The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1522

Thalassa was on edge about Hertha's blunt nature, worried she might blurt out something earth-shattering. Quickly, she clinked glasses with Hertha, offering a diversion, "Here's to you, the grand designer," she said, raising her beer. "Didn't you mention you've never been horseback riding and really wanted to try it?"

Thalassa was trying to steer the conversation away from any potential deal-breakers. After all, the Crawley Group and the Sinclair Group hadn't inked their contract yet, and anything could happen until they did.

She feared Hertha might, in a moment of excitement, say something that would rub Lysander the wrong way and jeopardize the deal.

Thalassa didn't know Lysander well, but she was aware of his unpredictable moods. One moment he was all smiles, and the next, he could turn on someone with incredible speed.

Hadn't Rosalind and Lysander shot down their design proposal when she had pitched it to Reginald and Callum?

And now, Lysander was in a bidding war with Ethan and Alaric for the same unaltered plans.

Indeed, Lysander's moods could change on a dime.

Hertha, with her eyes wide with excitement, caught on and eagerly chimed in, "Oh yes, I'd absolutely love to go horseback riding. Mr. Sinclair, Mr. Ethan, Alar... Mr. Falconer, and you too. Plus, David and Donovan, I'll toast with coffee instead of wine before I head out."

After making her rounds at the table and draining her glass, Hertha, with a playful nod to the gentlemen, grabbed Thalassa and headed for the racecourse.

Once they were a bit away, Thalassa leaned in and whispered, "Are you sure about this? You're still recovering from that concussion."

She was just finding another topic so Hertha wouldn't talk too much, because if she did, she'd spill the beans.

Hertha was undeterred, "Of course! I've always wanted to ride, but my folks never allowed it. Now's my chance, and I'm not backing down."

"But your health..." Thalassa fretted.