Chapter 73

For several days after the family dinner incident, Asher didn't return to the Blackwood manor. Lady Blackwood Senior called him repeatedly. Initially, he answered, questioning her incessant calls regarding Thalia.

Lady Blackwood explained, claiming Thalia was belittling her granddaughter, Grace. Asher countered that the situation was misrepresented, but Lady Blackwood remained unconvinced. She firmly believed Asher was bewitched by Thalia and refused to believe her sweet granddaughter would lie.

When communication proved futile, Asher ended the calls. He ignored all subsequent attempts at contact.

During this time, Lady Blackwood Junior also called, attempting reconciliation. Learning of her adopted daughter's machinations, she expressed displeasure with Grace. Grace, however, continued to influence her grandmother, attributing various offenses to Thalia, including driving a wedge between Asher and his grandmother, causing discord within the Blackwood family.

Lady Blackwood Senior, initially mildly displeased with Thalia, now thoroughly detested her prospective granddaughter-in-law, fueled by Grace's manipulations.

Monday morning, Thalia awoke to her alarm. She struggled to open her eyes, preparing for work, but felt a deep chill. Her head pounded, and she couldn't stop coughing. Her temperature registered a concerning 39°C (102.2°F). The flu, prevalent recently, had unfortunately claimed her.

Thalia called in sick and responsibly checked herself into the hospital. After completing admission procedures, she considered informing Asher but remembered his demanding work schedule, working late into the night. She decided against it; she was an adult capable of self-care, and it was merely a minor flu. There was no need to trouble Asher. She arranged for a private nurse and domestic help.

Initially, the flu left her voice hoarse, but after intravenous medication and oral medicine, her voice returned to normal. When Asher called, she concealed her condition.

"Thalia Winters is actually in the hospital?" Grace's delight was palpable when she received a call from her friend, Olivia Spencer. Olivia confirmed, adding that she had seen Thalia completing admission paperwork. Grace eagerly asked if Asher was with her. Olivia confirmed Thalia was alone, and a hired nurse had been caring for her for two days. Asher, apparently, was unaware of her illness and hospitalization. Grace's mind immediately began formulating a plan.

Asher returned to his townhouse after a long workday. As he switched on the lights, Grace lunged forward. Instinctively, Asher restrained her.

"Ouch! That hurts! Asher, it's me!" Grace cried out.

Asher frowned, releasing her. "How the bloody hell did you get in?"

Grace rubbed her arm. "The housekeeper let me in." After massaging her arm, she gestured toward the dining room. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I've prepared dinner for you." Grace, the housekeeper's daughter before her adoption, had learned to cook from a young age and sometimes prepared meals for Lady Blackwood Senior.

The table was set with two steaks, two glasses of red wine, candles, and roses—a romantic candlelit dinner. Grace's intentions were obvious.

Displeasure flickered across Asher's face. "Why are you here unannounced? We have staff to prepare meals. I don't need you to cook for me. Besides, I've already eaten. And more importantly, you need to stop harboring these inappropriate feelings for me."

Grace's face paled. Her lips trembled, tears welling. "I'm sorry, Asher. I didn't think this through. I just wanted to surprise you." She bit her lip, looking wounded. "Since you've already eaten, I'll clear this away."

Before Asher's return, Grace had fantasized about their romantic dinner—flickering candlelight, fragrant roses, wine—but her plans had been ruined, leaving her frustrated. She needed to act while Thalia was hospitalized. Her gaze fell on the wine.

Asher had gone to the living room. Grace took out a pre-prepared powder and mixed it into the red wine.

In the living room, Asher removed his jacket and draped it over the sofa. He leaned back, tiredly rubbing his temples, and messaged Thalia: "Just got home. Has my Lia gone to sleep?"

There was no reply. It was eleven o'clock; she was probably asleep. He felt a slight disappointment.

At that moment, Grace approached with a glass of wine. "Would you like some wine, Asher?" Asher was known for his appreciation of fine wines; his home boasted an impressive collection. He often enjoyed a small glass to relax.

Grace sat beside him, leaning in. Asher pushed her away. "You should leave. I'll have my driver take you home."

Grace looked on the verge of tears. "What's wrong, Asher? Have I done something to upset you?"

"Don't come here again," he replied coldly. "Give up these ridiculous ideas."

"Asher, I know you've been busy and tired. I only wanted to show my concern. Do you really need to be so cruel to me?"

"I have a girlfriend. I don't need your concern."

Asher called his driver.

"If you don't want me to stay, I'll go. But please drink this wine—I specially bought it for you at auction."

Asher accepted the glass. Grace watched him nervously. Just as the glass touched his lips, his phone lit up.

Asher set down the wine and picked up his phone, his expression brightening. It was a message from Thalia: "I fell asleep earlier. Just woke up to drink some water before going back to sleep."

The ice in Asher's eyes melted.

"Good. Drink your water and rest well. I'll come see you tomorrow."

"No need. I'll be terribly busy tomorrow, likely working late. I want to rest early when I get home."

"The day after tomorrow, then."

Thalia hesitated, unsure if she'd be recovered. She sent another message: "I'll be busy then too. I'll come see you when things settle down a bit. You're quite busy yourself these days—please take care of your health."

Grace watched as Asher texted with a tender expression, a gentle smile. He was clearly messaging Thalia. Jealousy consumed her.

"Crash!" The wine glass shattered. Asher looked up, meeting Grace's eyes with an icy stare.