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 it last night–it’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 you last 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’ll come with you. Let me drive.”
“Oh?” Thalia hesitated briefly before understanding dawned. “You can come, but I’ll drive. You should
rest.”
He’d flown across the Atlantic 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–nothing confidential. Would you like to come?”
“I’ve never seen you as a lawyer 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.”
Chapter 17
“Thank you.”
Absorbed in driving. Thalia didn’t notice the tender gaze Asher cast her way, his eyes filled with affection.
A comfortable silence settled between them as the city scenery flashed past.
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 Blackwoods weren’t merely part of Britain’s aristocracy–they were among its most influential families. Asher’s grandfather, the current Earl of Blackwood, 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 have come from a similar background–perhaps the daughter of a duke or earl, someone whose family connections could further strengthen the Blackwoods‘ 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 they lacked the centuries of noble lineage and political influence that defined families like the Blackwoods. While Thalia’s father had built an impressive business empire, they were still considered relative newcomers in Britain’s rigid social hierarchy.
This marriage could only be seen as advantageous to the Winters–a step up into genuine aristocracy. For the Blackwoods, 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 contemplative. “In our generation, maintaining family position through marriage alliances isn’t really necessary anymore.”
The answer held layers 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.
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In court. Thalia was magnificem the aged www precision and confitenes, her logte Impeccable the dombusted the appissing reset, driving home point after devastating point, never Bosing control of the narrative
From the gallery. Aber watched with undisguised pride as the commanded the courtroom, admiration and affection evident in every glance
Hi 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 blazed with conviction–I 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 in law 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 salary dismissively, noting it wouldn’t cover one of his evenings out with friends.
He hadn’t just disregarded her career–he’d actively disrespected her ambition.
She remembered when she’d won a significant case worth half a million dollars, earning substantial fees. Excited, she’d shared the news, only to have him dismiss it completely.
His smirk remained vivid in her memory: “Our company handles billion–dollar contracts daily. Why waste time on these small cases? Just quit playing lawyer and let me take care of you.”
Chapter 17
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 relationship 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–someone 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 with laxatives. 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 cour
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 palate, 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 phone compulsively, expecting–hoping for–messages from Thalia.
But beyond work emails and friends‘ party invitations, nothing came.
Finally, he cracked, sending a text:
Chapter 17
[Had enough drama yet?]
As he helped Thalia with photos, Asher caught sight of the message. His eyes darkened dangerously.
