The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Thalassa recognized him instantly-her son, Atticus Everhart! Though he had grown taller and older, he was still the child she had raised. His features, his demeanor, and that inherent warmth about him drew Thalassa's gaze and tugged at her heartstrings the moment he appeared.

Overcome with emotion, she ran towards him and, just like in the past, squatted down to be at eye level with him. But now, squatting made her even shorter than Atticus, forcing her to look up at him instead. With her hands on his shoulders and tears in her eyes, Thalassa examined Atticus closely, confirming in her heart that this really was her child.

Unable to hide her longing, Thalassa embraced Atticus tightly, pouring all the years of missing him into that hug. Holding him, she exclaimed excitedly, "Atticus, it really is you, Atticus. You've grown so much, nearly as tall as your mom now..." After all, he was still just a seven or eight-year-old kid.

mom-the mom he remembered every day while at military school. Atticus gently hugged Thalassa back, his voice still young as he said, "Mom, stand up, don't squat, your legs

of emotion and tears instantly welled up in her eyes. She cried with relief and joy as Atticus helped her up. Letting go of Atticus, she steadied herself on his shoulders, her vision blurred with tears, and looked at him closely, "My Atticus has really grown up. If you grow any more,

long, I'll always recognize you." Atticus's words brought

won't look pretty anymore. Dad might start complaining," Atticus said, his youthful voice teasing slightly. Thalassa laughed through her tears, quickly wiping her

up and down with a cool gaze. The man, once towering and unapproachable, now seemed smaller, seated in a wheelchair. Lysander still wore a bespoke black suit, dignified and elegant, yet lacking his usual commanding presence. Atticus knew his dad was in a wheelchair because his