Chapter 58

Drake had recently traveled extensively to secure investment for his company, forced to look beyond London's uninterested businesses. His days were a blur of hotels and airplanes. He'd just returned to London, collected by Mason from the airport, and they were now en route to a dinner engagement.

Waiting at a red light, Mason saw Drake scrolling through old photos of himself and Thalia. Mason hesitated, then Drake leaned over, softening his expression. "Look how happy we were," he said, showing the screen.

Mason's expression was complex. Drake had previously asked him to buy a ring in France, intending to win Thalia back, mentioning her impending engagement. Mason had voiced his ethical concerns then, but since returning to London, had avoided the topic. He hadn't seen Thalia since she left, knew nothing of her fiancé, but he'd noticed Drake's dwindling smile, his descent from life of the party to a solitary drinker, often calling out Thalia's name in sorrowful inebriation. Now, gazing at these old photos, a long-absent smile touched Drake's face, lost in self-deception. Mason thought Drake obsessed.

He wanted to ask, "Did you give her that ring?" but couldn't. He sighed. The light changed.

Finally, Mason spoke. "Drake, as your friend, I have to say something. You had a good thing, but it's over. She's engaged. Don't do anything you'll regret."

"Regret?" Drake scoffed. "I don't care about ethics. I want her back."

Mason frowned. "She's getting married. You can't just—"

Drake waved him off. "Look at our social circle. How many married people are faithful? It's practically the norm."

"Just because it's common doesn't make it right," Mason countered.

Drake's face hardened. He didn't reply. Mason stopped pressing. He found Drake pathetic, regretting Thalia's loss only after losing her.

The car reached the congested downtown area. Drake leaned back, bored, his thoughts drifting. Suddenly, he spotted someone familiar.

"Stop the car!" he shouted.

Mason, confused, looked where Drake was staring and froze. He understood instantly. On the sidewalk, Thalia walked with a man, close enough for their faces to be clearly visible. The man was strikingly handsome, impeccably dressed—clearly someone of significant status. They were laughing, intimate.

Drake muttered, "Out of the hospital already? Tough bastard." Mason guessed this was Thalia's fiancé. Drake opened the door and walked toward them.

Asher had been out of the hospital for a week. Thalia had strictly monitored his diet, but days of bland food had wearied him. He'd finally persuaded her to take him out. She'd chosen Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, a renowned, romantic restaurant where they'd dined on special occasions since childhood. It was bustling, but Thalia had a reservation. They were about to enter when someone called out.

"Thalia!" Mason shouted.

Thalia turned, seeing Mason, then Drake. Her brow furrowed. He was a persistent ghost.

Mason greeted her warmly. "Hey, long time no see. I didn't know you were originally from London."

Mason had only recently learned from Drake that Thalia was a Londoner and engaged, knowing nothing of her heiress status or her companion, the CEO of Blackwood Industries. The Sterling party incident had been too embarrassing for wider dissemination, leaving their circle largely unaware of Thalia's true background. Mason, a man of principle, had always treated Thalia well, sometimes even helping her.

Thalia responded politely. "Indeed, it has been a while."

"And who's this?" Mason asked, feigning ignorance.

Thalia smiled. "This is my fiancé, Asher Blackwood."

"Asher Blackwood!" Mason exclaimed, shocked. "You're… you're that Asher Blackwood?"

He'd never met Asher, and online information was scarce, but the name was instantly recognizable within their social circle. This was the heir to the Blackwood empire!

Asher's face was cold, his gaze intense, fixed on Drake. "Is there something you require?"

Mason shivered. Asher possessed an undeniable power, an authority beyond the reach of privileged playboys like themselves.

"Could we join you for dinner?" Mason asked awkwardly. Thalia, having only eaten a sandwich for lunch, was starving.

"You may," Thalia said, gesturing to Drake, "but he cannot."

Drake's expression became complex.