Chapter 85

Thalia went straight from the hospital to Sinclair & Klein for overtime, organizing Mark's case materials to prepare for filing a workplace injury claim on Monday when the Department for Work and Pensions opened. After working all afternoon, she completely forgot her promise to see Asher that evening. When he called, she was still reviewing documents.

"Lia, where are you? I'll come pick you up."

"What?" Thalia snapped back to reality. "Oh! I forgot to tell you, I'm working late at the office."

"Working late?" Asher sounded puzzled. "Weren't you shopping with Charlotte and Victoria?"

Thalia tilted her head, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear while typing. "No, I received an urgent case and had to rush back."

"Have you eaten?" Asher asked.

"Not yet."

"I'll pick you up for dinner. The work can wait—it's getting late."

Thalia glanced at the clock on her computer screen. "All right, I'm at the firm. Come directly here."

"Good. Wait for me. I'll be there in about twenty minutes."

"Mmm."

After hanging up, Thalia leaned back, staring absently at Mark's case files. It wasn't particularly complex, and the chances of winning were high. But, judging by the factory's attitude, they would likely resist paying compensation. This was a labor dispute, beginning with arbitration. If the factory contested the decision, a lawsuit would follow—a complicated and lengthy process. Although the outcome would likely be favorable, Mark couldn't afford to wait; he and Teresa needed the money for treatment and basic living expenses. Thalia had covered their medical bills, but it was insufficient.

She rubbed her temples and called a charitable foundation, donating fifty thousand pounds to assist the Bormen siblings. She then transferred another sum to Lucy, instructing her to hire a cook to prepare three meals daily.

Lucy called back, excitedly exclaiming, "Twenty thousand pounds! Ms. Winters! Not two thousand, but twenty thousand! Hiring a cook doesn't require nearly that much!"

Thalia's tone remained even. "Their meals and the cook's salary are covered. I've already handled their medical expenses. Use the rest for clothes, shoes, and necessities. Thank you for your help."

Lucy was nearly in tears. "Ms. Winters, you're an angel! A saint!"

Thalia sighed. "This is all I can do."

"It's more than enough! You've already done so much!" Lucy replied.

"I hope it helps them…"

Meanwhile, Asher had driven only five minutes toward the law firm when his facility manager called.

"Sir, an emergency! Something's happened to Vanessa!"

Asher frowned, his tone cold. "What's happened?"

Thalia finished organizing the case materials and shut down her computer. By the time she went downstairs, it was already half past eight. She waited, then Asher called.

"Where are you?"

"I'm sorry, Lia. I can't pick you up. Please go home—I have an urgent matter."

Thalia asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's difficult to explain. I'll tell you in person later."

"All right then."

After hanging up, Thalia went to the underground car park. Hungry, she drove to a nearby restaurant for a quick meal before returning to her building around ten o'clock. She parked and pressed the lift button. At her door, as she unlocked it, someone called her name.

"Thalia."

It was Drake, standing in the hallway in a dark gray coat, a faint smile on his face.

Thalia frowned. "Drake, what are you doing here?"

Instead of answering, he asked, "Where were you today? Why are you coming home so late?"

Thalia's frown deepened. "How is that any of your business?"

Drake shrugged. "Just concerned about you."

"Not necessary."

Thalia turned to enter her apartment.

"Thalia, do you know where Asher is tonight?"

Thalia paused.

Drake continued, "He's with Vanessa Miller right now."

Seeing Thalia stop, a triumphant gleam flashed in Drake's eyes. He continued slowly: "He didn't tell you? How could he possibly tell you he was meeting Vanessa?"

Thalia turned, looking up at him. "Drake, did you come here just to stir up trouble with these absurd insinuations? Do you honestly think I'd believe you?"

Drake smiled, appearing pleased.

"I know you won't believe me." He produced his phone and played a recording. Vanessa's voice filled the air, filled with desperation and despair, pleading with Asher.

The more Thalia listened, the tighter her chest felt. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white, her expression shifting noticeably.

Drake moved closer. "Asher never told you that Vanessa was abducted over a month ago, did he? You probably thought she was still in detention awaiting trial?"

"What did you say?" Thalia's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising.

Her reaction pleased Drake. He'd guessed correctly; the Blackwood family had suppressed the news.

He straightened, his tall frame looming over Thalia. His eyes held a mocking light. "Come on, you really think that woman chased after Asher for ten years and he felt absolutely nothing? Ha! Thalia, you're still so naive. You don’t understand men at all."

Thalia lowered her eyes without speaking.

Drake continued: "Vanessa was taken by the police on the day of your engagement ceremony, but later she claimed to be pregnant. On the way to the hospital for examination, she was abducted."

"Think about it—who in London has enough power to snatch someone from police custody in broad daylight?"

The answer was obvious. In London, the Blackwoods were the most powerful family.