Chapter 14 Thalia Pulled His Tie and Kissed His Lips
Ethan washed the cup and poured Thalia a glass of water.
He pulled out a chair and sat across from her. "I can't decide if you're lucky or unlucky. Lucky, 'cause this is the third time this week you've ended up here. Unlucky, 'cause every time, the folks chasing you get nabbed by us."
"Honestly, you're becoming our team's mascot. Those who know you get your bad luck, but those who don't might think you're boosting our arrest numbers on purpose."
Thalia sighed. "Ethan, do you know why I don't like you?"
"Why?"
"Because your mouth doesn't match your face."
Ethan's noble-looking face paired with his mouth made her want to punch him.
Ethan shrugged, leaning back and crossing his arms behind his head. "Say what you want. I don't care."
"If William doesn't take your case and your dad dies, those illegitimate kids will split your inheritance. You'll be left with nothing, Princess."
Thalia's face tightened.
She glared at Ethan with a dark look.
Ethan leaned forward, hands on the table. "Everyone in Emerald City's high society knows you're chasing William for your father's inheritance. Ms. Smith, if you lose, how embarrassing will that be?"
Just then, William walked in, catching Ethan's gloating words.
William paused at the door, waiting for Thalia to retort.
When she didn't, he stepped inside. "A fallen phoenix is worse than a chicken, but some folks aren't even as good as chickens. Isn't that more pathetic?"
Ethan: ... Didn't she say she didn't like him? What's this?
Defending her now?
William, you heartless...
Thalia looked up at William with a pitiful expression, blood still on her arm.
"Been drinking?"
Thalia nodded sadly.
William chuckled, annoyed. He hadn't even had his dinner, and she was already causing trouble.
William glanced at Ethan, who got up and headed to the interrogation room next door.
Once Ethan left, Thalia carefully tugged at William's sleeve, looking up at him. "Considering all the homemade lunches I brought you, can you help me out?"
William looked at her hand on his sleeve and gently pulled away. "I never ate any of those lunches."
"I don't believe you."
"Ask Daniel."
"Then who ate them?" Thalia's temper flared.
William chuckled but didn't answer. If Thalia found out who ate her lunches, she'd confront them tonight.
"Are you really okay with everyone laughing at me?"
"Yeah."
Thalia didn't believe him. "If you were, you wouldn't be here today."
William stayed silent. Thalia slowly stood up and walked towards him. Every time she saw William in his suit, she felt like a beast ready to pounce.
"Mr. Brown, you know what? The more you resist, the more I want to strip you down and make you serve me."
William didn't move an inch. Calling Thalia a pervert was an understatement. Stripping him down and making him serve her...
William took a step back to keep his distance. "To ensure Ms. Smith doesn't get her way, I will remain pure."
"It's only a matter of time," Thalia said confidently.
"I can hear you both!" Ethan's voice came from above, a friendly reminder.
William didn't care; he hadn't said anything embarrassing.
Thalia didn't mind either. Everyone in Emerald City knew she was after William...
Half an hour later, Ethan returned.
"He confessed. His dad is your father."
"Your dad was sending them money until recently. When the money stopped, and they heard your dad was dying, they panicked."
Thalia had suspected as much.
She looked at William. "Mr. Brown, what do we do?"
"No settlement," William said, glancing at Ethan.
Ethan gave an okay sign. "Besides the two we have here, there are ten more. Keep up the good work."
...
When they left the police station, it was almost ten.
Thalia sat in the passenger seat, blinking adorably at William. "Mr. Brown, can you buy me dinner?"
"What? Ms. Smith can't afford a meal?"
"I'm trying to save money. What if my dad dies and I don't get the inheritance?"
"Aren't there plenty of men lining up to buy you dinner?"
"Aren't there men lining up for you too?"
Thalia wasn't fazed by his jabs. "But they're not here."
William pulled the car over and pointed to a beggar on the street. "I suggest Ms. Smith get used to the idea of not knowing where her next meal is coming from. That way, if you do go broke, it won't be such a shock."
Thalia: ... William, you heartless jerk.
"Mr. Brown, look to your left," Thalia said seriously.
William, confused, turned to look... and saw nothing.
When he turned back, Thalia grabbed his tie and kissed him.
William: ...
Thalia had long been savvy in matters of romance, thanks to her father's scandalous affairs and the many novels she'd read about love and desire.
In seducing men, she was like a seasoned butcher, skilled and ruthless.
William tried to pull away, but Thalia pursued.
He tried to push her off, but she pressed her hand somewhere that made his breath hitch.
"Thalia..." William's voice was a strained whisper in her ear.
Thalia wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling. "Mr. Brown..."