Chapter 343 Not As Sincere As Before

Before Thalassa and Kenny left the police station, Kenny noticed a convenience store outside. He remembered that Maria would be detained for a few days and urged Thalassa to shop with him to get her some essentials.

"Her husband can't be that bad, can he? Surely he’ll get her these things?" Thalassa said awkwardly.

She was actually quite worried about the situation. Justin surely loathed her by now, and she feared he’d take it out on her mother.

"You already said he’s a loser. Who knows what he might do?" Kenny said as he selected a few items and paid at the counter.

Kenny had no affection for Maria, of course. He was doing this simply because he couldn't stand seeing his wife so anxious. If Kenny ignored this, Thalassa would be unable to find peace when they got home.

After all, Maria was her mother who she’d relied on for so years. How could she simply switch off her emotions?

Kenny understood, and he was willing to step up.

Their purchases made, they went back to hand them over to Officer Lee, who was in charge of the case, to pass them on to Maria.

But suddenly...

As they entered the courtyard, they saw Chris staggering a few steps before collapsing straight to the ground.

"Oh my God!" Thalassa cried out in alarm. She instinctively ran toward him.

Kenny paused, his face quickly darkening. He hurried after her.

"Chris!"

Thalassa reached Chris's side. His head had hit a sharp stone, and he was bleeding badly.

Chris seemed to hear Thalassa’s voice, Chris...

He struggled to open his eyes and managed a faint whisper. "Thalassa."

He reached out, trying to touch Thalassa.

That was when Kenny arrived.

"What happened to him?" Kenny asked, concern lowering his voice.

"I don't know," Thalassa replied anxiously.

"I'll call an ambulance."

Several officers emerged from the nearby police station as Kenny dialed the emergency number. Noticing the commotion outside, an infuriated Justin opened the door of his car and stepped out to investigate.

Panic set in when he saw Chris lying on the ground. Chris was the most promising of all his sons, and his alliance with the White family was within reach. This was not the time for trouble.
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"It's you again!"

Justin, infuriated, rushed over, and became even angrier upon seeing Thalassa and Kenny.

Kenny reported their location to emergency services then pulled Thalassa away by the arm, shielding her behind him.

At this point, Kenny was far from pleased.

He scowled at Justin. "He passed out all by himself. You’re barking up the wrong tree!"

"Sir, he did collapse on his own just after getting out of your car. They’re calling the ambulance for you, so don't go blaming the good Samaritans," a nearby officer, who had witnessed the whole scene, chastised him.

Justin's face twitched with irritation.

Kneeling beside Chris, he asked, "Chris, can you hear me, son?"

He saw Chris's lips move, murmuring Thalassa's name.

Justin’s face darkened in contempt, his eyes flickering with distaste.

He failed to see what was so appealing about that girl. She had been born to a humble family, and if it hadn’t been for her wealthy best friend, where would she be now?

But...

His gaze lingered with dislike on what seemed to be Thalassa's pretend husband.

"Thalassa, Chris is calling for you. Come here!" Justin called out to Thalassa.

Thalassa was still processing the situation.

Kenny, who was holding her hand, suddenly tightened his grip.

Thalassa blinked, looking at Kenny, then sharply came to her senses.

She had rushed over when she saw Chris collapse. She had acted on instinct, and she wasn’t sure whether it was because of their past romance or familial ties. She didn't think that Kenny, knowing her history with Chris, might mind.

"I'm not a doctor. What can I do? My husband has already called for an ambulance. They’ll be here soon," Thalassa said before pulling Kenny away with her.

In the end, they left the items for Maria at the door with the guard to pass on to Officer Lee.

As they got into the car, Kenny was quiet and withdrawn.

Thalassa felt a little guilty. "That didn’t mean anything, Kenny. It’s just that... well, you know, even if it had been anyone other than Chris, I would have rushed over to see if I could help!"

Kenny sighed and glanced at Thalassa. "I know."

"So, you're not mad, are you?" Thalassa asked.

Kenny shook his head. "I wouldn't have been upset if it had been anyone else, but... it was Chris, of course I'm going to be upset."

"I'm sorry..." Thalassa fiddled with the hem of her shirt. "It won't happen again. Don't be mad, okay?"

Kenny felt a sense of resignation. He had always known about Thalassa's deep feelings for Chris. He was prepared for a long battle.

But...

When he saw Thalassa rush toward Chris, Kenny's jealousy had spilled over entirely.

It seemed that reason was completely absent in love.

As they headed back, Thalassa lost her usual cheer.

By the end of the journey, she simply reclined in her seat, pretending to sleep.

The incident with the Shaw family had really dampened her spirits.

When they arrived downtown, Thalassa woke up as if on cue.

"I want to visit the hospital to see Charles," she said, sitting up, glancing outside, then at Kenny.

"Should we pick up anything on the way?" Kenny asked.

"There’s no need. Charles can't have much, and Chicago can't eat any more either. She’s practically turning into a pig."

Kenny nodded in agreement.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital.

"You go ahead, I've got something to take care of. I'll come back to pick you up later."

Thalassa, looking slightly bewildered, nodded. "Okay, I'll see you later."

She got out of the car and looked back.

A twinge of discomfort nagged at her.

Kenny didn't leave. Instead, he waved at her through the passenger side window.

Thalassa smiled and then turned, walking confidently into the hospital.

A short while later...

"What? Your mom’s going to jail?"

"What? You rushed to Chris's side in front of Kenny as if it was an emergency?"

Fiona was astounded by Thalassa's day.

"Kenny must be really mad," Thalassa said with a brooding expression.

"Did he seem upset with you?" Fiona asked.

Thalassa shook her head with a thin smile. "Not really. He was still gentle. He still smiled at me, but the smile just didn't seem as genuine as before."

Fiona was speechless.

"Do you think your mom will come to her senses this time?" Fiona asked.

Thalassa looked at her. "I'm on the verge of divorce, and all you care about is my mom?"

An uneasy frown settled on Fiona's forehead, and when Thalassa spoke, her voice was tinged with both exhaustion and concern. "In my experience, the person she probably blames more is probably me."
The Substitute's Revenge: From Secretary to Queen
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