The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet by Thalassa

Chapter 1435 

Dr. Funke couldn’t resist the charm of a good toast, so he lifted his glass to clink with Alaric’s, and together they drained their drinks to the last drop. 

Alaric had the gift of gab, and as he shared drinks with Dr. Funke, he spun tales that made the doctor’s heart swell with joy. 

As the dinner was about to be over, and with Dr. Funke evidently in high spirits, Alaric decided it was time to broach the day’s most pressing matter. 

“Dr. Funke, your humanitarian spirit is known far and wide. You can’t stand by and watch a patient suffer, can you?” Alaric’s eyes shimmered with a drunken mirth as he looked at Dr. Funke. 

Despite his rosy cheeks, Dr. Funke’s mind remained clear. Sensing the underlying 

message in Alaric’s words, he replied, “Mr. Falconer, if there’s something on your mind, I’m glad to listen.” 

“Well, I’ll be straight to the point then,” Alaric said, his typically roguish gaze turning earnest and serious. “I have a friend, Lysander, who had an accident three years ago. Took a nasty hit to the head and has been in a coma ever since. Dr. Funke, you’re known for your miraculous acupuncture skills. Could you, perhaps, treat him?” 

Dr. Funke had a peculiar habit when it came to healing. He only treated those he felt drawn to help. Otherwise, he wouldn’t take on the case. 

In his own words, he treated those he felt a karmic connection with. With so much suffering in the world, it was impossible to attend to everyone. He was no saint, after all. 

Whether he would agree to treat Lysander hinged entirely on whether he wanted to. 

Alaric had waited until the evening’s revelries had reached their peak before bringing up his request, hoping to maximize the chances of a favorable answer. 

“Is this Lysander the same man those two women were inquiring about the other day?” Dr. Funke inquired. 

“Yes, Lysander is not only the father of one of the women’s four children but also my best friend,” Alaric revealed without reservation. 

“One of those women is a mother, and the other is still single, if I recall. The single one confessed her feelings to me just the other day, and I’m still waiting to see what comes of it. Perhaps you should leave this matter to me, Mr. Falconer,” Dr. Funke said with a hint of longing, rising to his feet to leave. 

Alaric felt a sudden sobering clarity at Dr. Funke’s words. 

Was Dr. Funke interested in Hertha? 

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“Dr. Funke, wait a second…” Alaric quickly followed, trying to catch up with the doctor. 

He had barely taken a few steps when he bumped into Dr. Funke’s back, forcing him to 

halt. 

Before he could speak, he saw Dr. Funke’s gaze fixed ahead. Following the doctor’s gaze, he saw two women standing in their path. 

The taller one was Thalassa, standing at about five-foot-five, clad in stylish jeans and a crisp white blouse, casually tucked into her belt, exuding an air of elegance. 

Beside her was Hertha, slightly shorter, with her curls cascading over her shoulders, wearing wide-leg jeans and a tan fashionable tank top, with a sheer kimono draped over her shoulders effortlessly sensual. 

They stood in front of Dr. Funke, effectively blocking his way. 

Thalassa’s face was etched with solemnity, while Hertha wore a mischievous grin, waving at them and smiling, “Hey Dr. Funke, what a coincidence to bump into you so soon. Fate really does love a laugh, doesn’t it?” 

Dr. Funke’s lips curled into a smile, and with eyes twinkling with humor and wisdom, he replied, “Quite the coincidence indeed. This ‘fate’ wouldn’t happen to be you following me here to continue your love confession, would it?” 

“What?” Hertha’s forced grin froze awkwardly on her lips. 

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Hertha was in a state of utter panic. Surely Dr. Funke couldn’t think that her flustered babbling two days ago was some kind of love confession! 

Hadn’t Thalassa already explained to him that many admired his medical skills? 

Could it be possible that he didn’t get the implication? 

Hertha felt like she’d fallen into a hole and was flailing about, unable to climb out. 

With a gasp of alarm, she shot a quick glance at Alaric standing behind Dr. Funke, then forced a chuckle and said, “Dr. Funke, I truly admire your work. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but I was never quite sharp enough to cut it. So, I guess I just look up to those who can, like you.”” 

She was desperately trying to straighten out the mess she’d made the day before. 

“Is that so? I’ve been on the lookout for an apprentice with the right spark, and since you’re interested in medicine, I might consider taking you under my wing,” Dr. Funke said with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, his gaze unwavering on Hertha. 

The subtext in his eyes was crystal clear. 

Hertha’s heart raced with anxiety. She blurted out, “Dr. Funke, you might be better off taking on a male apprentice to avoid any misunderstandings. You know, in case Mrs. Funke gets the wrong idea.” 

“My wife passed away ten years ago. I’m currently single,” Dr. Funke replied. 

His words couldn’t be more transparent. He wasn’t only looking for an apprentice. He was also in search of a new partner. 

Alarm bells rang in Hertha’s head. The pit she had dug for herself the other day was about to become her grave. Her gaze darted around frantically, looking for an escape. But she was at a loss for words, with no excuse in sight. 

Just when Hertha didn’t know which way to turn, Alaric stepped in just in time, “Dr. Funke, I think you might be barking up the wrong tree. She’s already spoken for.” 

At those words, Hertha’s head snapped towards Alaric, whose face was flushed with the warmth of wine. His normally mischievous eyes held a seriousness that was rare. 

While Hertha was grateful to Alaric for swooping in to save her, her heart sank when he mentioned she was married. A wave of profound disappointment washed over her. She longed to distance herself from Alaric, but hearing him so casually reference her marital status made her feel defeated. 

Because in saying that, it was clear to Hertha that any possibility of being with Alaric was out of the question. 

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Alaric had assumed that Spencer was her husband. 

And she couldn’t exactly explain the misunderstanding to Alaric without raising suspicion. Her current situation was precarious. If Alaric were to dig deeper, he would undoubtedly discover the existence of her two children. She couldn’t afford to lose, especially not like Thalassa, who hadn’t seen her children for three years. 

So, she had to endure despite the heartbroken feelings. 

Hertha gave an awkward, servile chuckle, “Heh, yeah, I wouldn’t want to make my husband jealous.” 

Thalassa, who was standing nearby, blinked in confusion at the disjointed conversation between Alaric and Hertha. Since when did Hertha have a husband? 

Just as she was about to speak up, she felt Hertha’s hand giving her a secret pinch on the 

soft flesh. 

Turning to Hertha, Thalassa found Hertha’s blinking eyes. 

Thalassa instantly understood the silent message from Hertha and remained silent. 

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Thalassa squared her shoulders and looked at Dr. Funke sincerely. “Hertha’s tied the knot, Dr. Funke. She wasn’t around long enough to learn much from you. But if you’re serious about taking on an apprentice, I can recommend someone.” 

Human desires are a tricky business, and even a man of Dr. Funke’s medical brilliance wasn’t immune. Hertha’s ruse of a confession to get close to the good doctor must have sent the wrong message his way, making him think she wanted to be more than just his student. 

That simply wouldn’t do. 

They couldn’t give in to Dr. Funke’s request, yet they couldn’t afford to rub him the wrong way either. They needed to play to his interests to coax him into treating Lysander. 

“You’re offering me an apprentice, or something else?” Dr. Funke’s eyes narrowed as his smile faded into a serious expression. 

“An apprentice. She’s sharp, a quick learner. And if you’re looking for a date, well, I can set that up too,” Thalassa replied with unwavering confidence. 

She held his gaze without flinching. 

She and Hertha had been waiting just outside the private dining area the whole time, and when Alaric followed Dr. Funke out, she suspected that Alaric had failed to persuade him to treat Lysander. 

Now, it was her turn to convince Dr. Funke, and it might be their last chance, too. She needed to meet his demands, to sweeten the deal so he’d have no reason to refuse treating Lysander. 

Dr. Funke’s scrutiny lasted only a second before he let out a chuckle. “I’m not desperate for companionship. I’m picky. If I weren’t, would I still be single?” 

“I know, and I’ll make sure you’re satisfied,” Thalassa said calmly. 

Alaric and Hertha exchanged surprised glances, both clearly confused. 

Since when did Thalassa have such resources for matchmaking? They were out of the 

loop. 

“The apprentice and the date, are they the same person?” Dr. Funke inquired. 

“No,” Thalassa replied promptly. “If you’re interested in an apprentice, I can introduce you to a young woman. She is ex-military, trained to follow orders, and an eager learner. As for a date, I can scour the Matchmaker website for the perfect match.” 

“Matchmaker website?” Dr. Funke laughed. “As I said, I’m not just anyone’s cup of tea.” 

“You prefer someone lively, someone who takes the initiative, right? There are plenty of 

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women like that on dating sites. I’ll find someone to your liking, and all you’ll have to do is invite us to your wedding,” Thalassa said confidently. 

Her assurance seemed to sway Dr. Funke. “You’re certain you can pull this off? What’s in it for you?” 

“I can. All I ask is that you agree to treating Lysander with all your expertise. In return, I’ll find you an apprentice and a date,” Thalassa stated, revealing her true intent. 

She might have once been just a secretary, but the time spent with Lysander and Ethan Crawley had taught her a thing or two about negotiation. 

To get someone to agree to your terms, you need to exude confidence, certainty, and a sense of invincibility. 

The key to winning people over lies in impressing them with your demeanor and abilities. 

Lysander’s secret to his business conquests was his imposing presence and his reputation for getting things done. 

“So, I’d be taking on a patient, while you’re tasked with altering the lives of two others. You really think you can handle it?” Dr. Funke said, skepticism tinged with curiosity as he scrutinized Thalassa. 

“Just give me your word, and I’ll make it happen. If you don’t, we’ll pretend this conversation never took place. There are still plenty of other doctors out there who can treat Lysander. We can always look elsewhere, Thalassa countered boldly. 

Hertha and Alaric were both taken aback, worry flickering in their eyes. By being so direct, wasn’t Thalassa risking Dr. Funke’s ire, pushing him to refuse outright? 

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Thalassa felt the anxious glances from Alaric and Hertha, but she didn’t let them distract her. Her gaze stayed firm and clear on Dr. Funke, showing her determination and poise. 

She wanted to make it clear to Dr. Funke that she had the leverage to ask for his help, but also the strength to walk away if needed. 

She was essentially gambling on Dr. Funke’s reluctance to let go of a promising 

apprentice and the potential romantic match Thalassa was confident she could arrange 

for him. 

If she seemed too desperate, it might backfire, making her appear weak and powerless, the kind of person who easily got pushed around or rejected. 

But as someone strong and confident, showing genuine sincerity while also hinting at other options, she was more likely to succeed. 

Dr. Funke fell silent, his usually playful demeanor turning grave as he stared at Thalassa, almost as if he was about to get angry. 

The air around them grew tense and heavy. 

Thalassa met Dr. Funke’s intense gaze, uncertain of his final decision. 

As time slowly passed, the atmosphere turned almost solid with anticipation, and Thalassa’s heartbeat quickened, fearing Dr. Funke might send her away to seek help elsewhere. 

Truth be told, she had no one else to turn to. Dr. Funke was Lysander’s last hope. 

Zephyr had already exhausted all other options, and no other doctor could help Lysander. 

Dr. Funke was the final chance for Lysander to awaken, and Thalassa was terrified of losing that hope. 

In the midst of her escalating anxiety, Dr. Funke burst out laughing unexpectedly. “Well done, to have such spirit at such a young age, impressive.” 

Seeing Dr. Funke’s unburdened smile, Thalassa was momentarily stunned. “Dr. Funke, does this mean…?” 

Alaric and Hertha exchanged a glance, both filled with confusion. 

But when Hertha caught Alaric’s eyes, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, afraid her resolve to give up on him might crumble again under his enchanting gaze. After all, when Hertha got infatuated and impulsive, she could be quite unreliable. 

“Making a house call and getting so much in return, it’s worth more than a mountain of gold. I’d be a fool to refuse,” Dr. Funke declared with a hearty laugh. 

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Hearing Dr. Funke’s agreement, a wave of joy surged through Thalassa, but she managed to contain her excitement from becoming too extravagant. 

Hertha was also elated, and she glanced at Alaric, her eyes sparkling with happiness. 

With a flushed face from the wine, Alaric also showed a smile. 

Even though Dr. Funke hadn’t started treating Lysander yet, his agreement was already a victory in itself. 

“Great, I’ll bring the apprentice to you tomorrow,” Thalassa said, her words crisp and efficient as she mapped out the plan. “Once the apprenticeship is formalized, you can start diagnosing and treating Lysander, and I’ll get started on introducing you to potential dates.” 

“Sounds good, I live at Harmony Estates, Building 3, Suite 2003,” Dr. Funke responded, ready to leave. 

Alaric quickly followed up. “Dr. Funke, let me arrange a ride for you.” 

He knew Dr. Funke had his fill of drinks earlier. 

After Alaric and Dr. Funke left the restaurant, Hertha couldn’t contain her joy any longer. She grabbed Thalassa’s arm and shrieked with excitement, “Ah, Thalassa, you’re amazing! You convinced that eccentric Dr. Funke, and he agreed to treat Lysander! That’s a 

miracle!” 

Chapter 1439 

Hertha was practically bouncing with excitement as she spoke, her energy seemingly boundless. 

Thalassa’s shoulders, tense just moments before, suddenly relaxed, and a wave of joy brought a glistening wetness to her eyes. 

Lysander’s body had shown reflexive movements the day before, a promising sign that his nerves were slowly regaining sensation. Combined with Dr. Funke’s treatment, the chances of him waking up were growing larger and larger. 

Anxious yet thrilled, Thalassa clung to the hope of Lysander’s awakening, a hope she had nurtured for three long years. She prayed this time, Lysander would fully recover. 

“Thalassa, let’s head out. It’s getting late now. You need a good rest.” Hertha, having calmed down from her earlier exuberance, was the voice of reason. 

“Yeah,” Thalassa nodded, exiting the restaurant with Hertha. 

Outside, Alaric and Dr. Funke were nowhere to be seen. They must have left already. 

The autumn night was cool, and the gentle breeze caressed their flushed faces, bringing a refreshing clarity to their thoughts. “Hertha, you go on ahead. I’ve got something to take care of,” Thalassa said. 

“What is it?” Hertha asked, concern edging her voice. 

“Remember? I need to introduce an apprentice to Dr. Funke,” Thalassa reminded her. 

The realization dawned on Hertha, “I’ll come with you, then.” 

“No need, you’ve got the kids waiting for you at home. They need their mom to tuck them in. I can handle this myself. You’d better head back now, don’t keep the little ones waiting too long.” Thalassa knew all too well the deep bond between a mother and her children. Without their mom, the kids might not sleep well. Having not seen her own children for three years, Thalassa’s longing was a thick, dense ink, and she wouldn’t let Hertha’s children suffer the same pain. 

Thinking of her own Julian and Helena, Hertha’s heart melted. She couldn’t bear the thought of them feeling neglected. 

So she compromised, “Alright, I’ll head home. Call me if you need anything.” 

They parted ways, each driving off in their respective cars. 

Thalassa headed toward Hollowbrook to find the apprentice for Dr. Funke, while Hertha drove toward the cozy suburb of Gulfstream Community, her mind occupied with thoughts of Julian and Helena. 

“Crash!” 

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Suddenly, her car collided with the one in front. The violent jolt threw her forward, her head slamming against the steering wheel, a wave of dizziness overwhelming her. 

She hit the brakes in panic, her car still nudging the one ahead. 

Fighting the stars in her vision and the waves of dizziness and pain, Hertha pressed down on the brake pedal. 

The car jerked to a stop. 

She tried to unbuckle her seat belt, wanting to check on the other vehicle, but her head was heavy, and she felt a warm liquid trickling down from her scalp, across her forehead, and onto her eyelids. 

The pain was intense, her body too weak to even lift her arms. 

From the car ahead, a door swung open, and a woman in high heels strutted over to Hertha’s car, angrily pounding on the window. “What kind of driving is that? Didn’t you see the car stopped ahead? Do you have any idea how expensive my car is? Get out here, you’re not leaving without coughing up thirty grand today!” 

Hertha could barely process the shrill voice that was making her already throbbing head feel like it was about to explode. 

She tried to lift her head, to make sense of the blurry figure outside, but her consciousness was fading, “I didn’t mean to- 

Her voice trailed off as her body slumped, and she lost consciousness completely. 

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“Hey, what are you doing? Playing possum?” The woman was tapping Hertha’s car window. Upon seeing the person inside slumped over, she began to bang on the glass with even more fury. 

She thought the driver was faking to dodge responsibility. 

Peering through the window, she spotted the crimson blood trickling down the woman’s face, staining her neck. Her hair was scattered over her shoulders, partially covering her face, but the shocking blood drew the eye. 

A shiver ran down Georgia’s spine. Crap, the driver’s bleeding, she really passed out, and she’s not faking it. 

She hurriedly pulled open the car door, which thankfully was unlocked as the driver had been about to get out and deal with the accident. 

The door swung open with Georgia’s tug, and she leaned in close to the driver, gently shaking her by the clothes, her voice laced with anxious concern, “Hey, are you alright?” 

No response came, so Georgia nudged the driver’s forehead with her index finger, gently lifting the woman’s head, “Do you need me to call for an ambulance?” 

She couldn’t finish her sentence, her voice catching in her throat. 

She got a clear look at the woman’s face – those long, curled lashes, the slightly chubby cheeks, it was Hertha! 

The sight of Hertha froze the goodwill on Georgia’s face instantly, a flash of anger and hatred swept through her eyes, and she quickly let go of Hertha and stepped back. 

Standing by the car, watching Hertha passed out inside, Georgia’s breathing was ragged, fury churning within her. 

Seeing Hertha injured, especially a head wound with unstoppable bleeding, filled Georgia with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. 

This wretched woman had been competing with her for Alaric for the past three years! 

Alaric had once turned down a strategic marriage with the Reed family for her. 

And now, engaged to her, it was Hertha’s appearance that made Alaric insist on breaking off their engagement, even willing to give up his position as CEO of the Falconer family empire just to be rid of her! 

Alaric’s determination to call off their engagement was all thanks to one person – Hertha. Before Hertha came along, she and Alaric had their fights, but he had never mentioned breaking off the engagement, and certainly not with such resolve. 

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Since Hertha caught Alaric’s eye, he had been adamant about canceling the engagement with Georgia. He was ready to turn his back on the support of the Reed family and the vice-presidency of the Falconer Group, all to break off the engagement, even saying how being an ordinary civilian wasn’t so bad! 

He actually wanted to give up his life of privilege to live a mundane life with Hertha. 

Infuriated by Alaric’s unwavering stance, Georgia felt like her head was about to explode. She desperately wanted Alaric to change his mind and marry her in an instant. 

But however fervent her wished, she felt utterly powerless to change the reality of the 

situation. 

Georgia had sought advice from her mother, who always asked her to keep her cool. 

But how could she stay calm when Alaric was about to annul their engagement and run 

off to Hertha? 

Just moments ago, her car was stopped at a traffic light in the middle of a phone call with her mother, complaining about her predicament and begging for a solution to get Alaric to marry her soon. 

She was so engrossed in the conversation that she didn’t notice the light turn green and was still on the call when her car was suddenly rear-ended. 

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Georgia stared through the car window at the grievously injured Hertha, her eyes brimming with malice. Her chest heaved with rage, the tidal waves of loathing for Hertha etched deep upon her face. 

The blood seeping from Hertha’s forehead mingled with her hair, dyeing it a dark crimson. Georgia felt not an ounce of pity. As she looked upon Hertha’s condition, a wicked thought sparked in her mind. 

F 

What if Hertha never received medical attention and just died? Surely, Georgia couldn’t be 

blamed. 

It was Hertha who rear-ended her car. All she did was fail to call the cops or an 

ambulance in time. 

Even if Hertha died, nobody could pin it on Georgia. 

With that thought, Georgia’s heartbeat quickened, her breath grew rapid and her gaze upon Hertha turned venomous. 

If Hertha were to die, there would no longer be this woman in the world, and Alaric would have to let go no matter how much he yearned 

Without Hertha, Alaric’s life and heart would belong to Georgia! 

The more she thought about it, the more fiercely Georgia’s heart pounded, her eyes glinting with spite, her soul teetering on the brink of good and evil. 

At this moment, every fiber of her being was steeped in malevolence. 

She had just been on the phone with her mother, venting her frustrations, begging her to find a way to convince Alaric not to call off the engagement and to marry her sooner rather than later. 

But her mother was powerless in this situation, fretting helplessly without a solution in sight. 

For the first time, Georgia felt the crushing sense of helplessness that came from desperately wanting someone she couldn’t have. 

And now, as if by divine intervention, fate had handed her a chance to turn her impotence into power. After all, it was Hertha who crashed into her car. If she died, it would have nothing to do with Georgia. 

“Beep beep…” The blaring horns from the cars behind grew incessant since Hertha and Georgia’s accident had caused a traffic jam at the intersection. 

Georgia heard the clamor but remained indifferent, her expression a sinister mask as she watched the bleeding Hertha trapped in the car 

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She didn’t move, nor did she make a call. She was purposely stalling for time. 

Even if the crash wouldn’t claim Hertha’s life, the continuous bleeding could, if left unattended for too long. 

“Hey, lady, if you’ve had a crash, at least pull your car to the side,” someone from the line of impatient drivers called out as they stepped out of their vehicle. 

Sensing someone approaching, Georgia quickly masked her malevolent gaze, feigning panic and fear as she stammered to the approaching driver, “Sir, it’s her fault. She rear-ended me, and now she’s hurt. I have no idea what to do now. I’m so scared, I’m just… I’m just frozen.” 

Her claim of being “frozen” was a flimsy excuse for not calling for help, a way to avert potential blame. 

The driver glanced inside and saw the other driver slumped over the steering wheel, head wounded, hair matted with blood. 

“Quick, call the cops and get an ambulance, for heaven’s sake! If you don’t hurry, she might die!” The driver urgently exclaimed upon assessing the situation. 

Feigning near tears, Georgia pleaded, “Sir, please don’t scare me. This is my first time dealing with something like this. I don’t know the number for the police or ambulance, what do I do, what do I do…” 

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“Look, I’m guessing this kind of thing is a bit over your head. Let me call the cops for and you dial 911, tell them there’s been a car crash and someone’s hurt.” 

The driver was managing the situation while he whipped out his cell to call the local 

police. 

you, 

He was trying to cut down the time it would take to handle the crash. Every minute saved could be a minute closer to saving a life. 

“Okay, okay, I’m calling for an ambulance.” Georgia’s voice was small and shaky, her nerves getting the best of her. 

She spun in place, patting her pockets like she couldn’t find her phone. 

After a minute of fumbling, as if it finally dawned on her, she dashed to her car to look for her mobile. 

By that time, the driver had already hung up with the police and noticed Georgia still searching. The woman in the car was still bleeding from her forehead, and it was gut-wrenching to see. 

The driver went ahead and dialed for an ambulance, too. 

Five minutes had passed since his call to the police when Georgia finally found her phone. She was visibly distraught and gasping for air as she thanked him, “Sir, I can’t thank you enough. I’d be lost without your help, I wouldn’t even know where to start.” 

While Georgia said this on the surface, she was seething with irritation inside. 

Mind your own business! 

Did he really think Georgia Reed, the heir to the Reed family fortune, wouldn’t know how to call the police and an ambulance after a crash? 

The driver politely responded, “No worries, saving lives is what’s important.” 

Soon enough, the police and ambulance arrived. 

They rushed Hertha to the hospital, and after assessing the scene, the police cleared the cars to the side. The road was open again, and the city’s hustle and bustle resumed as if nothing had happened. 

Thalassa returned to Hollowbrook late into the night. She parked her car in the driveway 

of her home. 

Three years ago, a villa built for her family by Lysander was destroyed by a bomb dropped from a helicopter, leaving her and her aunt homeless. 

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Later, Thalassa used the $200,000 she’d saved from her secretarial job to clear the rubble from the original site and had a modest two-story house built. 

It wasn’t as luxurious as the villa, but it was enough for her and her aunt. 

After exchanging brief pleasantries with her aunt at home, Thalassa headed over to a friend’s place in the same village. 

The rural nights were quieter than the city’s. Most of the village homes were shut after eight o’clock, with residents either watching TV or getting ready for bed. 

Thalassa knocked on the door, and a voice called out from inside. 

As the door opened, a warm glow spilled out, qutting through the darkness and illuminating Thalassa’s face. 

“Thalassa, what brings you back all of a sudden? I was just talking to Astrid this afternoon, and you weren’t home,” Lydia said, surprised to see her. 

Lydia was Thalassa’s childhood friend, and they had grown up together. They were close, but after Thalassa got into college, Lydia chose to join the military instead of pursuing her studies. So they hadn’t seen each other in a while. 

Lydia was a tall girl, standing at 5’9″. With a short haircut and a forthright personality, she looked much like a tomboy. 

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Growing up with a steady diet of World War II movies, Lydia had always dreamed of serving her country, of one day taking down the enemy with valor and pride. As soon as she was old enough, she enlisted, eager to turn her childhood dreams into reality. 

Tonight, Thalassa caught Lydia’s surprised gaze with a knowing smile. “Lydia, I’ve got something to discuss with you.” 

“You come back in the middle of the night to talk? This must be something big,” Lydia said with wide-eyed curiosity as she ushered her friend inside. 

After Thalassa greeted Lydia’s parents with a warm hello, they retreated to Lydia’s bedroom for some private talks. 

Lydia poured a glass of drink for her friend. “Sit down, don’t fuss. I’ve got some serious business to talk about,” Thalassa said, setting the glass aside and pulling Lydia down beside her. 

“What’s this? A matter of national importance? You look so stern; it’s giving me the jitters,” Lydia said, her voice deep and boyish. 

“You’re back home out of the service now, looking for something to do, right? How about I set you up with a great opportunity?” Thalassa said, her clear eyes locking onto Lydia’s. 

“You came all this way just to help me find a job? Somehow, I feel like there’s more to it,” Lydia said, her skepticism clear. 

Lydia wasn’t one to be easily fooled. Her military background had honed her instincts sharp as a tack. 

“It’s not simple, that’s for sure. But hear me out!” Thalassa took a sip of water, clearing her throat before she continued, “You’ve heard of Dr. Samuel Funke, haven’t you? He’s a renowned physician, known far and wide for his expertise in acupuncture and Western surgical techniques. He’s looking to take on an apprentice in traditional medicine, and I’ve recommended you.” 

“What? You think I can learn medicine? I don’t know the first thing about it,” Lydia said, overwhelmed by the sudden leap. 

“You’re quick-witted, Lydia. Of course you can handle it. Besides, your grandma’s been bedridden since her fall. Imagine if a master acupuncturist could treat her, she might just get back on her feet. And if Dr. Funke won’t come himself, once you’ve learned, you can treat her yourself. Wouldn’t that be something wonderful?” Thalassa tried to persuade her. 

“Alright, I’m in!” Lydia said, slapping her thigh decisively. 

Thalassa had hit home with a single point: if Lydia could master the art of acupuncture, 

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Chapter 1443 

she might heal her grandmother and restore her mobility. 

Lydia had been raised by her grandmother while her parents worked far from home. The bond between them was deep and unique. When her grandmother took a bad fall and became paralyzed, Lýdia left the military early to be by her side, afraid that if she waited any longer, she might lose the chance to be with her. 

Now, with the opportunity to learn from a world-famous doctor and use that knowledge to help her grandmother, Lydia had no reasons to decline. She would throw herself into her studies, master the medical skills quickly, and race against time to save her beloved grandmother. 

“Great, pack your bags, then. We’re heading to Starhaven now,” Thalassa said. 

“Now? So sudden?” Lydia was taken aback. 

“I have to introduce you to Dr. Funke tomorrow morning. If we don’t leave tonight, we’ll miss the perfect time at eight o’clock,” Thalassa explained. 

She had looked it up. In the world of traditional medicine, apprenticeships often began with a ceremony at eight in the morning. Missing that felt like a bad omen. 

When it came to following tradition, Thalassa was not one to break the rules. 

“Okay, let me just grab a few things.” Lydia was all efficiency, packing her suitcase in under two minutes with her clothes folded neatly. 

As they stepped out of the house, Thalassa’s phone rang. 

It was Alaric. “Mr. Falconer, what a surprise to hear from you.” 

“Have you and Hertha made it back? I’ve been trying to dial Hertha’s number, and there’s no answer,” Alaric’s voice was laced with concern. 

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Chapter 1444 

“Didn’t Hertha pick up your call?” Thalassa inquired. 

Alaric had arranged for a ride-share to take Dr. Funke home not too long ago, and he was supposed to call Hertha to check in after Dr. Funke was safely inside. 

But if Hertha didn’t answer Alaric’s call, could it be that she was worried he’d come looking for her late at night, potentially disturbing her while she put the kids to bed? 

With two little ones to tuck in, the last thing Hertha needed was Alaric, their biological father, finding out. 

Thalassa figured Hertha must’ve worried that if she answered, Alaric might hear the children’s voices in the background, so she decided to just not pick up. As Hertha’s best friend, Thalassa knew she had to cover for her and keep Alaric from suspecting anything. Before Alaric could respond, Thalassa added, “She’s probably taking a shower. Don’t worry. She must be home by now.” 

“Must be? Weren’t you with Hertha?” Alaric picked up on the uncertainty in Thalassa’s voice. 

“I had promised to help Dr. Funke find an apprentice, remember? So I drove to Hollowbrook overnight, and Hertha drove herself home,” Thalassa explained. 

“Alright, just be safe on your way back,” Alaric said before hanging up. 

After ending the call with Alaric, Thalassa dialed Hertha’s number. 

Alaric’s questioning had made her a bit anxious either, and she wanted to check on Hertha herself. 

The phone rang for a while, but was not answered as well. 

Until an impersonal automated voice finally said, “I’m sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.” 

Thalassa’s heart sank. Why wasn’t Hertha answering even her calls? 

Maybe she had her phone on silent and had fallen asleep with the kids? 

Worrying now was futile. She wasn’t in Starhaven now and couldn’t just pop over to Hertha’s place. 

She returned home with Lydia and set off for Starhaven, taking Astrid along. The reason for bringing Astrid was that her aunt’s rheumatism flared up again, and this trip to Starhaven was a chance to get some treatment at the Starhaven Hospital, too. 

By the time they reached Starhaven, it was past one in the morning. 

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Chapter 1444 

Thalassa booked three rooms in the hotel closest to Dr. Funke’s house, insisting Lydia and Astrid get some rest. 

After a shower, she checked her phone again. Still no callback from Hertha. 

Something felt off, and worry gnawed at Thalassa. She dialed Hertha’s number once 

more. 

This time, the phone was off. 

Hertha had turned off her phone? 

What was going on? 

Thalassa’s mind raced. She tried calling Hertha’s nanny, Bridget, but again no answer. 

Could they have simply fallen asleep, and Hertha’s phone died? 

Trying to suppress her growing anxiety, Thalassa lay down in bed. She tossed and turned for ages before finally dozing off, only to be roused by the first light of day. 

She hadn’t slept deeply and woke up as soon as dawn broke. Quickly getting ready, she went to Lydia’s room. 

Lydia, accustomed to military discipline, always woke up early. By the time Thalassa arrived, she was already washed up and dressed. 

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