Chapter 866

Thalassa turned towards the source of the sound and saw a tall, well-built man with neat short hair, wearing a fashionable off-white shirt, navy blue trousers, and stylish leather shoes.

His eyes were framed by brows that naturally arched into a smile, giving him a genteel and handsome look. He seemed approachable. He approached Thalassa, his gaze briefly sweeping over her before settling on Ethan.

“Callum Gordon! It’s a rare sight to see you here! Weren’t you always abroad? When did you get back?” Ethan’s eyes lit up at the sight of the man. He walked up to him and exchanged a casual high-

five and shoulder bump.

It was clear that they had a close relationship.

“I got back yesterday, and I’m not leaving again. I’m planning to settle down here.” Callum replied with a smile. After exchanging pleasantries with Ethan, his gaze shifted to Thalassa. With a teasing smile, he asked, “Look at you, all in love. Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Realizing Callum was referring to Thalassa, Ethan looked a bit startled. A hint of trepidation flashed in his eyes before he quickly clarified, “You’ve got it wrong. She’s not my girlfriend. She’s my secretary, Thalassa Everhart. Thalassa, this is Callum Gordon, the eldest son of the prestigious Gordon family.”

While explaining, Ethan introduced both parties to each other.

He wouldn’t dare to take advantage of Thalassa. She was Lysander’s woman. If Lysander found out that someone mistook Thalassa as Ethan’s girlfriend, Ethan would be in deep trouble. He wouldn’t dare to joke about Lysander’s woman.

“Oh, Thalassa?” Callum looked at Thalassa differently upon hearing her name. His previously teasing expression became more serious. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Gordon. I’m Thalassa, Mr. Ethan’s secretary.”

Thalassa greeted Callum with a polite nod.

When she looked at Callum, she noticed his gaze on her. His sophisticated eyes held a deep intensity that caught Thalassa off guard. “Nice to meet you too, Thalassa. Like Ethan, you can just call me Callum.” Callum regained his composure, the seriousness in his eyes disappearing, replaced by a warm smile.

After a brief introduction, Callum handed his invitation to the doorman and they entered the banquet hall together.

The banquet was filled with socialites and influential figures. Everyone carried themselves with elegance and decorum.

Amelia and Payton were busy entertaining guests, while Zephyr was seated at the head of the banquet hall, conversing with some respected elders.

However, Lysander was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he hadn’t arrived yet.

Thalassa scanned the room and felt a sense of relief when she didn’t spot Lysander, but at the same time, she also felt a tinge of disappointment. However, she quickly dismissed this feeling of loss.

“Ethan, there you are! Please, come this way.” Amelia greeted them warmly, gesturing for them to follow her.

Upon noticing Thalassa, Amelia’s smile faltered slightly. She gave Thalassa a cold, disdainful look before quickly masking it with a polite smile.

Thalassa felt a knot in her stomach under Amelia’s icy gaze. She lowered her eyes and kept quiet.

“Thank you for your warm hospitality, Mrs. Sinclair. You don’t have to worry, about us.” Ethan responded politely.

Amelia simply nodded and moved on to entertain other guests.

Thalassa knew she wasn’t welcome here. Amelia’s cold gaze had made her feel uncomfortable.

‘Mr. Ethan, I need to use the restroom.” Thalassa excused herself.

“Sure, go ahead. And when you come back, make sure to eat something. You look a bit pale.” Ethan suggested.

They hadn’t had dinner before coming to the banquet, and Ethan thought Thalassa might be feeling hungry.