Chapter 57

Drake's words haunted Thalia, echoing relentlessly and disrupting her peace. The following day, when she visited Asher in the hospital, her distraction was evident.

"Something on your mind, Lia?" Asher asked gently.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked away. "That woman… Vanessa Miller. What's the story there?"

Asher's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Are you jealous?"

Thalia affected nonchalance, puffing her cheeks slightly. "Of course not. You've just never mentioned her before, that's all."

Remembering Vanessa's kidnapping of Lucy and attempted stabbing, Thalia felt anger mingle with her jealousy. "Where did you even find this crazy admirer? She's completely unhinged."

Asher reached for her hand. "Come here, Lia."

Thalia moved closer, sitting on the edge of his hospital bed. Taking her hand, Asher's expression turned serious. "We attended the same school. She pursued me intensely, and I rejected her. She followed me to university, continuing her pursuit. I never encouraged her—not once."

Thalia lowered her eyes, her lips downturned. "Is that all?"

Asher gently pinched her cheek. "That's everything. I barely spoke to her. We don't have each other's numbers, social media—nothing."

After a moment, Thalia continued, "Why would anyone persist for ten whole years? Not ten days, not ten months—ten years."

Asher smiled helplessly. "I honestly couldn't tell you. Everyone knows how coldly I treated her. I've barely exchanged a few words with her in all that time."

Thalia leaned closer, playfully narrowing her eyes. "And how many words is 'a few' exactly?"

Asher laughed. "Maybe five or six sentences total…"

Chapter 57 (Continued)

"What could you possibly have said that required so many sentences?" Thalia asked, feigning outrage.

Asher found her jealousy endearing. His eyes softened, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Nothing significant. In school, I briefly spoke to reject her initial confessions. Afterward, I hardly acknowledged her existence."

"You truly felt nothing for her?" Thalia asked skeptically. "She's quite pretty."

"Absolutely nothing," Asher gazed at her with undisguised devotion. "My heart has belonged to someone else for a very long time. There's simply no room for anyone else."

Thalia feigned ignorance. "Someone else? Who might that be?"

Asher's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Who do you think?"

Thalia mumbled softly, "How would I know unless you tell me?"

To Asher, her pretense was utterly adorable, melting his heart. He couldn't resist her. His voice softened with tenderness. "There has never been anyone but you, Lia. Not then, not now, not ever."

Thalia glanced away, blushing. "She confessed to you in school. I was just a child then." Surely he couldn't have had feelings for her so early?

Asher answered honestly, "I wasn't looking for a relationship back then."

This piqued Thalia's curiosity. She met his gaze, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes wide with genuine interest. "When did you start having feelings for me, then?"

Asher thought, a soft smile forming. "Initially, I truly did see you as a little sister. As for when those feelings changed… I can't pinpoint the exact moment."

Thalia persisted. "You must have some idea."

"If I had to guess… probably when you were in secondary school," he admitted. "When that boy Davies was harassing you, and after I confronted him, I realized my feelings for you had fundamentally changed. I couldn't pretend anymore."

Chapter 57 (Continued)

Thalia pressed her lips together. "You kept it well hidden."

Asher gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I had to wait for you to grow up, didn't I?"

His eyes clouded momentarily. "As soon as you finished university, I approached your father about our marriage. But you were unwilling and left home."

Thalia guiltily averted her gaze. "I… I thought my father was sacrificing me for business interests. How was I supposed to know you'd planned this all along? You never told me. I was completely in the dark…"

Suddenly, Asher winced, his hand going to his side. "Ouch…"

Thalia's eyes widened with concern as she leaned closer. "What's wrong? Did you bump it? Should I call a nurse?"

In one smooth motion, Asher pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. His voice was soft and warm against her hair. "A hug will make it stop hurting."

Thalia laughed softly against his chest. "You're terrible. You were just pretending."

"No," Asher gently stroked her hair, his touch feather-light. "It really does hurt. But holding you makes everything better."

Thalia nestled closer, breathing in his comforting scent. In his arms, everything felt right.

Chapter 57 (Continued)

As Drake returned from a business dinner, walking through the hotel lobby, someone called out to him.

"Drake Ashcroft."

Following the voice, he saw an unfamiliar young woman impeccably dressed in designer clothing.

"And you are?" Drake approached her, confusion evident in his eyes. "Have we met?"

The woman reclined on a sofa, looking up at him with calculated poise. "We're about to become acquainted."

Drake sat down opposite her. "Who exactly are you?"

She smiled. "Grace Bennett. The Blackwoods' ward."

"The Blackwoods?" Drake frowned. "Asher Blackwood's family?"

"Precisely," Grace's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I have a proposition for you."

Drake looked puzzled. "What kind of proposition?"

Grace's lips curved upward. "Breaking up Asher and Thalia."

Drake eyed her suspiciously. "Why should I trust you?"

"Simple," Grace gave a soft, bitter laugh. "I'm in love with Asher. No one wants to separate them more than I do."

Grace handed him a business card. "I understand you've been seeking investment lately. Contact this person—they'll provide the funding Ashcroft Capital needs."

"However…" Grace continued, her tone sharpening, "this investment comes with one condition: you work with me to end Asher and Thalia's relationship."

Drake took the card, studying it briefly. "Even without your investment, I'd do everything possible to break them up. Thalia belongs with me."

Grace's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Well then, Mr. Ashcroft, do we have an arrangement?"

Drake looked thoughtful. "Let me verify your credentials first, then I'll give you my answer."

"Fair enough," Grace pulled out her phone. "Here's my WhatsApp. Add me so we can stay in touch."