Chapter 8 Your Dad's Illegitimate Children Outnumber All the Men I've Slept with in My Lifetime
Thalia left William's law firm and headed back to the Smith Villa.
Before the car even reached the gate, they saw someone kneeling and crying hysterically at the entrance.
"Ms. Smith..." Brian hesitated, glancing at Thalia, unsure whether to drive in.
"Hang on, let me make a call."
A few moments later, Brian heard Thalia in the backseat, asking the property manager if he needed her to cover the maintenance fees.
Ten minutes later, the property manager arrived with a large group of people.
For the first time, Brian noticed how efficient the property management was in rich neighborhoods. If all property managers were like this, there'd be fewer lawsuits!
As soon as Thalia walked in, she saw Grace sitting on the couch in a black dress, wearing nude lipstick, looking as if someone had died.
That morning, when William asked if Hayden had died, Thalia didn't think much of it. But now, seeing Grace dressed like this... it sure seemed like it.
"How did it go?"
"No luck."
Grace added, "Are you trying to give Chase a chance?"
"You know how difficult William is, right?" A meticulous, self-serving man like him—sleeping with him didn't mean anything.
Even she was pregnant with his child and tried to negotiate, he'd pull out the law books and explain every detail, making sure she understood the difference between nonsense and extortion.
Thalia had a headache... an absolute headache.
"If we don't get your dad's inheritance, we can't even afford a broken bowl." Grace had pinned her hopes on Hayden in the past, and now she was relying on Thalia.
Not having to work was truly enviable.
"I'm going to change and head to an event."
That evening, Thalia had a film panel at the Emerald City Azure Palace Hotel.
"Everything's fine with Isla, don't worry."
Thalia sat in the car, getting her makeup done. "Where's the driver? Did they catch him?"
"Funny thing, the driver insisted he's your family," Layla swiped on her tablet, showing Thalia the surveillance footage from the police station.
Thalia pushed the makeup artist's hand away and took the tablet: "His last name is Smith?"
"Not sure," Layla shrugged.
"Everyone looks like my dad's illegitimate child to me now."
"How many illegitimate kids does your dad have besides you legitimate ones?" Layla was curious. Hayden was a wealthy man—what's a few more kids to share the money? Did Thalia really need to handle this herself?
Thalia gestured.
Layla guessed. "Two?"
"Twelve."
"Your dad has more illegitimate kids than I've had lovers."
Thalia sighed and pulled out her phone, trying to find William's contact. After searching for a while, she couldn't find it.
She then found Daniel: [Mr. Wilson, can you give me William's contact?]
Daniel didn't hesitate, but it would've been better if he had: [I can't.]
Thalia: [Your mom and I go to the same spa. Should I ask her next time? Maybe chat about your recent escapades?]
Daniel texted back: [Thalia, do you know why people find you annoying?]
Thalia: [Because I'm prettier and richer than you?]
Daniel: [Here you go.]
William was right—Thalia never cared about appearances. These so-called adults couldn't compete with her.
Thalia opened William's contact. His profile picture was their law firm's logo. This number definitely looked like a work number.
Oh well, she added it anyway.
Layla saw her busy and asked, "What about the police station?"
"Have them call William."
"Did you handle it? That fast? Is William that easy to deal with?"
Thalia sighed, "No."
"Then..."
"I'll use him when I need to."
It was hers eventually. She was just exercising her rightful power early.
"Get me William's schedule," she said. She couldn't believe she couldn't get to William.
The van stopped at the Azure Palace Hotel. Thalia smoothed her dress and got out. The hotel security escorted her to the lobby. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, her fans went wild.
Thalia greeted her fans and took the microphone from the lead actress, Nora Adams, who snarked, "You're quite busy, dating at the police station in the morning and attending events in the afternoon."
"Is that all? I can still find a man tonight. Interested? Join me!"
Nora's face darkened, unable to stand Thalia's arrogance.
But she couldn't outtalk Thalia.
"Your looks don't match your behavior." Nora mocked.
Thalia didn't want to argue with her anymore.
"Thalia, what's your biggest takeaway from playing the second lead in this movie?" The host asked as Thalia held the mic.
Thalia smiled sweetly, feigning innocence: "Purity and kindness. Unlike traditional films, this movie has a positive, uplifting background. Women supporting each other to succeed—it's very modern."
"What are your expectations for this film?"
Thalia tilted her head and smiled. "A big hit, of course!"
The fans went wild, screaming like crazy at Thalia's playful demeanor.
As Thalia left the hotel and got into the car, Layla handed her the tablet. "William plays golf every night unless he has a social engagement."
"Tonight?"
"Social engagement."
Layla saw Thalia's frustration and kindly reminded her, "Check who he's meeting? Representatives from Port Ring Logistics Park..."
Thalia thought, 'Chase? What!'
Emerald City was divided into new and old districts. The new district was full of skyscrapers, while the old district had many vintage buildings.
William's meeting with Port Ring Logistics Park was at a private restaurant by the river. When people opened the windows, they faced the river directly.
When Thalia found the place, she estimated they were halfway through their dinner.
Layla saw Thalia fiddling with her phone in the car, not in a hurry to go in, and found it odd. "Not going in?"
"What's the rush? If I interrupt William's business, he'll show me his temper."
"So?" Layla sometimes had to admire Thalia's way with men, always planning ahead.
"Have the waiter send in two bottles of wine, saying they're from me. Tell Chase I'm nearby and remind him to be careful."
Hearing that, Layla admired Thalia from the bottom of her heart.