Chapter 89

Leaving his apartment, Asher discarded his breakfast bag and coldly instructed his staff to investigate Drake. The results were swift: Drake had paid a substantial sum to the property management company for Thalia's address. Asher immediately filed a lawsuit against the company and summoned its CEO, a man in his early forties oblivious to the impending trouble. He mistakenly believed he was meeting with Blackwood Industries to discuss a partnership. Asher, deeming the man insignificant, delegated the meeting to Matt Ford, his assistant.

The CEO, Firenze Wood, obsequiously greeted Ford, inquiring about a potential collaboration. Matt's eyebrow arched, contempt evident. "Why would Blackwood Industries collaborate with a company that casually sells residents' private information?" Wood's face darkened. "What? What do you mean, selling residents' information?" Matt produced a stack of documents. "Mr. Wood, this proves your company sold residents' private information. Mr. Blackwood wanted you to understand the situation before your downfall."

Wood trembled as he reviewed the evidence, his pallor increasing with each page. "This… there must be a misunderstanding… I'll have my staff verify this immediately!" Matt's cold smile was unconvincing. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Wood. We've thoroughly investigated. You orchestrated the sale of residents' information; Drake Ashcroft's payment went directly into your pocket. Legal action is underway. You were summoned to be informed that, from today, you will face severe consequences. You're likely to lose everything—all of your own doing."

Wood, deathly pale and weak, pleaded, "Please ask Mr. Blackwood to give me another chance! I'll reform, I swear! I'll offer half my assets as compensation!" Matt laughed contemptuously. "Do you think Mr. Blackwood would be interested? Let me clarify: the resident whose information you sold to Drake Ashcroft is our CEO's fiancée. Do you understand?" Wood's face turned ashen, his eyes filled with despair.

For days, Thalia had juggled court appearances with assisting Mark in filing for workplace injury recognition and a capacity for work assessment. A cold front was approaching, with temperatures plummeting to minus four degrees Celsius. The Bormen siblings were in private rooms at a top-tier hospital. Thalia had asked Lucy to purchase winter clothing for them.

Lucy returned, her eyes red and swollen. "Ms. Winters, I've arranged everything," she sniffled, her voice trembling. Thalia, drafting documents, paused. "Why are you crying?" Lucy's eyes misted. "Teresa's condition is deteriorating rapidly. The doctor says if they can't find a compatible bone marrow donor, she might not make it through the winter…"

Thalia's hands stilled. "Just wait," she whispered, her voice quivering slightly. "I've already begun the search. There will be a match… I'm certain." Lucy, tears streaming down her face, looked at Thalia. "Ms. Winters… if Teresa really…" Thalia interrupted firmly, "That won't happen! Teresa will be alright!"

Thalia remained distracted throughout the afternoon, eventually making a phone call. "Still no suitable bone marrow match?" The reply: "Ms. Winters, we're using all our resources. You'll be notified immediately if we find anything."

That evening, Asher joined Thalia for dinner at Rules, London's oldest restaurant. Despite the elegant setting—soft piano music, fine Bordeaux, and traditional game—Thalia remained preoccupied, her food untouched. Asher, concerned, asked, "Lia, is something troubling you?"

Thalia explained, "I took a case. The client, a nineteen-year-old, supports his eleven-year-old sister, who has leukemia. The doctors say she might not survive the winter without a bone marrow match."

Asher suggested a substantial reward. Thalia hesitated. "I considered it, but I'm worried it might attract unscrupulous individuals." Asher took her hand. "Leave this to me. I promise to find a suitable donor without harming anyone in the process."

Hope flickered in Thalia's eyes. "Really?" Asher reassured her, "Trust me, Lia. Now, eat something." The warmth of his touch eased her worries. "All right," she smiled. Thalia had resources, but influence was sometimes necessary.

After dinner, Asher accompanied Thalia home. He returned to his residence around ten o'clock. As he entered, Lucas called. "Sir, we have a lead. May I come in?" "Come in," Asher replied.

Lucas entered, bringing the night's chill with him. Asher poured himself water, his gaze cold. "Tell me." Lucas, hesitant, reported, "The people who abducted Vanessa are connected to Tom Malfoy." Asher's eyes sharpened. "Tom Malfoy?" Lucas nodded.