The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

"Back off, buddy. Sooner or later, you'll end up wrapped around some lady's finger," Alaric teased, shoving him lightly to deflect the ribbing.

He made his way to the dining table, aiming to soothe any tension with his grandparents. Luckily, they hadn't brought up anything about kids this time. Otherwise, he was pretty sure Hertha would've knocked his teeth out right then and there.

Dinner was a quiet affair for Remington and Beatrice, too. Both seemed lost in their own worlds, barely touching their food.

After the meal, Ethan took on the duty of driving Remington and Beatrice home, while Alaric trudged back to his apartment, head full of thoughts.

He kept going over the advice Remington had shared with him at dinner. To win Hertha's heart, he needed to become someone her kids couldn't live without.

A light bulb went off in Alaric's head. That was it! He finally had a clue!

The old saying was true: there's no substitute for experience!

The next afternoon.

Hertha was dozing off at her desk when her phone suddenly buzzed to life, waking her up. Squinting, she saw it was a call from her mom. Wiping the drool off her chin, she quickly answered, "Hello?" "Hertha, the kids are gone!" Kimberly's voice tore through the phone, panic-stricken.

buzzed. "What did

distracted chatting with Mrs. Wilson from the next building over for just a moment, and

account, Hertha felt dizzy,

kids were missing,

her for a decision, and if she lost it, all

to keep her

try to

around the

CCTV footage. I'm

the footage," Kimberly said hurriedly, hanging

from her

a few

stepped