Chapter 1008


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


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


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


    entrees, the long tables wereden with an array of jade jewelry—pendants, bracelets, circr


    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 impably dressed in tailored suits,


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


    era of schrs and artists.


    Thssa, 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


    entuate it.


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


    as he noted Thssa, who was standing by Lysander’s side. "And Thssa, 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 hade to her the previous night.


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


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


    was escorted home safely — a n 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 apany 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. Inparison to thetter’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 nces, not brazen enough to stare openly.


    Thssa 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. Sinir 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, sping 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 hadnded


    him in Thssa''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.


    Thssa watched and astounded as Lysander uttered apliment. 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." Joshuaughed 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.


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    Lysander sat, and Thssa, unsure of her ce, 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 Thssa, alleviating her awkwardness with the grace of a benevolent elder.