Chapter 35

After investigating, Thalia learned the full story behind the knife attack. The assailant, Henry Harrison, owned and legally represented a private company. Following a lost contract dispute—in which Daniel represented the opposing party—the court froze Harrison's company accounts. When Daniel uncovered evidence of Harrison commingling personal and company assets, the court seized his properties. Simultaneously, his wife eloped, taking their remaining funds. Driven to desperation, Harrison blamed the firm's lawyers for his ruin, leading to his violent attack.

Fortunately, Daniel survived surgery and was stable. Following the incident, the firm established a dedicated security office. Two muscular guards were stationed there—Thalia knew they were Asher's chosen bodyguards, assigned for her protection.

Meanwhile, Drake spent two weeks recovering in the hospital. He repeatedly called Thalia from his assistant's phone, but she never answered or visited. He constantly watched the door, his breath catching whenever it opened, hoping to see her. She never came. He tormented himself with images of Thalia and Asher, the pain a physical wound.

Finally discharged, Drake could wait no longer. If Thalia wouldn't come to him, he would go to her.

Walking to the parking lot with his assistant and Sienna at his sides, Drake asked, "Is everything arranged with Sterling Industries?"

"Yes, sir. Their CEO will attend a gala next Friday at 8 PM. I've secured an invitation."

"What's the occasion?"

"A welcome party for his cousin. She's recently returned to London, and he's using it as an introduction to society."

Sienna attempted to link arms with Drake, but he subtly withdrew. Her face tightened—he'd never before rejected her touch. In New York, they had been inseparable, passionate. Had coming to London changed everything? Was he still thinking of Thalia?

"Drake, why—"

"How old is Sterling's cousin?" Drake interrupted.

"Mid-twenties, I believe."

"Any details?"

"Sorry, sir, her information is protected."

Drake nodded. If Alexander Sterling wished to protect someone's privacy, no amount of investigation would uncover it.

"However," his assistant added, "I understand she's getting engaged in two weeks. Mr. Sterling is very protective of her. A generous engagement gift might facilitate negotiations."

Drake considered this. Winning over a young woman might be easier than persuading Sterling directly.

"Stop at the shops ahead," Drake instructed the driver.

"Shopping for the cousin's gift?" Sienna smiled. "I'll help—I know what women our age like."

As they pulled up, Drake simply said, "Get out."

Sienna exited, expecting Drake to follow. Instead, the car drove away, leaving her and the assistant bewildered on the sidewalk.

When Drake's car reached Thalia's building, he saw her entering with Asher. He rushed after them, but security stopped him.

"ID and apartment number, sir?"

Drake attempted to force his way past. The guard stood firm: "Stop, or I'll call the police."

"Let me in!" Drake's face contorted, veins bulging on his forehead. His mind was tormented by images of Thalia and Asher together. Three years of dating, and he'd never been intimate with her. The thought of Asher possessing what he couldn't drove him mad.

"Let me through!" he roared, striking at the guard.

The guard called for backup. Despite fighting furiously against two men, Drake was eventually subdued.

As the police led him away, Thalia and Asher, oblivious to the chaos behind them, had already disappeared into the building.