The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Alaric didn't pick up the phone right away. He shot Hertha a glance with those stunning, fox-like eyes of his, noticing her wide eyes fixed on him, clearly not in the mood to make small talk.

He could tell she wanted to talk about her two kids.

Internally, he felt a wave of irritation wash over him, instinctively dreading the conversation.

She had kids with another man, and now she wanted to discuss her past with that guy in front of him? Talk about a stab in the heart.

Seeing the caller ID flash as Georgia, any other day he would've hit 'decline' without a second thought, not wanting to hear anything Georgia had to say.

But now, to avoid having to listen to Hertha boast about her exploits with another man, he reluctantly answered the call.

"What's up?"

"Alaric, could you open the door, please? Aunt Angie and I are at your doorstep."

Georgia's voice was soft through the phone, a deliberate attempt to suppress her usual haughtiness, pretending to be gentle with Alaric.

were at his doorstep? Had they been snooping around to

bad pennies,

barely had

hang up, but catching sight of Hertha's expectant gaze, those round, puppy-dog eyes waiting on him, it was clear she was eager to share about her children

to talk to him

was as if she didn't care about his feelings at

To

that, he stood up

greeted him with a smile,

on Alaric, her expression turned to one of concern, and she said with touch of pity, "Alaric, you've lost so much

brushed off their pleasantries and turned

arm in arm with

froze the moment Hertha sitting on the

she saw

rising like a