Chapter 91

Chapter 91 “Mum?”

The woman in front of her was Rita Blade, Karen’s mother, Thalassa called her “Mum” because that was what the woman had asked her to call her on the first day they met.

She still remembered that day perfectly. After the death of her mother when she was just a child, she had been sent from one foster care home to another, always being rejected for one reason or another, as if she wasn’t good enough.

When she became a teenager, through hard work and determination, she managed to earn a scholarship to an elite high school–

the same high school Karen attended.

Almost all the students rejected, mocked, and bullied her for being a scholarship student. Those who didn’t bully her didn’t even bother to notice her.

One day, while she was being bullied, Karen came to her rescue and defended her from her tormentors, and that’s how they became friends.

Since then, they had been inseparable because Karen was always there for her–supporting her financially when she needed it and defending her from the bullies.

When Karen told her that she wanted her to meet her parents, Thalassa had been incredibly nervous, fearing she would be looked down upon and rejected again. But Rita Blade had been the complete opposite.

“Mrs. Blade, I’m so glad to meet you,” she remembered saying.

The woman had instantly shaken her head, and with a look of pure love and affection in her eyes, she had said, ” No. Don’t call me that again, dear. Call me Mum. Karen considers you the sister she never had, so you’re like a daughter to me.”

True to her promise, she treated Thalassa as nothing short of her own daughter from then on. Thalassa would spend her vacations at the Blade house, where she had her own room. It was a true taste of family.

“Darling,” Rita Blade said, her eyes bright with unshed tears before she rushed forward and engulfed Thalassa in a tight hug. “Oh dear, oh dear, it’s so good to see you again, Still surprised by the unexpected visit, Thalassa could only hug the woman back without a word. They must have hugged for a full minute before Rita finally pulled away and took Thalassa’s face in her hands.

“Look at you! You’re glowing! I’m so happy to see you well and happy,” Rita gushed. “It really has been a long time. I’ve missed you so much.”

The last words made Thalassa’s chest squeeze painfully. As much as she was happy to see the woman, she couldn’t help the bitterness that streaked through her as she said, “You never came to see me after I was arrested.”

Instantly, Rita’s expression fell, guilt and acceptance showing as she nodded.

“Yes, you’re right. But...” She trailed off as her eyes fell on Juana, then on Luisa and Millie, who had just stepped out of Thalassa’s office. “...can we speak alone?”

Thalassa nodded without a word. Luisa and Millie stepped aside, and she and Rita went into the office, closing the door behind them.

Once they were alone, neither of them made a move to sit down. Thalassa remained silent, waiting for Rita to speak.

1/2 Chapter 91 +25 BONUS The woman bit her lip nervously before finally speaking. “. I know you must be so disappointed in me for never having come to see you, and believe me, I’m disappointed in myself too. I allowed myself to be convinced that it was for the best.”

Thalassa frowned. “What do you mean?”

Rita answered, “Linda and Karen told me that you were guilty and that I should wait for the media attention to die down before visiting you because it could cause a scandal otherwise. And I listened. When I finally got tired of waiting after some days and wanted to go see you, I was told that you had been released, that you and Kris had signed the divorce papers, and nobody knew where you were.”

She paused, dabbing lightly at her nose with her handkerchief. “I shouldn’t have listened. I should have gone to see you the moment I heard about your arrest.”

“But you didn’t because you were also convinced that I was guilty,” Thalassa noted.

Rita shook her head immediately. “No, dear. You might not believe it, but somehow, I always knew that you were innocent. That sweet little teenager I watched grow up, who was too honest to even take a cookie without first asking for permission, could never be guilty of the embezzlement they accused you of.”

She sniffed as more unshed tears brimmed in her eyes. “But I know that my thoughts weren’t enough. I should have stood by you. It pains me so much to think that you went through so much and I wasn’t there to support you like I should have. Forgive me, dear. Please forgive me.”

Seeing the woman’s quivering mouth, Thalassa couldn’t help the emotions that made her eyes burn with moisture. “I don’t hold any grudges against you, Mum. I forgive you.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” Rita croaked as she engulfed Thalassa in another hug.

When they finally pulled back, silence settled over them. Noticing how Rita was fidgeting and twisting her fingers, Thalassa knew she had something to say but didn’t know how to say it.

“What else do you want to speak to me about, Mum?” she asked calmly, despite her growing suspicions that made her feel uneasy. She hoped it wasn’t what she was thinking.

“I went to visit Karen today,” Rita quickly said.

Thalassa stiffened but kept her expression neutral. “I see.”

Rita fiddled further with her fingers, looking down as if unable to meet Thalassa’s eyes. “I’m still in shock. I can’t believe she was capable of doing something like that to you. It felt like I was looking at a stranger.

Thalassa remained silent, knowing there was more to come And she was right.

“But she regrets it,” Rita continued. “She told me that she regrets it so much now and she needs you to forgive her. She’s desperate and truly remorseful.”

Rita finally looked up, the tears that had brimmed in her eyes finally rolling down her cheeks in salty rivulets of pain.

“Dear, I know that what I’m going to ask of you won’t be easy, and it’s going to be extremely unfair of me, but I can’t help it.

Please, Lassa, if you can, forgive her for what she did to you and drop the charges against her.”