Chapter 5 Intimate Moment
The next day, Thalia was still half-asleep when Layla called.
"Hey, you up?"
"Sorta."
"Do me a favor and check your phone," Layla said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What's going on?" Thalia asked, slowly sitting up, her silk robe slipping off her shoulder.
"You're trending. Aren't you gonna do something about it?"
#Shocking! Popular Actress Caught Two-Timing!
One photo was of her with William, and the other with Daniel. She had only met those two guys yesterday, and the media had captured it all.
She really couldn't be seen with any men!
Thalia hadn't even had a chance to read the comments when Grace called.
"Your dad's on his deathbed, and instead of figuring out how to get money, you're out there messing around with men? And two at that?"
"Didn't you tell me to seduce them?" Thalia's tone was calm and unhurried.
"Take it easy. Be careful, or you'll lose the inheritance before you even get it."
With the Smith family's status, the media was always watching. Grace had been smart enough to bring in a professional manager early on; otherwise, the company would be at a standstill today.
If Thalia were a proper, decent person, it wouldn't be an issue. But she had entered the entertainment industry and was often trending.
"Don't worry."
She walked to her wardrobe, holding her phone, and picked out a black dress, comparing it against her body. "Grace, let me ask you something. Once my dad's situation is resolved, what's the first thing you'll do?"
"Do you want the truth or a lie?" Grace asked.
"Just don't give me any nonsense."
"I'd use your real dad's money to find you a stepdad," Grace said without hesitation, as if it had always been her life's goal.
Once Hayden was gone, her goal would be achieved.
"So, to make sure you can use my dad's money to find me a stepdad, help me out."
"Go ahead."
Chase had opened a logistics company in Emerald City, handling both domestic and international logistics. Among Hayden's many children, he was considered the most talented. Unfortunately, the more talented he was, the more Thalia wanted to take him down.
In the Port Ring Logistics Park, Thalia wore a black dress, her long hair down, looking delicate and non-threatening.
"What's up?" Chase asked.
Thalia's slender fingers played with her hair. "I want to make a deal with you."
"What kind of deal?" Chase saw Thalia as a beautiful waste of space, someone who only knew how to spend the family's money.
Thalia smiled softly. "A deal about Dad's twelve illegitimate children."
Chase paused, holding his coffee cup, and leaned back on the sofa, scrutinizing Thalia.
Thalia looked like her mother, beautiful and capable of both innocence and allure. Raised in luxury, she carried an innate arrogance.
Her princess-like demeanor made everyone else seem like ants before her.
Seeing Chase hesitate, Thalia knew he must have considered this too.
"Does William know you have this idea?"
"Does it matter?" Thalia asked nonchalantly.
Chase chuckled. "It does. If your lawyer isn't William, I'll need to reconsider this cooperation."
Thalia rolled her eyes.
Seeing Thalia's expression change, Chase sighed. "Honestly, given Dad's behavior when he was younger, one or two illegitimate children wouldn't matter. But with so many, if each takes a share, what's left for us? Thalia, if we're going to work together, you need to show sincerity. You're in the entertainment industry; you can't handle things publicly. Ultimately, I'll be the one resolving things."
Thalia followed his lead. "True."
"Then let's show some sincerity."
Chase raised an eyebrow. "Alright, I'm listening."
"Stop keeping vigil. Until things are settled, no one sees Dad."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. Figure it out yourself!"
Grace was still Hayden's wife. Moving an unconscious person was easy. If sincerity was needed, this was it.
Without seeing Hayden, everyone would be anxious!
"To the law firm."
As soon as Thalia got in the car, she started adjusting her dress.
Her assistant, Isla, glanced at her. "Thalia, the media's been all over you lately! Maybe we should go another day?"
"I can quit the entertainment industry, but I must get Mr. Brown. Drive."
The money in the entertainment industry wasn't enough for her.
Hayden's inheritance was her real goal. With that money, she'd dominate the entertainment industry anyway.
At 4 PM, William returned from court. Opening his office door, he saw a black figure sitting in his chair. He paused for a moment. "Did your dad die?"
Thalia was speechless.
"If not, why are you dressed like you're going to a funeral?"
Thalia replied, "Mr. Brown, with all the money you've made, haven't you thought about getting your eyes checked?"
William casually tossed his coat on the sofa. "Planning to stay here?"
"If it means you'll agree to represent me, then yes."
Since she was a student, Thalia had always been a bit off.
Unlike normal people, she knew no shame. If she wanted something, she'd get it; whether she cherished it afterward was irrelevant.
As Daniel put it, it was karma. She'd have a day when she needed help.
Daniel had mentioned it today, saying Thalia looked crazy, but she had some skills.
Last night she was chased by illegitimate children; today, Hayden was secretly moved.
Those who had done paternity tests were lucky. Those who hadn't, well, they wouldn't get the chance.
Without proof of paternity, how could they inherit?
Thalia was acting crazy outside, but clear-headed inside.
Thalia played with William's pen, watching him roll up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms. "I regret it."
William responded casually. "Regret what?"
"Regret getting drunk the other night and not properly appreciating your body. Do I have another chance?"
William was speechless. "Thalia, don't you have any shame?"
Thalia's phone rang. Whatever was said, William only heard Thalia reply, "I'm very busy, no time for this. I'll give you my lawyer's number, write it down..."
William watched Thalia occupy his seat, using his business card to give out his number, and laughed in exasperation. "When did I become your lawyer?"
Thalia rested her chin on her hand, looking at him cutely, without responding.
William took out his phone to answer a call. "I'm not her lawyer."
"Fine! Whether you are or not, Thalia's got you now. You think you can escape? It's only a matter of time before she gets you. Stop resisting!" The person on the other end clearly knew William and was familiar with Thalia's reputation.
Thalia, once she set her sights on a man, they never escaped.
"The person behind it is Indigo Smith. I've sent them to the police station. Get over here."
"Let's go!" Thalia waited for William to hang up, smoothing her dress as she stood, looking like she knew he was all talk and no action.
Under the black chiffon dress, her slender legs were visible. William closed his eyes slightly, his mind filled with the lavish scene of Thalia wrapping her arms around his waist the other night, her breathy moans. "Thalia, if I break your legs, will you stop bothering me?"