The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

As soon as Alaric heard her tone, he knew Hertha was still holding a grudge against him.

His expression became somber, ready to explain what happened at Sapphire Skyline the other day, but just as he was about to speak, Kimberly emerged from the kitchen, halting his words mid-breath.

Kimberly, Hertha's mother, was still in the dark about the whole situation. If he brought it up now, Kimberly would surely jump to the same conclusion as Hertha, assuming he was out gallivanting with other women.

Explaining himself to Hertha was already a tall order; adding her mother to the equation would only complicate matters further.

Alaric could only offer Hertha a sheepish smile, saying, "Things aren't always what they seem."

"Enough dilly-dallying, you two. Come on over and eat," Kimberly called out to Alaric and Hertha.

"Right on!" Alaric eagerly moved to the dining table, taking the initiative to sit down and enthusiastically serving Kimberly and Hertha.

As Kimberly accepted the bowl Alaric handed her, she said, "Sit down and join us. There's no need to stand on ceremony. I invited you for dinner because I want to clear the air between you and Hertha." Kimberly had always hoped Alaric and Hertha would marry, given that Alaric was the biological father of the children.

If Alaric and Hertha were to marry, it would mean the children could grow up with both their biological parents, which she believed would make them happier.

They had even gone as far as the registry office, yet the marriage hadn't happened.

their non-marriage. The true nature of the situation, the details, remained to

of getting to the heart of the matter, Alaric's expression froze momentarily before he forced a wry smile, resuming

their marriage was on him, and he had always felt a deep sense of guilt,

she never wanted to see him again, a

if it meant facing the wrath of Hertha's parents, he had to

Kimberly, yet to his surprise, she welcomed him,

knew a confrontation was inevitable, yet

side dishes," Kimberly said as she noticed Alaric's focus on his plate, serving

the food with a sweet, "Thanks,

cut him

he quickly corrected himself, earning a slight

not pleased with

It wasn't

she hid behind her plate, pushing the food around to mask the sadness

nereyes.