Chapter 136

London was too small, after all. Thalia never expected to run into Asher at The Ivy City Garden. As she stood frozen, Rupert spoke from behind her: “Mr. Blackwood, what a coincidence. Are you dining here as well?”

Asher’s voice was cool, outwardly calm. “Yes.”

Thalia, unsure what to say, simply walked past Asher toward the restaurant’s interior. A server approached. “Good evening. How many in your party? Do you have a reservation?”

Thalia maintained her composure. “Two people. I have a reservation under the mobile number ending in 0725.”

“Please follow me.”

Seeing Thalia had already followed the server, Rupert smiled as he met Asher’s gaze. “Mr. Blackwood, if you’ll excuse me.”

Asher remained motionless, his eyes downcast. Easter was approaching. Why was Thalia dining alone with Rupert on this particular day? Was it… a date? A wave of bitterness washed over him, each surge stronger than the last. Asher’s throat tightened; he stood immobile, as if turned to stone, his legs numb.

Seeing Asher wasn’t responding, Rupert’s gaze slowly drifted over him. The restaurant’s dim lighting, designed for a romantic atmosphere, obscured the desolate, bitter expression on Asher’s face. A subtle smile played on Rupert’s lips. He knew Asher had misunderstood. On this special day, a man and woman dining alone naturally suggested a romantic date. Rupert chose not to clarify.

He walked past Asher with measured steps to follow Thalia. In the private dining room, Thalia sat staring blankly into space. She showed no reaction when Rupert opened the door and entered.

“Ms. Winters,” Rupert called, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

Thalia, somewhat distracted, came back to herself. “The menu’s there. Please go ahead and order.”

A smile touched Rupert’s lips, his eyes gentle. “Of course.” He refrained from asking questions or mentioning certain people better left unmentioned.

Thalia quickly composed herself, pushing the chance encounter to the back of her mind. After ordering, while waiting for their food, she resumed discussing the partnership with Rupert.

Rupert said, “I have a friend who specializes in criminal defense. Like me, he has three years of experience. If you’re interested, I could bring him in as a partner.”

Thalia’s eyes brightened. “That sounds excellent. Let’s arrange a meeting to discuss the details.”

Rupert nodded slightly. “Perfect. He’s a university classmate of mine. You needn’t worry about his professional capabilities.”

Thalia smiled. “I’m sure anyone you recommend would be excellent.”

She offered the polite response expected, but remained cautious internally. As partners, they would be in the same boat, sharing both risks and profits. She needed to thoroughly investigate her partners’ backgrounds and professional competencies.

Rupert’s eyes remained gentle. “I’m planning to invest three million pounds and register with the firm as a practicing solicitor. We can sign the contract whenever you’re ready.”

Thalia smiled and extended her hand. “I appreciate your straightforwardness. Here’s to a successful partnership.”

Rupert shook her hand. “To a successful partnership.”

After dinner, Rupert politely inquired, “Today is a memorable day. May I take a photo with you, my partner?”

It was perfectly normal for business partners to commemorate their collaboration with a photograph. Thalia thought nothing of it and smiled. “Of course.” A server took a picture of them.

Chapter 196

In the picture, they stood side-by-side. Thalia looked at the camera with a gentle smile. Rupert’s eyes reflected his happiness. Originally, it was a full-body shot with both maintaining an appropriate social distance—nothing suggesting a romantic relationship. But Rupert cropped the lower half, leaving only their upper bodies in the frame. This changed the impression entirely; if one ignored the background, it resembled the kind of photo used on a marriage certificate.

That same afternoon, Rupert posted the photo on Instagram. The caption read: [A very special day.] Rupert’s choice of words was deliberate. Given that Easter was approaching, he didn’t write something like “Happy Easter,” which might invite misunderstanding and offend Thalia. But neither did he write something straightforward like “Successful partnership,” which would prevent any misinterpretation. The ambiguous “A very special day” struck just the right balance. It wouldn’t offend Thalia, yet it could lead Asher to misunderstand.

Rupert had added James on social media, having handled several cases for James’s company. James would certainly see this post. Given James’s relationship with Asher, the post would undoubtedly reach Asher as well.

After posting, Rupert put away his phone, leaned back on the sofa, and sipped his red wine with a sense of satisfaction. Thalia saw Rupert’s post, casually liked it, and scrolled on.

When James saw the post, he took a screenshot, including Thalia’s like, and sent it to Asher.

[Someone’s making a move on your territory?] [This photo looks like a wedding picture. I have to say, they do make a handsome couple.]

Chapter 136

Asher’s eyes darkened as he read the message. The bright smile on the young woman’s face in the photo pierced his heart. He stared at the photo for a long time in silence. Then he made a call.

“What’s the situation with Tom Malfoy?”

That evening, Thalia returned home. She had just finished her shower and was about to watch a series on her tablet when she received a call.

“Hello, delivery service. Are you at home at the moment?”

“Yes, I am. But I haven’t ordered anything. Could you tell me what this delivery is?”

“It must be a gift from someone. It’s from a jewellery shop, sent via same-day delivery.”

“Oh?” Thalia was puzzled. “I’m home. You can leave it at my door.”

“Will do.”

Ten minutes later, the delivery person placed the package at Thalia’s door and knocked. “Hello, I’ve left your package at the door.”

Thalia got up from the sofa, slipped on her slippers, and went to open the door. A cardboard box sat quietly at her doorstep. Thalia picked it up curiously and examined it. The sender’s address showed the name of a high-end jewellery store in London.

Thalia took the package inside and called the number listed for the sender on the delivery slip. It was just after eight in the evening, but the jewellery store was still open. A staff member quickly answered the phone with a standard greeting.

Thalia spoke politely. “Hello, I’ve just received a package with your store listed as the sender. Could you tell me what’s inside and who purchased it?”

The staff member asked, “Could you provide your mobile number so I can check our records?”

Chapter 136

Thalia gave her number.

The staff member said, “One moment, please, while I look into this.”

Shortly after, the staff member responded.

“Ms. Winters, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Hello, Ms. Winters. I can confirm that this package contains a necklace selected by a gentleman who visited our store this afternoon. He provided your address and telephone number, with specific instructions that it be delivered today without fail.”