Chapter 109

The silence in the room was absolute, making the vibration of his mobile seem unnaturally loud against the polished side table. Asher glanced at the screen before answering. It was Thalia.

His eyes darkened momentarily as he accepted the call, his voice rough with strain. “Hello, Lia.”

Hearing the hoarseness in his voice, Thalia immediately sounded concerned. “Asher, what’s the matter? You sound dreadful. Did something happen on your way back?”

“No, nothing happened.”

A moment of silence hung between them. Thalia then provided the update he’d requested. “I’ve arrived safely. The journey was quite straightforward. This place is secluded, and the housekeeper looking after me is lovely—kind and attentive. Everything’s perfectly fine.”

She kept her unspoken anxieties to herself—her longing for him, her constant worry about his safety. This wasn’t the time for sentiment; Asher had critical matters to handle. Her role was to follow his instructions and remain hidden.

Asher responded with a noncommittal “Mmm.” Thalia noticed his distant manner, assuming he was still processing their ordeal.

“Well…” Thalia began hesitantly, “I ought to let you go. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

Asher tilted his head back, staring vacantly at the sunlight. Summoning every ounce of strength, his eyes reddening, he spoke with deliberate precision: “Lia, I think we should end things.”

Grandfather was right; the Winters family were ill-equipped to withstand Malfoy’s ruthless methods. Each day they remained together increased their danger.

Thalia froze, clutching her phone, unable to speak. Tears fell silently down her cheeks. After what seemed an eternity, she finally managed to ask, her voice trembling: “Is it because you’re afraid of putting me in danger?”

“No, nothing like that. I’ve simply realized this arrangement isn’t… fulfilling. You see…” Asher drew a deep breath, fighting back tears. “My previous attentions were based on my assessment that you would make a suitable Mrs. Blackwood. Only someone of your beauty, intelligence, and family background would be qualified, but…”

He closed his eyes briefly, suppressing his anguish. “But I’ve come to realize I’m not 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.”

From the window of her room in the charming two-story cottage, Thalia looked down at the desolate garden, mirroring the despair in her heart. She curled up on the bed, weeping silently. Since ending the call over an hour ago, her tears hadn't ceased. She didn’t believe his claim that he wasn't ready to settle down. This had to be because of Malfoy; Asher was desperate to protect her. But his words had wounded her deeply.

Winter days grew dark early; by six, twilight had descended. A gentle knock sounded at the door. The housekeeper called softly, “Miss Winters, dinner’s ready.”

Thalia sniffled, her voice hoarse. “Mary, I’m not feeling up to eating, thank you.”

The housekeeper knocked again. “Miss Winters, have you nodded off?”

Thalia wiped her tears, climbed off the bed, and adjusted her hair and clothing before opening the door. “Mary, I don’t have much of an appetite. Please 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, her voice thick with congestion. “I’m perfectly fine.”

The housekeeper, concerned, asked, “Would you like me to ring Mr. Blackwood?”

Thalia forced a smile, feigning strength. “Truly, I’m fine. It’s just the unfamiliarity of this place, and I’m worried about my father’s condition. I couldn’t help but shed a few tears.”

The housekeeper, unaware of Randolph’s hospitalization, didn't press further. “I’m relieved. You gave me quite a fright! Mr. Blackwood specifically instructed that you should contact him for anything—even if the meals aren’t to your liking or you’re having trouble sleeping.”

Thalia paused, slightly taken aback. “Did he really say that?”

The housekeeper smiled warmly. “Indeed he did. It’s quite clear Mr. Blackwood cares tremendously for you.”

The housekeeper continued: “Do rest. If you become peckish later, just give me a shout.”

“Please don’t trouble yourself. I won’t be eating tonight. Once you’ve finished your tasks, you should rest.”

The housekeeper looked conflicted. “Mr. Blackwood was most emphatic about ensuring your comfort. I’ll be staying in the room diagonally across from yours. Should you need anything, simply knock.”

“Very well.”

Chapter 105

At a secluded estate outside London, Tom Malfoy lounged on a leather Chesterfield, his relaxed posture belying the dangerous intent in his eyes. He spoke through clenched teeth: “Let me get this straight—the three of you couldn’t handle Blackwood, even with a woman in tow?”

The man kneeling before him, the driver of the Aston Martin, had bandages wrapped around his head and arm. Asher’s bullet had struck his arm, and he’d sustained a head injury in the crash. His face was ghostly pale, and he trembled visibly as he responded: “Y–yes, sir. That’s… that’s precisely what happened.”

“And those two useless pillocks—still no sign of them?” Malfoy narrowed his eyes.

Jerry, the bodyguard, 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; Zac, a British hitman. Both had been in the Porsche 918 when it crashed. However, Jack had been clutching his rifle, meaning the weapon was now in police custody. This complicated matters tremendously.

Malfoy’s gaze turned razor-sharp. He raised his foot and viciously kicked the kneeling man. “You’re of no further use,” he spat. “Get out of my sight!”