Chapter 1386
Joshua peered into Thalassa’s eyes, those steely pools of determination, and saw not the excitement of discovering her father but a subdued torrent of sorrow.
His lips curled into a wry smile, his interest piqued. “Everyone else goes to great lengths to claim me as their father, yet you seem reluctant. Are you agreeing to this paternity test just to ask a favor of me?”
It was a rarity indeed. Someone was actually indifferent to the prospect of being the daughter of Joshua, a titan of international business?
This was a stark contrast to Isabella, who had eagerly sought the title, even willing to slander her mother with infidelity to win his paternal recognition.
Suppressing her inherent dread of the word ‘father’, Thalassa’s voice wavered with emotion as she addressed Joshua, “That’s right. If you don’t agree to my terms, then there’s no point in taking the test. It’s not necessary.”
Joshua’s mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Well, let’s hear it then. What’s your demand?”
“If the test proves I’m your daughter, I don’t expect any compensation for the years you’ve missed. I only want you to persuade Zephyr to let me take care of Lysander,” Thalassa said, her voice steady but her breathing uneven as she locked eyes with Joshua.
In other words, aside from caring for Lysander, she wanted nothing else.
Joshua scrutinized Thalassa, a flicker of surprise in his
gaze.
Thalassa was only asking for a favor, nothing more-no money, no power, no extravagant demands for property, vehicles, or unreachable connections.
She wanted none of it, just a single favor.
Last time, it had been Lysander who introduced Thalassa to Joshua, and he was well aware of the extraordinary bond between them.
Now, with Lysander seriously injured and declared by doctors to be in a vegetative state-a life sentenced to a bed, awakening only a matter of luck-Joshua felt a profound sense of loss and distress.
Lysander was such a promising young man, and their relationship had always resembled that of a mentor and protégé. Though they never formally acknowledged it, the unspoken depth of their connection was undeniable.
And here was his estranged daughter, determined to care for his apprentice. Deep down, Joshua was willing. He couldn’t bear the thought of Lysander trapped in an endless slumber.
Yet, Thalassa’s singular request surprised him.
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Chapter 1386
“If you
you don’t agree, then never mind. I’ll figure something out on my own.” Thalassa’s voice trailed off as she noticed Joshua’s silent stare, her hopes waning. She turned away, ready to leave.
But Joshua’s voice halted her. “I agree to your request.”
Thalassa froze, her back to Joshua, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She had resolved to confront the truth of her paternity, to face the man who might be her father, to overcome the fear associated with that word.
But when the moment arrived, the word ‘father signified more than just a word-when it represented a living, breathing person-Thalassa felt the weight of her barriers pressing down, stifling her breath.
She needed to constantly regulate her breathing and mentally reassure herself so as to appear effortless as she agreed to the paternity test with Joshua.
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