Chapter 857


    Thssa drew in a deep breath, gritted her teeth and said, “I’ve made ns to meet Hertha at the pub,


    so I won’t be heading to Royal Estates with you.”


    Even though it was Lysander who’d invited her initially, she just wanted to stand him up. After all, she


    hadn’t promised him anything, let alone to go with him to Royal Estates after work.


    She had her own life, and it wasn’t like she would do everything the way he wanted!


    As soon as Thssa finished her words, she could feel the tension oozing from the other end of the


    phone. Even through the screen, Lysander’s displeasure was palpable. Thssa held her breath,


    readying herself for his wrath and preparing for a fight back.


    “Alright,” Lysander finally responded after a pause, then hung up abruptly.


    Thssa tossed her phone onto the seat beside her, nced at the entrance of the Crawley Group,


    steered the wheel, and drove off.


    Thssa had been bracing for Lysander’s fury. She had even prepared a few rebuttals in her mind,


    ready to strike back.


    But to her surprise, all she got was a resigned ‘alright’ before he ended the call.


    He wasn’t angry at all.


    This unexpected turn of events left Thssa feeling perplexed.


    With the call ended, Thssa’s rigid shoulders rxed, and she let out a sigh of relief.


    In a short while, Hertha arrived, and Thssa hopped into her car.


    Hertha held the steering wheel with both hands, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, ncing at


    Thssa beside her from time to time..


    “Did Lysander give you a hard time after we left the beach yesterday?” Hertha asked, concerncing


    her voice.


    Thssa shook her head. “No.”


    “Oh, good.” Hertha exhaled, “Let’s get something to eat first. The pub isn’t open yet. What would you


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    like to eat?”


    “I’ll eat whatever you order,” Thssa replied, not really in the mood.


    She didn’t have an appetite and wasn’t feeling up to eating. Amodating her preferences would just


    be a waste.


    “Are you okay? You seem a bit off today.” Hertha asked with concern.


    She had been friends with Thssa for years and could read her like an open book. If Thssa was


    upset, she would know right away.


    “I’m fine, Thssa replied.


    Hertha responded, “Thssa, don’t dwell on it. Leopold’s gone, and he would want you to be happy. If


    you’re always down, he would be worried, wouldn’t he? Cheer up, you still have four kids who need a


    happy mom.””


    Listening to Hertha’s words, Thssa felt a lump in her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She


    didn’t know how to respond.


    “Alright, let’s not talk about him anymore. Let’s go-get something to eat. I’m starving,” Hertha


    suggested, changing the subject.


    “Sure, Thssa held back her tears and nodded in response.


    During peak hours, the mall was bustling with people going about their business.


    Hertha and Thssa arrived at the Radiant Barbecue Shop on the third floor, where a waiter showed


    them to a window-side seat and handed them the


    menu.


    As Hertha was browsing the menu, a woman’s angry voice came from the next table.


    “You’re such a jerk! You’re on a date with me, and you’re texting other women. I’m so disappointed in


    you!”


    Hertha and Thssa turned to see a woman standing, picking up a cup of water, and sshing it all


    over the man in front of her.


    “Wow!” Hertha gawked, intrigued by the drama unfolding before her.


    The man closed his eyes as the tea sshed over his face. After a moment, he wiped his face, opened


    his enchanting eyes, and stared at the woman. “Can’t you handle a little fun?”