The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Alaric's fingers gently caressed Hertha's jawline, his voice magnetic and alluring.

Curious little heads peeked out from Hertha's embrace as the two children gazed up at Alaric with wide, inquisitive eyes.

Before Hertha could respond to Alaric's question, his gaze met the soft, enchanting eyes of the little girl. They were striking, with corners that curved up invitingly, just like his own.

How had he never considered that this could be his own daughter?

And the little boy, upon closer inspection, shared his features too, though his eyes mirrored Hertha's exactly.

The innocence in the children's eyes melted Alaric's heart in a way he couldn't explain.

Startled by Alaric's words, Hertha turned her head away, shaking off his hand, and retorted, "Why are you so full of yourself, always thinking everything's about you? The 'heartthrob' I mentioned isn't you!" As she attempted to flee, Alaric swiftly moved to block her path.

in her tracks. He stepped forward, reaching out to take the children from

off, her eyes widening in defiance,

confusion and scrutiny as he looked at

believe me, I'll just call the kids' father over to confront you. See if he

darting

who could come and play act for you,

why would I stage such a

not? Didn't you and Spencer pretend to be a couple right in front of me before? To deceive me, you two even acted quite the loving pair. All this while, I was wondering why you and Spencer would put on such a show for me. It turns out it was to hide

now understood all of Hertha's previous

wasn't to drive him away, but