Drake's assistant swiftly delivered Thalia's London family address the following day. Examining a photograph of the exclusive Kensington neighborhood, Drake's eyes narrowed. Perfect timing; he had meetings scheduled with Sterling Industries in London the following week.

“If you won’t come to me, Thalia, I’ll come to you,” he murmured.

Meanwhile, Thalia submitted her CV to Sinclair & Klein, London's most prestigious law firm. They responded promptly, scheduling an interview for the next day. The firm's reputation was invaluable for her career.

Unbeknownst to Thalia, Grace had already acted.

“Everything’s arranged, Miss Bennett,” Sarah Thompson, the hiring manager at Sinclair & Klein, said deferentially into her phone. “The interview is scheduled.”

“Excellent,” Grace replied. “Give her whatever salary she asks for, but once she starts, make her life difficult. Handle this well, and I’ll ensure the Blackwood Group’s multi-million-pound litigation cases go to your team.”

Sarah barely concealed her excitement. “Don’t worry, I’ll take special ‘care’ of our new associate.”

In her hospital room, Grace smiled maliciously as she hung up. She had overheard Asher recommending Sinclair & Klein to Thalia, and Thalia’s insistence on applying conventionally, refusing to leverage the Winters or Blackwood name.

“Your pride will be your downfall,” Grace smirked. Her status as Asher’s ward still held considerable sway in London’s business circles, even without being a true Blackwood.

The next morning, Thalia donned a crisp white shirt and tailored black suit—classic attorney attire. The firm was near her old flat, and she considered moving back if she secured the position. It would mean independence from her family's watchful gaze.

The interview with Sarah Thompson proceeded suspiciously smoothly. Thalia's credentials were impressive—a top university, three years' experience in New York—and they immediately offered her requested salary of £90,000 plus bonuses.

After Thalia left, Sarah watched from her window. “Shame, really. She seems quite capable.”

On her first day, HR gave Thalia a tour. Sinclair & Klein was enormous, with separate litigation, corporate, and private client departments. Sarah Thompson headed litigation, where Thalia would work.

They assigned her to share an office with Daniel Parker, a senior associate in his forties. Just as Thalia was settling in, Sarah appeared with an apologetic smile.

“Usually each associate has a paralegal, but we’re short-staffed at the moment. You’ll have to manage without for now.”

“That’s fine,” Thalia replied professionally. “I’m used to working independently.”

Later, at management's prompting, someone suggested the new hires—Thalia and Lucy Jenkins, a trainee solicitor—treat the office to drinks after work.

Thalia found this unusual and asked Daniel if it was standard practice.

“Never heard of it before,” he replied quietly.

Staring at the message on her screen, Thalia's suspicions intensified.

Something wasn’t right.