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Chapter 1394 

As Zephyr turned to leave, Thalassa’s heart raced, a mix of panic and desperation seizing her. She started to rise, intent on pleading for him to stay, but Joshua beat her to it, standing with an air of resolve. 

With his eyes fixed on Zephyr’s retreating form, Joshua said, “Thalassa gave birth to quadruplets for Lysander, a miracle in its own right. If she can perform miracles like that, I believe she can make another one happen by taking care of Lysander.” 

His words were no longer veiled implications of Thalassa’s intent but an explicit declaration of why they had come to visit Zephyr together. 

Zephyr’s already fragile nerves jolted at the statement. He stopped in his tracks and spun around, his eyes clouded with anger. “Do you have any idea what she’s done before?” he spat at Joshua. “She once took a prop and smashed it over Lysander’s head. If it weren’t for someone stepping in to take the blow, Lysander would have been left in a vegetative state from that moment!” 

As Zephyr spoke, his breathing grew erratic, his fury mounting with every word. 

“You know what? When she failed that time, she used some trick to lure Lysander to Hollowbrook, and he ended up hit by a collapsing wall, which left him in the state he’s in now! It’s all her doing! And you’re telling me to let her take care of Lysander? It’s like you’re sending him off on his last journey!” His voice broke into a fit of uncontrollable coughing. 

“Zephyr!” Joshua stepped forward, concern furrowed on his brow. 

But before Joshua could reach him, David rushed in from outside. He reached Zephyr first, gently patting his back in a calming gesture. “Zephyr, please calm down. I’ve looked into that prop incident at Lysander’s request. From behind that screen, it’s impossible to see anything clearly. Even if there was a hole in it, the angle from the rigging wouldn’t allow anyone to see through. The investigation already proved that it was an accident on Ms. Everhart’s part, not intentional.” 

David had overheard Zephyr’s heated words as he entered the room and quickly stepped in to support him and to clear up the misunderstanding. 

Since returning from the hospital, Zephyr had been adamant with David – no contact with Thalassa, no answering her calls. Any disobedience would be met with immediate dismissal. 

David wasn’t afraid of losing his job. He feared that if he were dismissed, he might lose any chance to visit Lysander in the hospital. After so many years of working with him, David knew Lysander’s gruff exterior masked a warm heart. He had learned a great deal from Lysander, enjoyed a generous salary, and had grown to view him not only as a boss but as a dear brother. His loyalty was unwavering. 

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Even without a paycheck, David wanted to stay informed about Lysander’s condition. So, despite his own feelings, he obeyed Zephyr’s orders and cut off all contact with Thalassa. He even ignored her attempts to reach out. It was all to ensure he could remain at the Sinclair group to manage the company’s affairs and occasionally assist Zephyr with family matters. Though it kept him busy, at least he stayed in the loop regarding Lysander’s health. 

– 

Hearing David’s explanation, a wave of relief washed over Thalassa. Her tight chest loosened slightly, though her heart still clenched at the sight of Zephyr. 

She knew convincing Zephyr to let her care for Lysander was hard, but she was determined not to give up. 

Zephyr took a deep breath, trying to steady his ragged breathing. He weakly waved David off, signaling that he no longer needed his support, yet his breaths were still shallow and labored, a visible sign of his declining health. 

Chapter 1395 

“David, have you been hanging around Lysander so much that you’ve fallen under this woman’s spell too?” Zephyr’s voice held a note of disbelief as he turned his penetrating gaze towards his friend. 

“Zephyr, I…” David started, but Zephyr cut him off with a sharp gesture. 

“Save it, David. I don’t want to hear it.” 

His eyes then shifted to Thalassa with a look so fierce that it made her heart, already pounding with anxiety, skip a beat. 

“I’m beat. Show the lady out now,” Zephyr commanded wearily, rising from his seat and making his way upstairs, his body language dismissive and fatigued. 

she followed him a few steps as 

Thalassa couldn’t bear the thought of missing her chance. With a burst of desperation, 

called out, “Zephyr, please give me a chance to care for Lysander! I’ll tend to him with all my I believe he will wake up one day.” 

hear 

grew be 

Zephyr froze mid-step, his breathing grew heavier with anger. He turned, his hawkish gaze piercing Thalassa once more, “If you really care about him, then stay away! He’ll wake up on his own without you hovering over him!” 

“But the doctor said he only has a five percent chance of waking up! And I’ve done my research, the best way to bring someone out of a coma is to constantly stimulate them with the presence and voices of those they care about, which includes touch! No one knows his needs better than I do. I just want to repay him for saving my life. Please, let me do this, Zephyr!” Thalassa pleaded with fervor, her eyes beseeching him. 

Her words might have come across as brazen or shameless, and while they could easily be misunderstood, Thalassa was willing to face any misjudgment if it meant she could take care of Lysander. 

“Have you no shame?” Zephyr’s index finger trembled as he pointed at her, incredulous at her audacity to suggest such intimate care. 

Joshua stood agape, equally shocked by Thalassa’s bold statement. 

David, however, wasn’t as surprised. He knew Thalassa’s cunning and calculating side all too well. She may have seemed fragile and demure, but when push came to shove, even he found himself outmaneuvered by her. 

Just as Joshua was about to defend Thalassa a heavy thud resounded through the room. Thalassa had dropped to her knees before Zephyr, stunning everyone present. 

Zephyr’s already formidable demeanor intensified with disdain. 

Joshua was caught off guard. He moved to help her up, but it was too late. Thalassa had thrown away all concerns for her pride and knelt before Zephyr. 

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Even David was taken aback by this unexpected move. 

Thalassa’s clear eyes filled with a do-or-die resolve, and she implored, “I’m begging you, let me take care of Lysander. I’ll do everything in my power, devote myself completely. He risked his life to save me because he cares for me. Let someone he cares about be by his side. It could be the emotional tether he needs to pull him back to us.” 

Chapter 1396 

Thalassa spoke with a measured tone, her voice betraying a depth of emotion that belied her outward appearance of calm. Inside, her heart was a tempest of nerves, swirling with anxiety and fear. 

This was her last shot. If Zephyr remained unmoved, she was out of options. 

She knelt on the ground, her hands clenched at her sides in tight fists, waiting for Zephyr’s 

response. 

In those agonizing few seconds, her breathing grew labored, her heartbeat thunderous in her ears – the sound of her own trepidation loud and clear. 

Joshua watched Zephyr with an expectant gaze, rooting for him to agree from the bottom of his heart. For Thalassa’s acceptance of Joshua as her father hinged on this one 

condition. 

If Zephyr refused, Joshua would have failed to fulfill his promise to Thalassa. Any hope of bridging the gap in their strained relationship would become much more difficult. 

“Zephyr,” David interjected softly, his eyes downcast as he too made a case for Thalassa, “Mr. Sinclair’s greatest concerns have always been for Ms. Everhart and their kids. If she were to care for him, it might just add his chances of waking up.” 

David had been a witness to the tumultuous saga between Lysander and Thalassa. No one could stir Mr. Sinclair’s emotions quite like Thalassa could. 

For a man in a coma to have any hope of awakening, he needed something from the outside world to spark his emotions. If nothing could rouse him, how could he ever regain consciousness? 

Zephyr’s grip tightened on the stair rail, his aged hand’s knuckles white with tension, his breath uneven. His eyes, clouded with complex emotions, flickered with sorrow and anger, indecision gripping him. 

Even if he couldn’t bear Thalassa, he had to face a harsh truth – Lysander had always had a soft spot for this woman. 

Lysander showed interest in Thalassa that he never showed for any other woman. He was indifferent to others, but Thalassa was the exception. Only she could stir Lysander’s emotions, provoke him, and potentially draw him back to consciousness. 

But Zephyr’s resistance to Thalassa was still potent and profound. He had managed to drive her away from Lysander once before. Was he really going to allow her back and to wreak havoc once more? 

Yet, without her emotional stimulus, what if Lysander never woke up? What if he remained a vegetable for life? 

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Chapter 1396 

Lysander was his pride, the pillar of the Sinclair family. If he became a shell of a man, what would become of the Sinclairs’ future? 

It was a dilemma that tormented Zephyr – whichever decision he made, the agony was his 

alone. 

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he wrestled with the decision, his body taut with the weight of it. 

And Thalassa was also fraught with tension, her heart twisted like a braid, so tight she could barely breathe. 

In the silence that hung heavy over the room, Zephyr’s voice finally broke through, aged yet resolute. “You can care for him, but you’ll be under surveillance 24/7!” 

Finally, Zephyr had relented. 

Joshua’s words had struck a chord with Zephyr’s own principles – when faced with a common goal, he could set aside personal vendettas to work together with an adversary. 

Once the goal was achieved, then he could settle personal scores. 

Zephyr couldn’t stand the thought of Lysander sleeping his life away. With someone like Thalassa who could provoke him, giving 

a chance to awaken, Zephyr was willing to 

take that chance. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. 

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Even if Zephyr loathed Thalassa, it was out of the question to gamble with Lysander’s well-being. 

: 

Yet Zephyr couldn’t shake his mistrust of Thalassa. To ensure Lysander’s safety, he felt compelled to have someone keep eyes on Thalassa around the clock. 

“Alright, I agree!” Thalassa replied promptly upon hearing Zephyr’s terms. 

With a heavy heart, Zephyr turned and began his ascent up the staircase. Each step seemed more burdensome than the last, his weary frame struggling against the gravity of his situation. 

His body was worn and weak, but he mustered all the strength he could not to collapse. 

Lysander was in dire need of him now, and if he faltered, it would be as if he were abandoning his boy to fate. 

So, no matter how exhausted or feeble he felt, Zeph 

couldn’t let himself fall. 

Watching Zephyr climb the stairs, Thalassa’s previously tightened heart began to unwind, and her tense body suddenly went limp, collapsing into a more relaxed state. 

Witnessing her relief, Joshua rushed to her aid. “Thalassa, get up. Zephyr has given his word!” he exclaimed, his usually composed demeanor giving way to excitement. 

Joshua, who had always been the epitome of elegance, having seen much of the world, was visibly moved. He had tensed up seeing Thalassa kneel, fearing Zephyr would be a tough nut to crack, but thankfully Zephyr had consented in the end. 

Perhaps it was because Zephyr loved Lysander so deeply that he would not let slip even the slightest chance that might awaken his grandson. 

With Joshua’s support, Thalassa stood up with shaky legs. She wobbled a bit when putting weight on her feet, prompting Joshua to steady her quickly. 

Once Thalassa was stable, she turned her gaze toward the person aiding her, ready to say thanks, but when she realized it was Joshua, and that a man she hardly knew was this close to her, a wave of discomfort and alienation washed over her. 

She withdrew her hand quickly, stepping back to keep some distance, and said with a strained and distant look, “Thank you.” 

Joshua felt a moment’s embarrassment at her withdrawal but quickly reassured himself. 

It was all right. Thalassa had only recently acknowledged him as her father. It was natural for her to be reserved and maintain a polite distance. With time, he believed they would grow closer. 

“Let’s go to the hospital together to see Lysander,” Joshua suggested. 

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“I’ll take you,” offered David. 

Now that Zephyr had agreed to let Thalassa care for Lysander, taking them to see him shouldn’t be seen as defiance, David thought. 

“Thank you, David.” Thalassa replied eagerly upon hearing she could see Lysander. 

It had been five days since the incident, five days since she had last seen Lysander. 

When Lysander was untouchable and controlling, she wished she could avoid him every day, perhaps forever. 

But now, with Lysander’s life hanging in the balance and confined to a hospital bed, the mere five-day absence felt like centuries to Thalassa. She was desperate to see him and to be at his side. 

David drove Thalassa and Joshua to the hospital, which was the best in Starhaven. 

Lysander was staying in a deluxe suite, and David led Thalassa and Joshua there. 

Upon learning which room Lysander was in, Thalassa hurried over but was stopped by David. “Ms. Everhart, please wait. You can’t just barge in there.” 

Thalassa’s heart sank, riddled with confusion. “Why?” 

Had Zephyr changed his mind, deciding not to let her care for Lysander after all? 

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Thalassa was practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation to see Lysander. However, as she approached the door, David blocked her path. It inadvertently set off a whirlwind of worry in her mind that Zephyr had once again changed his mind about allowing her to tend to Lysander, 

The roller coaster of emotions from excitement to disappointment left her feeling uneasy 

and anxious. 

Seeing Thalassa’s nervousness, David quickly clarified, “This is a sterile ward. You need to wear a sterile gown before entering to keep from bringing in any germs from outside.” 

Upon hearing this, Thalassa realized her carelessness and nodded hastily, saying, “Of course, I’ll get changed into a sterile gown right away.” 

With that, she hurried to the medical office beside Lysander’s room. 

Her eagerness to see Lysander had made her forget the crucial details. He was still in a critical condition, and his wounds hadn’t fully healed. This was the most crucial time for his recovery. 

Any infection could be catastrophic. 

She chastised herself for her earlier recklessness, grateful that David had intercepted her 

in time. 

After Thalassa, David and Joshua dressed in sterile gowns and donned hats and masks, they entered Lysander’s room. 

Two burly guards in black suits stood at the door. If it were anyone else coming to visit Lysander, they wouldn’t let them through without a fight. 

But they didn’t stop Thalassa and her company, knowing David was leading the way. Zephyr had authorized David to visit Lysander freely 

Inside the room, two doctors and several nurses were attending to Lysander, with the nurses responsible for changing his IV fluids and handling his day-to-day care. 

The doctors remained on standby in case of any emergencies, ready to make swift decisions and provide immediate treatment to avoid any delay in critical care. 

Zephyr’s protective measures for Lysander were incredibly thorough and comprehensive. 

Initially seated by Lysander’s bedside, the doctors stood up as David led the group in, eager to report on Lysander’s condition for the day. 

“The patient has received his nutrition and anti-inflammatory injections. His condition is stable, much the same as yesterday,” one of the doctors informed them. 

“When can we expect his wounds to heal?” Thalassa asked, her voice heavy with concern. 

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The air in the room felt dense and suffocating as her heart clenched with worry. 

She knew that Lysander’s head injury was the reason he hadn’t woken up yet, his condition bordering that of a coma. 

It was an internal injury, and as a witness to the accident, Thalassa was painfully aware of the numerous physical injuries Lysander had sustained. 

Each external wound was a reminder of the blood that had seeped from his flesh, and just the thought of Lysander’s injured state made her heart tighten and ache. 

“The external injuries should heal within a month, but the nerve damage to his brain is more complicated. Nerve repair is quite difficult,” the doctor spoke frankly to Thalassa. 

Her already aching heart seemed to constrict further upon hearing the doctor’s words. 

Lysander’s brain injury was the direct cause of his comatose state. 

The accident had been chaotic. A wall had collapsed, crashing down upon him, causing his head to bleed profusely. 

The memory of that scene and Lysander’s last words to her before falling unconscious made her feel like she was suffocating, the air around her as sharp as blades, each breath cutting deep. 

He said from now on, they owe each other nothing. 

Pale-faced and struggling for breath, Thalassa’s eyelashes trembled as she took slow steps towards his bedside. 

The doctor moved to stop her, but David raised his hand to halt the doctor’s intervention. “Please allow us to stay with Mr. Sinclair for a moment,” David said politely. “Could y give us some space? We’ll call if there’s any issue. Thank you.” 

With a courteous nod, the doctors and nurses exchanged glances and stepped out o room, leaving the visiting group with Lysander in the silence of the sterile ward. 

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David still commanded respect within his circle. 

On the bed lay Lysander quietly, the man Thalassa hadn’t seen for days. 

Five days apart felt like an eternity to her. 

As she approached, Lysander’s figure became clearer. 

He lay on the hospital bed, dressed in the gown typical of the hospital, a light blanket draped over him. 

Near the bed, a heart monitor beeped steadily, its lines dancing with life, a testament that he was still with them. 

His head was wrapped in white bandages, stained with the brown of antiseptic, indicating the extent of his head injury. 

The once icy and imposing man now lay still, his sharp features softened, so quiet it squeezed everyone’s heart. 

His thick eyebrows, always bristling with intensity, were now relaxed. His eyes closed, the long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks, hiding his usually piercing gaze. 

His handsome nose still stood proud, but without its usual edge, and his lips were pale-not commanding and fiery as they used to be. 

The once domineering and aloof man now seemed so fragile, as if he could slip away at 

any moment. 

Seeing Lysander in such a state, a pang of sorrow struck Thalassa, her eyes burn tears as her breath trembled, “Lysander, I’m so sorry.” 

Her voice shook, even as she tried to control her emotions, the sobs spilled out. 

Other than an apology, nothing else seemed adequate to express her remorse. 

It was to save her that Lysander had ended up like this. 

In a way, Zephyr was right-it was her presence that had brought him to this state. 

If Lysander hadn’t met her, he would be thriving, still dominating the business world as a tycoon beyond reach. 

He wouldn’t know about the existence of his four children. He would have followed Zephyr’s plans, married Charlotte Ravensong and lived a happy family life. He would grow old surrounded by his children and grandchildren peacefully. 

Rather than lying here, uncertain if he would even see old age. 

He was still so young, in such good health, yet confined to the ICU. 

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Thalassa felt a mix of pain, guilt, regret and panic. She was afraid that Lysander might never wake up. 

“Thalassa, don’t be too hard on yourself. We need to focus on a care plan for Lysander. Sorrow won’t help, but effective action can change his situation,” Joshua said, standing by Thalassa’s side, hearing her muffled cries and offering comfort. 

He also saw Lysander’s condition. The once vibrant and insightful Lysander had become a shell of his former self, and it pained him deeply. Joshua and Lysander went way back. They had collaborated on plenty of business ventures abroad, taking over companies side by side. 

Every partnership with Lysander was a thrill for Joshua because of Lysander’s formidable business acumen-an acumen so strong it demanded respect. 

For Lysander, Joshua felt not only admiration but also a kinship. 

“Can I stay with him alone for a while?” Thalassa asked, turning with tears glistening in her eyes. 

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Chapter 1400 

Her gaze lingered on Joshua’s face for a second before shifting to David, silently seeking 

his consent. · 

David was the representative of Zephyr, and if she wanted some alone time with Lysander, it was imperative to have David’s permission. 

When Thalassa met his eyes, David’s brow furrowed slightly. Zephyr had spoken that they would agree to Thalassa taking care of Lysander only if she was under surveillance 24/7. 

It was risky for her to be alone with Lysander now, especially in his hospital ward. After all, Lysander was at his most vulnerable period of recovery. A minor mishap could be fatal. 

Thalassa noticed David’s hesitation and realized she was asking too much. With a hint of regret, she said, “Never mind, it was too much to ask for. I’m sorry.” 

Her apology stemmed from an awareness that her request had put David in a tough spot. 

“Mr. Sinclair’s external injuries haven’t healed yet, and I need to stay close by, just in case we need to call a doctor immediately,” David explained why they couldn’t leave. 

Thalassa nodded in understanding. “I get it, I wasn’t thinking it through, my apologies. I’ll just… keep him company for a little longer.” 

Her gaze drifted back to Lysander. He had remained motionless, not even a twitch of his fingers. Their conversation seemed not to impact him at all. 

Normally, his eyes would’ve snapped open by now. As a former soldier, years of training had sharpened his senses to wake at the slightest disturbance, even in sleep 

But now, he seemed untethered from the world around him. 

Watching Lysander’s serene face, Thalassa’s heart grew heavier. 

After ten minutes in the hospital ward, Thalassa requested to see Dr. Everest, a 

escorted her to his office. 

With earnest sincerity, Thalassa inquired about Lysander’s condition from Dr. Ever 

Joshua was right. The only way to help Lysander was to quickly devise a care plan a take effective actions. Mere sadness wouldn’t help. 

Dr. Everest explained, “Lysander is in excellent physical shape, so the external wounds an not an issue. They will heal with time. The head injury, however, is severe. Not only is ther nerve damage, but there are also clots in his brain. Some people can absorb these clots on their own while others can’t.” 

“What can be done to help him absorb the clots?” Thalassa asked. 

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“After his external wounds have healed, you can apply warm compresses to his head daily to promote blood circulation, which might help the clots dissipate. As for the nerve damage, continuous stimulation through speech or physical movement is necessary. If a miracle occurs and he responds to the stimulation, it means his nerves are reacting, and he’s close to waking up.” 

Dr. Everest detailed Lysander’s current state to Thalassa. 

Understanding what needed to be done, Thalassa wiped the tears away and sincerely thanked Dr. Everest, “I see. Thank you, Dr. Everest.” 

A month later, Lysander was discharged. His injuries had mostly healed, and the bandages on his head were removed. 

Back at Royal Estates, Thalassa took care of him with the help of the household staff. 

The estate was surrounded by bodyguards around the clock, an impenetrable fortress of security arranged by Zephyr. This was partly to prevent any external threat and partly to keep an eye on Thalassa. 

In the past, being under such close watch would have made Thalassa feel uneasy and suffocated. 

But now, she hardly had the luxury to worry about her own circumstances. 

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All of Thalassa’s attention was fixated on Lysander. 

Every morning, she would prepare a nutritious breakfast, patiently spoon–feeding Lysander who was unconscious and unable to swallow on his own. 

Mimicking the way Lysander used to coax her into eating porridge, Thalassa would take a mouthful herself and then seal her lips to his, transferring the food from her mouth to his. 

When he wouldn’t swallow, she’d gently push the food to the back of his throat and follow it with a sip of water, allowing the liquid to help the food slide down into his stomach. 

The only downside to this method was its slowness. 

A single meal could take over an hour, but Thalassa remained patient, feeding him bite by bite. 

Lysander needed to eat well to maintain his strength, to fend off illness, and to have the possibility of waking up sooner. 

At night, it was Thalassa’s responsibility to bathe him. 

Stripping off his clothes, she’d catch sight of the plethora of scars marring his body, and her breath would catch, her heart squeezing in pain. 

These marks were all for her, remnants of his heroism. 

Holding back tears, she’d carefully wipe his body down with a warm towel. Once, his physique might have made her blush, but now, all she felt was only endless ache. 

She cleaned him with delicate care, avoiding the still–healing wounds, afraid of causing him any pain. She treated him with the tenderness one might afford a priceless work of art. 

As she bathed him, she’d talk to him, “Lysander, I’m sorry. I’ll never say we’re through again, that we owe each other nothing. Just wake up, and I’ll agree to anything. You want to go to the city hall and make it official? My answer will be yes.” 

Time flew, and a year passed. 

Lysander’s external scars had healed so well they were barely visible. He was kept clean and tidy, but he still remained in a deep slumber, unresponsive to the world around him. 

Day in and day out, Thalassa would wash him, speak to him in a soft voice, “Lysander, I’m sorry. It’s my fault you’re trapped in this sleep. I’ve apologized a thousand times over this past year. When will you forgive me? Please wake up.” 

4 

But Lysander’s eyes remained shut, offering no response. 

Tears fell from Thalassa’s eyes. 

Time raced on, another year passed. 

Lysander still did not wake. 

With a bittersweet smile at the corner of her lips, Thalassa would shave him. “Dr. Everest suggested that a small cut might shock your nerves into action. That the pain might wake you. But I can’t bear to hurt you. You’ve been asleep for two years, Lysander. Why won’t you show me any sign? Is it because you can’t forgive me yet?” 

The electric razor buzzed softly in her hand as she gently pushed it across Lysander’s stubble. 

As always, she talked to him, but the only reply was the steady hum of the razor. 

Another year slipped by, and Lysander had been in a coma for three years. All his vital signs were normal. 

Thalassa kept him immaculately clean, lying in bed, still as handsome as ever, but only perpetually asleep. 

The atmosphere at Royal Estates had been somber for three years. 

Chapter 1402 

“Thalassa, I heard that Dr. Funke is hosting a seminar at the Starhaven International Hotel this afternoon. Let’s camp out at the conference room doors. We’re bound to catch him there,” Hertha Kensington said as she packed her bag and phoned Thalassa. 

She was in a rush, needing to corner Dr. Funke for Thalassa. 

Dr. Funke was a renown figure in integrative medicine, known for his elusive nature. Unless he disclosed his whereabouts himself, he was nowhere to find. 

He’d dropped off the radar for three years, with no one knowing his location. However, whispers of his presence spread in the city recently. 

Hertha had gotten wind of this through Spencer. 

Rumor had it Dr. Funke had a knack for reviving coma patients, combining traditional acupuncture with modern pharmacology to work miracles. 

Given Dr. Funke’s esteemed reputation, Hertha had urged Thalassa to seek him out for Lysander’s treatment. 

But geniuses come with their quirks, and getting Dr. Funke to commit was another story. 

Whether they could persuade the doctor was up to Thalassa. 

“Alright, I’m on my way. Let’s meet at the Starhaven International Hotel,” Thalassa replied, her Bluetooth headset in place as she drove and talked to Hertha. 

“Take it easy on the road. Lysander’s counting on you. We can’t have anything happen to you,” Hertha cautioned. 

“I know.” Thalassa said, ending the call with a tap on her headset. 

Twenty minutes later, Thalassa and Hertha met at the entrance of the Starhaven International Hotel. 

Hertha had slimmed down over the past three years, yet she was more stunning than ever. Her hair, now in waves, shone with a seaweed blue hue. Her outfit was a white, figure–hugging tee paired with a chic pencil skirt, the epitome of style and beauty. 

She had shed her youthful chubbiness, emerging with a refined femininity. 

“You’ve upped your game since becoming a mom,” Thalassa teased, appraising her friend’s look. “Motherhood really does bring out the vanity in a woman.” 

“Shh, keep it down, that’s our little secret,” Hertha whispered, pulling Thalassa close and gesturing for silence, her eyes darting around to ensure no one overheard their conversation. 

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“Don’t you know my situation? It’s one thing to whisper sweet nothings in private, but out here? Walls have ears, Hertha said in a hushed tone, relieved to find no others around. 

Thalassa chuckled at her friend’s cautiousness, “Got it. Let’s get moving, Dr. Funke’s seminar is about to end now.” 

Taking Hertha by the hand, Thalassa led the way to the elevator. 

The conference was on the twentieth floor. 

As the elevator doors slid open at their destination, Thalassa and Hertha stepped out to find a crowd exiting the conference room. A sea of professionals in tailored suits, oozing with scholarly charm, headed their way. 

The seminar had concluded! 

Thalassa quickly guided Hertha out of the elevator, searching for Dr. Funke. 

But each face was unfamiliar, not a single one known to them! 

Hertha tugged at Thalassa’s hand and whispered, “I’ve never seen Dr. Funke before. Do you have a photo of him?” Thalassa gasped, “You were in charge of the research on Dr. Funke. I didn’t get involved. How would I have his photo?” With a pang of panic, Hertha lamented, “Oh no, I forgot to check his picture.” 

Chapter 1403 

Thalassa stood in the bustling lobby of the Starhaven International Hotel, feeling a tidal wave of embarrassment crashing over her. She and Hertha had bolted across town to confront Dr. Funke, yet neither of them could pick the man out of a lineup. 

Just as Thalassa was about to chalk this up as a lost cause, Hertha – with her larger–than–life personality and a knack for bold moves leaned in and whispered, “Don’t be disappointed. Watch this.” 

Before Thalassa could even wonder what Hertha had up her sleeve, Hertha cleared her throat and called out with the confidence of a rockstar, “Dr. Funke, I’ve admired you for years. I’d love to finally meet you in person, please give me this chance!” 

Thalassa’s jaw dropped. 

The entire room seemed to freeze, every pair of eyes suddenly fixed on them. Thalassa’s heart raced, and she reached out to silence Hertha, but it was too late. 

Feeling the weight of the stares from a group of distinguished elder doctors who had been heading towards the elevator, Thalassa forced a smile and chuckled awkwardly. “Sorry, sorry…” 

Hertha, oblivious to the social faux pas she had just committed, continued unabashedly, “I admire Dr. Funke for his exceptional talent, his commanding presence, and his… his dashing looks!” 

Her tribute was cut short by a rich, hearty laugh from behind them. 

“That’s the first time I’ve received such flattering public praise,” said a voice filled with mirth. 

Both Thalassa and Hertha turned to see a gentleman approaching. He was around five feet five, with salt–and–pepper hair and a bit of a paunch. While others sported sharp suits, he wore a simple navy tunic that hinted at classical charm a stark contrast to the rest of the crowd. 

Beside him stood a tall, rakishly handsome man with an air of roguish charm. 

It was Alaric Falconer! 

At the sight of Alaric, Hertha’s usually unshakeable confidence wavered, her gaze darting away as she instinctively shuffled behind Thalassa for cover. 

Dr. Funke, now standing before them, regarded Hertha with a twinkle in his eye. “Singing my praises behind my back, and now shy when I show up? How curious.” 

Hertha tugged at Thalassa’s sleeve, silently pleading for her to take over. 

Having successfully lured Dr. Funke into the open with her unconventional strategy, it was now Thalassa’s turn to shine. 

– 

It wasn’t Dr. Funke she was avoiding it was the man by his side, Alaric! 

What were the odds of running into him here? 

“Dr. Funke, I hold you in high esteem as well,” Thalassa quickly interjected, “for your medical expertise that commands national admiration. There’s a patient I’d like you to have a look at. May we have a moment of your time to discuss this privately?” 

Her plea was as much an attempt to rescue Hertha from the awkward situation as it was an acknowledgment of Dr. Funke’s skills. Dr. Funke’s gaze shifted to Thalassa, sizing her up before speaking in a tone that was both firm and gentle, “You should’ve done your homework before coming. Come back when you’re ready.” 

With that, he made his way to the elevator, effectively dismissing Thalassa’s request before it even took off. 

Desperate, Thalassa moved to follow, but Alaric was already at Dr. Funke’s side, proposing, “Dr. Funke, I’m very pleased with the results of the conference. On behalf of the Falconer Group, I’d like to extend a formal offer of collaboration. Let’s find a quiet place to talk, shall we?”