Chapter 599

Leopold extended his hand, meeting Ethan’s for a firm handshake. “Mr. Ethan, please, take a seat.”

Both men settled into their chairs while Thalassa, Ethan’s assistant, stood behind him. Her gaze was lowered, and her complexion was slightly pale.

“And who is this?” Leopold’s gaze rested on Thalassa. His voice was laced with curiosity.

“My assistant. She’s new to the job. She’s still getting the hang of things,” Ethan explained.

1 “Ah, Mr. Ethan’s assistant. Please, join us,” Leopold’s warm gaze settled on Thalassa.

Meeting his eyes, Thalassa’s gaze wavered slightly before she took the seat next to Ethan. “Thank you,” she said politely.

“I heard that you recently sold your company. Already planning on starting a new one?” Ethan asked, sipping his coffee as they chatted casually.

Without a business, people look down on you. Even women won’t give you a second glance. Living in the real world, there’s no choice but to keep striving,” Leopold responded, his tone casual.

Upon hearing that, Thalassa’s heart gave a painful squeeze.

Her hand tightened on her cup, and her gaze fixed on the coffee in front of her.

“Mr. Sinclair, you’re right. These days, who isn’t chasing the almighty dollar? Your company spécializes in electronics. How many smartphone display stands do you need?” Ethan asked, getting down to business after getting familiarized with Leopold’s situation.

“Twenty thousand to start. Then we’ll see how it goes. If they sell well, I’ll place a larger order,” Leopold said.

“Sounds good. You’re Lysander’s nephew, and Lysander and I are good friends. We’re all familiar faces here. We can be flexible in business,” Ethan said, attempting to tighten their relationship with a friendly smile.

However, Leopold’s warm demeanor cooled, and his expression took on a flinty look. “Mr. Ethan, if you’re doing business with me just because I’m Lysander’s nephew, then I’m afraid we can’t make a deal.”‘

Thalassa’s grip on her coffee cup tightened involuntarily.

“Is there a rift between you and Lysander?” Ethan asked curiously..

Feeling a bit suffocated, Thalassa picked up her coffee cup to take a sip, only to hear Leopold reply, “Not just a rift. I can’t understand why women are so attracted to him but not to me. Where have I fallen short compared to Lysander?”

Choking on her coffee, Thalassa coughed, spilling some of the liquid on her blouse.

Both men’s eyes turned to her.

Quickly, Thalassa cleaned herself up with a napkin, then stood up, flustered. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

She hurried off.

With a smile, Ethan turned to Leopold. “As I told you, she’s new. Still learning the ropes. And you shouldn’t compare yourself to Lysander. Sure, women find him attractive, but he’s not interested in them. It doesn’t matter how many women are drawn to him. He’s not taking advantage of it.”

Ethan’s casual words struck a nerve with Leopold, his face growing colder, his inner turmoil barely contained.

“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom as well,” Leopold said.

Ethan nodded, gesturing for him to go ahead.

In the restroom, Thalassa was dabbing at her coffee-stained blouse with a damp napkin. The stain was evident against the white fabric, but a dab with a wet napkin helped to lighten it.

After cleaning herself up, she turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on her face.

Leaning on the sink, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Suddenly, a man appeared in the mirror’s reflection.

His face was handsome, his demeanor gentle. His eyes sparkled with a melancholic light under the restroom’s lights. He walked towards her.

Thalassa paused slightly, straightening up and turning around to meet Leopold’s approach.

As he neared, she averted her gaze.

“Mr. Sinclair,” she said formally, After giving her a greeting, she attempted to leave. However, she was stopped by a strong arm around her waist.

Leopold’s chest pressed against her back as he embraced her from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder, his voice husky. “Thalassa, please don’t leave me…