Chapter 17 After breakfast , they made their way to the underground parking garage . As Thalia approached the ice blue Bentley , Asher asked , Hows the car handling ? She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear , Drove it last night its 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 . Ill give it to you when I return . Asher opened the drivers door . Ill come with you . Let me drive . Oh ? Thalia hesitated briefly before understanding dawned . You can come , but Ill drive . You should rest . Hed 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 , its a contract dispute nothing confidential . Would you like to come ? Ive 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 others worlds . Did you bring your ID? Youll need it for a visitor pass . Hed brought it for the flight and had actually researched court requirements beforehand . Perfect , Ill get you sorted . Chapter 17 Thank you . Absorbed in driving . Thalia didnt 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 shed 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 werent merely part of Britains aristocracy they were among its most influential families . Ashers grandfather , the current Earl of Blackwood , held significant sway in Parliaments 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 , Ashers 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 Britains oldest and most prestigious families . The Winters , while certainly prominent in Londons 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 Thalias father had built an impressive business empire , they were still considered relative newcomers in Britains 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 isnt 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 . Thalias breath caught . the karved how to read day the wrong her pulse quickenet traitorously The wondered if to was namedly that darna #previous relationships ha raught hitt exactly how to alect we pray kce she agreed in the arrangri in ugi Rat Rod impeccable , avery detail ensintered the feared the night he hilling by han 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 . 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 couldnt look away . She smiled shyly . Really ? I do feel transformed when Im arguing a case . You were outstanding . he said with genuine admiration . Youll be a leading name in law someday . Her smile brightened . From your lips to Gods ears . But her thoughts strayed to Drake . In three years , hed never shown the slightest interest in her work , let alone attended court . He only ever mentioned her salary dismissively , noting it wouldnt cover one of his evenings out with friends . He hadnt just disregarded her career hed actively disrespected her ambition . She remembered when shed won a significant case worth half a million dollars , earning substantial fees . Excited , shed 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 hed had some genuine feelings for her , but only for her appearance . Hed 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 . Thalias eyes went cold . As I suspected . Shall I handle it ? She shook her head . Ill settle this score myself . Sienna must have known about the cour date , targeting her deliberately . The test results proved tampering but couldnt prove who did it . Police involvement would be pointless . This was personal . Shed 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 . 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