Chapter 67

Grace’s lips twitched as she offered a stiff smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm glad you like it, Thalia."

"Oh, come now," Victoria said with a mischievous smile. "Shouldn't you be calling her 'sister-in-law' by now?"

Grace's face tensed. "It's a difficult habit to break."

Thalia speared a perfectly cooked piece of grilled lamb and offered it to Asher. She used the same fork she had just eaten with. Asher didn't seem to mind, accepting the morsel readily.

A cold light flashed in Grace's eyes as she clenched her fists.

"Delicious," Asher said, his eyes crinkling with genuine pleasure.

Thalia smiled. Grace's expression darkened. With a grim face, she said, "Brother, I'll return to my table."

Ignoring Grace's displeasure, Thalia cheerfully asked, "Sister, would you like some lamb? I just grilled it, and your brother says it's quite good."

"No, thank you," Grace replied coldly, turning away.

Thalia and Victoria exchanged knowing smiles. Charlotte suppressed a laugh, giving Thalia a discreet thumbs-up.

Asher knew Thalia had been putting on a show for Grace. Now that Grace had left, he leaned closer. His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Lia, I'd like to try those barbecued chicken wings. Would you feed me?"

Thalia looked at him with amused exasperation. "If you want some, you can serve yourself."

"Are you serious?" Sebastian laughed. "Has being in love reduced you to needing spoon-feeding? Is this really Asher Blackwood?"

Asher leaned back, his eyes glinting. "Jealous? Why don't you ask your girlfriend to feed you? Oh wait—you don't have one, do you?"

Sebastian's laughter ceased. He clutched his chest dramatically. "Bloody hell, that's a bit below the belt! Is that any way to treat your oldest friend?"

Sebastian turned to Victoria. "Victoria, darling, feed your poor brother something. We can't let them win."

Victoria stabbed a grilled sausage and shoved it toward Sebastian's mouth. "Here, eat this and choke on it."

The table erupted in laughter. Meanwhile, Grace seethed. Thalia was flaunting their relationship. Grace's plastic fork snapped in two. "Thalia," she thought venomously, "let's see if you're still smiling after what comes next!"

After eating, everyone prepared for the hike. Sebastian and Victoria led, followed by James and Charlotte. Drake, Grace, and her friends came next, with Thalia and Asher bringing up the rear. Asher held Thalia's hand.

"Lia, it'll take about two hours to reach the viewing platform. Will you be alright?"

"Of course. I love hiking; experiencing nature is both relaxing and invigorating." Asher knew Thalia enjoyed outdoor activities. He was simply concerned she might be out of practice.

Thalia smiled. "I've conquered far higher mountains. I've climbed Mont Blanc and hiked through the Swiss Alps. South Downs is hardly a challenge."

Asher's eyes brimmed with affection. "My Lia is quite remarkable, isn't she?"

"Naturally," she replied. Drake, however, was unaware of Thalia's abilities. He had never bothered to learn about her interests.

After walking some distance, Drake stopped, ostensibly to let others pass. When Asher and Thalia approached, Drake extended his hand to Thalia. "Feeling tired yet, Thalia?"

Thalia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Not in the slightest."

Asher pointedly raised their interlocked hands. "Your assistance won't be necessary."

Drake lowered his gaze, lingering on their clasped hands.

"You're blocking the path," Thalia said irritably.

Drake remained stationary. Asher looked up with a mocking smile. "What's this? Eager for a front-row view of our affection? Very well—we'll walk ahead, and you can admire us from behind." He pushed past Drake. "Do take plenty of photos for us, won't you?"

Drake was speechless.

Grace, unaccustomed to physical exertion, complained of fatigue after half an hour. She attempted to thrust her backpack into Asher's arms.

"Brother," she wheedled, "I'm absolutely knackered. Could you carry this?"

Asher gestured to his own backpack. "Can't manage it. I'm already carrying one."

Grace persisted. "Brother, I'm truly exhausted. Won't you help me?"

"Certainly," Asher replied.

Grace's expression brightened. Then Asher pulled out his phone. "I'll call someone to take you back. If you're tired, you should rest."

Her smile froze. "Brother, you're sending me back?"

Asher continued dialing. "Yes, aren't you tired?"

Grace panicked. "No need! I feel much better." She quickly shouldered her backpack. "Please don't call."

"Then let's continue," Asher said, pocketing his phone.

Thalia watched with thinly veiled mockery, smiling and affectionately taking Asher's arm. "Shall we continue, darling?"

Grace and Drake could only stare. Asher clearly enjoyed the endearment.

After walking, they came to a stream. Asher guided Thalia across the stepping stones. "Careful, Lia." All the other women needed assistance. Thalia made it across with Asher's help, but then they heard a startled cry. Thalia turned to see Grace, pale with alarm, standing on a stepping stone. "Brother," she cried, "I can't make it across. Could you help me?"