After just one week apart, Caelan Alderidge looked completely worn out.
Besides the heavy dark circles under his eyes, the man who was usually known as a sharp and successful businessman had not even shaved, looking disheveled and unkempt.
Lila, held in his arms, appeared in even worse shape. Already slender, she now looked gaunt and frail, having lost so much weight.
My advisor introduced us, "Jovana, this is Caelan Alderidge. He has funded much of the equipment in our research facility, so in a way, he is like a patron to our work."
I instinctively took a step back.
My past encounters with Thessaly had left me on edge, and seeing Caelan immediately brought back memories of being treated as nothing more than a substitute.
Caelan gave a faint, weary smile. "Jovana, please do not
