Chapter 42

“Thalia,” Drake said quietly, staring at the sunlight. His voice was barely audible.

“What?” Mason’s voice rose sharply. “Thalia’s getting engaged? To whom?”

“Who doesn’t matter,” Drake said, his voice obsessive. “I won’t let her marry him. She belongs with me. I’ll win her back.”

“Uh…” Mason was speechless. After a pause, he ventured carefully, “Drake, don’t you think that’s… unethical?”

Drake laughed bitterly. “Ethics? I don’t care about ethics. I just need her back.”

Mason was stunned into silence. His friend had treated Thalia as a replacement, cheated on her with Sienna, and now, with her engaged, claimed undying love? It was unbelievable.

“Look,” Mason sighed, “I’ve never tried stealing someone’s fiancée, so I can’t advise. Different strokes, I guess. Good luck.”

That weekend, at Thalia’s apartment, Asher cooked lunch.

“I’m visiting a colleague at the hospital this afternoon,” she told him afterward. “The one from the knife incident. We’re bringing flowers and fruit.”

“Let William arrange that,” Asher offered.

“Thanks.”

William arrived with the Cullinan, its trunk filled with gifts. As Thalia exited the hospital, Rachel approached.

“Well, well,” Rachel smirked. “Was that a Rolls-Royce I just saw?”

“Is there a problem?” Thalia asked coolly.

“No problem at all.” Rachel’s smile was knowing. “Just… interesting.”

Enzo Corner, standing nearby, asked, “So who was that, Thalia?”

“My boyfriend,” she answered simply.

“Boyfriend? Right.” Rachel’s tone dripped with insinuation. “We understand completely.”

After Thalia left, Rachel turned to Enzo. “Must be her sugar daddy. Explains those expensive dinners.”

Enzo nodded eagerly. “Makes sense. Remember that ten-thousand-pound dinner she treated us to?”

“Disgrace to the profession,” Rachel sneered.

The next day at Sinclair & Klein, Sarah Thompson approached Thalia’s desk.

“Business development usually handles client meetings,” Sarah explained, “but negotiation skills are crucial for lawyers. I have a potential client I’d like you to meet.”

Thalia reviewed the file as Sarah continued, “If you secure this client, you’ll receive a twenty percent commission, in addition to your regular fees.”

Thalia cared less about the commission than the opportunity to hone her negotiation skills. In New York, she’d rarely had the chance to acquire her own clients.

“Thank you, I’ll handle it,” she nodded.

“Meeting’s at seven, at The Sovereign Club. Enzo will accompany you,” Sarah said, patting her shoulder. “Sorry for the late notice.”

At six-thirty, Thalia found Enzo. “How should we get there?”

Enzo’s look was contemptuous. “Why not use your boyfriend’s Rolls-Royce for show?”

Thalia frowned. “It’s too late to arrange that. I’ll take a taxi.”

“Oh? Too precious to share his car?” Enzo’s tone was nasty. “I suppose we working stiffs aren’t worthy of your sugar daddy’s Cullinan. Though my Porsche must seem quite beneath you now.”

“What exactly are you implying?” Thalia’s voice hardened. “You seem to have a problem with me.”

Enzo smirked. “No problem at all. Just admiring how well you’ve done for yourself, landing someone with that kind of money.”

“I haven’t done anything to you. Why the hostility? Did I spend your money on that car?”

“As if I could afford one.”

“Rather than being bitter, maybe focus on your own success,” Thalia snapped. “Your jealousy is showing.”

The word “jealousy” struck a nerve. Enzo’s face darkened. “At least I didn’t earn my position on my back.”

Thalia’s face went cold with fury. “Be very careful. As a lawyer, you should know defamation is illegal. Don’t make me forget we’re colleagues.”

Enzo rolled his eyes and left.

At The Sovereign Club, Thalia found Enzo already drinking with two middle-aged executives, each with a hostess. All eyes turned to her as she entered.