Chapter 209

The dinner was a battlefield of unspoken tension. Rupert and Asher engaged in a silent power struggle, while Thalia pretended not to notice, and Lucia tried her best to ignore it all.

After dinner, Asher offered to drive Thalia and Lucy home.

“I drove here myself,” Thalia replied coolly.

“Then give me a lift,” Asher countered. “We’re headed in the same direction anyway.”

Thalia stared at him incredulously.

“Don’t you need to take Ms. Schulz home?” she asked, glancing at Lucia.

“She drove herself here,” Asher replied without even looking in Lucia’s direction.

Thalia shot him an exasperated look. “Didn’t you drive here too? Why on earth do you need a ride from me?”

“Sebastian just texted that his car broke down,” Asher explained smoothly. “The tow truck won’t arrive for another hour, and he has an urgent matter at home. I’ve sent my driver to pick him up nearby—fortunately, I brought my driver today.”

Rupert let out a derisive laugh. “What a remarkable coincidence.”

“Isn’t it just?” Asher replied with a smug smile.

Rupert glared at him. Thalia was clearly skeptical.

Asher immediately called Sebastian, putting the call on speaker.

“Sebastian, your car broke down, right? I’m sending my driver to get you now. I happen to be having dinner nearby.”

Sebastian caught on instantly. “Yeah, didn’t I just tell you that? Why are you calling to confirm? Hurry up, I’ve got something urgent to deal with.”

“Hang tight, the driver’s on his way.”

After hanging up, Asher looked at Thalia with raised eyebrows, as if to say, “See? I wasn’t lying.”

Then he promptly sent his driver away with the car.

Before Thalia could respond, Lucia jumped in: “Asher, I can drive you home.”

“We’re not headed in the same direction,” Asher replied coldly. “My place is right next to the Winters estate—practically neighbors. It makes much more sense.”

Thalia could easily see through the little performance Asher and Sebastian had just put on. But she didn’t call him out on it. Asher had already sent his car away, and if she refused, he’d have to ride with Lucia.

Out of a selfish desire not to leave them alone together, Thalia gave Asher a cool glance and simply said, “Let’s go,” before opening her car door.

“Coming,” Asher replied, his eyes dancing with triumph. Before getting in, he shot Rupert one last victorious smile.

Alana drove, with Thalia and Lucy in the back seat. Asher took the passenger seat up front.

After they pulled away, Lucia and Rupert exchanged a look of mutual frustration.

When they reached the gates of the Winters estate, the car stopped.

“You can get out here,” Thalia said flatly. She didn’t want Randolph to see her arriving with Asher. It would raise questions she didn’t want to answer.

Asher understood her reasoning, his expression darkening slightly. He opened the door but didn’t immediately step out.

“There’s nothing between Lucia and me,” he said, turning to look directly at Thalia in the back seat. “She approached me today to discuss a business partnership.”

The interior light illuminated Thalia’s face, making her look ethereally beautiful in the warm glow. Her expression remained neutral as she simply replied, “Oh,” and said nothing more.

“Goodnight, Lia,” Asher said as he finally exited the car.

Thalia didn’t return his goodnight.

After Asher got out, Alana drove into the underground garage of the Winters estate.

Chapter 209

Thalia stepped out of the car and walked to the elevator, clearly distracted. Alana had waited in the car during dinner and didn’t know what had transpired. Though curious, she refrained from asking. It wasn’t her place to pry into her employer’s personal affairs.

In the elevator, Thalia turned to her sister. “Lucy, don’t tell Mom and Dad that we had dinner with Asher tonight, okay?”

Lucy nodded obediently. “Got it, sis.”

“Good girl.”

Back in her bedroom, Thalia checked her phone messages.

Rupert: [Made it home?] Thalia: [Just got in.] Rupert: [Get some rest. Night.] Thalia: [Yeah.]

The following day, Thalia’s law firm received an unexpected visitor. Lucia Schulz arrived wearing a light taupe power suit and carrying an Hermès handbag. Her confident stride turned heads as she walked through the office.

“Damn, who is that? She’s gorgeous.” “Client or potential hire?” “Gotta be a client—she’s the definition of a power executive.” “Definitely a client. She’s got that CEO energy, not someone who works for others.” “That figure, that face—absolutely stunning.”

Lucia heard these whispered compliments and allowed herself a small smile.

She approached a young woman’s desk. “Excuse me, I didn’t see anyone at reception so I came in directly. Could you tell me where Ms. Winters’ office is?”

The young associate, Lucy Jenkins, looked slightly starstruck that such a beautiful woman was speaking to her.

“I’ll show you the way,” Lucy offered, standing up.

“Thanks so much,” Lucia replied with a dazzling smile that left Lucy momentarily speechless.

At Thalia’s office door, Lucy gestured politely. “This is Ms. Winters’ office.”

“Thank you.” “You’re welcome. I should get back to work now.”

Lucia knocked on the door.

“Come in,” came Thalia’s voice from inside.

Chapter 203

Lucia entered. “Ms. Winters.”

Thalia looked up, her gaze faltering momentarily. She quickly composed herself. “Ms. Schulz, please have a seat.”

Lucia smiled and sat down on the sofa by the coffee table. Thalia rose from behind her computer and moved to the seating area. She heated water and prepared tea.

“What brings you to my office, Ms. Schulz?” Thalia asked, using delicate tongs to rinse two fine bone china teacups with hot water before placing one in front of Lucia and pouring tea.

“Thank you,” Lucia said. “I heard you’ve opened your own firm and wanted to see it. I also have a case I’d like you to handle.”

“Oh?” Thalia raised an eyebrow. “What kind of case?”

Charlotte had previously sent Thalia information about Lucia, so she knew Lucia was now the CEO of a publicly listed company. Lucia’s company would have its own legal team. What case would require Thalia’s specific involvement?

Lucia took out her phone. “Let’s exchange contacts. I’ll forward you the case materials my assistant just sent me.”

“Sure.” Thalia scanned Lucia’s WhatsApp code and added her.

Lucia forwarded the materials.

“I’ll leave this case in your capable hands, Ms. Winters,” Lucia said with a smile.

Thalia took a sip of tea. “Ms. Schulz, let’s discuss the basic details of this case first.”

“Of course.” Lucia also sipped her tea. “This is excellent tea.”

Chapter 210