Chapter 35
“We’ll investigate the attempted rape,” the officer said professionally. “However, we’ll also need to look into the assault charges. As it’s
a criminal matter, the court will determine if it was reasonable self–defense.”
Thalia nodded. “Understood.“[]
After posting bail, she left with Asher.
“I can have the charges dropped,” he offered once they were in his car.]
“No need,” she said. “I can handle this.“]
Night had fallen around them.[]
In the darkness, Asher’s features were barely visible.[]
“Lia,” his voice was soft, “you always handle everything alone. You could try leaning on me sometimes.“[]
Thalia fell silent.]
Then sighed.
“After Mum died, I was lost for a long time,” she said quietly. “When Father remarried, it felt like I had no one left in the world.“[]
The night was still around them.[]
Her face was hidden in shadow, concealing the pain in her eyes. She tried to sound light. “I suppose I got used to handling everything
myself.”
“Because I didn’t know who else to trust anymore.“]]
Something in Asher’s chest constricted.]
“You have me,” he said softly, his voice aching.
Thalia didn’t respond.[]
Victoria’s words about Grace had planted a seed of doubt.[]
Grace, Asher’s ward sister, might harbor feelings for him that she shouldn’t
From what Thalia knew, Asher was quite fond of his sister.]
Yes, he’d scolded Grace yesterday for her rudeness, but his anger seemed more about Grace’s poor manners reflecting badly on the family name.
Not about defending Thalia.]
She knew she couldn’t compete with the sister who’d grown up alongside him.[]
If conflict arose between her and Grace, Asher would likely take Grace’s side.[]
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Chapter 35
To protect herself from future disappointment, Thalia decided not to count on his support.[]
Her silence felt like defeat to Asher.[]
He sighed, gently stroking her hair. “Lia, remember this–I will always be on your side. Always.“[]
She murmured a soft “mm,” head still lowered.[]
After dropping Thalia home, Asher made a call to have the assault charges withdrawn.[]
Then he called his assistant.[]
“Find out which hospital those two are in. Handle it.“]
Tattoos lay in his hospital bed post–surgery, Bleached Hair in the next bed.[]
A masked man entered their room.[]
They recognized him–he’d transferred £5,000 to each of them earlier to harass the woman.[]
This disaster was his fault! Both testicles ruined–no children in his future.[]
£5,000 wasn’t nearly enough compensation.[]
“You bastard,” Tattoos snarled. “Why didn’t you warn us she was trained? She’s destroyed my future!“[]
“Shut it,” the man snapped. “£30,000 each. When the police ask, say you were drunk and stupid. No mention of being hired. Understood?“]]
Bleached Hair agreed instantly. “Done.“]]
His dislocated shoulder would heal. £30,000 was a windfall.[]
But Tattoos protested. “£30,000? For what she did to me? I want £100,000!”
The masked man relaxed. Only £100,000.[]
His employer had authorized up to £500,000 to keep them quiet.[]
If they implicated anyone, the Winters and Blackwoods would investigate, leading straight to her.
He’d been prepared to offer £200,000.[]
“Fine,” he said quietly. “Send your account details. But breathe a word of this, and you won’t just lose the money–you’ll lose everything. Clear?“]
He leaned closer. “Prison time for assault is nothing compared to what we’ll do if you talk. Think carefully.“[]
Both men paled.]
Anyone who could casually offer that much money was dangerous.[]
They believed his threat.]
Shortly after he left, William, Asher’s assistant, arrived.[]
Chapter 35
“What now-” Tattoos started, thinking the masked man had returned, then stopped short seeing a different face.[]
“What?” William’s eyes narrowed. “Someone else was here?“]
“No one.” Tattoos looked up. “Who are you?“]
“Why did you harass Miss Winters tonight?“]
“She looked good. We were drunk. Stupid mistake.“[]
Bleached Hair nodded quickly. “Yeah, she was hot.“[]
“Watch your mouth,” William’s voice went cold. “Keep talking like that and you’ll lose your tongues.“]]
Two men in black suits stepped forward from behind him.[]
The patients froze.
)
Only now did they realize whom they’d crossed.[]
William pressed. “The truth. Think carefully.“[]
Remembering the masked man’s threat, they stuck to their story.
Just drunk idiots making a bad choice.[]
Getting nothing more, William left.
The next morning, Thalia received a call–the assault charges had been dropped.]
She wasn’t surprised.]]
Clearly Asher’s doing.
Though confident she could defend herself in court and prove self–defense, she saw no need to refuse his help now.
She called to thank him politely.[]
“Lia,” he sounded displeased, “don’t thank me. I never want to hear that word from you again.“[]
Standing by her bedroom window, she replied softly, “Alright.“[]
“Those men who hurt you,” he continued, “they’ll pay for it.“[]
Worried he might do something illegal, she said, “They’ve suffered enough, and the law will handle the rest. Leave it to the courts.“[]
His voice dropped dangerously low. “Anyone who hurts you answers to me.“[]
Thalia listened silently.
She wondered: if Grace ever tried to hurt her, would he feel the same way?]
