chapter1008

Lysander strode into the Draven International Hotel's banquet hall with Thalassa at his side. The event

was a curious blend of ancient charm and modern extravagance, with fossil displays that might have

belonged in a museum rather than a social gathering. Instead of the usual buffet of appetizers and

entrees, the long tables were laden with an array of jade jewelry—pendants, bracelets, circular

pendants, and all manner of trinkets. It seemed less like a party and more like an upscale antique

market.

The attendees were all significant business magnates, each impeccably dressed in tailored suits,

exuding an air of affluence and propriety. Their interactions laced with the polite formalities of a bygone

era of scholars and artists.

Thalassa, grateful for her choice of understated attire, remained close to Lysander, relieved not to draw

attention. She preferred the shadows to the spotlight, aiming to diminish her presence rather than

accentuate it.

"You've made it, Lysander." greeted Richard Draven with effusive warmth. His expression brightened

as he noted Thalassa, who was standing by Lysander’s side. "And Thalassa, what a pleasure to see

you again." He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing full well the trouble he'd have faced with Lysander if

any harm had come to her the previous night.

Thalassa nodded politely in response, choosing not to engage in conversation. She recalled that Ethan

had told her that Richard called him last night and asked for her number, undoubtedly to ensure she

was escorted home safely — a plan foiled upon finding her missing. It must have been Richard who

alerted Lysander to her disappearance. How else could Lysander have abruptly appeared at the Crest

Summit hotel in the accompany of a bunch of people with such urgency?

"Mr. Joshua is awaiting your presence in the private room, Lysander. I'll lead the way." Richard said, his

tone shifting to one of seriousness.

He led the way, and Lysander walked behind him. In comparison to the latter’s august and intimidating

manner, Richard looked almost like a pageboy.

As they passed through the banquet hall, Lysander's innate aristocratic demeanor drew the gaze of

many an entrepreneur. They dared only to sneak furtive glances, not brazen enough to stare openly.

Thalassa could feel the weight of the collective attention as she followed behind them. It was not on

her, but on Lysander. By his side, she too basked in the limelight, albeit vicariously.

"Mr. Joshua, Mr. Sinclair has arrived." announced Richard, pushing open the door to the private room

with a hospitable smile.

Joshua rose to greet Lysander, his imposing frame and broad shoulders indicative of a man who,

despite middle age and a few lines of wisdom, still retained a mature, rugged handsomeness that

hinted a charm in his younger ages.

"Lysander, you've grown more distinguished with the years." Joshua remarked, clasping Lysander's

shoulder with a warm, affable grin.

"Joshua, you've not lost your edge." Lysander replied. It had been five years since an injury had landed

him in Thalassa's barn, entwining their fates. After their encounter, he had searched for her but only to

believe she had perished. Then he sought treatment abroad, where his correspondence with Joshua

had deepened.

Lysander and Joshua shared a camaraderie akin to distant brotherhood.

Thalassa watched and astounded as Lysander uttered a compliment. To her surprise, that man who

was always so stern, so cold, was capable of praise. It was as if she had witnessed the sun rising from

the west.

"Ha! Lysander, you've learned the art of conversation. That's refreshing. You seem more vibrant than

the silent and stoic man I knew." Joshua laughed heartily and patted Lysander's back.

"Come, take a seat. There's much I wish to discuss with you." Joshua invited. He returned to his seat

and gestured for Lysander to join him across the table.

Lysander sat, and Thalassa, unsure of her place, remained standing beside him, feeling very much like

an unobtrusive servant waiting to attend to his needs.

"And you too, Miss. Please take a seat. Don't be shy. Sit by Lysander; it's all right." Joshua said kindly

to Thalassa, alleviating her awkwardness with the grace of a benevolent elder.