Chapter 1302

Thalassa snapped back to reality, rising to her feet to see Ethan’s playful grin. Despite the levity on his face, she remained grave.

“Mr. Ethan,” she said with stern sincerity, “no matter what happens from now on, don’t take the fall for me. | can’t bear the thought of dragging anyone else into my mess.”

Ethan’s animated smile froze slightly at her words. It seemed almost inappropriate to keep up the joking demeanor when she was this serious.

Sobering up, he replied, “How can you call it a mess? | stepped in willingly to shield you from the heat, and you shouldn’t blame yourself for that.”

Before Thalassa could respond, Ethan continued, “Besides, it was your delicate face at stake. If that scalding water had hit you, it could’ve ruined your looks. But me? I’m a guy, tough skin and all. Even if | get a scar, it'll just be on my back, nothing to worry about.”

Ethan was grateful he’d been quick enough to intercept the boiled water intended for Thalassa. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be standing here, unscathed.

Thalassa felt a pang of bitterness as Ethan’s words sank in, and her eyes welled up with tears uncontrollably.

Even Ethan cared enough to spare her pain, while Lysander just remained oblivious.

Ever since Lysander believed she had tried to kill him with a rigged prop, his demeanor had turned noticeably frostier.

He didn’t trust her, nor did he care about her well-being.

Realizing she was losing her composure, Thalassa quickly tilted her head up, blinking back the tears.

With a self-deprecating and sour laugh, she said, “So what if my face gets ruined? It’s not the end of the world. Might even be a blessing in disguise.”

Perhaps if she were disfigured, Lysander would lose his last shred of interest and kick her to the curb once and for all. Then, she wouldn't have to entangle herself with him anymore.

Ethan read between the lines of her words—she was desperate to escape Lysander.

So desperate that she’d rather face disfigurement than stay with him.

Abandoning his usual joviality, Ethan spoke earnestly to Thalassa, “You really shouldn't be so hard on yourself. It was me who brought you here to visit Susan, hoping to squash the rumors she was spreading. It backfired, but consider it my mistake to make up for, okay? Don’t carry that burden.”

He had heard about Susan spreading rumors that Thalassa was out to end Lysander’s life, and those whispers had quickly reached Zephyr’s ears.

If Zephyr resorted to his measures, Thalassa and Lysander would have no chance of staying together.

Back in his day, Zephyr was a force to be reckoned with, with countless foes falling at his feet.

His ruthlessness was key to his success—once he set his mind to something, he showed no mercy.

Lysander had inherited his strong will and cold-heartedness from Zephyr.

Raised by Zephyr from a young age, Lysander was taught every trick in the book, even surpassing his mentor in decisiveness and resolve.

After Lysander’s father passed, Zephyr was heartbroken. He would not risk another tragedy on his grandson.

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Then, Zephyr would show no leniency.

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Pushing back her tears, Thalassa exhaled a heavy eonenne faced \

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Ethan met her query head-on, “I’m helping you because | feel | owe you.”

“What?” Thalassa thought she’d heard the world’s biggest joke.

Ethan felt he owed her?

What could he possibly owe her for?