Chapter 857

Thalassa drew in a deep breath, gritted her teeth and said, “I’ve made plans to meet Hertha at the pub, so I won’t be heading to Royal Estates with you.”

Even though it was Lysander who’d invited her initially, she just wanted to stand him up. After all, she hadn’t promised him anything, let alone to go with him to Royal Estates after work.

She had her own life, and it wasn’t like she would do everything the way he wanted!

As soon as Thalassa finished her words, she could feel the tension oozing from the other end of the phone. Even through the screen, Lysander’s displeasure was palpable. Thalassa held her breath, readying herself for his wrath and preparing for a fight back.

“Alright,” Lysander finally responded after a pause, then hung up abruptly.

Thalassa tossed her phone onto the seat beside her, glanced at the entrance of the Crawley Group, steered the wheel, and drove off.

Thalassa had been bracing for Lysander’s fury. She had even prepared a few rebuttals in her mind, ready to strike back.

But to her surprise, all she got was a resigned ‘alright’ before he ended the call.

He wasn’t angry at all.

This unexpected turn of events left Thalassa feeling perplexed.

With the call ended, Thalassa’s rigid shoulders relaxed, and she let out a sigh of relief.

In a short while, Hertha arrived, and Thalassa hopped into her car.

Hertha held the steering wheel with both hands, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, glancing at Thalassa beside her from time to time..

“Did Lysander give you a hard time after we left the beach yesterday?” Hertha asked, concern lacing her voice.

Thalassa shook her head. “No.”

“Oh, good.” Hertha exhaled, “Let’s get something to eat first. The pub isn’t open yet. What would you like to eat?”

“I’ll eat whatever you order,” Thalassa replied, not really in the mood.

She didn’t have an appetite and wasn’t feeling up to eating. Accommodating her preferences would just be a waste.

“Are you okay? You seem a bit off today.” Hertha asked with concern.

She had been friends with Thalassa for years and could read her like an open book. If Thalassa was upset, she would know right away.

“I’m fine, Thalassa replied.

Hertha responded, “Thalassa, don’t dwell on it. Leopold’s gone, and he would want you to be happy. If you’re always down, he would be worried, wouldn’t he? Cheer up, you still have four kids who need a happy mom.””

Listening to Hertha’s words, Thalassa felt a lump in her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She didn’t know how to respond.

“Alright, let’s not talk about him anymore. Let’s go-get something to eat. I’m starving,” Hertha suggested, changing the subject.

“Sure, Thalassa held back her tears and nodded in response.

During peak hours, the mall was bustling with people going about their business.

Hertha and Thalassa arrived at the Radiant Barbecue Shop on the third floor, where a waiter showed them to a window-side seat and handed them the menu.

As Hertha was browsing the menu, a woman’s angry voice came from the next table.

“You’re such a jerk! You’re on a date with me, and you’re texting other women. I’m so disappointed in you!”

Hertha and Thalassa turned to see a woman standing, picking up a cup of water, and splashing it all over the man in front of her.

“Wow!” Hertha gawked, intrigued by the drama unfolding before her.

The man closed his eyes as the tea splashed over his face. After a moment, he wiped his face, opened his enchanting eyes, and stared at the woman. “Can’t you handle a little fun?”