Chapter 1293

The car pulled to a gentle stop in the quiet neighborhood of Star Harbor Villa.

Thalassa and Evelyn stepped out, and with a soft purr, the Rolls-Royce sped away into the night.

Back home, as darkness enveloped the sky, Thalassa busied herself with unpacking, sorting through laundry that needed washing. "Mom, what are you in the mood for?" she called out to Evelyn. They had only had lunch and dinner was yet to be had.

"I'll whip up some spaghetti," Evelyn replied, rising to head for the kitchen.

Thalassa didn't insist on helping. Having something to do was good for Evelyn’s spirits.

After the meal, Thalassa urged her mother to get a good night's sleep and to let go of all worries.

...

A week later.

Ethan strolled into the office building, holding a bouquet of flowers. He caught sight of Thalassa as he entered the lobby and greeted her with a smile, "Ready to call it a day?"

"Time's up, and no overtime pay means no point in sticking around," Thalassa quipped back.

"How about you stay late today, and I'll throw in an extra drumstick tomorrow?" Ethan teased, wagging his finger playfully.

"Keep the drumstick for your girlfriend. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your date," Thalassa retorted, making to leave.

"Girlfriend? Why don’t I know if I had one?" Ethan looked genuinely puzzled.

Thalassa glanced at the vibrant roses in his hand, wrapped with precision and dotted with baby's breath - unmistakably a lover's bouquet.

"No girlfriend, Mr. Ethan? Then, what are these flowers for?" she asked.

"These," Ethan said with a wink, "are to persuade you to stay late with me."

Thalassa raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to use me as a shield to fend off family expectations?"

She said it half in jest.

Ethan laughed heartily, "You’re way funnier than me. I wouldn’t dare use you as a decoy, not with Lysander around. Can you imagine what trouble I’d be in if I irritate Lysander?"

Thalassa was speechless.

She didn't appreciate being the subject of jests about her complicated relationship with Lysander.

The truth was, Thalassa and Lysander's relationship was awkward, to say the least. They weren't lovers or spouses, yet she was carrying Lysander's child and was often seen in his company. In a word, their relationship was clandestine.

Thalassa's mood soured.

Noticing her reaction, Ethan dropped the teasing. "I was hoping you'd come with me to the hospital to visit Susan."

Without another word, Thalassa stormed off. Coոtent оf Ethan backpedaled, following her. "Come on, don't be like that. Can't you keep your personal grudges apart from work?"

"What 'work' do I have with her? It's all personal," Thalassa fumed, marching forward.

With the bouquet in hand, Ethan kept pace with Thalassa, trying to reason with her.