The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1009

Thalassa was shocked but flattered when Joshua initiated conversation with her. A bit flustered, she hurriedly responded politely, “Thank you, Mr. Joshua. But there’s no trouble at all.”

Lysander hadn't offered her a seat, and she knew better than to just plop down beside him without being asked.

“Mr. Joshua asked you to sit, so please, take a seat.” Lysander said.

Thalassa stood rooted to the spot, not immediately sitting, as if she was absent-minded.

Was Lysander truly inviting her to sit? Next to him, of all places?

“Thalassa, have a seat. Mr. Joshua is very easy going, so please help yourself.” Richard said, pulling out a chair next to Lysander and gesturing for her to sit.

Thalassa looked up and saw Joshua's friendly smile beaming back at her.

If she didn't sit down now, she'd appear rude.

So, she seated herself beside Lysander, slightly nervous.

A waiter nearby began pouring wine into their glasses, even filling Thalassa's glass halfway with red wine. Thalassa nodded and smiled at the waiter to show her appreciation.

Meanwhile, Lysander, Richard, and Joshua didn't give the waiter a second glance as their glasses were filled.

Once their glasses were attended to, Joshua lifted his and looked at Lysander with a smile. “Aren't you going to introduce us to the lovely lady by your side?”

Hearing Joshua prompt Lysander for an introduction, Thalassa's heart skipped a beat. She averted her gaze and looked to Lysander's profile, feeling uneasy and unsure about how he would present her.

To say Thalassa was Lysander's ex-secretary was an understatement; really, it was better to say that she was the mother of his children. This relationship was as intimate as it was distant – without marriage, they were practically strangers.

Feeling her spirits dampen, Thalassa struggled to respond to Joshua's proposition. Her hand was already on the glass; to say she didn't drink could seem like a snub.

Forcing a smile, she lifted her glass and toasted to Joshua. “It's an honor to share a drink with you, Mr. Joshua.”

“Ha! For that comment alone, I must drink up. Here's to you.” Joshua laughed heartily, draining his glass in one shot.

Seeing this, Thalassa felt obliged to follow suit out of respect for his kindness.

She took a deep breath, ready to down her drink in one gulp. But as she brought the glass to her lips, Lysander's strong hand suddenly grasped hers and stopped her halfway.