Chapter 65

“Enough,” Thalia said with affectionate exasperation, ruffling Asher’s hair. “Planning these things together is half the fun, isn’t it? Besides, it’s Saturday; don’t your poor assistants deserve a day off?”

Asher murmured against her skin and continued his exploration. This was becoming dangerous territory. Thalia firmly pushed him away. “That’s quite enough. I’ve nearly finished planning anyway; let’s go shopping for supplies instead.”

Asher lifted his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, Thalia thought she saw disappointment in his eyes. She blinked in surprise. Had she imagined it? Had the impossibly composed Asher Blackwood looked wounded? She’d only pushed him away a few times. Surely he wasn’t sulking? No, she must have been mistaken. Someone like Asher wouldn’t appear vulnerable.

That afternoon, they visited an outdoor equipment shop and a supermarket. Thalia was in high spirits, wanting to buy everything that caught her fancy. Asher didn’t object; what did it matter if their packs were heavier? He’d carry most of it anyway. As long as Thalia was happy, he could endure extra weight.

Thalia snapped photos of their purchases and sent them to Charlotte and Victoria: “[Ladies, there’s a meteor shower tomorrow night. Shall we go to the South Downs together? I’ve already sorted the supplies.]”

Victoria responded immediately: “[Brilliant! Count me in!]”

Charlotte replied: “[Absolutely.]”

Victoria sent another message: “[I’m dragging Sebastian out for hiking gear! I’m thinking all black—you’ll help me get that perfect Instagram hiking pose, won’t you? I’m planning a transformation video—I’ll film the first bit in my pajamas, then do the matching pose when we’re there!]”

Thalia: “[No problem! Top-tier photographer at your service.]”

Charlotte: “[I’ll ask James if he fancies joining us.]”

Thalia: “[Meet outside my Tribeca flat at one o’clock tomorrow afternoon.]”

Charlotte: “[Perfect.]”

Victoria: “[See you then!]”

The following afternoon, at precisely one o’clock, Asher knocked on Thalia’s apartment door. Her face was makeup-free yet radiantly beautiful. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “You’re here.”

Thalia wore a light blue hiking outfit and carried a matching backpack. Asher wore a black high-necked windbreaker, the dark color complementing his demeanor and accentuating his features. He took Thalia’s backpack. “Ready? They’re waiting downstairs.”

“Is everyone here already?”

“James, Sebastian, Charlotte, and Victoria have arrived,” Asher replied. “Grace said she’s going ahead with some friends. She’ll meet us at the campsite.”

Thalia followed Asher into the elevator, murmuring, “Oh.”

Downstairs, three cars waited. Charlotte and James sat in a Maybach; Victoria waved from a Bentley. Asher had brought his black Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

They headed south, reaching the Devil’s Dyke campsite in the South Downs National Park just over an hour later. Grace and her friends had just arrived. Asher had reserved the entire area for their private use.

As their car stopped, Grace rushed over, attempting to take Asher’s arm. He smoothly sidestepped her. Grace recovered quickly, smiling brightly. “Brother, you’re here!”

Asher responded with a cool, “Mmm.”

Grace’s smile faded when she looked at Thalia. She greeted her with forced politeness: “Thalia.” Thalia acknowledged her with a slight nod.

Behind Grace stood two unfamiliar young women. Grace introduced them: “These are my friends, Vanessa Miller and Eliza Bennett.” She continued, “And Eliza brought someone along. Drake! They’ve arrived.”

Drake? Thalia’s heart stuttered. Surely not…

Before she could finish the thought, Drake Ashcroft appeared, wearing a smoke-gray windbreaker and carrying a hiking pole.

Asher’s brow furrowed as he turned to Grace, his eyes filled with questioning reproach. His voice carried unmistakable displeasure: “Since when have you been acquainted with Drake Ashcroft?”

Grace blinked innocently. “Drake is Eliza’s friend. Eliza asked if she could bring someone along, and I said yes. I only just met him today. Is there a problem, brother?”

Thalia had remained silent, pretending not to recognize Drake. Drake, however, smiled meaningfully and greeted her: “Thalia, it’s been a while.”

Grace looked at Thalia with exaggerated surprise. “Thalia, you know each other?”

“No,” Thalia said flatly.

“Yes,” Drake answered simultaneously.

Grace exchanged a glance with Eliza, who asked in a syrupy voice, “Drake, what’s your relationship with Thalia? I’ve never heard you mention knowing her before.”

Drake smiled at Thalia before casually stating: “Ex-girlfriend.”

“Oh my!” Grace exclaimed theatrically, turning to Thalia. “Thalia, you were actually Drake’s ex-girlfriend? I’m terribly sorry—I had no idea! Had I known, I never would have allowed him to join us.”

Thalia understood immediately. If the riding grounds incident was a misunderstanding, this was no coincidence.

Eliza pouted, pretending to be jealous. “Hmph, Drake, did you deliberately arrange this hiking trip just to see your ex-girlfriend again?”

Drake smiled without answering, which everyone interpreted as confirmation.

The atmosphere became tense. Victoria sidled up to Thalia. “Is that really your ex?” she whispered.

Thalia nodded almost imperceptibly.

Victoria crossed her arms. “Bloody hell, this Grace Bennett is clearly doing this deliberately.”

Thalia watched coldly as the drama unfolded. Coincidence? She didn’t believe it. At Alexander’s last party, Drake had caused a scene. Grace, as a Blackwood ward, would have heard the gossip. Grace bringing Drake here was deliberate. But what was her purpose?

As Thalia pondered this, someone took her hand.