Chapter 20
Thalia woke naturally at ten, stretching luxuriously. “Mmm… not working feels amazing.“]
After her morning routine, she headed downstairs for breakfast.[]
Rosa had prepared enough for two.
Thalia glanced at the empty seat across from her, saying nothing.
“Miss Winters, will Mr. Ashcroft be joining for breakfast?” Rosa asked hesitantly.]
“He didn’t come home last night,” Thalia replied between sips of coffee. “So no.“]
“Oh.” Rosa retreated to the kitchen, knowing she’d overstepped.]
After breakfast, Thalia got a message from Asher.[]
[Thoughts on engagement gala attire? Custom or designer ready–to–wear?]]
Was there even time for custom?]
Come to think of it, she didn’t know the engagement date.[]
[When’s the gala?]]
Asher. [Not set yet. Waiting to see when you’re back in London?]]]
Thalia: [Nine more days here.]]]
Asher: [Perfect.]]
Worried about custom timing, she replied: [Let’s go with designer. I’ll look at collections.]]
Asher: [Let me know what you choose.]
As she was about to close WhatsApp, Drake’s chat notification appeared.[]
It was a video.
In a dimly lit private room at some club, a drunk Drake was leaning into Sienna’s embrace, mumbling, “Sienna, you’re finally back… I knew you’d come back… I waited five years…“]
The background was noisy with their friends‘ voices–Drake’s usual crowd and Celine among them.[]
All people she knew.
In the video, Sienna held Drake, smiling down at him. “Drake, you’re drunk.“[]
Drake nuzzled closer. “I’m not… I’m perfectly clear… You’re Sienna, the love of my life… See? I know exactly what I’m saying…“[]
Someone off–camera: “Drake, if Sienna’s the love of your life, what about Thalia?“]]
My Ex Fired Me for Her? I Bought His Empire and Fired Them
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Chapter 20
Drake: “Who’s Thalia? I only… only love Sienna…“[]
“Looks like you’re the only one for him,” Celine’s voice carried clearly. “Look how he clings to you when he’s drunk. You’re all he sees.”
Thalia’s lips curved in derision.[]
Three years with Drake, and she’d never heard them call her anything but “the girlfriend.“[]
No surprise there. They’d never considered her Drake’s real partner.[]
“Why can’t Thalia take a hint? Sienna’s back and she’s still hanging around. Zero self–awareness.” That was Celine’s friend, the same one who’d called her necklace fake. She’d always looked down on Thalia.[]
Celine chimed in: “Girls like her don’t let go of trust fund babies easily.“[]
Thalia’s eyes lowered, a cold smile playing on her lips. Celine would never say this to her face.]]
Now she knew for sure–that look of disdain at the birthday party hadn’t been her imagination.[]
Celine’s friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Thalia as beneath them.[]
“Sienna, we’re all on your side.“[]
“God, yes. We never liked her. She needs to understand her place, trying to force her way into our circle.“[]
“She’s probably read too many romance novels about the billionaire falling for the commoner. She’s a joke and doesn’t even know it.“[]
“Exactly! She’s not our class. Drake was just slumming it. Now that Sienna’s back, Thalia needs to go.“]]
Thalia felt nothing.
She knew Sienna had sent this video both to mark her territory and to humiliate Thalia into leaving Drake.[]
That was exactly Sienna’s plan.]]
Teal
She’d imagined Thalia watching it and breaking down, running home in tears after breaking up with Drake.[]
She couldn’t have known their words held no power over Thalia.[]
As Drake continued sweet–talking Sienna in the video, Thalia felt nauseated and closed it.[]
She typed out a message.
[You’re right. We’re the same class.]
Using Drake’s WhatsApp, Sienna quickly replied.
[Glad you finally understand.]
Thalia scoffed. Ashcroft Capital’s business was pocket change–any single subsidiary of her family’s company was worth more.[]
The Ashcrofts‘ annual profits wouldn’t cover one of her father’s casual investments.]
The Winters had been British aristocracy for four generations, now among Britain’s wealthiest families. She and Drake’s nouveau riche crowd truly weren’t in the same league.[]
Chapter 20
None of them had any idea her “Winters” was the same “Winters” as Randolph Winters, her father.[]
The incident couldn’t spoil her mood.
On her rare day off, she lounged at home, browsing luxury fashion sites for engagement gala dresses.[]
She narrowed it down to three, but couldn’t decide.[]
The first was a modern take on traditional design–champagne silk with pale pink embroidery and pearl details cascading from shoulder to back, perfect for a young socialite.[]
The second was a moonlight white mermaid gown with rose detailing at the bodice, sophisticated and elegant.[]
The third was an off–shoulder ivory ballgown with scattered crimson rose petals on tulle overlay, romantic and graceful.[]
She posted the three on Instagram with the caption: “Help your girl choose! ? Which one’s giving main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemma #needadvice #cantdecide ?“[]
Within minutes, likes and comments flooded in.]]
Asher: “All three are absolutely stunning? Get them all if you love them x“[]
Her childhood friend Victoria chimed in.[]
Victoria: “Bestie your taste is GOD TIER ? Let Asher spoil you – get the whole collection! #richboyfriend #treatyourself
Her other friend Charlotte: “Our princess is about to serve LOOKS? Slaying in any of these tbh #queensthings“[]
Katie: “OMGGGG BOSS!? Is this what I think it is?!! Drop the deets – are we hearing wedding bells?! ?:“[]
Among the warm wishes from friends and family, a few comments stood out.[]
Celine: [……]]]
Mason: [Thalia, are you…]]]
Chase: [Seriously? Dream on lol]]]
Coworker A: [Maybe check the prices before flexing? You can’t even rent these…]]
Coworker B: [Must be nice having money to burn.]]]
Drake: [?]]
Thalia raised an eyebrow. Seems Drake had sobered up.
Sure enough, his message came through.
[Delete that post. Now.]]
Thalia: [No.]]]
Drake: [Still pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you?]]
Thalia: [Hm.]
My Ex Fired Me for Her? I Bought His Empire and Fired Them
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Chapter 20
Drake: [Thalia, enough.]]
She didn’t bother responding.
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My Ex Fired Me for Her? I Bought His Empire and Fired Them
