The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Hertha was still shaken, her heart pounding in her chest.

How could she survive if the kids were really gone?

Alaric, that unreliable man, why couldn't he ever get his act together?

He had the audacity to take the kids away without telling anyone, clearly trying to upset her.

"Ouch, ouch, Hertha, let go..." Alaric winced as he stood up from his chair, hunched over in pain, his face contorted as he pleaded with Hertha.

Hertha had a grip on his ear just like his mother used to do.

Hertha didn't immediately let go, instead, she huffed, "Think you'll do that again?"

"Never, never, just let go. Everyone's watching, don't I get any dignity?" Alaric glanced around at the onlookers enjoying the show, feeling even more embarrassed.

dead or alive, and you're worried about your dignity!" The

saw Hertha, one hand on her hip, the other twisting Alaric's ear while he bent over, neck stretched, offering no resistance. The bystanders were all chuckling

pulling Hertha away,

to see it was her mother, saying with

know, let me handle this,"

and stepping forward, her face dark with anger as she scolded Alaric, "What's wrong with you, not taking

was venting, airing both old and new grievances against

hoped to marry Hertha to him, but then he had a child

now he was messing with Hertha's kids. Kimberly was at her

was an accident, I just wanted to take the kids out for something they'd like

Kimberly!" Kimberly snapped. She used to not mind Alaric calling her that, but now it felt like

paused, knowing Kimberly was

at charm would only disappoint