Chapter 982
The little munchkins hurled themselves into Thalassa’s embrace, their cuddly little bodies melting into her arms. She nuzzled them affectionately with her cheek, her voice tender and soothing.
“Mommy’s here, sweethearts. Don’t worry, no more tears.” Thalassa’s voice hitched, her eyes brimming with emotion.
“Mommy.” Sophia’s tiny hand reached up, dabbing at her tears.
“Mommy, we were so scared when you disappeared yesterday,” Dorian murmured, his little head burrowing into Thalassa’s chest, his voice laced with fear and vulnerability.
“Didn’t Daddy bring me back? You’ve got to believe, your dad is like a superhero-there’s nothing he can’t do,” Thalassa reassured them, her words wrapping them in comfort.
No sooner had she spoken than a chilly presence seemed to emanate from the staircase, the cold draft weaving through the air and tugging at nerves. Thalassa instinctively turned, meeting Lysander’s deep, inscrutable gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, feigning composure.
Lysander remained silent, taking his seat at the dining table.
“Yeah, Daddy is like Superman, he’s so cool,” Dorian nodded, his wide, admiring eyes reflecting pure adoration.
Atticus pouted slightly, chiming in, “I’m super cool, too. I tracked Mommy’s phone yesterday.”
Dorian had always looked up to Atticus, his eyes filled with nothing but admiration for his older brother. But now, with Dorian starting to idolize someone else, Atticus felt a twinge of jealousy. Despite his usual aversion to bragging, he couldn’t help but mention his own
contribution.
Dorian gazed at Atticus, nodding vigorously, “Yeah, Atticus is awesome! He used his computer to find Mommy’s phone and sent the location to Dad. Atticus is my hero!”
Atticus’ face broke into a smile at Dorian’s words of admiration.
Thalassa was stunned and overwhelmed as she turned towards Atticus; a realization suddenly dawned her.
Yes, her son Atticus was a top-notch hacker. Breaking into other people’s phones and computers was his expertise. So, deleting a video should have been a piece of cake for him!
Exited, Thalassa’s heart raced as she opened her mouth, preparing to say something to Atticus when suddenly, she felt an icy pressure from behind.
Turning, she encountered Lysander’s deep, searching gaze.
All her excitement, in that one second of eye contact with Lysander, got stuck in her throat.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the excitement back down.
She couldn’t say it, not with Lysander there. What if he heard and stopped Atticus from helping?
To Lysander, having her witness her own mother’s degradation, letting that video spread, making her watch her mother suffer-it was all part of the punishment, perhaps even crueler than his office reprimand the day before,
She absolutely couldn’t let Lysander find out.
“Atticus, you’re amazing, my little hero,” Thalassa managed to say, gently caressing Atticus’ cheek, her voice filled with pride.
“Don’t mention it, Mom,” Atticus grinned, his rare smile,revealing a row of pearly teeth.
Being naturally reserved and not one to smile often, his grin was a testament to his genuine happiness-his mother was safe at home and had recognized his efforts.
“Let’s eat, Lysander commanded, his authoritative voice cutting through any hesitation.
“Come on, let’s have breakfast,” Thalassa stood, ushering the kids to the dining area.
The children, out of habit, took their usual seats in a row, leaving only four chairs occupied. With the kids settled, Thalassa’s spot was conspicuously absent. The only available seat was next to Lysander.
The kids, not as observant, assumed their mother would naturally sit across from them. They were focused on their breakfast and the Comforting routine of their family gathering,