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.

tracks. He stepped forward, reaching out

in defiance, "Alaric, stop right there!

gaze filled with confusion and scrutiny as

guilt making her avoid his eyes, "If you don't believe me, I'll just call the kids' father over to confront you. See if he has the

eyes darting

could come and play act for you, aren't you?"

still tried to bluff, "Nonsense, why would I stage

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 the fact that you had my

now understood all of Hertha's previous

wasn't to drive him away, but to keep her