chapter1217

In the Fortune Restaurant.

This time, Callum didn't opt for a private booth. Instead, he took a seat at one of the diner's tables in

the main eating area, the hum of conversation and clinking of cutlery surrounding them. Once settled,

he flagged down a waitress and started to order their meal.

Thalassa eyed him curiously. "Mr. Gordon, is there something urgent you wanted to tell me?" she

asked. Throughout their car ride earlier, he'd managed to sidestep any serious conversation.

A gentle smile played on Callum's lips. "I'd much prefer if you called me Callum," he replied with an

affable warmth.

Thalassa felt a tinge of embarrassment. She had called him Callum at their first encounter out of

surprise, without thinking too much. Now that she was collected, she leaned towards using "Mr.

Gordon" as it seemed more polite and more proper.

In an attempt to mask her awkwardness, Thalassa picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip, feeling

the warmth of the diner's signature blend.

Noticing her discomfort, Callum didn't press the issue. He cradled his own coffee cup, seemingly

absorbed in the simple act of holding it. His casual and natural gestures complemented the easy smile

that made him so approachable.

"Actually, the reason I asked to meet today is a personal matter," he confessed.

Thalassa looked up, her expression open and expectant. Callum had never before spoken to her about

his personal life. Their interactions had always revolved around their mutual acquaintance, Leopold

Sinclair.

"Debby was foolish for what she did, to say the least. I'd like to apologize on her behalf," Callum said,

his kind eyes meeting hers earnestly.

Taken aback by his words, Thalassa stammered, "Mr.—Callum, why would you apologize for Debby?

What's your role in this?"

She'd started to default to "Mr. Gordon" out of habit, but remembering his earlier request, she quickly

corrected herself.

His sudden seriousness indeed caught her off guard. How could Callum be apologizing for Debby?

Sensing her confusion, Callum explained, "Debby's my cousin."

It suddenly clicked for Thalassa. She'd never known about the connection between Callum and Debby.

"Debby's been infatuated with Leopold for years. My own relationship with him started partly because

of her," Callum continued, delving into the tale of how he and Leopold met, grew to know each other,

and developed a deep friendship.

"In the early days, Debby was so obsessed with Leopold that when she found out he was going

overseas, and given I was abroad too, she asked me to help him out. Eventually, I met Leopold and

was impressed by his determination. We were both in the throes of starting our own ventures, shared

common goals and respected each other's ambitions. Over time, we became best friends."

Thalassa listened to Callum's recollections, to the story of Leopold's entrepreneurial journey.

Thalassa's heart sank, her brows knitting together.

Callum looked at her intently and continued, "He said he needed to become strong, to be outstanding.

Only with sufficient wealth, powerful influence, and a status that commanded respect, would he have a

chance to be with her again." New ch?pter av?ilable o? Draмаnоvеls.cоm

Though Callum didn't specify, Thalassa knew who he was talking about.

Her heart felt as though it was being torn.