The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1633

Thalassa and Hertha's latest design project was a hit, something Callum and Reginald realized too late, kicking themselves for not jumping on the opportunity to invest. It seemed illogical, even reckless, for seasoned businessmen like them to pre-order the next project without even a glimpse of the design. What if, knowing they had a guaranteed sale, Thalassa and Hertha decided to slack off and cobble together something subpar? Wouldn't they worry about that?

But Callum was resolute, his nod firm. "Yes, we've decided to purchase whatever you come up with next. Because it's your creation, Thalassa. Anything from you is bound to be exceptional."

His words, spoken with a seriousness that replaced his usual playful gaze, made Thalassa's heart flutter with unease.

"Mr. Gordon, this is no small matter..."

"Did you notice I dressed differently today?" Callum shifted the conversation from business to something more personal, catching Thalassa off guard.

She blinked, taking a moment to really look at him. Indeed, he wasn't wearing his usual monochromatic attire. Instead of beige or khaki shirts paired with black trousers, today he sported a blue plaid shirt, trendy slim-fit pants, and stylish leather shoes, giving him a youthful vibe.

This look was oddly familiar to Thalassa, stirring a sense of déjà vu.

As she puzzled over it, Callum's voice, smooth and comforting, revealed the answer: "Yes, this was Leopold's favorite style."

The mention of Leopold's name sent a sharp pang through Thalassa's heart, her breathing hitching. Callum's outfit, a mirror of Leopold's preferred youthful fashion, brought back a flood of memories. Leopold, with his sunny disposition and chestnut brown hair, always favored blue plaid shirts. The man before her now seemed to blur into the image of Leopold from her memories.

It felt like a vice gripped her heart, the pain and breathlessness overwhelming.

"You still love him, don't you? You haven't forgotten him," Callum's direct question struck deep, forcing Thalassa to face her unresolved feelings.

Clutching her chest, struggling for air, she deflected, "Mr. Gordon, I'd rather not talk about the past."

Suddenly, Callum was kneeling before her, his gaze intense and filled with concern. "Thalassa, don't run from your heart. You still love Leopold, and as his best friend, I know everything about him. Let me love you in his stead. Being with me... it's like being with him..."

The proximity of Callum's earnest, almost incredulous confession widened Thalassa's eyes in shock and turmoil. She instinctively leaned back, trying to create distance between them, her voice shaking. "Mr. Gordon, you're upset. You should go home." His seriousness frightened her; it was madness.

Callum remained still, pressing her, "Why do you shy away? Is it because of Lysander? Leopold traded his life for your freedom. Now that you're free, you can pursue love again, and I can be the one to love you in Leopold's place. Why do you resist?"

The gentle warmth usually found in Callum's eyes was replaced with a stern, almost dark intensity. Thalassa felt scared, her anxiety peaking at his unyielding stance.

With a resolve born of desperation, she retorted coldly, "Yes, I still love Leopold, and no one can replace him in my heart! Your being his friend changes nothing. Even Lysander, as close as he was to Leopold, can't take his place in my heart. What makes you think you can?"

As the echoes of her declaration faded, Thalassa noticed a disturbance at the door, which she hadn't closed upon entering. Someone was there, but who? Her eyes darted to the doorway, apprehensive about what—or whom—she might find.