Chapter 91

Asher’s lips tightened, his gaze lowered. He remained silent, lost in thought. After a pause, the Blackwood patriarch continued gravely, "Asher, we must remedy this and prevent it from happening again. You are the sole heir of the Blackwood family, and for the family's sake, we—"

Asher’s hands, hanging at his sides, clenched almost imperceptibly. His eyes, dark and inscrutable, held a solemnity as he replied, "I understand."

The patriarch then addressed Andrew: "From now on, as long as Asher's actions don't violate our family code or the law, do not interfere with him."

Andrew fumed internally. He was still in his prime, yet power and business were being transferred directly from his father to Asher, bypassing him entirely. He seethed, but dared not object in his father's presence. The root of this trouble was his illegitimate son. If he had controlled his urges, none of this would have happened. He had no right to dispute anything, however displeased he was. He consoled himself with the thought that at least the power remained within the family.

"I understand," he acknowledged.

The cold front arrived. Temperatures plummeted below freezing, and London experienced its first snowfall of the winter. Winter days grew short, and by the time Thalia left Sinclair & Klein, night had fallen. Snowflakes fell gently, romantic under the city lights. Thalia stood at the roadside, catching snowflakes in her hand. The biting wind cut through her. She pulled her scarf tighter, her breath misting in the cold air.

Asher’s Maybach was parked nearby. Thalia walked toward it. Asher had already exited and was approaching her. They were meeting Teresa at the hospital.

As the car door closed, the wind was shut out. Asher held Thalia close in the back seat, gently rubbing her ice-cold hands. "Why on earth aren't you wearing gloves? Your hands are freezing," he said, concerned.

Thalia sniffled. "It was hardly worth it for such a short walk."

"That's no excuse," Asher said, continuing to massage her hands. "Remember to wear them next time, won't you?"

Thalia murmured, "Mmm."

In the hospital room, Teresa leaned against her bed, gazing absently at the falling snow. Lost in thought, she didn't notice Thalia and Asher enter.

"Teresa, I've come to see you," Thalia greeted her, placing her packages on the table.

Teresa looked up, her gaze lingering on Asher with surprise and curiosity. Thalia smiled and introduced them: "Teresa, this is my boyfriend, Asher."

Teresa greeted him politely, "Hello, Asher."

Asher remembered Thalia's instructions to smile, and softened his tone. "Hello there, Teresa."

The young girl shyly averted her gaze.

Thalia sat by Teresa’s bedside. The girl looked pale and thin, her eyes sunken. Thalia felt a pang of distress. Fighting it back, she took a cream-colored beanie from a gift bag, smiling. "Teresa, this is a gift from me. Do you like it?"

The girl’s eyes sparkled. "I love it! Thank you, Thalia."

They had become friends over the past few days. Teresa no longer called Thalia "Ms. Winters."

Teresa put on the new beanie. "Does it look nice, Thalia?" she asked hopefully.

Thalia gently stroked the girl's head. "It looks absolutely darling on you."

As Thalia chatted with Teresa, Asher’s phone rang. He gestured that he needed to take the call. Thalia nodded.

After Asher left, Teresa hesitated, seeming to want to say something. Thalia noticed. "Teresa, is there something you’d like to tell me?"

The girl stammered, "Thalia, could you… could you possibly help me with makeup?"

Thalia was surprised.

Teresa continued, "I've been getting worse. My complexion deteriorates each day. My brother's eyes are red when he visits. I don't want him to worry."

Sorrow washed over Thalia. "Of course I can, sweetheart. You’re already lovely; with makeup, you’ll be absolutely gorgeous."

Teresa smiled. "Really?"

"Yes, absolutely!" Thalia nodded, her nose prickling with emotion. "I'll bring my makeup kit tomorrow and give you a makeover."

"That would be brilliant," Teresa replied, her eyes crinkling with joy.

In the corridor, Asher spoke with Lucas: "Sir, we’ve received word from Russia that we’ve established contact with Mr. Talbot. They’ll be discussing plans to take over Tom Malfoy’s project in the coming days."

"Good."

Lucas updated Asher before ending the call. Asher returned to the room. Thalia and Teresa were smiling. Teresa averted her gaze, whispering to Thalia. Thalia’s smile deepened.

Asher looked curious. "What's so amusing, may I ask?"

Thalia responded mysteriously, "It's a secret."

Just then, his phone rang again. He answered this time.

"Mr. Blackwood, we’ve found a compatible bone marrow donor."

Asher glanced at Thalia. "Bring the donor in for examination tomorrow."

"Understood."

Asher walked to Thalia’s side. "Lia, they’ve found a compatible bone marrow donor. Teresa’s condition can be treated now."

Thalia seemed to comprehend slowly. "I beg your pardon?"

Asher’s expression softened. "They've found a compatible bone marrow donor. Teresa's illness can be treated."

Tears sprang to Thalia’s eyes – tears of joy. She wiped them away, excitedly grasping Teresa’s hand, crying and laughing. "Teresa, did you hear that? They’ve found a compatible donor! Your illness can be cured!"

Teresa sat stunned, her eyes reddening. "Can my illness really be cured?"

Thalia’s eyes brimmed with tears. "Yes, it can! I told you not to give up! Your illness will definitely be cured!"

"That's wonderful..." Teresa murmured, tears glistening. "Now my brother won’t have to worry about me anymore..."

This was wonderful news. The gloom that had shadowed Thalia lifted instantly. On the journey back, she held Asher’s hand, chattering continuously. Even back at the apartment, her excitement remained. Asher, seeing her relaxed after days of worry, felt his own spirits lift. They cuddled on the sofa, the atmosphere shifting to intimacy. Asher tightened his arm around Thalia, desire growing in his eyes.