chapter437

“Thalassa? Why aren’t you at the office?” Hertha’s cheerful voice broke through the silence of the living room.

“I’m taking a day for personal reflection,” Thalassa replied, leaning back against the sofa and clutching a plush toy for comfort.

Before long, Hertha arrived at the door, sensing the shift in her friend’s spirit. Thalassa found herself seeking solace in Hertha’s presence, recounting the high-stakes chess match of the previous night.

“Lysander’s perception is formidable,” Thalassa admitted. “He saw through my attempts to shield my meeting with Leopold. He operates with such absolute control that it feels impossible to keep any secret safe.”

Hertha listened intently, her expression shifting from concern to fierce support. “Thalassa, you must remember that you owe him nothing beyond your professional expertise. A man like Sinclair uses his influence to create a sense of inevitability, but your life is your own. You have a world he knows nothing about—a family that is your true priority.”

Hertha’s focus remained on the balance of power. “Don’t let his intensity dictate your self-worth. You are a professional, a mother of four, and a woman of incredible resilience. If he treats his personal life like a strategic merger, then you must treat your own peace of mind as your most valuable asset.”

Thalassa felt the gloom beginning to lift. While the path ahead remained obscured by Lysander’s shadow, the warmth of her home and the unwavering loyalty of her friend reminded her of the colors that existed outside the gray walls of the Sinclair Group.