The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Once upon a time, Thalassa's disdain for Isabella was as bitter as the coldest winter. Seeing her again, those old wounds bubbled up inside her mind like a tempest, the pain as sharp as a knife's edge, a thorn lodged deep in her heart that refused to be removed, aching softly.

Isabella had turned what should have been a beautiful life with Leopold into a tragedy. Worse, Leopold had paid the ultimate price. And yet, the instigator of all this misery, Isabella, seemed to float through life unscathed, decked out like she was heading to a gala every day, without a trace of remorse for the damage she'd caused.

Upon seeing Isabella again, waves of hatred surged in Thalassa.

Isabella smirked, her lips curling in scorn. "Still the same old country mouse, huh? Can't even put on a bit of makeup properly. You're like a plain Jane next to me."

Isabella took perverse pride in her appearance, not sensing Thalassa's sarcasm at all. As she approached, Thalassa's gentle demeanor was evident, the kindness in her face making her seem vulnerable to the world.

Lydia stepped forward, positioning herself between Thalassa and Isabella, looking down on her with disdain. Taller by a head, Lydia's posture as she stared down Isabella was reminiscent of a bouncer facing down an unwelcome troublemaker.

for being 'country' is like mocking yourself," Lydia

aside. I wasn't talking

but Lydia, feeling disrespected, tensed up,

saying that again to my face!" Lydia growled, fists

I've done nothing to you. Lay a finger on me, and I'll call the

boiling over with

back, facing Isabella herself. "What do you

dangerous Isabella could be. She and Leopold had been victims of her scheming before, and she had even teamed up with Faye Brennan in an attempt to ensnare

to get into trouble on her account. Isabella was like a