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?”