Chapter 164
Katie passed her interview at Winters & Associates and officially started today as a salaried lawyer. Lucy Jenkins had also resigned from Sinclair & Klein to join Thalia’s firm, so Thalia arranged for Lucy to be Katie’s assistant. Both young women were outgoing and cheerful, getting along splendidly. For the Solar case, Thalia organized the evidence according to Rupert’s suggestions and drafted the statement of claim.
Near the end of the workday, Thalia received a call from a private investigator.
“Ms. Winters, I’ve made progress regarding Drake Ashcroft and Grace, the matter you asked me to investigate. Do you have time to meet today? I have something to give you.”
Thalia replied, “Yes, I’m about to finish work. Could you come to a café near my office?”
“Of course.”
Thalia provided an address. “Half past six, see you at the café.”
“Very well, Ms. Winters.”
After hanging up, Rupert knocked and entered her office. “Ms. Winters, about what my aunt said to you yesterday—I’ve been thinking about it and feel I should apologize properly.”
Thalia raised an eyebrow. “It’s really nothing. I know she was just joking. I didn’t take it to heart.”
“How about this,” Rupert adjusted his glasses. “Let me take you out for dinner, as an apology on behalf of my aunt.”
Thalia smiled. “That’s really not necessary. No need to be so formal.”
Rupert looked at Thalia, hesitated, then touched the tip of his nose and said, “Alright then.”
“Oh, by the way,” Thalia pulled out two thick, heavy manila envelopes. “We received several new cases today. These two are in your area of expertise.”
Rupert accepted the case files, smiling. “New cases already? As you promised, working with you certainly won’t leave me skint.”
“Is that really the extent of your ambition, Rupert? Just not being broke?” Thalia smiled. “Take a look.”
Rupert opened the envelopes. They were trademark dispute cases. Rupert quickly scanned the materials, a smile playing on his lips. “Well, this should cover yesterday’s wine quite nicely.”
Thalia also smiled. “I told you I wouldn’t let you lose out.”
“Thanks,” Rupert put away the case files.
After work, Thalia tidied her desk and went to the café downstairs for her appointment. Thalia pushed open the glass door and entered the café. In an inconspicuous corner, she spotted the private investigator dressed in black and wearing a baseball cap.
Thalia walked over and sat across from the man. “Hello, Mr. Horton.”
The private investigator’s name was Marco Horton.
“Hello, Ms. Winters.”
After exchanging greetings, Marco rummaged through his backpack.
“Miss, these are photos I’ve taken recently of Drake Ashcroft and Grace together.” The investigator handed over a manila envelope.
Thalia opened the envelope and began looking through the photos. Seeing images of Grace with Drake, Thalia curled her lips in a cold smile. “Just as I suspected.”
“Also, here’s a recording I made of their meeting last night.” The investigator opened his phone. “I’ll send it to you.”
Upon receiving the audio file, Thalia put on her earphones and pressed play.
“You wanted to use me to get rid of Thalia? You knew damn well Tom Malfoy would kill Lucy if the police were called, yet you still pushed me to contact them right away!” This was Drake’s voice.
Grace’s voice came through: “So what? I’ve always wanted Thalia Winters dead!”
“Grace! You originally said you just wanted to break up Thalia and Asher, not that you wanted her dead!”
“That was then. Now I simply want her dead. Only when she’s gone will my brother have eyes for me.”
Upon hearing this, Thalia’s eyes flashed with mockery and disdain.
Huh, wanting her dead over a man.
“You’re completely insane!” Drake’s voice sounded furious.
“Drake Ashcroft, look at your pathetic, useless self. How utterly worthless you are! No wonder Thalia doesn’t want you. Thalia wouldn’t give you the time of day even after breaking up with Asher. You’re of no use to me anymore. Our cooperation ends here.”
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Asher everything you’ve done?”
“Hahahahaha… Did I hear that correctly? Are you threatening me? Don’t forget who stands behind me. For Tom Malfoy, I’m far more useful than you. Guess what happens if you expose my actions, the Blackwood family disowns me, and I lose my usefulness? Do you think Tom Malfoy would spare you then.”
The recording ended there. After listening, Thalia’s brow furrowed. She had long suspected Grace’s feelings for Asher and had guessed that Grace was in contact with Drake, so she wasn’t surprised by the first part of the conversation. But then Grace mentioned she was working with Tom Malfoy. Thalia’s eyebrows knotted together in deep thought. This was truly unexpected. Should she tell Asher about this?
“Thank you,” Thalia said. “I’ll transfer the money to your account as agreed.”
“Very well.”
Meanwhile, at Asher’s compound. In the study, Asher sat in the chair behind his desk while Lucas stood in front, giving his report.
“Sir, these are the results of the investigation into Miss Grace that you requested.” Lucas turned the laptop screen toward Asher and placed it in front of him.
Asher went through the materials one by one, his expression gradually darkening.
“Our people have found that Miss Grace has been in close contact with Drake Ashcroft recently,” Lucas reported. “Based on the information gathered so far, it was Miss Grace who instructed Drake to call the police when Ms. Winters was kidnapped.”
Lucas continued: “Ashcroft Group was on the verge of bankruptcy a few months ago, then suddenly received a substantial investment. I traced it to an overseas investment company whose legal representative is connected to Arno Jones, one of Tom Malfoy’s subordinates.”
At this name, a cold gleam flashed in Asher’s eyes. Asher’s lips curled slightly. “So Drake Ashcroft has also become Tom Malfoy’s man.”
“There’s more…” Lucas hesitated.
“Speak,” Asher’s eyes turned frigid.
“There’s a recording about Miss Grace.” With that, Lucas took out his phone, opened the audio interface, and handed it to Asher.
“Sir, perhaps you should listen to it yourself.”
Asher frowned and opened the recording…