Chapter 105

Thalia had obediently followed Asher's advice for the past few days, remaining at home and working remotely. Asher quickly identified Feynman Port's backer: Arno Jones, a powerful London figure with ties to both legitimate businesses and criminal enterprises. Jones enjoyed significant protection from influential individuals. He secretly controlled numerous companies, registered under the names of unwitting individuals who served as legal shields. These businesses, while appearing legitimate, masked illegal activities.

Asher hung his coat, explaining, "My sources confirm Jones met Malfoy shortly after his return to London. It seems Jones seeks Malfoy's protection."

Thalia's brow furrowed. "Malfoy holds considerable influence in Russia, with extensive business interests. Jones is clearly seeking international connections through him. Meanwhile, Malfoy's London reach is limited; he needs a local partner. They're a perfect match—I suspect they're already plotting against me."

"How do you intend to handle this?" she asked.

"Don't worry, Lia. I've devised a strategy. Malfoy won't gain significant traction in London."

Though reassured, Thalia remained visibly concerned. Asher asked, "Has anyone suspicious approached the apartment?" He'd stationed security personnel around the clock, but wanted personal confirmation.

Thalia shook her head. "No one."

"Good. Don't trust any strangers, regardless of their claims."

"I understand."

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hotel suite, Drake Ashcroft, lost in a moment of passion, repeatedly murmured, "Thalia, Thalia…"

"Drake," Sienna whispered.

A sharp slap resounded as Drake struck Sienna. "Shut up! I told you not to speak when we're together like this!"

As long as she remained silent, he could pretend she was Thalia. Sienna bit her lip, fighting back tears, feeling utterly humiliated. Rose petals adorned their themed suite, the lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. In the dim light, Sienna's features were indistinct, allowing Drake to imagine she was Thalia. Sienna had recently begun desperately imitating Thalia. Their body types were similar, and their facial features bore a slight resemblance. Drake had admitted seeing traces of Sienna in Thalia when they first became involved. Sienna, upon first meeting Thalia, had also commented on their resemblance, intending to provoke Thalia by suggesting she was merely a substitute. The irony was not lost on her. Now, Sienna willingly played the role of Thalia's replacement, imitating her clothing, makeup, hairstyle, and even wearing her signature perfume.

Drake's devotion to Thalia seemed less steadfast than he claimed. Perhaps, like many men, he separated physical desire from love. Though he insisted he couldn't live without Thalia, he'd succumbed to Sienna's persistent advances. Even his calling another woman's name during intimacy no longer bothered Sienna. As long as she remained by Drake's side, the humiliation seemed a small price to pay.

At Pan Peninsula, Thalia received a call from Lucy Jenkins, her voice brimming with excitement. "Thalia, Teresa will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. I'm going to collect her—would you like to join us?"

"I'm afraid I can't. I'm staying put for now."

"Has something happened?" Lucy asked, concerned.

Thalia, standing in the garden, idly touched the leaves of an evergreen. "Just a bit of a family situation. I need to keep a low profile for the next few days."

Lucy, sensing it was private, didn't press. "Right, I understand. I'll fetch her myself, then. Any message for Teresa?"

Thalia replied warmly, "Wish her well and tell her to keep her spirits up. Do get her a small gift from me—I'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. Do be there."

Thalia hesitated. She'd promised Asher she wouldn't leave the apartment. She wanted to attend, but couldn't risk her safety given Tom Malfoy's volatile nature.

"I'm terribly sorry, Dad. I have to travel out of town for work on Saturday."

Randolph was surprised by her refusal. "What could possibly be more important? Can't you reschedule? You know how attached Lucy is to you—she'll be devastated if you're not there."

He sighed heavily. "Since the kidnapping, Lucy has been struggling psychologically. She's just beginning to improve, and the doctor says she needs family support. She keeps asking for you. Can't you really make it?"

Guilt washed over Thalia. Lucy was her precious little sister. Thalia had suffered greatly after Lucy's kidnapping.

"I…" Thalia hesitated. Visiting Lucy would certainly help her recovery. But remembering Tom Malfoy, she steeled herself.

"I'm terribly sorry, Dad, but I really can't make it on Saturday."

"Well, all right then," Randolph replied, his disappointment evident.

After the call, Thalia stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her expression forlorn. Why was Tom Malfoy targeting her? She'd never wronged him. Was Asher right—was she simply his only vulnerability? She wondered how long she would remain confined to the apartment.

Saturday morning, Thalia was awakened by her ringing phone. It vibrated insistently on her bedside table, disconnecting and immediately ringing again. Without opening her eyes, she fumbled for it, answering groggily.

"Hello? Who is it?"

"It's terrible, Ms. Winters! Your father's been in an accident!" It was Mrs. Wilson.

"Mrs. Wilson, what's happened?"

A white BMW sped into the hospital's open-air car park. Thalia flung open the car door and ran toward the entrance. Mrs. Wilson explained that during Lucy's birthday celebration, Randolph had fallen down a flight of stairs and was in critical condition. Thalia nearly fainted. In moments of crisis, rational thinking often yielded to emotion. Despite her concerns about Tom Malfoy, she grabbed her keys and rushed out.