chapter1541

But remembering how Bridget had been a rock for her, taking care of the kids while she was recovering from the car accident, Hertha felt she couldn't possibly say no this time. Bridget had been juggling caring for her and the kids without a break for days on end.

This time, Bridget needed the time off for a family matter, and Hertha knew it would be heartless to refuse. "Alright, Bridget, take tomorrow off. I'll call in a day's leave at the office," Hertha said. "Thank you, Ms. Kensington,” Bridget sighed with relief, her gratitude palpable.

"Don't mention it, I should be the one thanking you.” Hertha replied.

The next day, Thalassa was up at the crack of dawn, sharing a quick breakfast with Astrid before getting ready to meet Dr. Funke and the woman he was set up with.

After Thalassa left, Astrid was clearing the table when she noticed Thalassa had left the woman's profile on the coffee table. Astrid grabbed the documents and rushed out, but Thalassa had already driven off.

Panic set in for Astrid. Thalassa had specifically printed those documents for Dr. Funke to review during the blind date, having been asked by Dr. Funke himself to arrange this with detailed information on the woman.

Having overheard Thalassa's conversations with Dr. Funke, Astrid knew he was not one to be trifled with—demanding, with a peculiar personality. She knew Thalassa was going to have a tough time without those documents.

After much deliberation, Astrid decided to take a cab and deliver the documents herself, grateful she knew the meeting place from her chat with the woman the day before.

Thalassa arrived at the café at nine, an hour before her meeting with Dr. Funke was scheduled. She opened her bag to give the documents one last look, only to find she hadn't brought them.

Should she go back? Traffic was at its peak, and a round trip would take over an hour—not enough time. Just then, Astrid called to say she was on her way with the documents, easing Thalassa’s worries. She told her aunt to be careful.

A few minutes later, Astrid arrived, documents in hand. "Did I hold you up?" she asked

"No, no, Dr. Funke hasn't arrived yet," Thalassa gratefully said.

Macias goed then," Astrid nodded, about to leave when a middle- aged man entered. He was dressed ive a suit and tie, not particularly tal-or S riking, but his demeanor blénded huenor with a touch of elegance. Céntent belongs to

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He glanced at\thalassa and then at Astrid, who4Qoked graceful despite her age, her-hair almost entirely => gray. "THalassa, youre really skimping on effort now, bringing someone who's halfway to the grave fora blind date,” he remarked.

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Thalassa turned to see Dr. Funke approachingsrealizing he mistook Astrid forhis date. She was about te correct him when Astrid, stung by~ his woktts, retorted, "How dare you speak to me like that? Callingme hatfway to the grave? Haveyou no décency?"

Astrid was usually the picture of composure, rarely losing her temper unless truly provoked