Chapter 135

Easter was approaching. Thalia was reminded of the Italian proverb: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you choose). But being single and completely focused on establishing her law firm, she had no interest in celebrating the holiday.

The office space she had leased was still under renovation when Drake Ashcroft, having somehow discovered the address of her new firm, ostentatiously sent sixty-six flower arrangements to celebrate her new venture. When the renovation contractor called, Thalia was meeting with Rupert at a café to discuss their partnership.

“Ms. Winters, someone has sent you sixty-six flower arrangements. They won’t fit in the corridor, so we’ve had to pile them inside. Could you come and sort this out? We can’t continue with the renovations.”

“Flower arrangements? Is there a name attached?”

“Yes, Drake Ashcroft.”

Thalia felt an immediate headache at the mention of his name. She took a deep breath, massaging her temple with a resigned expression. “I understand. I’ll come by shortly and have them removed. Please take a short break in the meantime.”

After hanging up, Thalia turned to Rupert. “There’s an issue at the office that I need to address. I’m sorry, but we’ll have to sign the contracts another time.”

“No need to apologize,” Rupert said, rising politely along with Thalia. “Since it’s concerning the firm, would it be alright if I accompanied you?”

Thalia paused briefly before responding: “Of course. You’ll be a partner at the firm, after all. It makes sense for you to see the place.”

“Thank you.”

At the office, Thalia frowned in irritation at the room full of flower arrangements. She randomly selected one and examined the ribbon attached to it: [Wishing Thalia success with her new law firm. – Drake Ashcroft]. Thalia’s expression was one of pure distaste.

“Success with her new law firm”—as if she were opening a shop rather than establishing a legal practice. Rupert also noticed the message on the ribbon.

“Drake Ashcroft?”

Thalia rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Yes. I do apologize for this embarrassing situation.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, who is Mr. Ashcroft?” Rupert asked, his eyes downcast, concealing his emotions.

Thalia felt that since Rupert was going to be her partner, she should be transparent about the situation to avoid any concerns that might jeopardize their collaboration.

“He’s my ex-boyfriend. We broke up over six months ago.”

“Ex-boyfriend…” Rupert murmured quietly.

“Yes. I’m sorry you had to witness this.”

Rupert suddenly asked: “Wasn’t your ex-boyfriend Asher Blackwood?”

Thalia looked surprised. “You know about that?”

Rupert adjusted his glasses. “Victoria mentioned it.” (In truth, he had been closely following her arranged marriage to Asher, but this wasn’t the appropriate time to admit that.)

Thalia somewhat awkwardly explained: “Drake was my first boyfriend. After graduation, I worked in Manchester for a while, which is where I met him. After breaking up with him, I returned to London for the arranged marriage with Asher. Then some things happened, and Asher and I also broke up.”

Rupert responded with a simple “I see,” offering nothing further.

Thalia continued: “I’ll have these flower arrangements removed immediately. Rest assured, I won’t allow Drake to interfere with the firm’s operations in the future.”

“It’s quite alright.”

Thalia called a cleaning service to remove the flower arrangements. The cleaning team was remarkably efficient, removing all sixty-six arrangements in less than half an hour. The renovation contractors resumed their work.

Thalia showed Rupert around the floor, and they discussed the office layout and design.

During the contractors’ break, one of them joked: “Ms. Winters, are you starting this law firm with your boyfriend?”

Thalia, who tended to blush when embarrassed, quickly shook her head in denial: “You’ve misunderstood. This is my business partner, not my boyfriend.”

The contractor scratched his head sheepishly. “Sorry for the misunderstanding. I just assumed he was your boyfriend. You two look like a proper couple.”

“No, not at all,” Thalia denied again.

Rupert stood nearby without commenting, his expression somewhat distant. Thalia glanced at him uncomfortably, noticing the subtle change in his expression. Feeling awkward, she said: “I didn’t expect the contractor to misinterpret our relationship. I apologize if it caused you any discomfort.”

Rupert smiled, adopting a teasing tone: “Are you that eager to deny any connection to me? You seemed quite keen to correct him.”

“What?” Thalia was confused. “That wasn’t my intention at all. I was just worried about making you uncomfortable or giving you the wrong impression.”

Rupert looked at her with an amused expression. “What wrong impression might that be?”

Thalia averted her gaze, pressing her lips together without responding. Rupert seemed to read her thoughts, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Afraid I might think you fancy me?”

Thalia’s blush deepened as she hesitantly murmured agreement. Rupert regarded her with amusement. “Do I look that narcissistic to—”

“That’s not what I meant,” Thalia quickly explained. “I just… I heard from Victoria and Charlotte that many women have expressed interest in you, and you’ve turned them all down. I thought perhaps you were tired of receiving romantic attention, and I was worried you might misinterpret my intentions… and then decline to partner with me. Does that make sense?”

Rupert watched as Thalia earnestly explained herself, and suddenly broke into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

When Rupert smiled, he was quite handsome, exuding a warm, spring-like charm. His attractiveness differed from Asher’s. Asher gave the impression of being untouchable—admirable from afar but unapproachable.

Rupert was like the gentle sunshine of spring—courteous, refined, and approachable.

Rupert replied: “Nothing. I just find it rather endearing how seriously you’re explaining that you have no romantic interest in me.”

“You really needn’t explain. I’m well aware that you aren’t interested in me.”

“Oh?”

(This was what Rupert thought to himself: I’ve known for a very long time. He nearly couldn’t resist asking her that question: Do you truly have no recollection of me whatsoever? On second thought, he restrained himself. Asking could jeopardize his chance to work with her.)

After showing Rupert the office renovations, it was time for a meal. Rupert smiled warmly and asked: “May I treat you to dinner, partner?”

Thalia readily agreed. “I’d like that.”

She hadn’t given Easter a second thought, her mind completely focused on business matters. She was planning to discuss partnership details over dinner and finalize the contract. Since this was her first formal meal with a partner, Thalia felt it should be appropriately professional, not too casual. She selected The Ivy City Garden, an upscale restaurant nearby.

As Thalia and Rupert entered the restaurant, she unexpectedly encountered a familiar face. Asher was dressed in a black suit, a standard business attire that failed to conceal his distinguished aura and striking features. His gaze lingered on Thalia’s face for several seconds before coolly shifting to Rupert behind her.