Chapter 7 Thalia Seems Different

The sound of a car engine rang out from downstairs before midday. Thalia walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked outside to see a familiar black Maybach driving into the underground garage. It seemed like Kiera really was fine. Otherwise, they'd have spent the whole day doing checkups at the hospital. They wouldn't have come back home after a mere few hours. Not long after, Josephine's voice rang out downstairs. "Sheila, get my prized Sunglow mushroom out from storage and make a nice, hearty soup with it. My poor Kiera has exhausted herself greatly and needs some proper nourishment." At the time, Thalia was planning to pay the Marquette family a visit. She was about to head downstairs when she saw Josephine carefully tending to Kiera. Upon instruction, Sheila Woods instantly went to retrieve the Sunglow mushroom. This Sunglow mushroom was supposedly a precious ingredient that Alden's late father, Adam Crestfall, had happened upon. Josephine had kept it in storage for all these years, never daring to consume it. Yet, she was now going to use it for Kiera's sake. Kiera looked up and saw Thalia in the stairwell. "Henrietta was right—you did lose some weight, Thalia," Kiera said thoughtfully. "Josephine, tell Sheila to cook some more soup so Thalia can have some, too." Josephine's expression instantly shifted. She said with a sneer, "Thalia's been barren for three whole years. That soup would be a waste on her. I don't want my prized Sunglow mushroom to go to waste just like that." Thalia smiled lightly. "Josephine is right. You should finish the soup instead, Kiera. My body couldn't possibly accept such a luxurious meal." Thalia then turned to leave, not wanting to watch the three of them enjoy their happy family time. "Are you heading out?" Alden asked, his brows furrowing slightly. "Yes." Thalia's face was expressionless. Alden glanced at her before saying, "Come back earlier. There's something I need to talk to you about." Thalia knew exactly what Alden wanted to talk about. Besides having sex on the 15th of each month, most of their time spent together pertained to work. So, it was unsurprising that Alden wanted to talk about the Chromia Retreat project. Crestfall Group had started out as a construction company. After their success in recent years, they'd secured a solid position in the country's construction industry. Of course, they'd also expanded into other sectors with Thalia's help. But the economy had been slowing in recent years, and there'd been an increase in competition on the market. Even though Crestfall Group wasn't too greatly affected, it hadn't made much progress for some time. Meanwhile, the Chromia Retreat project was a highly funded project, which also had the local government's support. Hence, all construction companies were competing heavily to get this project. Thalia hurried out the door, but not before answering quietly, "We'll talk about it later, then. I won't be home earlier." She then left Crestfall residence without so much as a glance back. Alden sank deep into thought as he watched Thalia's fading figure. It really seemed like something was different about Thalia. She was no longer as enthusiastic as she used to be whenever speaking to Alden. Her tone was a little defensive, too. It made Alden uneasy. Kiera noticed something was different about Thalia, too. "Thalia seems different." "No." Alden felt like he was just overthinking things. He held onto Kiera's waist when Josephine slipped into the kitchen. "Thalia has always been considerate and understanding of others. The shift in her mood must be because she's still angry at me for not celebrating our wedding anniversary together." Kiera grew upset. "So, you coddled Thalia and gave her roses?" "I didn't sleep with Thalia last night," Alden explained. "I'm concerned she might complain to Grandma if I don't try and make her feel better. So, I still needed to do my part." Even though the roses were free in the first place, Kiera still felt jealous. "Don't ever give Thalia flowers ever again." "Alright. You're the only woman I'll ever give flowers to," Alden promised. He then helped Kiera up the stairs. After some careful consideration, he still reminded Kiera by saying, "Thalia isn't in a good mood, so don't go pushing her buttons. "Her working capabilities are pretty good, and I still need her help with the Chromia Retreat project. I'm worried things won't go to plan if we upset her too much." Thalia happened to hear Alden's words after coming back into the house to retrieve her car keys. So, Alden had only given Thalia the roses earlier this morning because he was worried she might want to have sex with him again this month. Thalia smiled in a self-mocking manner. What a pitiful idiot she'd been, to have ever looked forward to having sex with Alden.