asher''s voice came through the phone : " I''m fine . " Thank goodness for that . Thalia exhaled with relief . Her heart , which had been in her throat , finally settled back into ce . She had been terrified that Asher might have been injured while confronting Malfoy in Russia . " I should go now . It''s dinner time , " Thalia said . " Lia , wait for me , " Asher''s voice was gentle . Thalia didn''t respond , simply ending the call . Her mind was in turmoil . The Malfoy situation might be resolved , but what about Lady ckwood ? And Randolph now had strong negative feelings toward the ckwood family . She herself couldn''t simply ignore the pain she had suffered and start over with Asher . " Thalia , dinner''s ready ! " Victoria called out , pulling Thalia from her thoughts . " Coming , " Thalia pushed aside her jumbled thoughts and headed toward the dining room . Ever since learning of Sienna''s pregnancy , Margret Ashcroft had been absolutely delighted . Drake hadn''t yet told his mother about Ashcroft Group''s troubles . He was still trying to salvage what he could , nning to inform her only when it became absolutely unsustainable . Thus , Margret remained blissfully unaware . Despite thepany being on the brink of disaster , she continued to y the role of wealthy socialite , bedecked in jewelry and radiating happiness . 09:43 O Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.4 % Chapter 183 That afternoon , Margret brought a housekeeper along to purchase nutritional supplements for expectant mothers . She also sent the housekeeper to a members only supermarket for premium organic vegetables and a free - range chicken , intending to prepare a nourishing chicken soup for Sienna . When they arrived at Sienna''s apartment , Margret cheerfully took Sienna''s hand , asking all manner of concerned questions . Sienna , however , was clearly dispirited , responding with half - hearted answers . Margret assumed Sienna''s mood was affected by pregnancy hormones and didn''t think much of it . She instructed the housekeeper to arrange the supplements , then said , " Wilson , please start preparing the chicken soup for our future daughter - in -w . " The housekeeper promptly replied , " Yes , madam . " The title " future daughter - in -w " was something Sienna had once dreamed of hearing . Now , she merely found it irritating . She knew little about business matters , but she had heard that Ashcroft Group was drowning in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy . If she married into the Ashcroft family now , she would be burdened with enormous debt for the rest of her life . " What''s wrong , dear ? Are you feeling unwell ? " Margret noticed her demeanor and asked with concern . Sienna replied with a nomittal " Mm . " " Pregnancy is like that - sometimes you feel low and irritable , sometimes even depressed , " Margret said . Margret held Sienna''s hand , ying the role of the doting future mother - in -w . " I was the same when I was pregnant with Drake . Sometimes my mood would swing , and everything would irritate me . Perhaps you should move in with us ? Having staff to look after you would put my mind at ease . " " That''s not necessary , Mrs. Ashcroft , " Sienna gently withdrew her hand . " I''m ustomed to living here . I''m afraid I wouldn''t adjust well to your home . " Margret epted this without suspicion , nodding . " Of course , you should stay where you''refortable . What if I send Wilson to attend to you daily ? Or perhaps she could stay here if there''s room ? Having someone look after you would reassure me , especially since Drake is so busy withpany matters . " Hearing this opening , Sienna seized the opportunity , responding with a question of her own : " Mrs. Ashcroft, how is thepany doingtely ? " " Hmm ? What do you mean ? " Margret seemed puzzled by the sudden question . A True Heiress 98 Vo Chapter 183 Sienna probed further : " It''s just that I''ve barely seen Drake for days . I''ve gone to the office several times , but he hasn''t been there . Has something happened at thepany ? " Margret was a full - time housewife who paid little attention to the world outside her social circle . Between shopping , beauty treatments , mahjong games , and afternoon teas , she had no knowledge of thepany''s current state . She didn''t find Sienna''s question suspicious , assuming it merely showed concern for Drake . She smiled and replied : " Oh , it''s the usual , I suppose . Drake and his father haven''t mentioned anything to me . He must be particrly busytely . I''ll have a word with him - no matter how busy he is , he shouldn''t neglect his wife and child . I''ll tell him to make more time for you . " Seeing that Margret knew nothing , Sienna dropped the subject . " Mrs. Ashcroft , there''s no need for the housekeeper to stay here . My ce isn''t suitable . " Margret looked uncertain . " I''m worried something might happen if you''re alone . Pregnant women need constant care . " What could possibly happen ? Sienna mentally rolled her eyes . She had already decided to terminate the pregnancy . If Margret arranged for someone to stay with her , watching her constantly , how would she manage to get an abortion ? The Ashcroft family was nearly bankrupt , and she absolutely could not have this child . She was still early in her pregnancy - an abortion was still feasible . If she actually gave birth , there would be no going back . Even if she didn''t marry Drake and shoulder the Ashcroft family''s debt , having a child would be a burden , making it harder to find another suitable match . She wasn''t foolish enough to struggle as a single mother . While nning the abortion in her mind , Sienna maintained herposure . She smiled , fabricating a story : " My mother heard about my pregnancy and has already bought a ne ticket . With her taking care of me , you needn''t worry . " " Your mother ising to London ? That''s wonderful ! " Margret smiled . " When does she arrive ? I''ll arrange a wee dinner for her ." Ashcroft Group had moved its headquarters to London back when Arno Jones had invested in it . At that time , Drake had purchased a vi in London specifically to win Thalia back , establishing a home there . Now the entire Ashcroft family lived in London . Sienna had manipted Drake into buying her a fully furnished apartment during the period when she was pretending to be Thalia''s recement , and she now lived there . Not only had her mother not purchased any tickets , but even if she were toe , Sienna couldn''t possibly allow her Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 183 to meet Margret . The Ashcroft family was a sinking ship , one that Sienna was desperate to abandon . Thest thing she wanted was for her family to meet the Ashcrofts . Sienna adopted a gentle demeanor , smiling softly as she said , " Mrs. Ashcroft , there''s no rush . We can discuss it when the timees . " Hearing this , Margret frowned . " What''s wrong , dear ? Is it because Drake has been neglecting youtely ? Are you upset and hesitant about arranging a meeting between our families ? " Sienna had been struggling to find a suitable excuse . With Margret''s question , she was handed the perfect pretext . Sienna pursed her lips , presenting a picture of dejection as she lowered her gaze . " Yes , Mrs. Ashcroft . Drake seems increasingly indifferent toward me . He never wanted this child in the first ce . " Though she had intended to merely feign hurt , as she spoke these words , Sienna found herself genuinely saddened . Despite everything , her feelings for Drake were real , and she had once genuinely looked forward to having his child . Remembering how Drake had told her to terminate the pregnancy without a moment''s hesitation when she''d shown him the test results , she felt genuine pain and resentment . Her words had turned out to be a true expression of her feelings . But she had outgrown the naivety of love - struck youth . She loved Drake , but love couldn''t pay the bills . Marrying him now would ruin her life . Hearing Sienna''s words , Margret gently patted her shoulder in constion . " I''ll speak up for you . I''ll make Drakee and spend time with you tonight . " What good would that do now ? Sienna thought to herself . " It''s alright , Mrs. Ashcroft . Drake is very busy , and I don''t want to burden him . Once he gets through this be period , I''m sure he''lle see me . " Hearing this , Margret''s eyes filled with approval . " You''re so understanding , Sienna . Truly worthy of being my daughter - in -w . " Chapter 184 Chapter 184 Chapter 184 Chapter 184 A week after the Russian events , Asher returned to London . Thete April breeze carried warmth through the city streets . Asher wore a ck shirt and trousers that entuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist . His handsome features carried a hint of cool detachment , his eyes as deep as a dark ocean . The moment he saw Thalia , however , the detachment in his eyes dissolvedpletely , reced by tender affection . When Thalia spotted Asher , she assumed he was making his regr " inspection " visit to the firm and greeted him casually : " Good morning , Mr. ckwood . " Asher''s gaze briefly swept over an unfamiliar face in the office before returning to Thalia , offering her a box . " Lia , have a look . " The new face was Thalia''s personal bodyguard , an American - Chinese woman named na Wei , arranged by Randolph . na wore her hair cropped at ear - length , and her sun - kissed skin gave her a wild , healthy appearance . Standing at 5''11 " , she had a medium build that was neither fat nor thin - just solid muscle . Her very presence exuded security . Thalia had arranged for na to work at the firm as her personal assistant , handling non - legal tasks . Her sry as a bodyguard was two million dors a month , paid directly from Randolph''s ount . na had started working at the firm five days ago . Not only was she working there , but she had also moved in with Thalia . For the past few days , na had shadowed Thalia everywhere , living and dining with her . Thalia nced at the box in Asher''s hand . " What is it ? " " A gift for you . " Thalia returned her gaze to herputer screen , continuing to type , her expression impassive . " No , thank you . " " You''re refusing without even looking ? " Asher walked to Thalia''s desk , opened the box , and took out a beautiful silk scarf . Thalia couldn''t help but look twice - she had to admit that Asher had excellent taste . She genuinely liked the scarf . Asher , perceptive as ever , caught the sh of appreciation in her eyes . His lips curved into a slight smile . " I noticed this brand of scarves is quite popr with women . It''s a local Russian brand , only avable in Moscow . Many women bring one back as a souvenir when they visit . The moment I saw this scarf , I knew you''d like it . " 09:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 124 Thalia unexpectedly quipped : " Mr. ckwood seems remarkably well - informed about women''s preferences . " Asher replied without thinking " Taurine rmended it to me . " "Did she now ? " Tha said coolly . " It is beautiful , but I won''t ept it . Perhaps it would be more appropriate to give it to Laurina instead ? At this , Asher suddenly smiled , the ice in his eyes melting instantly . His gaze , bright as ss and filled with mirth , fixed on Thalia Jealous , are you ? " His voice carried unmistakable amusement , which only irritated Thalia further . Her brow furrowed slightly as she lowered her voice . " I am not . " Asher looked intently at Thalia''s face , his gaze tender and enduring , his voice pleasantly patient as he exined : " Laurina''s grandfather and my grandmother are siblings . She''s my cousin . I should introduce you sometime . " Thalia gave a cold snort . " No , thank you . I''m not interested . It''s none of my concern . " Asher''s handsome face bore a gentle smile as he tried to soothe her . " Alright , alright . No introductions yet . Carry on with your work , Lia . " With that , he ced the scarf back in the box and set it gently on Thalia''s desk . " Please keep the scarf . " Asher departed . The elegant white box remained on Thalia''s desk . After finishing her current task , Thalia''s gaze drifted to the box . She paused for a few seconds , then sighed silently . After work , Thalia went to dinner at a restaurant with Lucy Jenkins , Katie , and na . Every time she saw na , Katie couldn''t help but exim : " You''re so cool ! Seriously , you''re incredible - you''d be an absolute heartthrob in the lesbianmunity ! With those looks , you''d be the ultimate crush ! " Lucy looked at Katie with mock horror . " Katie , if you keep this up , I''m going to start questioning your sexuality . " na''s English was excellent , and she understood Katie''sments perfectly . Naturally reserved and serious , typically maintained a stoic expression . Hearing Katie''spliments , she responded impassively : " I have no interest in women . Even less in men . " " Asexual , huh ? " Katie blurted out . No Chapter 184 Thaliaughed awkwardly , her lips twitching . " You really do say whateveres to mind , don''t you ? Aren''t you afraid she''ll punch you ? " Katie pouted . " She''s the one who said it ! " " I wouldn''t , " na replied without expression . " I only fight people who threaten my employer . " Lucy looked thoughtful . " But seriously , na is genuinely more handsome than many men ! " Thalia smiled . " I agreepletely . " na''s expression remained unchanged . Katie sighed dramatically . " Since joining this firm , my aesthetic standards have skyrocketed . Thalia is gorgeous , Rupert and Mr. ckwood are absolutely stunning , and now we have this incredibly handsome female bodyguard . My standards for men have be so high that it''s no wonder I can''t find a boyfriend . " Lucyughed . " Don''t worry , Katie , we''re still young . There''s no rush . " " Easy for you to say , " Katie nced at her with a smile . " Something''s going on between you and Marktely , isn''t it ? I''ve noticed him picking you up after work quite often . " Lucy blushed , lowering her eyes shyly . " Lucy , are you and Mark dating ? " Thalia looked at her in surprise . " When did this happen ? Why didn''t you tell me ? " Lucy kept her head down , speaking bashfully : " No , not really ¡­ he''s been pursuing metely , but I haven''t agreed yet . " Thalia smiled warmly . " From the look on your face , I''d say you like him too . It''s only a matter of time before you say yes , isn''t it ? " Lucy nodded shyly . " By the way , how is Teresa doing recently ? " Thalia asked . " I''ve been so busy I haven''t had time to visit her . " Lucy replied : " Teresa''s much better . She was discharged from the hospital a few days ago and is back in school now . " " That''s good to hear , " Thalia was relieved . " Has the money I gave been enough ? School expenses add up , and can Mark manage on his own ? " After Teresa''s sessful surgery , Thalia had given Mark and Teresa a bank card with ¡ê 50,000 . She had offered to support Teresa through university and Mark through his education as well , if he was interested . Initially , the siblings had refused . Mark had shaken his head . " Ms. Winters , you''ve already helped us tremendously . My sister''s life was saved th Acmall A True Heiress Chapter 184 to you . We couldn''t possibly trouble you further . We can''t ept this money . " Teresa had agreed : " Yes , Thalia , I can''t take any more money from you . " " Mark , " Thalia had looked at the boy seriously . " Your sister will need follow - up examinations and treatments , and school fees and living expenses are substantial . As the saying goes , if you''re going to help someone , help them all the way . Since I have the means , I want to see this through . Consider it my heartfelt wish . You''re still young - you might think your body can handle working around the clock , but eventually , it will break down . What will happen to your sister then ? Do you want her to drop out of school and work odd jobs to pay for your medical treatment ? That would defeat the entire purpose . " In the end , Mark had taken Thalia''s words to heart . He had epted the card and earnestly told Thalia : " Ms. Winters , I''ll remember your immense kindness . I''ll repay this money to you in the future . " Teresa had added brightly : " Thalia , I''ll study hard too , get into a good university , find a good jobter , and earn money to repay you . " " Excellent , " Thalia had smiled gently . " Both of you , keep pushing forward . Live well . " " We will ! " the siblings had replied in unison . The group of young women walked along the sidewalk , chatting andughing . The evening breeze tousled their hair as their cheerful voices lingered in the air . The setting sun cast its golden light upon them , stretching their shadows long across the bustling street filled with passersby . ¡ó ( 4 ) Chapter 185 ( 0 ) Chapter 185 Chapter 185 No one could have anticipated how suddenly disaster would strike As they approached the restaurant entrance , two men burst from the crowd without warning Both wore ck masks and baseball caps pulled low over their faces . One was tall with muscr , tattooed arms visible beneath his white t - shirt The other was shorter and less imposing , but no less dangerous , Thalia and na reacted with instinctive precision , sidestepping the initial assault . " Get them out of here ! " na shouted , dodging the taller man''s de andnding a powerful counterpunch . Tve got this - go now ! " Lucy and Katie stood frozen , their faces drained of color . For Lucy , the scene triggered a visceral shback to her time at Sinir & Klein - when a disturbed client had brandished a knife and her colleague had used her as a human shield . The memory paralyzed her with terror . " Run ! " Thalia grabbed both women by their arms , her voice cutting through Lucy''s panic . The physical contact snapped Lucy back to reality , and she began moving on instinct . Katie , experiencing this level of danger for the first time , found her legs uncooperative . The high heels she''d worn to work betrayed her after just a few steps - her ankle twisted sharply , sending her sprawling to the pavement . na , now fully engaged with her attacker , made a split - second assessment : these weren''t ordinary thugs , but professionally trained operatives . This wasn''t her first encounter with mercenaries , however . She knew their techniques - and their weaknesses . The shorter assant , seeing Katie fall , seized his opportunity . Breaking away from hispanion , he sprinted toward the vulnerable women . " Can you stand ? " Thalia crouched beside Katie , urgency edging her voice . " My ankle- " Katie gasped , her face contorted with pain as Thalia helped her upright . She managed to put weight on one foot , the injured one barely touching the ground . Walking was clearly impossible , let alone running . The shorter attacker closed the distance with rming speed . 09:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 9.5 % His knife glinted in the fading sunlight as he lunged directly at Katie . Without hesitation . Thalia shoved Katie clear of the attack and engaged the man herself . Katie tumbled onto a nearby strip ofndscaped grass , watching in stunned horror as her boss executed a series of defensive maneuvers against the attacker . Through her pain and fear , a singr thought registered : Thalia knows how to fight ? Lucy rushed to Katie''s side . " We need to move - now ! " " I can''t , " Katie''s face had gone ghostly pale , cold sweat beading on her forehead . " Lean on me , " Lucy insisted , already dialing emergency services on her phone . Others on the street were doing the same , voices rising in rm around them . na dispatched her opponent with brutal efficiency , immediately assessing the new threat to Thalia . With a powerful kick that sent the muscr man reeling , she sprinted toward her employer . Thalia was holding her own admirably , but her opponent''s training was evident in every movement . After several exchanges , it became clear that she was facing someone whose skills far exceeded those of an ordinary assant . Her defenses were beginning to falter . The attacker recognized his advantage , driving his de toward Thalia''s heart in what would have been a killing blow . A blur of movement interrupted the attack - na''s hands locked around the man''s wrist with crushing force , drawing a grimace of pain from his partially concealed face . The intervention came just in time . From that angle and distance , Thalia might have avoided a direct hit to her heart , but the de would have found flesh elsewhere . Any wound would have drasticallypromised her ability to defend herself , making a second , fatal strike almost inevitable . With practiced efficiency , na subdued the attacker and appropriated his weapon , pressing the de against his throat . Only the public setting prevented her from ending the threat permanently . The muscr man , assessing his deteriorating situation , turned to flee . " Amateur , " na muttered with cold derision . With clinical detachment , she retrieved a medical ampoule from her pocket and broke the seal . In one flui motion , she coated the knife de with its contents . 6 % Chapter 185 The weapon left her hand in a blur , rotating through the air with surgical precision before embedding itself in the fleeing man''s calf . To his credit , the mercenary barely flinched , continuing his escape attempt without breaking stride . He managed only a few more steps before copsing mid - stride , his body suddenly unresponsive , " Fast - acting sedative , " na remarked to no one in particr . " Even professionals can''t fight their own nervous system . " The shorter attacker , sensing an opening , attempted to break free . na responded with a controlled application of pressure that rendered him unconscious within seconds . " Boss , " na turned her attention back to Thalia , genuine concern breaking through her professionalposure . " Are you hurt ? " " I''m fine , " Thalia assured her , exhaling shakily . In that moment , Thalia experienced something primal - an instinctive sense of danger that sent ice through her veins . It manifested as a full - body sensation , raising goosebumps across her skin before her conscious mind could process the threat . Then she saw it - the unmistakable outline of a pistol emerging from behind a statue across the street . The crack of the gunshot split the air . " Look out ! " Thalia shouted , lunging toward Lucy . The impact of the bullet brought an odd moment of numbness . Then pain - white - hot and overwhelming - radiated outward from the wound , threatening to copse her legs beneath her . " Boss ! " na''s voice cut through the haze as she moved to catch Thalia''s faltering form . ? ( 6 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 186 Chapter 186 The police and ambnce arrived swiftly . The two assants were taken into custody . At the hospital , outside the emergency room . na and Lucy stood anxiously in the corridor . Lucy paced back and forth , muttering repeatedly : " She''ll be fine , she has to be fine ¡­ " na remained grimly silent , leaning against the wall with her eyes downcast , lips pressed into a tight line . Soon , Randolph and Victoria arrived , having rushed over upon receiving the news . " How is Thalia ? " Randolph asked na urgently . na kept her eyes lowered , her face filled with remorse as she replied in a strained voice : " She took a bullet to the chest , sir . We don''t know if it hit her heart . " Randolph staggered at these words , nearly losing his bnce . " How could this happen ? " His eyes widened in disbelief , filled with anguish . " It''s my fault ¡­ " Lucy spoke up , her eyes red - rimmed and voice breaking . " The bullet wouldn''t have hit Thalia from that angle . It should have been me . She pushed me out of the way - that''s why she was shot¡­ I''m so sorry . It''s all my fault ¡­ " " Mr. Winters , these weren''t ordinary attackers , " na said gravely . " I engaged both men . They were professionally trained mercenaries . I recognized this marking on one of their necks - it''s the tattoo worn by mercenaries working for Russia''srgest criminal organization . " na showed Randolph a photo on her phone - one she had taken before the police arrived . The image showed the man who had copsed from the sedative , with a distinctive ck gun - shaped tattoo on the back of his neck . Randolph stared at the photo , murmuring : " Russia''srgest criminal organization ? That''s not ¡­ " " Malfoy''s men , " a cold voice finished his sentence . Randolph looked up to see Asher approaching with rapid strides , his expression severe . " I was careless , " Asher said , his brow deeply furrowed . "Malfoy isn''t dead . The body found in the rubble was a 10:12 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.4 % decoy he had prepared " Malfoy again ? " Randolph''s breathing grew heavy with anger " Your feud with him is your business - why does my family keep getting caught in the crossfire ? Thalia broke things off with youpletely . Why is he still targeting ber ? Asher & dark eyes were filled with profound sadness . " Because of me " Tm sorry , sir . " Asher continued , his voice deep with emotion . " Before the Russian election , I had everything arranged . I personally flew to Russia to deal with Malfoy . Our n was perfect , but there was a traitor among my people who warned him . He left a body double behind while he escaped through an underground tunnel in disguise . " " We worked with the Russian government to dismantle Malfoy''s entire operation . We believed he was dead and that Thalia would no longer be threatened , which is why I started seeing her again ¡­ " Malfoy has los everything - his armed forces have either been killed or surrendered . He has no chance of rebuilding his empire . He''s desperate now , back in Britain solely for revenge against me . He wants to take me down with him . The men who attacked Thalia were part of his escape team , acting on his orders , while Malfoy himself came after me . " Only after Asher finished speaking did Randolph notice his injuries . His ck shirt concealed the bloodstains , but blood had trickled down to his hand . The bright red stood out starkly against his pale skin . Lucy noticed it too . She didn''t understand all the talk about Malfoy and Russian operations , but she understood that the attackers weren''t ordinary criminals - which exined how they had a gun in a country with strict firearmws . " Mr. ckwood , you''re injured too . You should get medical attention , " Lucy said , rmed by the blood on his hand . Asher shook his head . " I''m staying here with Lia . " " Asher ckwood , " Randolph''s eyes zed red with fury as he red at Asher , each word dripping with hatred : " If my Thal¨ªa ¡­ He couldn''t bring himself toplete the sentence- " doesn''t survive . " After a pause , Randolph continued through gritted teeth : " I will make your family pay , even if it costs me everything I have ! " " Malfoy has been apprehended by the police , " Asher said , his eyes downcast . " This time , there''s no escape for hins " Sir , " Asher raised his eyes to meet Randolph''s furious gaze . " If Thalia ¡­ I''ll give my life for hers . " This deration stunned everyone present . 98.6 % andripetare , ut tory w wen n * typically and inades , we vishly derket The first , with me ab , would actually end his life res this ? Bandrid quickly recovered leaning cold sort before dating " Your lide ? What good is that ? If something happens to Tha , will giving up you if babg by bark Ader''s brow furrowed deeply as he pressed his lips together , saying nothing " Time " Tacy legen bestandig " Mr. Winters , Thalia is still being treated . The oue isn''t certain yet . She''s such a good person - surely fate wouldn''t be soul .. " Her voice caked with emotion , unable to continue . " Thats right , Thalia will be fine . Randolph , don''t assume the worst ¡­ " Victoria gently patted Randolph''s bark , her voice soothing Despite her words , Victoria''s eyes reddened with unshed tears . Though Thalia wasn''t her biological daughter , she had always treated her as her own . Over the years , Thalia''s attitude toward her had gradually shifted from resentment and rejection to eptance . Thalia''s career was just taking off , everything moving in a positive direction . How could this happen ¡­? She was still so young Soon , Rupert , Justin Felton , and other partners from the firm arrived , followed by various friends including the Darwin siblings , Sebastian , Christine , Mark , and Teresa . The corridor grew crowded , yet everyone remained silent , the packed hallway eerily quiet . The atmosphere was heavy with dread . Everyone silently prayed that Thalia would safely make it through this ordeal . ( 5 ) Chapter 187 Chapter 187 Drake saw the news report of the incident and watched videos captured by bystanders online . The footage of Thalia fighting her attackers made his heart clench . Before he could process that sight , he watched as she was loaded into an ambnce . His chest tightened painfully . He tried calling Thalia several times from his assistant''s phone , but no one answered . Frantic with worry , Drake abandoned his work and rushed to the hospital . Not knowing which hospital Thalia had been taken to , he checked three facilities near the incident location , frantically inquiring at each until he finally spotted familiar faces outside an emergency room at thest hospital . He hurried over , hisposure shattered , and grabbed Asher''s arm . " ckwood , how is she ? How''s Thalia ? " As he gripped Asher''s arm , Drake felt something wet and sticky . Looking down , he saw his hand covered in blood and recoiled in shock . Asher withdrew his arm , his eyes icy as he responded coldly : " Still in surgery . " " What happened ? Witnesses online said the victim was shot - how did the attackers get a gun ? " Drake asked , then suddenly realized : " Was it Malfoy ? Has Malfoye for revenge ? " Asher''s eyes shed with dangerous intensity as he snapped : " Shut up . You''re being loud . " Drake''s temper red . " ckwood , if you can''t protect her , why do you keep pursuing her ? If it weren''t for you , she wouldn''t repeatedly find herself in danger ! " His voice echoed through the corridor , prompting a passing nurse to reprimand them : " This is a hospital ! Keep it down ! " Drake lowered his voice but continued to re at Asher with undisguised hatred . " Haven''t you done enough damage ? Why keep involving her ? Is the great ckwood heir so ipetent that he can''t even protect the woman he ims to love ? What good are you ? You once told me I wasn''t worthy of Thalia , that I had no right to love her - but what about you ? What right do you have ? " Asher''s jaw tightened as he absorbed Drake''s usations . His hands clenched into fists , but he remained silent . It was true . 98.9 % Chapter 187 He couldn''t protect the woman he loved . What right did he have to im he loved her ? His Lia had been hurt repeatedly because of him . His love had be a burden . A sharp , spreading pain gripped Asher''s heart , making it difficult to breathe . " That''s enough , Drake , " Victoria intervened , pulling him away . " Who are you to criticize ? Thalia suffered plenty of harm while she was with you too . Neither of you has the moral high ground here . " Drake lowered his head , falling silent . The corridorpsed back into a tense quiet , As darkness fell outside , the knot of anxiety tightened in everyone''s chest . Catherine and Andrew ckwood arrived after hearing about Thalia''s condition . Catherine genuinely liked Thalia as a daughter - in -w and was deeply distressed to learn of her critical injuries . When she noticed the blood on Asher''s hand , her concern intensified . " Asher , you''re injured too . Please get it treated , " she urged . Her gaze dropped to the floor , where a disturbing pattern of blood droplets had formed . Her face paled . " Asher , your wound looks serious . You need medical attention immediately ! " Asher had been at the hospital for over an hour , his wound bleeding steadily while he ignored itpletely . " It''s nothing - just a scratch , " he replied hoarsely . " You''ve lost far too much blood for it to be '' nothing '' ! " Catherine walked briskly toward the end of the corridor . " Nurse ! Nurse ! " Shortly after , Catherine returned with a nurse . " Please take him to treat that wound , " she requested . Asher remained motionless , staring at the illuminated " Surgery in Progress " sign with vacant eyes . Catherine wiped away a tear and gave Asher a gentle push . " Go and get it bandaged . You don''t want Thalia to see you like this when she wakes up . " This seemed to reach him . Chapter 187 He nodded slightly and finally followed the nurse . Victoria watched him leave and sighed deeply , What a star crossed pair they were . After Asher departed , Catherine forcefully pulled Andrew aside . " Come with me . Now . " Her demeanor was unyielding as she dragged her husband outside the hospital , her lips pressed tightly together , eyes zing with anger . Several medical staff and nurses gave them curious nces as they passed . " What are you doing ? Let go ! " Andrew shook off Catherine''s hand once they were outside , A sharp SLAP echoed in the air . Catherine had struck him across the face . " Have you lost your mind ? " Andrew shouted . Catherine''s anger erupted . " I''ve lost my mind ? If you hadn''t been so irresponsible - getting that woman pregnant and then being too soft - hearted to prevent that bastard child from being born - none of this would be happening ! Do you realize Malfoy nearly killed our son today ? " Andrew''s face darkened . " How could I have known what kind of man Malfoy would grow up to be ? ming me now is pointless ! " " Andrew ! " Catherine pointed her finger usingly . " You''re the source of all this ! Everything stems from your actions , yet you stand there as if you bear no responsibility ! " Andrew''s eyes reddened with anger . " Fiona lied to me about having an abortion . She concealed the pregnancy and went abroad to have the child . What could I have done ? I only found out after Malfoy was born . Even tigers don''t devour their young - were you expecting me to kill my own son ? " Catherine''s tears flowed freely in her anger . " So instead , you''ve allowed your illegitimate son to try to kill Asher ! Isn''t Asher your son too ? You created this nightmare ! " " Ha ! " Andrewughed bitterly . " I created this ? When I begged you all to let Malfoye back to the ckwood family , to be acknowledged properly , you threatened to kill yourself ! My father threatened to disown me ! If Malfoy had grown up within the ckwood family , would he have fallen in with the Russian criminal underworld ? Would he harbor such hatred toward Asher ? " " Well done ! " Catherine''sugh was hysterical . " Now it''s our fault , is it ? I was blind to marry such a heartless creature ! Andrew , I want a divorce ! " " Have you gone mad ? " Andrew''s face darkened . "Malfoy has been arrested , and Asher is safe . Why are you talking about divorce now ? " vald Diggor is Actually A True Heiress 99.2 % Chap 127 * Because at your core , you''re a cold , unfeeling man ." Catherine''s voice had grown quieter , her anger giving way to a deeper contempt . " You''re the root cause of all this , yet you absolve yourselfpletely . Because of your past mistakes , our son nearly lost his life , and the Winters family almost lost everything . Yet here you stand , ming me for threatening suicide ? Maming your parents for not epting Malfoy ? Andrew , do you have any conscience left at all ? " Andrew''s face was grim as he remained silent . Catherine stared at him , her eyes cold as ice . " Andrew , " she said softly , " the person Malfoy should have sought revenge against was you . " With those words , she turned and walked away . " 1 ~ * Andrew tried to speak , but suddenly coughed up blood , his vision darkening as he copsed to the ground . C Chapter 188 Chapter 188 " Poisoned ? Catherine was stunned , unable to believe her ears . The doctor exined usingplex medical terminology that Catherine struggled toprehend . When he simplified his exnation , Catherine finally understood . Andrew had been poisoned with a slow acting toxin . The poison was water - soluble , colorless , and tasteless . asional small doses wouldn''t produce noticeable symptoms , but long - term exposure would eventually prove fatal as the poison infiltrated vital organs . While Thalia remained in surgery , Andrew had been rushed into another emergency room . The hospital issued a critical condition notice, which Catherine signed in a daze . Certain details suddenly became painfully clear in her mind . Andrew had been losing hair at an rming . recently , which she had noticed . But she had dismissed it as a natural part of agin developing bald patches . Most men his age experienced significant hair loss , some I His appetite had also been declining . Dark circles had appeared beneath his eyes , giving him a perpetually exhausted , haggard appearance . Catherine had observed these changes but hadn''t particrly cared . Her emotional connection to Andrew had been severed over twenty years ago when he had his affair . In the years since , their rtionship hadn''t improved - they merely maintained a fa?ade of stability . Andrew himself had noticed his deteriorating health . The business had been demandingtely . Although the elder Mr. ckwood had transferred most authority to Asher , Andrew still retained his position as chairman of ckwood Group . It was , after all , the family business . As chairman , Andrew couldn''t avoid concerning himself withpany matters . Like Catherine , he had attributed his hair loss to age and hisck of appetite , insomnia , and intermittent pain to overwork and insufficient rest . Andrew had nned to undergo aprehensive medical examination once his schedule cleared , but his body had given out before that could happen . -11 . A Trin Hairass 99.5 % Andrew''s poisoning was a serious matter . Catherine called the elder tr . and Mrs. ckwood to intoral thes After learning of Andrew''s condition , Catherine promptly arranged a medical examination for herent Some test results were avable immediately , but blood work required facing when wont have to w following morning . Lady ckwood also came to the hospital for a medical examination The elder Mr. ckwood was in Davos , Switzend , attending the World Economic Forum , and costar getra immediately , so Catherine could onlymunicate with him by phone , " Poisoned ? How is this possible ? " Mr. ckwood''s voice was grave , Catherine frowned , her tone equally somber as she gripped her phone . " I don''t know . its usually eats at home , and Mother and I have had the same food without any issues . Only Andrew has been poisoned I suspect it might he connected to Tom Malfoy , Grace Bet was working for Malfoy , so she''s the primary suspe On the other end , Mr. ckwood fell silent for a moment Then : " Call the police , " he ordered authoritatively . " I will . " " I''ll try to get away from the forum and fly back to London , " he continued . " I want to meet with Malfoy and Grace Bet personally . " Lady ckwood stood beside Catherine . Upon hearing Catherine''s suspicion of Grace , her expression darkened After Catherine ended the call , Lady ckwood red at her , her voice edged with anger : " Don''t talk sur Grace was simply led astray , manipted by Malfoy . She''s not inherently wicked - she couldn''t possibly poison Andrew . He''s her adoptive father , for heaven''s sake ! How could she poison her own father ? " Catherine was exasperated by Lady ckwood''s naivety . " Mother , you''ve always been far too soft with Grace . She''smitted serious crimes , yet you still insist she''s '' not inherently wicked ? She was involved in murder and cover - ups - what makes you think she would draw the line at poisoning an adoptive father with whom the shares no blood ? " " No ! Impossible ! " Lady ckwood shook her head vehemently . " Grace wouldn''t poison Andrew She simply wouldn''t ! " Lady ckwood did harbor suspicions deep down , but she couldn''t bear to acknowledge them She continued shaking her head , muttering to herself , seemingly trying to convince both Catherine and herself . How could the secage that the granddaught she had raised would poison her own dom ? martetote Cather disse er en godly ging Lady ckwood cold nce before turning away without another She made her call to are provisi #wy part was correl , Guava wonde face an additional charge of attempted murder it was time to confront dels angel adsprove daughter who had betrayed the family that had raised her After windly long wait , the doors to the emergency room finally opened Asher , Ropert , and Randolph aged forward admost simultaneously , Asher : " Doctor , how is Lia doing ? " Rupert " Doctor , what''s her condition ? " Randolph " Doctor , how''s my daughter ? " Everyone else looked on with tense concern , collectively holding their breath , hearts pounding - hoping for good news whole dreading the worst . The lead surgeon removed his mask , a smile breaking through his exhausted features . " She''s out of danger . We''re transferring her to intensive care . You''ll be able to visit her in three days . " A collective sigh of relief swept through the group . The emptiness in Asher''s eyes finally gave way to a glimmer of light , the oppressive weight on his chest lifting slightly . He closed his eyes briefly , then opened them to say with profound sincerity : " Thank you , doctor . " The others wept with joy , expressing their gratitude repeatedly . Randolph , a man nearing fifty , had tears streaming down his reddened eyes , his voice choked with emotion : " Thank you , doctor . Thank you so much ¡­ " The doctor nodded and departed . As nurses wheeled Thalia out , Asher gazed at her pale , unconscious form , and his heart contracted painfully . The agony came in waves , utterly devastating . 99.79 Chapter 188 Everyone wanted to approach Thalia . The nurses continued wheeling the bed forward . " Please make way . The patient needs to be transferred to the ICU . Visits aren''t permitted at this time . " They cleared a path as the nurses wheeled Thalia toward the intensive care unit . The oppressive atmosphere finally lifted . Several of the young women had cried until their eyes were red . Lucy spoke through her tears : " I knew she''d pull through . Thalia is such a good person - I just knew she''d be alright ¡­ Charlotte wiped her reddened eyes . " Thank God she''s okay , thank God . " Victoria exhaled deeply , wiping away her tears . " I''m so relieved Thalia''s alright . If she had ¡­ I can''t even bear to think about it ¡­ " Lucy''s nose was red from crying . " If anything had happened to her , I would have carried that guilt for the rest of my life . She was injured saving me . " Katie , her foot wrapped in bandages , sat on a bench in the corridor , her eyes equally red . " I''m so relieved , so relieved Ms. Winters is okay . " na didn''t cry , but she exhaled deeply , her perpetually furrowed brow finally rxing . Drake looked toward Asher and scoffed . " ckwood , Thalia nearly lost her life because of you . Stop bringing misfortune into her life ! " Asher remained silent . The hours Thalia had spent in surgery had been the most painful , oppressive , and guilt - ridden hours of his life . He couldn''t refute Drake''s words . Because he felt exactly the same way . If not for him , why would Malfoy have targeted Thalia ? Self - recrimination engulfed him . Asher''s heart felt as though it were being repeatedly squeezed and torn by an invisible hand , the pain nearly spasmodic . Randolph looked up at Asher , his voice cold : " ckwood , he''s right . From now on , stay far away from Thalia . Stop bringing her harm . " Tairnes 99.8 % Chapter 188 . Asher''s breath caught , his heart contracting painfully . C Chapter 189 Chapter 189 Chapter 189 While Thalia''s situation had stabilized - her life saved by the narrowest of margins - Andrew''s condition remained decidedly grim . The doctors exined that Andrew had been poisoned over an extended period . The toxin had infiltrated his vital organs , and his condition was beyond medical intervention , Upon hearing this devastating news , Lady ckwood''s eyes rolled back , and she copsed . The following day , Catherine visited the prison . Separated by ss , Grace sat in her prison uniform while Catherine took her seat on the visitor''s side . Theymunicated through corded telephones , A mocking smile shed across Grace''s face . " Mrs. ckwood , wonders never cease . I never thought you''de to see me . " Ever since Grace''s inappropriate feelings for Asher had been exposed , when Catherine had pped her , they had abandoned any pretense of a warm mother - daughter rtionship . Grace had subsequently been expelled from the ckwood family . Her form of address had changed from " Mother " to the formal " Mrs. ckwood . " From Grace''s arrest through her sentencing and imprisonment , Catherine hadn''t visited once , though Lady ckwood hade twice . Lady ckwood''s judgment was clouded by her excessive affection for Grace . Even with Andrew near death from poisoning , she refused to believe Grace could be responsible . Catherine''s gaze was cold as ice as she went straight to the point: " Was it you who poisoned Andrew ? " " Poisoned ? How could Andrew be poisoned ? " Grace feigned surprise , though amusement lurked in her eyes . " Drop the act , " Catherine said coldly . " No one else has a motive . Malfoy put you up to it , didn''t he ? " Grace smiled . " Mrs. ckwood , you should be more careful with such usations . You im I poisoned Andrew - where''s your evidence ? " " If you did it , you''ll have left traces . The evidence will be found . " " Hmm , " Grace''s smile radiated smug defiance . " So you have no evidence yet . " A sh of cold anger crossed Catherine''s eyes . " Grace , if you''ve poisoned Andrew , the ckwood family won''t let 15:25 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 96.9 % Chapter 189 you get away with it . Are you still counting on Malfoy to rescue you ? Perhaps you don''t realize , being locked in here , but Malfoy has been arrested . " The smile vanished from Grace''s face , her voice suddenly rising in pitch : " What did you say ? Malfoy''s been arrested ? " Catherine''s lips curled into a cold smile . " Did you really think he was untouchable in Russia ? The Russian election resulted in the downfall of his political backing . The new Prime Minister immediately coordinated efforts to destroy Malfoy''s organization . He barely escaped and returned to London intent on a murder - suicide with Asher . Fortunately , Asher had bodyguards , and Malfoy failed . He''s in police custody now - fighting for his own survival . Do you truly believe he''ll save you ? " When Grace heard that Malfoy had intended to kill Asher in a murder - suicide , her heart clenched , and she blurted out : " Is Asher alright ? Was he hurt ? " Catherineughed bitterly . " That''s none of your concern . No one can save you now . If you confess to poisoning Andrew , your new crime would be considered a voluntary confession - potentially earning you a reduced sentence . If you wait until the police gather conclusive evidence , you''ll lose that opportunity . " " A reduced sentence ? " Grace''s eyes shed with scorn . " Do you take me for a fool ? If I truly poisoned Andrew , would the ckwood family ever show me leniency ? The very notion isughable . " Catherine''s voice hardened . " So you refuse to confess . " Grace''s response was airtight : " Why would I confess to something I haven''t done ? " " Time''s up , " the prison guard announced . As the call ended , Grace was led away by the guard . Before leaving , she turned back to give Catherine a pointed , meaningful smile . The previous day , after Thalia was dered out of danger , Catherine had finally informed Asher about Andrew''s poisoning . Andrew''s condition was too advanced for the intensive care unit to make any difference . The doctors had transferred him to a regr room so he could spend his remaining time with family . Lady ckwood had been hospitalized overnight after her cardiac episode triggered by the shocking news . Since the previous evening , Asher had divided his time between visiting his grandmother and sitting vigil at his father''s bedside . Catherine arrived at the hospital after leaving the prison and having lunch . In Andrew''s hospital room , Catherine nced at Asher . " Have you had anything to eat ? " 15.25 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 97.0 % Chapter 189 Asher shook his head . " I''m not hungry . " " You need to eat something , even without an appetite . You''ve been injured too - you can''t afford to skip meals . " She called Asher''s assistant , Matt . " Could you bring some lunch for Asher , please ? " " Right away , ma''am . " Matt had apanied Asher to the hospital after Thalia''s incident and was also aware of Andrew''s condition . Catherine didn''t need to specify the location ; Matt understood . " Your grandfather will be back in London tomorrow afternoon , " Catherine told Asher . Asher responded with a simple " Mm . " Andrew was awake , his appearance gaunt , with sunken eye sockets and darkened lips . Catherine nced at him and sighed silently . It seemed surreal that the man she had argued with justst night was now facing his imminent mortality . Life was truly unpredictable . This thought filled Catherine with a profound mncholy . Though their marriagecked romantic love , they had been husband and wife for nearly thirty years . If not love , there was at least familiarity . Andrew didn''t know that after Catherine had learned of his condition from the doctors , she hadin awake all night , quietly shedding tears in the darkness . Human emotions areplex . Though love had left their rtionship , the prospect of losing someone who had been part of her daily life for thirty years was genuinely painful . Catherine looked at Andrew . " Managed to eat anything ? " Andrew was aware of his condition . He didn''t have long - the doctors estimated no more than a month . " What difference does it make whether I eat or not ? " Andrew replied weakly . " I''ll be dead soon enough either way . " Catherine fell silent . Asher said , " I had food brought in earlier , but he wouldn''t touch it . " " Try to eat something , at least , " Catherine said after a long pause , unsure what else to say . V- Cold Diggor is Actually A True Heiress 97.2 % Chapter 189 Andrew''s gaze lingered on Catherine for a moment before a bleak smile crossed his lips . " I''m dying . That must please you . " Catherine''s emotions instantly shattered at his words . " Andrew ! " Her voice rose sharply , breaking with emotion . " I''m not as heartless as you think ! " Seeing Catherine''s reaction , Andrew fell silent . Asher felt the weight of his parents '' strained rtionship . With a heavy sigh , he left the room to give them privacy . The police had conducted investigations at both the ckwood mansion and Grace''s private residence . They had discovered several suspicious items . ( 4 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 190 Chapter 190 After visiting his son in the hospital , the elder Mr. ckwood invited two senior police officials and the detective leading Andrew''s poisoning investigation to the family home that same evening . In the ckwood family''s reception room , the three visitors greeted Mr. ckwood with simultaneous , respectful " Sir . " Though holding considerable influence , the elder Mr. ckwood had never been one to stand on ceremony . He nodded slightly and gestured for them to sit . " Please , make yourselvesfortable ." The reception room was spacious , with a rectangr rosewood table at its center , adorned with blue - and - white porcin tea sets . Mr. ckwood sat in the middle , facing the three men , with Asher seated to his right . The visitors didn''t immediately sit down , instead turning to acknowledge Asher with a respectful " Mr. ckwood . " After Asher''s courteous response , the three men finally seated themselves opposite Mr. ckwood . They briefly introduced themselves before reporting on the case''s progress . Since returning to London , the elder Mr. ckwood had been thoroughly briefed on his son''s situation . The police had already gathered considerable evidence . The lead investigator , Detective Ronald Golfin , a serious man in his forties , began his report : " ording to Mrs. ckwood , Grace Bet is our primary suspect . We learned that when Miss Bet was still the ckwoods '' adoptive daughter , she regrly prepared health tonics for Mr. Andrew ckwood . Also , Mr. ckwood habitually drank ck coffee every morning without fail . We focused our investigation along these two lines and have uncovered significant evidence . " Detective Golfin handed two reports to the elder Mr. ckwood . " These are the analysis results from Mr. ckwood''s coffee cup and the enamel cooking pot regrly used in the household . " The elder Mr. ckwood''s brow furrowed as he examined the reports . Concerned that the technical terminology might be difficult to understand , Detective Golfin exined in simpler terms : " The toxin detected in the enamel pot matches the poison found in Mr. ckwood''s system , which strongly suggests his regr meals were being poisoned . " " The enamel cookware has unique properties - during high - temperature cooking , especially when preparing soups , toxins can permeate the material . Even thorough washing won''t remove all traces . However , Mr. ckwood''s morning coffee was cold - brewed , and ss doesn''t absorb toxins as readily . After washing , virtually no residue remains , which exins why the coffee cup tests showed normal results . " 15:26 C Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress " Additionally , we learned from the household staff that Miss Bet personally prepared Mr. ckwood''s coffee every morning , " As he listened , the elder Mr. ckwood''s frown deepened . " What does Grace have to say about this ? " The suspect is currently serving a prison sentence , " Detective Golfin replied . " We''ve questioned her , but she''s maintainedplete silence . After a brief pause , he added : " ording to Mrs. ckwood , the detained suspect Tom Malfoy may have direct connections to this poisoning case . We''ve questioned Malfoy as well , but he''s also refused to cooperate . " " Have you examined the household security footage ? Mr. ckwood asked . " Yes , thoroughly . Nothing conclusive appears on the recordings . The kitchen footage shows Miss Bet cooking but her back is to the camera , obscuring any potential tampering with the food . Nothing unusual was detected near the coffee machine . If Miss Bet did poison the coffee , she likely did so in a blind spot after preparing it . " " There''s something else ¡­ " Detective Golfin hesitated , looking toward the elder Mr. ckwood . The old man raised his eyes . " Yes ? " When we asked Mrs. ckwood about Malfoy and Miss Bet''s motive for murder , " Detective Golfin said cautiously , " she indicated that only you could provide that information , as she didn''t feel it was her ce to disclose it . " The elder Mr. ckwood''s gaze grew heavy . After a moment of silence , he began speaking slowly , revealing the essential details of the troubled history between Andrew and Malfoy''s mother . The police officers had heard their share of high - society scandals , but hearing such intimate family secrets directly from the elder Mr. ckwood himself was still somewhat jarring They quickly regained their professionalposure , listening intently and asionally taking notes . Finally , the elder Mr. ckwood concluded gravely : " I share Catherine''s assessment that Grace Bet is the most likely suspect . " The officers nodded in agreement . " We''ll pursue this investigation with the utmost diligence , " Detective Golfin assured him respectfully . Thinking of his son in the hospital with so little time left , the elder Mr. ckwood''s eyes filled with sorrow , his voice betraying his grief and helplessness . " Thank you for your efforts . Please determine the truth as quickly as possible . " At the very least , Andrew deserved to know who had poisoned him before he died . 97 6 * Chapter 190 The officers nodded solemnly , responding in unison : " Understood . " Asher spoke , his voice cold and resolute : " I''ll have my people assist with the investigation . " Thalia had spent three days in intensive care . On the fourth day , the doctors announced that visitors would be permitted . Visiting hours were from 2:30 to daily , allowing for a thirty - minute window . For the first visit , Asher wanted to see Thalia , but Randolph adamantly refused to allow it . Asher didn''t push the issue . He understood Randolph''s position . If his own daughter had repeatedly been ced in mortal danger - thistest incident nearly proving fatal - he too would keep that man away . Though Asher understood , the pain remained unbearable . These past few days had been utterly exhausting . Thalia had barely been pulled back from death''s door when his father''s poisoning came to light . A single man - Malfoy - had thrown both families intoplete chaos . After a brief exchange with Randolph , Asher turned and left . Before reaching Andrew''s room , he heard heated voices from down the corridor . It sounded like Catherine arguing with someone . Quickening his pace , Asher rounded the corner and approached his father''s room . From a distance , he had only heard Catherine''s voice , but now , drawing closer , he could make out Andrew''s weakened responses . Andrew : " Why are you stopping me ? I might as well end it now rather than suffer like this . I''m going to die soon anyway . " Catherine cried out : " Have you thought about your parents ? About Asher ? How will they cope with you doing this ? " " What difference does it make if they can''t cope ? " Andrew''s voice rose slightly , his throat raspy . " The doctors have given me a month at most . Whether I die now orter , the oue is the same ! " " A month is still time! " Catherine was openly weeping now . " Each day matters . " 97.7 % Chapter 190 Andrew''s voice also broke with emotion , filled with unbearable pain . " Living like this is just prolonged torture . I wake up in agony every night , constantly needing painkillers and injections . My hair is falling out in clumps . I can''t eat anything . What''s the point of living like this ? I''d rather die ! Every morning I wake up just counting down my remaining days . I can''t stand it anymore . Let me go - death would be easier than this . " ( 3 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 151 Chapter 191 Chapter 191 Asher stood outside the door listening for a moment before deciding not to enter . The sky was overcast , with a fine , persistent rain beginning to fall . Walking to the hospital entrance , Asher gazed up at the oppressive sky , his thoughts drifting . He and Thalia likely had no future together . Andrew , his father , only fifty two years old , was about to leave this world . When Asher was five , the scandal of Andrew''s illegitimate child had erupted . His mother had fought bitterly for divorce , but ultimately , under pressure from both families '' elders , the marriage had endured . At five , Asher was already formingsting memories . The painful ones had taken root in his heart . He vividly remembered all the humiliation his mother had suffered , the image of her hiding in their room to cry . every argument between his parents , and the disgust that asionally flickered in Andrew''s eyes . He knew Andrew didn''t love his mother - and didn''t love him either . Asher had never experienced paternal affection growing up . Throughout his life , his rtionship with Andrew had remained distant . He had assumed he wouldn''t be affected when Andrew died . Yet now that the moment approached , he discovered he wasn''t as indifferent as he''d expected . Nearby , a middle - aged man hurried toward the hospital entrance , holding a small boy in one arm and an umbre in the other . Soon , the man reached Asher''s side . At the hospital entrance , the man closed his umbre and spoke softly to the child: " Don''t cry , love . Daddy''s taking you to see the doctor . You''ll feel better soon . " Something twisted in Asher''s chest . His gaze remained fixed on them , impossible to tear away . The little boy seemed only a year or two old , so small and vulnerable . 97.9 % Nairnce Chapter 191 The man wore the dark blue uniform of a factory worker , thepany name embroidered on his chest . Asher noticed the man''s hands - rough , darkened by work , covered in calluses . Yet these weathered hands held the child with incredible tenderness , radiating profound paternal love . His face , marked by life''s hardships , showed nothing but concern and worry . Such an expression had rarely appeared on Andrew''s face . No , that wasn''t entirely true . The year Andrew had brought Malfoy back to Ennd , begging his parents to ept the boy into the family . They had refused , not even allowing them inside . Andrew had knelt at the door with Malfoy , refusing to leave . The weather that day had been simr to today''s . Oppressively gloomy and suffocating . Rain had begun to fall . Andrew had removed his coat to cover Malfoy''s head , shielding him from the elements . But Malfoy had still been drenched , caught a chill , and developed a fever . Andrew''s worried expression had mirrored this father''s exactly . Asher watched silently , a dull ache spreading through his chest . The man hurried inside with his child . Asher returned his gaze to the curtain of rain before him . A few young women nearby blushed as they stole nces at him , whispering among themselves . Asher remained oblivious to their attention . He stepped forward into the pouring rain . That night , at Asher''spound . " Sir , we''ve located Fiona Malfoy''s grave , " Lucas reported quietly , standing before Asher . " Tom Malfoy constructed a 98.1 % Chapter 191 special memorial for her in a remote vige in Chernov , Russia . " Lucas handed Asher a document folder . " This vige was where Fiona and Tom first settled when they arrived in Russia . They lived there for five years , and Fiona died there . " Asher opened the folder . It contained numerous photographs - pictures of the small wooden cabin where they had lived , along with some old photographs of Tom and Fiona Malfoy . Lucas continued : " This cabin was their home . Malfoy has maintained it all these years , employing locals to keep it clean . " " ording to the caretaker , cremation is customary in that region . After Fiona''s death , the vigers cremated her . Malfoy collected some of her ashes and established a memorial . At the time , hecked the resources to build a proper gravesite . The current memorial was constructedter - a cenotaph containing some of Fiona''s clothing and jewelry . " " Though Malfoy traveled extensively over the years , Fiona''s ashes remained in the cabin , under constant guard . He returns every year on her birthday and death anniversary to pay his respects . " " Has the grave been examined ? " Asher asked , his tone deceptively casual , though a keen observer would have noticed the cold , predatory gleam in his eyes . Lucas nodded . " Yes , it''s confirmed to be a cenotaph . " " And Fiona''s ashes ? " Asher inquired , his dark eyes swirling with indecipherable emotion . " We''ve retrieved them . " Lucas gestured to one of his men . The man quickly left and returned momentster carrying a dark urn . Lucas took the urn from his subordinate . " Sir , these are Fiona Malfoy''s ashes . " Asher stared at the container , his eyes as deep and unfathomable as the ocean . Over twenty years ago , Fiona had confronted his mother - who had barely recovered from childbirth - with her pregnancy , driving Catherine to postpartum depression and nearly causing her to jump from a window . She had thrown the ckwood household into chaos . Two decadester , her son had brought simr devastation to both families . Everything Malfoy had done to the Winters and ckwood families had been for revenge . All to avenge Fiona . 98.2 % Chapter 191 If Malfoy was so filial , learning that his mother''s grave had been disturbed would surely cause him immense pain , wouldn''t it ? He had nearly killed Thalia and had instructed Grace to poison Andrew . Would it be excessive , then , to scatter his mother''s ashes before his eyes ? A cold smile curved Asher''s lips . " I want to see Malfoy ," After making the necessary arrangements andpleting the required procedures , Asher was granted ess to Malfoy . Malfoy remained in custody , awaiting the court''s verdict . His case wasplex , involving multiple serious crimes beyond attempted murder . The ckwood family had exerted considerable pressure , specifically requesting that Malfoy''s case be thoroughly investigated and severely prosecuted . Now , in a small , dimly lit interrogation room , Malfoy sat across from Asher , his hands cuffed and his ankles shackled . ? ( 7 ) (0 ) Chapter 192 Chapter 192 Light poured down from above . Malfoy stared at Asher , his gaze ice - cold . " What an unexpected visitor . What brings the illustrious Mr. ckwood to a ce like this ? " Bandages wrapped Malfoy''s head and arms . He had sustained serious injuries during his failed attempt to kill Asher in a murder - suicide . From the moment Asher''s traitor had warned him , Malfoy had known his empire was crumbling . Sokolov''s term was ending , and he had be deeply unpopr . Given the political climate , his re - election as Prime Minister was virtually impossible . Once Natalia Volkova took office , she would inevitably coordinate efforts to dismantle Malfoy''s organization . Upon receiving the warning , Malfoy had begun nning his fake death , secretly escaping to Britain with the intention of taking Asher down with him . His associate , Mikhail , had urged him to disappear and live out the rest of his life under a new identity . Malfoy had scoffed , his eyes contemptuous . " Do I look like a coward who would hide in the shadows ? " " If ckwood wants me dead ¡­ " Malfoy''s eyes had narrowed , glinting dangerously , " then I''ll make sure he apanies me to the grave . " Malfoy''s rapid rise to power in recent years owed much to Sokolov''s powerful backing . Throughout this period , Malfoy had engaged in shadowy businesses and criminal enterprises as a matter of routine . As the saying goes , the most profitable ventures are those listed in the criminal code - a principle Malfoy had thoroughly validated . Before Sokolov''s downfall , Asher''s efforts against Malfoy had consistently been obstructed by the Prime Minister . No matter how influential Asher was in London , he couldn''t openly challenge the Russian Prime Minister . The notion of assassinating Sokolov was out of the question ¡­ In fact , since Malfoy''s return to Britainst year , Asher had been covertly supporting Volkova''s rise to power . It was precisely because Malfoy had discovered this that he had frantically sent men to openly attempt Asher''s assassination in Russia . 98.5 % Chapter 192 " Let me guess , " Malfoy''s eyes gleamed with malicious amusement , " has Andrew sumbed to the poison ? " Asher''s expression remained impassive , his cold eyes briefly resting on Malfoy as he spoke in a cutting tone : " You instructed Grace Bet to poison him . " His statement was definitive - not a question . Malfoy''s eyes flickered with amusement as he responded flippantly : " Did I ? I can''t seem to recall . " Asher remained unperturbed . He slowly withdrew a photograph from the folder . " Do you remember this ce ? " He held the image before Malfoy''s eyes . The man who had been smirking moments before instantly lost hisposure , gritting his teeth . " ckwood ! " Those two sybles contained the full measure of Malfoy''s rage . Asher replied with casual indifference : " Yes ? " " What have you done to my mother''s memorial ? " Malfoy''s eyes zed red , veins bulging at his temples . Asher''s lips curved into a slight smile . " I thought you were heartless . So you do care about something after all . " " Tell me ! What have you done to my mother''s shrine and grave ? " Malfoy teetered on the edge of blind fury . " Nothing much . It was such a lovely day , I thought I''d take your mother out for some fresh air , " Asher said coldly , his tone unnervingly casual . " That impressive mausoleum - I assumed your mother was actually buried there . Only s after digging did I discover it was merely a cenotaph . " His voice was light , as though discussing dinner ns . Malfoy erupted with rage . He lunged forward toward Asher . The prison guards immediately restrained him . " ckwood! I''ll kill you ! " Malfoy roared , his eyes bloodshot . Asher gave a slight nod , and Lucas entered carrying the ck urn . " Sir , " Lucas said quietly to Asher . " Mm . " Chapter 192 Seeing the all - too - familiar container , Malfoypletely lost control . He screamed with unbridled fury , his eyes burning with such intense hatred that it seemed he wanted to tear Asher apart with his bare hands . " I''ll give you onest chance , " Asher said , reclining casually in his chair across from Malfoy , legs crossed with deliberate nonchnce . " Tell me the truth about Andrew''s poisoning , and I''ll leave your mother''s ashes in one piece . " " ckwood ! I''ll kill you ! " Malfoy struggled violently , attempting to break free and attack Asher . Asher smiled , rising unhurriedly from his seat before suddenly delivering a vicious kick to Malfoy''s abdomen . Despite Malfoy''s well - developed abdominal muscles , Asher had used nearly his full strength . Even someone as physically resilient as Malfoy likely suffered internal damage . Malfoy fell silent , not crying out in pain but wincing visibly . " Have you reconsidered ? " Asher''s expression betrayed growing impatience . After a long moment , Malfoy fixed his gaze on Asher and spoke coldly : " Yes , I instructed Grace to poison Andrew . " " At first , she refused , saying she would only do it if I ensured Thalia Winters '' death . " Asher''s expression froze , the color draining from his face . So Malfoy''s targeting of Thalia wasn''t solely to cause Asher pain . It had been a transaction between Malfoy and Grace . Seeing Asher''s anguished expression , Malfoy actuallyughed . " Hahaha ! Surprised , ckwood ? The sister you''ve cherished since childhood not only harbored inappropriate feelings for you but also wanted the woman you love dead . Hahaha ! How pathetic . " Asher lowered his eyes , his emotions unreadable . After a moment , he slowly raised his gaze to meet Malfoy''s , his voice chilling enough to send shivers down one''s spine : " Very well . " In the next instant , he signaled to Lucas with a nce . Understanding immediately , Lucas forcefully smashed the ceramic urn on the floor . " No- ! " Malfoy bellowed , his eyes bulging with rage . The urn shattered , scattering the ashes across the floor . Chapter 197 Malfoy''s eyes filled with blood , his features contorted with anguishe Asher stood coldly before Malfoy , looking down at his tormented expression with a sense of vindication finally flickering in his heart . Finally , Asher instructed Lucas to bring a broom to clean up the mess , Malfoy watched helplessly as his mother''s ashes were swept into a rubbish bin . ( 0 ) Chapter 193 Chapter 193 Two prison guards heard Malfoy confess to instructing Grace Bet to poison Andrew , Moreover , the entire meeting between Asher and Malfoy had been under police surveince As a detained suspect , Malfoy''s confession to directing Grace''s poisoning constituted criminal evidence . With this crucial testimony , the police investigation could proceed much more efficiently . Simultaneously , Asher had assigned his people to assist the investigation , uncovering that a servant at the ckwood residence had witnessed Grace adding something suspicious to Andrew''s health tonic Following the principle that less trouble is better than more , the servant had kept quiet at the time . Now that everything hade to light , and since Grace had long been expelled from the ckwood family , the servant provided a detailed ount when questioned by the police . When this news reached Lady ckwood , she was ovee with anguish . " What a travesty ! Truly a travesty ! " Lady ckwood beat her chest in despair . " I thought she was merely confused and manipted by viins . I believed she wasn''t inherently wicked . Never did I imagine she would poison her own adoptive father ! " Tears streamed from her clouded eyes . " How could this happen ? How could she be so vicious ? " the elderly woman wailed . Catherine sat by Lady ckwood''s hospital bed , her expression contemptuous . " Mother , I warned you ages ago that Grace harbored impure intentions , but you dismissed my concerns . " From the moment Grace had begun targeting Thalia , asionally whispering disparaging remarks about her to Lady ckwood , Catherine had cautioned the old woman about Grace''s dubious character . Lady ckwood hadpletely disregarded these warnings . In truth , Lady ckwood had never particrly liked Catherine as a daughter - in -w . Mother - in -w conflicts were as old as time , and aristocratic families were no exception . Years ago , when Andrew had his affair , the olddy detested his mistress but simultaneously med Catherine . In her view , Fiona was morally corrupt for seducing a married man - certainly no decent woman . But equally , Catherine was inadequate for failing to keep her husband in line . During Andrew''s affair , Lady ckwood had actually med Catherine more than Andrew . As the saying goes , " There''s no cat that doesn''t steal fish . " In Lady ckwood''s eyes , Andrew had merelymitted an error that all men were prone to . Nairose 99.0 % Chapter 193 When Fiona had appeared heavily pregnant to confront the family , Catherine had be suicidal , even threatening to jump from a window . In Lady ckwood''s opinion , thispletelycked the dignity expected of a ckwood wife - showing no skill in managing the situation , only resorting to threats of self - harm . She looked down on Catherine and despised Fiona even more . Catherine had long sensed her mother - in -w''s disdain . Over the years , she and Lady ckwood had maintained only a veneer of civility . Now , with the old woman hospitalized after a heart attack triggered by anger , Catherine made perfunctory visits , keeping up appearances while internally indifferent to her mother - in -w''s fate . If Lady ckwood died , Catherine could finally enjoy a life unburdened . This wasn''t malice - simply human nature . That''s why Catherine herself had personally informed Lady ckwood about Grace poisoning Andrew . After a bout of cursing and crying , Lady ckwood eventually shifted the me onto Catherine . " Look at the daughter you''ve raised ! " Lady ckwood '' contorted with bitterness as she berated Catherine . " What have you turned her into all these years ? " " Hah . " Catherineughed with incredulity . " You certainly excel at deflecting me . Wasn''t Grace by your side more often ? Wasn''t she your precious granddaughter ? " At this point , Catherine no longer cared to maintain pretenses and confronted the old woman directly . " Are you suggesting I turned her into this ? " Lady ckwood was furious . " You''re so skilled with children , aren''t you ? " Catherine remarked with venomous sarcasm . " First Andrew , now Grace - each more impressive than thest . " " You , you , you ¡­ " Lady ckwood nearly choked on her rage . At that moment , there was a knock at the door . It was mealtime , likely the caretaker bringing food . Catherineposed herself and said , " Come in . " The caretaker entered with a thermal container , set up a small table , andid out the food . " My Lady , I''ve slow - simmered this cordyceps chicken soup for five hours . Please try it ¡­ " " Take it away ! I won''t eat ! " Lady ckwood snapped . 99.1 % Chapter 193 Though her words were directed at the caretaker , her eyes remained fixed on Catherine , burning with fury . Catherine''s lips curled into a slight smile as she picked up her handbag and walked out . Rupert brought Lena to visit Thalia . Opening the hospital room door , they found quite a lively gathering inside . Charlotte and Victoria had arrived together just minutes earlier . Victoria was yfully showing Thalia a Herm¨¨s handbag . " Darling , I flew specially to France to get this for you - it''s not even avable here yet ! It''s guaranteed to cure all ailments . ept this bag , and you''ll recover in no time . " Charlotte stood nearby , holding a Cartier box , smiling as she said , " Thalia , I bought this bracelet for you . " Thalia smiled . " You didn''t need to bring gifts - it''s not a holiday or anything . " " We''re looking forward to your speedy recovery so we can all have fun together again , " Victoria exined with a grin . " Without you , even the male models I hire don''t seem as appealing anymore . " Sebastian''s expression darkened at this remark . He gave Victoria a light tap on the back of her head . " You''re still hiring male models ? " " Ow , ow , ow , " Victoria rubbed her head , turning to re yfully at Sebastian . " I was just joking with Thalia to lighten the mood . Why are you taking it so seriously ? " " Why do you always say things specifically to wind me up ? " Sebastian retorted . Thalia smiled , then caught sight of Rupert and Lena in the doorway . Her voice softened as she said , " Mr. Lysander and Lena are here . " Rupert led Lena toward the bed . Lena handed Thalia a bouquet of fresh flowers . " Miss Thalia , get well soon . " Thalia epted the flowers with a smile , gently patting Lena''s head . " Thank you , Lena . " " This is for you , " Rupert extended his hand toward Thalia . In his palmy something small and golden . It was a delicate pendant . It appeared to be a Guardian Angel Charm . 99.2 % . Chapter 193 Rupert''s expression remained neutral . " A Guardian Angel Charm from St. Paul''s Cathedral . " " St. Paul''s ? " Lucy looked at the charm in Rupert''s hand with surprise . " My mum got one exactly like thatst month . " Rupert''s lips pressed together slightly , saying nothing . Lucy nced up at Rupert , her expression somewhat perplexed . " These charms are incredibly difficult to obtain properly . Mum told me you have to arrive at the crack of dawn , have a doll blessed by the priest , then go up to the Whispering Gallery . So many people believe that if you whisper your wish there , it''s more likely to be heard - they even call it the '' Echo Wall of Wishes . " " She paused briefly before continuing . " And then you''re supposed to pray under the great dome . Many worshippers choose to pray silently directly beneath the dome - they say it''s the most effective way to have your prayers reach heaven . You can sit on the bench with your eyes closed in prayer , or light a candle to offer your wish . " She hadn''t expected Mr. Lysander would go to such lengths for Thalia . Even as the staunch leader of the " Thalia and Asher " fan club , Lucy found her conviction wavering slightly at this moment . Hearing Lucy''s exnation , Thalia raised her eyes to look at Rupert . The man maintained his gentle , refined demeanor . Behind his gold - rimmed sses , his handsome eyes contained emotions she couldn''t quite decipher . Hadn''t he said he only considered her a good friend ? If they were merely friends , why would he go to such extraordinary lengths ? Rupert remained silent , simply meeting Thalia''s gaze steadily . ? ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 194 Chapter 194 Just then , Aunt Victoria entered with a thermal food container . She paused when she noticed the Guardian Angel Charm in Rupert''s hand . She recognized this charm immediately . One could only obtain it through that special prayer ritual at St. Paul''s Cathedral . Years ago , when Thalia''s mother Sarah was gravely ill , Thalia''s father had gone to St. Paul''s to obtain this exact charm for her . Sadly , Sarah couldn''t be saved in the end . Remembering this , Aunt Victoria''s eyshes fluttered with emotion , her heart heavy with memories . " Rupert , " she addressed him , her expression slightly dazed , " Did you obtain this charm yourself ? " She stared at the pendant , her eyes lost in time , seemingly looking through the charm into the past . Rupert continued gazing deeply at Thalia , responding with a simple , " Yes . " Aunt Victoria was visibly surprised . After a moment , she collected herself . The way she looked at Rupert now carried newfound depth . Rupert had visited the Winters '' home with Lena several times before . So Aunt Victoria recognized him quite well . Even then , she had suspected something . She had always thought there was something special in the way Rupert looked at Thalia . But since Thalia had insisted they were just friends , Aunt Victoria hadn''t pressed the matter . Now , seeing this charm , everything became clear . Rupert''s feelings for Thalia went far beyond friendship - he was utterly devoted to her . By any measure , this represented a sincere deration of his feelings . 99.5 % Chapter 194 Thalia didn''t refuse the charm . She epted it , shifting her gaze away from Rupert''s eyes , and softly murmured , " Thank you " Charlotte and Victoria exchanged nces , Their expressions were mixed . Victoria , usually ready with a joke , was uncharacteristically silent . She had previously remarked that Rupert and Thalia would make a good match . But now wasn''t the time for joking Thalia had just had a brush with death . Any chance for Thalia and Asher was likely gone now . As Thalia''s close friend for many years , Victoria could tell that Thalia hadn''tpletely let go of her feelings for Asher . Given how things had developed , Thalia must be heartbroken . How cruel fate could be . Victoria and Charlotte sighed inwardly in silence . Ten more days passed . Andrew''s condition deteriorated visibly day by day . He had lost almost all his hair , wasting away until he was nothing but skin and bones . Lady ckwood , advanced in years , was deeply affected by these tragic events . Her constant depression ,bined with her existing heart condition , had aged her dramatically in just half a month . She was barely holding on . It seemed likely that when Andrew died , she would follow soon after . The ckwood household was now shrouded in gloom , the atmosphere oppressive . The domestic staff barely dared to speak above a whisper , fearing they might lose their positions with one careless word . The elder Mr. ckwood had stayed in London for only three days before returning to Geneva . 99.6 % Chapter 194 The day after his return , he departed for the United States on a diplomatic visit . Such important matters had been arranged months in advance and couldn''t be postponed or delegated . Even in his position , the elder Mr. ckwood had constraints he couldn''t escape . Despite his wife and son both nearing the end , he couldn''t remain at their side . At the hospital . The caretakerid out lunch . It was a light , nutritious meal . But Andrew had no appetite whatsoever . He knew his own body better than anyone . Asher stood by the window with his back to Andrew , talking on the phone . The police had more news . Because Malfoy had personally admitted to instructing Grace to poison Andrew , and with Asher''s assistance , the poisoning case was quickly concluded . With the evidence secured , the police had forwarded the case to the Crown Prosecution Service . The facts of the poisoning were clear , with solid and sufficient evidence . Malfoy was charged as the instigator , Grace as the perpetrator , and the CPS had filed charges against both for attempted murder . Additionally , after Asher submitted evidence of Malfoy''s other crimes , the prosecution would bring all his offences in Britain before the court simultaneously . The prosecution had rmended the death penalty with immediate execution . Asher ended the call and turned around . Andrew''s food remained untouched . " Is it about the charges against Malfoy and Grace ? " Andrew asked weakly . Asher responded with a cold " Yes . " " What did the police say ? " " Poisoning is attempted murder , " Asher replied in a measured tone . " Beyond that , Malfoy is also charged with kidnapping , organized crime , illegal possession of firearms , and several other offences . The prosecution has rmended the death penalty with immediate execution . Grace''s crime of attempted murder ,bined with her previous offences , will likely result in a life sentence . " 99.7 % Chapter 144 Andrew lowered his eyes in silence , Asher nced at him briefly , seying nothing After a while , Andrew hestently spoke , " I want to see May Asher''s heart trembled ,s eyes growing cold , After all the harm Malfoy had caused , Andrew will year to sk ? He truly loved this illegitimate son Asher''s face hardened , contempt shing in his eye In that moment , he wanted to ask Andrew it , in all these years , he had ever trally oulised or loned his legitimate son But Asher bitimately kept these questions to himself , " Not possible , " he coldly dropped these three words before turning toleme Andrew stared at Asher''s retreating figure and suddenly called one " Aster , I''m begging you - glease let me see Malfoy ! " Asher froze mid - step , His hands clenched into fists at his sides , " I''ve wronged you and your mother , " Andrew''s eyes reddened , his voice breaking with emotion , making Asher''s chest tighten . " I don''t have many days left - this is my punishment , " Andrew wept . " Before I die , there are things I need to say to Malfoy , Let me see him just once . " Asher stood in the doorway , his back to Andrew , his ink dark eyes glittering with frightening coldness . " In another life , perhaps , " the man finally spoke , his voice like ice . After lunch , Thalia was chatting with Charlotte and Victoria in her hospital room . Suddenly , there was amotion outside . Screams erupted from the corridor . " What on earth is happening out there ? " Victoria frowned . 99.8 % Chapter 194 Thalia looked toward the door . " Sounds serious - something must have happened ? " I''ll go and see , " Victoria stood up . " Charlotte , stay here with Thalia . " Charlotte nodded . " Right , will do . " Victoria left . Thalia felt inexplicably uneasy . She sensed something terrible had urred . Shortly after , the door burst open with a bang as Victoria rushed back in . She stood in the doorway , her face ashen , eyes wide with terror , lips trembling , unable to speak . Seeing her strange demeanor , Charlotte and Thalia exchanged concerned nces . Thalia asked : " What''s happened ? " ? ( 0 ) Chapter 195 Chapter 195 " Blood ¡­ " Victoria trembled , her words fragmenting as shock overtook her . " So much blood ¡­ he jumped ¡­ oh God ¡­ " Someone hadmitted suicide ? Thalia felt her stomach drop . " Victoria ! " Sebastian burst through the doorway , immediately gathering the traumatized woman into his arms . " It''s okay , I''ve got you , " he murmured , cradling her against his chest . His voice dropped to a soothing whisper as he stroked her hair . " I''m right here . You''re safe now . " Victoria shook uncontrobly , her fingers digging into Sebastian''s shirt cor . Tears streaked her ashen face - the sight hadpletely shattered herposure . Guilt washed over Thalia . She should never have let Victoria wander the corridors alone . Judging by her state , Victoria must have witnessed the aftermath firsthand . That kind of trauma doesn''t fade easily . After several moments consoling Victoria , Sebastian turned to face Thalia . To her shock , hisplexion was nearly as pallid as Victoria''s . He met Thalia''s questioning gaze , drawing a deep breath before delivering the news . " Andrew jumped to his death , " he said quietly . " Lady ckwood couldn''t handle the shock . Her heart gave out on the spot . " Thalia''s eyes widened in disbelief . Asher had barely returned to the ckwood estate when he received news of his father''s suicide . Almost immediately after Asher had refused Andrew''s request to see Malfoy , Andrew had ended his life . A simple step from a window . Lady ckwood had been in the same hospital wing . News travels quickly in such ces . The shock triggered a massive cardiac arrest - the medical team couldn''t save her . Everything had happened with brutal suddenness . Yet somehow , it felt almost inevitable . 09:48 99.0 % Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 195 After hanging up , Asher stood motionless in the mansion''s courtyard , rain beginning to speckle the gstones around him . Two ckwood deaths in a single day sent shockwaves through London''s elite circles . Asher moved quickly to suppress details of Andrew''s suicide . By the time of his death , Andrew had wasted away to skin and bones , his appearance so altered that even acquaintances wouldn''t have recognized the figure who plummeted past the hospital windows . As for Lady ckwood''s fatal heart attack , the family withheld public announcement temporarily . This was the elder Mr. ckwood''s explicit instruction . With one suicide already making headlines at the hospital , immediately announcing Lady ckwood''s sudden death would inevitably feed the rumor mill . When the elder Mr. ckwood received word of the double tragedy , he was still in the United States , unable to return immediately . After speaking with Asher , the old man spent the night slumped in an armchair , staring into nothing , grief etched into every line of his face . his Following father''s wishes , Asher arranged for both bodies to remain in the hospital morgue until the elder return , when proper funerals would be held . Mr. ckwood''s Night pressed against the hospital windows . Thaliay awake, her mind racing . The day''s events had knocked the world off its axis . She''d known about Lady ckwood''s weak heart - at eighty - something , with chronically poor health , a sudden cardiac arrest wasn''t shocking under such circumstances . But Andrew''s suicide ? Why would he suddenly decide to end his life ? Was there a connection to Malfoy ? These past days , Randolph had strictly prevented Asher from visiting her , and friends had carefully sidestepped any mention of Asher or the ckwood family during their hospital visits . Consequently , Thalia remainedpletely unaware of Andrew''s poisoning . 09:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 195 Asher had thrown himself into assisting police with the poisoning investigation whilepiling evidence of Malfoy''s other crimes . They hadn''t spoken in weeks . After tossing restlessly beneath the thin hospital nkets , Thalia finally reached for her phone . Her thumb hovered over the screen before typing a simple message : [ I''m so sorry about your loss . ] Minutes stretched into an hour with no reply . Was he asleep ? Or drowning in the administrative nightmare that follows family deaths ? Thalia sighed , a heaviness settling in her chest . Though she wouldn''t admit it aloud , she hadn''tpletely moved on from Asher . Not really . With the double tragedy striking the ckwood family , her concern for him felt like a physical ache . He must be devastated . Dawn was breaking when exhaustion finally began to im her . As she drifted toward sleep , her phone screen illuminated the darkness . [ I''m okay . Get some rest . You need it . ] Reading his message only intensified her worry . Okay ? How could he possibly be okay ? One was his father , the other his grandmother . She wanted to offer realfort - something beyond titudes . She rubbed her eyes , forcing them to focus on the screen . She typed . Deleted . Typed again . Deleted it all , character by character . In the end , Thalia sent nothing . Because words felt hollow in the face of such loss . Sleep finally overcame her resistance . Her fingers still curled around her phone , she surrendered to exhaustion . Thalia dreamed . A small boy watched his father embrace another child , his eyes pools of sorrow and longing . 99.2 % She approached , realizing with a start that the boy had Asher''s distinctive eyes . " Asher ¡­ " she whispered . The little boy looked down , dejection written across his features . " I''m his son too , " he said softly . Pain bloomed in Thalia''s chest , sharp and insistent . She reached out , gently touching the boy''s head . " It''s going to be alright , " she said softly . " Someday you''ll meet someone who loves youpletely . That person will be your salvation . " The boy lifted his gaze to meet hers . " Is that person you ? " The pain in her chest intensified until breathing became difficult . Suddenly the dream shifted . Rainshed down in sheets . Thunder crashed overhead . A man stood alone in the downpour , his silhouette a study in destion . Adult Asher . She moved closer and saw his eyes were rimmed with red , his expression raw with grief . " He''s gone , " she heard him say , barely audible above the storm . Then , almost to himself : " That''s it . No second chances in this lifetime . " Thalia understood immediately - he meant he would never have another opportunity to experience his father''s love . She tried to speak , but her dream - self remained mute . Asher stood motionless , rain streaming down his face , indistinguishable from tears . " Asher ¡­ " Thalia murmured as consciousness reimed her . The ache in her heart lingered , too real to dismiss . Morning light filtered through gaps in the blinds . Another day had begun . On the third day after Andrew''s suicide , Thalia saw Asher . It was a stormy night . 99.3 % Chapter 195 Lightning split the sky as rain hammered against the windows , driven sideways by gusts of wind . Tree shadows twisted and wed at the walls , morphing into grotesque shapes that seemed to howl in the darkness . Thalia padded to the window , intending to close the blinds properly . That''s when she spotted him a solitary figure standing in the deluge below . - That silhouette was unmistakable . Asher . The scene mirrored her dream with unsettling precision . Her hand froze on the blind cord . She stood motionless , watching the rain - soaked man below . Finally , with a resigned sigh , she turned and pulled open her door , heading toward the stairs ¡­ ( 8 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 196 Chapter 196 " Asher . " Thalia''s voice was no match for the thundering rain , her words instantly washed away . Yet somehow , he heard her . He turned , his gaze finding hers across the torrent . She stood in the shelter of the covered walkway ; he remained exposed , rain cascading over him. The downpour obscured his features , turning him into a dark silhouette . Thalia popped open her umbre and took a step forward . The movement seemed to jar Asher from his trance . He strode toward her with sudden purpose . With his height and long stride , he reached her in seconds , before she''d barely left the shelter . " Your wound hasn''t fully healed , " he said , voice gravelly from disuse . " You shouldn''t get wet . " He gently caught her free hand , guiding her back to safety . His fingers felt like ice against her skin . She couldn''t help but shiver at the contact . Asher noticed immediately and released her . " It''s freezing out here . You should get back inside . " Something caught in Thalia''s throat . Even drenched and grieving , his first thought was still her wellbeing . The realization stirred somethingplicated within her chest . A single , dim bulb cast weak light along the covered walkway . Thalia closed her umbre , propping it against a pir . " You ¡­ " she hesitated , " you shouldn''t be standing out in this weather . " " Yeah , I know , " Asher replied , his eyes never leaving her face . Despite the overwhelming grief in his gaze , there was still that familiar warmth when he looked at her . The rain hammered against the ground , filling the silence between them . 09:48 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % They stood facing each other , words momentarily failing them both . Finally , Thalia spoke : " I''m so sorry about your father and grandmother , Asher . " Something shifted in his expression . He stepped forward , arms beginning to rise toward her . Then , noticing the water dripping from his clothes , he stopped himself , hands suspended awkwardly in mid - air . The aborted gesture made Thalia''s heart ache . This was so typically him - considerate even in the smallest details . Impossible to ignore . Asher lowered his hands , clearing his throat . " I''m holding up okay . " Still so stubborn . Just like in her dream . Thalia looked up , meeting his eyes with gentle challenge . " If you''re '' okay , '' why are you standing in a thunderstorm at 2 AM ? " Something in his eyes began to thaw . He opened his mouth to respond , but before he could- His expression shifted to surprise . Thalia had stepped forward , wrapping her arms carefully around his waist . The familiar scent of her - subtle perfume mixed with hospital soap - surrounded him . Asher wentpletely still . " Asher , " she murmured against his chest , tightening her arms slightly . " Would a hug make it hurt less ? " His eyes darkened as warmth spread through his chilled body . The heat from her embrace prated his soaked clothes , like standing before a fire after being out in the cold . Slowly , carefully , Asher''s arms encircled her , mindful of her still - healing wound , treating her like something infinitely precious . " I''ve never been good at thisfort thing , " Thalia admitted quietly . " I know grief doesn''t just disappear , but please stop punishing yourself like this . " ?? ? 99.7 % Chapter 196 Who said she wasn''t good at offeringfort ? One honest embrace spoke volumes . Asher felt something frozen within him begin to melt . After a moment that seemed both eternal and too brief , Thalia stepped back . " That''s enough now . " She kept her eyes down , suddenly self - conscious . " Go home and get into some dry clothes , okay ? " " I will , " Asher promised , his voice gentler than she''d heard in months . " And eat something . Get some sleep . " Her tone was matter - of - fact , practical. " I don''t need to be worrying about you on top of everything else . " Those simple words touched something profound in him. She worried about him . This was the first time since their breakup that she''d openly admitted to caring . " I promise , " he said softly . " Good . I''m going back to my room now . Make yourself some tea when you get home . And take a hot shower , " she added , turning to leave . Asher remained motionless , watching her retreating figure until she disappeared from sight . It was well past two when he finally made it home . The house was silent , the staff long since retired . Asher took a scalding shower , then brewed himself a cup of ginger tea , the spicy warmth spreading through him as he drank it . For the first time in days , when he finallyy down , sleep came quickly . His exhausted body surrendered to rest , her words and the memory of her embrace carrying him into darkness . ? ( 24 ) »Ø ( 0 ) Chapter 197 Chapter 197 Mid - May , the elder Mr. ckwood concluded his North American diplomatic tour and returned to Ennd to bid farewell to his wife and son . The funeral for Andrew and Lady ckwood was scheduled for May 17th . The day arrived beneath a gunmetal sky , heavy clouds pressing down like a physical weight , the atmosphere thick with unspoken grief . Fifteen kilometers north of the ckwood estate stretched a private cemetery . Generations of ckwoods rested beneath its manicured grounds . Row upon row of headstones stood in dignified silence , sentinels marking time''s inexorable march and life''s inevitable conclusion . Today , two new markers joined their ranks , each bearing a name , birth date , and the same day of death . Mourners in formal ck moved quietly through the grounds , their faces drawn and solemn . The two graves were positioned one above the other , reflecting their generational difference . Floral tributes surrounded both headstones , white blooms stark against the rich earth . As the ceremony began , the minister''s voice carried across the gathering , deep and measured , guiding the assembled through the rituals of farewell . The mourners bowed their heads in silent tribute . Time seemed to stretch , heavy with finality . Finally came the moment of personal farewell . One by one , mourners stepped forward to ce white chrysanthemums on the graves . Despite theirplicated history with the ckwood family , Randolph and Victoria hade to pay their respects . After cing their flowers , they offered simple condolences to the three remaining ckwoods standing in a tight cluster . As the service concluded , a young woman in a tailored ck dress with a white flower in her hair approached . " Mr. ckwood , Aunt Catherine , " she said softly , addressing the elder Mr. ckwood and Catherine . 99.09 % The elder Mr. ckwood acknowledged her with a bare nod . Catherine''s response was equally minimal . " Lucia . " Having greeted them , the woman turned toward Asher . Her expression visibly softened , warmth creeping into her eyes . " Asher . " His face remained impassive , his response measured and distant : " Thank you for flying back for the funeral . " Lucia''s gaze held barely concealed tenderness . " I''m so sorry for your loss . " He responded with a nomittal " Mm , " deliberately shifting his gaze away . The message couldn''t have been clearer . Recognizing the dismissal , Lucia lowered her eyes , hershes fluttering slightly . She pressed her lips together and turned away without another word . As the remaining mourners dispersed , Asher scanned the crowd one final time , searching for a face that never appeared . Disappointment flickered briefly in his eyes before he masked it . That rainy night embrace now seemed dreamlike . Too perfect to have been real . Days had passed , yet he could still feel the phantom warmth of Thalia against him . Thalia''s wound hadn''t fully healed , her doctor advising against unnecessary movement . Though she''d wanted to attend the funeral , Randolph had put his foot down . So she remained in her hospital room , chafing against the restriction . She''d been texting Charlotte for updates throughout the day . Victoria hadn''t attended either . Witnessing Andrew''s suicide had left deep psychological wounds . Nightmares gued her sleep , leaving her waking up screaming . For weeks now , she''d remained secluded at home , receiving intensive therapy . Thalia called every few days to check on her . Sebastian always answered , his voice tight with concern as he reported Victoria''s slow progress . After the funeral , Charlotte finally returned Thalia''s messages with a call . " Hey , " Charlotte said , her voice hushed as she walked toward her car . " Just leaving now . The service was ¡­ A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 197 appropriately somber . " Knowing what Thalia really wanted to know , Charlotte added quietly , " Asher''s holding up . Don''t worry too much " Thalia exhaled softly . " That''s good to hear . " As Charlotte continued chatting , she nced up and froze mid - step at the sight of a familiar face approaching Her voice died mid - sentence as Lucia Schulz closed the distance between them . " Charlotte , " Lucia greeted with practiced warmth . " Been a while . " " Charlotte ? What happened ? " Thalia''s confused voice came through the phone . " Something''se up , " Charlotte responded quickly . " I''ll call you backter , alright ? " " Sure . " Ending the call , Charlotte met Lucia''s gaze directly . " Indeed it has . " " Free for dinner ? " Lucia asked , her tone casual but purposeful . " My treat . " Charlotte hesitated , weighing her options . Her instinct was to refuse , but then she recalled Lucia''s history with Asher . The calction shifted . Lucia had obviously flown in specifically for the funeral and had just spoken with Asher . This dinner invitation wasn''t merely social - Lucia clearly wanted information about Asher''s current situation . Simrly , Charlotte wanted to gauge whether Lucia still harbored ambitions regarding him . " Why not , " Charlotte agreed . " I''ll need to change first . You choose the ce . " " Perfect , " Lucia replied . " I''ll message you details . " Charlotte responded with a cool " Mm - hmm . " As Lucia walked away , Charlotte exhaled deeply . Should she tell Thalia about Lucia''s reappearance ? Despite their breakup , Thalia and Asher clearly still had unresolved feelings . Now that Malfoy was behind bars and Lady ckwood was gone , reconciliation seemed increasingly possible ¡­ Chapter 197 . A private dining room at an exclusive restaurant owned by Schulz Corp gleamed with understated luxury . Lucia and Charlotte sat across from each other , initial pleasantries exchanged . After requisite catching up, Lucia took a deliberate sip of tea before asking directly : " So Asher and Thalia really broke up ? " Though based abroad for years , Lucia had monitored Asher''s life with unwavering attention . His engagement to Thaliast year had devastated her for weeks . The Schulz and ckwood families shared connections spanning generations . In her childhood , there had even been half - serious jokes about her and Asher making a perfect match . Asher had been Lucia''s first love , the standard against which she measured all others . Despite her exceptional beauty and family credentials - qualities that attracted constant attention from eligible men - Lucia remained fixated on Asher , whose brilliance simply outshone everyone else . Before leaving for university abroad , she had actually confessed her feelings . She was neen then . About to depart for her studies overseas . Hoping to leave without regrets - and perhaps secretly wishing he might ask her to stay - she''d taken the risk . His rejection had been absolute . " I''m sorry , but my heart is already taken , " he had told her directly . " May I ask who ? " she''d managed to ask . Without hesitation : " Thalia Winters . " Lucia knew of Thalia . The Winters heiress , her contemporary . They asionally crossed paths at social functions - nodding acquaintances who moved in the same circles without truly intersecting . Learning of Asher''s feelings for Thalia had stung sharply . But even through her jealousy , she couldn''t deny Thalia''s appeal . The woman had reportedly been campus royalty from secondary school through university . 99.3 % Chapter 197 Beyond her beauty , Thalia excelled academically while collecting impressive achievements across multiple domains - national youth golf champion , pianopetition special prize winner , and an art prodigy with des dating back to childhood . Among elite families in their circle , cultivating talent in arts and culture was expected , but few achieved Thalia''s level of excellence across so many fields . Pride had prevented Lucia from persisting after rejection . She had evenposed herself enough to say , " I can respect losing to her . But this isn''t over . " She hadn''t finished the thought aloud . I''ll be exceptional enough for you to notice me . Now , having asked her question , Lucia felt her heart quicken nervously . The breakup had happened in January - over four months ago . Sufficient time for reconciliation . She dreaded hearing what she didn''t want to know . Chapter 198 Chapter 198 Charlotte thought to herself , right on cue She nodded , keeping her expression carefully neutral " Yes , they broke my Luc¨ªa visibly rxed , her shoulders dropping slightly , Charlotte observed this reaction , then decided to cut straight to the pose " You''re in love with him , et pa Lucia blinked , taken aback by Charlotte''s directress , " I am , " she admitted with surprising honesty . " That hasn''t changed " Charlotte raised an eyebrow . " That''s quite the long termmitment . Seven years , if I''m counting righ " Mm - hmm . " Lucia lowered her gaze , voice softening Charlotte felt aplex mix of admiration and pity . Carrying a torch for someone for that long took remarkable dedication . But love doesn''t operate on persistence alone . " The thing is , " Charlotte said with a small smile , " Asher never stopped loving Thalia . From what I can see , they''re likely to find their way back to each other . " The polished smile faded from Lucia''s lips . " What makes you say that ? " " Their breakup wasn''t what it seemed , " Charlotte exined . " They didn''t fall out of love or get bored with each other . Malfoy - Andrew''s illegitimate son - realized Thalia was Asher''s weakness . He kidnapped her , tried to kill her multiple times . Thalia was actually shot by Malfoy''s men recently . She''s still in the hospital recovering Lucia''s eyes widened . " Oh my God . I had no idea . " " Yeah , " Charlotte sighed . " Thankfully Malfoy''s been arrested now . " Lucia frowned , her expression turning serious as she seemed lost in thought . " Lucia , " Charlotte said gently but firmly , " You can''t force someone''s heart to change direction . " Lucia gave a sad smile . " I know , but ¡­ " She paused before continuing , " I just can''t let go . I came back to take my shot . They''re already broken up - pursuing him now isn''t exactly homewrecking . " 99.5 %%% Chapter 198 Charlotte regarded Lucis with a look that said everything without words . Lucia understood exactly what Charlotte was thinking Let him go . Move on . She''d tried that seven years ago , and failed miserably . After graduating from one of the world''s top universities , she''d surprised everyone by declining the family business session , insteadunching her own fashion brand . Herpany had flourished globally , even going public on NASDAQ . Now , she felt confident , aplished , worthy of standing beside someone like Asher ckwood . Her first act upon returning to London had been researching Thalia''s current situation . Learning that Thalia was now merely a rtively unknown attorney at a small firm had given her hope . At least professionally , she held thepetitive advantage . Seeing her words had no impact , Charlotte dropped the subject . Back at home , she couldn''t hide her troubled expression . James noticed immediately . " What''s wrong ? You look stressed . " " Did you know Lucia Schulz has a thing for Asher ? " she asked . " Luc¨ªa and Asher ? " James''s eyebrows shot up . " That''s news to me . Since when ? " With Asher''s history of admirers , James''s ignorance wasn''t surprising . Asher wasn''t one to broadcast women''s confessions , and Lucia had chosen a private setting for hers , making James''s unawareness perfectly understandable . Charlotte only knew because a friend of hers knew Lucia''s former confidante . During drinks one evening , the woman had let it slip . She''d immediately begged them to keep it quiet , terrified Lucia would cut ties with her if word got out . Lucia''s pride couldn''t handle people knowing that she - the Schulz heiress desired by countless eligible bachelors - had faced rejection . Charlotte wasn''t typically one for gossip , and having promised to keep it quiet , she''d never mentioned it - not even to Victoria or Thalia . At the time , she only knew Lucia had been turned down , not that Asher had rejected her because of Thal¨ªa . She hadn''t realized his heart was already imed by her best friend . 99.7 % Chapter 198 Later , when Thalia and Asher got together , Lucia had been overseas for years . Charlotte assumed she''d moved on , making the information irrelevant . Now that Lucia was back and openly pursuing Asher , Charlotte felt sharing with James didn''t vite her promise . " She confessed to him before leaving for the States , " she exined . " He turned her down . " James raised an eyebrow . " Interesting . Asher never mentioned that . " " Why would he ? " Charlotte shrugged . " She told me today she still has feelings for him and ns to actively pursue him . " " Seriously ? " James seemed genuinely surprised . " She''s been gone for what - six , seven years ? And she''s still hung up on him ? " " Yeah , " Charlotte frowned . " And Thalia''s clearly not over him either . What do you think Asher will do ? " " Is that even a question ? " Jamesughed . " For Asher , if Thalia''s in the equation , there''s never a choice to make . " Charlotte''s frown dissolved into a smile . " That''sforting to hear , especially from his best friend . You probably know him better than anyone . " James nodded . " Asher was secretly in love with Thalia for years before they got together . He''s not giving up easily . " Then James asked thoughtfully , " What about Rupert ? Asher may not see this as a choice , but what about from Thalia''s perspective? " " That''s harder to call , " Charlotte admitted . " When Thalia was hospitalized , Rupert went to St. Paul''s Cathedral for that Guardian Angel Charm . His devotion is just as genuine . If I had to choose between them ¡­ " Charlotte considered the question and found herself genuinely stumped . " They both love Thalia deeply . Both match her in looks and status . It''s really anyone''s guess . " James''s lips quirked upward . " When Asher and Thalia first got together through the arranged engagement , it happened naturally - no chase involved . If he wants her back now , he''ll have to actually work for it . " His eyes sparkled with amusement . " I must say , I''m looking forward to seeing Asher ckwood have to genuinely pursue someone . In all the years I''ve known him , it''s never happened before . " Charlotte grinned . " Now that you mention it , so am I. " ? ( 11) ( 0 ) Chapter 199 Chapter 199 It was a beautiful day - spring sunshine , clear blue skies stretching endlessly overhead . Thalia''s doctor had confirmed her wound was healing nicely . She could be discharged in about a week . In the afternoon , tempted by the perfect weather , Thalia decided to visit the garden downstairs for some fresh air . This private hospital belonged to the Winters Group . She''d initially been taken to the nearest public hospital after being shot . Randolph had wanted to transfer her immediately , but doctors advised against moving her so soon after she''d left intensive care . For her wellbeing , Randolph had reluctantly followed their rmendation . After the ckwood funeral , she''d finally been transferred to her family''s hospital toplete her recovery . After days of continuous rain that had matched everyone''s gloomy mood , the sunshine was a wee relief . Thalia left her room and headed downstairs , her bodyguard na walking beside her . As she exited the elevator and stepped outside the main building , Thalia spotted a familiar figure . Sienna Carroll . What was she doing here ? Recently , the defamation case against Sienna had concluded its first hearing . Sienna had been found guilty and sentenced to one year in prison . Unsatisfied with the verdict , she''d filed an appeal . The case was still in the appeals process . As intiff and defendant , they were absolute adversaries - why would Siennae to the Winters '' hospital ? Sienna clearly didn''t realize this facility belonged to the Winters Group . The garden Thalia was heading towardy in Sienna''s direction . She walked forward . As she drew closer , Thalia noticed Sienna''s face was ashen , her eyes red and swollen . Sienna had been crying intensely - an unusual sight . Thest time they''d met , Sienna had been gloating about carrying Drake''s child , probably a boy , she''d imed . 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.0 % Chapter 199 She''d been smugly confident about her imminent marriage into the Ashcroft family . Now she sat alone , sobbing inconsbly . Thalia couldn''t help but nce at her as she passed by . At that moment , Sienna looked up and noticed Thalia , her expression freezing . " Thalia Winters ? What are you doing here ? " Thalia raised an eyebrow . " I should be asking you that question . Shouldn''t you be busy nning your wedding with Drake ? What brings you to a hospital ? " Considering Ashcroft Group''s current situation and Sienna''s obvious distress , Thalia understood immediately . Sienna hade for an abortion . Thalia knew exactly what had happened to Ashcroft Group . Its downfall had been her carefully orchestrated revenge against Drake . He''d invested heavily in what turned out to be a catastrophic project - not only failing to make profit but umting massive debt . Ashcroft Group was now in bankruptcy proceedings . The Ashcroft family had be a sinking ship , and Sienna clearly had no intention of going down with it . Seeing Thalia , Sienna hurriedly stuffed some paperwork into her bag . Her expression betrayed her panic . The gesture confirmed Thalia''s suspicions . " Sienna , weren''t you just telling everyone you were about to be the future Mrs. Ashcroft ? " Thalia asked with a deliberate smile . " I haven''t heard any engagement or wedding announcements . Change of ns ? " Thalia''s words were calcted to strike exactly where it hurt most . Sure enough , Sienna''s expression darkened further . " None of your business , " she snapped . " I mean , we have history , " Thalia continued pleasantly . " I was even thinking I might give you two a nice wedding gift . Seems I''ll be saving that money after all . What a shame . " Sienna''s voice rose with anger . " You''re doing this on purpose , aren''t you ? " " Absolutely , " Thalia replied with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes . " Let me guess why you''re here today - abortion appointment ? " Heir 99.1 % Chapter 199 " You " Sienna''s eyes widened , words catching in her throat after just one syble . How did you know ? She''d nearly blurted it out . No way would she give Thalia the satisfaction . " What are you talking about ? " Sienna backtracked . " I''m here for a prenatal checkup . " " Oh , I see , " Thalia replied , seeing through the lie but choosing not to press further . Her expression turned knowing as her gaze briefly lowered to Sienna''s stomach before moving away . Without another word , she smiled and walked off . Sienna watched Thalia''s retreating figure , her fists clenched , eyes burning with humiliation and rage . That afternoon , as Thalia sat reading by the window , a nurse knocked on her door . " Miss Winters , there''s ady outside asking to see you , " the nurse said respectfully , well aware that Thalia was the owner''s daughter . " Did she give her name ? " Thalia asked , puzzled . Her first thought was Catherine ckwood . The nurse replied , " She said her surname is Chavez . " Thalia only knew one person with that surname . Margret Chavez , Drake''s mother . If Margret was seeking her out now , it must rte to Ashcroft Group''s situation . Thalia had no desire to see her . " Please tell her I''m recovering and not receiving visitors , " she told the nurse . " Of course . " How had Margret discovered which hospital she was in ? Only her family and close friends knew about her transfer . Several hourster , Katie came to visit . 99.2 % Chapter 199 As soon as she entered , Katie leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper . " Thalia , I just saw a really suspicious woman downstairs . She kept staring at me and following me around . " Hearing this , Thalia immediately thought of Margret . She still hadn''t left ? " Is it a woman in her forties or fifties , dresset gantly with full makeup ? " Thalia asked . Margret Ashcroft never left home without perfect makeup . Katie shook her head . " She''s definitely middle - aged , but dressed very inly without makeup . " Not Margret ? Then who ? " Take me to see , " Thalia said . Katie''s description was concerning . She wanted to identify this mysterious stalker . " na , you''reing with us , " Thalia instructed her bodyguard . " Yes , ma''am . " The three headed downstairs . " I spotted her right over there , " Katie whispered as they reached the ground floor . Katie led them behind arge column and pointed discreetly . Thalia followed her gesture . Her eyes widened in surprise . ? ( 7 ) Chapter 200 99.4 % Chapter 200 Chapter 200 The woman was indeed Margret . But she was unrecognizable from her former self . In all their previous encounters , Margret had been the epitome of wealth - draped in designer clothes or handcrafted silk dresses , adorned with carefully selected jewelry , her hair styled to perfection . The walking embodiment of old money . Today , she matched Katie''s description perfectly - startlingly in . No makeup , her face drawn and haggard , skin with an unhealthy yellow tinge , dark circles prominent beneath her eyes . She wore a simple gray outfit that could havee from any department store . She looked like any ordinary middle - aged suburban mom , with no trace of her former sophistication . The Ashcroft empire had truly crumbled . Even image - obsessed Margret had been reduced to this state . Thalia felt a flicker of satisfaction . How the mighty had fallen . She walked deliberately toward Margret . Seeing Thalia , Margret rushed forward , reaching desperately for her arm only to be firmly blocked by na . " Thalia , please , " Margret begged , her former arrogancepletely evaporated . " You have to help us save Ashcroft Group . The Winters family has the resources - if you''d just invest , I''ll do absolutely anything you ask ! " Thalia couldn''t suppress augh . " Anything I ask ? " " Yes , yes . " Margret nodded frantically . " Whatever you want . Please help us . We''repletely ruined . Howard''s in the hospital from stress , Drake''s drinking himself to death . Our family is falling apart - we''re barely holding on . " Thalia regarded her with cool amusement . " And what exactly could you possibly do for me ? " Margret faltered , caught off - guard . What could she offer Thalia ? She hadn''t thought that far . In her desperation , she''d made promises without considering what they might entail . " I ¡­ couldn''t you do it for Drake''s sake ? " Margret tried . " After all , you were together for three years . You loved each 13:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % Chapter 200 other once , Can you really stand by and watch him destroy himself ? " Mentioning Drake was exactly the wrong move , " Mrs. Ashcroft , " Thalia said , her tone making the title sound like an insult . Margret winced visibly . The once - proud designation now felt like mockery , Thalia had intended exactly that . With a cold smile , Thalia asked , " Mrs. Ashcroft , do you remember what you said to me the first time we met ? " Margret''s face drained of color . She remembered perfectly . When Sienna had returned from abroad , Margret had been determined to orchestrate a marriage between her and Drake . Upon learning Drake had a girlfriend of three years - someone without the " right " background or connections - she''d been determined to eliminate thepetition . So she''d confronted Thalia and humiliated her mercilessly . " A girl like you thinking she could marry into the Ashcroft family ? " she''d sneered . She''d assumed Thalia was with Drake solely for financial gain . She''d believed Thalia was just another gold - digger dreaming of a wealthy husband , someone who could never truly belong in their world . Her words had dripped with contempt : " You don''t have to pretend with me . I know exactly what you''re after . I understand my son is attractive to girls like you . Finding a wealthy heir like him doesn''t happen every day . He must have spent a fortune on you . " " Let''s drop the act . You im you don''t care about money , but if that were true , why chase after Drake in the first ce ? " " Let me make this perfectly clear : the Ashcroft family doesn''t wee just anyone . Marrying Drake ? Not in this lifetime ! " " Sienna is my choice for a daughter - in -w . Her family and ours go back generations , and she was Drake''s first love . I suggest you take the hint . Pack your things and leave . Make room for the right woman at Drake''s side ! " She''d said much more , all designed to humiliate Thalia , to remind her of her perceived inferiority and crush any aspirations deemed inappropriate . A T Hoirass 99.6 % Chapter 200 Recalling this now , Margret felt physically ill with regret . " No , that''s not - I didn''t mean- " she stumbled over her words . " Thalia , please let me exin . I thought you were just ¡­ " Margret caught herself mid - sentence . Just a nobody from nowhere . Just after our money . Just a gold - digger . These were words she couldn''t possibly voice now . " Just what ? " Thalia prompted , her gaze unflinching . Margret fumbled , unable to finish her thought . " Just a gold - digger after Drake''s money ? " Thalia supplied with a cold smile . " Is that what you were going to say ? " Margret looked down guiltily , her silence confirming Thalia''s words . " Funny thing , " Thalia said , her expression hardening , " I once nned to bring Drake home to meet my family . I even considered investing in Ashcroft Group . " Margret''s head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock . " Then why didn''t you ? " If she''d known Thalia came from such wealth , Sienna would never have been in the picture . If Drake had married Thalia , he''d now be the son - in -w of one of the country''s wealthiest families instead of drowning in debt ! The realization was devastating . " Because your son shared your opinion , " Thalia replied with a humorless smile . " He also believed I wasn''t good enough for him . " Margret stood frozen , processing this bombshell . " People who dismiss genuine feelings tend to learn their lessons the hard way , " Thalia said coldly . " You should go . I won''t be helping you . " " I was wrong - I''m so sorry , " Margret blurted , tears springing to her eyes . " I''ll do anything - run errands , fetch coffee . If you''re holding a grudge , you can humiliate me however you want . Please , just help our family . " Their properties and vehicles had all been seized , their ounts frozen . She''d sold her jewelry and designer items at consignment shops , barely covering Howard''s medical bills with almost nothing left for daily expenses . 99.8 % Chapter 200 They''d moved to a cheap apartment in a run - down neighborhood . She''d never lived in such conditions - no elevator , asional roaches and mice , Their household staff had been dismissed . She now cooked every meal herself , producing barely edible food , She''d lost significant weight . They''d approached every friend and connection . Not one had offered help . In desperation , she''d turned to Thal¨ªa . As Margret spoke , her emotions spiraled , her voice rising and breaking with sobs . Hospital visitors began to stare at the unfolding scene . " We don''t need household help , " Thalia said coldly . " Your begging is pointless because your family''s current situation is exactly what I wanted . " " I don''t typically go out of my way to ruin people , Mrs. Ashcroft , " Thalia continued , her gaze arctic . " But I have a long memory for slights . You humiliated me once . Now I''m evening the score . " " What are you saying ? " Margret''s tears stopped abruptly . " Are you iming Ashcroft Group''s bankruptcy was your doing ? " " Exactly , " Thalia replied with calm satisfaction . " Your past behavior was just one reason . Your precious son coborated with the ckwoods '' adopted daughter , working for their illegitimate son - nearly destroying my family . Your bankruptcy was my calcted response . " " You ? " Margret''s expression transformed into pure rage . " You vindictive little bitch ! " Realizing Thalia would never help them , Margret''s fa?ade of humility vanished as sheunched into a tirade of abuse . A growing crowd gathered , drawn to the spectacle unfolding in the hospital lobby . ( 10 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 201 Chapter 201 Margret lunged forward , hands raised to strike . na intercepted her wrist in one fluid motion , applying precise pressure to a specific point . Margret yelped and stumbled backward , her face contorting in pain . She clutched her afflicted arm with her other hand , eyes wide with shock . Her entire limb had gone numb . " What did you do to me ? " Margret''s pained grimace looked almostical . " It''s numb ! Completely numb ! " Some onlookers couldn''t help but snicker at the spectacle . " Leave , " na said coldly , her gaze unwavering and menacing . Margret shuddered , suddenly realizing how dangerous this woman might be . Just a simple touch , and her entire arm had been incapacitated . Hospital security arrived at that moment . " Break it up , folks . Nothing to see here , " several uniformed guards began dispersing the crowd . The onlookers reluctantly drifted away . " Are you alright , Miss Winters ? Should we call the police ? " one guard asked Thalia with marked deference . The security staff all recognized Thalia Winters . When she''d transferred to the hospital , their supervisor had shown them her photo , exining she was the owner''s daughter recovering from an injury . They''d been instructed to be especially attentive , to greet her respectfully , and to amodate any requests she might make . When Margret heard the guard address Thalia as " Miss Winters " with such respect , realization dawned . " This is your family''s hospital ? " she gasped . Thalia''s lips twisted slightly . Ignoring Margret''s question , she addressed the guard : " No need for police . Just escort this woman off the premises . " " Right away , Miss . " 10:13 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.0 % Chapter 201 Margret struggled as the guards took her arms . " Let go of me ! I''m not leaving ! " After Margret had been removed , Katie finally found her voice , turning to Thalia with astonishment . " Your family owns this hospital ? " Thalia simply nodded . Katie wanted to ask about what she''d overheard - something about Drake Ashcroft and bankruptcy - but noting Thalia''s expression , decided against it . Clearly a painful topic best left undisturbed . Early the next morning , Thalia opened her door , nning to get some fresh air . She stopped abruptly . Just outside her hospital roomy a stunning bouquet of Freud roses in full bloom . Thalia picked up the flowers . She examined the bouquet carefully but found no card . Who had left them ? An image formed in her mind . Thalia''s breath quickened slightly . Was it him ? Had he visited the hospital ? When ? Thalia stood holding the roses , lost in thought . Could someone have delivered them to the wrong room ? There wasn''t even a card to indicate they were meant for her . Should she ask him ? But their rtionship was awkward now - if the flowers weren''t from Asher , asking would only make her look foolish . 99.1 % Chapter 201 Thalia carried the bouquet to the nurses '' station on her floor . The young nurse on duty quickly put away her phone when she saw Thalia approaching . " Good morning , Miss Winters . " " Good morning, " Thalia replied . " Did you happen to see who left these flowers at my door this morning ? " The nurse nodded . " A gentleman left them . " " A gentleman ? " Thalia''s brow furrowed . " What did he look like ? " At the mention of the visitor , the nurse''s eyes lit up with excitement . " He was tall and incredibly handsome - better looking than any movie star ! " " Was he wearing sses ? " Thalia asked . Two tall , handsome men came to mind : Asher and Rupert . Rupert wore sses ; Asher didn''t . The nurse shook her head . " No sses . He was wearing a ck shirt and had this really intimidating vibe . " That confirmed it for Thalia . It had to be Asher . But why hadn''t he knocked on her door ? Why hadn''t hee in to see her ? " What time did hee by ? " Thalia asked . " About half an hour ago . " " Thank you . " Thalia thanked the nurse and headed back to her room . Her VIP suite already had decorative floral arrangements . She removed the wilting flowers from one vase and reced them with Asher''s Freud roses . The roses were vibrant and bold , radiating warmth and vitality . Freud roses carried a romantic meaning : " You wander carelessly through my dreams , turning my heart into a garden filled with fragrance . " 99.2 % Chapter 201 After arranging the flowers , Thalia thought about what the nurse had said - Asher had been there just thirty minutes earlier . Her breath caught as a possibility urred to her . Could he still be nearby ? Once the thought took hold , she couldn''t resist investigating . Thalia hurried out the door toward the elevators . It was seven in the morning . The sun was already warming the day . Wearing a light purple summer dress , Thalia exited the elevator and made her way toward the outdoor parking lot . A few minutester , she slowed her pace . There he was . Asher hadn''t left after all . He was leaning against his Rolls - Royce Cullinan , head down , a cigarette between his fingers . White smoke curled upward , gradually dissipating in the morning air . He hadn''t noticed her watching from a distance . Lost in thought , he seemed removed from the world around him . Morning sunlight fell across his features , softening his usually sharp profile . It had been so long since she''d seen him . Thalia''s breath caught as she took a few steps closer . Asher looked up , his eyes meeting hers . He seemed momentarily startled . In the next instant , he extinguished his cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash bin . Thalia disliked the smell of smoke . Asher had never been a smoker before . Recent events had taken their toll - managing family affairs after the double funeral while simultaneously handling 99.3 % Chapter 201 business matters , working around the clock without rest . And then there was his situation with Thalia ¡­ He missed her desperately , yet circumstances kept them apart . Whenever he thought of her , his chest tightened painfully . Smoking and drinking offered temporary relief . But excessive drinking clouded judgment , something Asher avoided . So when the longing became unbearable , he smoked instead . As Thalia approached , Asher instinctively stepped back . " Don''te closer - I smell like smoke . " A smell you don''t like . He lowered his eyes , emotions hidden in their depths . " Sorry , I''ve been feeling ¡­ overwhelmed . The cigarettes help . " He was afraid she''d be put off by the tobo smell . " It''s fine , " Thalia said softly , looking at him . " Thank you for the flowers . They''re beautiful . " His voice was deep , gentle . " I''m d you like them . " Thalia hesitated , wanting to ask why he hadn''t knocked , why he hadn''te in to see her . But the words wouldn''te . Asher seemed to read her thoughts , answering her unspoken question : " I didn''t want to wake you , so I didn''t knock . " Thalia responded with a soft " Mm . " Silence stretched between them . Neither quite knew what to say next . After a moment , Thalia broke the silence . " I should get back . Drive safely . " " I will . " Asher''s gaze remained tender . That evening , Thalia received a call from Charlotte . " Thalia , do you have a minute ? There''s something I need to tell you . " Charlotte''s tone was unusually serious , surprising Thalia . 99.3 % 11- A Trun Heiress Chapter 201 They were such close friends - what could be so delicate that it required this level of formality? " I''m free . What''s up ? " Thalia replied . Charlotte paused , seemingly choosing her words carefully . " Thalia , do you remember Lucia Schulz ? " Lucia Schulz ? Why would Charlotte suddenly bring her up ? " Yes , I remember her , " Thalia replied . " We''ve met at events but weren''t close . Didn''t she move abroad ? " " She did , but she''s back in London now . " " I see . Why are you asking about her ? " Charlotte fell silent momentarily before continuing : " She returned specifically for Asher . " Thalia went still , waiting for Charlotte to continue . Seeing Thalia''s silence , Charlotte decided to share everything . " Seven years ago , before she left for university , she confessed her feelings to Asher . I saw her recently , and she told me she''s returned specifically to pursue him . " The room was brightly lit , fresh roses in the vase on her bedside table filling the air with their subtle fragrance . As Charlotte finished speaking , Thalia stared at the bouquet , her mind miles away . ? ( 11 ) Chapter 202 00 10 % Chapter 202 The next afternoon , Thalia''s phone rang . The caller got straight to the point , updating her on thetest disaster unfolding at the Ashcroft Group . " Multiple creditors have filed ims . Ashcroft Group''s total debt now totals a staggering ¡ê 1.3 billion . " " As the major shareholder , Drake Ashcroft basically hid behind thepany structure and limited liability rules to dodge what he owed , leaving creditors high and dry . Severalpanies he burned have teamed up , submitting evidence to the court demanding Drake be held personally liable for the corporate debts . " " His properties have been seized , high - value assets impounded , and all his bank ounts are frozen solid . " " And get this - Margret Ashcroftwyered up this morning to draft divorce papers . " Thalia wasn''t surprised . Margret , used to thep of luxury , wouldn''tst five minutes in their current state of poverty . " Which solicitor did she retain ? " Thalia asked . The caller replied , " Attorney Amanda Carter from Sinir & Klein . " Sinir & Klein . Thalia knew it all too well . It was the firm she''d left shortly after a certain investor , linked to the ckwoods , had gotten involved . Sheter heard that investor was kicked out of the ckwood family , and Asher''s legal team had wed back the investment money . As for Amanda Carter , Thalia remembered her all too well . The woman had a notorious temper and a toxic vibe . The slightest hup at work and she''d unleash on her assistant . She''d chew them out over the smallest things ; poor Lucy Jenkins had been her target countless times , often ending up in tears . Thalia had heard Carter had a reputation for driving assistants away . Most didn''tst a month . Some supposedly tougher ones quit after a single day , not even bothering to collect their pay . Once Lucy Jenkins passed her solicitor qualification exams , she''d been trapped there , enduring Carter''s abuse for a full year . Basically a punching bag . Thank God Lucy was out now , thriving at Winters & Associates , seemingly always smiling and full of energy . The name Amanda Carter made Thalia narrow her eyes . " Has Trump Ashcroft agreed to the divorce ? Have they settled ? " " Nope , " the caller said . " Margret and Trump had a huge blowout at the hospitalst night over the divorce . Turned 10:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % 1 Chapter 202 into a total sideshow , apparently everyone heard . She marched straight to the solicitor first thing this morning , " Thalia considered this . " Trump definitely won''t sign those papers . Margret will have to sue for divorce . Keep tabs on her , let me know the second anything changes . " " Got it . " After hanging up , Thalia thought it through . If Trump refused to sign , Margret would sue , and Trump would need awyer . Margret wasn''t getting out of this marriage easily . While UK courts usually make you wait if one side contests it the first time , some rare cases get pushed through . To make sure Margret didn''t just walk away clean , Thalia decided she''d represent Trump Ashcroft herself . Late May arrived , and Thalia''s wound had healed enough for her to be discharged . Randolph and Aunt Victoria came personally to collect her . Charlotte Darwin and Victoria Quinn came too . Victoria Quinn , visibly shaken by Andrew ckwood''s suicide weeks ago , had been undergoing intensive therapy at home but seemed much more like her old self now . It being a Wednesday , Lucy Jenkins and Katie were stuck at the office . Rupert Lysander , however , made an appearance . Being a partner meant setting his own hours . He came alone this time , sans his niece Lena . He carried a stunning bouquet mixing different shades of pale blue - several types of expensive , exquisite flowers woven together beautifully . " Celebrating the return of the formidable Ms. Winters , " Rupert said , offering her the flowers with a smile . Thalia took them . " Thank you . " Randolph studied her , his voiceced with fatherly concern . " You''ve lost weight . " Victoria Winters added warmly , " Thalia , dear , I''m making all your favorites tonight . You''lle home for dinner , won''t you ? " Thalia nodded . " Okay . That''s really thoughtful of you , Victoria . " " And your stepmother also has a little something for you , " Randolph teased . " Dad ! Way to spoil the surprise ! " Victoria pretended to scold him . Randolph just chuckled . " She doesn''t know what the gift is , so it''s still a surprise . " Thalia smiled at Victoria . " It''s okay . Dad''s right , it''s still a surprise if I don''t know what it is . " 10:14 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.6 % Chapter 202 " I got you something too , Thalia , " Charlotte said , handing her a sleek gift bag . " Picked it up on my Switzend trip . Open it ! " Thalia recognized the logo instantly a high end Swiss watchmaker . - " Thanks , " she smiled , pulling out the box . Insidey an elegant whitedies '' watch . Her smile widened . " It''s beautiful , Charlotte . Thank you . " " Please , what are friends for ? Let me help you put it on . " " Okay . " Charlotte fastened the watch . " See ? Perfect match . " Victoria jumped in , " Okay , so I''ve been a hermit doing therapy , no gift . But ! My treat , whenever you''re free , we hit the shops . Anything you want . Deal ? " Thaliaughed , her eyes sparkling . " Deal . Don''t say I didn''t warn you . " They all headed out of the hospital room together . In the outdoor parking lot , Thalia turned to her friends . " Thanks foring to get me today , everyone . " " Hey , that''s what friends do , " Victoria Quinn waved dismissively . " Don''t be weird . " Charlotte nodded . " Seriously . No need for thank yous . " Rupert added with his characteristic gentle smile , " And certainly no need for formalities with me . " They chatted for another minute before splitting off . Thalia headed towards her family''s car , then stopped short . A familiar vehicle caught her eye . A ck Rolls - Royce Cullinan . She changed direction slightly , walking closer . Recognized the tes . Her eyes narrowed . Asher ckwood''s car . She walked right up to it and tapped lightly on the driver''s side window . The tinted ss slid down , revealing Asher''s impossibly handsome face . " What are you doing here ? " Thalia asked , her voice softer than she intended , maybe a little hesitant . He looked at her , his dark eyes intense , unreadable . " You''re getting out today . Came to see . " 99.8 % Chapter 202 Her heart gave an odd little flutter , like a feather brushing against it . " Wound all healed up ? " Asher asked , his voice low . " Feeling okay ? " Thalia shook her head slightly . " I''m fine . " His gaze dropped pointedly to the blue bouquet in her arms , a slight edge sharpening his tone . " Flowers from Lysander ? " ( 15 ) Chapter 203 Chapter 203 Thalia froze , caught off guard by his question . " Yes , " she admitted softly . "He even knows your favorite color is blue . " Asher said with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes , his voiceced with unmistakable bitterness . " How thoughtful of him . " Thalia pressed her lips together , her gaze deliberately shifting to the bouquet of blue flowers sitting on the passenger seat of his car . His taste had always been impable , even with something as simple as flowers . The arrangement perfectlyplemented her aesthetic . Catching her staring at the flowers , Asher spoke with forced casualness : " I was going to give these to you , but since you''ve already got flowers , these seem kind of pointless now . " Thalia shifted ufortably , unsure how to respond . " I should ¡­ probably get going then . " She turned to leave . " Wait ! " Asher called out , a hint of desperation breaking through his cool facade . " You can carry two bouquets , can''t you ? Just take this one too . It''s just taking up space in my car anyway . " With her back to him , Thalia couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at her lips . She turned around to face him again , their eyes meeting . " Taking up space ? " " Yeah , " he said , his deep voice betraying more emotion than he intended . " If you don''t want it , I''ll just throw it away . " Thalia''s smile widened slightly . " I''ll take it . Would be a shame to waste such beautiful flowers . " Asher got out of his car , walked around to the passenger side , opened the door and handed her the bouquet . Thalia epted the flowers with a polite " Thank you . " At those two simple words , his eyes darkened visibly . Thal¨ªa noticed his reaction but said nothing . Given theplicated state of their rtionship , politeness seemed like the safest approach . Thalia returned to her car carrying both bouquets . 09:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.000 Chapter 203 Victoria looked surprised . " Where''d you get another bouquet from ? Who gave you those ? From their parking spot , Randolph and Victoria couldn''t see Asher''s Cullinan , so they hadn''t witnessed the exchange . Randolph , sitting in the front seat , turned to look at Thalia but remained quiet . Knowing Randolph currently had serious issues with the ckwood family and strongly opposed her connection to Asher , Thalia didn''t want to create tension . She answered vaguely , " Just a friend . " " Oh , okay , " Victoria replied . Sensing Thalia''s reluctance to borate , she dropped the subject . Randolph said nothing more , only instructing the driver with a curt " Let''s go . " When they arrived home , Lucy was sprawled on the living room sofa watching Peppa Pig . Seeing her sister return , Lucy''s face lit up instantly . She scrambled off the couch , her little leather shoes cking against the floor as she ran over and wrapped her arms around Thalia''s legs . " Sissy ! " she eximed . Thalia smiled , gently stroking Lucy''s hair . " Did you miss me , squirt ? " The little girl nodded enthusiastically : " So much ! " The psychologist standing nearby smiled and said to Thalia , " Lucy''s made aplete recovery . She''s ready to return to normal life and school now . " Thalia''s eyes brightened with relief . " That''s amazing ! Thank you so much , Alice . " The doctor waved her hand dismissively . " No need for thanks . Mr. ckwood has already taken care of my fee . I''ll be heading back tomorrow . " " So soon ? " Thalia asked . The doctor nodded . " Got patients waiting for me back home . " " Right , " Thalia said . " What time''s your flight tomorrow ? I''ll arrange a driver for you . " " Three in the afternoon . " Randolph stepped forward . " Thank you , Dr. Alice . We can''t tell you how grateful we are for helping Lucy recover . " " Just doing my job , sir . " Randolph exchanged a meaningful nce with Victoria . Taking the hint , Victoria said to the doctor , " Alice , I have something for you . Come with me for a minute ? " 09:49 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.19 Chapter 203G Victoria led Dr. Alice upstairs and presented her with a carefully wrapped gift and an envelope . The envelope contained a substantial stack of cash . " Alice , thank you for everything you''ve done for Lucy these past weeks . I know Mr. ckwood has covered your professional fees , but this is a token of our family''s personal gratitude . Please don''t say no . " Unable to refuse such a heartfelt gesture , Alice epted the gift , That evening , Victoria personally prepared a feast of Thalia''s favorite dishes . Lucy''s recovery and Thalia''s hospital discharge were both worth celebrating for the Winters family . The family gathered around the table , enjoying a warmth and closeness that had been missing for too long . The following afternoon , after Dr. Alice''s departure , Thalia was lounging on the couch watching cartoons with Lucy when her phone lit up with a WeChat video call from Rupert Lysander . Thalia frowned slightly . Why would Rupert video call her out of the blue ? For anything important , he typically called her directly ; for casual matters , he usually texted . He''d never initiated a video call before . Curious , Thalia epted the call . To her surprise , instead of Rupert''s face , she saw his little cousin , Lena Garret . The adorable girl was wearing the pink Prada hair clip Thalia had given her , her hair styled in cute pigtails . When she saw Thalia answer , Lena''s eyes crinkled with delight and dimples appeared on her cheeks . " Thalia ! " Lena squealed , her voice sweet and bubbly , perfectly matching her sunny personality . Thalia had a soft spot for Lena and smiled warmly . " Hey there , cutie pie . " Apparently , Lena had been ying with Rupert''s phone and decided to call her favorite adult . Lucy , curled up beside Thalia , perked up at the sound of Lena''s voice and scooted closer to the screen . " Lena ! " she called out excitedly . " Lucy ! " Lena beamed back . Lucy moved even closer , her chubby little face practically filling the screen , looking utterly adorable . 00-40 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.3 % Chapter 20 " When are youing over to y again ? " Lucy neked , bouncing slightly with excitement With equal enthusiasm , Lena replied , " Tomorrow''s Saturday ! Can my cousin bring me to your house ? " Lucy nodded vigorously . " Yeah ! I''ll tell my mom to make us yummy snacks ! " Lena''s eyes widened . " Can she make those teddy bear cookies fromst time ? They were sooooo good ! " " I''ll ask her ! She makes the best cookies ever , " Lucy dered proudly The two children chattered away happily , and Thalia handed her phone to Lucy so she could continue the video call with Lena . About fifteen minutester , Rupert appeared on the screen . Lucy handed the phone back to Thalia . " Sissy , I''m done talking to Lena . Her cousin wants to talk to you now . " Thalia took the phone , and Rupert''s face came into view . He looked slightly embarrassed . " Sorry about that , Thalia . I let Lena use my phone to watch videos , and somehow she managed to video call you instead . Hope we didn''t interrupt anything ? " " Not at all . " " Good . " Thalia smiled . " Len such a sweetheart . Lucy loves hanging out with her , and honestly , so do I. " Rupert''s expression softened , his eyes crinkling at the corners . " Lucy''s great too . I heard Lena just invited herself over for tomorrow . Is that okay ? I don''t want to impose . " Thalia waved dismissively . " Of course it''s fine . Lucy would love thepany . " " Great . I''ll drop her off tomorrow morning . Actually , I''ve got a couple of cases I wanted to pick your brain about too , if you don''t mind ? " " Sounds perfect . " ( 6 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 204 Chapter 204 The next morning . Rupert drove Lena to the Winters hem . At the entrance to the ratedmunity , Rupert''s car and Asher''s ended up one behind the other . Asher had visited ckwood Law Firm several times , and twice had happened to see Rupert driving out from the underground parking garage - a Mack Maybach with a license te hardmitted to memory . As they entered themunity , Asher elerated , pulling his Cullinen in front of Rupert''s car , then deliberately slowed down . In the Maybach , Rupert nced at his rearview mirror as the Cullinan cut in front of him , and a slight smirk yed on his lips . What a lovely way to start the morning - running into his rival Rupert wasn''t bothered by Asher''s provocative maneuver . He simply eased off the gas , following behind with casual confidence . A few minutester , they arrived at the Winters '' vi . Asher parked his car . Rupert did the same . Both men stepped out simultaneously , The morning breeze carried the fresh scent of dew and garden flowers , gently rustling the leaves of nearby trees as warm sunlight filtered through the branches . Despite the beautiful morning , the atmosphere between the two men was anything but pleasant . The air crackled with tension . Asher''s dark eyes were cold as a bottomless abyss , sharp with hostility . His gaze cut toward Rupert like a de as his lips curled into a cold smile . " What brings you to the Winters '' house so early , Mr. Lysander ? " Rupert maintained a pleasant smile , though his eyes remained ice - cold . " That''s really none of your business . " Asher''s gaze hardened . " Don''t covet what isn''t yours . " Rupert met his stare unflinchingly . " And what makes you think she belongs to you ? " " She can only be mine , " Asher replied , his voice low and dangerous . " I wouldn''t be so sure about that , " Rupert countered , still smiling though his eyes had turned razor - sharp . " Hmph . " Asher let out a derisive snort . " People might think you''re so devoted , but didn''t I hear you dated someone else in college ? " Rupert''sposed expression didn''t falter , maintaining his cultured demeanor . 09:50 - Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % Campner 201 You for the the Nothing happened . " * Are you trying to say you''re still pure ? Asher''s lips twisted into a mocking smile . " You confessed to Thalia , then dated outerte alise , and now you''re back pursuing her again . What exactly do you take her for ? " Adhary tok totimidating steps toward Rupert . The tension between them intensified . His eyes grew even colder . " She''s not your fallback option Rupert''s stulle vanishedpletely . His expression darkened , and just as he was about to respond , Thalia''s voice suddenly called out from behind him " Rupert ! You''re here ! Why are you standing outside ? " Thalia had spotted Rupert from an upstairs window and wondered why he wasn''ting in . From her position at the gate , Thalia could see Rupert''s profile through the iron bars . But Asher was standing behind a wall , partially obscured by a tree in the yard , so she hadn''t noticed him . Hearing Thalia''s voice , Rupert''s harsh expression instantly softened . He turned and called back : " Coming ! " Then , with aposed smile , he turned to Asher and said , " If you''ll excuse me . " Repert drove his car into the Winters courtyard , parked , and opened the rear door for Lena . " Let''s go see Thalia , shall we ? * " Hey ! " Lena eximed excitedly . Asher watched Rupert''s retreating figure , his fingers slowly clenching into fists . Victoria had taken a liking to Rupert . During their previous encounter at the hospital , when she learned Rupert had obtained the Guardian Angel Charm from St. Paul''s Cathedral for Thalia , she''d mentioned it to Randolph when she got home . Randolph''s reaction had been nomittal - just a simple " hmm " without furtherment . Victoria couldn''t tell if that meant he disapproved of Rupert or was actually warming to him . This time , both Victoria and Randolph happened to be home when Rupert arrived . Rupert , always well mannered , never came empty - handed . He''d brought gifts on his previous visits too , though Randolph and Victoria hadn''t both been present then . Rupert greeted Randolph respectfully and presented his carefully selected gifts : two bottles of 25 - year - old Macall whisky and an exquisite Ralph Lauren Home tea set . He''d done his research - Randolph didn''t smoke but enjoyed fine tea and asionally appreciated good liquor . Your Gold Dizzer is Actually A True Heiress 99.6 % Chester 204 A housekeeper took the gifts , and Randolph gave them a brief appraising nce , a flicker of approval crossing his face . But only a flicker . He wasn''t about to be won over by mere gifts when it came to his precious daughter . " That''s thoughtful of you , " Randolph said politely . Victoria was more weing . With a warm smile , she said , " Rupert , you really shouldn''t have brought anything . You''re too kind " Rupert smiled graciously . " It''s the least I could do . " Lucy spotted Lena and ran over excitedly , taking her hand . " Lena ,e see my room ! " Lena beamed back . " Okay , Lucy ! " After the children went upstairs , Thalia and Rupert sat down in the living room . A housekeeper brought hot tea and a te of freshly cut fruit . " Mr. Lysander , please help yourself . " " Thank you . " Thalia got straight to business . " You mentioned some cases you wanted to discuss ? " Rupert nodded . " Yes , let''s get to it . " The two became deeply engrossed in their professional discussion . Randolph observed them briefly before quietly excusing himself to the tea room . Victoria tactfully withdrew as well . Before leaving , she nced back at them , thinking to herself that Rupert and Thalia made a good match . If only Thalia could move on from Asher and give Rupert a chance . Returning to work at thew firm , Thalia finally felt whole again . After more than a month of recovery in the hospital , she''d been forced to have other attorneys cover her court appearances . When she''d wanted to review case files , her friends had refused to bring them to the hospital , insisting she focus on recovery rather than work . During one of his hospital visits , Rupert had joked , " Don''t worry , the firm has survived just fine without you this past month . Everyone has cases to work on , nobody''s starving , and the firm isn''t going bankrupt . " Now that she was finally discharged , Thalia felt reborn . Sitting back in her familiar office , she closed her eyes and exhaled slowly , feeling a weight lift from her shoulders . Lucy Jenkins knocked on her door and entered with a grin , dropping a stack of case folders onto Thalia''s desk . " Wee back . Thalia ! " Ed Mizane in Actually A True Heiress 99.8 % Chapter 204 Katie followed behind her . " Wee back ! " Lucy pointed at the pile of files . " See ? 1 told you to enjoy your rest in the hospital . Now you''ve got plenty to keep you busy , " Thalia smiled . " Perfect . " She turned to Katie . " How did those court appearances go ? " Katie briefed her on the cases she''d covered , concluding with : " We won them all . " " Excellent . " Thalia''s eyes shone with approval . " Katie , you''ve made tremendous progress . " Katie smiled . " All thanks to having such a great mentor . " ? ( 11 ) Chapter 205 Chapter 205 After being discharged from the hospital , Thalia had spent several days reviewing the ckwood Group cases . The ckwood files were high - stakes litigation with massive damage ims and mountains of evidence . Though she''d already organized everything once , Thalia insisted on meticulously reviewing each document again herself . With her trademark work ethic , she''d barely taken time to recover , stayingte at Winters & Associates almost every night since leaving the hospital . That evening , her phone rang with news she''d been anticipating . " Ms. Winters , Trump Ashcroft refused to sign the divorce papers , " her contact reported . " He actually tore them up . Magret had another screaming match with him this afternoon and has now hired Katherine Hayes to handle her divorce . " Thalia stood by the floor - to - ceiling windows of her corner office , twenty - two stories above London . The city lights sparkled below , their reflection highlighting her elegant features in the ss . " Good to know , " she replied coolly . After hanging up , she immediately printed a standard retainer agreement and power of attorney forms from her firm''s system . Grabbing her car keys and locking the office , she headed for the elevator with na following closely behind . In the elevator , Thalia pulled out her phone and made a call . " What ? " Trump Ashcroft answered gruffly . " Mr. Ashcroft , it''s Thalia Winters . " " Why the hell are you calling me ? " His voice dripped with hostility . " Haven''t you ruined Drake''s life enough already ? " Drake''s suicide attempt over Thalia had left Trump with nothing but contempt for her . With Magret constantly in his ear about how Thalia had orchestrated theirpany''s downfall , Trump''s feelings had evolved from simple dislike to pure hatred . " Let me guess , " he spat , " calling to gloat now that you''ve destroyed everything we built ? " Thalia let out a softugh . " Actually , Mr. Ashcroft , I''m calling to help you . I understand Magret is pushing for divorce , and I''d like to represent you in the proceedings . " " Help me ? " Trump scoffed . " You bankrupted my family business . Why would I trust you ? " 14:15 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.1 % Chapter 205 " Mr. Ashcroft , " Thalia addressed him calmly , " let''s get one thing straight . " Her voice remained measured but authoritative : " I didn''t bankrupt Ashcroft Enterprises . Your son made catastrophically bad investment decisions , hemorrhaged money on failing projects , broke your capital chain , and triggered massive contractual penalties with your partners . Normally , those debts would stay with thepany , and after bankruptcy , Drake would walk away clean . But he got sloppy - mixing personal andpany assets , abusing his position to defraud creditors . Any corporate solicitor will tell you the courts will pierce the corporate veil in a heartbeat and hold him personally liable alongside thepany . " " As a businessman , I''m sure you understand exactly what I''m saying . " Trump fell silent , knowing she was right . The elevator doors opened to the parking with a soft chime . Thalia walked toward her car with purposeful strides . Reaching the gleaming white Rolls - Royce , she tossed the keys to na . " Look , put aside our history for a moment , " Thalia continued . " My track record speaks for itself - three years in practice with a near - perfect win rate . You won''t find better representation for your divorce , especially not now . " Trump''s voice softened slightly . " Why would you even want my case ? " na held the rear door open as Thalia slid into the plush leather seat . " Because I don''t want Magret to get this divorce , " she replied , a hint of satisfaction coloring her voice . " I''d rather see her miserable . " Trump said nothing , but Thalia''s reasoning resonated with him . For years , he''d showered Magret with every luxury - designer jewellery , limited - edition handbags , whatever caught her eye . He''d denied her nothing . Now that the money was gone, she wanted out - ready to abandon her husband and son to find her next meal ticket . The thought made his blood boil . She''d been happy to share the wealth but not the hardship . Trump couldn''t stomach it . This divorce ? Over his dead body . He believed Thalia''s motivationpletely . He''d witnessed firsthand how Magret had looked down on Thalia , humiliating her at every opportunity . na started the engine , and the Rolls - Royce glided silently through the parking garage . " I can be at the hospital in twenty minutes , " Thalia said . " Does that work for you ? " Nairose 98.2 % Chapter 205 After a moment''s hesitation , Trump muttered , " Fine . " " Make sure we''re alone . " Thalia added . " No Magret , no Drake . " She didn''t need any emotional interruptions during their discussion . " Obviously , " Trump replied tersely . Twenty minutester , Thalia swept into Trump''s hospital room with na trailing behind . " Mr. Ashcroft , " she greeted with a professional smile . Trump couldn''t bring himself to return it . Hispany was in ruins , his family life shattered , his health failing . With Magret storming in daily to berate him , he looked like he''d aged a decade in weeks - more grey hair , deeper lines etched into his face . " There are thousands of solicitors in London , " he said bluntly . " Why should I hire you ? " Thalia''s smile didn''t waver . " True , but how many of them are Thalia Winters ? " She perched on the edge of a visitor''s chair . " Your family is broke , Mr. Ashcroft . Magret hired Katherine Hayes for a bargain - basement ¡ê 6,000 because that''s all she can scrape together . You''re in the same boat , aren''t you ? " Trump''s stony silence was answer enough . Legal fees typically scaled with the assets at stake . With their fortune gone and most valuable possessions seized by creditors , the marital property to divide was pathetically small - hence the low legal fees . But even ¡ê 6,000 was a fortune to them now - a month''s rent and living expenses for the entire family . He was t broke . A high - priced solicitor was out of the question . " Let''s be honest , " Thalia continued , her voice matter - of - fact . " Small - time divorce cases like yours ? Most decent solicitors wouldn''t touch them . And even if you tried shopping around , one call from me would close everyw office door in London to you . " Trump knew she wasn''t bluffing . Thalia wasn''t just any solicitor - she was Randolph Winters '' daughter , London elite . Law firms would fall over themselves to curry favour with the Winters family . The potential future business from that connection would far outweigh anything they''d gain from representing Trump Ashcroft in his messy divorce . It was simple maths . After weighing his nonexistent options , Trump finally spoke : " Fine . You''re hired . Just make damn sure the court denies this divorce . " 98.3 % Chapter 205 Thalia''s lips curved into a satisfied smile . " Consider it done . " After her abortion , Sienna Carroll had been recuperating at home , dreading the uing appeal hearing for her defamation case against Thalia . The Central London County Court hadn''t set a date yet , but Sienna knew her time was running out . With Ashcroft Enterprises beyond salvation , she''d made her decision . She reached out to a wealthy former admirer from her social circle - a trust fund yboy who''d always had a thing for her - and asked him to help her leave the country . ( 4 ) Chapter 206 ckwood Group Headquarters . CEO''s Office . " Mr. ckwood , these documents need your signature , " Matt Ford said , cing several files on the desk . " Just leave them there , " Asher replied without looking up from his phone . " Of course , sir . " Matt ced the documents down and quietly left the office . Asher continued scrolling through his phone , checking his schedule , when he suddenly noticed the date . It was already the 10th of April. May Day was approaching - the ancient spring festival with its deep - rooted traditions of romance and courtship . He needed to get something special for Thalia . Though they weren''t officially together - he was pursuing her unterally - this traditional celebration of love presented the perfect opportunity to make an impression He picked up his phone and called the son of a luxury brand CEO , asking if they had any new limited edition bagsing out soon . The man on the other end chuckled and teased in French " Trying to woo ady for May Day ? " Asher replied in wless French : " Indeed . It''s for my future wife . " " Is it Thalia ? Have you two reconciled ? " Asher''s friends all knew Thalia was the one who held his heart . " Not yet . " " Let me ring the managing director and find out The heir wouldn''t normally concern himself with such details as uing product releases . " Cheers , " Asher said coolly " Don''t mention it . What are friends for ? * shortly after , his friend called back with news that they were indeed nning to release a globally limited edition As A True Heir 965 Chapter 206 ckwood Group Headquarters . CEO''s Office . " Mr. ckwood , these documents need your signature , " Matt Ford said , cing several files on the desk . " Just leave them there , " Asher replied without looking up from his phone . " Of course , sir . " Matt ced the documents down and quietly left the office . Asher continued scrolling through his phone , checking his schedule , when he suddenly noticed the date . It was already the 10th of April . May Day was approaching - the ancient spring festival with its deep - rooted traditions of romance and courtship . He needed to get something special for Thalia . Though they weren''t officially together - he was pursuing her unterally - this traditional celebration of love presented the perfect opportunity to make an impression . He picked up his phone and called the son of a luxury brand CEO , asking if they had any new limited - edition bagsing out soon . The man on the other end chuckled and teased in French : " Trying to woo ady for May Day ? " Asher replied in wless French : " Indeed . It''s for my future wife . " " Is it Thalia ? Have you two reconciled ? " Asher''s friends all knew Thalia was the one who held his heart . " Not yet . " " Let me ring the managing director and find out . " The heir wouldn''t normally concern himself with such details as uing product releases . " Cheers , " Asher said coolly . " Don''t mention it . What are friends for ? " Shortly after , his friend called back with news that they were indeed nning to release a globally limited edition 14-16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.6 % Chapter 206 women''s handbag in three different colours , and sent over images . Asher examined each picture carefully . The designs were quite elegant - avable in ck , white , and tan , all in matte alligator leather , priced at ¡ê 150,000 each . All three colours were versatile and ssic . Thalia would likely appreciate any of them . " I''ll take one in each colour , " Asher decided . His friend , who maintained a close rtionship with Asher ,ughed . " Consider it done . No need to pay - it''s my gift to you . I hope you and Thalia reconcile soon . " " That won''t do . This gift needs toe from me . " After ending the call , Asher located his friend''s ount details and immediately transferred ¡ê 450,000 . The wealthy yboy Sienna Carroll had approached agreed to help her leave the country . With one condition - she had to spend the night with him . Sienna''s face froze . She''d had an abortion just over a month ago and couldn''t have intercourse yet ¡­ The doctor had been explicit : at least three months before resuming sexual activity , and six months before trying to conceive again . Otherwise , she risked permanent damage to her body . But if she waited three months , the appeal in her case would be long decided . By then , it would be toote to escape . After agonizing over her limited options , Sienna reluctantly agreed . After their night together , Siennay in Julian Vanko''s arms , forcing a yful tone despite her difort : " Julian , darling , when are you sorting out my travel ns ? " The previous night had left her exhausted and marked with bruises . Julian , still half - asleep , mumbled drowsily , " What''s the rush ? I said I''d handle it , didn''t I ? " Sienna rolled her eyes when he couldn''t see her face . How could she not be in a hurry ? If she didn''t move quickly and Thalia discovered her ns , she''d never get away . Once the court ruling came down , she''d be ced undermunity service orders . If she didn''t behave perfectly Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 98.7 % Chapter 206 during her probation period , she''d end up behind bars . Sienna softened her voice . " Julian , you know I''m in this awful legal mess with Thalia Winters . I need to leave soon , or I might end up in prison . " " Yeah , yeah , whatever , " Julian turned over impatiently . " Let me get some sleep first , we''ll sort itter . " Fury shed in Sienna''s eyes . What a disgusting man . Before sleeping with her , he''d been attentive , considerate , and understanding - even knowing she loved Drake Ashcroft , he''d imed he was willing to wait patiently . But now that he''d gotten what he wanted , his true colors were showing . Had all that devotion just been an act ? Seething with resentment , Sienna waited until Julian finally woke at half past one in the afternoon . " Julian , you mentioned arranging a private jet . Can we leave today ? " she asked immediately . Julian pulled her underneath him . " Patience , love . Let me have another go first . " Sienna wanted to scream at him , but she swallowed her rage and submitted to his demands . Ten minutester , he rolled off her , looking thoroughly satisfied . He might be content , but she certainly wasn''t . Her entire body ached , especially between her legs . " Julian ¡­ " Sienna called out , her voice deliberately fragile . Before she could finish , he cut her off impatiently : " Alright , alright , I''ll make the bloody call now . " Sienna wisely kept quiet . Julian was merely a minor heir to a modest fortune . He could afford fancy cars and designer gifts , but a private jet capable of international travel was beyond his means . His promise to arrange a private jet relied on asking a friend for help . This friend came from significantly greater wealth and happened to be nning a private jet trip to Antarctica soon . Private jets flying international routes required applications submitted to relevant authorities three days in advance . His friend''s jet had a spacious cabin , and adding Sienna shouldn''t be an issue . Surely his friend wouldn''t refuse such a small favor . A True Heiress 98.8 % Chapter 206 When the call connected , Julian said , " Ronan , mate , could you do me a favour ? " After Julian exined his request , Ronan Sullivan agreed readily . Such a small favor was nothing to him . " No problem . Have her bring her passport to my assistant to handle the paperwork . " Julian expressed his gratitude : " Thanks , mate . I owe you one . " After hanging up , Sienna wrapped her arms around Julian''s waist . " You''re the best , Julian . " Julian smiled smugly . " I told you to be with me from the start , but you insisted on chasing Drake Ashcroft . Look what happened - Ashcroft Enterprises is bankrupt , and Drake can''t do anything for you now . " Mentioning this only made Sienna angry and heartbroken . To be with Drake , she''d endured beingbeled a homewrecker , offended the Winters heiress , lost her social media ount with hundreds of thousands of followers , and be entangled in awsuit . Yet Drake had been so callous toward her , not even wanting their child ! And now , to escape the country , she''d been forced to sleep with Julian Vanko , a man she found repulsive . Sienna gathered her documents , and Julian took her to meet Ronan at an exclusive members '' club in Mayfair . A smartly dressed attendant led them toward a private room . Sienna had deliberately dressed provocatively , with a full face of meticulous makeup . Partly to make Julian look good , but mostly to catch Ronan Sullivan''s eye . Men were visual creatures , and Sienna was confident in her looks and figure . If she could charm the Sullivan heir , she might return to a life of luxury . However , the moment she stepped into the private room , Sienna''s fantasy shattered instantly ! Her face turned deathly pale , and she froze in ce as if petrified . ( 8 ) Chapter 207 Chapter 207 The manmanding the prime position on the leather sofa was none other than Asher ckwood ! Initially , Asher hadn''t bothered to look toward the door . It was Julian who noticed Sienna''s strange behavior . " What''s the matter ? Why have you stopped walking ? " Sienna tried to flee , but Julian caught her arm . " Where do you think you''re going ? Don''t you want to get out of the country ? " Theirmotion drew attention from others in the room . Someone recognized Sienna and eximed in surprise : " Bloody hell , that''s Sienna Carroll ! Why on earth would you bring her here ? " Sienna''s online defamation campaign against Thalia and her orchestration of cyber harassment had be quite notorious . Many wealthy young Londoners who hadn''t previously known Sienna had be familiar with her through that scandal . At the mention of " Sienna Carroll , " Asher looked up . His gaze was like a de , shing with chilling intensity . Sienna''s heart lurched , a cold shiver running down her spine . It was over . There was no escape now . Ronan Sullivan was clearly aware of Sienna''s history with Thalia . He quickly realized that the " friend " Julian had asked him to help leave the country was Sienna . Ronan''s expression darkened as he confronted Julian : " This is the friend you mentioned ? " Julian had no idea Ronan knew Asher ckwood . Julian moved in the same circles as Sienna and Drake , so he was well aware of the animosity between Sienna and Thalia . " Bring her here , " Ashermanded coldly . Julian didn''t dare defy Asher and reluctantly pulled Sienna forward . 14:16 9 99.0 % Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 207 Sienna resisted , but she was no match for Julian''s strength . Brought before Asher , Sienna stood trembling . Asher didn''t even dignify her with a nce . Instead , he turned to Ronan beside him, his voice cial : " Exin . " Those two sybles sent chills down Ronan''s spine . Bloody hell . He''d inadvertently offended one of London''s most powerful heirs . Everyone knew Thalia Winters was the apple of Asher ckwood''s eye . Ronan wanted to p himself . You idiot ! Why did you agree to this ? " Ahem . " Ronan cleared his throat , his scalp tingling with anxiety . " Mr. ckwood , this ¡­ this is aplete misunderstanding . Julian called me today asking for help . Said a friend needed to leave the country and wondered if I could take them along since I''m traveling soon . I agreed without knowing his '' friend '' was Sienna Carroll . Had I known , I would never have agreed , I swear ! " Asher gave Ronan a dismissive nce . From his demeanor , it didn''t appear he was lying . That single look from Asher made Ronan''s heart race . He worried that Asher''s displeasure might jeopardize a business deal he was about to secure . " Handle this , " Asher told Ronan . " Her case with Lia isn''t closed . She can''t leave the country . " Ronan nodded eagerly , his face stered with an ingratiating smile . " Absolutely , I''ll take care of it properly . Please don''t be upset , Mr. ckwood . " Throughout the entire exchange , Asher hadn''t spoken a single word to Sienna . That same day , Asher called Thalia to inform her about Sienna''s attempt to flee the country . Thalia didn''t say much in response , just a simple " Thank you . " After hanging up , Asher raised an eyebrow . This Sienna Carroll had proven useful after all . She''d given him a legitimate reason to call Lia . He hadn''t spoken to her for several days and had been missing her terribly . If not for this foolish woman , he wouldn''t have heard Lia''s voice today . 99.2 % 0.11 Nizzar in Actually A True Heiress or 207 Chapter Ronan''s solution was to have people watch Sienna twenty - four hours a day to prevent her from escaping . Apart from leaving the country , Sienna could go wherever she wanted , but she remained under constant surveince . This method mirrored exactly what Thalia had nned . Upon learning of Sienna''s escape attempt , Thalia had immediately arranged for surveince . Since seeing Asher at his grandmother''s funeral over a month ago , Lucia Schulz hadn''t encountered him again . She hadn''t missed a single gathering of their mutual friends , attending each one hoping to run into Asher . But every time , her hopes were dashed . Asher hadn''t attended any of these gatherings . Of course , she reasoned , with his grandmother and father recently deceased , how could he be in the mood for socializing ? Lucia tried to console herself with this logic . Though she understood rationally , her longing for Asher grew stronger each day , impossible to suppress . Initially , she had sent him messages every few days , but Asher never replied to a single one . Eventually , she stopped sending them . She could only inquire about his recent activities and whereabouts through mutual friends . To her dismay , she learned that besides going to hispany , Asher most frequently visited a private hospital owned by the Winters Group . Apparently , Thalia was recovering there . Lucia went to the hospital , hoping to " identally " run into Asher . Unfortunately , Asher never appeared during her visits . Without any way to predict his movements , she could only wait and hope . Whether by coincidence or because Asher deliberately avoided her , they hadn''t crossed paths once in the past month .irnco 99.3 % Chapter 201 Lucia patiently waited , enduring for a month , but finally couldn''t resist my konger . The Conded to state the ckwood estate directly . Winters & Associates Law Firm . At six in the evening , people were gradually leaving the office . As usual , Thalia stayed behind to work overtime , reviewing several cases . A knock sounded at her door . " Come in , " Thalia said without looking up from a sales contract she was examining as evidence . Rupert Lysander pushed open the door and entered . " Ms. Winters , you''ve been workingte every day . Just out of hospital and already trying to work yourself to death ? " Still focused on the contract , Thalia replied mildly , " Working until around ten isn''t so bad . I still have time to go home , shower , and get a decent night''s sleep . " Rupert chuckled , shaking his head helplessly . " You''re something else , you know that ? " Did you need something , Mr. Lysander ? " Thalia asked . " Not me , " Rupert replied . " It''s Lena . She wants to invite you to dinner with Lucy . I came to ask if you''re free , but I see you''re not . " Thalia paused . Dr. Alice had mentioned that Lena''s frequent visits to y with Lucy were tremendously helpful for Lucy''s psychological treatment . Without Lena''s friendship , Lucy''s recovery wouldn''t have progressed so quickly . Come to think of it , she really should thank young Lena properly . With this in mind , Thalia looked up at Rupert . " Actually , I am free . Whenever it''s convenient for you to bring Lena ." A warm smile spread across Rupert''s face . " How about tomorrow afternoon ? " Thalia nodded . " That works for me . " Chapter 208 Chapter 208 Rupert had chosen a charming bistro with impable ambiance for their dinner . The interior featured warm tones and soft lighting from elegant chandeliers , creating an atmosphere both intimate and magical . Vintage oil paintings adorned the walls , lending artistic character to the tranquil space . Rupert guided Lena by the hand while Thalia walked with Lucy beside her . The ma?tre d '' led them to a prime window table with a spectacr view . A small , exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers graced the center of the ss table , its subtle fragrance enhancing the pleasant atmosphere . The two girls settled in next to each other . Rupert and Thalia took their seats as well . The round table wasn''t particrlyrge , cing them in close proximity . The gentle notes of a ssical piano piece drifted through the air . After ordering for the children , Rupert passed the menu to Thalia . As she looked up , her eyes unexpectedly locked with a pair of dark , prating ones . She froze , her smile vanishing instantly . Asher stood a short distance away , his gaze intense and unreadable . Beside him stood a stunning woman with cascading waves of hair . Despite years without seeing her , Thalia instantly recognized Lucia Schulz . Remembering Charlotte''s warning that Lucia had returned to London specifically for Asher , Thalia felt a knot form in her stomach . She carefully averted her gaze . Rupert had also spotted the pair . " Well , what a coincidence , Mr. ckwood , " he said with a pointed smile . " Is this your date for the evening ? " Asher''s expression darkened . " She is not , " he replied , his voice frost -den . Lucia smiled warmly . " Hello there ! I''m Lucia Schulz . I''m Asher''s ¡­ " Chapter 208 Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Thalia before continuing , " ¡­ friend . " Thalia maintained herposure , though her heart skipped a beat . The casual way Lucia used his first name didn''t escape her notice . Thalia lowered her eyes , masking the flicker of emotion that passed through them . " Thalia , it''s been forever ! " Lucia eximed with practiced brightness . " You remember me , don''t you ? We met years ago . " Thalia nodded, her response deliberately neutral . " Of course . It has been quite some time . Life treating you well ? " Asher , his face a mask of indifference , strode toward their table . Lucia followed in his wake . " Ms. Winters , " Asher said , pulling a chair from a nearby table and positioning it beside Thalia . " How are the ckwood Group cases progressing ? " " Rest assured , Mr. ckwood , " Thalia replied evenly , her expression carefully nk . " I''ve been thoroughly reviewing all yourpany''s cases . I''ve gone through the evidence twice already . " The already intimate table became decidedly crowded with Asher''s addition . " Asher , darling , " Lucia interjected with a smile , " business hours are over . Work can wait for another day . Let''s find our own table - Thalia''s clearly on a date , and we shouldn''t intrude . " Asher''s eyes narrowed . " A date ? " he echoed , his tone dangerously soft as he looked at Thalia . Thalia frowned slightly . " It''s just dinner . " Her instinctive rification softened Asher''s expression , though the jealousy still simmered beneath the surface . One moment of inattention and Rupert had managed to whisk Lia away for dinner . ncing at the two children sitting opposite , Asher quickly deduced that Rupert had used the girls as a convenient excuse to spend time with Thalia . " Come on , Thalia , no need to be shy about it , " Lucia said , reaching for Asher''s sleeve . " Asher , let''s go find our table . " Asher shifted away , deliberately avoiding her touch . " Since Ms. Winters and Mr. Lysander aren''t on a date , " he said coolly , " you wouldn''t mind if I joined you ? We''re all old friends here , and it''s been ages since I''ve caught up with Ms. Winters . Perfect opportunity to discuss our cases . " Lucia''s smile froze on her face . Chapter 208 Rupert gave a softugh . " I''m afraid that''s not convenient , Mr. ckwood . We''re here with children today . " Asher turned to Lucy with a gentle smile that transformed his face . " Lucy , would you mind if I joined you for dinner ? " Lucy''s face lit up at seeing Asher . Previously , she had happily called him " brother - in -w , " and he''d always been generous with gifts and attention . She certainly didn''t mind hispany . " Not at all ! " Lucy replied cheerfully . A triumphant smile yed at Asher''s lips as he turned back to Rupert . " Lucy doesn''t mind . Why so territorial , Mr. Lysander ? " Rupert met Asher''s challenging gaze unflinchingly , his smile never wavering . " Mr. ckwood arrived with a lovelypanion . If you squeeze in with us , what bes of Ms. Schulz ? " Without missing a beat , Asher addressed Lucia . " Something''se up . You should head back - we''ll discuss the project another day . " His deliberate mention of " the project " was clearly intended for Thalia''s benefit - a signal that this was a business meeting , not a date . As he spoke , his eyes never left Thalia''s face . However , Thalia wasn''t looking at him , her expression carefully neutral , seemingly indifferent to the entire situation . A flicker of disappointment crossed Asher''s features . " That''s hardly gentlemanly behavior , Mr. ckwood , " Rupert remarked with a smile . " Abandoning yourpanion so abruptly ? " " That''s not your concern , " Asher replied coldly . He then casually picked up the menu and added two dishes for himself , acting as if he''d been part of Thalia''s party all along . Thalia pressed her lips together , stealing a nce at Lucia as an unwee pang of jealousy surfaced . " Since Mr. ckwood arrived with Ms. Schulz , it would be rude to leave her behind , " Thalia said diplomatically . " We can discuss the cases tomorrow during business hours . I prefer to keep work and personal time separate . " Asher raised an eyebrow . " That''s a new policy , isn''t it , Ms. Winters ? I distinctly recall you and Mr. Lysander discussing work quite enthusiastically in your living room . " His tone carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy . " Why the sudden aversion to discussing work with me specifically ? " Thalia gave him a cool nce that clearly said , " Don''t be ridiculous . " 14:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.8 % 1 Chapter 208 Seeing Lucia''s increasingly awkward expression , Thalia sighed and stood up . " If Mr. ckwood insists on joining us , perhaps we should move to arger table . " Asher''s eyebrow arched higher . After Thalia relocated , Lucy and Lena obediently followed to therger table . Asher smiled , immediately iming the seat next to Thalia . Seeing the additional space , Lucia took the chair beside Asher . Rupert had no choice but to join them . What had promised to be a pleasant dinner was now thoroughly disrupted , the intimate atmospherepletely shattered by Asher''s intrusion . Rupert shot Asher a look of barely concealed irritation . Asher responded with a smug smile of victory . Lucia observed the silent battle between the two men , her fingers tightening around her coffee cup as realization dawned . ? ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 209 Chapter 209 3120 Chapter 209 The dinner was a battlefield of unspoken tension . Rupert and Asher engaged in a silent power struggle while Thalia pretended not to notice and Lucia tried her best to ignore it all . After dinner , Asher offered to drive Thalia and Lucy home . " I drove here myself , " Thalia replied coolly . " Then give me a lift , " Asher countered . " We''re headed in the same direction anyway . " Thalia stared at him incredulously . " Don''t you need to take Ms. Schulz home ? " she asked , ncing at Lucia . " She drove herself here , " Asher replied without even looking in Lucia''s direction . Thalia shot him an exasperated look . " Didn''t you drive here too ? Why on earth do you need a ride from me ? " " Sebastian just texted that his car broke down , " Asher exined smoothly . " The tow truck won''t arrive for another hour , and he has an urgent matter at home . I''ve sent my driver to pick him up nearby - fortunately , I brought my driver today . " Rupert let out a derisiveugh . " What a remarkable coincidence . " " Isn''t it just ? " Asher replied with a smug smile . Rupert red at him . Thalia was clearly skeptical . Asher immediately called Sebastian , putting the call on speaker . " Sebastian , your car broke down , right ? I''m sending my driver to get you now . I happen to be having dinner nearby . " Sebastian caught on instantly . " Yeah , didn''t I just tell you that ? Why are you calling to confirm ? Hurry up , I''ve got something urgent to deal with . " " Hang tight , the driver''s on his way . " After hanging up , Asher looked at Thalia with raised eyebrows , as if to say , " See ? I wasn''t lying . " NAAA 99.0 % Chapter 209 Then he promptly sent his driver away with the car . Before Thalia could respond , Lucia jumped in : " Asher , I can drive you home . " " We''re not headed in the same direction , " Asher replied coldly . " My ce is right next to the Winters estate - practically neighbors . It makes much more sense . " Thalia could easily see through the little performance Asher and Sebastian had just put on . But she didn''t call him out on it . Asher had already sent his car away , and if she refused , he''d have to ride with Lucia . Out of a selfish desire not to leave them alone together , Thalia gave Asher a cool nce and simply said , " Let''s go , " before opening her car door . " Coming , " Asher replied , his eyes dancing with triumph . Before getting in , he shot Rupert onest victorious smile . na drove , with Thalia and Lucy in the back seat . Asher took the passenger seat up front . After they pulled away , Lucia and Rupert exchanged a look of mutual frustration . When they reached the gates of the Winters estate , the car stopped . " You can get out here , " Thalia said tly . She didn''t want Randolph to see her arriving with Asher . It would raise questions she didn''t want to answer . Asher understood her reasoning , his expression darkening slightly . He opened the door but didn''t immediately step out . " There''s nothing between Lucia and me , " he said , turning to look directly at Thalia in the back seat . " She approached me today to discuss a business partnership . " The interior light illuminated Thalia''s face , making her look ethereally beautiful in the warm glow . Her expression remained neutral as she simply replied , " Oh , " and said nothing more . " Goodnight , Lia , " Asher said as he finally exited the car . Thalia didn''t return his goodnight . After Asher got out , na drove into the underground garage of the Winters estate . ter A Teva Hoiress 99.2 % Chapter 209 Thalia stepped out of the car and walked to the elevator , clearly distracted . na had waited in the car during dinner and didn''t know what had transpired . Though curious , she refrained from asking . It wasn''t her ce to pry into her employer''s personal affairs . In the elevator , Thalia turned to her sister . " Lucy , don''t tell Mom and Dad that we had dinner with Asher tonight , okay ? " Lucy nodded obediently . " Got it , sis . " " Good girl . " Back in her bedroom , Thalia checked her phone messages . Rupert : [ Made it home ? ] Thalia : [ Just got in . ] Rupert : [ Get some rest . Night . ] Thalia : [ Yeah . ] The following day , Thalia''sw firm received an unexpected visitor . Lucia Schulz arrived wearing a light taupe power suit and carrying an Herm¨¨s handbag . Her confident stride turned heads as she walked through the office . " Damn , who is that ? She''s gorgeous . " " Client or potential hire? " " Gotta be a client - she''s the definition of a power executive . " " Definitely a client . She''s got that CEO energy , not someone who works for others . " " That figure , that face - absolutely stunning . " Lucia heard these whisperedpliments and allowed herself a small smile . She approached a young woman''s desk . " Excuse me , I didn''t see anyone at reception so I came in directly . Could you tell me where Ms. Winters '' office is ? " The young associate , Lucy Jenkins , looked slightly starstruck that such a beautiful woman was speaking to her . " I''ll show you the way , " Lucy offered , standing up . " Thanks so much , " Lucia replied with a dazzling smile that left Lucy momentarily speechless . At Thalia''s office door , Lucy gestured politely . " This is Ms. Winters '' office . " " Thank you . " " You''re wee . I should get back to work now . " Lucia knocked on the door . " Come in , " came Thalia''s voice from inside . 99.3 % Chapter 203 Lucia entered . " Ms. Winters . " Thalia looked up , her gaze faltering momentarily . She quicklyposed herself . " Ms. Schulz , please have a seat . " Lucia smiled and sat down on the sofa by the coffee table , Thalia rose from behind herputer and moved to the seating area . She heated water and prepared tea . " What brings you to my office , Ms. Schulz ? " Thalia asked , using delicate tongs to rinse two fine bine and white porcin teacups with hot water before cing one in front of Lucia and pouring tea . " Thank you . " Lucia said . " I heard you''ve opened your own firm and wanted to see it . I also have a case I''d like you to handle . " " Oh ? " Thalia raised an eyebrow . " What kind of case ? " Charlotte had previously sent Thalia information about Luc¨ªa , so she knew Lucia was now the CEO of a publidy listedpany . Lucia''spany would have its own legal team . What case would require Thalia''s specific involvement ? Lucia took out her phone . " Let''s exchange contacts . I''ll forward you the case materials my assistant just sent me . " Sure . " Thalia scanned Lucia''s WhatsApp code and added her . Lucia forwarded the materials . " I''ll leave this case in your capable hands , Ms. Winters , " Lucia said with a smile . Thalia took a sip of tea . " Ms. Schulz , let''s discuss the basic details of this case first . " " Of course . " Lucia also sipped her tea . " This is excellent tea . " (1 ) 9 ( 0 ) 99.4 % Chapter 210 Chapter 210 Chapter 210 Lucia''s case involved aplex equity dispute . The situation wasplicated , the evidence iplete , and the litigation risk substantial . For awyer like Thalia with just over three years of practice , it was genuinely challenging . Lucia''s visit appeared on the surface to be about hiring Thalia , but her real intention was to create trouble . If Thalia declined the case , Lucia could reasonably question her professional capabilities . If Thalia epted and lost , it would prove Thalia wasn''t aspetent as Lucia . At least for now , in terms of career , Lucia was far more sessful than Thalia . After discussing the case basics , Thalia had a general understanding of the situation . She reviewed the materials Lucia had sent and came to a conclusion . " You want me personally to handle this case , correct ? " Thalia asked , her expression neutral . Lucia smiled . " That''s right . I trust you , Ms. Winters . " " All thewyers at our firm are excellent , with unquestionable expertise , " Thalia replied evenly . " But since you''ve specifically requested me , I''ll take the case . " Lucia was surprised . Thalia had agreed so readily ? Did she not understand how difficult andplex this case was , or how high the litigation risk ? " You''re epting so quickly ? Don''t you want to think it over ? " Lucia asked . Thalia smiled . " The evidence is iplete and the case isplex . Ms. Schulz , are you aware this case has a high risk of failure ? " " I am . " " There''s never a guarantee of victory in litigation , " Thalia said calmly . " Every case carries some risk . While this one is particrly challenging , it''s been a while since I''ve encountered such aplex case . I''d like to test myself . " A spark lit in Thalia''s eyes , her gaze determined . " I enjoy challenging cases . If I handle this well , it will boost my reputation . It''s both a challenge and an opportunity , and I want to give it a shot . " 99.5 % Chapter 210 Lucia was taken aback . In Thalia''s eyes , she saw courage , confidence , tenacity , and vibrant energy . Beforeing , she had assumed Thalia was merely a decorative figurehead relying entirely on family resources . She hadn''t expected such courage and self - assurance . " Very well , " Lucia said , her opinion of Thalia shifting somewhat . " Let''s sign the retainer agreement then . " " Let''s do that . " After leaving thew firm , Lucia went to Asher''s private residence . When she rang the doorbell , a man in his fifties answered . " Ms. Schulz , " the man said with a kind face and slim build . " How may I help you ? " Lucia smiled . " I''m here to see Asher . We had arranged to discuss a business partnership . " The butler was polite . " One moment , please . I''ll let him know you''re here . " Lucia nodded courteously . " Thanks , I appreciate it . " A few minutester , the butler returned . " Ms. Schulz , Madam invites you in , " he said , opening the door wider and gesturing for her to enter . Madam ? Lucia frowned slightly . In the ground floor living room , Lucia realized the butler had been referring to Catherine when he said " Madam . " She''d been momentarily rmed , thinking it might be Asher''s wife . She approached with a smile . " Catherine , hello . " " Lucia , please sit down , " Catherine said with a polite but not particrly warm smile . Lucia sat beside Catherine . A maid served tea . Lucia nced around but didn''t see Asher . 16:43 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.6 % Chapter 210 Catherine took a sip of tea and said casually , " Asher is in his study upstairs , in a meeting . He''ll be down shortly . " Lucia nodded . " That''s fine , I''ll wait . " Catherine made a nomittal sound and engaged in light conversation with Lucia . She could see Lucia''s interest in her son . But Catherine didn''t want Asher to be with Lucia . In her heart , Thalia was her only choice for a daughter - in -w . Thinking about Thalia and Asher''s rtionship issues made Catherine mncholy . Now that Victor Shaw and Natalie were arrested , and with Mabel gone , there was no one in the family who would oppose their rtionship . The only remaining obstacles were Randolph Winters and Thalia''s own reservations . If only Thalia and Asher could reconcile . Come to think of it , she hadn''t seen Thalia in quite some time . Catherine couldn''t help but sigh Hearing the sigh , Lucia gave her a concerned look . " Is something wrong , Catherine ? Something on your mind ? " Catherine smiled and sighed again . " I''m just worried about Asher''s future . He and Thalia broke up and haven''t reconciled . Every day I hope they''ll get back together . I''m looking forward to Thal¨ªa marrying into our family and giving me a grandchild . Asher is already thirty and still unmarried . It''s concerning ¡­ " Lucia''s smile froze on her face . Catherine pretended not to notice and took another sip of tea . " So Lucia , are you seeing anyone ? " Lucia shook her head . " No , not at the moment . " " How old are you now ? " " Almost twenty - seven . " " My goodness , you''re not getting any younger . Why aren''t you dating ? " Catherine affected the man of a busybody aunt . " Would you like me to introduce you to some eligible young men ? My friend has a son who older than you , also recently returned from abroad . I could set you two up sometime . " Lucia felt her heart sink . 99.7 % Die undermond dearly Catherine andy red Taughter in ese to matter hose pindle might , Celine on expport & reap beren by and Asher I herbe nerary , Catherine trik said with a formed and hating her emotions already have somers t care for . I don''t want anyone but im Catherine yed domh . Which family is he from ? Do I know birch Laia also yed along . " Not only do you know him , you know him very well . " Catherine : " Well , bring him around sometime . I''ll help you evaluate if he''s suitable " To be tuppy to About us minutester , Aster came downstairs . Two men apanied him . One was his assistant , Matt Ford . The other man was unfamiliar to Lucia . After the stranger left , Lucia asked , " Asher , who was that ? " Asher sat down on the sofa , ignoring her question . " Why are you here ? " Lucia paused . " Didn''t you say yesterday that we''d discuss our partnership another day ? I''m here to talk business . " Asher gave a cold " Hmm " in response . " Did you bring the proposal ? " " Yes , " Lucia said , handing him a USB drive . " It''s all on here . " Asher didn''t move or raise his hand . It was his assistant , Matt , who took the USB drive from Luc¨ªa . Matt opened hisptop , inserted the drive , and showed the contents to Asher . Asher scanned through it rapidly . After finishing . Asher shook his head . " Not good enough . " Lucia was stunned . " If you want a partnership ,e up with something worthwhile , " Asher said coldly , his tone harsh and impers " Don''t waste my time with this sort of thing again . " With that , he stood up and walked away , not caring about Lucia''s reaction . Chapter 211 Chapter 211 Chapter 211 Lucia stormed into her office , tossed the USB drive onto her desk , and red at it with fury zing in her eyes . " What absolute garbage is this ? " she snapped . " If you can''t do your job properly , pack your things and get the hell out ! " The project deputy manager stood before her desk , head bowed like a scolded child . " Please calm down , Ms. Schulz , " he stammered . Lucia leaned back in her chair , narrowing her eyes as she scrutinized him . " So you''re the new deputy project manager ? And you actually approved this proposal ? " " Y - yes ¡­ " Shawn replied , sweat beading on his forehead as he trembled visibly . As CEO , Lucia typically delegated proposal reviews to her team - she had better things to do with her time . Peter , the project manager , kept his gaze fixed on the floor . " Ms. Schulz , Shawn just joined us . He''s probably not familiar with your standards yet , so- " " Cut the crap , " Lucia interrupted , her voice razor - sharp . " Is it that he doesn''t know my standards , or that he got this job through connections without having the actual skills ? We both know the answer . " Both men felt their hearts plummet simultaneously . " You- " Lucia jabbed a finger at Shawn . " You''re fired . Get out of my sight . Now . " " Ms. Schulz , please ! " Shawn dropped to his knees . " Just one more chance ! " " GET OUT ! " Lucia shouted . Tears streamed down Shawn''s face . " I have elderly parents and young kids at home . I can''t lose this job . Please , I swear I''ll do better with the proposals . Please don''t fire me ¡­ " Lucia''s eyes turned cial . Without wasting another breath on him , she picked up her desk phone and barked , " Send security to my office . I need someone removed . " Her assistant responded promptly , " Right away , Ms. Schulz . " Shawn remained on his knees , pleading desperately . Ignoring himpletely , Lucia turned her cold gaze to Peter . " How many years have you been with our domestic branch ? " Peter broke into a cold sweat . " Four years , " he answered quietly . Chapter 211 " You''ve always beenpetent , " Lucia said , her tone shifting as her eyes grew colder . " But you''ve crossed a line 1 won''t tolerate . " She hurled a stack of papers into Peter''s face . " Using your position to help your rtive get a job ? Bringing an ipetent person into mypany and promoting him to deputy manager ? Congrattions , you''ve really outdone yourself ! Pack your things - you''re leaving with him ! " After Asher rejected her project proposal , Lucia had personally reviewed it with a fine toothb . She''d previously been satisfied with Peter''s work , so much so that she''d stopped reviewing his proposals altogether . That trust had been a mistake . She never imagined Peter would abuse his position to bring in his brother - in -w and promote him to deputy manager . Normally , Lucia wouldn''t concern herself with such minor appointments . But this " minor yer " had cost her the opportunity to coborate with Asher ckwood . Lucia was livid . Peter stood motionless as Shawn''s files slid from his face . " Ms. Schulz , this was my oversight . I was swamped with the Cloud Sess project and didn''t give this one enough attention . I had no idea you nned to use this proposal to negotiate with ckwood Group . " " Not knowing justifies lowering standards ? " Lucia''s voice dripped with contempt . " Not knowing excuses carelessness ? You failed at your core responsibilities AND brought an ipetent person into mypany . You have zero grounds toin about being fired . Get out ! " The man fell silent . His hands clenched into fists , and behind his gold - rimmed sses , a cold glint shed in his eyes . A momentter , there was a knock at the door . " Come in , " Lucia called . Her executive assistant , Traven , entered with two security guards who hauled Shawn to his feet . Traven nced at Peter questioningly . " I can see myself out , " Peter said coldly . The security guards dragged Shawn toward the door . Schulz , please ! " Shawn struggled against their grip . " Just one more chance ! I promise I''ll do better ! " Lucia pressed her lips into a thin line , her expression dark with anger as shepletely ignored his pleas . Chapter 211 After Shawn was removed , Lucia addressed Traven : " Call a meeting in the conference room in ten minutes . I need to appoint a new project manager and deputy . " " Right away , Ms. Schulz . " Under the new project manager''s supervision , the entire team worked overtime for a week and finally produced a proposal that met Lucia''s exacting standards . Lucia took the new proposal to ckwood Group headquarters to meet with Asher . She''d visited the building several times since returning to the country . Mina , the new receptionist , recognized her immediately and greeted her with practiced warmth . " Good afternoon . Ms. Schulz . " Lucia nodded curtly and headed for the elevator , pressing the button for the 27th floor . The 27th floor was just below the executive suite . Only Asher''s private elevator could ess the top floor , so whenever Lucia came to see him , she had to wait in the reception area until he was avable . Just after Lucia disappeared into the elevator , Thalia walked through the main entrance of ckwood Group headquarters . She''d prepared theints for the cases ckwood had entrusted to herw firm , and they needed the legal representative''s signature andpany seal . Since the office wasn''t far , she''d decided to deliver them personally . She recalled that when Asher came to sign the contract at her firm , he''d brought thepany''s legal representative - someone Thalia hadn''t met before . Beforeing , she''d called , Asher''s assistant , Matt , but he hadn''t answered . Probably stuck in a meeting . When she reached the lobby , Mina intercepted her with a practiced smile . " Excuse me, miss . Who are you here to see ? " " Asher ckwood , " Thalia replied simply . Hearing this , Mina gave her a second , more appraising look . Great , another one of the CEO''s admirers ? In her three months at ckwood Group , she''d turned away countless women trying to see Asher . It had be routine . Chapter 211 Assuming Thalia was just another hopeful admirer , Mina''s smile tightened . " Do you have an appointment ? " she asked , her tone noticeably cooler . Thalia shook her head . " No , but I- " I can call him directly if needed . Before she could finish , Mina cut her off : " Without an appointment , you can''t see Mr. ckwood . Pleasee back another time . " Thalia didn''t get angry . She simply stated calmly , " I know him . " " Right . " Mina couldn''t help but roll her eyes . " Every day , womene in here iming they '' know '' Mr. ckwood . I''ve heard that line so many times I could recite it in my sleep . Save yourself the embarrassment and leave . Our CEO isn''t someone you can just drop in on whenever you feel like it . " ? ( 2 ) Chapter 212 Chapter 212 Thalia held up her document folder . " Look , I''m here on legitimate business , not whatever you''re thinking . " Mina scoffed , not bothering to hide her skepticism . " If it''s legitimate business , why didn''t you make an appointment ? Don''t think I haven''t seen this trick before - showing up with a folder pretending you have real business so I''ll let you in . That move is sost season . Everyone''s tried it already . " Thalia finally understood what was happening . Apparently , many women used the pretext of " business " to try to see Asher . No wonder the receptionist was so defensive . Rather than being annoyed , Thalia found the receptionist''s dedication amusing . Finding it entertaining , she decided to y along . " Oh ? My trick is outdated ? " she asked with a hint of a smile . The receptionist rolled her eyes . " Obviously . I fell for it once and let someone in . Nearly got fired on the spot . Lucky for me , my cousin is the CEO''s assistant and has some pull around here , or I''d be unemployed . Still got docked half a month''s pay though . So don''t think you''re slipping past me today ! " " Pfft- " Thalia couldn''t help butugh . Looking at the earnest young receptionist , she asked with genuine curiosity , " Your cousin is the CEO''s assistant ? " " Yeah . " Mina continued her attempt to shoo Thalia away : " Look , I get it . Mr. ckwood is hot and rich - total package . And honestly , you''re gorgeous too . But you''re not his type . The man has women throwing themselves at him 24/7 . Neither of us stands a chance , so saye yourself the trouble . " Thaliaughed again . She never imagined being mistaken for one of Asher''s hopeful admirers . " So you''re saying you''re one of his admirers too ? " Thalia asked , amused . Mina , being refreshingly straightforward , answered candidly . " Well , yeah , but I know my ce . I''m not delusional . " She looked Thalia up and down . " Seriously though , you could have any guy you wanted . Take my advice - don''t fixate on Mr. ckwood . He''s practically engaged to Ms. Schulz anyway . " Chapter 212 The smile faded from Thalia''s eyes . " Ms. Schulz ? " The young woman nodded enthusiastically . " Lucia Schulz , the Schulz family heiress . She''s already CEO of a listedpany despite being super young . Beautiful , sessful , loaded - she and Mr. ckwood are basically a power couple straight out of a magazine . " " Is that so ? " Thalia''s tone cooled noticeably . Seeing her change in demeanor , Mina thought she''d finally gotten through to her . " So yeah , you should probably just- " Just then , Thalia''s phone vibrated . She nced at the caller ID . Matt Ford , Asher''s assistant . And apparently , the receptionist''s cousin . Thalia''s lips curled into a knowing smile . She turned her phone screen toward Mina . " It''s your cousin calling . Want to talk to him ? " Mina''s eyes widened in shock . " You know my cousin ? " Thalia answered the call and handed the phone to the dumbfounded receptionist . Mina took it hesitantly , eyeing Thalia with newfound suspicion . Matt''s voice came through clearly : " Ms. Winters , did you call earlier ? Sorry I missed it . " Still confused , Mina kept her eyes locked on Thalia . " Uh , Matt ? It''s me . " " Mina ? " Matt sounded genuinely shocked . " Why are you answering Ms. Winters '' phone ? " A secondter , realization hit him like a truck . " Wait - is Ms. Winters at reception right now ? " " Yeah ¡­ so she actually knows Mr. ckwood ? " Mina asked tentatively . Hearing this , Matt felt his stomach drop . Oh shit . He swallowed nervously . " Mina ¡­ please tell me you didn''t stop her froming up . " " What''s the problem ? You literally told me to stop all unscheduled women trying to see Mr. ckwood ! She doesn''t have an appointment , so yeah , I stopped her . " Chapter 212 Matt groaned loudly . " Oh my god ! Let her up immediately ! No , wait - I''ming down to get her myself ! " Mina waspletely bewildered now . " What''s going on ? Who is she ? " " Who is she ? " Matt repeated incredulously as he rushed out of his office toward the elevator . " She''s practically our CEO''s wife ! " As Matt hurried down the hallway , he collided with someone . Looking down , he saw expensive Italian leather shoes and perfectly tailored trousers . Oh no . Matt slowly raised his gaze to meet Asher''s piercing stare . " M - Mr . ckwood ¡­ " he stammered . Asher''s eyes narrowed dangerously . " CEO''s wife ? Who exactly are you referring to ? " Matt answered without hesitation : " Ms. Winters , of course . " At this , the dangerous glint in Asher''s eyes softened , reced by something that looked suspiciously like pleasure . " She''s here ? " he asked , a smile ying at the corners of his mouth . Matt nodded quickly . " Yes , sir . She''s downstairs . The new receptionist - my cousin - she didn''t recognize Ms. Winters and stopped her because she doesn''t have an appointment ¡­ " His voice trailed off as he remembered whose fault this actually was . His cousin had previously let in an unwanted admirer , nearly getting fired in the process . Matt had begged Asher to give her another chance . Matt and Asher had been college ssmates with a solid friendship . After graduation , Matt had studied abroad for a few years before applying to ckwood Group through proper channels . Now he felt his career shing before his eyes . Years of loyal service , potentially ruined because of his cousin''s mistake . Please don''t fire me . Please don''t fire me . To his surprise , Asher wasn''t angry at all . In fact , he was smiling . " CEO''s wife , " he repeated thoughtfully . " I like that . Let''s make it official . " " Come on , " he said , heading toward the elevator . " Let''s go get her . " Chapter 212 Matt stood frozen for a moment . So ¡­ I''m not getting fired ? When the realization hit , Matt nearly copsed with relief before hurrying after his boss . Downstairs , Mina was looking at Thalia with a mixture of awe and mortification . This woman is the CEO''s WIFE ?! " I''m so , so sorry , " she stammered , fidgeting nervously with her hands . " I had no idea you were Mr. ckwood''s wife . I thought- " " CEO''s wife ? " Thalia frowned . " I''m not . " " You don''t have to be modest , " Mina insisted , desperate to make amends . " My cousin told me everything . Please forgive me for being so clueless ! " Thalia''s frown deepened . " I told you , I''m not his wife ¡­ " Mina assumed Thalia was still upset about her earlierments regarding Lucia Schulz . Great , I''ve really done it now . If she wants me fired , even Matt won''t be able to save me this time . Why is my life such a disaster ? ( 3 ) 1 Chapter 213 Chapter 213 Chapter 213 Mina sped her hands together in prayer position , biting her lip in an exaggerated disy of contrition . " I''m so sorry , ma''am ! " she pleaded , batting her mascara - coated eyshes . " I was totally wrong - please don''t be mad ! You''re gorgeous and obviously super kind - hearted . You wouldn''t hold this against little old me , right ? " She cranked up the charm to maximum , desperate to save her job . " I really need this position . Please don''t get me fired ! Pretty please ? " Just then , the CEO''s private elevator announced its arrival with a soft " ding . " Asher stepped out , followed closely by Matt . Matt shot his cousin a withering look : You absolute moron ! You can''t stop the people who should be stopped , but you block the ONE person who matters ? Mina fired back with her own silent retort : How the hell was I supposed to know she''s the CEO''s wife when I''ve never seen her before ? This is YOUR fault for not giving me a heads - up ! In those few seconds of silent family warfare , Asher had already reached Thalia''s side . " Lia , " he said , his voice noticeably softer than his usual businesslike tone . " What brings you here today ? " Mina watched the interaction with her jaw practically on the floor . Was this really the same CEO who typically walked around with a permanent ice sculpture for a face ? In her three months at ckwood Group , she had never - not once - seen him speak to anyone with such warmth ! With this behavior , who wouldn''t assume they were married ? Thalia handed Asher the document folder with businesslike efficiency . " These need the legal representative''s signature andpany seal . " " Of course . " Asher took the folder and passed it to Matt without taking his eyes off Thalia . " Have you eaten ? " he asked , his tone casual but his eyes intent . Thalia nodded . " Yes . Please get those signed and stamped first . I need to take them with me when I leave . " " No rush , " Asher said , his gaze never leaving her face , his eyes as soft as spring water . " Come up for some tea ? " " No , thanks . " Thalia nced at her watch . " I have other appointments . " 18:06 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.1 % Chapter 213 Mina didn''t miss the sh of disappointment that crossed the CEO''s face . Holy crap . The ice king actually has feelings ? And he seems almost ¡­ humble ? Mina''s gaze bounced between Asher and Thalia like a tennis ball , her tongue pressed against her cheek as she shamelessly absorbed every detail of the unfolding drama . Matt shot her a warning nce : Stop staring ! Focus on your job if you want to keep it ! Mina quirked her mouth in response , her eyes saying : This is the show of the century ! " Matt , take these to Martin for signature and seal , " Asher instructed . " Right away , sir , " Matt replied . Since Thalia didn''t want to go upstairs , she waited in the lobby . Asher stayed with her . The lobby had a waiting area with a coffee table surrounded by one long sofa and two armchairs . Thalia sat in one of the armchairs to wait . Asher took a seat on the long sofa , positioning himself as close to Thalia as possible . Though they weren''t on the same piece of furniture , they were still very near each other . Mina seized the opportunity , quickly preparing a cup of tea and bringing it over with an eager smile . " Tea for the CEO''s wife ! " Asher looked pleased with her initiative , approval shing in his eyes . Thalia , however , frowned and smiled resignedly . " I told you , I''m not . " " You will be , " Asher said softly . " The position of CEO''s wife is reserved only for you . " Thalia knew there was no point arguing with Asher about this , so she changed the subject . " What''s your name ? " she asked Mina . Mina''s heart skipped a beat . Oh god , is she going to get me fired after all ? She pressed her lips together nervously , looking up at Thalia with trepidation . " Mina , " she answered , her voice barely audible . 99.2 % Chapter 213 " You''re quite amusing . " Thalia said with a smile . When Mina heard that the so called " CEO''s wife " wasn''t scolding her but actuallyplimenting her , her anxiety vanished instantly . Her face broke into a wide smile . " Hehe , so you won''t fire me? " Thaliaughed . " Why would 1 fire you ? You don''t even work for me . " Mina nced at Asher . " Lia , " Asher said , " she blocked you from entering . If you want her gone , FIl fire her immediately . " Mina : ? ! So I''m still getting fired after all ? " When did I ever say I wanted her fired ? " Thalia gave Asher a sidelong nce . " I didn''t have an appointment , so she was right to stop me . She was just doing her job responsibly . Good employees like that are hard to find - don''t be so quick to fire people . " Asher''s eyes sparkled with amusement . " All right , " he agreed softly . Mina let out a breath of relief , her heart finally returning to its normal position from where it had been lodged in her throat . Asher sat beside Thalia , asionally trying to start a conversation . " There''s a new Japanese restaurant in West District . Would you like to try it sometime ? " " No thanks , I''m very busytely . " " Even busy people need to eat . " " West District is too far . It would waste too much time going back and forth . " " I see . " Asher thought for a moment , then tried again . " How about going to Cloud Mountain hot springs this weekend ? My friend just opened a new resort there . " Thalia''s expression remained cool . " I have to meet a client in Harbor City this weekend . " " I understand . " Twenty minutes passed . Matt still hadn''t returned . 99.3 % Chapter 213 Thalia checked her watch . " What''s taking him so long ? " Asher had no choice but to call and check . Matt came down quickly after that . He handed the signed and sealed documents to Thalia . " I''m sorry for the wait , Ms. Winters . Mr. rke was held up with something . " Upstairs , Martin rke sneezed suddenly . Martin : ? In truth , Martin had signed and sealed the documents quickly . It was Matt who deliberately dyed , leisurely drinking tea upstairs instead ofing back down . Having been Asher''s assistant for years , Matt knew exactly what he was doing . The CEO and Ms. Winters were having some alone time downstairs . Every minute he came down early was a minute less they could spend together . He wasn''t stupid enough to rush back and face Asher''s displeasure . Matt sat in his office , sipping tea and ying with his phone . Only when Asher called to hurry him did he finally pick up the document folder and stroll unhurriedly downstairs . Thalia took the documents , opened them to check , and nodded when she found everything in order . " Everything looks good . I''ll be going now . " " Lia , let me drive you , " Asher offered . Thalia''s refusal was swift and decisive : " No need . Wendy is waiting for me in the car . " " All right . " Thalia left . Asher watched her retreating figure until she disappeared from view . Mina observed the whole scene , shaking her head with a knowing " tsk tsk . " Looking at the CEO''s behavior , it seemed like he was pursuing his wife . No wonder Ms. Winters said she wasn''t the CEO''s wife . 99.3 % Chapter 213 The CEO hadn''t won her over yet . Upstairs , Lucia had been waiting in the 27th floor reception room for nearly forty minutes . She had called Asher twice , but he hadn''t answered either call . Growing impatient , Lucia left the reception room and walked to the executive secretaries '' office . The secretarial office had four workstations , all upied by men in identical gray suits . Some were typing rapidly at theirputers , others were on phone calls . Lucia approached one of the secretaries , tapping on his desk . " Is Mr. ckwood still in a meeting ? " The secretary paused , ncing up at her . " No , he finished his meeting half an hour ago . " Lucia frowned . " Then where is he ? I''ve been waiting for over forty minutes and haven''t seen him . " The secretary shrugged . " I don''t know . " ? ( 6 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 214 Chapter 214 That weekend , Thalia took Wendy to Harbor City to meet a client . While there , she ran into Autumn Su , an old acquaintance from Victor''s social circle . Autumn wanted to catch up and invited Thalia to dinner , but Thalia declined . She had once considered Autumn a friend - even buying her an expensive bracelet worth thousands for her birthday . But when others mocked Thalia , iming the bracelet was fake , Autumn had silently agreed with them . From that day on , Thalia saw Autumn clearly for what she was . Like Victor''s other friends , Autumn looked down on her deep down , believing she didn''t belong in their social circle . After spending three days in Harbor City , Thalia returned to River City on Wednesday , May 20th . As she exited the business ss VIP channel at the airport , she immediately spotted Asher waiting for her . Thalia slowed her pace . Why was he here ? Asher wore a dark gray suit , his straight shoulders and rxed posture exuding an innate elegance . Thalia approached him , looking up at his face with a cool expression . " How did you know I wasing back today? " " I checked your flight information , " Asher replied simply . Thalia''s expression remained distant . " My driver ising to pick me up . There was no need for Mr. ckwood to make this trip . " With that , she continued walking toward the parking lot . Wendy followed behind , pulling the luggage . Asher took the suitcase from Wendy''s hand . " Lia , take my car . I have two new cases I need to entrust to you . " Thalia stopped and turned to look at him . Asher''s expression was serious. " I brought all the evidence materials with me . They''re in the car -e take a look . " " Fine . " If it was work - rted , she couldn''t refuse . His long , slender fingers gripped the suitcase handle as they walked , his impressive height and appearance 18:06 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.5 % Chapter 214 attracting nces from passersby . In the underground parking lot , Asher led Thalia and Wendy to his ck Cullinan and personally loaded the luggage into the car . Asher drove while Thalia and Wendy sat in the back . " Are you hungry ? Would you like to get something to eat first ? " Asher asked , ncing at Thalia in the rearview mirror . " I''m not hungry yet , " Thalia replied . " Where are the case materials ? I''d like to look at them first . " " In the front passenger seat . " Hearing this , Thalia leaned forward , reaching for the case folder . The sudden proximity brought the faint floral - fruity scent of her perfume to Asher''s nose . He inhaled subtly , feeling a pleasant tingle . It had been a long time since he''d been this close to Thalia . However , this beautiful moment was fleeting . Thalia grabbed the case folder and immediately returned to her seat . Asher felt a pang of disappointment . Thalia sat in the back , her head lowered , eyes focused intently on the case materials . About twenty minutester , she looked up and asked Asher some questions about the cases . Asher answered each one . After a while , Thalia suddenly said , " Wait , this isn''t the way to thew firm , is it ? " Asher''s lips parted slightly . " No , we''re going to mypany first . " Thalia assumed they were going to discuss work matters at his office , so she didn''t object . At ckwood Group headquarters . Basement level one parking garage . Asher turned to Wendy . " Wait here . I''ll take Lia upstairs . " Wendy remained silent , looking at Thalia questioningly . 99.6 % Chapter 214 Thalia said , " Wendy , wait for me here . I''ll be back soon . " Only then did Wendy say , " Okay . " Asher took Thalia directly to the CEO''s private elevator and pressed the button for the top floor - the 28th . In the elevator , there were only Thalia and Asher . In the small , enclosed space , it was so quiet that even their breathing was clearly audible . Asher stood beside Thalia , very close to her . Thalia could smell the faint woody cologne on him , as cool and subtle as the man himself . The distance was too close . So close that their clothes were almost touching . Thalia quietly moved a step to the side , creating space between herself and Asher . He noticed her small movement , his eyes catching everything . Asher raised an eyebrow , leaning slightly to whisper in her ear : " Afraid I''ll eat you ? " His voice was deep and maic , tinged with amusement . Thalia''s earlobes turned slightly red , but she pressed her lips together without responding . Asher''s lips curved into a smile , his mood considerably improved . The elevator went directly to the CEO''s office on the top floor . Thalia followed Asher out of the elevator . The entire 28th floor was Asher''s office . Upon entering , the first thing that caught her eye was the cold color scheme of silver - gray and ck , like frost and snow before dawn in winter , quietly spreading into every corner . The walls were made of deep - colored marble with a matte finish . Several carefully selected modern art pieces hung on the walls , decorated with simple lines and cool colors that perfectly blended with the overall atmosphere of the space . The minimalist decoration style exuded coldness everywhere , consistent with the owner''s temperament . A silver - gray screen divider stood in the middle of the office , splitting the room in two . 99.7 % Chapter 214 The outer area had sofas and a coffee table for receiving guests . The inner area was the work space . The sofas and coffee table were ck , matching the overall color scheme of the room . Thalia scanned the office and asked , " Should I wait for you on the sofa ? " " Come with me , " Asher said in his deep voice . Thalia followed him inside . Past the screen divider , she saw another door in the corner . Asher walked over and opened it . There was another room inside . It was spacious , approximately 1,000 square feet , and looked essentially like a bedroom . There was arge bed with a huge wall - mounted TV opposite it . It had everything - wardrobe , full - length mirror , sofa , dining table - even a private bathroom and shower . The decoration style was simr to the outer office , dominated by silver - gray and ck colors , creating a cool atmosphere . " This is my rest area , " Asher exined . " You can review the case materials here . The files are on my desk outside - I''ll get them for you . " Thalia nodded . " Okay . " She walked over to the sofa and sat down . Asher brought two cardboard boxes and ced them on the table in front of her . " All the evidence for both cases is here . " Thalia looked at the boxes , then checked her watch . It was 7 PM . She frowned slightly . " There''s so much . I don''t think I can finish reviewing all this today . It''s already seven - let''s continue tomorrow . " " Shall I have these materials delivered to yourw firm tomorrow morning ? " Thalia nodded . " Yes , that works . I should go now . " " Wait , " Asher said . " Don''t leave yet , Lia . I have something for you . " 2A - 11 .. A Two Haiross 99.8 % Chapter 214 Thalia looked up at him . " What is it ? " ( 6 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 215 Chapter 215 ¨‹ Chapter 215 Asher carried three more cardboard boxes over and ced them on the table in front of Thalia . " Seriously ? More boxes ? " Thalia stared at them incredulously . " I thought we were only dealing with two cases . That''s five boxes of materials now . " Asher''s lips curved into a yful smile , his eyes twinkling with mischief . " These three aren''t case materials , " he said , his voice warm and inviting . " Take a look inside . " Thalia shot him a skeptical look before leaning forward to inspect the boxes . They were sealed with packing tape and had shippingbels - clearly delivered packages . Asher helpfully handed her a small box cutter . " Packages ? " Thalia''s brow furrowed in confusion . " What''s in them ? " " Open them and find out , " he encouraged . Thalia sliced through the tape on one box and discovered an elegant designer case inside . The case bore the logo of a high - end luxury brand , and understanding dawned on her face . She opened it to reveal a stunning white handbag . " What''s this about ? " Thalia looked up at him . " A gift for you , " Asher replied , his smile widening . " Today''s May Day . It''s a day for celebrating spring and romance . I wanted to make sure you got something special , just like everyone else . " " ¡­ " Thalia was momentarily speechless . " We''re not together , Asher . You don''t need to buy me gifts . " Standing before her with his hands casually tucked into his pockets , Asher''s smile turned slightly roguish . " When you''re trying to win someone back , gifts are practically mandatory . I''m not looking for any free passes here . " Thalia fell silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh . " Asher , we can''t go back to how things were , " she said , her tone serious as she met his gaze directly . " After everything that''s happened ¡­ we''ve both changed too much . There''s no going back . " The window was open , allowing a gentle breeze to carry the scent of orchids mixed with the warmth of the evening air into the room . The bright overhead light cast the room in stark rity . 19:32 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 215 Asher stood before Thalia , his tall frame casting a shadow over her . He looked down , his voice dropping to a husky whisper : " I haven''t changed or moved on , Thalia . I''ve been standing in the same ce , waiting for you to turn around . " Thalia lowered her eyes , avoiding his intense gaze , saying nothing . After watching her silently for a moment , Asher took two deliberate steps closer . He bent down , cing his hands on either side of her , effectively trapping her in ce as his eyes sought hers , giving her nowhere to hide . His gaze burned with undisguised longing , his voice deep and maic . " Come back to me , Lia . Please ? " Thalia''s eyes darted away nervously , her voice barely audible : " Don''t do this , Asher . " The sheer curtains billowed gently in the breeze before settling back into ce . The fragrance of orchids hung in the air between them . The atmosphere crackled with tension . " Don''t do what ? " His voice was pure velvet . Thalia''s breath caught in her throat , her heart skipping a beat . She turned her face away sharply and said with forced coldness : " Aren''t you with Lucia now ? Why are you here asking me toe back ? " " Lucia ? " Asher''s gaze intensified . " What does she have to do with anything ? She''s nothing more than an acquaintance . " Keeping Thalia within his orbit , Asher''s voice softened to an irresistible murmur : " Come back to me , Lia . " Thalia''s heart raced , her resolve beginning to waver . Just then , her phone rang loudly . The ringtone yanked her wandering thoughts back to reality . " Excuse me , I need to take this , " Thalia said , quickly pushing Asher away and grabbing her phone . It was Edward Winters calling . Thalia pressed a finger to her lips , signaling Asher to stay quiet . After being pushed away , something dark and unreadable flickered across his face . He straightened up , watching the woman who now sat on the sofa taking her call . The air felt heavy with unspoken words . -- C - ld Diagor is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 215 Thalia answered the phone , shooting Asher a warning nce , afraid he might say something . He merely quirked an eyebrow , giving her an enigmatic half - smile . Edward''s voice came through the speaker : " Thalia , weren''t you supposed tond at 6:30 ? Why aren''t you home yet ? Charles said you didn''t take his car - something about having ns with a friend . Are youing home for dinner ? " " Dad , a friend asked me to handle a couple of cases for him , " Thalia replied smoothly . " I went to discuss the details and just finished up . I''m heading home for dinner now . " " Alright , your aunt and I will wait for you , " Edward said . " I''ll be there soon . " After hanging up , Thalia exhaled in relief . That was close . She''d almost lost herposurepletely . When did Asher get so good at this? His amused gaze settled on her as he teased , " Daddy still keeping tabs on his little girl , huh ? It''s barely seven , and they''re already calling you home for dinner . " Ignoring his teasing , Thalia stood up and said firmly , " I need to go . Have someone send these to my office tomorrow . " Asher''s expression turned unreadable as he watched her in silence , offering no response . Thalia headed for the door without looking back . He watched her leave , his eyes following her until she disappeared from view . The spacious room suddenly felt cold and empty . The next morning at herw firm , Thalia walked into her office to find five conspicuous cardboard boxes on the floor . Tworge boxes contained the case materials she''d seen in Asher''s office yesterday . The other three looked familiar as well . They were the May Day gifts he''d given her . 11 Chapter 215 One had already been opened , revealing the exquisite white matte alligator skin handbag . Thalia frowned slightly . When she''d left yesterday , she''d asked him to send the case materials to her firm - not the gifts . She called Asher immediately . He answered on the second ring . " Miss me already , Lia ? " Thalia got straight to the point : " Take the gifts back , Asher . I really don''t need them . " His voice cooled instantly : " I don''t take back gifts once they''re given . If you don''t like them , feel free to throw them away . " .. " Thalia was momentarily speechless . She knew quality when she saw it - each bag was worth at least a hundred thousand dors . Throw them away ? Even the obscenely wealthy shouldn''t be so wasteful . " I''ll have someone return them to you , " she insisted . " Don''t bother , " Asher replied , his tone t . " I''d have no use for them . They''d just end up in the trash . " Thalia wanted to suggest he give one to Lucia , one to Lily , and the third to whoever else he pleased . But the words felt too petty , too revealing . Saying it would make it seem like she cared far more than she wanted to admit . The words died on her tongue . Instead , she simply said , " Don''t send any more gifts , Asher . Even you shouldn''t be this extravagant . " " How can anything given to you be considered wasteful ? " he countered smoothly . " I don''t want them , " Thalia said firmly . " Fine , " Asher conceded . " Tell me what you do want instead . " Thalia sighed heavily . " Stop ying games , Asher . You know exactly what I mean - I don''t want anything from you . " Silence fell between them . " That''s all I wanted to say . Goodbye . " Thalia ended the call . In the end , she didn''t return the three bags . Bags worth over a hundred thousand dors each - if Asher really threw them away , it would be criminal . Thalia carefully stored them in a cab at her firm , pushing the matter from her mind . ( 2 ) ?? ? ? ( 0 ) C Chapter 216 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 Chapter 217 Chapter 217 Chapter 217 na parked the car . After calling the police , Thalia pushed open the door . " na ,e with me ! " At the bar entrance , the night was ink - ck . Neon lights flickered with a dreamy glow . Two men were supporting a woman who waspletely unconscious . Four more men followed behind them - six men total , all with leering expressions and predatory gazes , like beasts in the darkness waiting to pounce . Thalia ran over quickly , shouting , " What are you doing ? Let her go ! " The air reeked of alcohol . Lucia''s face was flushed , her eyes unfocused . Her expression showed helplessness and confusion . " Hot ¡­ so hot ¡­ don''t feel good ¡­ " Thalia narrowed her eyes , studying Lucia''s unnatural state , which seemed very different from mere drunkenness . " You drugged her ? " Thalia''s eyes shed with anger as she confronted the men . The men''s expressions looked twisted and sinister under the red neon lights . One with tattoo - covered arms wearing a ck tank top gave Thalia a sleazy smile . " Well , look at this ! Another hot piece . What''s up , sweetheart ? Want to join the party ? I don''t mind adding one more . " Hisugh was lecherous . The other creeps joined in with pervertedughter . A few passersby asionally walked by - some casting curious nces , others hurrying past to avoid trouble . Thalia let out a coldugh . " You''re like an ugly toad pretending to be a prince . Hideous but with big dreams . " " You dare insult me ? " Tattoo guy exploded , spewing a string of obscenities , saliva flying everywhere . Thalia rotated her wrists , loosening up , her expression still contemptuous . " Just cleaned the toilet with your tongue ? Your mouth is filthy . " " Looking for trouble , are you ? " Thalia''s eyes shed coldly as she scoffed . " Fine , I''ll y along . Just don''t be kneeling and begging for mercyter . " The tattooed manughed dismissively . " Big talk from a little bitch ! " The air grew tense . He waved his hand and shouted : " Boys , get her ! Strip this uppity bitch ! " Thalia stood fearless , nodding slightly to na with a coldmand : " No mercy . " " Yes , boss . " The leering men all wore vicious smiles , their eyes gleaming with malicious intent . They clearly underestimated the two women before them , A guy with bleached hair grinned smugly , swinging a bottle toward Thalia''s head . na grabbed his wrist in one swift move . With a sickening " crack , " she dislocated his arm . As he screamed in pain , the bottle shattered on the ground . In an instant , na mmed his hand down onto the broken ss . Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress ARGH ! His scream tore through the night . Blood immediately soaked his hand , a gruesome sight . Another attacker rushed forward with his fist raised , only to be violently kicked away by na Being thin framed , he flew through the air before crashing hard into a nearby garbage can . " Ow !" he howled . " That fucking hurts ! " " Kill her ! " The tattooed leader shouted , and the remaining men swarmed toward na , trying to overpower her with numbers . With all the men focused on na , no one was watching Lucia . Thalia quickly ran over to support her . " Ms. Schulz , wake up ! It''s Thalia Winters . While the men were distracted , Thalia helped Lucia toward the car . " Ms. Schulz , hang on . I''m taking you to the hospital . " The men attacked with savage intent . However , they had severely underestimated na''s fighting skills . Dressed in tight ck clothing , na''s eyes were sharp as a hawk''s . Her movements were agile , like a panther in the night , weaving between them . She handled each attacker with precise , brutal efficiency . na delivered a devastating elbow strike that sent one man with a buzz cut staggering to the ground . She followed with a beautiful spinning kick to a burly man''s face , leaving him with a bloody , swollen nose . Meanwhile , the tattooed man charged at na''with murderous intent . na redirected his momentum , skillfully deflecting his attack before executing a perfect shoulder throw that mmed him onto the concrete . The entire confrontationsted barely ten minutes before all six assants were defeated . The meny sprawled across the ground , groaning in pain , unable to get up . na gave them a cold , merciless nce . She was lethal but economical with words . The men hadn''t even touched a single strand of Thalia''s hair before na hadpletely incapacitated them . na had taken on six attackers without suffering so much as a scratch - herbat skills were terrifyingly effective . Thalia had called the police before arriving at the scene . By now , the officers had arrived . Two policemen looked at the men lying on the ground withplex expressions . One officer looked at na in disbelief : " You''re saying you took all of them down by yourself ? " na responded with an expressionless " Mm . " Thalia spoke up : " Officer , they attacked us first . This was self - defense . They were trying to take advantage of us , and if my friend hadn''t been trained , none of us would have escaped today . " Thalia continued seriously : " Officer , look at my friend''s condition . She''s not drunk - she''s been drugged . I have reason to believe these men intended to assault her . I need to take her to the hospital for examination . You can send someone with us , and once the test resultse back , we''ll have solid evidence . " The two officers exchanged nces . Chapter 217 Then one said : " Ma''am , please take your friend to the hospital . My colleague will apany you , and thisdy will need toe to the station with me to make a statement . " Thalia took Lucia to the hospital . na went with the police to give her statement . The test results came back the next day . Lucia was still unconscious , lying in the hospital bed . The doctor brought the report and exined Lucia''s condition to Thalia and the police officer at her bedside . The report contained professional medical terminology , so the doctor exined in simpler terms : " The drug in her system paralyzes the nervous system while stimting physical desire . " With this exnation , Thalia and the officer immediately understood . Lucia had indeed been drugged . ( 14 ) Chapter 218 Chapter 218 Thalia went to the police station to give her statement . Lucia regained consciousness around eleven in the morning . Thalia had alreadypleted her statement and returned to the hospital room . Lucia opened her eyes , feeling dizzy . Her face was pale , still showing traces of exhaustion . After adjusting to the light , her gaze fell on the figure moving around the room . " Thalia Winters ? " Lucia''s voice was hoarse . " You''re awake ? " Thalia turned around . Lucia frowned . " This is ¡­ a hospital ? " " Yes . " Thalia handed her a ss of water . " Drink some water . " Lucia propped herself up , took the ss , and drank a few sips . " Thank you . " Thalia sat by the bed , her gaze concerned . " How are you feeling now ? Any better ? " Lucia''s lips parted slightly . " My head''s spinning , and I feel weak . Why ? How did I end up in a hospital ? " Thalia exined , " Last night I saw some men with bad intentions supporting you outside a bar . I went to check , and realized you''d been drugged . I called the police , and na took down those men and rescued you . " Lucia''s eyes widened in shock . " I was drugged ? With what ? " Thalia pressed her lips together . " A drug that stimtes physical desire , Commonly called a date rape drug ¡­ " Lucia''s eyebrows knitted together as she fell silent . After a few minutes , once Lucia had processed this information , Thalia continued , police station . You can go see them if you want . " Schulz , the men who drugged you are being detained at the Lucia looked up at Thalia , her gazeplex . " Thalia , why did you save me ? Aren''t we rivals for the same man ? Shouldn''t you be happy to see me drugged and taken advantage of ? " Thalia frowned at these words . " Ms. Schulz , do you have some kind of prejudice against me ? " Anger shed in Thalia''s eyes . " We have no grudge between us . How could I possibly . stand by and watch you being victimized ? Besides , as women , we should support each other . " Thalia looked at Lucia with disbelief . " You actually thought I''d be happy to see you sexually assaulted because we''re '' love rivals '' ? That''s absurd , Ms. Schulz . I''m not that twisted ¡­ " Lucia looked embarrassed . " I''m sorry , Ms. Winters . I judged you unfairly . Thank you for saving me yesterday . " " It''s nothing . Just a small gesture . " Lucia finished the water in her cup . Thalia asked , " Are you hungry ? I can order food . What would you like ? " " Well , if you insist , " Lucia said . " I''d like the duck confit and the truffle risotto from Le Jardin . " Chapter 218 Le Jardin was an upscale French restaurant where even a simple sd cost three figures Duck confit and truffle risotto were their signature detal each costing over a thousand dors . Only members could enjoy their delivery service . When Lucia said she wouldn''t stand on ceremony , she really meant it . Thalia smiled . " Alright . " With Lucia ordering food , the small friction between them dissipated into thin air . Thalia called and ced the order . While waiting for the food , Lucia made conversation with Thalia . " Ms. Winters , you said na took down all those men by herselfst night ? " Thalia nodded . " Yes , na appears to be my assistant , but she''s actually a personal bodyguard hired by my father . She''s extremely skilled . " na stood nearby , expressionless . Lucia''s gaze fell on na , her eyes shing with amazement and disbelief . " Wow ! na is incredible ! Where do you find such an amazing female bodyguard ? I want to hire one too . " Thalia smiled . " My father recruited her from abroad . " Lucia said , " Our family only has male bodyguards , which can be inconvenient sometimes . " Speaking of this , Thalia grew serious . " By the way , why were you alone at that barst night ? Where were your bodyguards ? " Lucia''s expression became somewhat awkward . She hesitated , " If I tell you , will you hit me ? " Thalia : " ? " " Why would I hit you ? " Thalia looked at her , amused . " Well ¡­ " Lucia lowered her eyshes , a bit embarrassed . " Yesterday a friend called and said she saw Asher at that bar ¡­ I''ve been trying to see him for weeks without sess . As for bodyguards , I usually don''t bring them when I go out . " After speaking , Lucia sneaked a nce at Thalia''s reaction . " I mean ¡­ although I''m grateful you saved me , I''m serious about Asher . For years , he''s been the only man I''ve ever loved , and I won''t give up easily ! " Thaliaughed . " Your rtionship with him really isn''t something you need to exin to me . " Lucia pressed her lips together , saying quietly , " Maybe because you saved me , I feel strange inside , like loving Asher is somehow wronging you ¡­ " Thalia''s voice remainedpletely even . " There''s nothing to feel guilty about . " " Actually , Asher wasn''t even at that barst night , " Lucia said . " I went and didn''t see him . Then my friend asked me to sit down for drinks . I had a few with her , and somehow got drugged . I don''t remember much after that . " Thalia frowned . " Who is this friend ? Could she be working with the men who drugged you ? " " That seems unlikely ¡­ " Lucia''s expression changed . " She was my best friend in college . I''ve been good to her . She wouldn''t hurt me like that . " Thalia shook her head , her expression serious " Ms. Schulz , it''s better to be cautious . This afternoon ,e with me to the police station . Tell them about your friend - she''s a potential person of interest . Whether she''s involved in your drugging is for the police to investigate . The case has already been filed as attempted rape . Though they didn''t seed , based on current evidence , they''ll almost certainly be charged with attempted rape . " Hearing Thalia''s words , Lucia''s expressi¨®n also grew serious . She nodded . " Okay . " Chapter 218 After eating . Lauria felt much better . She freshened up , changed clothes , and went to the police station with Thalia . The police took Lucia''s statement and showed her the men who had drugged her the night before . Lucia didn''t recognize any of them . An officer said , " When we asked about their motive , they all consistently imed it was opportunistic they saw an attractive woman and acted . " Lucia exined the circumstances to the police . The officers documented everything . Just then , the phone of one of the detained men rang . All their phones had been confiscated but not turned off . The caller ID showed " Simon Vance , " The officer answered , but before he could speak , the man on the other end urgently asked , " Where''s the video ? It''s been hours - why haven''t you sent it to me yet ? " ( 22 ) Chapter 219 Chapter 219 The officer put the phone on speaker and pretended to know the caller : " Simont , sorry man . We were partying so hardst night I forget to grind you the video . " The man on the other end took the bait . " Hurry up ! I want that bitch Lucia Schulzpletely ruined ! Did you get six guys to do her like I asked ? The officer yed along : " Of c course , I''ll send the video right now . " " Make it quick ! " He hung up immediately . Thalia and Lucia exchanged nces . The caller likely wasn''t well - acquainted with the phone''s owner - just a temporary aplice - which exined why he didn''t notice the different voice answering the phone . What an idiot . The police quickly identified the caller through their system . The officer asked Lucia , " The phone owner is Simon Vance . Do you know him ? " " Simon Vance ! " Lucia''s eyes widened . " He was the assistant manager in mypany''s project department . I fired him a few days ago . " Thalia spoke seriously : " That exins everything . Those men who drugged you were hired by Simon to harm you . Your friend was probably involved too . " " How could this happen ¡­ " Lucia mumbled , looking lost . " How could Annika do this to me ? I was so good to her , how could she ¡­ " Simon Vance was sitting on his couch waiting impatiently , but instead of receiving the video of Lucia , he was greeted by police officers at his door . With the mastermind caught , solving the case became simple . Simon Vance and Paul Yang were the primary culprits . They harbored resentment toward Lucia for firing them and plotted revenge . Simon approached Lucia''s fake friend Annika Weiss , paying her three hundred thousand to help lure Lucia out for drinks . Paul Yang had been a project manager at thepany for many years with an annual sry of over eight hundred thousand . He contributed two hundred thousand to the payoff for Annika , while Simon contributed one hundred thousand . At the police station . The normally confident Lucia couldn''t hold back her tears . " Annika , why did you help them hurt me ? Wasn''t I good enough to you ? " Lucia choked out . Annika sobbed uncontrobly : " Lucia , I''m so sorry , I know I was wrong . Please forgive me . I really needed that money - my son needs surgery . " Tears streaming down her face , Lucia looked utterly disillusioned . " Annika , we''ve been friends for so many years . If you needed money , why didn''t you tell me ? Did you think I wouldn''t help you if you were in trouble ? " Annika became highly emotional , crying bitterly . " I was wrong ! I should have asked you for help . Lucia , please , I''m begging you not to press charges Please drop the case ! My son is only five years old . He just had surgery and is still in the hospital . He can''t lose his mother ! Please , Lucia , I''m begging you to let me go ! " - A True Haiross 87.2 % Chapter 219 Lucia''s face turned cold . " What''s the point of saying all this now ? Annika dropped to her knees in front of Lucia . " I''m kneeling before you ! Please drop the charges , Lucia ! I''m truly begging you . I know I was wrong it was all my fault . Ill kowtow to you With that , Annika pressed her forehead to the ground , banging her head repeatedly . * Annika , attempted rape is prosecuted by the state . It''s not up to me whether charges are dropped . The evidence is conclusive , and the police have already referred the case to the prosecutor''s office . There''s nothing I can do . " After a pause , Lucia looked down coldly at the woman kowtowing on the ground , her voice as frigid as winter ice . " Even if I could drop the charges , I wouldn''t . I''m not a saint . You tried to destroy me and you expect me to let you off ? Dream on ! " Drugging her . Arranging for six men to rape her and film it . It was absolutely depraved ! Lucia trembled with anger . She never imagined that the woman she considered a good friend would help others harm her like this ! When Annika heard that Lucia couldn''t - and wouldn''t - drop the charges , she suddenly stopped kowtowing . She jerked her head up , her eyes shing with hatred and venom . " Can''t drop them , huh ? " Annika''s expression darkened ,pletely different from her previous pitiful demeanor . " Lucia , stop with this fake sympathy ! " Annika''s eyes gleamed with loathing . " Did you ever really consider me a good friend ? All these years , you''ve given me your leftover food , clothes you wouldn''t wear , used handbags and makeup . What did you take me for? A garbage can ? Or a dog you kept ? " Lucia''s expression froze , her brows furrowing as she stared at Annika in disbelief . " How could you think that ? I knew your family struggled financially , so I always looked out for you . I deliberately bought extra snacks to share with you , and you call them leftovers ? Those clothes - I intentionally bought them in your size and said they didn''t fit me . They were brand new ! And those bags and cosmetics were new too . I just said I didn''t like them because I didn''t want you to feel obligated . I bought them specifically for you , I just didn''t want you to feel pressured to reciprocate . " " Annika , I always considered you a dear friend . " Lucia''s eyes reflected deep pain , tears flowing uncontrobly . " I never thought my kindness would be interpreted this way . " Annikaughed coldly : " Ha ! Lucia , stop acting like the good person here . Yes , you''re the wealthy heiress , and I''m too poor to be your friend . You think you''ve been good to me ? Do you know what our ssmates used to say about me ? " " They called me your maid , your dog , the in backdrop that made you shine . Don''t tell me you never heard thosements . You knew perfectly well but pretended not to , right ? You enjoyed that feeling , didn''t you ? Having an ugly duckling like me beside you only highlighted what a beautiful swan you were . Lucia , you''re nothing but a fake , maniptive bitch ! " Lucia took two stunned steps backward , her eyes lifeless . A dull pain shot through her chest . She felt dizzy , almost losing her bnce . Thalia caught her . " Ms. Schulz , are you alright ? " Lucia''s expression remained wooden as she shook her head . " I''m fine . " Chapter 219 Leaving the police station , Lucia''s eyes were vacant , her expression numb , like puppet with cut strings . Thalia helped her into her car and told na at the wheel , " na , please tak¨¦ Ms. Schulz home . Thalia and Lucia sat in the back . Throughout the ride , Lucia remained silent , Thalia nced at her several times with concern . Perhaps noticing Thalia''s worried gaze , or perhaps needing to unburden herself , after a period of silence , Lucia finally spoke . " It wasn''t like that , " Lucia said softly , her voice fragile and broken . ( 11 ) Chapter 220 Chapter 220 " Once I overheard ssmates talking badly about Annika behind her back , and I got into a big argument with them . My kindness to her was genuine - it wasn''t just to make myself look better ¡­ " Lucia buried her face in her hands , her shoulders trembling as she cried . Thalia didn''t know how tofort her and simply patted her back gently . " Maybe I really did make a mistake , " Lucia choked out . " Annika was so sensitive and insecure . I should have considered her pride ¡­ " Thalia sighed . " You need to be more careful about who you befriend in the future ¡­ " After crying for a while , Lucia''s eyes were red when they reached her home . The car stopped . Lucia wiped her tears . " Thank you , Thalia . I can never repay you for saving my life . If you ever need anything , please don''t hesitate to ask . " Thalia replied , " I won''t be shy about it . " Thalia had just left Lucia''s ce when the receptionist at her firm told her Asher had arrived . The moment she pushed open her office door , Asher jumped to his feet and rushed over , his expression worried as he examined her carefully from head to toe . " Lia , are you okay ? I heard you got into a fightst night . Are you hurt ? " Thalia stood still , giving Asher a curious look . " Who told you that ? " Concern filled his eyes . " A friend at the police station . " Thalia''s expression was unreadable . " Then you should know it was Lucia who was drugged . Those men were targeting her , not me . I just helped save her . " " I know , " Asher said , visibly relieved to see Thalia unharmed . " I heard Lucia is fine and all the suspects have been arrested . " Thalia nodded . " I''m fine too . With na around , those men didn''t stand a chance . " " I''m d you''re okay . " Just as Asher finished speaking , his phone rang . He answered . " I''ll be right back . " After hanging up , Asher told Thalia , " Lia , I bought some health supplements for you . Remember to take them . I need to get back to the office to handle something , so I''ll head out now . " Thalia nced at the colorful , elegant gift boxes piled on her desk . She felt slightly exasperated . " I''m not injured . Why buy so many supplements ? " " You don''t need to be injured to take them , " Asher said , gently patting her head . " Lia , next time , please don''t put yourself in danger like that . " Thalia pressed her lips together , saying nothing . Asher left . Thalia remained standing there , lost in thought . The moment his broad palm had gently touched her head , her heart had skipped a beat . It had hern a long time sure they''d shared such intimacy That afternoon . Thalia received a call from Trump Ashcroft , who wanted to meet about the divorce case . Trump and Margaret''s divorce hearing was scheduled in a few days , Thalia had made thorough preparations . Trump had been discharged from the hospital . He and Margaret were now living separately , with Trump renting a small apartment . Thalia had just stepped out of her car at the apartment building when she saw a man approaching . As he came closer , Thalia recognized Drake Ashcroft . He was wearing cheap clothes and shoes worth about a hundred dors , had removed his expensive watch , and his hair was messy rather than slicked back with gel as before . His unshaven face suggested he hadn''t groomed himself for days . He lookedpletely disheveled . When Drake spotted Thalia , his eyes lit up briefly before his expression changed and his brows furrowed . na quickly stepped in front of Thalia , shielding her . Drake looked angry . " Thalia , you''re representing my parents in their divorce ? " Thalia faced him fearlessly . " Yes . " Drake frowned . " You can''t represent them . Transfer the case to someone else immediately . " Thalia scoffed . " On what grounds ? " Drake''s eyes widened in anger as he snarled , " My family is already bankrupt , and now you want my parents to divorce ? Will you only be happy when my family ispletely destroyed ? " Thalia looked at Drake coldly . " You''ve got it wrong . I''m not the one who wants your parents to divorce . Your mother wants the divorce , but your father doesn''t . I''m representing this divorce case to prevent your parents from getting divorced . " Drake was momentarily stunned . " What did you say ? " " I''ve made myself very clear . " " Are you lying to me ? " Drake looked suspicious . " My mother said you encouraged them to divorce . " Thalia''s lips curved into a mocking smile as she crossed her arms , looking at Drake with amusement . " Hah . " Thaliaughed derisively . " Your mother said this , your mother said that . Drake , how old are you ? You''re constantly quoting your mother . Are you a mama''s boy ? " Drake''s face darkened . " Stick to the facts . Why are you insulting me ? " Thalia snorted and walked past Drake toward the apartment building . " I don''t have time for this nonsense . " " Thalia , are you really trying to prevent their divorce ? " Drake called out behind her . Thalia ignored him and entered the building . Drake followed . " Thalia , please don''t let them divorce . " Chapter 220 Thalia looked at Drake as if he were an idiot . " Don''t worry . Margaret wants a divorce , and I''m determined not to give her what she wants Drake found something strange about Thalia''s response . Just then , the elevator doors opened . Thalia and na stepped in , and Drake followed . Thalia remained nomittal . " I''ll go up with you . My father lives alone now , and I The Net to check on him . " They arrived at Trump''s apartment . " What are you doing here ? " Trump looked displeased to see his Drake said , " Dad , you haven''t been home for a while . I came to see you . If you don''t want a divorce , why not go home ? " Trump replied , " Your mother is constantly unreasonable . I don''t want to argue with her . Out of sight , out of mind . " Drake protested , " Mom''s just tough on the outside but soft on the inside . You''ve been married for so many years - don''t you understand her ? " " It''s precisely because I understand her that I know she genuinely wants a divorce . She wants to abandon you and me to live an easier life . " " How can you think that ? Mom''s not that kind of person . " Drake looked indignant . " Mom told me she wants a divorce because you had a mistress . " Drake turned to Thalia . " Thalia , since you''re my father''swyer , why did you send evidence of my father''s affair to my mother ? Mom said you sent her those photos , which is why she wants a divorce . And you still im you''re not encouraging their divorce ? " Hearing this , Trump shot Thalia a sharp look . " You sent her evidence of my affair ? " Thalia let out a dismissiveugh . " Drake , use that pig brain of yours and think . If I didn''t want them to divorce , why would I send evidence that damages my client''s case to the opposing party ? " Thalia''s eyes were scornful . " Your mother had those photos investigated herself . She imed L , sent them to smear my reputation , make you hate me , and cause my client to distrust me . " Drake frowned . " You make a good point . " Thalia''s lips curved into a mocking smile . " Huh , you believe everything your mother says . If you''re so obedient to her , why didn''t you marry Sienna ? " ( 19 ) ( 1 ) Chapter 221 ---- Chapter 221 Drake''s face darkened. "Thalia, you know I''ve only ever loved you Thaliaughed. "Weren''t you the one who enjoyed sneaking around with Sienna behind my back? Didn''t your mother absolutely adore Sienna as a potential daughter-inw? So why didn''t you step up when she got pregnant with your kid?" "You knew about that?" Drake stumbled slightly, panic shing in his eyes. "Thalia, don''t be mad. Let me exin. I was wasted that night, and I thought she was you, so I..." "Shut up!" Thalia looked disgusted. "Drake, you''vepletely misunderstood. I only brought this up because I''m enjoying watching your downfall. You all treated me like garbage back then. Now karma''sing around, and everyone''s getting exactly what they deserve. I''m loving every minute of it." "That''s enough, Drake. Get out," Trump said firmly. "Ms. Winters and I have actual business to discuss." ---- "Dad..." "I said out!" After finishing her meeting with Trump, Thalia headed downstairs to find Drake still lurking around "Thalia, we need to talk," Drake approached, looking desperate. Thalia responded coldly: "We have absolutely nothing to discuss." "Thalia, I know I don''t deserve to say I love you anymore, but you... "Back off!" Thalia snapped. "Keep harassing me and things will get ugly real fast." "Thalia, just listen for one second-" Thalia shot na a look. na immediately shoved Drake away with such force that he ---- nearly fell t on his face. Drake wanted to continue, but one nce at na''s death stare made him freeze in his tracks. Thalia slipped into her car. "Where to next, boss?" na asked. "Back to the office." "Onit." Soon came the day of Trump''s divorce hearing. During the trial, Thalia was relentless and razor-sharp, leaving the intiff''swyerpletely outmatched. As expected, the judge ruled against the divorce. After the proceedings ended, outside the courthouse: Trump was beaming. "I can''t thank you enough." ---- Thalia smiled back. "Just doing my job, Mr. Ashcroft. ording to thew, after the court''s first ruling against divorce, if you stay separated for a full year and she files again, the court will grant it. My advice? Don''t remain separated from Mrs. Ashcroft." Trump nodded. "I''ll give it a few days to cool off, then move back home." "Smart. Just make sure you don''t hit that one-year mark." "Got it." "Thalia Winters, you conniving bitch!" Margaret stormed over, her face contorted with rage. "Don''t you dare walk away! This isn''t over!" Thalia turned with a frown. Margaret charged forward, hand raised to p Thalia. Thalia caught Margaret''s wrist mid-air with her left hand while simultaneously delivering a stinging p to Margaret''s face with her right. ---- CRACK! The sound echoed sharply. Margaret''s cheek instantly med red. "How dare you hit me!" Margaret shrieked. CRACK! Another p, this time with Thalia''s left hand, catching Margaret''s other cheek. "You little-" Before Margaret could finish, CRACK! CRACK! Two more psnded in rapid session. Thalia struck with both hands, delivering two sharp blows that left Margaret stunned. For a moment, Margaret was too shocked to react. "Mrs. Ashcroft, I strongly suggest you recognize when you''re outmatched," Thalia''s voice was arctic, her eyes like frozen steel. Both of Margaret''s cheeks were bright red and swelling. Trump stood watching,pletely stunned. Chapter 222 ---- He never expected this level of ferocity from Thalia. He''d assumed she was just some delicate, refined girl. By the time he snapped out of his shock, Thalia had already walked away. Margaret, still fuming, tried to chase after Thalia, but Trump grabbed her arm. "Enough! We''re standing outside a courthouse, for God''s sake!" Margaret burst into tears. "Trump Ashcroft, you heartless bastard! Your wife gets pped around and you just stand there watching? Let go of me! Don''t you dare touch me!" Trump said impatiently, "Just stop, will you? You''re making a scene. Let''s go home." "What the hell happened?" Drake emerged from the restroom, lookingpletely confused. "Mom, what happened to your face?" "That bitch Thalia Winters attacked me!" Trump shot his son a dark look. "Drake, get your mother out of ---- here. She''s embarrassing herself." Drake''s brows knitted together. "Dad, seriously, what''s going on?" "Your mother started it. She can''t me Ms. Winters for defending herself," Trump said grimly. "She tried to p Ms. Winters, missed, and got her ass handed to her instead. Can we please just go now?" "Mom, I get that you''re upset about losing, but you can''t just attack people," Drake said, looking disappointed. "Thalia''s Dad''swyer-she''s just doing what he''s paying her for. You can''t take your frustration out on her." "Oh, that''s just perfect! Now you''re taking that bitch''s side?" Margaret''s eyes were red with fury. "I''m your mother! Yet here you are, defending her! Do I even matter to you anymore?" Drake finally lost his patience. "You think I don''t respect you as my mother? That''s rich! It''s precisely because I listened to you too much that I got tangled up with Sienna and lost Thalia in the first ce." ---- "So this is my fault now?" Margaret spat. Drakeughed bitterly. "As if I''d dare me you, right?" "Enough already. The taxi''s here. Let''s go," Trump said, walking toward the street. Back at thew firm. The receptionist greeted Thalia with a smile. "Hey, Ms. Winters! Ms. Schulz has been camping out in your office." Thalia paused mid-step. "Lucia''s here?" The receptionist nodded. "Yeah, been waiting almost an hour. I told her you were in court, but she said she didn''t mind waiting." Thalia nodded and continued inside. Lucia was sprawled on the sofa, flipping idly through a legal journal. Seeing Thalia return, she tossed the magazine aside. "About time you showed up." ---- Thalia set down her bag, walked over, and settled on the sofa. "What brings you by, Ms. Schulz?" Thalia pulled out some premium tea leaves, put on water to boil, and started preparing tea. Lucia smiled. "I brought you something." She picked up a box from beside her. "To thank you for literally saving my life, I had this pink diamond ne custom-made for you. The design process took a while, which is why I''m only giving it to you now. What do you think?" Lucia opened the box to reveal the pink diamond ne. Thalia nced at it casually, then did a double-take. The pink diamond was enormous-around 25 carats-a stunning teardrop-shaped fancy pink that caught the light in dazzling ways. The ne itself was a cascade of colorless diamonds linked together, creating an extravagant piece so breathtaking it demanded attention. ---- "Ms. Schulz, this is way too expensive. I can''t possibly ept it." Thalia recognized the designer''s logo instantly. This brand''s custom pieces started in the millions. This particr masterpiece was extraordinary. The 25-carat pink diamond alone would be worth over a hundred million. The entire ne had to cost at least that much, if not more. Thalia''s family had plenty of jewelry, including many pieces worth tens or hundreds of millions, but there was a world of difference between buying something herself and epting such an expensive gift. If she wanted something thisvish, she could afford it herself. But epting something this valuable as a gift crossed a line. She couldn''t take it. Hearing this, Lucia smiled. "Just take it. You literally saved my ---- life! Think about it-my life is worth way more than some ne. You saved me, so the least I can do is give you something nice." Thalia shook her head firmly. "I really can''t ept this." Lucia pouted. "So what you''re saying is my life isn''t even worth ane to you?" ".." Thalia smiled helplessly. "You know that''s not what I meant." "Then take it." Chapter 223 ---- Chapter 222 Thalia couldn''t resist Lucia''s persistence and finally epted the gift. "Thank you, Ms. Schulz." Lucia''s lips curved into a captivating smile. "Calling me ''Ms. Schulz'' feels so formal now. We''ve literally been through life-and-death together. Just call me Lucia." Thalia couldn''t help butugh. That was sudden: When Thalia didn''t immediately use her first name, Lucia pretended to be offended with a little "hmph." "Is it because we''re love rivals that you won''t call me by my first name?" Her demeanor waspletely different from before. Especially that little "hmph" - it had a yful, almost flirtatious quality that contrasted sharply with her usual powerful ---- executive image. Thalia could see genuine sincerity in Lucia''s eyes. She tried it out, saying "Lucia" softly. Lucia''s smile deepened as she replied with a cheerful "Thalia." It was a strange feeling. Could rivals for the same man actually get along like this? It felt refreshingly novel. Thalia smiled. "Thank you for the gift. I really do love it." "I''m d you like it," Lucia replied, looking genuinely happy. "I was worried you might think it wasn''t good enough." Thalia said, "I thought you came to discuss the case." "What''s there to discuss? I''ve already told you everything before. I believe in your abilities. Just do your best." "Twill." ---- In truth, Thalia had realized since the Annika incident that Lucia was actually quite innocent and kind-hearted. Lucia had given her friendship wholeheartedly, only to be betrayed. Honestly, Thalia felt sorry for her. But out of respect for Lucia''s pride, she kept her sympathy hidden. Someone as proud as Lucia wouldn''t want to see pity in anyone''s eyes. Thalia hadn''t expected Lucia to actively seek friendship with her. "So, can we be friends?" Lucia asked with sincere earnestness. Thalia was momentarily taken aback. Lucia lowered her head dejectedly. "You don''t want to?" "No, that''s not it," Thalia reached out and took Lucia''s hand. "I''m not unwilling at all. I''m just surprised and didn''t react quickly ---- enough." "So you''re saying yes?" Lucia''s eyes lit up with delight. Thalia nodded. "That''s wonderfull" Lucia''s face broke into a radiant smile. Thalia''s mood brightened in response. "But I need to make one thing clear,'' Lucia said seriously. "Even though we''re friends now, I won''t give up on Asher. We canpete fairly." Thaliaughed at Lucia''s grave expression. "I''m not even thinking aboutpeting with you." Lucia red yfully. "Oh my! You know that saying about how those who are favored take it for granted? You''re so confident because you know he likes you." Thalia lowered her eyes, her smile fading. Her voice was soft, tinged with resignation. "It''s not that I''m taking anything for granted. Between Asher and me... we really ---- can''t go back." Looking at Thalia''s dejected expression, Lucia felt, surprisingly, a pang of regret. The feeling startled her. Had she lost her mind? Shouldn''t she be happy about this? Why would she feel regret? Lucia quickly shook her head, trying to dislodge this absurd thought. Thalia couldn''t helpughing at Lucia''s head-shaking. "What are you doing?" "I must be going crazy..." Lucia said with augh. "I actually just felt sad that you and Asher couldn''t work things out." Thalia: "..." "You really have lost your mind..." Chapter 224 ---- On thest day of May, Thalia flew to New York. She had previously met a young woman when she rented an apartment there after running away from home following a family dispute. The woman''s name was Manon Yates. She lived across the hall from Thalia, worked in sales, had a vibrant personality, and was naturally friendly and outgoing. Thalia remembered the day she''d forgotten her key and called thendy, who said she was picking up her daughter from school and asked Thalia to wait. So Thalia stood outside her door waiting. Manon, who lived across from Thalia, saw her waiting and kindly asked, "Did you forget your key?" Thalia nodded. "Yes, thendy has a spare, but she''s busy and asked me to wait half an hour." Manon offered, "Would you like to wait in my ce?" ---- They had simr work schedules and saw each other almost daily. After Manon had greeted Thalia a few times, they considered themselves acquaintances. But they were merely nodding acquaintances, not close friends. Thalia spent some time in Manon''s apartment that day. Manon washed fruit for her and chatted for a while. After that, they became friendlier, asionally meeting for meals or shopping on weekends. Manon was the first friend Thalia made in New York. Later, Manon returned to her hometown to get married and have children. Thalia hadn''t seen her since, though they asionally exchanged messages online. This trip to New York was specifically to see Manon. A few days earlier, Manon had suddenly contacted Thalia, asking if she could help with awsuit. Upon further inquiry, Thalia learned that Manon''s husband had gone into business with two childhood friends from their ---- vige, investing over $200,000-their entire life savings. Later, one of the men absconded with the funds. Though police eventually found him, the money had beenpletely spent. Manon and her husband wanted to sue this man to recover their money. The case wasn''t particrlyplex-when they decided to go into business together, the three men had signed a formal contract with fingerprints. The bank transfers were documented withplete records as evidence. But it wasn''t simple either-the man had spent all the money and was currently unemployed with no ie source. Even if the court ruled in favor of Manon''s husband, the defendant had no money, making it difficult to recover funds during the enforcement phase. Manon had been sobbing over the phone, begging Thalia to help. Manon lived in a vige outside a small county town in the New York area. With limited connections, Thalia was the only ----wyer she knew who could help. She reached out to Thalia out of desperation. Thalia had always been clear about debts of gratitude. For those who showed her kindness, she returned it tenfold. She had long remembered Manor''s simple act of kindness on the day she''d forgotten her key. So Thalia traveled with na to the vige where Manon lived. The vige was over twenty miles from downtown New York, in a remote location. Manon lived in a three-story house built in the rural style. When Thalia and na arrived, Manon''s family weed them warmly. Unfortunately, on the day Thalia nned to leave, a heavy rainstorm began. Chapter 225 ---- Chapter 223 The sky seemed to split open as torrential rain poured down. Under the eaves, water droplets formed a continuous curtain, blurring visibility. The vige had no paved roads, only muddy paths. Rain mixed with soil created slippery mud pits. Each step required tremendous effort to pull your foot free, making forward progress incredibly difficult. Manon''s husband had gone to the town market that morning and returnedpletely soaked, his shoes caked in yellow mud. He handed the fresh ground beef and pork ribs he''d bought to Manon, casually ced his umbre under the eaves, and went to change his shoes by the wall. Manon took the groceries to the kitchen, then came back to Thalia. "You should stay a few more days. It''s too dangerous to travel in this weather, and the roads are terrible." ---- Thalia stood under the eaves, frowning as she stared into the endless rain. "I just got a text saying my flight''s been canceled due to the weather." Manon exined, "It''s the rainy season. Every year around this time, we get several days of heavy rain." Thalia gazed at the downpour with concern. Manon reassured her, "Don''t worry. Though our home is modest, we''ll make sure you''refortable. Wait here-T''ll cook those ribs and make some spicy beef chili for you." Thalia smiled gently. "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble." "It''s no trouble at all," Manon said with augh. "I was worried we couldn''t properly host you." The rain grew heavier, showing no signs of stopping. Soon, the weather service issued a red alert for the severe rainstorm. The downpour continued for three days and nights. On the third night, with lightning and thunder raging through howling winds and rain, Thalia woke to the sound of thunder ---- and heardmotion downstairs. Thalia and na were staying in a guest room on the second floor. The first floor contained the living room, kitchen, and storage. Thalia put on a jacket and left the room. At the top of the stairs, she heard Manon and her husband''s voices from below. "Hurry, water''sing in! Stack those things higher!" "Did you shut off the main power? We can''t risk electrocution." "Yes, I did. Help me clear everything off the kitchen floor and put it on the tables before it gets ruined." Thalia went downstairs to find the ground floor already flooded. Manon and her husband were busy moving their belongings. Seeing Thalia, Manon paused. "Thalia, why are you up?" Thalia asked, "Need any help?" "No, no, go back upstairs and rest. It''s just rainwater in the ---- house-nothing serious." Chapter 226 ---- With the main power shut off to prevent electrocution, they had to use shlights for light. Standing on the stairs, Thalia surveyed the situation by shlight. Manon was carrying a box through murky water that reached her calves. Thalia frowned. "Has this happened before?" "Five years ago during a major flood," Manon replied. "I didn''t expect it this year. I''m so sorry, Thalia, that you''re stuck here because of this." "It''s fine," Thalia said calmly. "Let me help you." Manon handed over what she was carrying. "Just take this to the second-floor living room, please." "Sure." Thalia leaned forward to take it. With a ssh, her phone slipped from her jacket pocket and fell into the water. ---- Manon gasped and quickly reached down to retrieve it. When she handed it back, Thalia tried the lock button, but got no response. She tried a long press to restart it. Still nothing. "Does it still work?" Manon asked anxiously. Thalia shook her head. Manon looked distressed. "What are we going to do? There''s flooding everywhere-roads are underwater, deliveries have stopped, and trains and flights are canceled. We can''t get out, and no one can get in. You can''t get a new phone for days. You''ll bepletely cut off." Thalia frowned. "I can borrow my friend''s phone to call my family and let them know I''m safe." Manon sighed with relief. "That''s good. I''m really sorry, Thalia. I never expected a flood, and now you''re trapped here." "It''s not your fault. The rescue team should arrive tomorrow." ---- Early the next morning, as soon as na woke up, Thalia asked to borrow her phone. na picked up her phone but saw it had only 1% battery left. "How is this possible? I plugged it in before bed," na frowned. "Quickly, while it still works. I need to call home," Thalia said urgently. "Here." na handed over the phone. Thalia found Randolph in the contacts and dialed. Fortunately, he answered. Thalia got straight to the point: "Dad, it''s Thalia. My phone fell in water and doesn''t work. I''m borrowing na''s to let you know I''m safe. Don''t worry about me." ''Thalia, are you-" Randolph''s voice suddenly cut off. Thalia looked at the phone-the screen had gone ck. ---- The battery had died. "What happened? Didn''t it charge?" na asked, confused. Thalia exined, "No, the flood water got into the house, and Manon shut off the main powerst night because of electrocution concerns." na said, "That''s simple enough. We just turn the power back on and charge it. Thalia frowned deeply and walked to the window to look outside. Water was everywhere. Trees had been blown down by the wind. It looked serious. She wondered if power lines had been damaged. Her concern proved justified. Manon knocked and entered to tell them that power lines throughout the vige were damaged, and the entire vige had lost electricity. ---- "Fortunately, we normally cook with a propane stove. I brought some supplies upstairsst night, so at least we''ll have warm food." That morning, Manon prepared a cup of instant mac and cheese for Thalia. After eating, Thalia asked with concern, "No sign of the rescue team yet?" Manon shook her head with a sigh. "There are several viges ahead of us. We''re so remote that the rescue team probably won''t reach us until tomorrow." Chapter 227 ---- Chapter 224 Thalia didn''t make a habit of memorizing phone numbers. All her family and friends'' contact information was stored in her phone--she''d simply look in her contacts whenever she needed to call someone. She never expected to find herself in this situation. Now her phone was ruined, na''s was dead, and she couldn''t remember any numbers. Even if she could borrow Manon''s phone, she wouldn''t know what numbers to dial. Manon felt terrible. "If I''d known there would be flooding, I never would have asked you toe. My husband and I should have just gone to London to find you." Thalia shook her head. "Don''t say that. If you and your husband hade to the city, what about your son?" Manon''s son was only two years old and needed constant supervision. Her inws had passed away, and her only living rtive was her frail mother, who couldn''t possibly help with childcare. ---- It was precisely because of her son that Manon had asked Thalia to make this trip. "Don''t me yourself," Thalia said. "This isn''t your fault. Natural disasters aren''t something you can predict. The rescue team should be here soon. Being out of contact for a day isn''t serious-I already called my father to let him know I''m safe." When Thalia had arrived, it had been a beautiful sunny day. The weather forecast had predicted three more days of sunshine. Yet somehow, on the day Thalia was supposed to leave, the torrential rain had begun. No one had anticipated that the downpour wouldst so long or cause flooding. With no electricity for lights, Manon started preparing dinner at five in the afternoon. The rain had finally stopped. The water level in the house had receded somewhat. Last night around midnight, it had reached their calves. Now ---- it had dropped to just above the ankles. Manon gave Thalia her spare pair of rain boots. "Tm really sorry, we only have two pairs of women''s boots," Manon said, looking apologetically at na. na walked barefoot through the water, her face expressionless. "It''s fine." Thalia worried na might catch cold. "na, maybe you should wait upstairs. We''ll bring dinner up when it''s ready. Don''t wade through the water-you might get sick." "This is nothing. During training, I once ran five miles barefoot through ice and snow." Manon froze. "What kind of sadistic training was that?" na didn''t respond. Saying more would reveal too much. Thalia smiled, smoothing over the moment. "na participated in an extreme challenge program in the past." Manon looked impressed. "Wow, that''s incredible!" Chapter 228 ---- The awkward moment passed. In the kitchen, Thalia helped Manon wash vegetables to keep busy. "Thalia, have you been doing well these past two years?" Manon asked while chopping. Thalia carefully washed lettuce leaves one by one. "Pretty good." Manon didn''t know about Thalia''s family background and simply thought she was an ordinarywyer. "Did you adjust to working at thew firm back home? Are sries good in London?" Manon asked. "They''re fine, simr to here." "After breaking up with that guy-what was his name?-have you dated anyone else?" Before returning to her hometown, Manon had met Drake once. They''d been shopping when it suddenly started pouring. ---- Drake hade to pick Thalia up. Manon''s first impression of Drake had been positive-handsome and wealthy, a good match for a stunning beauty like Thalia. After Manon returned to her hometown, her contact with Thalia had decreased. Once, she''d casually asked when Thalia and Drake nned to get married, and Thalia had replied they''d broken up. Manon hadn''t pressed for details. Hearing Manon''s question now, Thalia''s hands paused. She lowered her eyshes. "I dated someone else. That ended too." Manon detected the unhappiness in Thalia''s voice and didn''t pursue it further. She changed the subject. "For dinner, I''m making roast chicken with stuffing and pulled pork sandwiches. For sides, we have a garden sd and colew. Sound good?" Thalia said, "Sounds great." Manon''s husband sat behind the stove, tending the fire. ---- na was entertaining Manon''s two-year-old son, Elvis. After finishing with the vegetables, Thalia turned to see na ying happily with Elvis, She raised an eyebrow, smiling. "na, I had no idea you liked children." na normally maintained such a cold expression, radiating ruthless efficiency. She didn''t seem like someone who would enjoy children''spany. na held up a Superman toy to amuse the toddler, her face still expressionless. "The little creature is quite interesting." Thalia: Manon and her husband: The scene froze. Silence. Awkward silence. After a moment, Thaliaughed nervously. "I''m so sorry-my friendcks social skills and doesn''t always say things ---- appropriately. Please don''t take offense. She meant Elvis is adorable." Chapter 229 ---- Manon''s lip twitched. "Your friend is... unique." Thalia exined, "She rarely interacts with children, so this is new for her." When dinner was ready, everyone gathered around a round table. Just then, Manon''s phone rang. She checked it and told Thalia, "It''s a number from London. Could it be for you?" Thalia replied, "I''m not sure. Answer and see." Manon answered, "Hello? Who is this?" The caller said something. Manon looked up at Thalia. "Yes, she''s here." She handed the phone to Thalia. "It''s for you. Says he''s your ---- friend." Thalia took the phone. "Hello?" Hearing her voice, the person on the other end seemed to sigh with relief. The next moment, a familiar male voice came through-deep and maic. "Lia, are you okay? I couldn''t reach you." Before Thalia could respond, Asher continued, "I''ve called you over a hundred times today. Not one went through. You didn''t reply to any messages either. I''ve been going crazy with worry." "I called Charlotte and Victoria, but they didn''t know where you were. Then I went to your firm, and they told me you''d gone to New York to see someone named Manon Yates." Asher''s voice was urgent. "I saw the news about flooding in New York and got worried. Lia, why isn''t your phone working? Did something happen?" Thalia was momentarily stunned. She pressed her lips together and said, "I''m fine. My phone just fell in water by ident." ---- After a silence, Asher replied in a muffled voice, "You couldn''t borrow someone''s phone to call me back? I''ve been worried sick." Thalia instinctively replied, "My phone only fell in the waterst night. It''s barely been a day-not even twenty-four hours. How was I supposed to know you''d try to contact me? Besides, She paused, adding somewhat sheepishly, "I don''t have your phone number memorized." Asher fell silent. Great. Just great. She couldn''t even remember his phone number. The man took a deep breath. This wasn''t the time to dwell on that. Asher''s voice was hoarse as he spoke, "Flights to New York have been dyed. I left thew firm this afternoon and took my private jet. I should arrive in New York around 1 AM." "You''reing here?" Thalia asked incredulously. ---- Asher made an affirmative sound. Thalia''s voice instinctively rose, "London is so far from here! Why are youing alone? It''s been pouring for days, and there''s flooding everywhere. What are you doinging to New York? Go back now!" Chapter 230 ---- Chapter 225 "Tm not alone," Asher''s voice was husky. "Matt and I are taking turns driving. Lia, I need to see you in person to know you''re safe." It was over 600 miles-normally a ten-hour drive without traffic. With the flooding disaster in New York, it would take even longer. Thalia''s grip tightened on the phone, her heart trembling, eyes burning with unshed tears. Though deeply touched, her words came out defensive. "Who asked you toe looking for me? It''s dangerous with all this flooding. Stop trying to be heroic, okay? If something happens to the ckwood heir, I can''t take that responsibility. I''m fine-just go back home. Don''te." Asher gave a self-deprecatingugh. "Nobody asked me toe. I wanted to. Lia, don''t worry-if anything happens, it''s my own doing, It has nothing to do with you." Thalia''s throat tightened, tears welling in her eyes. "Asher, I forbid you toe. Go back now!" ---- The vige was remote, surrounded by floodwaters, and possibly threatened by mudslides. Ashering to find her was too dangerous. She couldn''t let him put himself at risk. But Asher wasn''t listening. His voice carried a hint of choking emotion: "Lia, if something happened to you, life wouldn''t mean much to me anyway." Thalia''s heart trembled violently. Then came wave after wave of sharp pain. "Tm not afraid of danger," Asher''s voice was hoarse. "I''m only afraid of never seeing you again." After the rain, the sky was crystal clear. The setting sun emerged slowly from behind the clouds, spilling orange-red twilight across the horizon. The clouds looked as if they''d been set aze, as dazzling as a dreamlike fairnd. Thalia let out a soft breath, tears blurring her vision. ---- That night, Thalia couldn''t sleep. She thought of Asher, her heart filled with anxiety. Though the rain had stopped, the vige was remote, and the floodwaters hadn''tpletely receded. She constantly worried something might happen to him. As she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Aknock came at the door. Thalia got up to answer. Manon stood outside. "What is it?" Thalia asked. Manon handed Thalia her phone. "Thalia, that gentleman who called this afternoon just sent a text message. Take a look." Thalia''s breath caught. She looked down at the phone. [Don''t worry about me. Sleep well. See you tomorrow.] Chapter 231 ---- Thalia''s restless heart finally settled. Her tense body rxed. She pressed her lips together and returned the phone to Manon. "Thank you. Sorry to trouble you sote." "It''s no trouble," Manon said softly. "Get some rest." Thalia replied with a gentle "Mm." Back in bed, the tension and anxiety in Thalia''s heart disappeared. See you tomorrow. Three words full of anticipation. How wonderful. As drowsiness overtook her, Thalia closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Thalia was awakened by noises from downstairs. ---- She opened her eyes and suddenly remembered something, bolting upright in bed. Asher! He''d said he would reach New York around midnight. Thalia hurriedly dressed, casually ran a brush through her hair, and rushed downstairs. The water had receded, leaving patches of dampness on the cement floor. Running downstairs, she immediately spotted that familiar silhouette under the eaves. Solitary and cool. His back was to her. This man with his slight germaphobia now stood with his shoes soiled by mud and water, trouser cuffs caked with yellow mud and water stains, and small mud spatters on his clothes. She had never seen Asher look so disheveled. ---- Thalia''s nose tingled with emotion, her heart filled with indescribable feelings. Without thinking, she rushed forward and embraced him from behind. "You came." Three very soft words. The man''s body stiffened. A long-awaited embrace. Heaven knows how long he had waited for this embrace. The edge of the sky was tinged with a soft orange-red, like paint identally spilled by an artist. In the dawn, wisps of cooking smoke rose, intertwining with the morning mist like long-separated lovers, tenderly entwined. The outlines of trees gradually became clear in the faint light. Dewdrops fell silently,nding in theke of the lovers'' hearts, rippling outward. Everything was as beautiful as a dream. Chapter 232 ---- With Thalia gently embracing him from behind, time seemed to stand still. The man didn''t dare move, afraid that if he did, the dream would end. They both tacitly remained silent. It felt like a century had passed. Asher turned around. Thalia first noticed his Adam''s apple trembling slightly with nervousness. Looking up, she saw his deep, dark eyes. Those eyes gazed at her with such intensity, emotions surging within them. Thalia couldn''t withstand it and turned her face away. She muttered, "I told you not toe. Why did you stille looking for me?" Asher cupped Thalia''s face in his hands, gently turning her head to face him directly. ---- "Because I wanted to see you, so I came." His handsome features were captivating, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze. Thalia''s clear, bright eyes were misty with tears as she stared at Asher without blinking. "What is it?" He lightly tapped the tip of her nose, his eyes twinkling with ayer of amusement. "It''s only been a few days. Don''t you recognize me anymore?" Thalia''s glistening eyes were like water, her voice soft from just waking up. "It just feels so unreal, like a dream." "It''s not a dream," he said, a tender smile ying on his lips. "Ifyou don''t believe me, pinch me and see." Thalia gave a soft "mph." "Even if I pinch you, I won''t know if ithurts." Asher''s eyes were filled with mirth. "Then what should we do? I''d be heartbroken if you pinched yourself." Thaliaughed, lightly punching his chest with a hint of yfulness, "Alright, stop joking around." Asher caught her hand, saying softly, "I meant every word." ---- Thalia''s doe-like eyes were clear and pure, reflecting Asher''s wlessly handsome face. She pressed her lips together and asked, "Have you had breakfast?" "No. The conditions were worse than I expected. I reached downtown New York at . Downtown is much better than here-the water has receded, but the roads got worse the closer we came. There was standing water when we reached the county town, and about three miles from the vige, it waspletely flooded. We had to leave the car and walk the rest of the way." Thalia''s eyebrows knitted together. "You walked three miles?" Asher made an affirmative sound. A sh of barely perceptible concern crossed Thalia''s eyes. Three miles on foot, through muddy paths where you''d slip twice for every step forward, risking falls at any moment. And in such a remote rural location with rugged terrain surrounded by mountains-if it started pouring again, there could be mudslides. ---- Thalia felt a chill of fear and didn''t want to think about it further. Then something urred to her, and she asked, "Did you not sleep at allst night?" Chapter 233 ---- Chapter 226 Exhaustion showed in his eyes as he shook his head slightly. "Go upstairs and get some rest," Thalia said. "Alright," Asher replied softly. In the distance, voices rose and fell. Thalia looked over and saw the rescue team had arrived. Manon, awakened by the noise, came downstairs rubbing her eyes. "What''s that sound?" Thalia turned to her and answered, "The rescue team is here.'' Manon walked over, then stopped abruptly when she saw the man standing in front of Thalia. "Who''s this?" "He''s..." Thalia paused before saying, "The gentleman who calledst night. His surname is ckwood." "Oh, so this is the gentleman!" Manon''s voice lifted at the end, her tone curious and her eyes twinkling with gossip as she looked at Thalia. ---- Just then, Matt, who had tactfully kept his distance, approached. He looked at Thalia and greeted her, "Good morning, Ms. Winters." Thalia smiled back. "Good morning, Matt. Thank you for your efforts." She then introduced him to Manon: "This is Mr. ckwood''s friend, Matt." Manon weed them. "Mr. ckwood, Matt, please don''t stand theree inside and sit down." "Manon, they''ve been traveling all night without sleep. Could they rest upstairs for a while?" Thalia asked. "Of course! I''ll arrange it. There''s another empty room upstairs with a bed. Let me tidy it up-just give me a few minutes." "Thank you." "No need for thanks." "Ms, Winters, I bought you a new phone," Matt handed her a phone box. ---- Thalia looked up at Asher, who remained silent. Matt spoke up at the right moment: "Mr. ckwood bought this for you when we reached downtown New York." That was close-he almost called him "CEO." When Ms, Winters introduced him to her friend, she hadn''t mentioned he was the CEO''s assistant. She probably didn''t want her friend to know their real identities to avoid making her feel ufortable. Fortunately, he caught himself in time. Thalia took the phone. "Thank you." They had only reached New York at , when all the phone stores would have been closed. But for Asher ckwood, getting a phone was effortless-one call and it would be delivered, Yesterday afternoon when he called and learned her phone had been damaged by water, he still remembered to buy her a new one even though he hadn''t slept by the time he arrived in New York. Chapter 234 ---- Warmth flowed through Thalia''s heart, and her eyes grew hot. She looked at Asher. "You haven''t eaten yet. I''ll make some instant noodles for you. Eat something before you sleep." The man gazed at her tenderly. "Sounds good." Manon quickly said, "Thalia, you shouldn''t have to do that yourself, Let me handle it." Thalia looked at Manon with a smile, her almond eyes twinkling, "T''d rather do it myself." Manon immediately understood the meaning behind Thalia''s look. Her face broke into a knowing smile, with an expression that said "I totally get it." "Alright then, you cook the noodles, and I''ll handle the stove. You probably don''t know how to use a propane stove." "Perfect." Thalia prepared the instant noodles and brought them to the table. "Come eat." Matt discreetly nced at Asher. ---- Noodles prepared by the CEO''s wife-was he allowed to eat them? Would the CEO fire him if he ate from this bowl? Matt''s internal thoughts: I''m touched, but I don''t dare touch it. Asher cast a subtle nce at him, seemingly guessing his thoughts. "Go ahead and eat." With Asher''s permission, Matt finally dared to sit down. He picked up his chopsticks and smiled at Thalia. "Thank you, Ms. Winters." Asher sat down but handed his chopsticks to Thalia. "Lia, you haven''t had breakfast either, have you? You eat first." Manon stood nearby, wearing a doting smile. Thalia shook her head. "I''m not hungry yet. You eat first. Ill eatter." Across the table, Matt was enjoying his meal, slurping the noodles with appreciation. "This is delicious!" Asher looked at Thalia again. Thalia smiled helplessly. "I just woke up and don''t have an appetite yet. Please eat." ---- Only then did Asher begin to eat. It had been a long time since he''d eaten noodles made by Thalia. He had missed this. It tasted just the same. Asher and Matt had brought luggage and backpacks. They had driven as far as the county town, where the paved road tured into muddy paths unsuitable for driving. Matt had selected a few changes of clothes to put in his backpack and carried them the rest of the way. After the meal, they showered and changed into clean clothes before going to sleep. The rescue team distributed relief supplies to the vige residents and cleared the roads blocked by mud, rocks, and debris. The vige''s power lines were also repaired. Chapter 235 ---- By the time Asher woke up, it was already four in the ---- afternoon. The weather was beautiful and sunny. Asher looked down from the second-floor window and saw Thalia in the courtyard, eyes half-closed, contentedly basking in the sun. The man''s lips unconsciously curved into a smile. For some reason, seeing Thalia sunbathing reminded him of a small turtle poking its head out to soak up the sun ona rock. It was quite adorable. After returning from New York, Thalia and Asher''s rtionship underwent a subtle change. Mainly, Thalia''s attitude toward Asher had shifted. She was no longer cold and asionally sarcastic as before. Though they hadn''t officially reconciled, there was now an unmistakable hint of intimacy between them. Even Lucia noticed there was something between them. ---- That afternoon, Lucia came to Thalia''sw firm. In the office, Charlotte was preparing tea for herself whilementing acidly, "Come clean. What happened between you and Asher? You used to be so cold to him, and now you two are making eyes at each other?" Thaliaughed, giving her an exasperated look. "What ''making eyes"? Stop spreading rumors." "Hmph, I''ve seen it several times now," Lucia muttered. "You used to look at him with ice in your eyes. Now it''s different-your eyes sparkle like stars. Are you two rekindling your old me?" Thaliapletely dodged the question: "Il take that as apliment about my pretty eyes." "Don''t change the subject. Tell me honestly, did something happen between you two?" As she spoke, Lucia suddenly covered her mouth, eyes widening. "You two, you didn''t... did you?" "..." Thalia was speechless. "Miss Schulz, did you forget we''re supposed to be rivals? Is this how you interrogate yourpetition? ''Did something happen?'' What exactly are you implying? What kind of thoughts are running through your ---- head?" "Thinking about Asher, of course. What else?" Lucia mumbled. "Are you treating me as a rival or a friend?" Thalia looked at Lucia with amusement. "You''re questioning me like a detective interviewing a suspect, but it sounds more like something a best friend would do." "What''s that term?" Lucia tilted her head. "Frenemies, that''s it. We''re frenemies-rivals plus friends." Thalia couldn''t helpughing. "Miss Schulz, that''s not exactly what ''frenemies'' means." Rivals plus friends-who had ever heard of such a thing? "Tdon''t care," Lucia huffed. "I want to be with Asher and be his number one, but I also want to be good friends with you, my number two." Thalia joked back: "Miss Schulz, you can''t have your cake and eat it too. How can you want both?" Lucia cocked her head,pletely unapologetic. "You already said I''ma princess. What''s wrong with being a little demanding?" Chapter 236 ---- Chapter 227 Just as they were enjoying their yful banter, Rupert knocked and entered. "Thalia, are you free tonight?" he asked, looking at her. Thalia nced up. "What''s up? Did you need something?" Rupert smiled. "Lena hasn''t seen you in ages. She misses you and asked me to see if you''re avable for dinner tonight?" Thalia hesitated. She could sense that Rupert was interested in her. Previously, he had brought Lena to her home to help Lucy with her treatment. Lucy was better now, and Thalia had done everything appropriate-treating them to meals, sending gifts, the whole nine yards. She couldn''t help feeling that Rupert was using Lena as an excuse to date her. ---- That might sound conceited, but looking back at the past few weeks, Rupert had indeed been meeting her outside of work hours many times under the pretext of Lena. Sometimes at her home, sometimes elsewhere. If this continued, they''d cross the boundary of ordinary friendship. For some reason, at that moment, Thalia''s mind shed to that cool, solitary figure standing under the eaves in the early morning and that warm,forting embrace. Thalia lowered her eyes. "I have ns tonight. Please tell Lena I''msorry." Rupert looked slightly stunned, as if he hadn''t expected her to refuse. He gazed at her quietly for a moment before saying softly, "Alright." After Rupert left, Lucia gave Thalia a knowing look. "Did you turn him down because of Asher?" Thalia kept her head down, focusing on her work, neither confirming nor denying. ---- Seeing her tacit agreement, Lucia felt a twinge in her heart, and her smile faded. she sighed, feeling a lump in her throat. Asher was the man she had loved for seven years. Thalia was the woman who had saved her life. How could she choose? Give up on Asher? Impossible. Betray the woman who saved her and ruthlessly fight for her man? Lucia wasn''t the type of person to forget kindness and act ungratefully. There was no solution. Lucia shook her head helplessly. "I should head back now." Thalia looked up at her with a meaningful gaze. "Take care." Chapter 237 ---- That evening, Thalia was FaceTiming with her friends Victoria and Charlotte. ---- Victoria, usually bubbly and talkative, was unusually quiet tonight. "Victoria, what''s wrong? You''re so quiet tonight," Thalia asked. Charlotte had also noticed Victoria''s unusual behavior. "Yeah, is something bothering you?" Victoria pursed her lips and sighed. "Why all the sighing? What happened?" Thalia asked. Victoria''s face drooped as she said glumly, "You know Irene Hildago, right?" Charlotte nodded. "The younger Hildago daughter? I ran into her at the mall a few days ago. What about her?" Victoria dropped a bombshell: "She has a thing for Sebastian." "What?" Thalia and Charlotte eximed in unison. [just found out yesterday," Victoria said dejectedly. "She suddenly came to me asking if Sebastian was home and what he''d been up totely. After some questioning, I discovered she''s been secretly in love with him for over a year." ---- Charlotte frowned. "That''s surprising. Irene doesn''t seem like the type to pine away in secret. Hasn''t she had several boyfriends already?" Victoria replied, "ording to her, she only dated those guys to make Sebastian jealous." Thalia and Charlotte exchanged nces through the screen. Why did it sound like Sebastian had feelings for Irene? What made her think dating other men would make Sebastian jealous? Victoria must be feeling terrible hearing this. Sure enough, Victoria continued, "I confronted Sebastian, asking if he had feelings for Irene. He denied it, but I was still furious. We had a huge fight." "Irene''s trying to use me to get closer to Sebastian. She even gave me a Louis Vuitton bag to bribe me," Victoria scoffed. "As if I can''t afford my own bags. I couldn''t care less about her stupid bribe." Charlotte tried tofort her. "Sebastian probably has no interest in Irene. If he did, they''d be together by now. I think Sebastian is serious about you. You two should talk things ---- through-don''t let an outsidere between you." Thalia agreed. "I second what Charlotte said. You know how Sebastian treats you, right? You can feel it every day." Victoria snorted, "Men are all talk. Anyone can spout sweet words. As for treating me well, how do I know if it''s genuine or just an act? Look at James-he treats that college girl he''s dating really well too, but he admitted he''s just ying around." Charlotte pressed her lips together. Her brother was indeed a bit of a jerk. He''d been dating that college girl for over six months but never introduced her to any of them-a clear sign he had no intention of integrating her into his social circle. In other words, he wasn''t serious about her. After Victoria''sment, Charlotte didn''t know what to say. Thalia stepped in with advice: "Sebastian is different from James, and you''re different from James''s girlfriend. Sebastian has only ever dated you, right? At least as far as I know, Sebastian isn''t the type to y around. Besides, you''re part of our social circle-you''re not just some ordinary college student without a family background. How can you even ----pare the situations?" Chapter 238 ---- "Sigh," Victoria said. "Sebastian and I had a fight because I felt he wasn''t being honest with me, and he felt I didn''t trust him. We argued terribly, and now we''re not speaking-it''s been almost twenty-four hours of silence." Charlotte suggested, "Why not find an opportunity to talk things through with him?" Victoria mumbled, "I can''t bring myself to approach him first." Charlotte brightened. "That new amusement park our family invested in officially opened a few days ago. Why don''t we all go this weekend? I''ll invite Sebastian too, so it won''t seem like you reached out first." After considering for a moment, Victoria nodded. "Thalia, you should join us too," Charlotte said. "You''ve been working so hardtely-you deserve some fun." Thalia smiled. "Sure." Weekend at the amusement park. ---- Thalia arrived at the entrance and slowed her pace when she spotted a familiar figure. Why was Asher here too? He was wearing a light gray casual outfit-short-sleeved shirt with pants. Standing at about 6''3" with his striking features and slightly tousled hair, he naturally attracted nces from passersby. Thalia noticed people taking photos of him with their phones. She walked over, giving Charlotte a silent, questioning look. Charlotte smiled brightly. "Asher happened to be free, so I invited him along." Thalia asked Asher with a half-smile, "I didn''t realize you enjoyed amusement park rides." "I don''t," the man replied, his eyes twinkling. "I came because I heard you would be here." Chapter 239 ---- Chapter 228 Sebastian arrived alone. He had only been there a few minutes when Victoria showed up. When Sebastian saw Victoria, his eyes darkened. He wanted to say something, but Victoriapletely ignored him, turning to Charlotte instead. "Charlotte, isn''t your brothering today?" "My brother said he''ll be here soon." Just then, Victoria spotted a couple in the distance. "Charlotte, doesn''t that guy over there look like your brother?" Victoria nudged Charlotte, pointing. Charlotte looked over. "That is my brother." "Why is there a girl with him?" Victoria asked, shocked. "That''s not his college girlfriend, is it?" Thalia, Charlotte, and Victoria exchanged nces. ---- A momentter, James approached with the girl. Sebastian smiled. "James, aren''t you going to introduce us? Who''s this?" James smiled. "My girlfriend, N Potts." N was beautiful-long straight ck hair, big eyes, fair skin. She wasn''t particrly tall, about 5''3", slender, wearing a light blue dress. She looked like the epitome of a sweet, innocent good girl. "Hello," she said in a soft, sweet voice tinged with nervousness. The perfect girl-next-door type. Everyone greeted N warmly. None of them had expected James''s girlfriend to be this type of sweet girl. His previous girlfriends-whether actresses or models-had all been sexy, morous, sophisticated women. This was definitely a change in taste. "Everyone''s here now, so let''s head in," Charlotte said. ---- ''They used the VIP entrance, bypassing the ticket lines. Victoria walked in front, still apparently angry with Sebastian, deliberately walking quickly to maintain distance. Thalia and Asher walked side by side behind Victoria. Sebastian followed closely, quickening his pace to try to catch up with Victoria. Charlotte walked behind Sebastian. James and N brought up the rear, holding hands. "Don''t be nervous. They''re all easy to get along with," James said with incredible gentleness. N gave a soft "Mm." Charlotte, walking ahead, was stunned. Was this really her brother? Since when had he be so gentle? Chapter 240 ---- None of James''s previous girlfriends hadsted more than three months. Once the novelty wore off, he''d grow cold and ---- distant. When one got pregnant and came to him, he''d coldly dismissed her with a check. Charlotte remembered when her brother dated a B-list actress two years ago. The woman was stunning, yet James hadn''t shown her any particr tenderness-he maintained his usual cool demeanor. But now, with this college student... They''d been dating for over six months, right? Charlotte recalled how her brother had been so dismissivest year, saying he was just having fun and had no intention of marrying. Yet here he was, not only still with her but actually introducing her to them? Could her brother be serious this time? Wow, he must have found true love. Victoria, who loved thrill rides, tried to get Charlotte and Thalia to join her on the roller coaster. Charlotte politely declined with a smile. "You guys go ahead. I really don''t dare. I can handle the jungle train, but roller coasters would make me faint." ---- "Tl go with you," Thalia smiled. "I enjoy thrills too." "Tl join," Asher stepped forward. "Wait for me, I''ming too," Sebastian called out. Victoria''s lips curved almost imperceptibly. Sebastian was a scaredy-cat. He had always sworn he would never go on these thrilling rides. Victoria took a seat in the front row-the most exciting spot. Thalia went to the second row, leaving the spot beside Victoria for Sebastian. Asher sat next to Thalia. "Lia, nervous?" "A little." Asher''s warm hand covered hers. "Don''t be afraid, I''m with you." Thalia''s heart fluttered. She didn''t pull her hand away. ---- The roller coaster had barely started moving when Sebastian began screaming. Victoria,pletely calm beside him, turned and rolled her eyes. "If you''re so scared, why did youe? Aren''t you just torturing yourself?" Sebastian replied, "It''s only because you like it, otherwise I wouldn''t-AHHH!" Before he could finish, the roller coaster elerated, and Sebastian screamed in terror. Victoria also shouted loudly. The difference was that Sebastian screamed in terror while she yelled with excitement. Asher remained perfectlyposed, gripping Thalia''s hand tightly. Though this was his first time on a roller coaster, he wasn''t afraid. Thalia''s screams were right in his ear, mixing with the rushing wind. Asher strengthened his grip, silently apanying her. Chapter 241 ---- After the roller coaster, Sebastian leaned over a trash can, violently sick. Victoria patted his back and offered him water. "How are you this pathetic? Both terrible at this and yet still wanting to try?" Sebastian''s face had gonepletely white with fear. Charlotte stood to the side, hiding her smile. Weren''t they essentially back together now? Her n had worked perfectly. Asher unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to Thalia. "Lia, have some water." "Thanks," Thalia took it and drank a few sips. "Still dizzy?" Asher asked. "Not too bad, not extremely dizzy." Asher suggested, "Let''s rest a bit before trying other rides." "Okay." ---- While they were on the roller coaster, James had taken his girlfriend on the carousel and taken several photos of her. "Baby, you look so cute," James said, scrolling through the photos on his phone and smiling at N. Hearing this, Charlotte and Thalia exchanged knowing nces. How remarkable. James actually using a cheesy endearment like "baby." Asher didn''t seem surprised at all, his expression unchanged as if this was perfectly normal. After the roller coaster, Victoria enthusiastically wanted to try the haunted house maze. Sebastian''s face was still deathly pale, and it drained even further when he heard Victoria mention the haunted house. Nevertheless, he gritted his teeth and followed along. Thalia and Asher joined them, while Charlotte, still too scared, found a coffee shop to rest in. ---- This time, James and N went with them too. As soon as they entered the haunted house. Sebastian grabbed Victoria''s hand. "Victoria, I''m scared." Victoria: Sebastian moved closer to Victoria. "Don''t walk so fast. What if a ghost grabs me?" Victoria replied impatiently, "They''re all people in costumes. What are you afraid of?" Chapter 242 ---- Chapter 229 The maze was dimly lit, with eerie red lighting and haunting music creating a spine-chilling atmosphere. Thalia and Asher walked together. At first, Thalia was only slightly afraid, not as dramatically terrified as Sebastian. As they continued walking, suddenly, without warning, a "female ghost" dropped down from above. She wore a red wedding dress with disheveled hair, her pale face streaked with bloody tears. The ghost hung suspended in the air, making direct eye contact with Thalia. "AHHH!" A scream erupted as Thalia instinctively spun around and threw herself into Asher''s arms. Asher swatted the ghost away with one hand while embracing Thalia, gently reassuring her: "It''s okay, Lia. It''s not real-just a prop." It wasn''t even a person in costume. ---- Thalia trembled in Asher''s embrace. He held her, patting her back softly,forting her as one would a child: "Don''t be scared, don''t be scared. Everything''s fine." After a while, Thalia finally calmed down. She pulled away from Asher''s embrace, saying quietly, "Um... sorry about that. I got startled. It was just a reflex..." "It''s fine," Asher replied in a deep, concerned voice. "Are you okay? If you''re scared, we can leave." "Tm okay. It was just so sudden..." Thalia''s voice grew increasingly faint. Asher could see that Thalia was frightened. He didn''t say anything more, just made a sound of acknowledgment and silently took her hand. ''The warm sensation spread through her palm, and Thalia froze momentarily. Then she rxed. ---- She didn''t pull her hand away. She allowed Asher to hold her hand as they continued deeper into the haunted house. The earlier scare had rekindled Thalia''s fear. Now she walked cautiously, looking in all directions, afraid that another ghost might suddenly appear from somewhere. Asher, noticing her apprehension, stayed alert, observing their surroundings to prevent another surprise like before. After a short distance, a hand suddenly reached out from the side, about to grab Thalia''s arm. Asher reacted quickly, pulling Thalia into his embrace. At the same time, a ghost with flowing hair in a white dress emerged nearby. Chapter 243 ---- The ghost floated around them in circles. Asher immediately recognized it was just a performer on roller skates. "Lia, don''t look," Asher said gently, cradling the back of her head and pressing it against his chest to shield her from ---- seeing the ghost. Thalia obediently buried her face in Asher''s chest. Her heart pounded relentlessly. "Excuse me, could you let us pass?" Asher politely addressed the white-robed ghost. The ghost was taken aback. In her three years working there, she had never encountered a visitor who spoke to her so politely. She didn''t know how to react. ording to protocol, she was supposed to circle guests three times while wailing, "Give me back my life, give me back my life..." She hadn''t even started her routine when this handsome man politely asked her to make way. "Tm sorry, may we get through?" Asher extended his arm to block the ghost, trying to squeeze through the small gap beside her. ---- The ghost came to her senses and conscientiously moved aside to let them pass. After walking a distance away, Asher said, "It''s okay now, Lia." Thalia said quietly, "Maybe we should leave. I don''t dare go any further. I overestimated my courage." She could handle thrilling rides like roller coasters, but haunted houses truly frightened her. "Alright," the man replied, his voice gentle and resonant. They stopped, and Asher took out his phone to make a call. Staff members quickly appeared, opening a hidden door nearby and escorting them out. Emerging from the dark haunted house into sunlight, Thalia experienced a moment of dizziness. Asher reached out to steady her. "Are you alright?" "Tm fine." They waited by the exit for about ten minutes before Victoria, Sebastian, and James''s group emerged. ---- Sebastian''s face was deathly pale. In contrast, Victoria looked exhrated. "That haunted house was amazing! So thrilling!" Sebastian, looking ill, managed to say, "As long as you''re happy." Victoria noticed Thalia standing nearby and asked with confusion, "Huh? Thalia, how did you get out so quickly?" Thalia''s face showed embarrassment. "I wasn''t feeling well, so Ileft early through the staff exit." "What''s wrong? Are you feeling ill? Is it serious?" Victoria asked with concern. "It''s nothing major, I just felt a bit dizzy..." From fear. "Oh, as long as it''s nothing serious." Victoria nced at Sebastian beside her and said to Thalia, "Look at himpletely terrified. I told him not toe if he was scared, but he wouldn''t listen." Chapter 244 ---- Sebastian was truly frightened. "I''m done. I''m never doing ---- anything ghost-rted again. This isn''t entertainment-it''s torture!" Victoriaughed. "I thought it was fun! It''s not my fault you''re such a scaredy-cat." Sebastian shook his head helplessly, saying with affection, "Mydy, can we try something gentler?" "Fine. Since you''ve apanied me on two thrilling rides, I''ll amodate you. How about that one?" Victoria pointed excitedly at the log flume ride in the distance. Sebastian looked up to see a log-shaped ride reaching its highest point before elerating downward, creating a ssh several meters high. "You call that gentle?" Sebastian frowned deeply. "How is that remotely gentle?" "Whatever." Victoria crossed her arms with a haughty expression. "This is the mildest of the rides I enjoy. If you''re too scared for even this, whye to an amusement park at all? Forget it, I''ll go by myself." With that, Victoria stormed off. ---- "[never said I wouldn''t go with you! Victoria, wait up!" Sebastian hurried after her. James and N had just exited the haunted house. N didn''t look well either, apparently quite frightened. Jamesforted her tenderly with his arm around her. The couple approached Thalia, and James asked, "Where are Sebastian and the others?" Thalia replied, "They went to the log flume ride." James nodded, turning to N. "Baby, what would you like to do next?" N pressed her lips together. "I''d like to see the beluga whales." This amusement park featured many animals for visitors to observe beyond the rides. "Care to join us?" James asked, looking at Asher. Asher declined: "You two go ahead." ---- Giving James and N some time alone, just as he and Thalia needed time alone. "Sure." James left with N. Watching them walk away, Thalia observed, "James seems different in this rtionship than his previous ones." Asher made an affirmative sound. "What would you like to do next?" "That one over there looks good." "Alright, I''l go with you." Chapter 245 ---- Chapter 230 That evening, Sebastian invited everyone to a famous private restaurant. The restaurant was located in a ssical Baroque-style estate. Cobblestone paths stretched beneath their feet. Ornate structures with elegant arches and detailed facades were strategically ced throughout the grounds. In the centery an emerald pond where pink and white water lilies floated on the surface. asionally, koi fish glided peacefully through the water, creating delicate ripples. Asmall, exquisite stone bridge arched over the pond. When they arrived, it was already dusk. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the entire estate, bathing the ssic French architecture in a soft radiance. "Sebastian certainly knows how to pick a ce. It''s beautiful here," Charlotte remarked with a smile. ---- Sebastian replied, "A friend of mine owns it. It''s not open to the general public." Victoria gave Sebastian a cold nce. "Another female friend of yours?" Sebastian quickly exined, "What female friend? His name is Timoth¨¦e Pierson. He''s a man." "He''s back in the country?" James asked. Sebastian answered, "Yes, he just returned and opened this private restaurant. French cuisine, quite excellent." The group crossed the stone bridge and walked through the garden, chatting as they went. The estate was expansive, designed in the style of a mid-18th century Baroque garden, beautifully elegant with enchanting scenery. "You''ve eaten here before? With whom?" Victoria shot hima sharp look, the jealousy in her voice unmistakable. Sebastian couldn''t help but smile. He loved seeing her jealous-it made her look so adorably petnt that it made his heart flutter. ---- "I''ve been once, just with Timoth¨¦e and me. No women present. Even the waiters were all men." This answer satisfied Victoria. "James, you know Timoth¨¦e too?" Victoria turned to James. "Howe I''ve never heard of him?" "Tknow him, but not very well," James replied. "He was Sebastian''s college ssmate, from our year. He went abroad for further studies after graduation." The group arrived at a pavilion where a meal was already prepared. "Tcalled ahead and pre-ordered. These are their signature dishes," Sebastian exined. "I figured you''d all be tired and hungry after a day of fun, so this way we could eat right away without waiting." "That''s thoughtful of you," Victoria said, pulling out a chair to sit down. Charlotte smiled, "Sebastian is so considerate." Chapter 246 ---- James pulled out a chair for his girlfriend. N sat down next to Charlotte. James sat on N''s other side. Asher and Thalia sat next to each other. Sebastian remained standing. "Wait, the food''s all here, but where''s the owner? Let me call and ask." The dishes on the table were still steaming, apparently having been served not long ago. After making the call, an unfamiliar man approached and called out, "Sebastian." "Let me introduce you-this is my college ssmate Timoth¨¦e Pierson, owner of this private restaurant," Sebastian announced. Timoth¨¦e stood about 6'' dressed casually in a simple white tshirt and straight-cut dark gray jeans. With his short, tousled hair and handsome features, he was the epitome of a charming, sunny kind of handsome. Victoria''s eyes brightened. "Well, hello handsome." ---- Immediately, Sebastian jumped in with, "Timoth¨¦e, this is my girlfriend, Victoria." Timoth¨¦eughed teasingly, "My man, are you that quick to stake your im? Are you jealous just because sheplimented me?" Sebastian shrugged. "What can I do? I''mpletely wrapped around her finger." After introducing Asher, Thalia, James, Charlotte, and N, Sebastian finally sat down. After dinner, amidughter and conversation, Victoria suggested moving to a bar for drinks. James spoke up, "N doesn''t drink, and her dormitory has a curfew. It''s gettingte-I need to take her back to campus." Victoria waved dismissively. "That''s fine, you two go ahead." "Bye, brother. Goodbye, Miss Potts," Charlotte waved to them. James suddenly said, "Why so formal with ''Miss Potts"? Charlotte, call her your sister-inw." Charlotte was stunned. ---- Not just her-everyone else was equally surprised. "Sister-inw," Charlotte obediently said. N blushed to her ears, embarrassed, "It''s okay, you can call me whatever you like." "That won''t do," James pulled her into his arms. "Let''s go, baby. I''ll take you back." N, face flushed, nodded with a soft "Mm." After they left, Victoria clicked her tongue twice, gossiping, "Charlotte, I think your brother is serious this time." Charlotte agreed, "My brother definitely treats N differently than his previous women." Victoria grabbed Thalia''s arm. "Come on, let''s go drinking at my friend''s bar and have some fun!" Charlotte said, "You all go ahead. I need to head home." Charlotte was a good girl who didn''t drink, so Victoria didn''t try to persuade her. "Alright, you head back then." "Thalia, Asher, are youing?" Victoria asked. Chapter 247 ---- 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." Chapter 248 ---- Chapter 231 Life continued in the heat wave of London''s June for another half month. Inte June, one of the cases Thalia was handling for ckwood Group was scheduled for court. Both Asher and Rupert attended the hearing. In the solemn courtroom, Thalia sat in the intiff''s counsel seat, dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit. Her expression ''was serious and focused, her clear, bright eyes seemingly able to see through to one''s soul. When facing the opposing counsel, Thalia''s gaze revealed an unquestionable determination and sharpness. When it was Thalia''s turn to speak, her voice was clear and powerful, her arguments logical and well-organized. Thalia was like a masterful chess yer, gradually leading her opponent into the trap she had set. During the courtroom debate, Thalia demonstrated ---- extraordinary adaptability. Faced with the opposingwyer''s sudden challenges and rebuttals, she maintained herposure and restraint, quickly finding weaknesses and countering with incisive words that left her opponent at a loss. Her pace varied between fast and slow, her tone rising and falling at precisely the right moments, perfectly controlling the rhythm of the hearing andpletely immersing the audience in her arguments. In this bloodless battle, Thalia emerged victorious. After the hearing, outside the courtroom. Thalia, Asher, and Rupert walked side by side toward the exit. "Mr. ckwood, the verdict should be avable in a few days," Thalia said to Asher. "Tm confident we''ll win," Asher replied coolly. When he turned to look at Thalia, the admiration and approval in his eyes were undisguised. "Lia, you performed excellently just now." Thalia blinked and smiled. "Thank you for thepliment, ---- Mr. ckwood." "Thalia, you were truly amazing," Rupert said with a smile. "You''ve shown me what an elite femalewyer looks like." "Thank you." Compared to her earlier thanks to Asher, Thalia''s response to Rupertcked the yful eye-blinking and sounded somewhat colder. Rupert noticed this, and the light in his eyes dimmed. "Thalia, shall we have lunch together?" Rupert suggested. Asher cut in coldly, "I''m sorry, Mr. Reed, but Ihave a few questions about the case that I''d like to ask Ms. Winters. I''ve already arranged to treat Ms. Winters to lunch." Rupert replied with a sardonic smile, "The hearing is already over, Mr. ckwood. You only need to wait for the verdict. What more questions could you have?" His tone was pointed. Asher wasn''t irritated and merelyughed softly. "I''m the client. If [have questions for my representingwyer, how is that any of your concern? Mr. Reed, you''re not involved in this ---- case, Aren''t you overstepping?" Chapter 249 ---- Rupert also smiled, though his smile carried a hint of mockery. "I suspect Mr. ckwood is using the case as an excuse to date Ms. Winters." "And what if 1 am?" Asher''s gaze was contemptuous. Rupert''s expression darkened. Seeing the two men about to argue, Thalia felt like her head was about to split. By now, they had reached the parking lot outside the courthouse. ''Thalia said to Rupert, "''m sorry, Mr. Reed, but Mr, ckwood is my client. Ihave no reason to refuse if he wants to ask me questions about the case." Hearing this, Asher''s lips curled into a smile, giving Rupert a challenging look. When facing Thalia, Rupert again hid his displeasure, his eyes smiling gently, "Alright then, I''ll head back first." After Rupert left, Thalia turned to Asher, pretending to be ---- angry. "Why do you two start arguing whenever you talk?" Asher smiled. "You should ask him. He was the one who started being passive-aggressive." "Fine," Thalia said helplessly. "You don''t really have questions about the case, do you?" "Lia, you''re so smart," the man''s deep eyes held a smile, his voice seductive. "I simply wanted to have a meal with you." "I knew it," Thalia walked toward her white McLaren P1. Seeing the car, a pleased smile appeared on Asher''s lips. This car was the one he had given Liast year. When they broke up, he had said many hurtful things. He knew that if he tried to give her the car directly, she would never ept it, so he had to ask Sebastian to do it for him. Lia still didn''t know the car was from him. Since na hade to Thalia''s side, Thalia took her everywhere. na was now not only Thalia''s bodyguard but also her ---- personal driver. Upon reaching the car, Asher saw na in the driver''s seat. The smile on his lips vanished. The McLaren only had two seats. With na driving and Thalia in the passenger seat, where would he sit? Thalia turned back to smile at Asher. "I''m sorry, Mr. ckwood, there''s no room in the car. T''ll be going now." As she was about to get in, Asher blocked the door with his hand. "I''ll drive. Today, I''ll be your driver and bodyguard." "Oh?" Thalia raised an eyebrow. "How much does CEO ckwood charge per day?" "Free of charge." Thalia smiled. "As they say, what''s free is actually the most expensive. I dare not ept." Asher leaned toward Thalia, closing the distance until their breaths intermingled. Their eyes met, and the man''s were full of affection. His voice ---- was maic and alluring. "Then what do you think is fair?" Chapter 250 ---- Thalia was in a good mood and joked, "Fifty cents, not a penny more." "Deal." Asher''s face was filled with amusement. He walked around to the other side of the car and tossed his Maybach keys to na. "You drive my car." na turned to look at Thalia. Only after Thalia nodded did na get out of the car. Asher sat in the driver''s seat. "What would you like to eat?" Thalia fastened her seatbelt. "Anything is fine." The white McLaren stopped in front of a top-tier restaurant called "Cloud Nine." Stepping inside, soft lighting and exquisite decorations created an elegant atmosphere, with the air filled with subtle hints of premium spices. ---- Thalia had been to this restaurant several times before. All the ingredients were flown in from abroad, and their head chef was from France. Each dish here was a feast for both the eyes and the pte. Thalia ordered two of her favorite dishes. One was bluefin tuna, paired with ck truffle and a wine reduction sauce that melted in the mouth with an excellent texture. The other was a medium-rare Angus steak with truffle foie gras sauce. The steak was tender and juicy, paired with foie gras sauce prepared using traditional French techniques. Each bite was the ultimate temptation for the taste buds. Although she had said "anything is fine," Asher''s choice of restaurant matched her preferences perfectly, being exactly what she loved. The restaurant had a romantic atmosphere, with piano music flowing gently. Chapter 251 ---- Chapter 232 Though discussing work was just Asher''s excuse to invite Thalia to lunch, there were still several other ckwood Group cases pending. At the table, Thalia brought up these cases again. Asher chuckled, "Lia, in such a romantic atmosphere, do you only want to discuss business with me?" Thalia lowered her eyes, her expression unchanged. "Mr. ckwood, weren''t you the one who said you wanted to talk about the cases?" "Fair enough," Asher raised an eyebrow. "Let''s talk then." Better than having nothing to say. When Thalia spoke about work, her gaze was calm and focused. Asher simply gazed at her quietly, deep affection in his eyes. He listened attentively, as if he had truly invited her to this meal just to discuss work. Thalia was a bit surprised and teased, "I thought Mr. ckwood wouldn''t be interested in these matters." ---- Although they were ckwood Group cases, small issues like litigation disputes weren''t typically handled by a CEO. Hearing this, the manposed himself and replied seriously, "Because this is your work, your passion. I know how much you care about it, so I listen carefully. Lia, Irespect and support your career." Thalia was momentarily stunned. She hadn''t expected such a sincere answer from Asher. His words were like a small pebble dropped into theke of her heart, creating ripples that spread outward. Thalia''s heart stirred slightly. After lunch, Thalia needed to return to herw firm, and Asher had to go back to hispany to handle some matters. After dropping Thalia off at her office building, Asher left. In early July, Thalia traveled to a small town in Inteken, Switzend for a court hearing. Thalia had originally nned to stay in Inteken for just one ---- night, finish the hearing the next afternoon, and then return. Though remote, the small town was surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Tourism was well-developed, with many hotels and guesthouses in town. During the peak travel season, hotels raised their prices significantly-rooms that normally cost a couple hundred were now over a thousand per night. Price wasn''t the issue; the problem was that rooms were hard to book during tourist season. Fortunately, Thalia had connections and had called ahead to reserve a twin-bed room at the best hotel in town. While it couldn''tpare to five-star hotels, the room was clean with eptable sanitary conditions and fairlyplete basic facilities. For this business trip, to be safe, Thalia had brought na along. Although the threat from Victor and Emily had been eliminated, this small town was remote, and Thalia was unfamiliar with the area. It would be dangerous for a woman to travel alone. Chapter 252 ---- The court hearing was scheduled for 3 PM the following day. The case was somewhatplex, and the hearing didn''t end until . As she left the courthouse, Thalia immediately spotted a man leaning against a car and talking on the phone. Asher wore a simple ck shirt paired with dark casual pants that highlighted his long legs. The setting sun had painted the sky a warm orange-red, and thest rays bathed him in a soft golden light. The surrounding scenery seemed to be merely his background. He simply stood there, bing the most eye-catching focus in this sunset tableau. The scene was so captivating that passersby couldn''t help but stop and look. As luck would have it, a woman ina strappy dress with a good figure had just approached him to strike up a conversation-the first thing Thalia saw upon arriving. She stopped a few steps away from Asher. ---- The man had his back to her and hadn''t seen her approach. The woman was well-dressed with sophisticated makeup, tall and quite pretty. "Handsome, let''s be friends," the woman smiled flirtatiously, showing her WhatsApp QR code. "Can I add you?" Asher was still on the phone and simply waved his hand at the woman. "Don''t be so uptight," the woman''s tone carried a hint of coquettishness, her voice lifting at the end as if baiting a hook. Asher took a couple of steps to the side, distancing himself from the woman, still focused on his phone call. The woman pouted and waited where she stood. Asher quickly finished his call and turned to see the woman still there. The woman smiled boldly. "Handsome, your face is absolutely perfect. I''ve never seen such an exceptional man in real life. You''re not from around here, are you? Are you here on vacation? I could show you around-free tour guide services!" ---- Asher had his back to Thalia, so she couldn''t see his expression. But because she was close enough, she heard Asher say coolly, "No need. I''m here to pick up my girlfriend." The smile vanished from the woman''s face as she said disappointedly, "Oh, you''re taken." Then, the woman''s gaze moved past Asher andnded on Thalia behind him. She gestured with her chin toward Thalia and asked, "Is that your girlfriend?" Hearing this, Asher turned around. The moment he saw Thalia, the ice in his eyes melted, his expression instantly softening, "Lia." Asher walked toward Thalia. Thalia''s face remained impassive. "What are you doing here?" "Tm not busytely and wanted to keep youpany," Asher spoke to Thalia with such gentleness that he seemed like apletely different person from the one who had just coldly dismissed the flirtatious woman. Chapter 253 ---- "I went to your office yesterday afternoon and learned you ---- were on a business trip here." Asher naturally took the stack of case files from Thalia''s arms. "This ce is a tourist paradise. July offers spectacr scenery-the perfect time for sightseeing. Since I had free time, I thought I''d apany you for a few days." Inteken was a popr tourist destination in Switzend. The small town where they were staying was nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, with a famouske nearby. Theke was beautiful year-round, attracting many tourists. With this case finished, Thalia would have some free time in the next few days-she could indeed stay a bit longer. But this wasn''t part of her original n. Thalia pondered for a moment before deciding to change her flight and spend a few more days here. Asher hade all this way to apany her; she didn''t want to disappoint him. Besides, the natural scenery was truly beautiful and soothing to the soul. She couldn''t work all the time-she needed bnce between work and leisure. After being busy for so long, she deserved ---- some rxation. Thalia looked up at Asher and said warmly, "Alright, let''s enjoy a few days here before heading back." Asmile tugged at Asher''s lips. "Great. Which hotel are you staying at? I''ll take you there." Thalia gave him the hotel name. Asher replied, "I''m staying there too. Let''s go back together." Thalia nodded. The town had only one premier hotel, so Thalia had guessed. Asher would be staying there as well. Chapter 254 ---- Chapter 233 The next day, Thalia woke up early. After breakfast at the hotel, they prepared to visit theke in the countryside. In the parking lot, Asher looked at the expressionless na. "You can go back. Nothing will happen with me here." na''s expression remained neutral. "I only take orders from my boss." Asher: He finally had a chance to enjoy a private getaway with Lia, and now someone was insisting on being a third wheel. na was certainly skilled and loyal to her boss, but she was also stubborn, inflexible, and not particrly socially perceptive. Thalia looked at na, thinking that following and protecting her every day must be monotonous and tiring, with no time off. On this trip, na deserved to rx as well. ---- Besides, in the wilderness, if something unexpected happened, having an extra person would be helpful. As for Asher, Thalia knew what he was thinking. He simply wanted to spend time alone with her, to have their private moments. That could be arranged. Once they arrived, she could ask na to keep her distance. "na,e with us," Thalia said. "Okay." They didn''t need to worry about transportation. With one phone call from Asher, a car arrived to pick them up. The SUV left town and after about twenty minutes reached theke. Normally, thekeshore would be crowded with tourists taking photos at this hour. Perhaps because Asher had arrived, someone had made ---- arrangements in advance. When they arrived, thekeside was quiet, without a single other person in sight. The car stopped. The driver remained in the vehicle. Thalia, Asher, and na got out. The sight before them was breathtaking. Thalia was awestruck. The sky was a pristine blue, clean and clear without a trace of impurity. White clouds driftedzily, like casual brushstrokes from nature, lightly adorning the vast expanse of azure. Theke mirrored the sky''s blue, sparkling with rippling light in the sunshine-glittering like diamonds scattered by angels, beautiful as a dream. The azureke was set like a jewel in the lush green meadows, peaceful and mysterious, refreshing to the soul. Chapter 255 ---- Wildflowers bloomed profusely along the shore-yellow, purple, white-nameless little blossomspeting in their splendor, their fragrance attracting butterflies dancing and ---- bees busily collecting honey, creating a scene full of vitality. Asher hade prepared. He took out his DSLR camera and captured the stunning, paradise-like scenery. After taking severalndscape photos, Asher looked up from behind his camera and said to Thalia, "Lia, go stand over there so I can take your picture." Today Thalia was wearing a light blue and white checkered dress with arge white bow at the chest, embroidered with delicate white daisies. She had only brought professional attire for her business trip, no casual clothes. This dress was one that Asher had bought for her at the town''s shopping center the previous evening. The youthful, vibrant colorsplemented the magnificent natural scenery perfectly. Thalia stood by theke, beautiful as a fairy descended to the mortal world. ---- The wind caught the hem of her dress, making it flutter like the wings of a butterfly about to take flight. Thalia struck a few poses while Asher patiently photographed her. Her fair skin, delicate features, and picturesque eyes were captivating even without makeup. Asher shot from several angles-distant and close-up, front, side, and back-taking many photos. He had experience with photography and was quite professional. Every picture he took of Thalia was stunning. After the photoshoot, Asher called na over to take some pictures of them together. It had been a long time since they had taken photos together. After exining to na how to use the camera, Asher walked over to stand beside Thalia. Thest time they had taken photos together was probably during their trip to that old historic town. Back then, they had been a couple deeply in love, posing ---- intimately for photos, unlike now. Chapter 256 ---- They hadn'' officially reconciled, so Asher didn''t make any overly intimate gestures. While taking the photos, he only turned his head to look at Thalia, his gaze tender and loving, full of deep affection. She looked at the camera, while he looked at her. After the photo session, with a subtle hint from Asher, na tactfully withdrew, giving them privacy. Asher and Thalia walked side by side through the picturesquendscape. The asional sounds of distant cattle and sheep, birds flying overhead, the fragrance of flowers carried by the breeze-everything was perfect. As they walked, the distance between them unconsciously narrowed, with a subtle and sweet atmosphere pervading the air. Suddenly, Thalia stumbled over a small stone, lurching forward. ---- Asher quickly reached out to catch her. Thalia was pulled into his embrace. The unique masculine scent and cool woody fragrance instantly enveloped her. They were very close. Asher bent his head down, their noses nearly touching, their breaths intermingling. Time seemed to freeze in that moment. Their eyes met. Thalia''s heart raced-thump, thump-the sounds around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the sound of her heartbeat, growing faster with each beat. Caught in the moment, Asher was moved, his gaze deepening. He leaned in slightly closer. Their breathing gradually became more rapid. Thalia stared at his approaching face, not moving away, but closing her eyes. ---- This was a signal. She was consenting to his kiss. Asher''s heart skipped a beat, and he felt a surge of nervousness. He held his breath as his lips gently pressed against Thalia''s. The sensation was like touching the softest cloud in the world. Everything happened naturally. When they had broken up, it was at the height of their love. That period had been painful for both of them. But they had continued to love each other. Despite everything that had happened, their feelings hadn''t changed. Asher''s hadn''t, and neither had Thalia''s. Thalia had only buried her feelings deep in her heart due to various pressures from reality. But no matter how much time passed, her love for Asher hadn''t diminished in the slightest. ---- She longed for his closeness. She couldn''t resist his closeness. Chapter 257 ---- Chapter 234 On the meadow, she and Asher kissed for a long time. They hadn''t been this intimate for so long. In their daily interactions, both had been restraining and suppressing their feelings. Days of restraint had deepened their longing and desire. Once the barriers broke, they couldn''t stop. After they parted, her lips were slightly swollen. Following that kiss, both were breathing heavily. For the rest of the day, Thalia felt dazed, as if everything were unreal. When they returned to the hotel that evening, Thalia was still ina dreamlike state. In the garden outside the hotel. They sat together on a long wooden bench. ---- Asher gently held Thalia, his voice husky: "Lia, let''s get back together, hmm?" The evening breeze carried the lingering heat of summer, with dim, scattered light from the streetmps. Asher''s dark eyes were deep, his tone cautious, mixed with nervousness and anticipation. He even held his breath. Thalia leaned against Asher''s chest and softly murmured, "Mm." Finally, his anxious heart could rest. Asher''s heartbeat, previously pounding like war drums, finally stabilized. smiling, he opened his palm to reveal a fruit candy. Thalia rested her head on Asher''s shoulder, looking down at the candy in his palm. "Why are you still carrying candy around?" Asher, in an extremely good mood, spoke with a smile in his voice, "The hotel owner''s daughter just gave it to me in the lobby. It''s for you." ---- Thalia picked up the candy and examined it. "Peach vor-my favorite." She unwrapped it and put the fruit candy in her mouth. The sweetness spread through her mouth. They leaned against each other, enjoying the evening breeze,fortable and content. Time slowed down in that moment. "Is it sweet?" Asher suddenly asked. The candy in Thalia''s mouth hadn''tpletely dissolved. She spoke slowly around it: "Mm, very sweet." The man''s voice was deep and maic, increasingly seductive in the night: "Really? Sweeter than you?" The night was so quiet that the sound of the wind was clearly audible. Thalia thought it must be the summer night breeze carrying the residual heat that made her face feel warm. Chapter 258 ---- Just as Thalia was about to change the subject, Asher asked, ---- "Shall we kiss?" "Why bring that up suddenly?" Thalia paused slightly. Asher''s tone was casual. "I want to taste how sweet that candy really is." He was so charming. It felt as if even the air had grown warmer. Thalia said softly with gentle reproach, "We just kissed earlier today, for so long." "Not enough," Asher turned his head, lifting Thalia''s chin. His dark eyes focused solely on her. "May I, Lia?" Thalia murmured a quiet "Mm." Her voice was barely audible. But Asher heard it. The corners of his lips curled into a smile, his gaze as gentle as water. The next moment, Asher''s face suddenly drew near. He tilted his head slightly to avoid bumping noses, and his warm lips ---- touched Thalia''s. Thalia''s nerves suddenly tensed. She stared at his handsome face so close to hers, forgetting to close her eyes. This time, Asher closed his eyes first. The warm, gentle sensation on Thalia''s lips was very light, like a feather brushing across them. Thalia''s breathing involuntarily became lighter. At first, Asher''s kiss was shallow and gentle. Just when Thalia thought this would be just a brief kiss... Asher''s tongue parted her lips and entered deeper. Inan instant, the simple, fleeting touch transformed into a passionate kiss. Their lips moved together in passionate intimacy. Thalia''s heartbeat immediately lost its rhythm. The peach vor of the candy spread throughout her mouth. Thalia''s heart beat faster and faster, and she gradually began ---- to feel short of breath. Chapter 259 ---- Asher held Thalia''s chin with one hand, keeping her from retreating. His slightly rough fingertips gently stroked her jawline. He kissed her with ease, while Thalia had no power to resist-nor any desire to. Time passed imperceptibly. The kiss ended. Thalia''s face was flushed beyond words. Her blood seemed to heat beneath her skin, as if about to seep through her pores. Her entire body was enveloped in a passionate warmth. Asher opened his eyes and released Thalia. Thalia''s breathing hadn''t yet steadied as her dreamy gaze met Asher''s eyes-those deep, dark orbs like whirlpools threatening to swallow her. Asher''s voice was low, with a hint of contentment: "Mm, indeed very sweet, but you''re sweeter than the candy." ---- Thalia''s face reddened even more. That night, after showering, Thaliay in bed with her emotions running high, unable to fall asleep. The scenes from the day reyed in her mind like a slideshow. Injust this short day, they had kissed twice. It was too dreamlike. Half a year had passed since their breakup. Many things had happened in these six months. She had always felt Asher''s feelings for her. But she had been restraining her own emotions. Perhaps because nobody in Inteken knew her, and there was no pressure from her father, the beautiful scenery had a magical healing power on her, allowing her to cast painful memories aside. suddenly, she no longer wanted to hold back. ---- The floodgates in her heart opened, and the long-suppressed emotions poured out like a flood, impossible to contain. The embraces, the kisses, the gentle evening breeze, the warm touch, the uncontrolled heartbeat. Everything left her endlessly reminiscing. Although she and Asher had reconciled, Thalia hadn''t figured out how to broach the subject with her father. The three members of their family-herself, Randolph, and Lucy-had all nearly lost their lives because of the ckwood family, almost dying at Victor''s hands. Randolph now strongly opposed her rtionship with Asher. Thinking of this, the joy in Thalia''s heart dissipated, reced by heaviness. For now, she couldn''t let her father know about their reconciliation. Meanwhile. Asher felt as if he were soaking in a jar of honey. The sweet taste of that candy still lingered on his lips. ---- The sweetness had prated to the depths of his heart. After showering, Asher couldn''t resist video calling Thalia. Thalia answered. She had already showered and was lying on her side in bed, wearing a white silk nightgown. "Why are you video calling?" Asher sat on the sofa in his hotel room, his hair still wet from the shower, water droplets clinging to the ends. "Imissed you, wanted to talk to you, wanted to hear your voice." Thalia smiled. "Didn''t we just see each other?" "It''s been almost an hour." Only an hour, and he had be this clingy? Their rooms were on different floors. Asher was staying in an executive suite, while Thalia and na shared a twin-bed room. Although they had reconciled and expressed their feelings, they weren''t ready to sleep together yet. ---- Thalia needed time to process; she didn''t want to rush. Asher respected her wishes and obediently returned to his own room. "Get some sleep. See you tomorrow," Thalia said softly. "Alright," Asher''s eyes were gentle. "Goodnight, Lia." "Goodnight." Over the next three days, Thalia and Asher experienced the famous natural scenery of Inteken. They climbed the snow-capped mountain together, embracing as they watched the sunset from a peak over 13,000 feet high. They rode horses, galloping freely across the vast, boundless meadows. They chased each other through the July flower fields, running and shouting with joy. They kissed passionately under the clear moonlight. ---- They held hands, dancing around a bonfire in a vige while wearing traditional ethnic costumes. These few days touring Inteken with Asher were the most carefree and joyful days Thalia had experienced in a long time. After returning to London, Thalia threw herself back into work. Asher visited herw firm more frequently. Once, when Lucia went to thew firm to see Thalia, she ran into Asher in the parking garage of the building. Chapter 260 ---- Chapter 235 Lucia called out to Asher as he walked toward the elevator. "Ash! What a coincidence. You here for Thalia too? Something about the litigation case?" Lucia and Thalia had be friends after that whole ordeal. Honestly, Lucia couldn''t thank Thalia enough for saving her life. The more time they spent together, the more Lucia admired her-that mix of sharp intelligence and genuine decency. It was one of those "where have you been all my life" friendship connections. But just because they were friends didn''t mean Lucia''s feelings for Asher had magically disappeared. Seeing him heading to Thalia''s office still stung a little. Asher stopped and turned, his expression neutral. "Not about the case. Just wanted to see her." Blunt and straight to the point. ssic Asher. Lucia''s smile froze for a split second before she recovered. ---- "Well, that makes two of us," she said with forced brightness. "Let''s head up together, shall we?" Thalia was at Lucy Jenkins''s desk reviewing case notes when she spotted them walking in together. Her eyes flickered briefly before returning to the papers in front of her. Asher and Lucia. Together. That was unexpected. Their entrance didn''t go unnoticed. The office hammed with whispers as they walked in. It was like watching a celebrity power couple-both ridiculously good-looking, walking side by side. The rumor mill would be working overtime today. Lucia approached with a bright smile. "Thalia! Ran into Ash downstairs, so we carpooled up in the elevator." Her tone had that slight defensive edge-almost like she was exining something that didn''t need exining. Thalia nced up, then back to her papers. "Hmm." Nomittal. Cool. "We didn''te together," Asher rified immediately. "Just happened to arrive at the same time." "Yeah, she mentioned that," Thalia replied, her tone t as she ---- continued reviewing documents with Lucy. Not giving either of them the satisfaction of seeming bothered. "Tl wait in your office if that''s okay?" Lucia asked. "Fine." Thalia didn''t look up. As Lucia disappeared down the hallway, Asher added, "I''ll be in the reception area." smart move. Avoiding alone time with Lucia-keeping things strictly professional. Thalia noticed, even if she pretended not to care. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Asher always got the details right. She nodded slightly. "Mmm." Once Asher was out of earshot, Lucy leaned forward, practically buzzing with curiosity. "Okay, spill it," she whispered. "Are you and Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding back together?" Thalia blinked, caught off guard. "What makes you think that?" Chapter 261 ---- Lucy tapped her temple, eyes sparkling. "Female intuition. It''s like my superpower." Intuition? Damn, she was good. "So?" Lucy pressed. "Come on, Thalia. We''re way past professional boundaries here. I''m literally the president of your fan club." Thaliaughed and yfully swatted Lucy''s head with a folder. "Seriously? Gossiping onpany time? You trying to get fired or something?" Lucy zipped her lips with an exaggerated gesture. "After hours," she mouthed silently. After finishing up with Lucy, Thalia headed back to her office to deal with Lucia. The woman had practically made herself at home there over the past few months. Thalia loved her teas-had an entire collection of premium varieties that she''d offer whenever Lucia visited. But Lucia, with her years in New York, was a hardcore coffee snob. She had standards that would make baristas weep. ---- She''d even bought her own high-end coffee machine to keep in Thalia''s office. That''s how frequently she dropped by-she''d installed appliances. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans hit Thalia as soon as she opened her door. Lucia was already at the machine, looking perfectly at home. "Want a cup?" "Tl stick with tea, thanks." Thalia shook her head. "Your loss," Lucia shrugged, settling onto the sofa with her mug. "Missing out on a life-changing experience." Thalia set down her files. "I''ll somehow manage to carry on." She filled her electric kettle, preparing her usual afternoon oolong. "So what''s up? Special reason for the visit?" "Do I need a reason to see my friend?" Lucia yfully echoed Asher''s earlier words: "Just wanted to see you, so I came." Thalia rolled her eyes. "God, that''s cringe. I''m literally getting goosebumps." "Just quoting your boyfriend," Lucia replied, a hint of ---- bitterness in herugh. "Word for word what he just said downstairs." Thalia raised an eyebrow. "You''re something else, you know that? The guy you''re into says something cheesy to another woman, and your response is to repeat it as a joke?" Lucia shrugged, staring into her coffee, "What are my options here? Threaten him at knifepoint to fall for me instead?" Thalia had noeback for that. The silence stretched as she prepared her tea. Lucia took a long sip and looked up, expression suddenly serious. "So it''s official? You two are back together?" "Yes." No point hiding it. "Called it." Lucia sighed. "I''ve been back in London for months now, and I''ve barely managed to get five sentences out of him. It''s always been me chasing, me trying." There was real hurt in her eyes. "But with you? It''s different. He''s always the one showing up at your door. Always him making the effort." ---- "Let''s change the subject," Thalia said gently. "You didn''t reallye all this way just to discuss my love life, did you?" Lucia straightened up, shifting gears. "Actually, I wanted to ask-are you free next Saturday?" "Next Saturday?" Thalia checked her calendar app. "Looks clear. Why?" ''s my birthday. I''m hosting a party on my yacht, Would love it if you coulde." Thalia thought for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I can make that work." Lucia hesitated, fidgeting with her coffee mug. "What is it?" Thalia asked, noticing her difort. Lucia took a deep breath, looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. ''Look, we''re friends now, so I''m just going to be straight with you. I''d really like Ash toe too. I know it''s a lot to ask, but... he''s never once shown up to any of my birthdays. Could you maybe bring him along?" Her voice softened. "Consider it granting a girl''s birthday wish?" Chapter 262 ---- Chapter 236 Thalia nearly choked on her tea. "Seriously, Lucia?" she said incredulously. "You''re really something else. I''m Asher''s girlfriend, and you''re asking me to bring my boyfriend to his admirer''s birthday party?" She wasn''t angry-just genuinely baffled by the audacity. Lucia raised her hand in a solemn oath. "I swear, I''m just trying to check off this one thing that''s been on my wish list for years. You can be all lovey-dovey with him right in front of me-I don''t care! I just want him to show up to one of my birthday celebrations. Just once." "Come on, Thalia, please?" Lucia pleaded, actually tugging on Thalia''s arm like a child. "I promise I''m not plotting anything. Just this one time?" Thalia frowned, considering the bizarre request. "I swear I won''t try anything with him," Lucia pressed, her expression earnest. "Consider this my way of putting a final period on my years of unrequited feelings." ---- After a long moment of silence, Thalia sighed. "Fine." Lucia''s face lit up. "Thank you! Let me take you to lunch as a thank you." Ata private dining room in an upscale Italian restaurant, Thalia, Lucia, and Asher sat around a round table. Lucia handed the menu to Thalia, letting her order first. Authentic Italian cuisine. Thalia ordered several of her favorites, including garlic prawns. She''d loved prawns since childhood. At home, the housekeeper would shell them for her, but here it was just the three of them. Once all the dishes arrived, Thalia took a prawn and put it on her te, ready to peel it herself. suddenly, chopsticks appeared and deftly lifted the prawn from her te. ---- Thalia looked up to see Asher already peeling it, his expressionpletely natural. His long, elegant fingers made even this mundane task look graceful. Thalia blinked in surprise, instinctively ncing at Lucia. Lucia sat frozen, her expression darkening. After finishing with the first prawn, Asher dipped it in sauce, holding it by the tail, and ced it back on Thalia''s te. "Thanks," Thalia said quietly as she picked it up. Before she''d even finished the first one, Asher had already peeled a second. Lucia''s smile became strained. "Ash, I had no idea you were the type to peel prawns for someone." The heir to the ckwood fortune, who''d grown up with staff catering to his every need, surely had never needed to peel his own prawns before. Chapter 263 ---- But judging by how skillfully he did it, this clearly wasn''t his first time. Asher kept his eyes down, focused on his task. "Of course you ---- spoil your girlfriend," he said matter-of-factly. "Can''t expect her to do it herself." That stung. Lucia felt a dull ache in her chest. She didn''t respond, instead busying herself with the pasta on her te. That''s what she got for running her mouth. Every word from him felt like a tiny dagger. Lucia had always seen Thalia as her rival. She''d imagined scenarios where, after Thalia and Asher reconciled, Thalia might unt her victory-showing off how easily she''d won the man Lucia had yearned for seven years without sess. She''d even prepared responses to save face if that happened. But never ina million years had she expected Asher to be the one rubbing it in her face. Compared to him, Thalia actually seemed somewhat embarrassed by the disy. ---- Soon, a small mountain of peeled prawns had umted on Thalia''s te. Seeing that it was enough, Asher methodically wiped his hands with a hot towel. "Enough for you?" "Yes," Thalia nodded, focusing on her food. Asher then took a piece of sea bass, meticulously removing all the bones before cing the meat in Thalia''s te. Thalia could feel Lucia''s cold, resentful gaze boring into her. Noticing Lucia staring, Asher remarked impassively, "Thalia loves fish, but she often gets small bones caught in her throat. Ineed to make sure all the bones are removed." Lucia: "..." Wait, who asked? I didn''t even say anything this time. Thalia awkwardly forced a smile. She genuinely hadn''t intended to unt their rtionship in front of Lucia. Chapter 264 ---- But even a blind person could see that Asher was doing it deliberately. And since Lucia was paying for the meal, would she murder Thalia afterward? Thalia''s strong moralpass made the lunch feel like sitting on pins and needles. That''s what she got for considering Lucia a friend. After lunch, Asher escorted Thalia back to her firm while Lucia left on her own. At the entrance to the building, Asher leaned down and ced a gentle kiss on Thalia''s forehead. "I won''te up with you. I have some matters to attend to at the office." Thalia asked, "Were you doing that on purpose earlier?" "Doing what?" "Showing off in front of Lucia. The prawn peeling, the fish bones, all of it." Asher replied, "It wasn''t really intentional. I would have done the same even if she wasn''t there." ---- During lunch, when Lucia had said "I had no idea you were the type to peel prawns for someone," Thalia suddenly remembered that whenever they''d gone out for seafood during their rtionship, Asher had always peeled prawns for her. And removing fish bones wasn''t a first-time urrence either. Thalia was about to say something when Asher added, "Though I did want to make it clear to her that my heart and eyes are only for you. Hopefully she''ll give up on me sooner rather thanter." Thalia thought about Lucia''s request that morning and asked, "Did you know next Saturday is Lucia''s birthday?" His expression cooled. "No, I didn''t." In truth, Lucia had invited him to her birthday celebration every year, but he''d never attended and had never bothered to remember the date. So he genuinely didn''t know. Seeing his response, Thalia wasn''t sure how to continue. Asher noticed her hesitation. ---- "What is it?" he asked. Thalia looked down at her feet. "She invited me to her birthday party." "Mm, do you want to go?" Asher asked gently. "You don''t have to if you don''t want to." "It''s not that I don''t want to go," Thalia said. "It''s just..." "Just what?" "She wants me to bring you along." Asher asked, "And what do you think about that?" Thalia paused. "I already promised her I would." "Alright, then I''ll go with you." Thalia looked up at him in surprise. "You''re not angry?" "What would I be angry about?" Asher''s eyes were full of tenderness. Thalia bit her lip, finding it hard to meet his gaze. "I knew how she feels about you, but I still agreed to bring you to her ---- birthday party. Aren''t you worried I don''t care enough about you?" "Do you care about me?" Asher countered, his voice low and maic. "Of course I do." Thalia didn''t hesitate. "Then that''s all that matters," Asher replied, his tone deep and gentle. "As long as you care about me, that''s enough. If you ''want me to go, I''ll go. If you don''t want me to go, I won''t." "Let''s go. I already promised her I''d bring you." "All right," Asher said warmly. "Let''s go and show everyone just how much in love we are." Thalia: That wasn''t exactly the point of going. Chapter 265 ---- Chapter 237 The following afternoon. Thalia received a call from her father, Randolph. The moment she saw his name on the screen, her heart skipped a beat. Randolph strongly opposed Thalia''s rtionship with Asher, and she had been keeping their reconciliation secret from him. Seeing his calle through, Thalia felt a wave of anxiety. Had her father somehow discovered she and Asher were back together and was calling to confront her? Her heart raced as she stared at the phone. In that instant, Thalia''s mind worked overtime, formting various exnations. However, when she answered, Randolph''s tone was perfectly calm. "Thalia, there''s a cocktail reception the day after tomorrow. I''d like you to attend. I want to introduce you to ---- some of thepany''s business partners-potential clients for yourw firm." Thalia exhaled in relief. He was just helping herwork. "Sure, Dad. What time? Text me the details." On the evening of the reception, Thalia wore an understated ck strapless evening gown. The design was conservative-apart from her shoulders and arms, everything was covered. Randolph introduced Thalia to several CEOs who partnered with Winters Group-all of them his contemporaries. Over drinks and conversation, she secured several major cases worth millions in legal fees. After meeting the older executives, Randolph brought Thalia to meet a man around her age. Thalia was startled when she recognized Timoth¨¦e Pierson. ---- "This is the second son of the Pierson family-Timoth¨¦e. He just returned from Switzend and serves as General Manager in their family business," Randolph exined. Timoth¨¦e wore a dark blue suit, his hair impably styled, looking every bit the business executive. He raised his champagne flute in greeting. "We meet again, Ms. Winters." "Hello," Thalia replied, her expression cooling. What was her father doing? Setting her up? Randolph smiled broadly. "You two have met before?" "Once," Timoth¨¦e answered. "At a dinner Sebastian arranged." "Excellent! You two chat-I have some matters to attend to, Randolph said, promptly making himself scarce. Thalia felt a headacheing on. She''d thought today was purely aboutworking and finding clients, but it seemed her father had an ulterior motive. Chapter 266 ---- Timoth¨¦e was Sebastian''s college friend. While he and Thalia technically moved in the same social circles, she had rarely joined Sebastian''s crowd during university. She''d spent most of her time in the library. During breaks, she hung out with Victoria and Charlotte, rarely attendingrger gatherings. So Timoth¨¦e hadn''t met Thalia before he went abroad. Their first meeting was at his garden restaurant after his return. "Ms. Winters, please don''t feel pressured," Timoth¨¦e said with asmile. "Sebastian told me about you and Asher. I won''t say anything to your father." Thalia hadn''t expected that. After a pause, she said, "Thank you." Timoth¨¦e spoke frankly. "I''m sure you''ve figured it out-your father wants us to get acquainted. To put it bluntly, this is a setup." Thalia nodded. "Yes." "My family has the same idea," Timoth¨¦e said with a rueful smile. "But don''t worry, I''m not in the business of stealing ---- someone else''s partner. I''m just going through the motions." "Perfect." "Thear you''ve opened your ownw firm. Perhaps we could exchange contact information and be friends," Timoth¨¦e suggested. "Our previous meeting was too brief to exchange details." The request was reasonable-Thalia had no grounds to refuse. Adding a contact within their social circle was perfectly normal. "Sure." After adding each other and putting their phones away, Timoth¨¦e suddenly asked, "Ms. Winters, if you don''t mind my asking-is your friend Charlotte single?" Thalia was taken aback. That was quite the conversational pivot. Why the sudden interest in Charlotte? "Yes, she is," Thalia replied. ---- Timoth¨¦e visibly rxed, a smile spreading across his face. Thalia eyed him suspiciously. "You and Charlotte. "L first saw her when I was in college," he exined. As Timoth¨¦e spoke about Charlotte, his expression softened, his voice bing gentler. "Once, I went to James''s house with Sebastian. She had just returned from school. Honestly, I was attracted to her the moment I saw her, but she was still in high school then, so I put those feelings aside." Thalia was surprised. "Love at first sight?" "You could say that," Timoth¨¦e admitted. "I didn''t confess at the time because she was too young. It wasn''t possible then. But now I''m back, and she''s single, so I''d like to pursue her." Thalia looked skeptical. "I didn''t notice you showing any interest during dinner the other night." The man smiled. "Seeing her again after so many years-I appeared calm on the outside, but inside I was nervous." "Does Charlotte know how you feel?" Thalia asked. Chapter 267 ---- "No," Timoth¨¦e replied. "I wasn''t sure if she was single, and I realized at our meeting that she doesn''t remember me. A sudden confession would be too abrupt. I want to spend time with her first and develop our rtionship gradually." Thalia lowered her gaze, lost in thought. Timoth¨¦e asked, "Is there a problem?" Thalia looked up at him. "This might be impolite to ask, but as Charlotte''s best friend, I need to look out for her. Mr. Pierson, how many rtionships have you had? And how many involved physical intimacy?" Timoth¨¦e was taken aback. The question was indeed quite personal. Starting with such a question was certainly impolite. Thalia exined, "Charlotte ispletely innocent when ites to rtionships. If you have extensive romantic experience, I don''t think you''d be a good match for her." Timoth¨¦e frowned slightly. "Rest assured, I''m not some yboy. Over the years, I''ve only had one girlfriend." ---- Hearing this, Thalia''s brows furrowed. "So you''re saying you had feelings for Charlotte but still dated someone else?" "You misunderstand, Ms. Winters." Timoth¨¦e rified, "Initially, I was attracted to Charlotte, but as I exined, she was just a child then, so I had to put my feelings aside. Later, we didn''t see each other for years, and those feelings gradually faded. Then I met my ex-girlfriend. When I was with her, I wasn''t thinking about anyone else-I was genuinelymitted." Timoth¨¦e''s expression turned serious. "Ms. Winters, I''m not the type who changes partners on a whim. I don''t take rtionships lightly." Thalia''s voice remained neutral. "I''m just asking. I can''t control Charlotte''s feelings anyway. Whether she epts you or not is entirely up to her." Chapter 268 ---- Chapter 238 The reception ended. On the drive home, Randolph asked, "Thalia, how did your conversation with Timoth¨¦e go?" Thalia deflected, "Pretty well. We exchanged contact information." Hearing this promising news, Randolph brightened. "That''s excellent. The Pierson family is a good match for ours socially. Timoth¨¦e is handsome, young, and aplished. You two should give it a chance." Thalia''s expression remained neutral, her tone t. "These things should happen naturally. You can''t force feelings." Randolph countered, "Feelings develop through spending time together. If you see more of each other, you''ll gradually develop a connection." Thalia''s face remained impassive, but her voice deepened slightly. "Dad, I''ve told you before that my career is my priority right now." ---- Randolph sensed her displeasure and sighed, dropping the subject. When they arrived home, Thalia headed upstairs with a cold expression. She passed Aunt Victoria and offered only a perfunctory greeting. Victoria smiled in response. After Thalia went upstairs, Victoria asked Randolph, "What''s wrong with Thalia? She seems upset." Randolph sat down on the living room sofa as a housekeeper brought him a cup of hot tea. He sighed, "I introduced her to the Pierson boy at the reception. On the way home, I asked a few questions about it, and she got upset." Victoria frowned as she sat beside him. "Honestly, what were you thinking? She was already unhappy when you brought this up at dinner recently. Why are you trying to set her up again?" "The Pierson boy is impressive. I approve of him, and I think ---- he''d be a good match for Thalia. I''m just looking out for her interests. The Pierson family and I go way back. I recently met with the elder Pierson, and they''re interested in the match too. Our families are social equals-Thalia wouldn''t be marrying beneath her station." "IL know you mean well," Victoria said gravely, "but if she''s not interested, you should drop it. Thalia''s career focus is a good thing. We should just support her professional endeavors. Our Thalia is so aplished-she''ll have no trouble finding a husband when she''s ready." Randolph was silent for a moment, then sighed. "You''re right. Three strikes and I''m out. I won''t bring this up with her again. It''s her life-she can make her own decisions." Two days earlier, Thalia had ordered a limited-edition handbag from a luxury brand as a birthday gift for Lucia. This particr bag normally required regr members to spend over $500,000 on other merchandise before being eligible to purchase it. But Thalia was a ck-tier VIP member, and Winters Group was a shareholder in the brand, so she could order any bag directly without meeting purchase thresholds. That day, a sales associate called to say the bag had arrived, ---- asking if Thalia wanted it delivered or preferred to pick it up herself. Thalia had already nned to meet Charlotte at that mall that morning, so she said she''d pick it up. At the mall, with Charlotte not yet arrived, Thalia went to the store to collect the bag. On her way, she passed a women''s clothing boutique and was drawn to a dress on a mannequin in the window. It was a light blue maxi dress with a halter design, made of sheer fabric-perfect for a seaside vacation. Thalia immediately fell in love with it. She decided to buy it to wear to Lucia''s yacht party on Saturday. Thalia entered the store. The sales associate immediately recognized the luxury brand couture Thalia was wearing. "Wee," the associate greeted her warmly, smiling as she approached to ask if Thalia needed any assistance. Chapter 269 ---- Thalia pointed to the blue dress. "I''d like that dress, please. Could you package it for me?" The associate''s face lit up-she loved customers who knew, exactly what they wanted. "Of course, just one moment while I wrap it for you." "You have excellent taste," the associate added. "This is our newest design and our best seller. It''s actually thest one we have in stock." Just as the associate was about to remove the dress from the mannequin, a couple entered the store. The woman wore heavy makeup and revealing clothes-a spaghetti-strap top with an ultra-short denim skirt that showcased her curvaceous figure. "Babe, I love that dress. Will you buy it for me?" the woman. cooed to the man beside her, pointing at the blue dress Thalia had selected. The man smiled. "Of course, baby. Whatever you want." Then, in amanding tone, he called to the associate: "Waitress, package that dress for me." ---- The associate''s expression momentarily darkened at being called "waitress." But being in customer service, she quickly suppressed her annoyance and smiled at the couple. "I''m sorry, sir, miss, but thisdy has already selected this dress, and it''s ourst one. Perhaps you''d like to see some other styles? We have many other beautiful new dresses." "I want that one," the woman said coldly. The man turned to look at Thalia, his eyes brightening. What a beautiful woman. And what a figure. Her face was clearly naturally gorgeous-not surgically enhanced. Completely different league from the tech-enhanced beauty beside him. Though apanied by a woman, the man didn''t overtly show his admiration for Thalia. While he might be attracted, he couldn''t lose face in front of ---- his girlfriend. A man''s pride was paramount, and he couldn''t let this woman have the dress. Looking at Thalia, he said confidently, "I''m taking that dress. You should look at something else." He pulled out his wallet and extracted a wad of cash, offering it to Thalia. "Here, take this." Thalia gave a coldugh. "I spotted this dress first, and I''m not giving it up." The man frowned, his gaze dropping to notice the bag she was. carrying. He''d been too focused on her face and figure to notice it before. Now seeing the bag and recognizing the logo, he realized that a woman who carried this brand couldn''t be bought off with a few thousand dors. The man smiled, putting away the cash. With a rakish grin, he said, "My girlfriend has her heart set on that dress. Could you please let us have it? I''m willing to pay you for it." ---- Thalia''s expression remained cold. "No." The woman beside him snorted. "Carrying a fake bag and having the nerve to show your face in public. How embarrassing." "That bag you''re carrying isn''t even sold on their official website. Do some research before buying counterfeits, save yourself the humiliation." "Fake bag?" The man looked again at Thalia''s handbag. He hadn''t examined it closely before, just nced at it, and hadn''t realized it was counterfeit. The quality looked excellent-just like the real thing. "Yeah, babe. I browse their website all the time, and they definitely don''t sell that model. Who knows where she got that knockoff. It''s hrious." The woman looked at Thalia disdainfully, mocking her: "Obviously someone who''s never owned the real thing. Did you buy that bag without even knowing the brand? Just like those people who buy ''Minmin'' without knowing it''s actually "Miumiu.'' Chapter 270 ---- Chapter 239 The bag Thalia carried today was a globally limited edition from the same brand she was nning to visit-avable exclusively to ck-tier VIP members. Of course it wasn''t disyed on the official website. This particr bag wasn''t something ordinary people would even have the opportunity to see. The woman looked at Thalia with contempt, sneering, "Stop acting so high and mighty. My boyfriend will give you three thousand dors to let me have that dress." Thalia gave a coldugh. "I already said no." She turned to the associate. "Please wrap it up for me." "Certainly, miss." The associate removed the dress from the mannequin and began packaging it. The couple''s expressions darkened considerably. Thalia swiped her card and paid. Meanwhile, the woman ---- continued her insults. "Miss Fake Bag, this dress isn''t cheap-it''s over fifty thousand dors. Why not just let me have it and find yourself a knockoff version online? A fake bag with a counterfeit dress would be a perfect match, don''t you think?" Initially, the man had been attracted to Thalia. But she''d rejected his offer, making him lose face in front of his girlfriend and the store employee. Then, believing Thalia''s bag was counterfeit, he joined his girlfriend in the mockery: "Look at you-no money but so vain. Walking around with a fake bag and fighting us for merchandise. Who do you think you are?" "Exactly," the woman chimed in. "Miss Fake, even if you buy the authentic dress, people will assume it''s fake, you know why? Because everyone knows your spending level. You think splurging on one dress will make people respect you? Ha! They''ll just gossip behind your back about how pretentious you are." The couple''sments were so offensive that even the associate couldn''t bear to listen anymore. ---- But they were still customers, and they wore designer clothes themselves. Maybe if they couldn''t get that dress, they''d buy something else? The associate didn''t want to offend them, so she just smiled catingly and gently tried to defuse the situation by suggesting they look at other items. Just then, Charlotte texted. [Thalia, I''m at the store. Weren''t we meeting to pick up the bag? Where are you?] Thalia texted back. [Buying clothes. Be there soon.] [OK, Il wait in the lounge.] Charlotte had arrived. Thalia didn''t want to waste any more time on the couple''s taunts. She took the packaged dress from the associate and headed for the exit. Seeing himself being ignored, the man became furious. ---- The Tann family was quite prominent in Suzhou. In his social circle, everyone kowtowed to Sean Tann. Used to being ttered, he couldn''t handle the slightest cold shoulder. Seeing Thalia walk away, Sean followed her. "Acting so high and mighty?" he said disdainfully. "Just tell me-how much for a night with you? suddenly, Thalia stopped walking. She turned and pped him hard across the face. She put considerable force behind the p. A bright red handprint instantly appeared on Sean''s face, and his lip began to bleed. Completely unprepared for the p, Sean was stunned. "Watch your mouth," Thalia said coldly, staring him down with each word. Scarlett Rosol, who had followed them, stopped abruptly when she saw Sean get pped, equally shocked. Once Sean recovered from his surprise, he became enraged. Chapter 271 ---- He cursed and lunged forward to hit Thalia. As he raised his fist, spewing profanities, na arrived just in time to grip his wrist. With an icy expression, na muttered "Death wish," then twisted his wrist. Acrack sounded. Sean howled in pain, his face instantly turning pale. Next, na delivered a kick. Sean fell to his knees, The floor was slippery, causing Sean to bang his head against the ground as he faced Thalia. na looked down coldly at the foolish man on the floor. She had just stepped away to use the restroom-how had someone dared to harass her boss in those few minutes? "Should I cripple him or kill him?" na asked Thalia, her eyes radiating deadly intent. ---- Thalia sighed. "Calm down, calm down, We live in a society withws. Let''s show some restraint in broad daylight and call the police first." Her p had been justified. The couple had been taunting her in the store. She''d ignored them because she was in a hurry, but they''d followed her out to cause more trouble. The man had even made remarks insulting her character. Legally, their behavior constituted harassment and provocation. Her p was warranted. When the man tried to retaliate, na''s intervention counted as legitimate self-defense. Even if the police came, Thalia was confident she wouldn''t face any consequences. The mall had security cameras everywhere, and the store associate was a witness. Thalia had no fear of involving the authorities. ---- Sean struggled to his feet, still cursing profusely. Hisnguage was particrly vile. A crowd of onlookers had gathered. na, her expression cold, called the police as Thalia instructed. The police response was quick-they arrived in about ten minutes. With the store associate''s testimony and the mall''s security footage, Sean''s harassment was proven, and he was taken into police custody for administrative detention. Although Scarlett hadn''t physically assaulted anyone, she had instigated the confrontation and verbally abused Thalia, so the police took her away as well. After resolving the incident, half an hour had passed. Thalia arrived at the store where Charlotte had been waiting in the VIP lounge, nearly wilting from boredom. Charlotte smiled. "Thalia, you finally made it. What took you so long shopping for clothes?" ---- Thalia sat down on the sofa and handed Charlotte the shopping bag, "Here, it''s this dress." Charlotte opened the bag and examined the dress. "It''s beautiful. Did you try on many before choosing this one?" Thalia shook her head. "No, I knew I wanted this one the moment I saw it." "Then why were you gone so long? Didn''t you get to the mall before me?" "Ran into some trouble. People causing problems." "What happened?" "It''s nothing, Everything''s been taken care of." Charlotte frowned. "Who was causing trouble?" Thalia shook her head. "I don''t know them. From their ent, they seemed to be from Suzhou." Charlotte asked with concern, "You weren''t hurt, were you?" "No, with na there, they didn''t stand a chance." ---- ''That''s good." Knowing Thalia''s preference for tea, the store associate had specially prepared premium ck tea. Fruit and desserts were also served. The associate brought out the bag. Thalia inspected it, and finding no issues, had it packaged and set aside. In the VIP lounge, Thalia and Charlotte continued their conversation. Chapter 272 ---- Chapter 240 Charlotte was two years younger than Thalia, now twenty-five, and had always been single-never having dated anyone. But being single didn''t mean she didn''t have feelings for someone. She had remained unattached all these years because her heart belonged to someone she couldn''t have. Thalia knew who that person was. His name was Damian Fox, the son of Charlotte''s family''s housekeeper. Damian came from a modest background, socially ipatible with Charlotte''s family standing. The Snow family would never approve of their rtionship. Even the typically quiet and obedient Charlotte had once been brave for love. During the summer after high school graduation, on her ---- eighteenth birthday, Charlotte had summoned the courage to confess her feelings to Damian. But Damian had rejected her. Only Thalia and Victoria knew about this besides Charlotte and Damian themselves. Even Charlotte''s brother James was unaware. When Thalia met Timoth¨¦e at the reception, she hadn''t mentioned that Charlotte''s heart already belonged to someone else, "Charlotte, are you still hung up on Damian?" Thalia asked. "After all these years, haven''t you considered falling for someone else?" A bitter smile tugged at Charlotte''s lips as she replied dejectedly, "He''s be my obsession. I just don''t have the energy to fall for someone new." All these years, Charlotte had remained single. Damian likewise. Both Thalia and Victoria could see that Damian had feelings ---- for Charlotte. But knowing he wasn''t good enough for her, he had consistently rejected her advances over the years. Presumably, he didn''t want Charlotte to marry beneath her station and suffer with him. Compared to Damian, Timoth¨¦e was indeed a more suitable match for Charlotte. "Do you remember Timoth¨¦e Pierson?" Thalia suddenly asked. "Of course," Charlotte replied. "Isn''t he Sebastian''s friend? We had dinner together recently." "T don''t mean that time," Thalia said, watching Charlotte''s reaction. "You actually met him before that. Do you remember?" Charlotte frowned, thinking for a few seconds before asking confusedly, "I met him before? I don''t recall." Thalia exined, "I ran into him at a reception recently. He told me he''d seen you at your home when he visited your brother. You were still in your first year of high school." ---- Charlotte''s brow furrowed, "First year of high school? I was only sixteen then. That was nine years ago-I really don''t remember." Thalia pressed, "Have you seen him recently?" Charlotte nodded slightly. "I saw him at thepany yesterday. I think he came to discuss business with my brother." "He didn''t ask for your contact information?" "No." Charlotte looked puzzled. "Why are you suddenly asking about this?" Thalia took a sip of tea, debating whether to tell Charlotte about Timoth¨¦e''s interest in her. After consideration, she decided against it. Matters of the heart were best left uninterfered with. "Nothing really. I just met him at the reception, and he mentioned having met you before. I thought it was interesting and wanted to bring it up." Charlotte epted this without suspicion and moved on to ---- other topics. Chapter 273 ---- After shopping with Charlotte, Thalia returned to her private vi. As her car approached the garden in front of the residential area, Thalia spotted a man sitting on a park bench, talking on the phone. Why was Asher here? Randolph and Aunt Victoria asionally visited her here. If they ran into him, it would cause problems. Thalia''s heart skipped a beat. "na, stop the car." Once the car stopped, Thalia pushed open the door and hurried toward the garden. Asher was so focused on his call that he didn''t notice Thalia approaching. Thalia stood before him. "What are you doing here?" Asher, sitting on the bench while on the phone, had his eyes ---- downcast and first noticed Thalia''s shoes. ck Saint Laurent high-heeled sandals, above which were a pair of slender, fair legs. Looking up, Asher''s eyes met Thalia''s. She was dressed up today. Her ck fitted dress perfectly showcased her wless figure. The red lips paired with ck created a striking contrast against her fair skin, giving her a breathtakingly beautiful appearance. Asher''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he ended his call and gently pulled her by the wrist into his embrace. Thalia smoothly settled onto Asher''sp. Asher wrapped his arms around her, his deep voice resonating above her head, "I missed you." Asmile curved Thalia''s lips. "I missed you too." "If you missed me, why didn''t you call? Why didn''t youe find me, hmm?" "Thad ns today." ---- "What ns?" "Lwent shopping with Charlotte." The man''s tone turned slightly sour. "Isee. Your best friend is more important than me." "You''re jealous of Charlotte?" Thaliaughed. His lips moved lower, brushing against Thalia''s earlobe as he whispered seductively, "I could have gone shopping with you." "No." It would be too conspicuous. The timing wasn''t right. Being seen right under her father''s nose would inevitably lead to an argument. Possibly even a forced breakup. Asher''s breath tickled Thalia''s neck. His voice deepened. "Am I that uneptable to be seen with? Hmm?" ---- His voice was too seductive. Thalia felt electricity coursing through her body. A tingling sensation spread throughout. Thalia said, "Come inside with me. Don''t stay out here." She stood to leave. Asher pulled her back. "When will you make our rtionship official?" Asher embraced her from behind, his warm lips grazing Thalia''s neck, his voice husky. Thalia softened her tone coaxingly. "Be good. Let''s talk about this at home." Those two words-"at home"-pleased Asher. "Alright," Asher released Thalia. "Let''s go home." Thalia brought Asher back to her ce. This private vi was purchased a few months ago, and it was Asher''s first visit. ---- Thalia opened the door and invited Asher in. With long strides, Asher entered and looked around, even using Thalia''s cup to pour himself water, appearing asfortable as if it were his own home. The house was bought for Thalia by Randolph after her breakup with Asher. It was decorated in the style Thalia preferred. After his tour, Asher held Thalia''s cup, looking at her expectantly. "Now that we''re home, tell me, when do you n to make our rtionship official?" "Why such a rush?" Thalia smiled. "Of course I''m in a rush," Asher''s expression turned serious. "Elliott won''t stop pursuing you, Rupert has been eyeing you forever, and now there''s this Pierson guy. How can I not be anxious?" "You know about that?" Thalia asked, surprised. "How did you find out about Timoth¨¦e?" He hadn''t attended that reception. ---- "The Pierson family and your father were trying to set you up with Timoth¨¦e. There were people I know at that reception." So that was it. Thalia exined, "My dad does want me to develop something with Timoth¨¦e, but neither of us is interested. He knows I''m with you, and he even told me he has feelings for Charlotte." Upon hearing this, Asher''s expression softened. "He''s interested in Charlotte?" Thalia nodded. "surprising, isn''t it? I didn''t see iting either-quite a shock." Asher gave a slight nod. "That eliminates him, but there are still two men circling." Thalia looked at him with amusement. "Those two aren''t threats to you. Are youcking confidence?" The man''s expression turned serious, a sh of pain and loneliness crossing his eyes. "It''s not aboutcking confidence. It''s fear of losing you. I''ve already lost you once. I don''t want to lose you a second time." ---- Thalia was touched. She walked up to him, stood on her tiptoes, and cupped his face in her hands. "Asher, my heart only has room for you. Don''t-" Asher suddenly lowered his head, pressing his lips to hers, cutting off Thalia''s unfinished words. Chapter 274 ---- Chapter 241 Asher''s palm moved downward, brushing against Thalia''s slender, pale neck. He lowered his head to look at her, their faces so close their breaths intermingled. His voice was slightly husky as he asked, "What shouldn''t I do?" "You know perfectly well," Thalia whispered. Asher gently tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. "Lwant to hear you say it." His eyes were as deep as the ocean, threatening to pull her in. Thalia bit her lip softly. "You shouldn''t worry about me falling for someone else." Asher chuckled, his typically stern features softening. He asked, "Do you worry about me falling for someone else?" ---- She had worried-especially when Lucia first returned. Thalia shook her head, contradicting her true feelings. "No." Asher''s long fingers gently pinched her cheeks, creating small dimples on either side. "I don''t like that answer. Try again." Thalia: "..." She turned her face away, but Asher turned it back. Thalia surrendered. "Fine. Yes, I''ve worried. I even get jealous. Happy now?" Asher smiled, clearly satisfied. His lips descended again. Assertive and demanding, his tongue parted her lips as they embraced passionately. Thalia felt her oxygen being stolen away as her breathing struggled to keep pace. This time, Asher''s kiss was deep and heated. ---- Both of their breaths quickened. Desire rose between them in their fierce embrace. Thalia felt her blood boiling. The longing deep within her made her body weaken. Breathless from his kisses, she pressed her forearms against his chest, trying to create some distance, but nothing could stop him. Things were spiraling out of control. Thalia couldn''t withstand it anymore. Between gasps, she called his name, wanting him to stop. "Asher..." His kisses never paused. Though he understood why she was calling him, he asked huskily, "What is it, hmm?" Caught in his kiss, Thalia couldn''t speak. suddenly, the doorbell rang. The entwined couple froze. ---- It was hard to say whether the doorbell was timely or a mood-killer. Thalia exhaled, straightening her hair. "I''l get the door." Desire still burned in Asher''s dark eyes. Thalia avoided his gaze, hurrying to the door. On the inte screen by the door, Aunt Victoria''s face appeared. "Thalia, are you home?" Thalia quickly turned to Asher, gesturing for him to hide. Asher stood motionless, watching Thalia with azy smile ying on his lips. Thalia spoke into the inte: "Aunt Victoria, just a moment." After saying this, she rushed over to Asher, urgently pushing him toward the bedroom. "It''s my aunt. Quick, hide in the bedroom," Thalia whispered rapidly as she pushed him. The scene resembled someone caught having an affair when ---- their spouse unexpectedly returned home. Asher allowed himself to be pushed, his expression yful and rxed-quite unlike Thalia''s nervous guilt. He took long strides toward the bedroom. Once in the bedroom, Thalia stood at the doorway, one hand on the doorknob, the door half-open. She poked her head in, speaking quickly: "Sorry about this, but please hide for now, and don''t make a sound." Chapter 275 ---- Asher said nothing, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Thalia. He looked genuinely pitiful. Thalia looked away and firmly closed the door. At the entrance, she took two deep breaths,posing herself before opening the door for Aunt Victoria. Victoria stood outside holding an insted food container, smiling warmly, the picture of domesticity. "Thalia, I called you earlier but you didn''t answer. Have you eaten? I made you that chicken and leek soup you love, and those breaded prawns you enjoy." Thalia stepped aside to let Victoria enter. "I haven''t eaten yet. I ---- was busy and had my phone on silent, so I didn''t notice your call." That wasn''t exactly a lie-she had indeed been busy. Victoria entered and ced the food container on the dining table. She opened it and arranged the food. "No matter how busy you are, you must remember to eat." Thalia made a sound of agreement. "Thank you for going to all this trouble, Aunt Victoria." "It''s no trouble at all. I had nothing to do today, so I thought I''de check on you." She set out the food and handed Thalia cutlery. "Eat while it''s hot." "Alright." Thalia pulled out a chair and sat at the table. She sipped the soup in small mouthfuls. "Why is your face so flushed?" Victoria suddenly asked. Thalia, in the middle of drinking her soup, choked slightly. ---- "Slow down," Victoria said gently. She walked to Thalia''s side and ced her hand on Thalia''s forehead to check her temperature. "You feel warm. Are youing down with something? Should I take you to see a doctor?" "." Thalia''s expression was awkward as she said quietly, "I''m not sick." Victoria looked perplexed. "Then why is your face so red and hot? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Hearing this, Thalia instinctively touched her cheek. It did feel warm. Was it really that red and obvious? Thalia thought to herself: This is all Asher''s fault, kissing me like that. T''m really fine," Thalia said, lowering her head to continue with her soup. Victoria looked concerned. "Do you have a thermometer? I should check your temperature. You live here all alone with ---- no one to look after you. What if something happened to you? Ishould find a housekeeper for you." "That''s not necessary, Aunt Victoria. na lives with me." Victoria remained unconvinced. "na may be excellent at protecting you-your father and I are both relieved to have her watching over you-but she''s not skilled with household matters. You really should have a proper housekeeper." Thalia replied, "I have a cook whoes to prepare meals. She''s out shopping for groceries right now but will be back soon." Thalia wasn''t lying. Unless she had other ns and wouldn''t be eating at home, Mary came to cook every day. It was only eleven in the morning-a normal time for buying groceries. As they spoke, the door opened. Mary returned with groceries, looking slightly surprised to see Victoria. ---- Thalia introduced them: "This is my aunt." Mary quickly greeted her: "Good afternoon, ma''am." Victoria responded politely: "Hello." Chapter 276 ---- Chapter 242 In the bedroom, Asher leisurely explored Thalia''s personal space. Her bedroom was simply yet warmly decorated. The bedsheets and covers were a soft, pale blue with low saturation. The room included a walk-in closet. Asubtle, delicate fragrance lingered in the air-the same scent as Thalia''s usual perfume, reminiscent of some flower, light and gentle. Asher wandered around Thalia''s room, examining everything with interest. Awhite tablecloth covered her desk, immactely clean, with a vase of fresh blue hydrangeas in full bloom. Next to the vase sat a light blue ceramic dog figurine. Asher remembered that Thalia and her mother had hand-painted it together at a pottery shop. ---- The figurine had once been broken, and he had founda restoration expert to repair it. Asher carefully picked up the ceramic dog, examining it from all angles. The porcin piece had been beautifully restored, identical to its original state. After inspection, he gently ced it back where it belonged. Several photo frames sat on the wooden cab nearby, all containing pictures of Thalia with her mother. One showed five or six-year-old Thalia wearing an adorable pink princess dress, her hair tied with a ribbon, sitting on her mother''sp. She smiled sweetly at the camera, her clear, bright eyes shining like jewels, with two adorable dimples on her cheeks. Another captured Thalia''s eighth birthday, wearing a delicate diamond tiara, eyes closed as she made a wish over her cake. Her mother, Sophie, sat beside her, smiling fondly. Yet another showed ten-year-old Thalia after winning a pianopetition, nked by both parents. Her mother smiled gracefully while Thalia held her trophy, beaming with ---- innocent joy, her eyes radiant. These were all moments from Thalia''s past that he had missed. Asher ran his fingers gently over each photograph, his eyes full of tenderness. From now on, he wouldn''t miss any more moments in her life. An hourter, Aunt Victoria finally left. Mary prepared a separate meal for na before departing as well, Thalia could finally breathe a sigh of relief. She opened the bedroom door. "You cane out now." No one was there. Puzzled, she walked further in. The spacious bedroom was empty and quiet, with no sign of Asher. Thalia pushed open the closet door. "Asher, are you in there?" Still no one. ---- Strange, where had he gone? He couldn''t have simply vanished. "Asher, are you here?" Thalia called out, perplexed. Suddenly. Awarm sensation enveloped her wrist as she was pulled by a strong force into a familiar embrace. Her back pressed against a solid chest. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, Thalia could clearly feel the man''s body heat. "Tm right here," Asher''s voice was low and maic. He embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. As he spoke, his warm breath caressed her neck. In an instant, Thalia felt electricity course through her body, making her knees weaken. Asher sensed the change in her body and spoke with amused maism, "What''s this? Already feeling weak?" A soft gasp escaped Thalia''s lips. Chapter 277 ---- She turned around to face Asher. Standing face-to-face, Asher straightened up. His eyes, dark as deep pools, fixed unwavering on Thalia, turbulent emotions swirling within them. After several seconds of eye contact, Thalia suddenly stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Asher''s neck, and initiated a kiss. Thalia''s kissing technique wasn''t particrly skilled. She kissed him somewhat clumsily, finding the experience quite different from when Asher took the initiative. Asher stood there allowing her inexpert kisses without reciprocating. Feeling a sense of defeat, Thalia released her hold on his neck and lowered herself back down. Asher''s eyes still held traces of amusement as his deep voice floated down to her: "Why did you stop?" "You don''t want to kiss me," Thalia said coolly. She had thought to make amends for making him hide in the bedroom by initiating affection, but her kisses went ---- unreturned. If he wasn''t responding, there was no point continuing. Asher raised an eyebrow. "Did I say I didn''t want to kiss you?" Thalia puffed out her cheeks, visibly annoyed. "Then why didn''t you react at all? You didn''t kiss me back." Asherughed softly. * savoring the moment." ''s rare for you to initiate a kiss-I was Thalia snorted and turned her head away, ignoring him. Asher smiled. "Are you angry?" Thalia continued to look away in silence. The words "I''m angry" might as well have been written on her face. Seeing her ignoring him, Asher remained unfazed. His eyes filled with affection, his tone softening as he coaxed her: "What can I do? I still haven''t had enough. Why don''t you kiss me again? This time I promise I''ll respond." "No." ---- Asher chuckled softly before lifting Thalia up, carrying her a few steps, and gently setting her down on the bed. The next moment, Asher dropped to one knee in a posture of humble supplication. Before Thalia could react, he leaned forward and captured her lips. Thalia''s mind went nk for a moment. A kneeling kiss. This position was a first. cing himself in a submissive position, humbly seeking her affection. No woman could resist a man of his stature lowering himself to kiss her this way. The stark contrast sent a powerful tremor through Thalia''s heart. Then cameplete surrender. Where had he learned this? How was he so good at it? Asher''s kiss was passionate and captivating, Despite his lower ---- position, he maintained control of the kiss, setting a rhythm that Thalia followedpletely. The kisssted for a long time. When it ended, Thalia''s hair was disheveled, her lips a vivid red, Asher''s lips left hers to kiss her beautiful eyes, her crimson earlobes, her pale neck. The room''s temperature seemed to soar. As the kisses continued, Asher stood and gently pushed Thalia down onto the bed. His warm lips traced a path from her corbone downward, leaving soft, delicate kisses. The sensation of Asher''s breath on her skin made Thalia tremble slightly. Her fair skin gradually flushed, her blood seeming to rush through her veins. At the height of Thalia''s passion, Asher asked in a husky voice, "Do you want this?" ---- The simple two-word question needed no exnation-Thalia understood perfectly. She bit her lip lightly, her breathing hot, and gave a soft affirmative sound. With her consent, Asher proceeded. They hadn''t been together for nearly half a year, and both bodies yearned for each other. Like rain after a long drought, their passion was unstoppable. Thalia was swept away ina sea of ecstasy. Dusk fell. The window was partially open, summer evening breeze gently lifting the sheer curtains, bringing in the scent of flowers. Afterward, Thalia waspletely exhausted. The hair at her temples was damp with sweat, her skin covered with a thinyer of moisture. Asher brushed away the strands of sweat-dampened hair ---- from her face and kissed her forehead with a satisfied expression. After the kiss, Asher allowed Thalia to lie there and recover for a while before carrying her to the bathroom to shower. Chapter 278 ---- Chapter 243 Asher filled the bathtub, gently lowered Thalia into the water, and took a soft towel to wipe her smooth, fair skin. Whether from the steamy bathwater or something else, the flush on Thalia''s face refused to fade. The bathtub was spacious enough for both of them to bathefortably. Thalia rested against the edge of the tub, letting Asher wash her body. Looking at her rosy cheeks, Asher felt a stirring in his heart and leaned in to nt a few quick pecks on her face. After a couple of kisses, like a pecking chick, he still wasn''t satisfied. Asher nted another fleeting kiss on Thalia''s lips. Thalia, her body aching andpletely drained of energy, simply allowed his affection. ---- "So good," Asher murmured, covering her lips, face, and eyes with gentle kisses. After the bath, Asher carried Thalia to the bedroom, dried her hair, and changed the bedsheets. Thalia sat in a chair as Asher stood behind her, blow-drying her hair. "May I stay overnight?" he asked. Thalia replied wearily, "I''m truly exhausted. Ihave no strength left." The man behind her seemed to chuckle softly. The hairdryer wavered as his long fingers ran through her hair. "I promise, Tl just hold you while we sleep. Nothing more." "I don''t believe you." He had already taken her three times. From afternoon until sunset. His stamina was terrifyingly impressive. ---- She dared not provoke this long-deprived man again. Thalia shook her head. "Still don''t believe you." "When have I ever lied to you?" This wasn''t the right thing to say. At the mention of lying, Thalia''s expression darkened. "Oh, really? What did you say when you broke up with me?" Asher fell silent. Knowing he was in the wrong, he quickly apologized. "My mistake. The circumstances were exceptional then. You understand now why I broke up with you, right?" "Hmph." Thalia''s voice turned cold. "Breaking up is one thing, but what about telling me everything you''d said before was a lie? And what about fabricating that gossip with Emily? Weren''t those lies too?" Asher replied sheepishly, "White lies." Thalia wasn''t buying it. "Still lies." "Fair enough." Asher conceded defeat. ---- After drying her hair, Asher asked gently, "You must be hungry. What would you like to eat? Il make it for you." "Anything is fine." When Asher entered the kitchen, he noticed the rice cooker was plugged in and set to "keep warm." Nearby, the steamer was emitting vapor. Lifting the lid, he found four dishes and a soup. It seemed that Mary, the housekeeper, had been by earlier. Perhaps she had knocked, but they had been too engrossed to notice. Asher brought the food to the table and called Thalia to eat. Seeing the spread, Thalia asked suspiciously, "How did you prepare all this so quickly? Even delivery wouldn''t be this fast." "I didn''t make it." Thalia froze. So it must have been Mary. Chapter 279 ---- But during dinnertime, they had been... passionately engaged and hadn''t heard any knocking... She had been so caught up in the moment that she''d forgotten Mary woulde to prepare dinner. Oh, how embarrassing. She had even cried out a few times. Could Mary have... heard them? Maybe it wasn''t that they hadn''t heard knocking, but that Mary hadn''t knocked at all because she had heard their... activities? Thalia''s face turned crimson in an instant. Asher knew what she was thinking. He smiled slightly. "It''s alright, Thalia. She''s practically family." Seeing her standing motionless, Asher walked over and gently guided her to the table, pulling out a chair for her. "Come eat. You''re exhausted and must be starving." Not seeing na around seemed strange to Thalia. ---- She called her. "na, have you eaten?" There was a brief pause on the other end, and na''s voice sounded different than usual, stammering. "Y-yes... Ihave." Thalia: So na had heard them too? Oh no! Thalia''s face grew even redder. It was all Asher''s fault with his seductive ways-that kneeling kiss hadpletely disoriented her. She had forgotten that she usually dined with na every evening. During dinnertime, na must havee to call her. "O-okay," Thalia stammered, hanging up. After dinner, Asher persuaded Thalia to let him stay overnight. ---- He repeatedly promised not to do anything more, just to hold her while sleeping. Thinking of how she''d made him hide from Aunt Victoria, treating him as if he were something to be ashamed of, Thalia felt somewhat guilty. Because of this guilt, she finally agreed to let him stay. That night, Asher kept his promise-he simply held her as they slept. In the middle of the night, half-asleep, Thalia felt someone touching her. Sometimes rubbing her face, sometimes pinching her nose, sometimes kissing her lips. It tickled. She had known Asher wouldn''t be so well-behaved. But she was too tired and sleepy to care. Thalia slept soundly that night. No dreams, no waking up in the middle-just straight through until she woke naturally. ---- Being the weekend, she didn''t need to go to the office, and no rm disturbed her. When Thalia opened her eyes again, the wall clock showed ten o''clock. Her body felt weak and sore. She shifted slightly, noticing an arm extending from under her neck. Thalia had slept on her side, facing away from Asher. He had one arm threading under her neck and head, while his other arm rested on her waist. He faced her back, holding her ina sideways embrace. This position wasfortable for sleeping because Thalia''s shoulder created a space for Asher''s arm to pass through without getting numb from pressure. They were pressed close together, Thalia''s back fitting perfectly against Asher''s chest. He was still asleep. After all, they had made love three times yesterday afternoon-he was exhausted too. Thalia gently lifted Asher''s arm from her waist, trying to slip ---- out of his embrace. Just as she was about to rise, his arm suddenly tightened, pulling her back into his embrace. "Stay with me a little longer," Asher''s voice was husky with sleep, sensually deep. Thalia said, "It''s ten o''clock already, not early." "Please, sleep a bit more. We have nothing pressing to do anyway." Thalia surrendered, settling back into his arms for a second round of slumber. When she next opened her eyes, it was eleven-thirty. Almost lunchtime. Thalia sat up, nudging Asher. "It''s eleven-thirty. Get up and wash up. Stop sleeping." The room was brightly lit, highlighting Asher''s extraordinarily handsome features as Thalia looked at him. He slowly opened his eyes, looking even more alluring with ---- his sleepy gaze. Thalia''s breath caught. Tempting her again in broad daylight. She needed to look away--if she kept staring, they''d end up making love again and skip lunch entirely. Thalia discreetly averted her gaze, her voice deliberately matter-of-fact: "Stop sleeping. Get up now." Asher''s voice was husky: "Why did you turn away?" Thalia grabbed her nightgown and put it on. "I''m going to wash up." ''As soon as her feet touched the floor, the soreness in her legs became more pronounced. Her body swayed, and she nearly fell. Asher smiled. "Careful, Thalia." Thalia snorted. "This is all your fault." Taking her so intensely yesterday-vigorous, prolonged, and three times. Who could withstand that? Chapter 280 ---- Chapter 244 The day before Lucia''s birthday. Thalia had just finished lunch when she received a call from Lucia. "Hey, Thalia,e early tomorrow afternoon, okay?" Thalia asked, "Isn''t the party in the evening?" "The party is in the evening, but our cruise ship sets sail in the afternoon. We''ll be at sea for two days." "Alright, what time do we depart?" Lucia replied, "We''ll leave once everyone arrives, but I want to see you earlier, so please try toe early." "Sure." The next day, the weather was beautiful. Thalia changed into the blue halter maxi dress she''d bought at the mall, applied light makeup, and casually pinned her hair ---- back. She didn''t go for any special styling or full makeup. Today was Lucia''s birthday, and Thalia didn''t want to overshadow her or steal her spotlight. Asher sat nearby, waiting for her. Thalia packed a small suitcase with a change of clothes and toiletries. When she finished, Asher put his arm around her as they walked out of the vi. A ck Cullinan was parked outside. Asher''s assistant, Liam, drove them to the harbor. The azure sky was so pure it lifted their spirits. The sea breeze carried a refreshing, moist scent. Acollection of white sailboats and yachts were docked at the port. Among the vessels stood an enormous white cruise ship, its ---- lines flowing and elegant, massive in size-like a floating pce on the sea, grand and majestic. This was the cruise ship where Lucia would hold her birthday party. Ared carpet extended from their feet all the way to the ship''s entrance. On either side of the carpet stood uniformed hostesses with sweet smiles. White-gloved crew members carried Thalia''s luggage. Thalia walked up the gangway onto the ship and soon encountered Lucia. She looked beautiful today, dressed in her finest. She wore a shimmering blue-violet mermaid gown, the hem swaying gently like a glisteningke at dawn-both gentle and elegant. Around her neck was an exquisite, dazzling blue diamond ne, with earrings and bracelets in matching colors toplement her dress. ---- "Thalia, you''re finally here. I''ve been waiting for you," Lucia smiled as she approached. When her gaze fell on Asher beside Thalia, Lucia offered a slight smile, clearly pleased. Asher had indeede. This was the first time he''d ever attended her birthday celebration. Thalia didn''t miss Lucia''s subtle expression. She smiled teasingly, "Were you waiting for me or for him?" Lucia pretended to re at her. "Can''t I wait for both?" "Happy birthday, Lucia. This is your gift," Thalia handed her present to Lucia. Lucia epted it, smiling. "Oh, I get a gift too? How sweet of you." From the corner of her eye, Thalia noticed arge table nearby piled with various gift boxes and bags. Aman and woman sat there, recording the names of guests ---- and the types of gifts they brought. Other people''s gifts were registered and ced on that table, which was already piled high like a small mountain. Only Thalia''s gift did Lucia ept personally. "[''ve invited many people today-some friends, some friends of friends. You don''t mind the crowd, do you?" Lucia asked as she led Thalia into the ship''s interior. "Not at all. A birthday should be lively with lots of people." Chapter 281 ---- Thalia and Lucia walked side by side in front, with Asher following behind them. Crew members carried their luggage. Lucia linked arms with Thalia, guiding her to their room for the night. "Thalia, this is your room," Lucia said softly, sounding slightly guilty. Thalia nodded. "Thank you." Then, Lucia looked at Asher and pointed to another room ---- diagonally across from Thalia'' "Asher, your room is over there." Thalia paused momentarily. Lucia had arranged separate amodations for them. She lowered her eyes withoutmenting. Asher''s gaze turned cool as he nced at Lucia. "No need to trouble yourself. I''l stay in Thalia''s room." Lucia''s eyshes fluttered nervously as she quickly responded, "But Thalia''s room is a single. It would be too crowded for both of you." The cruise ship had over a hundred guest rooms, all fully equipped and luxuriously decorated. The deck even featured a helipad. Indoor theaters, bars, ballrooms, card rooms, billiard rooms, and other entertainment facilities were avable, along with a massive swimming pool at the stern. On such arge cruise ship, it was impossible that rooms were scarce. Lucia''s intentions were as transparent as ss. ---- Thalia remained silent, but Asher wasn''t about to indulge Lucia. He directly stated his intention to stay with Thalia. When Lucia mentioned that a single room would be crowded for two, Asher entered the room, looked around, and said, "It''s not crowded. Smaller is cozier, right, Thalia?" "Put the luggage over there," Asher directed the crew member, indicating where to ce not only Thalia''s suitcase but his own as well. He was clearly determined to stay. In truth, the room wasn''t small-it was a luxurious double with arge bed, perfectly suitable for two without any crowding. But Asher deliberately said "smaller is cozier," making it clear he had no intention of being separated from Thalia. Thalia nced at him with amusement, not giving in to Lucia''s wishes. "Lucia, he''ll stay with me." A sh of dejection crossed Lucia''s eyes as she pressed her lips together. "Alright then." ---- "Miss Sterling, thank you for showing us to our room," Asher said, promptly shutting the door, leaving Lucia outside. Thaliaughed. "Where are your manners?" What a way to dismiss someone. A guest dismissing the host, no less. Asher''s lips quirked upward. "I said thank you. Wasn''t that polite enough?" "Oh, incredibly polite." "Forget about her," Asher pulled Thalia into his arms, his voice deep and maic. "I want to kiss you." Before Thalia could respond, his lips descended on hers. Their lips and tongues intertwined in a passionate embrace. Outside the door. Lucia stood frozen. na, expressionless, asked coldly, "Miss Sterling, where is my room?" ---- Lucia came to her senses and politely addressed na. "It''s over there. I''ll show you." Lucia was someone who remembered both kindness and grievances. The time she was drugged, Thalia and na had saved her. ording to Thalia, na had single-handedly beaten those men to a pulp, rescuing her. Grateful to na, Lucia had specifically invited her to the birthday celebration and arranged a luxurious single room for her. When the kiss ended, Thalia''s breathing had be irregr. She looked in the mirror andined, "You''ve smudged my lipstick." Asher smiled. "Just reapply it." Chapter 282 ---- Chapter 245 At the sight of Sean Tann''s threatening words, the crowd grew even more excited. Everyone knew Sean Tann''s reputation and temper. The spectators watched with a mix of fascination and dread, eager to see what would happen next. Thalia remainedposed despite Sean''s menacing stance. She''d faced his type before at the mall and wasn''t easily intimidated. Rupert stepped slightly forward, positioning himself partially between Thalia and Sean. "I believe there''s been a misunderstanding," he said diplomatically, his voice calm but firm. Sean barely acknowledged Rupert''s presence, his eyes fixed on Thalia with burning hatred. "You humiliated me. You had me detained. Nobody does that to Sean Tann and walks away." The two women at his sides exchanged nervous nces, sensing the dangerous shift in atmosphere. Scarlett smiled with vindictive pleasure. "That''s right, Sean. She''s the one who had you locked up. And look at her-still ---- pretending to be something she''s not with her fake designer bags." Whispers rippled through the crowd. Some people began stepping back, not wanting to be caught in whatever was about to unfold, Just as the tension reached its peak, a familiar voice cut through the crowd. "What''s going on here?" Everyone turned to see Lucia Sterling making her way through the gathered spectators, Charlotte and Victoria following close behind. Lucia''s face showed concern as she took in the scene. Sean''s expression flickered briefly. Even he knew better than to cause a scene at the birthday celebration of someone from the Sterling family. "Nothing," he muttered, recing his sunsses. "Just greeting an old... acquaintance." Lucia looked between Sean and Thalia, clearly sensing the hostility. "Thalia is my dear friend," she said, her voice carrying a subtle warning. "I hope everyone will treat my ---- guests with respect." Charlotte quickly moved to Thalia''s side, taking her arm supportively while Victoria positioned herself nearby, eyeing Sean and Scarlett with obvious disapproval. Sean forced a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "Of course. We wouldn''t dream of ruining your celebration." But as he turned to leave, he whispered just loud enough for Thalia to hear: "This isn''t over." As Sean walked away with hispanions, Scarlett trailing behind like an afterthought, the crowd slowly dispersed, disappointed that the confrontation had been defused. Lucia turned to Thalia with genuine concern. "Are you alright? What was that about?" Before Thalia could answer, the sound of confident footsteps approached from behind. Asher had finished his call and arrived just in time to witness the tail end of the confrontation. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Sean''s retreating figure. Without saying a word, he ced a protective hand on Thalia''s lower back, a simple gesture that spoke volumes. "I''m fine," Thalia assured everyone, though her eyes met ---- Asher''s with a silent message that they would discuss thister. "Let''s not let this spoil the party." Lucia nodded, relieved. "You''re right. Come on, everyone''s gathering on the upper deck for drinks and the view as we sail out to sea." As they made their way toward the elevator, Rupert excused himself to join some other guests. Charlotte leaned in to whisper to Thalia, "Who was that awful man?" "Someone who needs to learn better manners," Thalia replied quietly. "I''ll tell you the whole storyter." Asher''s hand remained steady at Thalia''s back as they walked, his presence bothforting and reassuring. Though his face remained calm, there was a calcting look in his eyes-the look of someone making mental notes of potential threats. The confrontation had passed, but it was clear from the tension still lingering in the air that this was merely the beginning of what promised to be an eventful cruise. Chapter 283 ---- Chapter 246 Thalia''s dark eyes glinted with cold fury. "You''re the one looking for death." Seeing Sean''s hostile expression, Rupert instinctively moved in front of Thalia, adopting a protective stance. But Thalia pushed him aside. "Step back. I want to see how he ns to dig his own grave today." She stepped in front of Rupert, facing Sean with a cold smile. "Want to spend more time in detention?" "You fucking-!" Sean swore, lunging forward to attack. Thalia sidestepped his assault and was about to counter. suddenly, a leg shot out from the side, delivering a powerful kick to Sean''s stomach, sending him flying backwards. Gasps erupted from the crowd. The Spanish spectators covered their mouths in disbelief, eyes wide. ---- Who would dare to be so fearless? Who would dare to kick Sean Tann in front of so many witnesses? All eyes turned toward the man. Everyone froze at the sight. What a stunning face! The man had handsome, distinguished features, deep-set contours, and a tall, slender build. He radiated an intimidating coldness, his eyes shing with murderous intent that chilled onlookers to the core. Among the growing crowd of spectators, someone recognized Asher and Thalia. Someone remarked, "Isn''t that the ckwood family heir and the Winters family heiress? What''s happening?" The crowd erupted. "Holy shit, really? You''re saying that man in the ck shirt is the ckwood family heir? That ckwood family?" ---- The person replied, "Yes, the man who kicked Sean to the ground is Asher ckwood, the sole heir to the ckwood Group. The beautiful woman beside him is his former fianc¨¦e, Thalia Winters, heiress to the Winters family." "So it''s the ckwood heir! No wonder he''s so handsome-absolutely captivating. Seeing him in person is something else!" "So the beautiful woman Sean wanted to attack is the Winters family heiress from London? Damn! This is explosive! He''s done for. The Winters family is London''s wealthiest. I heard the Winters heiress was previously engaged to the ckwood heir. Sean has really stepped on andmine this time." "You can''t always get away with everything. Sean''s always been so arrogant, offending people left and right. Now he''s gone after the ckwood heir and Winters heiress. He was just saying someone had a death wish-looks like he was talking about himself." "I''ve always disliked Sean. I hope the ckwood heir teaches him a good lesson." "Thank goodness! I was worried for that beautiful woman earlier, but now Sean''s the one in trouble, What a satisfying turn of events!" "Scarlett used her of wearing fake designer items-I didn''t ---- believe it. That woman has the aura of an heiress." "Exactly my thoughts! She radiates elegance and ss. She doesn''t look poor at all. Scarlett, on the other hand, with her surgically enhanced face, snagged Sean and thinks she''s wealthy now." "You dislike Scarlett too? Same here! It''s so gratifying when someone you''ve disliked for ages is finally exposed!" Sean struggled to his feet. Clutching his stomach, his face pale, he cursed, "You mother-" The rest of his words died in his throat when he clearly saw Asher''s face. Sean''s expression transformed instantly, his face contorting into a sycophantic smile. "Sir ckwood, what brings you here?" He had seen Asher twice before. The first time was five years ago, at a birthday banquet for the highest official in Spain. Chapter 284 ---- At that event, Asher had apanied the ckwood family patriarch, Even the powerful Spanish official had treated the ckwood patriarch with utmost respect and deference. The second time Sean saw Asher was three years ago at a business reception. His father had brought him along towork and discuss business. Asher had been the center of attention, surrounded by admirers. Many people had wanted to approach him but couldn''t get the opportunity. His father had warned him: he could y around however he wanted, but he must never offend London''s young master. If he ever crossed the ckwood heir, he needn''t return home--his family would disown him to avoid being dragged down. Sean knew his father wasn''t joking or trying to scare him. He was the third son, with two older brothers. Moreover, his father kept three mistresses, two of whom had borne children-a son and a daughter. ---- Both his biological brothers were more capable than him, and the illegitimate children were also favored by his father. As a spoiled, useless son, he truly could be discarded at any moment. In those few seconds, many thoughts raced through Sean''s mind, leaving him in a cold sweat. Then, Sean witnessed a scene that terrified him. The ckwood heir turned to the woman who had gotten him thrown in detention, asking with concern: "Thalia, are you alright?" What! That woman actually knew the ckwood heir? Judging by the young master''s concerned expression, they were quite close. Sean trembled uncontrobly, his legs weakening. Thalia shook her head, responding to Asher: "I''m fine." Sensing the situation had turned unfavorable, Scarlett, her earlier arrogancepletely gone, tried to slink away quietly. ---- Someone in the crowd tripped her, causing her to fall ungracefully to the ground. Onlookers mocked her. "Oh, Miss Rosol, where are you going?" "What were you saying earlier? Oh right, you said the Winters heiress was poor and pretentious, wearing fake designer items. Why aren''t you saying that now?" "We all heard you humiliate Miss Winters in front of everyone. Aren''t you going to apologize?" "Quite the p in the face, isn''t it? Didn''t expect the beautiful woman to be the Winters family heiress from London, did you? You love spreading rumors and nder, but now you''re running away? Can''t face the consequences of your actions?" Scarlett got up, never having been so humiliated in her life. Froma distance, Asher cast a chilling nce in her direction. Scarlett shuddered, meekly approaching Thalia to apologize. Head bowed, she mumbled, "I''m sorry, Miss Winters. I shouldn''t have spoken about you like that." ---- "spoken?" Thalia wasn''t about to let her off so easily. "You publicly insulted and ndered me, and you call it simply ''speaking about me''?" Scarlett pouted, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked toward Asher, attempting to appear pitiful and gain his sympathy. Ina high-pitched, delicate voice, she said, "Sir ckwood, this is a misunderstanding. I''ve already apologized to Miss Winters. Couldn''t you please let this go?" She prided herself on understanding men and was confident in her appearance. No man, she thought, could resist her tearful, pitiful demeanor. However, Asher looked at her with disgust and coldly replied, "No." Chapter 285 ---- Chapter 247 Asher tilted his head slightly, his eyes cold as steel. "Your apologycks sincerity." Scarlett burst into tears, her mascara running down her cheeks. "I was wrong, Miss Winters! I swear I was wrong," she sobbed. "Please forgive me. I''m so sorry I shouldn''t have trashed your name in public. Just give me one more chance, please!" Thalia''s gaze remained frigid. "Post a three-thousand-word apology on all your social tforms, pin it for a month, and pay me a hundred grand for emotional distress." Scarlett''s face drained of color, her expression turning sullen. "Miss Winters, I''ve got hundreds of thousands of followers across Twitter and Instagram. That''s literally how I make my living. If I post something like this, my entire brand will crash and burn..." "So you''re refusing?" Thalia''s voice cut like ice. Scarlett bit her lip, forcing her best damsel-in-distress expression. "It''s not that... it''s just... this is basically career ---- suicide, You''re asking me to destroy everything I''ve built." Someone from the crowd called out, "Miss Winters, she markets herself online as some wealthy, Ivy League-educated ''it girl'' who''s lived abroad." Thalia smiled coldly. "If you don''t like my terms, there''s always another option." Hope flickered in Scarlett''s eyes. "Thank you, Miss Winters! I knew you''d be-" "We can handle this through the courts instead," Thalia cut in sharply. Scarlett froze, her lips parted in shock. The crowd''smentary buzzed around them. "Damn, the Winters heiress is being generous. If it were me, I''d have her publicly humiliated right back." "Generous?" another spectator scoffed. "This is strategic brutality-she''s demolishing Scarlett''s entire ie stream." "Please. The inte has the memory of a goldfish. And you''re underestimating how thick Scarlett''s skin is. Once this blows ---- over, she''ll be back to hawking diet teas and teeth whiteners like nothing happened." "Facts. Cancel culture is sost year anyway." Scarlett''s eyes darted back and forth as she calcted her odds. Legal proceedings, with the ckwood and Winters influence behind them, would mean far worse than a public apology and some cash. She could end up with jail time. That influencer Sienna Carroll had been locked up for online defamationst year. suddenly, prison versus a damaged brand didn''t seem like a tough call. Scarlett straightened her shoulders, decision made. "Miss Winters, I ept your terms." Seeing Thalia was more approachable than Asher, Sean quickly pivoted. "Miss Winters, I''ve learned my lesson too. I''l post the same apology and double thepensation-two hundred grand." Thalia''s gaze sliced toward him. "You?" ---- She remembered all too clearly the vile things he''d said at the mall. Before she could respond, someone from the crowd-clearly trying to score points with the power couple-shouted: "Sir ckwood! Miss Winters! You can''t possibly let Sean off this easy. Just days ago he was actively hunting for Miss Winters, swearing he''d ''end her'' once he found her." Asher''s expression darkened instantly. With a barely perceptible nod from him, bodyguards materialized from nowhere, pinning Sean face-down on the floor. "This is crazy! It''s all a misunderstanding!" Sean screamed, his cheek pressed against the polished deck. "Thad no idea you were THE Winters heiress from London! I would never have dared if I''d known!" "So regr people deserve your abuse?" Thalia asked, her voice dangerously quiet. "That''s your defense?" "No! That''s not what I meant!" From the crowd, another voice called out: "That''s exactly what he meant! Sean''s infamous in Spain-the spoiled rich kid who ---- ruins lives for fun. So many girls have suffered because of him." "Absolutely," someone else agreed. "Bullying is his hobby. Don''t let him walk away from this." Chapter 286 ---- Thaliaughed humorlessly, looking down at Sean like he was something stuck to her shoe. "Is that right?" "No!" Sean''s panic was palpable now. "Don''t listen to these vultures! They''re just piling on because they smell blood!" "Tl have my people look into it," Thalia said with chilling finality. Just then, Asher''s phone rang. He checked the screen and answered immediately. The caller''s voice was tense: "Sir, Sean Tann has been actively investigating Miss Winters. He hired some dangerous people, gave them her photo, and paid them a fortune to ''take care of her.'' The head guy called me as soon as he recognized who was in the photo." The caller hesitated, clearly ufortable. ---- Asher''s patience evaporated. "Spit it out," hemanded. The caller''s voice dropped to a near-whisper. "He wanted ten men to... break her... and then dump her in international waters for the sharks..." Even rying just fragments made the caller''s voice shake, terrified that repeating Sean''s full n might get him killed too. Asher''s knuckles turned white around the phone. His gaze dropped to Sean, eyes devoid of emotion-the way one looks at something already dead. Sean, feeling the murderous intent radiating from Asher, began trembling uncontrobly. Ending the call, Asher turned to his security team with three cold words: "Throw him overboard." Sean went limp with terror, cold sweat drenching his designer shirt. "sir ckwood, please... I''m begging you... please..." The crowd gasped collectively. ---- Without hesitation, the bodyguards hauled Sean toward the exit. Thalia turned to Asher, her brow furrowed. "Who was on the phone?" Asher pulled her gently into his arms. "Nothing for you to worry about, babe. I won''t let anything happen to you." The security team dragged Sean to the deck''s railing and tossed him over like yesterday''s trash. Spectators rushed to watch the spectacle. Sean''s screams pierced the evening air. Themotion was so intense that Lucia, still handling party preparations upstairs, heard it and came running down. On the deck, the crowd pressed against the railing, watching Sean thrash desperately in the water below. Lucia pushed through, breathless and confused. "What the hell is happening?" Chapter 287 ---- Chapter 248 Someone quickly exined to Lucia what had happened. She turned pale with shock. "Thalia! Are you okay?" Lucia rushed over, grabbing Thalia''s hands and examining her carefully. "Were you hurt?" Thalia shook her head. Beside them, Asher''s eyes were cold and scrutinizing. "You invited them here?" His voice was dangerously low, his anger unmistakable. Lucia shook her head frantically. "No, I don''t even know him well." Asher''s jaw tightened. "If you didn''t invite them, how did they get on board?" "It wasn''t me, I swear," Lucia exined desperately. "Yes, I invited some friends from Spain, but Sean wasn''t among them. One of my friends must have brought him along." ---- "Even if your friend brought him, wouldn''t the passenger list have crossed your desk? Are you telling me you had no idea he''d be here?" Asher''s intimidating stare made Lucia shrink back. She hesitated, losing some of her conviction. "I did see the list, and I noticed Sean''s name, but I didn''t think much of it. Thad no idea he had a grudge against Thalia. If I''d known, I would never have allowed him on board!" Asher''s expression remained cold. Lucia''s eyes filled with hurt. "Asher, don''t you trust me?" His reply was immediate and icy: "No." Lucia''s face went white, her eyes welling with tears. She turned to Thalia. "Thalia, you believe me, don''t you?" Thalia pressed her lips together, her gaze downcast in thought. Seeing no immediate response from Thalia, Lucia''s hope crumbled. Her expression turned to a mixture of sadness and wounded pride. "Why won''t either of you believe me? Thalia saved my ---- life. If I''d known Sean had a vendetta against her, how could 1 possibly let him on board? I would never hurt Thalia..." Just then, Charlotte, Victoria, Sebastian, James, and his girlfriend Sophia gathered around. "Thalia, what happened?" Victoria asked. Thalia briefly exined the situation. Victoria was furious. "He deserved it! The nerve of that guy to treat you like that!" After hearing the story, Charlotte''s gaze fell on Lucia''s dejected face. Even Charlotte was beginning to wonder if Lucia had orchestrated this deliberately. In the water, Sean thrashed wildly, screaming for help. Yet no one dared to rescue him. suddenly, someone pointed at the water and shouted: "sharks!" Everyone looked. ---- In the distance, several shark fins were visible, heading toward Sean. The crowd erupted in chaos. "Sharks! There are sharks!" "The sharks areing!" "One, two, three-there are three of them!" "Sean''s going to be eaten by sharks!" The passengers'' shouts carried across the water. Sean, struggling in the sea, heard them. Chapter 288 ---- The fear of death made his blood run cold. He thrashed more desperately, kicking wildly, creating white sshes in the water. Asher watched coldly from the railing. Thalia turned to him. "That''s enough. Let hime back up." She wasn''t sympathetic to Sean, but she didn''t want anyone to ---- die. Thalia knew Asher had thrown Sean overboard just to scare him, not intending to actually feed him to sharks. Besides, most sharks don''t even eat humans. Gentle species like whale sharks generally don''t attack people. More aggressive sharks like tiger sharks and great whites might attack humans, but usually don''t consume them. But most people present didn''t know about shark behavior and assumed all sharks were man-eaters. So the spectators were excited and shouting, creating a chaotic scene. The closer the sharks got, the louder the crowd became, and the more terrified Sean grew. Seeing that Thalia had spoken up and that Sean had been sufficiently punished, Asher nodded. "Alright." He ordered his men to lower a dinghy and life vests, drop a rope, and instructed two bodyguards to retrieve Sean. From being thrown overboard to being rescued took only a ---- few minutes, but Sean had been thoroughly traumatized. He had stared death in the face. Even after being rescued, the intense fear of impending death had left him with shot nerves. Back on deck, he continued to tremble uncontrobly, shouting "Help me!" "Please don''t feed me to the sharks!" and "I''ve really learned my lesson!" He lookedpletely unhinged. Scarlett was frozen in terror. Her legs were weak, her body shaking uncontrobly, intensely aware of her narrow escape. She thought that if she hadn''t epted Thalia''s terms for apology, she might have shared Sean''s fate-thrown overboard to face the sharks. Many who had long disliked Sean and Scarlett were eagerly taking photos and videos. Spectacr. Absolutely spectacr. ---- Such a rare, dramatic scene needed to be documented. Lucia was somber. She looked at Thalia, her eyes red. "Thalia, I truly didn''t know Sean and Scarlett had a history with you. I never deliberately invited them on board." Thalia gently patted Lucia''s hand. "I believe you." Lucia was stunned, disbelief shing in her eyes. "You really believe me?" The man she''d loved for seven years didn''t trust her, yet her rival did? Thalia nodded. "You''re not that malicious." Thalia had thought this through carefully. Although Lucia had separated her and Asher''s rooms out of jealousy, she wouldn''t be cruel enough to deliberately invite Sean on board knowing he had a vendetta against Thalia. Moreover, if Lucia had nned this, she wouldn''t have allowed Scarlett and Sean to publicly mock and humiliate Thalia in front of everyone-that would be asking for trouble. ---- If she truly wanted to harm Thalia, she would have found an opportunity to do so discreetly. So Thalia believed Lucia wasn''t acting deliberately. During their recent interactions, Thalia had discovered that while Lucia was a formidable businesswoman at work, she was actually quite pleasant in her personal life. "Thalia, thank you for believing me." Tears rolled down Lucia''s cheeks from emotion. Thalia''s expression softened. "Don''t cry. You''re the birthday girl-if your makeup gets ruined, you won''t look your best for the party." Lucia sniffled and nodded. Asher gave his head bodyguard a look. The man immediately escorted Sean away. The cruise ship''s management approached Asher and spoke quietly to him. After Asher nodded, the man announced loudly: "Everyone, please disperse. Enjoy the food and drinks." ---- The crowd scattered. Only Asher, Thalia, Lucia, and Thalia''s friends remained on deck. Lucia apologized to Thalia through her tears: "I''m so sorry, Thalia. You were mistreated because of me." Thalia reassured her: "You didn''t do it on purpose. Don''t me yourself." Lucia, with red-rimmed eyes, said: "Even if it wasn''t intentional, I was negligent. I should have refused someone like Sean boarding privileges." "He''s paid for his actions and words," Thalia said. "Stop crying and go wash your face and reapply your makeup. There''s still the party tonight. Don''t let this ruin your mood. It''s your birthday-cheer up." With a thick, congested voice, Lucia replied, "Okay." Chapter 289 ---- Chapter 249 Asher walked aside and made a call to Lucas, giving quiet instructions. Sean was taken by Lucas to a dark, secluded room below deck. Their guide was one of Lucia''s staff members, a cruise manager. He led Asher''s man Lucas to this most secretive chamber. The soundproofing was excellent. It was far from the entertainment facilities and guest rooms. Without someone familiar with the ship''syout, no one could find this ce. Here, no matter how loudly Sean screamed, only those inside the room would hear. Asher had ordered Sean be properly "entertained." Just pulled from the sea, Sean was soaking wet, his body still ---- trembling with fear. The bodyguards tied Sean up and brought out a set of knives. Like a startled bird, Sean began screaming in terror before they even touched him. He had no idea what awaited him. But seeing those knives, Sean knew his fate wouldn''t be pleasant. Lucas clicked his tongue impatiently, the sharp de in his hand gleaming coldly. "What''s all this noise? Keep it up and I''ll cut out your tongue!" Sean stared at the knife in horror and abruptly fell silent. Lucas''s eyes were dark and menacing. "You like to y games? Then let me y a few games with you today." Scarlett was thoroughly terrified. She immediately transferred ¡ê100,000 to Thalia. ---- She also promised to write and publish the apology statement that very day. Thalia promptly donated the money to charity. Meanwhile, Asher and Thalia''s group went to a lounge. Victoria asked, "What about Sean? Asher, where did you take him?" Asher''s expression remained cool. "Somewhere appropriate." Thalia nced at Asher but said nothing. She trusted his judgment. Victoria clenched her fist. "Teach him a lesson! Don''t let him off easy! He''s hurt so many girls in Spain." "Don''t worry," Asher replied calmly. Sebastian looked at Asher and cautioned, "Don''t kill him." Asher swirled the half-ss of wine in his hand and said coldly, "I won''t." ---- Spain. The Tann residence. Charles Tann received two video clips and several photos. The first video showed someone struggling in the sea, too distant to make out the face. The second video was from a ship''s deck, showing his son Sean lying on the ground,pletely drenched. The photos all captured Sean''s pathetic, soaking wet state. Charles immediately made a phone call. Upon learning that Sean had offended the ckwood and Winters families, Charles promptly ordered a statement written, disowning his son. Sean''s mother, Tina Green, had a huge fight with Charles, crying and threatening dramatic measures. Charles pushed her away in frustration. "Look at the trouble your precious son has caused! You have the nerve to throw a tantrum? I always told him he could y however he wanted, but never to provoke Asher ckwood. He wouldn''t listen, ---- and if I don''t disown him, he''ll bring down our entire family!" "This is a nightmare, an absolute nightmare..." Tina copsed on the floor, choosing to remain there, crying and muttering to herself. Chapter 290 ---- Two hours remained until Lucia''s birthday party. In the lounge, Sebastian suggested ying games to pass the time. Victoria brought out a deck of cards. "Let''s y the King''s Game." It was a simple game. A joker and several number cards were drawn. Whoever got the joker became the "king" and could order any cardholder to perform a task. Most of those present were couples. Asher and Thalia, Sebastian and Victoria, James and N. The singles were Charlotte, Rupert, Lucia, and Timoth¨¦e. ---- This made things interesting. Everyone could see Rupert''s feelings for Thalia. Lucia made no effort to hide her interest in Asher. As for Charlotte and Timoth¨¦e, others couldn''t tell much, but Thalia knew Timoth¨¦e hade for Charlotte. The game was simple but exciting. The thrill came from having to do whatever the "king"manded. Victoria drew the king card first. She scanned the group with a mischievous smile. "Ten of spades, do one hundred push-ups." "Damn!" Sebastian eximed. "How did you know which card Thad?" Victoria grinned. "That''s what you call a perfect connection." Sebastian stood up reluctantly. "Well yed. Don''t draw again next time." ---- He dropped to the floor in the center of the lounge and began doing push-ups. Sebastian knocked out fifty without breaking a sweat. James teased, "Nice stamina there." Sebastian even had the energy to joke back. "Obviously. Someone would be disappointed if my stamina wasn''t up to par." Victoria''s face turned crimson. "What nonsense are you talking about? Shut your mouth!" "Yes, ma''am." Charlotte giggled quietly. "What are youughing at?" Victoria turned to her suspiciously. "Don''t tell me you understood that immediately? Oh no, Charlotte, you''re not so innocent after all." Charlotteughed softly. "I didn''t. Don''t make things up." Sebastian finished his hundred push-ups, breathing only slightly harder. ---- He twisted open a water bottle and took a sip. "Please, a hundred push-ups is nothing for a guy with an eight-pack." Victoria shot him a death re. Sebastian grinned. "Why are you ring? You know best whether I have an eight-pack or not." "Will you stop!" Victoria''s face reddened further. Their antics lifted Thalia''s mood considerably. She enjoyed watching the show from the sidelines. In the second round, James drew the king card. He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Six of hearts, choose someone of the opposite sex to kiss." "Bold move!" Sebastian shouted. "ying hardball, huh? That''s my man." James smiled rakishly. "Isn''t the point of party games to be a little daring?" Sebastianughed. "Let''s see which poor soul has the six of hearts." ---- Thalia checked her card and sighed in relief-four of spades. At least it wasn''t her. Everyone who confirmed they didn''t have the card rxed slightly. Asher chuckled softly, calmly turning his card to face the group. Six of hearts. Sebastian wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. "Well, well, look who it is. I wonder who you''ll choose to kiss? Couldn''t be Thalia, could it?" The answer was obvious. Who else but Thalia? Whether from the alcohol or embarrassment, a soft blush spread across Thalia''s cheeks. Asher turned to her, his voice maic and enticing. "Thalia, shall we kiss?" "Whoa, so gentlemanly! Asking permission?" Sebastian teased ---- with a grin. Chapter 291 ---- Chapter 250 Lucia and Rupert sat nearby, with a clear view of Thalia''s flushed face. They could also see the way Asher looked at her. Expectant yet tender. Lucia''s chest tightened. She had never seen Asher look so gentle, his eyes overflowing with affection. "Thalia, look how eager he is. You''re not going to leave him hanging, are you?" Sebastian teased. "I''ve never seen Asher like this before, haha!" Victoria joined in the encouragement: "Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!" Charlotte nudged Thalia gently with her elbow. "Thalia, Asher''s asking for a kiss, Will you give him one?" Everyone present, except for Rupert and Lucia, was cheering ---- them on good-naturedly. Asher sat right beside Thalia. Amid the friendly goading from her friends, Thalia smiled shyly, her face flushed as she wrapped her arms around Asher''s neck, closed her eyes, and summoned her courage to kiss him. In that same moment, Lucia lowered her gaze to the floor, her heart pierced as though by a de, the pain making it difficult to breathe. She never imagined that one day she would see Asher-usually so cold and detached-kissing another woman in front of so many people. And he had been the one to initiate it. Lucia stared at the floor with vacant eyes, feeling dizzy. It seemed as though the ship was swaying with the waves. But it wasn''t. The cruise ship was massive and stable, the sea calm-there was no reason to feel dizzy. Rupert also averted his gaze, refusing to watch the kissing ---- couple. His expression was nd, his eyes dim as he quietly sipped his drink. Thalia had intended to give Asher just a quick peck and be done with it. Her lips touched his, and just as she was about to pull away, Asher suddenly cupped the back of her head with both hands, transforming her passive gesture into an active embrace as he returned her kiss. The teasing from their friends grew louder. Thalia''s face turned crimson. Asher kissed her deeply, their tongues intertwining in a passionate embrace. Thalia could barely keep up with his pace. At first, she felt embarrassed-they had never kissed in front of so many people before. But Asher was so absorbed in the moment, and his technique was so good that Thalia was drawn in, gradually bing ---- more engaged. Soon, she unconsciously tuned out the cheers around them, forgot they were ying a game, and surrendered herselfpletely to the kiss, reluctant to part from Asher. No one interrupted them. When the kiss finally ended, both were breathing heavily. Thalia''s lips were red and swollen from the intensity, lusciously inviting. Victoria winked at Thalia,ughing. "Coming here today was so worth it. Who knew we''d get to witness such a show?" Thaliaughed and shot her a yful re. "Stop teasing me." Rupert said coldly, "Let''s start the next round." Just then, Lucia''s friend Summer Hanks pushed open the lounge door. "Lucia, there you are! I''ve been looking everywhere for you." Lucia forced a smile. "I''ve been ying games with everyone. Want to join?" Chapter 292 ---- summer scanned the room, her eyes lingering on Asher before she let out a knowing "Oh." "No wonder you''ve been hiding from us-it''s because Sir ckwood is here." Lucia gave her an embarrassed nce. "Don''t talk nonsense." "What game are you ying? I''d like to join." Summer sat down next to Lucia. Lucia exined, "We''re ying the King''s Game." summer reached out her hand. "Deal me in. want to y too." "Sure," Lucia said. "Everyone, this is my friend Summer Hanks. We met when I was studying abroad." With a new yer joining, everyone drew fresh cards. Anew round began. This time, Timoth¨¦e drew the king card. Timoth¨¦e looked around and said, "Three of spades, choose someone of the opposite sex here and confess your feelings to them." "Who has the three of spades?" Sebastian called out. ---- Everyone checked their cards, and Charlotte raised her hand timidly, like a student answering a teacher''s question. "It''s me," she said softly. Timoth¨¦e was stunned. What a coincidence. He''d just said it off the top of his head. Timoth¨¦e suddenly felt awkward. Charlotte was reserved and introverted by nature, probably ufortable with this type of challenge. Not wanting to put her in a difficult position, he offered, "Let''s change it. I''l think of something else." "No need. I can handle it," Charlotte replied calmly. "If everyone else can y, so can I." She let her gaze wander around the room. Asher and Sebastian were obviously off-limits-they belonged to her friends, and even in a game, she should avoid them. Her brother would have been the safest choice-confessing to a sibling wouldn''t be taken seriously by anyone. ---- But Charlotte''s eyes flickered briefly to N sitting beside James. Her sister-inw was right there, and Timoth¨¦e had specified "confess feelings and propose." Even though Charlotte was James''s sister, it wouldn''t be appropriate to "propose" to her brother in front of his girlfriend. Charlotte was considerate and tactful-she wouldn''t do anything to make her sister-iw ufortable. So only Rupert and Timoth¨¦e remained. Charlotte''s gaze shifted between the two men. Timoth¨¦e felt a flutter of hope rising in his chest. After only a moment''s hesitation, Charlotte made her choice. Meeting Timoth¨¦e''s eyes, she nervously stammered, "I... [like you. Would you go out with me?" Timoth¨¦e could barely contain his joy. Though he knew it was just for the game, he couldn''t stop his lips from curving into a smile. His eyes sparkling, he replied softly, "Yes, I would." ---- Charlotte nodded gently. "Thank you." Everyone assumed it was just part of the game. They thought Timoth¨¦e was simply ying along. Only Timoth¨¦e himself and Thalia knew he was serious. The game moved to the next round. This time, Lucia''s friend Summer drew the king card. summer gave Lucia a meaningful smile. "Ace of hearts, French kiss Sir ckwood for ten minutes." The noisy room suddenly fell silent. Was this woman out of her mind? She was directly ordering someone to kiss Asher? After themotion on deck with Asher and Sean, how could she be stupid enough to walk into the line of fire? She couldn''t possibly be unaware that Asher and Thalia were a couple. ---- Everyone exchanged ufortable nces. The atmosphere turned awkward. The spacious lounge grew so quiet you could hear a pin drop. "Who has the ace of hearts? Step forward!" Summer called out, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Lucia recalled the meaningful smile Summer had given her earlier. Suddenly, she realized something. She felt a slight bump on the back of her card. The card had been marked. Summer had been the one to shuffle and deal the cards. Chapter 293 ---- Chapter 251 summer Hanks smiled mischievously. "So who''s got the Ace of Hearts?" Asher ckwood''s face turned to ice. Lucia Schulz hesitantly revealed her card, pressing her lips together. The room went dead silent. Asher red at Lucia, his jaw clenched. Everyone could feel Asher''s anger radiating through the room. Nobody dared say a word. Suddenly, Thalia let out a scoff. She turned to Summer with daggers in her eyes. "Wow, Miss Hanks, you really know how to pick''em, don''t you?" Summer made a face and met Thalia''s gaze with a smirk. "Just a happy coincidence, isn''t it?" ---- Lucia looked at Thalia apologetically. "Lia, I''m so sorry. My friend didn''t know you guys had gotten back together. I apologize on her behalf." Thalia didn''t bother hiding her irritation. "Miss Hanks doesn''t seem sorry at all." "Lucia, why are you apologizing to her?" Summer shot back. "We didn''t do anything wrong. It''s just a stupid game! Everyone else can take it-why can''t she?" Lucia''s expression darkened. She felt utterly mortified. "That''s enough, Summer! Just stop talking!" Lucia snapped, her face flushed with embarrassment. Seeing Lucia''s reaction, Summer dropped her yful act and her face hardened. "What''s your problem, Lucia? I''m trying to help you! Everyone knows you''ve been crushing on Asher for years. This is your chance-why aren''t you taking it?" Lucia was furious. "I don''t need your help! Can you stop making a scene?" "Making a scene?" Summer let out a bitterugh. "Are you ---- seriously going to deny what you really want?" Anger zed in Lucia''s eyes as her feelings were exposed in front of everyone. She couldn''t deny it-deep down, she did want this. But she couldn''t say it out loud. She couldn''t act on it. She knew Asher would never go for it. And she didn''t want Thalia to hate her. "Tm sorry for ruining everyone''s fun. Please carry on without us." Lucia turned to apologize to everyone, then grabbed Summer''s arm and dragged her toward the door. "Let go of me!" Summer struggled against Lucia''s grip. "I can''t stand this fake act of yours-bing buddies with your rival? Don''t you find that pathetic?" Summer protested as they walked. "I''m trying to help you, and you call it ''making a scene''? Real nice!" ''The two struggled toward the exit, with Summer''s mouth running a mile a minute. "Oh sure, act all high and mighty. If you''re really over Asher, why''d you invite his girlfriend to bring him on this cruise?" ---- Lucia stopped dead in her tracks. She fixed Summer with an icy stare. "You''ve got it all wrong, Summer. I''m not hiding some shameful crush. Yes, I had feelings for Asher, but I would never try to be a homewrecker. invited Thalia to bring him because I wanted closure." Lucia''s expression was serious and sincere, each wording straight from the heart. "From today on, I, Lucia Schulz, am officially over Asher ckwood. I''m moving on." With that, Lucia yanked open the door and walked out. Summer made a dismissive "whatever" sound, her expression contemptuous, and followed her out. After they left, the lounge fell silent again. Sebastian broke the tension. "It''s dinner time. Anyone hungry?" Victoria chimed in, "God, yes! I''m absolutely starving. Let''s eat!" Charlotte gently squeezed Thalia''s hand. "Lia, don''t let it get to. you. That girl was just stirring up drama. Asher only has eyes for you-he''d never go there." Chapter 294 ---- Victoria nodded. "Exactly, Lia. Don''t let some random chick ruin your mood." Thalia forced a smile. "I''m fine." Asher looked at Thalia with concern. "Lia, if you''re not having fun, we can leave. I''ll call for the car." Thalia shook her head. "I know you wouldn''t have yed along with that stupid game anyway. Really, I''m okay." Asher pulled Thalia into his arms and ced a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I would never do anything that could cost me you." Victoria exchanged meaningful nces with Sebastian and Charlotte. The group quietly slipped out of the lounge. Timoth¨¦e Pierson followed them out. James Darwin also left with his girlfriend. Rupert Lysander watched the couple embracing on the sofa, a sh of sadness crossing his eyes before he too departed. ---- That evening, the birthday party kicked into high gear. In the first-floor bar, strobe lights shed and bass pounded through the speakers. The DJ was on stage, moving to the beat. Downstairs, people were dancing and singing, the vibe electric. After the party hit its peak, the music faded out. Lucia walked on stage and took the microphone. "Thank you all foring to celebrate my birthday tonight." Lucia had changed from her elegant mermaid gown into a ck spaghetti-strap dress that perfectly matched the club atmosphere, with loose waves and smoky eyes-total bombshell vibes. She stood center stage, bathed in spotlights. After her opening remarks and some heartfelt words, Lucia continued, "Tonight, I want to thank someone special. Her name is Thalia Winters." ---- Thalia stood in the front row, meeting Lucia''s gaze. Looking directly at Thalia, Lucia spoke with raw emotion, "Without her, you might never have seen me again. Thalia saved my life, and I''m eternally grateful." "Lalso want to officially announce something." Lucia lowered her eyes, her expression tinged with mncholy. "Asher ckwood and J are just friends. Asher and Thalia are together, so please stop with the jokes about Asher and me." Lucia spoke each word with unmistakable sincerity. "Ladmit that I once had feelings for Asher, but that''s ancient history. Those memories have faded like smoke. I''ve moved on, and I hope everyone can forget that chapter. I don''t want anyone, under the guise of helping me, to do things that put me in awkward situations. And I definitely don''t want anyone trying to mess with Asher and Thalia''s rtionshij The crowd erupted into whispers. People started gossiping instantly. "Holy shit, for real? Lucia Schulz had a thing for Asher ckwood? News to me." ---- "Probably only her inner circle knew. I''ve known her for three years and had zero clue." "That''s wild. This power move though-publicly announcing she''s over Asher ckwood? What triggered this?" "I heard she and Summer Hanks had this massive blowout earlier. They were screaming at each other, and word is they''re not friends anymore." "Seriously? Weren''t she and Summer BFFs for like forever? Why the sudden friendship breakup? Gotta be about Asher, right?" "Most likely." "Wait, so Asher and Thalia are back together? When did that happen? Didn''t the Winters family release some statement a few months back calling off their engagement?" "Yeah, I remember that too. Wasn''t Asher linked to some actress recently?" "Right, I totally recall that. The actress was Laurina Kensington, and rumors were flying that she was about to join the ckwood dynasty." ---- "Probably just PR. A blue-blood family like the ckwoods wouldn''t let some actress marry in." "Who? Laurina Kensington? Not the one I know, surely?" "You know Laurina Kensington?" "Are you talking about that A-lister from Sunshine Media?" "Yeah, exactly! You know her?" "[ do. Laurina Kensington is from the Kensington family. She''s actually Asher''s distant cousin. That dating rumor was totally bogus. I ran into her at the ckwood mansion during their New Year''s party." "No way!" "Hand to God." Victoria was floored. She gave a thumbs up. "Damn, Lucia''s got balls. Mad respect!" Charlotte added, "I was suspicious about her after that Sean thing, but looks like I was wrong." Chapter 295 ---- Chapter 252 By the ship''s railing. Thalia and Lucia leaned against the guardrail, feeling the ocean breeze. Lucia raised her wine ss to clink with Thalia''s. The crystal sses made a delicate chiming sound. The sea wind tousled their hair. Lucia took a sip of red wine. She''d had quite a few drinks tonight and was already slightly tipsy. Her cheeks flushed, she patted Thalia''s shoulder. "Lia, I''m really sorry about what happened today. That card was marked by Summer-she did it on purpose. I had no idea, I swear I didn''t put her up to it." Thalia took a sip of her wine and smiled. "Honestly, for a split second I did have my doubts about you. But when you made that announcement in front of everyone, it cleared things up. I believe you." ---- Lucia smiled back. "I knew you would." The party had ended, and all the guests had returned to their rooms. Now there was only the sound of waves and wind. "Here''s to you and Asher staying together forever." Lucia tucked a windblown strand of hair behind her ear, a genuine smile on her lips. "I mean it." "Thanks." Thalia looked into Lucia''s eyes. "I''ve been wondering-at first you separated our rooms, like you didn''t want us staying together. What changed your mind tonight?" Abitter smile tugged at Lucia''s lips, tinged with self-mockery. "Because I finally saw things clearly, and I gave up." Lucia turned around to face the ocean, the wind blowing her hair back. Her voice mingled with the sounds of waves and wind as it reached Thalia''s ears. "I separated you two because I was jealous. I didn''t want you staying together. Back then, I still had foolish hopes about Asher." ---- "The thing with Sean made me realize how much he cares about you. You probably don''t know this, but after Sean was pulled from the water, Asher didn''t just let him go. He had his men take Sean to some hidden room and used... certain methods. Left him wishing he was dead." Thalia frowned slightly. "I had no idea." "Sean brought it on himself. He deserved it." Lucia continued: "The other thing that made me give up was that game this afternoon." "T''ve actually seen him y games like that before." Lucia''s voice grew distant. "So many girls have liked him. At a friend''s birthday party once, they yed something simr-Truth or Dare. A girl confessed to him." "How did he respond?" Thalia asked curiously. "Respond?" Luciaughed without humor. "He just said ''oh'' coldly and thenpletely ignored her." "That arrogant?" Thalia smiled. Lucia nodded. "Another time, people were egging on this girl to pick a guy to kiss. She had a crush on Asher and worked up ---- the courage to choose him. He gave her such a murderous look that she immediately picked someone else." "Was it really that scary?" "Absolutely. No exaggeration. Of course, he''d never look at you that way." Lucia''s expression grew forlorn. "Can you imagine how I felt today watching him kiss you in front of everyone?" Lucia gave a bitterugh. "It felt like a thousand arrows through my heart. I envy you so much, having all of his love." "From that moment, I knew I never had a chance." Lucia''s voice was very soft, fragile. "Or maybe I never had a chance to begin with. I just couldn''t see it." When Thalia returned to the room, the lights were still on. Asher stood by the window with his back to her, talking on the phone. Thalia walked over quietly and hugged him from behind, resting her face against his back. Chapter 296 ---- His body tensed slightly. Asher told the person on the phone, "That''s all for now, I''ve got to go," then turned around and pulled Thalia into his arms. "You''re back." Thalia made a soft sound of agreement. Nestled in Asher''s embrace, she said quietly, "Asher, you''re wonderful." "You just figuring that out?" Asher held her close, his voice deep and rich. "Will you always he this good to me?" "Of course." Thalia looked up from his embrace, her eyes bright as stars, gazing intently at Asher. Moved by desire, he lowered his head and kissed her. The kiss was deep and passionate. Outside the windowy the stars and sea. ---- The ss muffled the sound of waves and contained their intimate encounter. Moonlight poured in through the window like silvery water. Thalia pressed against the ss, her cheek against the cool surface, looking out at the night. Asher entered her smoothly. Thalia couldn''t suppress the broken gasps escaping her lips. Asher kissed her from behind, urgent and hungry. Thalia was swept into a disorienting ocean of pleasure, losing all sense of direction, rising and falling with his rhythm. After two days at sea, they returned, and Thalia quickly immersed herself back in work at thew firm. That morning, after reviewing a stack of case files, Thalia made herself a cup of tea. Rupert Lysander opened the door and came in. ---- "Thalia, are you busy?" Thalia looked up at him. "What is it?" Rupert lowered his eyes. "I wanted to talk to you about something." Thalia quickly caught the hint of dejection in his expression. "Is it work-rted?" Rupert shook his head. "No." Thalia''s tone became distant. "During work hours, I''d rather not discuss personal matters." "But it''s nearly impossible to see you alone after work." Rupert looked up at her, his voice tinged with urgency. "How did you and Asher suddenly get back together?" Thalia''s voice was cool, her expression nk. "Mr. Lysander, we''re just colleagues. That question crosses a line." Rupert''s eyes darkened. "Thalia, you know how I feel about you, don''t you?" Thalia frowned. ---- "Thad some suspicions, but since you never said anything directly, I didn''t think much of it." Thalia looked at Rupert seriously. "Now that you''ve made it clear, I''ll give you a straight answer. I''m sorry, Mr. Lysander, but I have a boyfriend. I love him deeply, and only him. Besides him, I won''t have feelings for anyone else." Thalia''s rejection wasplete and direct. The light in Rupert''s eyes dimmed. "You really don''t remember me." Rupertughed self-deprecatingly. "Asher was right-someone who rejected you once will reject you again." Thalia looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?" "Tconfessed to you in our freshman year." Thalia''s brow furrowed as she tried to recall. Vaguely, something came back to her. Rupert prompted, "One night, on the sports field. The guy with the guitar." Thalia remembered now. ---- "That was you." Rupert''s lips curved into a bitter smile. "Ilost again. Completely defeated." "Mr. Lysander, you''re a good person and very talented. You''ll find someone who loves you back." Sadness washed over Rupert''s eyes as he murmured, "But that person isn''t you." Chapter 297 ---- Chapter 253 That evening, Asher came over to Thalia''s vi for dinner. na had gotten used to their routine by now, practically making herself invisible during dinner before vanishing in a sh. After showering, theyy together in bed. Unusually, Asher seemed content with just cuddling tonight. "Showing remarkable restraint today?" Thalia teased. Asher smiled. "Early meeting tomorrow. Can''t afford to stay upte." "We could always keep it quick," Thalia said with a softugh. "Quick?" Asher pulled her into his arms. "You clearly underestimate me. Once we start, we wouldn''t wrap up until the early hours." "Let''s just sleep then, Night." Thalia burrowed under the covers. ---- Asher propped himself up, watching her for a moment. "problem is, I''m not tired yet." Thalia''s eyes peeked out from beneath the nket. "Oh? What do you suggest?" "How about you help me fall asleep?" Asher''s eyes twinkled. "Me?" Thalia looked surprised. "Help you fall asleep?" "Yeah, you." His lips curved into a smile. "I''m always the one lulling you to sleep. You''ve never returned the favor." Thalia scoffed. "What are you, five? Needing someone to tuck you in?" "can''t sleep," Asher drawledzily. "So either you help me doze off, or..." His dark eyes gleamed yfully. "We tire ourselves out, which means staying up till dawn. I can manage with less sleep tomorrow-not ideal, but I''ll survive." Thalia was momentarily speechless. " Helping him fall asleep definitely seemed like the easier option. ---- Much simpler than the alternative. Besides, she had court at nine tomorrow. No way could she stay up with him until dawn. "Fine," Thalia conceded. "How do you want me to help?" "Tell me a story," Asher said, his voice rxed andzy. "Seriously? A grown man wanting bedtime stories," Thalia grumbled. But she obediently grabbed her phone and searched for bedtime stories, Asher settled in, closing his eyes. "Your voice is beautiful. The story doesn''t matter. I just want to fall asleep listening to you." "Alright, here goes." Thalia began reading from her phone. "A crab went for a walk and identally bumped into a loach. The loach snapped, ''Are you blind or something?'' The crab replied, ''No, I''ma crab." After finishing, Thalia burst intoughter. "Oh my god, that''s so dumb!" Asher opened his eyes again. ---- He gave her a sidelong nce. "Did you justugh at your own joke?" "Why aren''t youughing? Wasn''t it funny? Let me try another." Thalia scrolled through her phone. "Cats go ''meow,'' dogs go ''woof,'' ducks go ''quack.'' What do chickens do?" "Cluck?" Asher yed along. "Wrong!" Thalia dissolved into giggles. "Chickense home to roost! Hahaha!" A hint of amused exasperation shed in Asher''s eyes. "I asked for a bedtime story, not dad jokes." "T thought these were hrious! Your sense of humor needs work." Thalia''s eyes crinkled with her smile. "Okay, not funny? Here''s another one." "One day, an ant met another ant. The first ant asked, ''How do you remember me?'' The other ant paused, either smiling or very silent." Asher finally chuckled. Chapter 298 ---- Seeing himugh atst, Thalia joined in and even started softly singing. "You look like a movie, you sound like a song My God, this reminds me of when we were young Let me photograph you in this light In case it is thest time That we might be exactly like we were Before we realized..." The night light cast a warm glow across the room. Thalia''s face was softened in the golden light as she faced Asher, her almond eyes gentle, pupils reflecting the warm glow. Last time she got drunk at a bar, she''d grabbed someone''s microphone and belted out some song-total disaster. Couldn''t hit a single note. Tonight, though, her voice was perfectly in tune and surprisingly beautiful. Asher drifted off to sleep listening to Thalia sing. His breathing grew deep and steady. When Thalia finished, she realized Asher was already asleep. ---- The AC felt a bit chilly, so she adjusted it to a morefortable sleeping temperature and gently tucked the nket around him. In the warm amber light, Thalia watched him quietly for a moment, then ced a soft kiss on his cheek. "Night, Asher." Early the next morning, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains. Asher hadn''t set an rm, not wanting to disturb Thalia. For important matters, he usually woke naturally. Just as he opened his eyes, preparing to slip out of bed quietly, Thalia made a soft, sleepy sound beside him. Then she blinked her eyes open, still fuzzy with sleep. "You up?" Asher''s voice was slightly husky, his warm breath against her ear. Thalia made a drowsy sound of agreement, rubbing her eyes. "Time is it?" she mumbled. Asher checked his phone. "Seven-thirty. Want to sleep ina bit?" ---- Thalia closed her eyes again. "Still early. I''ll grab more sleep. Wake me at eight." "Got it." Asher quietly got ready and left. At seven fifty-eight in the morning. In the ckwood Group conference room. Thepany executives sat perfectly straight, ready for the eight o''clock meeting. Normally, work started at nine, with meetings around nine-thirty. But today was different. This was a video conference with a major overseas partner, with an eight-hour time difference. Eight AM here meant four PM for their partners. The partnerpany had a strict five o''clock end time, so the one-hour conference needed to start at exactly four their time. ---- The video call was already connected, with Daniel, the partner''s CEO, smiling in greeting. Asher and Daniel weren''t just business partners but old friends. Their interactions were always casual and rxed. Asher nodded in response: "Daniel, give me a sec. Need to call my girlfriend to wake her up." Danielughed heartily. "No problem, take your time." At exactly eight o''clock. Asher called Thalia right on schedule. An entire room of executives sat ramrod straight, listening to their CEO call to wake up his girlfriend. On screen, Daniel poured himself some water, waiting patiently. Thalia answered with a sleepy "Hello,"pletely unaware of Asher''s situation. "Lia, it''s eight. Time to get up." Asher''s voice was impossibly ---- tender. Chapter 299 ---- Chapter 254 "Sooo tired," Thalia mumbled, her voice soft with sleep. The executives in the conference room couldn''t hear what she said. They only saw their normally ice-cold CEO suddenly transform-his features softening, eyes warming with affection. Drowsy employees snapped to attention. Talk about unexpected meeting entertainment. So their famously standoffish boss was actually this gentle behind closed doors? The office gossip mill would be working overtime today. Around the table, reactions ranged from subtle smirks to raised eyebrows. But one face stood out-darkening with every word Asher spoke. ---- Karen Gordon, newly appointed Marketing Director at ckwood Group, was clearly not enjoying the show. When Asher spoke to Thalia, he became unrecognizable. Patient. Tender. Attentive. But in Karen''s experience, Asher was coldly professional, rigid, and perpetually serious-keeping everyone at arm''s length with his frosty demeanor. She''d been at ckwood Group for over two weeks and hadn''t managed a single personal conversation with him. She couldn''t even get his contact info directly-everything had to go through his assistant, Matt Ford. Now, watching Asher publicly unt his rtionship without a hint of self-consciousness, Karen''s nails dug into her palms, jealousy burning in her chest. After waking Thalia, Asher asked if she was free for lunch. She apparently turned him down, and a hint of disappointment crept into his voice as he asked, "What about dinner?" ---- Thalia replied, "I''m heading home tonight." By "home," she meant the Winters family estate. "Fine, another time then." The executives exchanged nces-did their CEO just get shot down? Twice in a row? Karen''s expression hardened. Since when was Asher ckwood in a rtionship? Before joining ckwood, she''d made sure to check-he was definitely single. Who had managed to snag the most eligible bachelor in London? Ina VIP private dining room. Randolph Winters was entertaining several business partners over dinner. ---- With deals concluded, the middle-aged men shifted to casual conversation. "Congrats, my friend," said a balding man in his fifties with a smug grin. Randolph gave him a puzzled look. "For what exactly?" The man''s grin widened. "The big news, of course." "What big news?" "Oh,e off it. I''m talking about your family connection with the ckwoods. Marrying into that dynasty is one hell of a power move-why so secretive?" Randolph''s expression instantly froze. "Who told you my family is connecting with the ckwoods?" Seeing Randolph''s icy reaction, the man faltered. "Isn''t your daughter seeing the ckwood heir? You didn''t know? Just the other day, my idiot son was at the Schulz girl''s birthday bash. Saw your daughter and Asher ckwood all over each other-loads of people witnessed it. You seriously had no idea?" Chapter 300 ---- Randolph sat in stony silence. Sensing the sudden chill, the man hastily changed topics. That evening. Thalia returned to the Winters estate after a long day. As her car pulled up, Aunt Victoria hurried out to meet her. Her expression was troubled as she pulled Thalia aside, lowering her voice. "Lia, your father found out about you and Asher getting back together. He''s absolutely livid-sitting in the living room looking like he could murder someone. If you''re not up for the confrontation, maybe head back out ande when he''s cooled down." Thalia tensed. He knew already? She thought for a moment, then replied, "It''s okay. I might as well face the music now. I''ll have to deal with it eventually-avoiding it won''t solve anything." Aunt Victoria sighed. "Alright then. Just talk to him calmly. He adores you-if you exin properly, he''ll eventuallye ---- around." "Thanks." Thalia took a deep breath and headed toward the house. "I appreciate the warning." Inside the grand foyer. Just as Aunt Victoria had warned, Randolph sat rigidly on the sofa, his face thunderous. Thalia stepped in and called out, "Dad." Randolph looked up, eyes cold. "So you still remember you have a father?" Thalia kept her expression neutral. "Of course. Why wouldn''t rr" She walked over and settled into an armchair. "When exactly did you get back with Asher ckwood?" Randolph demanded, voice like ice. "And why did I have to hear it from someone else?" Thalia calmly picked up a teacup and took a sip. "I''m telling you now, aren''t I?" ---- Randolph let out a bitterugh, "Would you have said anything if I hadn''t asked?" Thalia shrugged. "What was I supposed to say if you didn''t ask?" "Don''t y games with me." Randolph red at her. "My daughter is dating someone, and I find out through gossip. Fantastic." Thalia remained unfazed. "That''s how it works, Dad. People see things, they talk. Can''t exactly stop that, can I?" Randolph snorted, his expression darkening further. "You''re deliberately pushing my buttons!" Thalia gave a small smile. "Not at all. Ijust hadn''t figured out the right way to tell you yet." "Break it off!" Randolph snapped. "No," Thalia replied tly. Hearing this, Randolph shot to his feet, his voice rising. "Haven''t the ckwoods done enough damage? You nearly died, and here you are, thinking about dating?" ---- "It was Tom Malfoy and Grace Bet who tried to hurt me, and they''ve been locked up. They''re not a threat anymore. Why can''t we move on? You can''t me Asher for what they dia!" "Maybe not Asher specifically, but the ckwood family for sure! I will never agree to you marrying into that family!" "At the engagement party, if Asher hadn''t jumped in front of that knife, I''d be dead right now." Randolph was livid. "Would anyone have tried to stab you at all ifnot for him?" "That has nothing to do with him! He can''t control other people! Grace was obsessed with him and attacked me out of jealousy-how is that his fault?" Randolph''s face remained hard. "Enough excuses. You can''t be with him, period. Anyone else-just not him." "Right," Thalia let out a harshugh. "Without him, I don''t want anyone else." Randolph threw up his hands. "There are millions of eligible men out there! Will you shrivel up and die without him? Why this ridiculous fixation?" ---- Thalia''s voice softened. "When you''ve already found the person you love, how can you make room for anyone else?" "You can forget him," Randolph thundered. "With enough time, there''s nobody you can''t get over." As the words hung in the air, Thalia fell silent. She just stared at Randolph, her eyes suddenly filled with quiet pain. Randolph realized what he''d said, his expression shifting. He, too, fell silent. The living room plunged into deathly quiet. After what felt like forever, Thalia said softly, "Just like you forgot Mom, right?" Chapter 301 ---- Chapter 255 Even after all these years, the mention of Rosalind still hit Randolph like a physical blow. His eyes lowered, anger melting into profound grief. Thalia said nothing more and walked out. Randolph stood frozen for a moment before heading upstairs. Thalia had originallye home for dinner-Aunt Victoria had personally prepared a feast of Thalia''s favorites. But after their blowup, neither father nor daughter touched the food. Aunt Victoria emerged from the kitchen, surveyed the untouched spread, and sighed deeply. Leaving the Winters estate with her emotions in shambles, Thalia headed straight to a bar. ---- She called Victoria. "Vic, where you at? Come have a drink with me. I''m having the worst day." On the other end, Victoria''s voice was punctuated by barely suppressed gasps. Thalia immediately got the picture. Victoria was... otherwise engaged. Thalia was about to hang up, but hearing the distress in her voice, Victoria immediatelyposed herself. "Lia, what''s wrong?" "Dad and I got into it," Thalia said, her voice tight. "Don''t worry about it. You''re clearly busy-T''ll deal." Victoria swatted away Sebastian''s wandering hand. "Need me toe? Where are you? I can be there in twenty." Thalia knew Victoria was in the middle of something with Sebastian and didn''t want to be a mood-killer. "It''s fine. I''ll figure it out." "Okay, but be careful. na with you?" Victoria asked. ---- "Yeah, she''s here." "Good." Victoria spoke while Sebastian''s hands started roaming again, earning him a death re. "Talkter, Lia." "sure." After hanging up, Victoria shot Sebastian an exasperated look, "Seriously? I was talking to Thalia." Sebastian silenced her with a kiss, his voice rough: "And now you''re not." Charlotte couldn''t handle her liquor, and Victoria was upied. Thalia called Lucy Jenkins and Katie next. The moment Lucy heard Thalia was down, she immediately volunteered toe keep herpany. Katie had just finished dinner and was mindlessly scrolling through shows on her couch. Always up for drinking, she jumped at Thalia''s call. ---- With tomorrow being Saturday-no work-and both being close friends, they were happy to rally around Thalia. At the bar. The three women settled into a booth with six different bottles of alcohol on the table. Thalia casually opened a bottle and drank straight from it. She gulped down half the bottle in one go, leaving Lucy staring in shock. Lucy quickly snatched it away. "Whoa, slow down, tiger! We''ve got all night-pace yourself." Lucy knew full well Thalia was a lightweight. She vividly remembered what happened thest time Thalia got drunk at the firm party. Katie added, "Yeah, Lia, what''s got you hitting it this hard tonight?" Thalia lowered her eyes, expression turning somber. "My dad wants me to dump Asher, but I just can''t." Katie and Lucy exchanged nces. Chapter 302 ---- Lucy asked, "Is it because of that whole thing with the ckwood illegitimate son?" Lucy and Katie had been there during Tom Malfoy''s revenge attack and had nearly died. Thank god for na. Even now, remembering that night still sent chills down their spines. Later, after the police investigation wrapped, Thalia had given them the general picture. So they knew bits and pieces about the ckwood family drama, though not the full story. Hearing Lucy''s question, Thalia nodded. "Yeah. Tom Malfoy had the Russian Prime Minister backing him, giving him serious firepower. When Asher and I were together, my family got caught in the crossfire. Dad''s still furious about all of it." Lucy nodded sympathetically. "Can''t really me him." Thalia took another couple swigs, her face already flushing. "But now Tom''s locked up, and once the legal stuff wraps, he''s ---- facing execution. Grace Bet got life in prison. The threats are gone, and I''ve got na now-nobody can get to me because of Asher anymore. So why can''t we just be together?" Katie sipped her drink. "Objectively, you''re right. But after everything your dad went through? His reaction''s totally normal. Just human nature." "Dad said anyone but Asher would be fine." Thalia''s eyes welled up. "But I only want him. Just him." Lucy sighed deeply. "Feelings don''te with an off switch." Katie suggested, "Rupert''s actually a pretty solid guy. Maybe give him a chance? Might help you get over Asher." Thalia shook her head firmly. "Can''t. My heart''s already full with Asher." When Asher arrived at the bar, it was past ten. At this hour, the nightlife was just ramping up. The bar thumped with bass-heavy tracks as people moved to the rhythm, the air thick with alcohol and perfume. ---- Security cleared a path as Asher entered. The music stopped abruptly. Conversations died mid-sentence. The bar manager led the way to Thalia. Thalia, Lucy, and Katie werepletely wasted. Thalia slumped against the sofa, eyes still wet, tear tracks on her cheeks, mumbling incoherently. Lucy sat on the floor, clutching a bottle, drinking and crying, words slurred beyond recognition. Katiey passed out next to Thalia, dead to the world. na stood perfectly straight nearby, face expressionless, like a sentinel. The bar manager gestured toward na and said respectfully, "Mr. ckwood, with thatdy present, Miss Winters and her friends were perfectly safe. Nobody darede near them." The crowd had been dispersed. ---- The previously raucous venue was suddenly silent. The abrupt quiet seemed to register with Thalia. She blinked open her bleary eyes, gaze wandering until itnded on Asher. Thalia''s eyes paused momentarily when they caught sight of his tall figure. The next second, almost instinctively, she opened her arms toward him, voice soft and vulnerable. "Asher... need a hug." Like ice melting in spring sunlight, the coldness around Asher instantly vanished. He crossed to her and pulled her into his arms. Chapter 303 ---- Chapter 256 Thalia waspletely inebriated, but instinctively snuggled closer into Asher''s embrace, mumbling sleepily, "Mmm, sofy." Asher lifted her up, and Thalia nestled her head against his chest. She wasn''t crying or fussing-her earlier ramblings had stopped, and she was quiet now. Asher looked at her with eyes soft as spring water, his deep voice warm with affection. "That''s my girl." Holding her like a child, Asher carried Thalia out of the bar with one arm. Several bodyguards silently followed behind. William approached na and asked, "Do you know where Miss Winters'' friends live?" na shook her head. William nodded. "Miss Winters'' friends need to be safely escorted home, but since we don''t know their addresses, let''s ---- take them to one of the ckwood Group hotels for the night. Miss na, I''ll need your assistance." As a man, William couldn''t appropriately escort two intoxicated women to hotel rooms. na nced in the direction Thalia and Asher had gone, her brow furrowing slightly. "Don''t worry, Miss na. With our CEO, Miss Winters will be perfectly safe. Plus, he has plenty of security with him." na wanted to follow and protect Thalia, but looking at thepletely drunk Lucy and Katie, she ultimately decided against it. As Thalia''s assistant at thew firm, na''s position allowed her to protect Thalia closely, and over time she had be friends with Lucy and Katie too. They were now her friends as well. In the end, na chose to help William take Lucy and Katie to a ckwood Group hotel. ---- Drunk Thalia was soft and pliant, seemingly boneless as she nestled in Asher''s arms. Stepping outside the bar, the summer heat hit them without the air conditioning, Thalia buried her face deeper into the crook of Asher''s neck, making little whimpering sounds, her alcoholced breath warming his skin. The driver respectfully opened the car door. Asher carried Thalia in and settled in the back seat. He positioned her sideways on hisp, cradling her. The ck Cullinan cruised smoothly through London''s summer night. Street lights shed by through the windows, casting Thalia''s face in alternating light and shadow. The car was quiet. Thalia''s eyes were open, neither noisy nor upset. Her unfocused gaze seemed distant, as if she were emptying her mind or perhaps it was full of unspoken thoughts. Asher reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ---- ear, his slightly rough thumb gently stroking her cheek. Thalia''s face was flushed pink, adorably drunk, effortlessly tugging at Asher''s heartstrings without trying. "Asher," Thalia suddenly called his name. "Tm here," he replied, his voice low and tender. "Asher, please don''t break up with me, okay?" Thalia''s voice was tearful as she furrowed her brow and buried her face deep in the crook of his neck. Her soft lips grazed the skin of his neck. Thalia''s slightly whiny tone was like a little hook, gently tugging at Asher''s nerve endings. Ripples spread across theke of his heart. He lowered his head to ce a gentle kiss on her forehead. "We won''t break up. Never again." Thalia made a soft, sweet sound in her throat. Asher''s eyes darkened, "Lia." Chapter 304 ---- "Hmm?" Thalia looked at him with misty, confused eyes. "What is it?" Those eyes of hers were too beautiful-now veiled with ayer of moisture, glistening. Her face, bare of makeup, was covered with a light flush, as tempting as a ripe peach, impossible not to Kiss. Asher lowered his gaze and coaxed softly, "Want a kiss?" Thalia turned to nce at the driver, then pressed her lips together. "No." Asher gently tapped her nose, continuing to coax her with his maic voice. "Say you want one. Be good." Thalia looked up at him, her almond eyes bright and shining. She stared at Asher steadily, then broke into a giggle. "Asher, you''re so handsome." "Then do you want to kiss me?" The man gazed into her eyes. His dark, deep eyes seemed to have a hypnotic power, pulling her in. Drunk Thalia smiled like a child and nodded. "Yes." ---- "Thene kiss me." Asher''s voice was husky. He leaned back slightly, tilting up his face, his eyes dark as he waited for her to make the move. Thalia didn''t hesitate. She leaned forward and offered her lips. Their lips met. Thalia''s kissing was messy and without technique. Her kissing skills hadn''t improved at all. Asher responded slowly, his lips curved in a smile, his heart sweet as honey. Thalia kissed him for a while, but they were all shallow kisses, innocent with no trace of desire. Feeling it wasn''t enough, Asher took charge, holding the back of her head to deepen the kiss. His tongue parted her lips and entered her mouth, seeking hers. Their tongues entwined as the atmosphere heated up. ---- As they kissed, Thalia''s hands started to wander. Those soft, delicate hands roamed over his abs. Asher groaned softly and grabbed her wandering hand. "What are you doing?" "Let me feel your abs," Thalia broke free from his grip and touched his stomach again. The driver discreetly raised the partition. Asher chuckled, teasing her: "Taking advantage of me while you''re drunk?" Thalia''s fair face was flushed with a thinyer of pink. She looked at Asher and murmured in a sultry voice, "I want..." Asher''s Adam''s apple bobbed slightly, his eyes darkening further as he asked in a low, enticing voice, "What do you want?" ying dumb. Thalia made a little "hmph" sound, not answering, and instead reached down to touch him there. ---- Asher couldn''t hold back a groan, He quickly grabbed her wrist and removed her hand, his voice rough with desire, "Lia, are you drunk or drugged?" Thalia seemed to vaguely understand his words through her haze and mumbled, "Not drugged." So she was just drunk and wanting him. "Really drunk or pretending?" Asher held the hand that had just misbehaved, chuckling softly. "Why do you always take advantage of me when you''re drunk?" Last time was the same. Getting handsy with him when drunk. This time was even bolder. Her hand had gone straight for it. How was he supposed to resist? "You''re mine," Thalia puffed her cheeks, looking indignant. Adoration filled his eyes. "Yes, I''m yours." ---- The wetness in Thalia''s eyes deepened. She stared at him with wide, moist eyes, looking extremely pitiful, on the verge of tears. Asher was still restraining himself. He wasn''t sure if she was genuinely upset because he wasn''t satisfying her, or if she knew he couldn''t bear to see her cry and was deliberately looking pitiful, using tears against him. The moisture in Thalia''s eyes kept building until it finally spilled over. In the next moment, round droplets fell, like rain on pear blossoms,nding on Asher''s heart with a searing heat. Chapter 305 ---- Chapter 257 Alright, he admitted it-she had won. In that moment, all his principles crumbledpletely. He''d surrendered. Asher tapped on the partition. The driver understood immediately, turning the car down a side road. Minutester, the Cullinan pulled over ona deserted stretch of road beside an empty field. After parking, the driver promptly opened his door, stepped out, and walked away in one fluid motion. In the quiet car, only the two of them remained. This time, Asher took the ini He kissed her fiercely, deeply and passionately, as the temperature inside the car rapidly climbed. Desire spread like wildfire, their breathing bing hot and heavy. ---- ''Thalia straddled Asher''sp, their bodies pressed tightly together, both burning with heat. Asher held Thalia''s waist with one hand while the other caressed up her smooth, soft thigh. His palm was scorching against her skin. Thalia''s chest heaved dramatically as soft, uncontroble gasps escaped her lips. She tilted her slender, pale neck back, and Asher kissed her there, his lips and teeth grazing the delicate skin of her throat. Thalia whimpered, clutching Asher''s shirt tightly. Only when her body waspletely imed by him did that anxious, uncertain feeling of potential loss finally dissolve. Thalia buried her face in Asher''s shoulder, maintaining her position facing him on hisp. Her lips lightly brushed the skin of his neck as she whispered his name during their most intimate moment. "Asher." His voice, rough with desire, responded: "I''m here." ---- She called again: "Asher." He kissed her cheeks and eyes, patiently answering: "Right here, baby." By the time they finished, it was already past midnight. Asher drove them back to his private vi himself. Thalia was too exhausted and fell asleep in the back seat. After parking, he carried her out without waking her. She was covered with hisrge dark gray suit jacket. The white blouse she''d been wearing was unwearable-buttons had been torn off in their passion, the thin fabric ripped beyond repair. Asher carried Thalia all the way to his bedroom and gently ced her on the bed. She didn''t wake, sleeping deeply. She was truly exhausted. ---- Asher smiled, adjusted the air conditioning temperature, and pulled up the covers. Drunk and worn out from their intense activity, Thalia slept soundly through the night. No dreams disturbed her, When she woke the next day, it was already eleven in the morning. Thalia opened her eyes, her head pounding. She vaguely remembered what had happenedst night in the car on the way back. The marks on her body reminded her of how passionate they''d been. A strange feeling washed over her. The space beside her was empty-Asher had already gotten up, though she wasn''t sure where he was. She didn''t ask. Thaliazed in bed for a while, lying under the covers before ---- slowly getting up to shower. She''d been to Asher''s vi before and was somewhat familiar with it. Chapter 306 ---- The bathroom was prepared with fresh towels and women''s summer clothing. It was a champagne-colored silk dress. Thalia checked the tag-it was her size. Next to it were new, packaged underwear, also in her size. Asher must have had someone buy and deliver them this morning. He always handled these details perfectly. After her shower, she found Asher sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, working on hisptop. Seeing her emerge, he closed hisputer, walked over, and took her hand, leading her to the sofa. Without a word, he picked up a hairdryer and began drying her hair. sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. ---- The spacious room was flooded with light. Asher''s room was on the second floor. Looking down through the windows, one could see a garden full of blooming flowers. In the height of summer, various flowerspeted in their brilliant disys. Butterflies danced around the blossoms-a scene beautiful as a painting. After drying her hair, Asher took Thalia downstairs for lunch. In the dining room, the table was already set with steaming dishes-freshly prepared and all Thalia''s favorites. After eating, Asher finally asked: "Lia, did something happen yesterday? Why did you drink so much at the bar?" Thalia lowered her gaze, her eyshes trembling slightly. After a moment of silence. She sighed and said: "My dad found out we''re back together. When I went home yesterday, he told me to break up with you." Asher''s gaze paused, his eyes sharpening. ---- "What do you think, Lia?" His tone carried barely detectable tension and anxiety. "I told him I wouldn''t," Thalia said firmly. She looked up at Asher, determination in her eyes. "Asher, I don''t want to break up. You''re the only one in my heart. I only want you-no one else." The anxiety that had just emerged in him was dispersed by her words. Asher''s gaze softened as he reached out to hold her hand. "Lia, don''t worry. We won''t break up." His broad, warm palm gave Thalia an inexplicable sense of security. Thalia murmured agreement. Asher continued: "Let me handle this. Don''t worry-I''ll talk to your father." Concern shed in Thalia''s eyes. "You... my dad has serious issues with your family. I''m worried about you..." "Tunderstand," Asher said gently. "It''s okay. I''ll handle it ---- well-trust me." "Alright." Just then, Thalia''s phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Lucy calling. Thalia answered, "Hello, what''s up, Lucy?" "Lia, where are you? Did you get home safely?" Lucy asked with concern. "Yes, I did. What about you and Katie?" Thalia suddenly remembered-Lucy and Katie had been drinking with herst night. She''d forgotten to check on them and didn''t know how they''d gotten home or if anything had happened. Two women,pletely drunk, and it had been sote. Lucy replied: "Katie and I woke up in a hotel, fully clothed. We asked the hotel staff and found out it''s owned by the ckwood Group. Wow, Lia, I''ve never stayed in such a luxurious hotel before-five stars, executive suite, with a river view!" "When Katie and I woke up, we were shocked. That bed was ---- huge and sofortable! This is the first time in my life I''ve slept in such a high-end bed. Five-star hotels really are different. We got lucky because of you-I''m guessing Asher''s people brought us there." Thalia felt relieved. No problems, that was good. Lucy continued chattering about how amazing the luxury executive suite was. Thalia smiled. "Well, enjoy it then." "I''m going to soak in that massive bathtub with a bubble bath and rose petals!" Lucy was totally excited. suddenly, her voice dropped. "This won''t cost extra, will it?" Thaliaughed. "Don''t worry, enjoy it however you want. Have you eaten? If not, let the hotel send you meals. Treat yourselves to the five-star luxury dining experience. I''ll cover all expenses today as thanks for keeping mepanyst night." Lucy was ecstatic. "Ahhhh, Lia, you''re the absolute best! I love you! Muah, muah, muah!" ---- Thaliaughed. "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Go enjoy your bubble bath and gourmet meal." "Will do! Bye, Lia! Love you!" Chapter 307 ---- Chapter 258 Thalia hung up, and Asher said, "Your friends don''t need to cover their hotel expenses. I''ve already arranged for everything to beplimentary." "That won''t work-business is business," Thalia replied. "They came outst night to keep mepany, so I should thank them properly and treat them well." Asher''s lips curved up. "Alright." A little whileter, Victoria called to check on Thalia, asking if she was feeling better. Thalia assured her she was much better now and that everything was fine. Victoria was relieved. Thalia spent the entire afternoon with Asher. His vi had a private theater with a starry ceiling, equipped with massage chairs, sofas, and even beds. ---- Thalia and Asher selected a ssic romance film. They sat in massage chairs with a mobile cart nearby filled with pastries, snacks, and drinks. Enjoying the massage while watching the movie, Thalia sighed contentedly, "This is absolute heaven!" "Lia," Asher suddenly called her. "Hmm?" Thalia turned to look at him. "What is it?" "Let''s go to the gymter for a workout." Thalia immediately refused: "No way. I just want to bezy." Asher''s voice carried a hint of amusement. "You need to build up your stamina, or you won''t be able to keep up." Thalia instantly understood his meaning, her cheeks quickly flushing pink. "Asher!" Asher chuckled softly, clearly pleased. In truth, Thalia''s physical condition wasn''t bad-her stamina was actually quite good from her previous training. But once Asher got his hands on Thalia, he became intensely ---- passionate. His stamina and energy far exceeded that of most men. Every time, at least three rounds. And he couldst forever. Even when Thalia cried out "no more" or "enough," he wouldn''t stop. Asher was always gentle and patient with Thalia-except in bed. Thalia turned away, ignoring him and focusing intently on the movie. Asher smiled silently. Teasing her was quite fun. At the Quinn residence. Victoria was pinned against the bedroom door as Sebastian kissed her. ---- She struggled to push him away, but Sebastian held her firmly, preventing any resistance. Soon, Victoria gave up fighting. She melted into his scorching kiss. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Both of them froze. Helen Wanda''s voice came from outside: "Victoria, Sebastian, are you in there?" The perceptive Victoria noticed something different in her mother''s voice-it sounded like she was suppressing something. Plus, her mother usually called her "Vicky" and Sebastian "Sebs." Today, she had unusually used their full names. Could it be...? Victoria''s heart trembled violently. Chapter 308 ---- She steadied herself, took a deep breath, and answered, "Yes, Mom. Just a moment." Helen didn''t respond, just stood silently waiting outside. Victoria shoved Sebastian away, grabbed a wet wipe to clean the lipstick from his lips, then quickly touched up her own. lipstick in the mirror. "Tthink my mom might suspect something. Follow my lead," Victoria whispered rapidly while fixing her makeup. Sebastian said seriously, "Don''t worry, Vic. If anything happens, I''ll take the heat." Victoria was still nervous. Though she''d always known they couldn''t keep this secret forever, she wasn''t mentally prepared for this moment. Opening the door, they found Helen standing there with a dark expression. "Mom..." Victoria had barely gotten the word out when Helen''s palm connected with her face. SLAP-sharp and loud. ---- Helen had put considerable force behind it. She was truly furious and hadn''t controlled her strength. Victoria''s cheek immediately reddened. Sebastian was devastated and immediately checked her face. "Vic, are you okay?" Victoria held her cheek as tears spilled from her eyes. Helen stared at them coldly. "When did this start?" Sebastian pulled Victoria behind him, looking directly into Helen''s eyes, and responded with dignity: "Mrs. Wanda, I made the first move. This isn''t Victoria''s fault. If you''re angry, direct it at me." Helen''s gaze was icy. "I have no authority over you. I only have control over my daughter. You can talk to your father-he''ll be home soon." "Fine," Sebastian showed no fear. "You can discipline Victoria, but you will not hit her again." Helen gave a coldugh, her eyes zing with anger. "She''s my daughter. What business is it of yours? Step aside!" ---- Sebastian refused to move. "she''s my woman, and I''ll protect her," Sebastian''s eyes shed dangerously. "Mrs. Wanda, while I''m here, no one will harm her." Helen snapped, "Sebastian, you''re her brother! What you''re doing is incest!" Sebastian countered, "We have no blood rtion." Helenughed bitterly, "Your father and I are legally married. You two are step-siblings, and step-siblings are still siblings!" Sebastian''s lips curled into a cold smile. "Then we''ll stop being siblings. I never wanted to be her brother anyway. Helen furiously asked, "What are you saying?" Sebastian''s eyes glinted coldly. "You divorce my father, and Victoria and I won''t be siblings anymore." "You-" Helen was beyond furious, her chest heaving unevenly, her breathing erratic. "You" Helen was so angry she could only stutter "you, you, you" without forming aplete sentence. ---- She was truly beside herself. Sebastian said coldly, "Mrs. Wanda, your marriage to my father has been a sham for years. You two maintain a facade of mutual respect and harmony in public, but behind closed doors, you both do whatever you want. Am I right?" Helen''s eyes widened in shock. She instinctively asked, "How do you know?" "Tve known for a while," Sebastian replied calmly. "You''ve been involved with VP Mike Bratt from Celeste Industries, while my father has been keeping both a college student anda female streamer as mistresses." Helen''s pupils dted in shock. "When did you find out?" "The moment I decided I wanted to be with Victoria, I started investigating." Helen raged, "Sebastian, you dared to investigate your father and stepmother? We are your elders!" "Elders? So what?" Sebastian''s expression was frightening. ---- "You-!" Helen was speechless with anger. Just then, Sebastian''s father, Ian Quinn, arrived home. Chapter 309 ---- Chapter 259 Tan Quinn''s face was thunderous. He addressed Sebastian in a deep voice: "Come with me to the study." Without another nce at Sebastian, Ian turned and headed upstairs to his office. Sebastian ced both hands on Victoria''s shoulders. "Vic, wait for me." Aunt Helen watched coldly from the side. Before leaving, Sebastian gave his stepmother a serious, icy look. "Aunt Helen, this started because of me. Don''t give Victoria a hard time-I''ll take full responsibility." Aunt Helen''s face was ashen, but she remained silent. Sebastian looked at Victoria''s face with concern. "It''s swollen." Victoria''s eyes were pooling with tears, breaking Sebastian''s heart. ---- He called for a maid to bring some anti-inmmatory cream and pressed it into Victoria''s hand. "Put this on first." Victoria nodded. Still worried, Sebastian called for Sophia, a housekeeper who''d watched him grow up and had always been kind to him, instructing her to look after Victoria. "Looking after" really meant guarding Victoria-mainly to prevent Aunt Helen from getting physical again. After these arrangements, Sebastian went to the study. Victoria took the medicine and returned to her room, with Aunt Helen following her in and Sophia right behind them. As Victoria applied the cream, Aunt Helen stood nearby making scathing remarks. "Victoria, are all the men in the world dead that you need to seduce your own brother? Are you that desperate?" Aunt Helen''s tone was vicious, her words cruel. Victoria wept, feeling deeply wronged-Sebastian had been the one who''d pursued her first. ---- Aunt Helen was her biological mother, yet without even understanding the situation, her first usation was that Victoria had seduced her brother? "[ seduced my brother?" Victoria let out a bitterugh. "Is that really who you think I am?" Aunt Helen pulled out a stack of photos from her purse and threw them violently onto the table in front of Victoria. "Take a good look at these!" Victoria''s gaze dropped to the photos, her brow furrowing. They were all pictures of her and Sebastian on dates. Going to the movies, the amusement park, the music hall, art exhibitions, various restaurants... The photos were clearly taken secretly. Victoria picked them up and examined them carefully. Judging by the locations, the earliest ones were from over a month ago. Around that time, Irene Hildago had approached her, asking ---- for help pursuing Sebastian. She had refused. Victoria''s brow furrowed deeply. Her first suspicion was Irene. "Who gave you these photos?" Victoria asked. "What does it matter who gave them to me?" Aunt Helen snapped. "Look at these shameful things you''ve done! Still denying you seduced your brother? The evidence is right here!" The photos showed them embracing, holding hands, and even Kissing. Victoria gathered the photos, wiped her tears, and looked coldly at Aunt Helen. "If mutual consent is ''seduction,'' then when you got together with Mike Bratt from Celeste Industries, did you seduce him first? At least I''m single. What about you? You''re a married woman." Hearing this, Aunt Helen exploded. She raised her hand to p Victoria again but was stopped by Sophia. Chapter 310 ---- Aunt Helen shouted at the top of her lungs: "Victoria! Iam your mother! How dare you speak to me this way? Do you have no respect for your elders at all?" Victoria''s eyes shed coldly, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Now you remember you''re my mother? When you were saying those awful things to me earlier, did you forget? You hit and yelled at your own daughter without understanding the facts-mother of the year, truly." Sebastian spent half an hour in the study. The father and son argued fiercely. Crashing sounds came from inside-Ian was throwing things in his anger. Half an hourter, Sebastian emerged from the study with a cut on his temple that was bleeding. A teacup thrown by Ian had hit him. As soon as he left the study, Sebastian immediately went to Victoria''s room. Aunt Helen was no longer there. ---- Sophia was still standing guard by Victoria''s side. Seeing Sebastian arrive, Sophia nodded silently and left the room, closing the door behind her. "What happened to your forehead?" Victoria asked with concern, quickly moving forward to examine the wound. Sebastian gently touched Victoria''s pped cheek, his eyes tender with worry. "It''s nothing, just a small cut. Is your face still hurting?" "Not anymore," Victoria said, lowering her gaze. "Did you put medicine on it?" Victoria nodded gently. "Yes, I did." Sebastian spoke softly. "Vic, you should move out. If you don''t ''want to stay at my ce, I can buy you a separate vi." Victoria''s eyshes trembled. She asked quietly, "What did your father say?" "He demanded we break up. I refused, and he threatened to disown me." ---- Victoria hadn''t expected things to escte so seriously. To the point of severing father-son ties. Sebastian must have said plenty to provoke Ian in that study. After a moment''s thought, Victoria said, "I''ll move out tonight." "Good." Victoria added, "Il stay with you." Sebastian was momentarily surprised, then said, "Alright, I make the arrangements." "Will they divorce?" Victoria''s eyes were filled with worry. "They''ve been married for so long. Their interests are deeply entangled-even if they divorce, it won''t be a simple or quick process." Sebastian gently stroked Victoria''s head. "My father has agreed to divorce." Victoria suddenly looked up, shocked. "Really?" "Yes." Sebastian nodded. "Well, I am his only son. But he has conditions." ---- "What conditions?" Sebastian exined: "First, for the divorce settlement, I have topensate him for whatever assets your mother gets. Second, his affairs and your mother''s cheating can''t be public. Third, we can''t announce our rtionship until at least a year after their divorce is finalized." "Except for the first condition, everything else is easy to satisfy," Victoria said. "Did you agree?" "T did." Victoria frowned with concern. "How will you manage the first condition? Half of your father''s assets going to my mother is a huge amount. Can you handle that?" Sebastian gently pulled her into his arms. "I can, Vic. Trust me, Tcan handle this." Chapter 311 ---- Chapter 260 The next day, Lucia invited Thalia for afternoon tea. They met at a five-star hotel. When Thalia arrived, Lucia and Summer Hanks were chatting. Seeing Thalia, Lucia stood up with a smile. "Lia, you''re here." Thalia made a sound of agreement, ncing at Summer beside her. Summer pressed her lips together and stood up, extending her hand to Thalia. "Miss Winters, let me properly introduce myself, I''m Summer Hanks from Germany. I was wrong on the cruise ship-I apologize. I''m sorry." Summer''s attitude seemed genuinely contrite. Germany, surname Hanks? Thalia looked up at her. "You''re the second daughter of the Hanks family from Germany?" ---- ''The Hanks family was old money. They had one son and one daughter. The eldest, now CEO of Hanks Enterprises, was someone Thalia had met at a reception recently. She''d heard that the Hanks family had another daughter who rarely returned from abroad. Thalia had never met her before. summer nodded. "That''s me. It was my fault that day-I was too impulsive. After talking things through with Lucia, I''ve truly recognized my mistake. Miss Winters, can you forgive me?" Summer''s bright eyes gazed expectantly at Thalia without blinking. Thalia shook her hand and nodded. "Hello, Miss Hanks. Pleased to meet you." "Wonderful! You''ve forgiven me!" Summer said with a smile. "Lucia was right-you really are reasonable and easy to get along with." Hanks Enterprises was a Fortune 500pany. Just days ago at a reception, Summer''s brother Thorne Hanks had been discussing a potential partnership with Randolph. The Hanks Group would likely coborate with Winters ---- Enterprises in the future, so Thalia saw no point in maintaining bad blood with the Hanks daughter. Besides, Summer''s apology seemed sincere-she appeared to have genuinely recognized her mistake. With Lucia''s mediation, Thalia decided to give Summer a chance. Thalia pulled out a chair and sat down. The three women chatted over afternoon tea and pastries. Summer said, "Thalia, do you know what happened to Sean Tann? It''s brutal. I heard after he was taken off the yacht, he was sent to the hospital where he''s still lying in bed. A friend of mine knows him and visited-well, not really to visit, more like to see the spectacle. My friend told me Sean''s hand tendons were severed, damaging nerves and bones. Both hands are useless now-he can''t even hold chopsticks. He has to be spoon-fed." Thalia was startled. "That severe?" she genuinely hadn''t known what happened to Sean afterward. Though Lucia had mentioned that Asher had Sean taken away for "special treatment," Asher never told her the specifics of ---- this "treatment," and she hadn''t asked. "Mm-hmm!" Summer nodded. "That''s not all. A friend at the hospital said he was injured... down there too. He can''t get it up anymore-essentially chemically castrated." As Summer said this, she pointed to her own crotch, Thalia understood immediately. Sheughed, finding it fascinating. It was her first time hearing about chemical castration-how exactly had Asher''s men managed that? Lucia''s expression was incredulous. "Wow, Asher''s methods are ruthless. He literally turned Sean into a eunuch." summer said, "He deserved it! You have no idea how many girls he forced himself on in Spain. Some girls got so depressed they jumped off buildings." Lucia replied, "I''ve heard rumors, but not much. Just that his reputation was terrible." "Reputation?" Summer let out a coldugh. "Does he even have one? If his family didn''t have such influence-his father being the third-inmand in Spain-he would''ve been locked up ages ago. Sean got away with so much evil because his father held such high office there." Chapter 312 ---- After a pause, Lucia added, "I heard from my father that a few days ago, Sean''s father, Charles Tann, was taken away by the disciplinemission." Thalia asked, "So quickly?" "Holy shit, for real?" Summer eximed, delighted. Lucia nodded, "My father told me. It''s probably not just a rumor." Summer looked at Thalia. "Your man must have made his move." Lucia agreed. "Must have been him. Sean messed with you and even threatened to... With Asher''s temperament, he definitely wouldn''t let it go easily. He uprooted the entire Tann family for you this time." Lucia didn''t finish that sentence, but Thalia and Summer understood. On the boat, Sean had threatened to "destroy" Thalia. Later, Summer discovered through her Spain connections that Sean had nned to have several men repeatedly assault Thalia, leaving her physically broken, and then release videos and photos online. ---- When Summer heard about Sean''s vicious n, despite her issues with Thalia, she couldn''t help feeling sympathy and spent hours cursing Sean. "This is so satisfying!" Summer pped her hands excitedly. "Well done, Asher. Brilliantly yed!" Thalia''s feelings wereplicated. After leaving the cruise, she had specifically researched the Tann family in Spain, learning about Charles Tann''s position and Sean''s past actions. Sean deserved no pity, and Charles Tann, who had constantly shielded his son and abetted his crimes, was long overdue for a fall. But given the Tann family''s considerable influence, Thalia worried about retaliation against Asher. Charles Tann might be in custody, but he had many "loyal followers" in Spain. For instance, through corrupt business-government connections, the corporate executives who had colluded with Charles Tann might now see their interests threatened and potentially seek revenge on Asher. ---- Seeing Thalia''s worried expression, Lucia asked, "Are you concerned about Asher? Worried someone might retaliate?" Thalia nodded. "Your concern is unnecessary," Lucia said. "It seems Asher has protected you so well that you don''t fully understand him." After a pause, Lucia continued, "Thalia, don''t misunderstand-I mean you don''t fully grasp Asher''s iron-fisted approach and ruthlessness. You don''t know how he treats enemies. Once he decides to target the Tann family, he won''t spare anyone with shady dealings or vested interests with them. And Asher''s influence is far greater than you realize. You really don''t need to worry about him." Despite these reassurances, Thalia couldn''t help but worry. "Lucia''s right, Thalia. You really shouldn''t worry about Asher. The Tann family isn''t even in his league. Instead of worrying about him, you should be more concerned about yourself. If those people learn the whole story and realize Asher went after the Tanns because of you, you should be careful. Targeting you would be much easier than retaliating against Asher." Another strategy like Tom Malfoy''s. ---- Can''t get to Asher, so go after her instead? Thalia gave a coldugh. "Let them try. I''m not afraid." na stood expressionlessly beside Thalia, like a statue. "Who''s this?" Summer finally noticed na. Thalia introduced her in a matter-of-fact tone: "My personal bodyguard, na." Summermented, "She looks fierce and badass." Lucia chimed in, "na''s skills are incredible. When I was drugged, she took on six men single-handedly and dropped all those creeps." "That impressive?" Summer looked at her with admiration. "No wonder you''re not afraid-you''ve got an expert by your side." Thalia replied, "Still, thanks for the warning. I''ll bring more security when I go out." "Good idea, just to be safe." Summer then asked, "Do you know what happened to Scarlett ---- Rosol, that woman who was with Sean before? That''s also quite satisfying!" "Ihaven''t kept track," Thalia said. "After she issued that public apology and paid mepensation for emotional distress, I stopped following her." Chapter 313 ---- Chapter 261 "After Scarlett''s apology statement, her followers plummeted," Summer continued. "She went from eight hundred thousand down to barely a hundred thousand-and I bet most of those are just fake ounts she bought." "Then more people starteding forward with dirt on her. Turns out her whole image was fake-she wasn''t some sophisticated, wealthy international graduate. Just a woman with stic surgery hanging onto rich men. Stories about how she bullied people when she had Sean''s backing also surfaced. I wouldn''t be surprised if Asher''s people paid for those trending topics-Scarlett was in the trending charts for three straight days." Summer sipped her tea and added casually, "I checked this morning and her ount''s been suspended. She''ll never work in social media again." Thalia''s expression remained neutral. "She brought this all on herself." Summer nodded. "Absolutely. Serves her right. She got used to having powerful backing-never expected to hit a brick wall, I bet." ---- While they were chatting, Thalia''s phone rang. It was Victoria. Thalia answered, "Vic, what''s up?" Victoria''s voice sounded dejected. "Lia, are you busy?" "Not really." "Something''s happened. Could youe keep mepany?" Thalia immediately grew concerned. "What happened? Where are you? I''lle right away." Victoria gave her an address. "Tl be there soon," Thalia promised. Hanging up, Thalia turned to Lucia and Summer. "My best friend needs me. I have to go check on her. Sorry to leave early-let''s get together another time." Lucia nodded. "Sure, bye." Summer waved. "Bye, see you next time." ---- After Thalia left, Summer asked Lucia, "Have you really gotten over Asher?" Lucia sighed, a sh of sadness crossing her eyes. "Notpletely. I loved him for over seven years-it takes time to move on." She took a sip of coffee before continuing, "But I have given up on him. Time heals all wounds." "Seems like you''ve really epted it," Summer remarked. "That''s probably for the best. Pining after someone you can''t have isn''t healthy. Hey, I know this gorgeous half-European guy-great family background, great looks. Want me to introduce you?" Lucia shook her head with a wry smile. "I''m not ready for dating yet. Jumping into a new rtionship before I''ve fully let go of thest one wouldn''t be fair to either of us." Summer nodded. "That makes sense. Take your time-you''ll move on eventually." Lucia looked down with a bitter smile but said nothing more. Thalia quickly arrived at Sebastian''s private vi. ---- Victoria''s eyes were red, clearly from recent crying. She exined to Thalia what had happened the night before. Thalia''s brows furrowed, her expression grave. "What are you nning to do now?" Thalia asked. Victoria hung her head dejectedly. "Sebastian says Ian has agreed to the divorce. All I can do now is wait for them to finalize it. Their marriage has been empty for years anyway. They''ve only stayed together because of theplicated financial entanglements and difficulty dividing assets." Thalia nodded. "I never would have guessed Sebastian could be so dependable in a crisis. Ian and Aunt Helen''s divorce will involve splitting considerable assets-the Quinn family fortune is enormous. For Sebastian to so readily agree topensate his father shows how serious he is about you." Victoria lowered her eyes, pressing her lips together. "His sincerity is something I can feel." "Sebastian is determined to build a future with you. What about you? What are your thoughts?" Thalia asked. "I thought about it all night and made up my mind. I''m going ---- to stand firmly by his side," Victoria replied, her expression serious, eyes full of determination. Sebastian had just returned and overheard her words. "Vic, that''s all I needed to hear. Everything I''ve done has been worth it," Sebastian said, visibly moved. Awhileter, Charlotte arrived as well. Thalia and Charlotte stayed with Victoria all afternoon, leaving only after dinner. Chapter 314 ---- The next day, Asher took Thalia back to the Winters estate. When Randolph first saw Asher, his expression was dark, clearly unweing. But when Asher suggested speaking with Randolph privately, Randolph agreed. The two men entered the tea room. With the door closed, Thalia had no idea what they discussed. ---- All she knew was that it took a long time. They talked from around two in the afternoon until dinner time, when the tea room door finally opened. The wait had been torturous for Thalia, each minute feeling endless, Asher emerged from the tea room looking much the same as when he''d entered. Randolph, however, appeared considerably less hostile. This was a good sign. Their conversation must have gone well. "What did you say to my father?" Thalia pulled Asher aside and whispered. "We talked about many things-Tom Malfoy and Grace Bet, potential coborations between our families, some major project approvals for Winters Enterprises. I''ll tell you more detailster." "Is my father okay with us being together now?" Thalia asked. ---- Asher spoke softly, "More or less." Thalia gave him a thumbs up and smiled. "Well done." "Tshould head back now, darling, See you tomorrow," Asher said, gently pinching her cheek. Thalia smiled back. "See you tomorrow." With Asher''s reassurances, Thalia''s anxious heart finally settled. She approached Randolph and called him "Dad." Randolph looked up at her, his tone gentle. "Not angry with your father anymore?" Thalia pressed her lips together. "I''m not angry. Dad, I should be asking you that question. Are you still mad at me? What I said to you that day was out of line. You''re my elder, andI shouldn''t have spoken to you that way. I''m sorry." Randolph gazed at Thalia, his eyes soft. "I spoke harshly too. For what happened that day, I also owe you an apology." Father and daughter had reconciled. ---- That evening, Thalia stayed home for dinner. Afterward, Randolph spoke to her earnestly: "Today, I finally gained some genuine understanding of Asher ckwood. He truly is a man worthy of your lifelongmitment. Lia, Ino longer oppose your rtionship. My previous objections stemmed from seeing you suffer so much because of the ckwoods. You were right-now that Tom Malfoy and Grace Bet have been brought to justice, there''s no one left in the ckwood family toe between you. I shouldn''t continue opposing your rtionship." "Lia, all I want is for you to be happy. Since you''ve chosen. Asher, you have my blessing." It was an emotional moment. Thalia''s eyes grew moist. Deeply moved, she tearfully called, "Dad." "That ckwood boy is serious about you. Today I saw his determination. From now on, your path is yours to walk together. I won''t interfere anymore." Tears streaming down her face, Thalia said, "Dad, thank you." Randolph smiled. "There''s no need for thanks between father ---- and daughter." Chapter 315 ---- Chapter 262 With Randolph''s approval, Thalia and Asher could finally be together openly. Friday afternoon, Asher and Thalia went out for dinner. They chose a Thai restaurant near thew firm that Lucy had rmended, iming it had excellent food. Thalia suggested they try it. It was a beautifully decorated establishment in the business district. Being Friday, the ce was crowded. As they entered, a server approached them. "Wee! Table for two?" Thalia nodded. "Yes." The server gestured. "This way, please." "Do you have private rooms?" Thalia asked. "Tm sorry, ma''am, we don''t have private rooms," the server ---- replied. "That''s fine." The server led them toward a window table. "Sir, ma''am, how about this seat?" ''That works," Thalia agreed. "You can scan the QR code on the table to order." Thalia took out her phone and scanned the code. Lucy''s rmended restaurant was reasonably priced, with the most expensive dishes just over a hundred dors. Without private dining rooms, they had to sit in the main area by the window. The restaurant was packed and noisy at this hour. Thalia looked at the man across from her. "It''s a bit loud. Does that bother you?" "Not at all," he replied, his eyes crinkling warmly. "I wouldn''t mind even if you took me to a street food stall." Thalia smiled. "I''ll hold you to that. Next time we''ll go to a food ---- truck." Asher''s lips curved into a smile. "Looking forward to it." "See what you''d like to eat?" Thalia handed him her phone to view the menu. "Just order what you like. I''m good with anything," Asher said. "Alright, I''ll decide then." Thalia bent her head, scrolling through the dishes on her phone. Suddenly, a woman''s voice came from above: "Mr. ckwood, it really is you!" Thalia looked up. Awoman ina white blouse and ck pencil skirt was smiling at Asher. She was quite pretty, with her hair clipped back with a barrette-a professional look. She appeared to havee straight from work. Asher merely nodded, his expression distant, not saying a ---- word. Karen Gordon continued smiling. "Mr. ckwood, what a coincidence! My colleagues and I are dining here too." Asher gave a nomittal "Mm," without even looking at Karen. He kept his eyes on Thalia and exined, "Lia, this is Karen Gordon, the Marketing Director at ourpany." Thalia nodded politely toward Karen. "Hello." Then Asher introduced Thalia to Karen: "This is my girlfriend, Thalia Winters." Karen''s smile froze, her tone noticeably dropping. "Hello, Miss Winters." While greeting her, Karen looked Thalia up and down, a sh of disdain in her eyes. So this was Mr. ckwood''s girlfriend. Pretty, sure, but clearly just arm candy-a trophy girlfriend who''d seduced him with her looks. Men liked these ornamental types, good for showing off. But a man like Asher ckwood deserved better than a mere ---- decoration. Thalia caught Karen''s contemptuous nce and her own expression cooled. "Is there something else, Miss Gordon?" Chapter 316 ---- Karen felt irritated. What business is it of yours whether I have something else to say? I''m greeting MY boss-what''s it to you? You''re just eye candy. Once he gets bored, he''ll throw you away. Do you really think you''ll marry into wealth and be a socialite? Though these thoughts ran through her mind, Karen didn''t dare express them with Asher present. She put on a fake smile and said to Asher, "Mr. ckwood, I won''t disturb you any further. Bye!" Asher responded with an emotionless "Mm." Karen turned away, her smile vanishing in an instant. Internally, she bitterly criticized Thalia. Hmph, what are you so smug about? Sooner orter, he''ll ---- dump you. After Karen left, Asher keenly sensed Thalia''s mood shift. "What''s wrong, Lia?" "That woman seemed to have some strange hostility toward me. Asher frowned slightly. "What makes you say that?" Asher had barely looked at Karen, so he naturally hadn''t noticed the contempt and mockery that shed in her eyes. But Thalia had. "The way she looked at me was very unfriendly," Thalia said tly. She gave Asher a knowing half-smile. "Another admirer of yours?" Asher looked confused. "What?" "The way she looked at you-she''s clearly interested." Hearing this, Asher''s brow furrowed. He exined, "She just ---- transferred from our branch office. I''ve never spoken to her about anything other than work." Thalia made a nomittal sound. "Let''s eat." A few dayster, Sienna Carroll''s case went to the appeals court. As expected, the appete court upheld the original verdict. Still one year in prison. Sienna was formally taken into the women''s prison. That evening, Thalia and several colleagues went to a club to unwind, where they unexpectedly encountered Drake Ashcroft. As Thalia and her colleagues walked down a hallway, they passed a private room. The door happened to open as a server walked out. Thalia nced inside, and what she saw startled her. ---- She spotted Drake wearing the club''s uniform-white shirt, ck vest, and ck trousers-entertaining a woman in her forties. Since handling Trump Ashcroft and Magret''s divorce case, Thalia hadn''t seen Drake. It had been almost two months. During this time, Drake had finally stopped pursuing and bothering her. Thalia''s gaze briefly met Drake''s. Drake''s face paled. Thalia had no visible reaction. She discreetly looked away and continued chatting with her colleagues as they walked toward their reserved room, acting as if she hadn''t seen anything. Their reserved room was spacious-a suite with a karaoke room, card room, billiards room, and dining area. Lucy and Katie were singing their hearts out in the karaoke room, Thalia, not interested in singing, sat on a nearby sofa eating fruit and listening to them. ---- na sat beside her, ying a match-three game. Rupert, Justin, Christine, and another newwyer gathered in the card room ying mahjong. At the mahjong table. Justin Felton, Rupert''s good friend and one of the firm''s partners, gossipped: "Any luck with her?" Justin and Rupert were college ssmates and had been close friends for many years. He naturally knew about Rupert''s feelings for Thalia. Rupert''s expression remained neutral as he calmly yed his tile, feigning ignorance. "With what?" "Don''t y dumb with me," Justin raised an eyebrow. "Have you made any progress with Thalia?" Justin hadn''t attended Lucia''s cruise party and didn''t move in the same social circles as Lucia, Asher, and their wealthy friends. He was unaware that Thalia and Asher had reconciled. This wasn''t surprising-Thalia always kept her personal life separate from work at the firm. ---- Since their reconciliation, Asher had visited Thalia at the firm several times. With the office door closed, no one knew what they discussed, and Justin assumed it was work-rted. Christine tilted her head, ears perked up for gossip. She had long noticed that Rupert''s feelings for Thalia were unusual, but it was their private business, so she hadn''t pried. Now that someone else had brought it up, she listened intently. Rupert stared at his mahjong tiles, not even lifting his eyelids. "Why ask so many questions?" Chapter 317 ---- Chapter 263 Justin smiled. "Well, judging by that reaction, I guess you haven''t won her over." Rupert kept his expression neutral as he yed his tile. "When are you and Daisy nning to get back together?" The moment he asked, Justin''s smile instantly froze. "Way to bring up a sore subject," Justin said, his interest visibly deting. Rupert smiled impably. "Learned from the best." Daisy was an internwyer Justin had mentored, as well as his ex-girlfriend. They had dated for over six months. After getting her license, Daisy joined anotherw firm. Both were usually too busy to go on dates, and they spent less and less time together. Gradually, their feelings faded. Daisy was the one who suggested breaking up, while Justin couldn''t let go. ---- He''d been trying to win her back recently, but his efforts seemed futile. After Rupert''s question, Justin fell silent. Lucy and Katie were karaoke queens, both quite good singers who hadn''t stopped since sitting down. After a while, Thalia got up to use the bathroom in their suite. The suite had one men''s and one women''s restroom, but unfortunately, the women''s was upied. Thalia had to go to the bathroom outside the suite. She left the room, walked down the hallway, and entered thedies'' room. After using the bathroom anding out, as she passed a corner, Thalia was suddenly pulled aside by someone. The smell of alcohol hit her face. Thalia frowned in disgust as she looked up to see Drake Ashcroft, his face flushed red, clearly drunk, gazing at her ---- with unfocused eyes. She jerked her arm free from Drake''s grip and coldly said, "Move." "Thalia, how have you beentely?" Drake stared at her with an almost obsessive look. Thalia responded coldly, "Much better without your harassment." Hearing this, a bitter smile appeared on his lips as he murmured, "Yes, without me, you''re doing fine." Seeing that Drake was blocking her path, Thalia impatiently pushed him aside to leave. Drake suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Lia, don''t go. Can we just talk a bit more? I''ve missed you so much." Thalia looked down at his hand gripping her wrist. "Let go." Not only did Drake refuse to release her, but he tightened his grip and even lowered his head, trying to kiss her. ---- ''Thalia turned her head away and pped him hard across the face. The sound of the p rang out, leaving a red mark on Drake''s cheek. "Drake, don''t disgust me!" The p seemed to sober him up a bit, but he still wouldn''t let go of her wrist. Seeing that Drake wouldn''t release her, Thalia stopped wasting words. With her free hand, she delivered a sharp knife-hand strike directly to the bone of Drake''s forearm. Thalia used considerable force. Drake winced in pain, his face paling. Reflexively, he released her. Thalia pushed Drake to the side. Already unsteady from drinking, Drake stumbled and nearly fell when Thalia pushed him. Without a second nce, Thalia walked straight past him. "Lia..." Drake called out painfully from behind her. Chapter 318 ---- Thalia didn''t hesitate or look back even once. When she returned to the suite, Lucy approached her. "Lia, why do you look so upset?" "Just ran into a lunatic." Lucy''s eyes widened in surprise. "What lunatic? What happened?" Not wanting to borate, Thalia said, "Let''s not talk about him. It''s unpleasant." Katie looked over. "Lia, are you okay?" ''Thalia, her face slightly dark, simply said she was fine. Lucy and Katie exchanged nces, tacitly agreeing not to press further. Lucy tugged at Thalia''s arm, swaying it yfully like a child. "Lia, I just sang a song, and Katie said I was off-key. I disagree! Let me sing it again, and you be the judge-see if I''m really off-key." She was deliberately changing the subject, trying to keep Thalia from dwelling on what had just happened. ---- Thalia''s gloomy expression eased into a slight smile. "Alright, let me hear it." "Great!" To cheer Thalia up, Lucy intentionally sang off-key, changing her vocal style from before. In her rendition, the song transformed into something resembling an elementary school poetry recitation. Thalia recognized Lucy''s intention and felt touched. She yed along,ughing heartily. After a goodugh, Thalia''s mood improved, and she even let Lucy persuade her to have a couple of drinks. When the gathering ended, everyone headed out together. In the club''s outdoor parking lot. Rupert approached, his eyes filled with concern. "Lia, you''ve been drinking, so you shouldn''t drive. Let me take you home." Thalia had only had fruit wine with very low alcohol content. Two sses weren''t enough to make her drunk. ---- Her eyes remained clear as she politely declined. "Mr. Winters, thank you for the offer, but I''ll go back with na. She hasn''t been drinking, so she can drive." Nearby, na held up the car keys. Rupert''s expression didn''t change as he nodded. "Alright, drive safely." Thalia made a sound of agreement. "Call me when you get home," Rupert suddenly added. Thalia looked at him, confusion in her eyes. "Call you? Is there something we need to discuss? Can we talk about it now?" Tenderness filled Rupert''s eyes. "Nothing specific. I just want to know you got home safely." ".." Thalia was momentarily silent. "Mr. Winters, I don''t think that''s necessary," Thalia said seriously. "I have a boyfriend. When I get home, I''ll call him to let him know I''m safe. Mr. Winters, I''m sorry, but my boyfriend gets jealous easily, and I don''t want to do anything that might upset him. So, let''s skip the call." ---- Though Thalia''s tone was gentle, her words cut like a de into Rupert''s heart. He lowered his eyshes, his gaze dimmer than the yellowish streetlights. "Iunderstand," Rupert said, his voice so soft it scattered in the breeze. Thalia nodded. "Goodbye, Mr. Winters." "Goodbye." Thalia walked away. Rupert stood rooted to the spot, watching her retreating figure with mncholy. The white McLaren drove off. A sigh sounded in his ear. Justin patted Rupert''s shoulder,forting him. "Brother, maybe you should set your sights on someone else. It doesn''t seem like Thalia has those feelings for you. This one-sided love isn''t the way to go." ---- Rupert said nothing, walking straight to his Maybach. "Ah, what a stubborn guy," Justin muttered. "Wasting such good looks. Born with a yer''s natural gifts but turns out to be a hopeless romantic. It''s just like they say-you always want what you can''t have." Chapter 319 ---- Chapter 264 A few dayster, another case for ckwood Enterprises went to trial. Asher had flown to Germany early that morning to attend an important international business summit and wouldn''t return to Kingston until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. He couldn''t be there to observe Thalia''s court appearance. Thalia, with her strong professional skills and thorough preparation, walked out of the courthouse feeling confident and refreshed, She checked the time-. Asher should be busy now. Though she missed him and wanted to call him, to hear his voice, Thalia held back. She didn''t want to disturb him while he was working. Today Thalia was driving her Porsche Panamera, the most understated and least expensive car in her garage. While still a luxury vehicle, it at least didn''t look quite as ---- shy. As usual, na was driving. Half an hourter, they approached thew firm. The road beneath the firm''s building was always congested with traffic. It was now the midday rush hour, and the road waspletely jammed. The white Porsche Panamera crawled along in the long line of cars. suddenly, an elderly man appeared out of nowhere and copsed right in front of Thalia''s car. Driving over him was obviously not an option, so Thalia had to get out to check the situation. Just as she was about to open the door, something urred to her. She looked up and asked na, "Is the dash cam on?" "It is." Thalia thought for a moment and said, "na,e with me ---- and record with your phone." "Okay." Thalia got out to check on the elderly man. He had gray hair, appeared to be in his seventies or eighties, and was very thin and frail-looking. The old man had his eyes closed and was moaning in pain. He looked genuinely unwell, not like someone deliberately staging an ident forpensation. Thalia didn''t dare try to lift him, fearing she might cause further injury. She called an ambnce immediately. The ambnce arrived quickly and took the old man to the hospital. Thalia and na followed them to the hospital. The old man was rescued, and the doctor said he had suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage. Fortunately, he''d been brought to the hospital in time, saving his life. If they''d been anyter, he would have died. ---- Soon, the old man''s family arrived at the hospital. There were three people-a couple who appeared to be in their fifties and a young man in his twenties. Leading them was the old man''s son. At first, the man was reasonably cordial. He said to Thalia, "Thank you for bringing my father to the hospital. Miss, could we talk somewhere else? It''s noisy here with so many people." Thalia wanted to see what this man was up to, so she nodded. "Alright." The man''s wife and son behind him didn''t say anything. The three left the hospital building and went to an open area outside. Thalia discreetly scanned her surroundings. No security cameras. So she turned on her phone''s voice recorder. Once outside, the man finally revealed his true colors. Chapter 320 ---- Far from thanking Thalia for saving his father''s life, he gave her a strange look and spoke in an odd tone. The man slightly lifted his chin, his expression arrogant and cold, even disdainful. "You''re the one who brought my father to the hospital?" Thalia: "Yes." Her brow furrowed. Judging by the man''s demeanor, she suspected... Just as she expected, the man''s next words were: "Did you push him down?" Thalia''s expression immediately became telling-a look that said "of course, I knew it." A sh of mockery crossed her eyes as she coldly curled her lips and shook her head. "No. Your father fell on his own. Nobody pushed him." "Hmph, still denying it? My father is very healthy-he''s over seventy but still does chores at home. If you hadn''t pushed him, why would he suddenly fall while walking down the street?" ---- Then the man uttered that ssic line: "Ifyou didn''t push him, why did you help him?" His expression was vicious. Hearing this, Thalia couldn''t help butugh bitterly. "The doctor said your father had a sudden cerebral hemorrhage. He''s still in the ICU, but I don''t see you concerned about him at all. Instead, you''re only thinking about scamming people for money. You''re quite a son." "Stop with all this nonsense." The man held up three fingers. "Three million in medical expenses, plus nutrition and care fees." Thalia''s lips curled into a cold smile as she coolly said two words: "Dream on." "You injured someone and you''re still so self-righteous? Three million is actually low!" the man''s wife interjected. "You should be grateful that my father-inw survived. That''s why we''re only asking for three million. If anything worse had happened to him, three million wouldn''t be enough to settle it. You''d be going to jail!" "Jail? Fine, go ahead and call the police. Call them quickly, let ---- the police handle this." Thalia sat down on a nearby chair,pletely unfazed. The man''s eyes shifted. "If three million is too much, then two million will do." Thalia looked at him with amusement. "Wow, dropping it by a million just like that. How generous. Why not reduce it by half a million and ask for two-point-five? The number ''two-five'' would suit you perfectly." The man became furious and shouted, "Who the hell do you think you''re insulting?" Thalia smiled back, "I''m insulting you, obviously. Can''t you tell?" "You bitch, you dare insult me!" The man lost his temper and charged forward to attack. na swiftly kicked him to the ground. The man hadn''t expected a woman to possess such strength. He clutched his stomach in pain as he struggled to his fect. "Honey, are you okay?" His wife rushed to help him. ---- "You dare hit my dad? I''ll fight you!" The twenty-something-year-old man also charged forward yelling. na''s eyes shed with impatience. Her look seemed to say: How dare these low-lifes challenge me? When she was still an assassin, her targets were all formidable opponents who offered real challenges. After switching careers to be a bodyguard for royal families, she had regrly faced off against assassins, engaging in exciting gunfights and hand-to-handbat. But in all her time with Thalia, she''d faced nothing but fools-not a single worthy opponent. It had been ages since she''d had a proper fight. The young man charged at her, and na took him down with two moves, leaving him writhing on the ground in pain. Seeing both her husband and son beaten, the woman grew angry and threatened, "How dare you assault people in broad daylight! Is there now anymore? I''m calling the police to arrest you! If you pay for our medical expenses now, I''ll let this go. If not, prepare for jail!" ---- Thalia looked at her with a bright smile. "Go ahead, call the police. Quickly." The woman gritted her teeth and took out her phone. "Don''t say I didn''t warn you!" Thalia remained smiling without a word. Soon, the woman dialed 999 and reported to the police. The man shouted, "What are you doing? Why are you calling the police?" He was clearly panicking. Thalia watched the show from the sidelines. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!