The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 2070

Lysander kept addressing him as Mr. Whitman, and deep down, Joshua felt a sting. It was a clear sign that Lysander and Thalassa hadn't forgiven him yet. Back in the day, ignoring Thalassa and Lysander's feelings, he had insisted on giving Rosalind the credit for taking care of Lysander—a role rightfully Thalassa's. Forcing Rosalind and Lysander together was his mistake.

He had to admit, his affection for Rosalind outweighed his feelings for Thalassa. His bias, driven by affection, had blinded him to Thalassa's emotions in moments that mattered most. Now, Thalassa and Lysander had overcome their trials and were finally together. But the knot in their hearts towards him wasn't so easily untangled. Lysander used to call him Joshua, but now it was the distant Mr. Whitman. Even though he was his father-in-law, a simple "Dad" from Lysander wouldn't have been too much. Yet, Lysander's consistent and distant Mr. Whitman made Joshua's heart heavy with sorrow.

But he could only express this wish to Lysander, never daring to ask Thalassa. At Joshua's words, Thalassa's heart skipped a beat. His wish to hear her call him "Dad" felt like a heavy weight suddenly dropped into her heart, making it sink with discomfort. Her hand, gripped tightly around the fabric of her dress, was suddenly enveloped by a warm, dry embrace, the warmth spreading from her hand to her heart.

This gesture from Lysander eased the chill in her heart and steadied her nerves. With a sideways glance at Lysander, his silent comfort made her feel significantly better. In the short seconds after Joshua spoke those words, Thalassa's heart was a stormy sea, yet her exterior remained calm, as if undisturbed. Maintaining a polite smile, Thalassa responded, "Three years ago, you promised to persuade Zephyr to let me take care of Lysander, and I agreed to accept you as my father. That settled our father-daughter relationship."

Her answer was clever and soothing, yet devoid of emotion. She never denied their father-daughter relationship. But did the title of "Dad" really matter? Joshua felt a slight consolation, yet the bitterness was overwhelming. He could only offer a smile, unable to say more. Thalassa's words, though acknowledging their relationship, reminded him that their bond was merely a transaction.

It was just that—a transaction, devoid of familial love. When he agreed to help her with Zephyr in exchange for her calling him "Dad," their relationship was recognized. But their father-daughter bond was born out of a deal. As for seeing him as a beloved father, she couldn't.

Joshua remained silent, pulling out a chair to sit. Rosalind approached the table, not sitting down, but facing Thalassa as if defending her father from an injustice, saying, "Dad has always cared for you, yet you're so ungrateful. I've never seen anyone as cold and heartless as you!"

Rosalind's words were direct and pointed. After speaking, she glanced at Lysander, aiming to show him that Thalassa was cold and heartless, unworthy of his deep affection.