Chapter 115

Tom Malfoy cut an impressive figure—tall with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. Dressed impeccably in designer wear, his handsome face arranged in a harmless smile, he looked every inch the gentleman. When he chose to play a part, no one would ever connect him with the psychopath who had violated half the criminal code.

Having never met Tom before, Thalia, upon hearing him call her name and noting his elegant attire, initially thought he might be a friend of a friend. Tom offered no introduction, merely regarding Thalia with a meaningful look. “Truly a beauty, indeed.”

The woman beside him, Valeria Petrov, frowned slightly, a flash of jealousy crossing her eyes before quickly disappearing. She knew nothing of Tom’s vendetta against the Blackwood and Winters families and, as a suitable mistress, never inquired about his other women. Asking such questions would be courting disaster. Valeria stood quietly at Tom’s side, discreetly appraising Thalia. Yes, the woman was genuinely beautiful—naturally so. Her fair skin and delicate features showed no signs of cosmetic intervention. Her figure was excellent too—slender with a tiny waist and long legs, thin but with curves in all the right places.

Thalia hadn’t noticed Valeria’s scrutiny. She heard the man’s flippant remark and furrowed her brow. Something about him made her deeply uncomfortable. The way he looked at her—like a predator eyeing its prey—was filled with predatory interest and amusement. Thalia asked again, this time with a hint of offended anger in her voice: “Who are you?”

“Me?” Tom smiled, without answering her question. “You’ll find out soon enough, Miss Winters. We’ll be seeing each other again.”

How bizarre.

Thalia ignored him and walked past to settle the bill. Lucy followed, unable to resist glancing back as they left the restaurant. “Thalia, was that your friend? He’s absolutely gorgeous! You rarely see men that handsome in real life!”

For some reason, Thalia felt inexplicably unsettled. That man had been distinctly odd, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint why. Thalia replied casually, “I don’t know him. He was behaving rather strangely—best to ignore him.”

“Oh, right. I thought you might be friends.”

December 31st, New Year’s Eve. Victoria had organized a gathering to ring in the new year. The Shard, Britain’s tallest building at 310 meters (1,016 feet) with 95 floors, dominated London’s skyline. They were in the presidential suite of the Shangri-La Hotel, occupying floors 34 to 52 of the building. The suite offered spectacular views of the Thames and the city’s glittering lights. Inside, flowers, balloons, and streamers created a festive atmosphere.

Victoria tossed her mink coat carelessly onto the sofa, wearing only a figure-hugging, champagne-colored evening gown. She had done her full makeup for the occasion and looked stunningly vibrant.

“I must say, Sebastian made quite a shrewd decision when he bought into this place for his hotel chain,” she remarked.

Sebastian grunted. “As if I need your approval.”

Victoria shot him a teasing glance. “Surprising, actually. Seems that thick skull of yours can occasionally produce decent ideas.”

Several floors of the Shangri-La section were owned by Sebastian’s hospitality group, and they were currently in the presidential suite, which typically went for over £15,000 per night.

Sebastian smirked. “Look who’s talking about thick skulls.”

Victoria pulled a face at him. “If you can’t figure out who I’m referring to, that rather proves my point, doesn’t it?”

The room was toasty warm, so Charlotte had also removed her coat. She walked to the sofa, picked up Victoria’s coat along with her own, and hung both garments up before turning back with a bright smile. “This really is the perfect spot for a New Year’s party—ideal for watching the fireworks and enjoying the view.”

“Right? Brilliant choice for New Year’s Eve, wasn’t it?” Victoria grinned.

Charlotte nodded with a smile. “Absolutely!”

“Hang on, why hasn’t Thalia arrived yet?” Victoria glanced toward the door and reached for her phone. “I’ll give her a ring.”

As she spoke, the door opened. Victoria looked up with a smile. “I was just about to call you—bloody hell!”

Instead of Thalia, Asher Blackwood entered, with Laurina Kensington. Victoria’s smile froze instantly, replaced by flaring anger. “Who invited them?” she demanded.

Charlotte shook her head, clearly indicating she had nothing to do with it. Mason also claimed no knowledge. Sebastian cleared his throat awkwardly. “Well, you said we were having a New Year’s celebration. How could I not invite my best mate?”

“Are you genuinely thick or just pretending?” Victoria exploded. “Have you somehow missed that he cheated on Thalia? He’s been photographed checking into hotels with this actress, and you invited him here? I organized this gathering specifically to cheer Thalia up, and you brought Asher along? What exactly were you thinking?”

“What?” Sebastian looked completely baffled. “You never mentioned not to invite Asher! He’s been my best friend for over a decade…”

Sebastian rubbed his nose and sighed. “Look, don’t get so worked up. They’ve broken up, that’s all. We’re all part of the same social circle—we’re bound to run into each other. Surely you’re not suggesting we cut ties with one of them forever just because they’re no longer together?”

“Ha!” Victoria laughed sarcastically. “Why not? The Blackwood heir is well above my social grade anyway. Cutting ties works perfectly fine for me!”

Seeing that Victoria was deadly serious, Sebastian began to panic. “Come off it, you’re being dramatic. It’s not that serious—let me explain…”

“Shut it!” Victoria cut him off sharply. “Either they leave or I do!”

Charlotte wanted to calm Victoria down, but as she glanced over at Asher and Laurina standing together, she felt a twinge of discomfort herself. Thalia was her dear friend, and she naturally took Thalia’s side. Although Asher was also her friend, and her brother’s childhood companion, cheating was unforgivable! Charlotte aligned herself with Victoria, jointly protesting Asher and Laurina’s presence.

“Oh, do calm down, everyone. Asher only got together with me after breaking up with Thalia. There was no cheating involved,” Laurina said with a placating smile.

“You can shut your mouth too!” Victoria gave her absolutely no quarter.

Sebastian sighed, pulling Victoria aside. “For God’s sake, leave it. This is all a misunderstanding.”

Unlike Victoria, who was unaware of the true nature of Laurina and Asher’s relationship, Sebastian knew exactly what was going on. When the rumors first broke, Asher had confided in Sebastian and Mason. It made sense—how could the media dare publish gossip about the Blackwood heir without his tacit permission? At the time, Mason had even warned Asher that Thalia might be too hurt to return to him afterward. Now, seeing Victoria’s reaction, Sebastian nearly blurted out the truth, but Asher stopped him with a single look. Victoria was outspoken and terrible at keeping secrets. If she knew, Thalia would soon find out as well, rendering all their efforts pointless.

As the argument continued, the door opened again.

“Sorry I’m late—got held up with something.”

Thalia walked in and found herself staring directly at Asher, her heart abruptly stopping.