Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress by Vera Fiore

Chapter 208 Chapter 208 Rupert had chosen a charming bistro with impeccable ambiance for their dinner. The interior featured warm tones and soft lighting from elegant chandeliers, creating an atmosphere both intimate and magical. Vintage oil paintings adorned the walls, lending artistic character to the tranquil space. Rupert guided Lena by the hand while Thalia walked with Lucy beside her. The maître d' led them to a prwindow table with a spectacular view.

A small, exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers graced the center of the glass table, its subtle fragrance enhancing the pleasant atmosphere. The two girls settled in next to each other. Rupert and Thalia took their seats as well. The round table wasn't particularly large, placing them in close proximity. The gentle notes of a classical piano piece drifted through the air. After ordering for the children, Rupert passed the menu to Thalia . As she looked up, her eyes unexpectedly locked with a pair of dark, penetrating ones. She froze, her smile vanishing instantly. Asher stood a short distance away, his gaze intense and unreadable. Beside him stood a stunning woman with cascading waves of hair. Despite years without seeing her, Thalia instantly recognized Lucia Schulz. Remembering Charlotte's warning that Lucia had returned to London specifically for Asher, felt a knot form in her stomach.

Thalia She carefully averted her gaze. Rupert had also spotted the pair. " Well, what a coincidence, Mr. Blackwood, he said with a pointed smile. " Is this your date for the evening ? " Asher's expression darkened. " She is not, he replied, his voice frost - laden . Lucia smiled warmly." Hello there! I'm Lucia Schulz . I'm Asher's ... " Chapter 208 Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Thalia before continuing, "... friend.

"Thalia maintained her composure, though her heart skipped a beat. The casual way Lucia used his first ndidn't escape her notice. Thalia lowered her eyes, masking the flicker of emotion that passed through them . " Thalia, it's been forever! " Lucia exclaimed with practiced brightness. "You remember me, don't you? We met years ago." Thalia nodded, her response deliberately neutral. " Of course. It has been quite stime. Life treating you well? "Asher, his face a mask of indifference, strode toward their table. Lucia followed in his wake." Ms. Winters, " Asher said, pulling a chair from a nearby table and positioning it beside Thalia . " How are the Blackwood Group cases progressing? " " Rest assured, Mr. Blackwood, " Thalia replied evenly, her expression carefully blank. " I've been thoroughly reviewing all your company's cases. I've gone through the evidence twice already. "The already intimate table becdecidedly crowded with Asher's addition. " Asher, darling, " Lucia interjected with a smile, " business hours are over. Work can wait for another day. Let's find our own table - Thalia's clearly on a date, and we shouldn't intrude . " Asher's eyes narrowed. " A date?" he echoed, his tone dangerously soft as he looked at Thalia . Thalia frowned slightly. " It's just dinner.

"Her instinctive clarification softened Asher's expression, though the jealousy still simmered beneath the surface. One moment of inattention and Rupert had managed to whisk Lia away for dinner. Glancing at the two children sitting opposite, Asher quickly deduced that Rupert had used the girls as a convenient excuse to spend twith Thalia. " Con, Thalia, no need to be shy about it," Lucia said, reaching for Asher's sleeve. " Asher, let's go find our table.

"Asher shifted away, deliberately avoiding her touch." Since Ms. Winters and Mr. Lysander aren't on a date, he said coolly," you wouldn't mind if I joined you? We're all old friends here, and it's been ages since I've caught up with Ms. Winters. Perfect opportunity to discuss our cases. " Lucia's smile froze on her face. Chapter 208 Rupert gave a soft laugh. " I'm afraid that's not convenient, Mr. Blackwood. We're here with children today "Asher turned to Lucy with a gentle smile that transformed his face." Lucy, would you mind if I joined you for dinner? " Lucy's face lit up at seeing Asher. Previously, she had happily called him " brother-in-law," and he'd always been generous with gifts and attention. She certainly didn't mind his company. "Not at all!" Lucy replied cheerfully. A triumphant smile played at Asher's lips as he turned back to Rupert . " Lucy doesn't mind. Why so territorial, Mr. Lysander ? || Rupert met Asher's challenging gaze unflinchingly, his smile never wavering." Mr. Blackwood arrived with a lovely companion. If you squeeze in with us, what becomes of Ms. Schulz ? "Without missing a beat, Asher addressed Lucia . " Something's cup. You should head back - we'll discuss the project another day." His deliberate mention of " the project " was clearly intended for Thalia's benefit - a signal that this was a business meeting, not a date.

As he spoke, his eyes never left Thalia's face. However, Thalia wasn't looking at him, her expression carefully neutral, seemingly indifferent to the entire situation. A flicker of disappointment crossed Asher's features. " That's hardly gentlemanly behavior, Mr. Blackwood, " Rupert remarked with a smile . " Abandoning your companion so abruptly ? " " That's not your concern, " Asher replied coldly.

He then casually picked up the menu and added two dishes for himself, acting as if he'd been part of Thalia's party all along. Thalia pressed her lips together, stealing a glance at Lucia as an unwelcpang of jealousy surfaced." Since Mr. Blackwood arrived with Ms. Schulz, it would be rude to leave her behind," Thalia said diplomatically. "We can discuss the cases tomorrow during business hours. I prefer to keep work and personal tseparate . " Asher raised an eyebrow.

"That's a new policy, isn't it, Ms. Winters? I distinctly recall you and Mr. Lysander discussing work quite enthusiastically in your living room. His tone carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy. "Why the sudden aversion to discussing work withspecifically?" Thalia gave him a cool glance that clearly said, " Don't be ridiculous. " 14:16 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress 99.8% 1 Chapter 208 Seeing Lucia's increasingly awkward expression, Thalia sighed and stood up.

"If Mr. Blackwood insists on joining us, perhaps we should move to a larger table." Asher's eyebrow arched higher. Aftex Thalia relocated ner e.

Lucy and Lena obediently followed to the larger table. Asher smiled, immediately claiming the seat next to Thalia. Seeing the additional space, Lucia took the chair beside Asher . Rupert had no choice but to join them.

What had promised to be a pleasant dinner was now thoroughly disrupted , the intimate atmosphere completely m shattered by Asher's intrusion. Rupert shot Asher a look of barely concealed irritation . Asher responded with a smug smile of victory. Lucia observed the silent battle between the two men, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup as realization dawned. § (0) (0 )