Chapter 184 A week after the Russian events, Asher returned to London.
The late April breeze carried warmth through the city streets.
Asher wore a black shirt and trousers that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His handsfeatures carried a hint of cool detachment, his eyes as deep as a dark ocean.
The moment he saw Thalia, however, the detachment in his eyes dissolved completely, replaced by tender affection.
When Thalia spotted Asher, she assumed he was making his regular "inspection" visit to the firm and greeted him casually: "Good morning, Mr. Blackwood." Asher's gaze briefly swept over an unfamiliar face in the office before returning to Thalia, offering her a box. "Lia, have a look." The new face was Thalia's personal bodyguard, an American-Chinese woman named Alana Wei, arranged by Randolph.
Alana wore her hair cropped at ear-length, and her sun-kissed skin gave her a wild, healthy appearance. Standing at 5'11", she had a medium build that was neither fat nor thin-just solid muscle. Her very presence exuded security.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThalia had arranged for Alana to work at the firm as her personal assistant, handling non-legal tasks. Her salary as a bodyguard was two million dollars a month, paid directly from Randolph's account.
Alana had started working at the firm five days ago. Not only was she working there, but she had also moved in with Thalia. For the past few days, Alana had shadowed Thalia everywhere, living and dining with her.
Thalia glanced at the box in Asher's hand. "What is it?" "A gift for you." Thalia returned her gaze to her computer screen, continuing to type, her expression impassive. "No, thank you." "You're refusing without even looking?" Asher walked to Thalia's desk, opened the box, and took out a beautiful silk scarf.
Thalia couldn't help but look twice-she had to admit that Asher had excellent taste. She genuinely liked the scarf.
Asher, perceptive as ever, caught the flash of appreciation in her eyes. His lips curved into a slight smile. "I noticed this brand of scarves is quite popular with women. It's a local Russian brand, only available in Moscow. Many women bring one back as a souvenir when they visit. The moment I saw this scarf, I knew you'd like it." 09:44 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress Chapter 124 Thalia unexpectedly quipped: "Mr. Blackwood seems remarkably well-informed about women's preferences.” Asher replied without thinking "Taurine recommended it to me." "Did she now?" Thalla said coolly. "It is beautiful, but I won't accept it. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to give it to Laurina instead? At this, Asher suddenly smiled, the ice in his eyes melting instantly. His gaze, bright as glass and filled with mirth, fixed on Thalia Jealous, are you?" His voice carried unmistakable amusement, which only irritated Thalia further.
Her brow furrowed slightly as she lowered her voice. "I am not." Asher looked intently at Thalia's face, his gaze tender and enduring, his voice pleasantly patient as he explained: "Laurina's grandfather and my grandmother are siblings. She's my cousin. I should introduce you sometime." Thalia gave a cold snort. "No, thank you. I'm not interested. It's none of my concern." Asher's handsface bore a gentle smile as he tried to soothe her. "Alright, alright. No introductions yet. Carry on with your work, Lia." With that, he placed the scarf back in the box and set it gently on Thalia's desk. "Please keep the scarf." Asher departed.
The elegant white box remained on Thalia's desk.
After finishing her current task, Thalia's gaze drifted to the box. She paused for a few seconds, then sighed silently.
After work, Thalia went to dinner at a restaurant with Lucy Jenkins, Katie, and Alana.
Every tshe saw Alana, Katie couldn't help but exclaim: "You're so cool! Seriously, you're incredible-you'd be an absolute heartthrob in the lesbian community! With those looks, you'd be the ultimate crush!" Lucy looked at Katie with mock horror. "Katie, if you keep this up, I'm going to start questioning your sexuality." Alana's English was excellent, and she understood Katie's comments perfectly. Naturally reserved and serious, typically maintained a stoic expression. Hearing Katie's compliments, she responded impassively: "I have no interest in women. Even less in men." "Asexual, huh?" Katie blurted out.
No Chapter 184 Thalia laughed awkwardly, her lips twitching. "You really do say whatever comes to mind, don't you? Aren't you afraid she'll punch you?" Katie pouted. "She's the one who said it!" "I wouldn't," Alana replied without expression. "I only fight people who threaten my employer." Lucy looked thoughtful. "But seriously, Alana is genuinely more handsthan many men!" Thalia smiled. "I agree completely." Alana's expression remained unchanged.
Katie sighed tically. "Since joining this firm, my aesthetic standards have skyrocketed. Thalia is gorgeous, Rupert and Mr. Blackwood are absolutely stunning, and now we have this incredibly handsfemale bodyguard. My standards for men have becso high that it's no wonder I can't find a boyfriend." Lucy laughed. "Don't worry, Katie, we're still young. There's no rush." "Easy for you to say," Katie glanced at her with a smile. "Something's going on between you and Mark lately, isn't it? I've noticed him picking you up after work quite often." Lucy blushed, lowering her eyes shyly.
"Lucy, are you and Mark dating?" Thalia looked at her in surprise. "When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?" Lucy kept her head down, speaking bashfully: "No, not really... he's been pursuinglately, but I haven't agreed yet." Thalia smiled warmly. "From the look on your face, I'd say you like him too. It's only a matter of tbefore you say yes, isn't it?" Lucy nodded shyly.
"By the way, how is Teresa doing recently?" Thalia asked. "I've been so busy I haven't had tto visit her." Lucy replied: "Teresa's much better. She was discharged from the hospital a few days ago and is back in school now." "That's good to hear," Thalia was relieved. "Has the money I gave been enough? School expenses add up, and can Mark manage on his own?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAfter Teresa's successful surgery, Thalia had given Mark and Teresa a 200. She had bank card with £50,000.
ve offered to Support Teresa through university and Mark through his education as well, if he was interested. Initially, the siblings had refused.
Mark had shaken his head. "Ms. Winters, you've already helped us tremendously. My sister's life was saved th Acmall A True Heiress Chapter 184 to you. We couldn't possibly trouble you further. We can't accept this money." Teresa had agreed: "Yes, Thalia, I can't take any more money from you."
"Mark," Thalia had looked at the boy seriously. "Your sister will need follow-up examinations and treatments, and school fees and living expenses are substantial. As the saying goes, if you're going to help someone, help them all the way. Since I have the means, I want to see this through. Consider it my heartfelt wish. You're still young-you might think your body can handle working around the clock, but eventually, it will break down. What will happen to your sister then? Do you want her to drop out of school and work odd jobs to pay for your medical treatment? That would defeat the entire purpose." In the end, Mark had taken Thalia's words to heart.
He had accepted the card and earnestly told Thalia: “Ms. Winters, I'll remember your immense kindness. I'll repay this money to you in the future." Teresa had added brightly: "Thalia, I'll study hard too, get into a good university, find a good job later, and earn money to repay you." "Excellent," Thalia had smiled gently. "Both of you, keep pushing forward. Live well." "We will!" the siblings had replied in unison.
The group of young women walked along the sidewalk, chatting and laughing. The evening breeze tousled their hair as their cheerful voices lingered in the air. The setting sun cast its golden light upon them, stretching their shadows long across the bustling street filled with passersby.
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