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 prime window 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 , Thalia felt a knot form in her stomach .

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 name didn'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 some time . Life treating you well ?

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

" 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

Rupert had used the girls as a convenient excuse to spend time with Thalia . " Come on , Thalia , no need to be shy about it , " Lucia said , reaching for Asher's sleeve .

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

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

. " Something's come up . You should

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 ,

Thalia pressed her lips together , stealing a glance at Lucia as an unwelcome pang of jealousy surfaced . " Since Mr. Blackwood arrived with Ms. Schulz , it would be rude to leave her behind ,