Chapter 23 To adopt Grace ? Thalia asked . Victoria leaned closer , lowering her voice . More than that . She asked Ashers mother to have him marry Grace when they grew up . Thalias eyes widened in shock . Christ , Charlotte exclaimed . The nerve of her ! Lady Blackwood must have found some way to refuse , Victoria continued . The housekeeper eventually accepted just the adoption as repayment . Charlotte scoffed . Obviously . As if Lady Blackwood would let her only son marry a housekeepers daughter . The heir to the Blackwood 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 the ladies . 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 some company , love ? Thalia , whod been checking her phone , glanced up briefly . Discreetly , she switched to her recording app before slipping the phone into her pocket . His companion , 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 her composure . 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True f Chapter 23 Lets see … funeral services start at five thousand . Extra for the wake , two thousand for professional mourners , brass bands another three … Cremations the budget option . Shall I price up a coffin ? Family discount for multiple deaths . Mouthy bitch , Bleached Hair spat . Think youre clever ? Tattoos stepped closer , unbuckling his belt . Playing hard to get ? Lets see how innocent you are in the gents . They moved toward her . As Tattoos reached for her , Thalias kick landed precisely between his legs with devastating force . He collapsed 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 friends . Is that all ? she asked mildly , wiping her hands with a tissue . My Krav Magas getting rusty I 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 glanced over . Perhaps shed used excessive force . Bar staff arrived , freezing at the scene . Call a bloody ambulance , Tattoos gasped . Shes broken something ! A crowd gathered quickly . Charlotte and Victoria , worried about Thalias long absence , pushed through and stopped short . Holy shit ! Charlotte exclaimed . The ninja skills are back ! Victoria assessed the groaning men , then Thalia . Youre not hurt ? 16:11 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Bees Chapter 23 Thalia flipped her hair . They couldnt touch me if they tried . Remind me to take those self defense classes with you next time , Charlotte said admiringly . The police and ambulance 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 pillar , eyes glinting coldly . Useless thugs . Two against one , and they couldnt handle her . Who would have thought the delicate looking Thalia was trained in combat ? Ordinary roughians wouldnt do . Next time shed need professionals . Asher arrived while Thalia was giving her statement . The CCTV footage confirmed the men had initiated the confrontation , making it self defense . However , the hospital reported serious injury a ruptured testicle requiring surgery . The police suggested Thalias self defense 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 played the audio recording . The mens 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 . Id like to formally report their attempt to rape me . ♡ ( 9 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Well investigate the attempted rape , the officer said professionally . However , well also need to look into the assault charges . As its 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 , Ashers 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 didnt know who else to trust anymore . Something in Ashers chest constricted . You have me , he said softly , his voice aching . Thalia didnt respond . Victorias words about Grace had planted a seed of doubt . In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.