The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Chapter 1448
Thalassa and Lydia had just turned to leave when Dr. Funke’s words brought them to a halt.
Thalassa mulled over what Dr. Funke had said, her heart, which had sunk to her shoes, now thrumming wildly in her chest again.
She spun around, her eyes alight with excitement, “Dr. Funke, do you mean...’
Lydia was equally astonished, “You agreed?”
“What else? Did it sound like I was inviting you two in for lunch?” Dr. Funke said, hands clasped leisurely behind his back.
“Why?” Lydia asked, puzzled. Dr. Funke had clearly refused her moments earlier, stating he wasn’t ready to take on the role of
her mentor.
“I’m a glutton for punishment, I suppose. I enjoy it when people give me a hard time.” Dr. Funke threw over his shoulder,
disappearing into the house.
Lydia and Thalassa exchanged wide-eyed glances, both utterly baffled by Dr. Funke’s words. They blinked at each other,
signaling their shared bewilderment.
Indeed, the temperament of a genius has always been a peculiar thing.
And unpredictable.
“Shall we go in?” Thalassa asked Lydia.
“Of course! Are we really going to walk away empty-handed?” Lydia retorted. She linked. arms with Thalassa, leading her inside.
Thalassa’s question had been a way to gauge Lydia’s attitude, to see if she still wanted to pursue medical tutelage under Dr.
Funke.
It was clear to Thalassa that Lydia and Dr. Funke were like oil and water, engaging in. verbal sparring the moment they
exchanged words.
If Lydia was having second thoughts, Thalassa wouldn’t force her.

The night before, on their way to Starhaven, Thalassa had shared the real reason she wanted Lydia to apprentice under Dr.
Funke-it was to fulfill two conditions that would convince Dr. Funke to come out of retirement and treat Lysander’s illness.
Lydia understood Thalassa’s intentions.
But if Lydia really didn’t want to go through with it, Thalassa would respect her decision.
To Thalassa’s surprise, Lydia didn’t hesitate to lead the way into Dr. Funke’s residence.
Dr. Funke’s place was tidy but stark, lacking the warmth of a lived-in home.
As they entered, Dr. Funke was in the midst of his morning routine, brushing his teeth and washing his face.
Thalassa and Lydia stood awkwardly in the living room until Dr. Funke emerged from the bathroom, “Sit down, why are you
standing like statues? Make yourselves at home, or do I need to play host?”
His words were an invitation to relax.
Thalassa and Lydia shared a glance before Lydia, taking the lead, guided them both to the couch to sit down without further
ceremony.
“Dr. Funke, when do we start the apprenticeship?” Lydia asked eagerly.
“Stop calling me Dr. Funke. Just call me ‘Old Man,” Dr. Funke suggested.
Lydia was speechless, and so was Thalassa.
Neither of them had expected that the eccentric and demanding Dr. Funke would have such an unusual preference-to be called
‘Old Man’.
He was barely past fifty-not really old by any standard.
Soon after, Dr. Funke returned from his room dressed in a formal suit. With his hair slicked back, his rigid and quirky demeanor
took on a more profound and artistic air.
Seeing his stern attire, Thalassa and Lydia instinctively sat up straighter.
“Lydia, come here,” Dr. Funke called.

Lydia stood up, and Thalassa remained seated until Dr. Funke’s gaze fell on her, “And wha are you still sitting there for? Come
over and officiate.”
Realizing he was addressing her, Thalassa hurried to her feet.