The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1084

Susan was absent for a full 24 hours. When she finally arrived home at 9PM, her demeanor was downcast, and she walked unsteadily due to intoxication.

Clutching the door frame for support, she fumbled with her shoes in the foyer. The sound of stifled sobs from the living room caught her attention, and she looked up to find Lucy, her eyes red and swollen from tears, turning toward her with a glimmer of hope.

Expecting to share the day’s family troubles with her daughter, Lucy was taken aback by the strong scent of alcohol enveloping Susan. Her maternal concern took precedence as she approached her wayward daughter.

"Susan, honey, who were you out drinking with now? You've got to take it easy with the booze, you know," Lucy chided gently.

Susan, shoes finally exchanged for comfortable slippers, glanced at Lucy through bleary eyes and managed a wry chuckle. "What, you think girls can't hold their liquor? I can drink most guys under the table."

Lucy's face was a mix of exasperation and concern. "That's not the point, sweetheart. It's dangerous for a girl to be out drunk like that. And you've always been so keen on snagging a man like Lysander. If you're not careful, if you lose... you know, your first time, Lysander might look down on you."

Lucy's voice held the weight of experience, her advice coming from a place both protective and conservative.

Ever since Susan was little, Lucy ingrained in her the importance of self-preservation, particularly when it came to matters of the heart and body.

"Guard yourself," Lucy would advise, "especially from those boys who only have one thing on their minds. Aim high, catch the eye of someone with real prospects."