The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1217

In the Fortune Restaurant.

This time, Callum didn't opt for a private booth. Instead, he took a seat at one of the diner's tables in the main eating area, the hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery surrounding them. Once settled, he flagged down a waitress and started to order their meal.

Thalassa eyed him curiously. "Mr. Gordon, is there something urgent you wanted to tell me?" she asked. Throughout their car ride earlier, he'd managed to sidestep any serious conversation.

A gentle smile played on Callum's lips. "I'd much prefer if you called me Callum," he replied with an affable warmth.

Thalassa felt a tinge of embarrassment. She had called him Callum at their first encounter out of surprise, without thinking too much. Now that she was collected, she leaned towards using "Mr. Gordon" as it seemed more polite and more proper.

In an attempt to mask her awkwardness, Thalassa picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip, feeling the warmth of the diner's signature blend.

Noticing her discomfort, Callum didn't press the issue. He cradled his own coffee cup, seemingly absorbed in the simple act of holding it. His casual and natural gestures complemented the easy smile that made him so approachable.

"Actually, the reason I asked to meet today is a personal matter," he confessed.

Thalassa looked up, her expression open and expectant. Callum had never before spoken to her about his personal life. Their interactions had always revolved around their mutual acquaintance, Leopold Sinclair.

"Debby was foolish for what she did, to say the least. I'd like to apologize on her behalf," Callum said, his kind eyes meeting hers earnestly.

Taken aback by his words, Thalassa stammered, "Mr.—Callum, why would you apologize for Debby? What's your role in this?"

She'd started to default to "Mr. Gordon" out of habit, but remembering his earlier request, she quickly corrected herself.