The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Hertha forced a laugh and said, "Well then, I'll send my best wishes your way in advance."

Spencer, sensing Emmeline's discontent, quickly took off his apron, took her by the hand, and said, "Let's head back. I'll whip up some spicy chili for you."

Spencer was always so refined and gentle, his considerateness made it hard for anyone to stay mad at him. It was Spencer's refinement, his good nature, and his culinary skills that had drawn Emmeline to him in the first place.

Now, even though she harbored some resentment towards Hertha, Spencer's soothing words melted her anger away.

"Okay," she nodded.

"Hertha, we'll be heading off then," Spencer informed Hertha, and then led Emmeline away.

Hertha smiled as she watched them leave. Once they were out of sight, her smile faded, and she felt her face stiffen from the forced cheeriness.

Guilt, self-reproach, embarrassment.

if he was

was, over the past three years, Spencer had frequently come over for meals, and it had always

these tasks to Spencer without a second

acts of friendship, but she had taken his kindness for granted. She

to leave the kids at Spencer's place or trouble

try it," Helena said, unwrapping a candy. Her chubby little hands held the gummy bear, already bitten in half, sticky with

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beautiful, almond-shaped eyes filled with love for her mommy, eager to share something

bear, but the love in Helena's tender gaze was too much to resist. It was as if she wanted to give her the