The CEO's Amazing Ex-Wife Is Back (Thalassa and Kris) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184
“Thalassa.” Linda nodded slightly after several tensed seconds, her smile returning as she extended her hand. “I’m very glad you could make it.”

“I’m sure you are.” Thalassa’s lips stretched into a smile as she took Linda’s hand for a handshake.

The handshake lingered a bit too long, so tense that everyone in the hall could feel it as the two women stared into each other’s eyes.

Linda was the first to break the stare, pulling her hand back from Thalassa’s grip. Thalassa’s lips twitched in amusement.

“I’m happy you decided to do the right thing by clearing my name,” Linda spoke evenly.

“Oh, I had to,” Thalassa replied, her gaze sharpening despite her smile. “After all, that’s what just people do. They expose the truth for everyone to see. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Linda’s smile faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Yes, I agree.”

They stared at each other again, the tension building until Susan and Cynthia appeared behind Linda. “Welcome to our party, Thalassa. We hope you have a good evening,” Cynthia spoke.

Both women had smiles plastered on their faces, because Linda had warned them not to show any hostility towards Thalassa, at least not until the company recovered further.

“Yes, Thalassa. Welcome. Good to see you again,” Susan chimed in, though her tone was anything but warm.

To break the uncomfortable silence that had settled over the guests, Linda swept her eyes across the room. “Please, let’s continue enjoying the party.”

Immediately, the crowd resumed their conversations as if they hadn’t been watching like vultures just moments ago.

“Kris tells me that the two of you are back together,” Linda said, turning her attention back to Thalassa. “I assume that’s why you decided to clear my name?”

“Yes.” Thalassa smiled. “We’re going to be family again soon. I hope I’ll be treated better than before. Speaking of which, I never did get an apology for everything.”

Linda stiffened, her nostrils flaring with barely concealed irritation. “I think it’s better not to focus on the past too much, don’t you dear?”

“Well, the Fashion Awards scandal is also in the past, isn’t it? I wasn’t obligated to clear your name, but I did it anyway.”

Susan’s smile slipped right off. “You’re delusional if you think—”

“Susan!” Linda hissed, shooting her a warning glare before turning her forced smile back to Thalassa. “Thalassa is right. She does deserve an apology. We’re sorry, Thalassa. We should have treated you better.”

“Yes, we really are,” Cynthia added quickly, following Linda’s lead.