Chapter 72

Asher returned home and was immediately summoned to his father's study by his grandmother. After speaking with his father, he overheard his grandmother imperiously ordering Thalia to serve the meal. He intervened, his tone deliberately casual. "Grandmother, has the family fortune dwindled to the point where we can no longer afford household staff? Since when do we expect guests to serve?"

Lady Blackwood Sr., seeing Asher, ceased harassing Thalia. She set down her teacup, smiling precisely. "I was merely assessing Thalia's obedience."

Asher's tone deepened. "My Lia doesn't need to be obedient. She only needs to be happy."

Lady Blackwood's expression soured. "Asher, are you criticizing your grandmother?"

It seemed Grace was right—Thalia had indeed captivated Asher. He was openly defying his grandmother for her sake. His handsome features hardened, the air growing cold.

"I wouldn't dare," Asher replied coolly. "Grandmother, Lia is someone I've waited years for. I sincerely hope you won't come between us. If Lia becomes unhappy and calls off our engagement, I'll have no choice but to join a monastery."

Thalia was startled by his bold defense and his admission of his years-long wait for her. Her heart fluttered, the earlier frustration melting away.

The old lady's anger intensified. "This is preposterous! What utter nonsense!" Her agitation triggered her heart palpitations.

Grace supported Lady Blackwood, anxiously trying to calm her. "Grandmother, please don't upset yourself." Her downcast gaze concealed her jealousy.

Asher's gaze was intense as he addressed Grace. "Have you been speaking ill of Lia to my grandmother?"

Grace stiffened, swallowing nervously. "I… I haven't…"

Asher narrowed his eyes, his gaze frigid. He spoke slowly: "You'd better not have." Grace broke into a cold sweat.

Lady Blackwood Jr. attempted to ease the tension. "Shall we eat?"

The expansive dining room, elegantly Georgian in style, featured an antique mahogany table and rare, valuable plants. Lady Blackwood Sr. had initially instructed the staff not to serve the meal, intending for Thalia to do so. Asher's intervention forced a change of plans.

Lord Blackwood Sr. was absent. At the long table, Lady Blackwood Sr. presided, with Lord and Lady Blackwood Jr. flanking her. Asher and Thalia sat together, opposite Grace.

The staff served the meal, omitting Thalia's consommé. Thalia suspected this was deliberate humiliation, orchestrated by Lady Blackwood Sr. Before she could confront the old lady, Asher intervened. "Grandmother, when did our family become so impoverished that we can't even provide a simple consommé for everyone?"

Lady Blackwood's face tightened. She offered a strained smile. "Perhaps the staff overlooked it. It can be remedied."

Asher smiled, a grim expression. "Lia, someone here clearly doesn't welcome us. Let's leave." He stood abruptly, pulling Thalia's hand. "I'll take you out for dinner."

Thalia was deeply moved yet worried about the tension Asher was creating with his family. The old lady called out sharply, "Asher!"

"Grandmother, enjoy your meal. We won't be joining you," Asher stated, holding Thalia's hand. "I won't allow my Lia to feel slighted."

"Son, is that how you speak to your grandmother?" Lord Blackwood Jr. asked sternly.

Asher's expression was serious. "Today, let me make something abundantly clear. Thalia is my most treasured person. I won't allow her the slightest discomfort. If this meal isn't pleasant, we won't partake. If someone in this family can't accept her…" He paused. "If someone in this family can't accept her, then perhaps I should reconsider my own place here as well."

Asher led Thalia away, ignoring their calls.

In the car, Thalia expressed her worry. "Asher, you argued with your family because of me. I'm afraid…"

"Don't worry, Lia," Asher reassured her, squeezing her hand. "I'm here."

"Won't your grandmother dislike me even more?"

"She deliberately humiliated you. I needed to make my position clear; otherwise, she'll be worse next time."

Thalia lowered her eyes. "Your family doesn't seem to like me."

"That's not true," Asher comforted her. "My parents and grandfather like you. My grandmother misunderstands you. I'll sort things out with her."

Asher took Thalia to an exclusive Italian restaurant.

Back in the dining room, the atmosphere was frigid. Lord Blackwood Jr. sighed wearily. "Mother, why are you giving Thalia such a hard time? What has she done?"

Lady Blackwood Jr. remained silent, remembering her own similar treatment. She considered her mother-in-law to have a bottomless appetite for discord.

Lady Blackwood Sr. laughed coldly. "Did you not see how Asher addressed me? He's never spoken to me like that. This Thalia Winters must have poisoned him against me."

Lady Blackwood Jr. thought, You're the one stirring up trouble.

Lord Blackwood Jr. pleaded, "Mother, please be kinder to her. She's lovely."

"Unkind? You don't know what she did to Grace!"