Chapter 18 - TALIA CROSSES A LINETalia had moved on professionally, but case pulled.
A private investigator for Lenora’s civil defense approached her outside hotel.
Asked questions.
Offered “consulting fee” for interview.
She refused.
Then implied Talia wanted Roland romantically and had motive exaggerate.
Talia got angry.
She contacted prosecutor and her lawyer.
No secret confrontation.
The investigator was licensed, not necessarily illegal, but tactic noted.
Lenora’s counsel disavowed payment? Actually investigator legitimate but crossed line with fee.
Talia testified accurately:
Lenora shouted put him back.
No direct physical violence seen.
No knowledge before.
She refuses embellish.
This strengthens credibility.
At same time, Talia and Roland after divorce begin considering date.
But she says:
“Not until my testimony finished.”
Roland:
“Agreed.”
Professional/power concern.
After final deposition, weeks later, he asks again.
Dinner at small restaurant, no security inside. Daniel outside at distance.
First date awkward.
Talk about anything but case.
Talia teases billionaire inability choose cheap wine.
Roland asks about her goals.
She wants direct hotel operations, maybe own event venue someday.
He does not offer funding.
Good.
At end, no kiss.
She says:
“This is weird.”
He:
“Yes.”
“Goodnight.”
Second date later.
They kiss after explicit consent.
Slow.
No instant stepmom.
May you like
Emmett not told until months.
Adult romance begins after proper separation and reduced dependency.
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