Chapter

“Enough.” Thalia said with affectionate exasperation, ruffling Asher’s hair as though soothing a petulant child. “Planning these things together is half the fun, isn’t it? Besides, it’s Saturday don’t your poor assistants deserve a day off too?”

Asher made a noncommittal sound against her skin and continued his leisurely exploration,

This was becoming rather dangerous territory. Thalia firmly pushed him away, “That’s quite enough of that. I’ve nearly finished the planning anyway let’s go shopping for supplies instead,”

Asher lifted his gaze to meet hers, and for a fleeting moment, Thalia could have sworn she glimpsed something akin to disappointment in his eyes,

She blinked in surprise.

Had she imagined it? Had the impossibly composed Asher Blackwood actually looked wounded because she’d rebuffed his advances?

She’d only pushed him away a few times. Surely he wasn’t actually sulking?

No, she must have been mistaken. Someone like Asher would never appear so vulnerable.

That afternoon, they visited an outdoor equipment shop to purchase hiking gear, then went to a proper supermarket for fruits and snacks.

Thalia was in high spirits, wanting to buy a bit of everything that caught her fancy.

Asher didn’t object in the slightest–what did it matter if their packs were a touch heavier? He’d be the one carrying most of it anyway. As long as Thalia was happy, he could endure a bit of extra weight.

Thalia snapped photos of their purchases and sent them to the group chat she shared with Charlotte and

Victoria.

[Ladies, there’s a meteor shower tomorrow night. Shall we go to South Downs together to watch? I’ve already sorted the supplies.]

Victoria responded immediately: [Brilliant! Count me in!]

Charlotte replied: [Absolutely.]

65.3

Your Gold Digger is Actually A True

Chapter 65

Victoria sent another message: [I’m going to drag Sebastian out for hiking gear straightaway! I’m thinking all black–you’ll both help me get that perfect Instagram hiking pose, won’t you? I’m planning one of those transformation videos–I’ll film the first bit in my pajamas today, then do the matching pose when

we’re there!]

Thalia: [No problem! Top–tier photographer at your service.]

Charlotte: [I’ll ask James if he fancies joining us.]

Thalia: [Meet outside my Tribeca flat at one o’clock tomorrow afternoon.]

Charlotte: [Perfect.]

Victoria: [See you then!]

one o’clock, Asher knocked

free of makeup yet radiantly beautiful. Her eyes crinkled as

“You’re here.”

had changed into a light blue hiking outfit and carried a matching blue

black high–necked

his natural demeanor perfectly, accentuating his cool, aloof presence and

took Thalia’s backpack from her. “Ready? They’re waiting downstairs.”

here

Charlotte, and Victoria have arrived,” Asher replied. “Grace said she’s going ahead with some friends. She’ll meet us at the camping site.”

lift, responding

cars

back of a Maybach. Charlotte

a black Bentley, punching the air enthusiastically. “All present and accounted for! Let’s go! Meteor shower, here

30.53

is Actually

65.5%

Rolls

the camping grounds just over an

in South Downs National Park, offering a perfect vantage point from its elevatest position.

Thalia’s group arrived, Grace and her friends had only just gotten

for their private use–there would be no other visitors

soon as their car came to a stop, Grace

sidestepped

had happened. With a

“Brother, you’re here!”

a

at Thalia, her smile faded slightly. She greeted her with forced

“Thalia.”

her with the

stood two unfamiliar young women, Grace introduced them: “These

Miller and Eliza Bennett.”

me introduce you,” Grace continued. She turned and called

Drake?

Thalia’s heart stuttered.

Surely not…

complete the thought, that all–too–familiar face appeared before everyone.

stood there in a smoke–gray windbreaker, holding a hiking pole, walking directly

them.

as he turned to Grace, his eyes filled

20:52

Actually

65.7%

Chapter 65

displeasure: “Since when have you been

her bright, clear eyes, the picture of innocent confusion–a perfect portrait of

ingénue.

someone along, and I said yes. I only just met him today when Eliza brought him. Is there a problem, brother?”

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