The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1616

Thalassa, with Lydia in tow, made her way to the grand entrance of the Royal Estates. The sight of two security guards stationed at the gate was no surprise. As Thalassa approached, ready to explain her presence and ask them to inform Lysander of their arrival, the guards bowed slightly, saying, “Ms. Everhart, please, after you…”

Their respectful demeanor took Thalassa aback. These were the same guards who, not so long ago, had unceremoniously tossed her belongings outside the estate, coldly informing her that she was no longer welcome at Royal Estates.

Now, their attitude had done a complete one-eighty, treating her with such politeness and respect that it was almost disorienting. Thalassa guessed this change of heart must’ve been Lysander’s doing. With the misunderstanding cleared, he must have issued new instructions regarding her.

Being welcomed back into Royal Estates felt reassuring.

Holding Lydia's hand firmly, Thalassa led her past the guards without any resistance. They walked through the manicured garden, reaching the open doors of the Royal Estates mansion. As they stepped inside, Thalassa was immediately struck by the scene unfolding before her.

Lysander was seated in a wheelchair, his handsome face set in a grim expression. He was turned away from the door, allowing Thalassa a view of his stern profile. Rosalind knelt beside him, gripping the armrest of his wheelchair, her eyes red from crying.

“I know Dad’s still on the mend, but you talking about calling off the engagement now? Aren’t you worried it’ll just make things worse for him?” Rosalind pleaded, a single tear trailing down her cheek.

“Joshua’s tougher than that,” Lysander replied, his voice as cold as ice.

“But I’m not!” Rosalind exclaimed, her tears falling freely now. She clung to the wheelchair, her knuckles white from the strain. “Is it because you don’t find me attractive? Grandpa Zephyr and my dad, they both wanted this marriage for us. Marry me, and the Whitman Group is yours, you’d have everything you need to build your empire. Why call it off?”

Lysander glanced over with a look that silenced rooms. “I don’t need handouts to build my empire.”

His voice, deep and commanding, left no room for argument. He was a man who didn’t rely on others to achieve his dreams.

Rosalind, caught by his intense gaze, felt her heart race. It dawned on her how naive she had been, thinking the Whitman Group would be enough to sway Lysander. But he was a titan in his own right, someone who could make or break companies overnight. The realization made her retreat, both physically and emotionally.

As she turned away, she caught sight of Thalassa and Lydia standing at the entrance. Rosalind's embarrassment at being seen in such a state fueled her anger, which she directed at Thalassa with a chilly sneer, “Really, Thalassa, here to freeload a meal again? And you brought a friend to mooch off us too? How low have you sunk?”

Lydia, taken aback by Rosalind's rudeness, stepped forward, ready to defend Thalassa.