Chapter 182
Asher’s dark eyes were penetrating, his tone low. “Lia, you don’t understand men at all. Rupert looks at you with undisguised affection. Can’t you see his feelings for you?”
Thalia suddenly laughed. Her eyes met Asher’s, filled with incredulity. She replied sarcastically, “Yes, I certainly don’t understand men. That’s why when my ex-boyfriend said he would never leave me unless I ended things, I believed him. Yet when we broke up, he mocked me, saying only a child would believe such nonsense.”
Asher froze. Weren’t they discussing Rupert? How had the conversation suddenly shifted to him? Those were the words he had spoken to Thalia during their breakup. He knew how deeply he’d hurt her. His own pain had been no less severe. Uttering those cruel words had torn him apart inside.
The jealousy in Asher’s eyes gave way to profound sadness and helplessness. He lowered his gaze, his expression somber. “Lia, I had my reasons for saying those things. They weren’t what I truly felt.”
Thalia gave a bitter laugh. “Which part? The part where you said you’d never leave me unless I ended things? No need to clarify—I already know that wasn’t sincere.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Asher stepped forward earnestly, his hands gripping Thalia’s shoulders. “You know that’s not the part I meant. Lia, you’re the only one in my heart. My feelings for you have never changed.”
“Enough,” Thalia’s eyes were cold. “It’s too late for all this. I have matters to attend to. Excuse me.”
With that, Thalia turned and opened her car door. “Lia, listen to me…” Asher held the door open. Thalia forcefully pushed him away and slammed the door shut.
After Thalia’s car had departed, Rupert looked smugly satisfied. Asher’s coldness swept over him. Rupert maintained his smile, his eyes crinkling slightly. “Things may not be favorable now, but who can say what the future holds?”
The next day, Thalia received the jewelry Asher had acquired at the auction: the sapphire earrings and jade bracelet. They were delivered by Asher’s assistant, Matt Ford. Matt was extremely deferential. “Ms. Winters, the CEO flew to Russia early this morning. Before leaving, he repeatedly instructed me to deliver these items directly to you.”
Asher had gone to Russia? Was he dealing with the Tom Malfoy situation? Thalia glanced at the jewelry pieces, her tone neutral. “Take them back. I don’t want them.”
“But…” Matt looked troubled, “Ms. Winters, please accept them. The CEO said if they were returned, I needn’t bother coming back to work—I should go straight to HR and submit my resignation.”
“…” Thalia was speechless. Asher was resorting to emotional blackmail. Matt appeared genuinely distressed, his eyes pleading, “Ms. Winters, please accept them. I have elderly parents and children to support. I truly cannot afford to lose this job.”
“Fine, leave them there,” Thalia relented. She didn’t want to make life difficult for a working person.
“Thank you!” Matt’s expression immediately brightened. “I’ll leave you to your work. I should get back.”
Thalia nodded. “Yes.”
After Matt left, Thalia looked at the exquisite jewelry pieces and sighed resignedly.
Chapter 182
The current Prime Minister, Viktor Sokolov, had been colluding with Tom Malfoy even before taking office, each serving the other’s interests. Sokolov’s election had been largely facilitated by Malfoy’s assistance. Salto’s terra was now coming to an end. According to mian law, candidates for Prime Minister must be members of the State Duma, nominated by the Speaker and approved by both houses of parliament before being officially appointed by the President.
Given his position, Asher couldn’t directly involve himself in Russian politics. However, he could work behind the scenes, lending support through intermediaries. Before Prime Minister Sokolov’s election, there had been a formidable contender, Natalia Volkova. Volkova’s family background and capabilities far exceeded Sokolov’s. In the previous election, she had nearly won the position.
Unexpectedly, Sokolov had surged ahead midway through the campaign, overtaking Volkova in both popularity and… After his election, Sokolov immediately passed legislation that legalized certain controlled substances for medical use. This legislation directly benefited Tom Malfoy, head of Russia’s largest criminal organization. Only then did Volkova confirm that Sokolov had been working with Malfoy all along. Malfoy had invested substantial financial resources in Sokolov’s campaign. After Sokolov became Prime Minister, he continued to aid Malfoy’s expansion of power. This was precisely why Malfoy had dared to openly challenge the Blackwood family and repeatedly ordered assassination attempts on Asher in Britain.
Asher’s current visit to Russia was aimed at helping Volkova win the Prime Ministership. Volkova was entirely different from Sokolov. Where Sokolov was corrupted by greed and obsessed with power, willing to collaborate with criminal elements like Malfoy, Volkova was principled and ambitious, genuinely committed to serving her country and its people. Over two weeks ago, Leo Kim had already stepped in on Asher’s behalf to support Volkova’s campaign. The election was scheduled for the following day. Asher had brought men to Russia to capture Tom Malfoy. Malfoy’s compound was completely surrounded by Asher’s men, sealed so tightly that not even a fly could escape. As soon as the election results confirmed Volkova’s victory, his men would move in.
Thalia returned to the Winters home for dinner after work. The television in the living room was broadcasting international news. Mrs. Clarke was bringing dishes to the table one by one. Victoria came downstairs with Lucy. “You’re home, Thalia.”
“Yes.”
Thalia placed her handbag on the sofa, washed her hands in the bathroom, and emerged to see news about the Russian Prime Ministerial election on television. “Today, candidate Natalia Volkova received support from over half of the State Duma deputies and has been elected as Russia’s new Prime Minister…”
Thalia approached the television, staring at the screen. Was Asher’s trip to Russia connected to this? He had mentioned that Tom Malfoy’s political backing was about to fall. Could Malfoy’s Russian connection have been the outgoing Prime Minister Sokolov? What was Asher doing now…?
Just then, Thalia’s phone rang. Her heart pounded. Taking out her phone, she saw that familiar number. “Hello?” Thalia answered with slight tension in her voice.