Chapter 450

Thalassa knew exactly what a “strawberry” could look like. Her face immediately heated up as she quickly let go of Hertha.

Elowen, who had been running over, hopped onto the couch, sandwiching herself between Thalassa and Hertha. Her large, innocent eyes flicked back and forth between the two women. A playful smile danced on her lips as she asked, “Mommy, Auntie Hertha, what are you talking about? Where are the strawberries? I want some too.”

The little girl was unaware of the implication of their conversation. Hertha stifled a giggle behind her hand.

Thalassa, mortified and wishing she could disappear into the ground, forced a smile and gently told Elowen, “The strawberries are still at the supermarket, sweetheart. Auntie Hertha was just saying she was going to buy some for you.”

“Really, Auntie Hertha?” Elowen’s bright eyes turned to Hertha, awaiting confirmation.

Laughing, Hertha nodded and played along, “Yes, let’s go. I’ll take you to buy some strawberries.” As she took Elowen’s hand and got up to leave, she sent Thalassa a teasing glance that left her flushing with embarrassment.

Their children were oblivious to the adults conversation, but Evelyn wasn’t. She shot Thalassa a look before heading into the kitchen. The look was reproachful yet resigned.

“Mommy, where did you go’last night? We didn’t see you this morning when we woke up.” Dorian, swinging his tiny legs, came over to Thalassa with a worried look in his innocent eyes.

Thalassa caressed his soft little face and answered in a soothing voice, “Mommy had to work late, sweetie.”

“Hmph, I hate work! When I grow up, I’m going to defeat work so it can’t take you away from us.”

Dorian pouted, clearly unhappy with the concept of work stealing his mother away.

Thalassa couldn’t help but chuckle at his adorable naivety. Her attention was then drawn to Atticus, who was standing at a small table, his attention fully captured by a necklace with a cloud pendant that contained a microchip.

As the oldest sibling, Atticus was naturally curious about such electronic gadgets. Thalassa quickly scooped up the necklace, closed the pendant, and restored it to its original state before smiling at Atticus, “This is mommy’s necklace. It’s very high tech. Do you like it?”

Atticus, whose face was so much like Lysander’s, gave a small nod, “It’s nice.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I think it’s quite nice too.” Thalassa responded, putting the necklace back on.

Even though she had discovered the secret hidden within the necklace, she resolved to act as if she was unaware. She needed to avoid raising any suspicion.

That evening, Thalassa told her children she would be away on a business trip for a few days and that Auntie Hertha would be checking in on them. Hertha played along, affirming Thalassa’s supposed business trip.

Despite their disappointment, the children understood that they couldn’t interfere with their mother’s work.

Thalassa wanted nothing more than to stay with her children, but knew that she needed to keep her distance. Because Lysander was keeping a close eye on her movements.

That night, after tucking her children into bed, Thalassa watched Elowen’s little belly rise and fall rhythmically with her breath; her chubby cheeks made her look so adorable.