Chapter 30

The Bristol Room at Le Maison, one of London’s most exclusive French restaurants, was filled with Sinclair & Klein staff members, occupying every private dining room except the premium suite.

“Quite generous of you, choosing The Imperial,” a young associate remarked to Thalia. “Last time I was here was for the firm’s holiday party.”

Sarah Thompson added with a calculated smile, “You must have done well in New York. With over fifty people here tonight, this will be quite the bill.”

“Indeed,” Daniel Parker chimed in pleasantly.

“Oh my,” Rachel Wilson’s voice dripped with false concern. “Are you sure about this, darling? Le Maison runs about £150 per head. With wine, we’re looking at three months of a junior associate’s salary. We could always find somewhere more… suitable to your means.‘

Since their first encounter that morning, Thalia had sensed Rachel’s underlying hostility. This confirmed

her instincts.

“I can manage,” Thalia replied with practiced ease.

“Well, well,” Rachel pressed. “You must have some profitable secrets from your Wall Street days. Do enlighten us.”

Thalia’s response was perfectly measured. “No secrets–we’re all lawyers here. Major cases pay well, smaller ones less so. Though I’m hardly as established as you, Rachel. Three years in and I still can’t afford a car, while I hear you’ve just bought that lovely townhouse in Mayfair.”

Technically true–her salary alone wouldn’t cover a luxury vehicle. She simply omitted mentioning the Porsche 911 and Rolls–Royce Phantom sitting idle in her family’s garage, not to mention Alexander’s Maserati or Asher’s ice blue Bentley.

Rachel, oblivious to Thalia’s background, took smug satisfaction in the perceived admission of financial inferiority.

As the ordering began, Sarah deliberately selected the most lavish items–fresh oysters, wagyu beef, vintage wines. Her choices alone approached £800.

Lucy Jenkins, the trainee solicitor beside Thalia, anxiously whispered, “I… I can’t possibly contribute to

this.”

16:14

Digger is

Chapter 30

hand reassuringly. “It’s my

bill neared £7,000 with wines and cocktails. Thalia’s slight smile seeing the total went unnoticed. They were obviously trying to take advantage, but with her restored access to the Winters

true–her salary alone wouldn’t cover a luxury vehicle. She simply omitted mentioning the Porsche 911 and Rolls–Royce Phantom sitting idle in her family’s garage, not

satisfaction in the perceived admission of

inferiority.

the most lavish items–fresh oysters, wagyu beef, vintage wines. Her choices

solicitor beside Thalia, anxiously whispered, “I… I can’t possibly contribute to

this.”

Thalia squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It’s

final bill neared £7,000 with wines and cocktails. Thalia’s slight smile seeing the total went unnoticed. They were obviously trying to take advantage, but with her restored access to the Winters accounts, it was

Thalia excused herself to the restroom.

called after her. “Don’t

“Would

to escort me to the ladies‘

the elevators, she

several executives in bespoke suits.

here?”

with colleagues,” she smiled. “What a coincidence.”

expression softened. “How was your first day?”

not mentioning her coworkers‘

drive you home?”

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