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.

heard Hertha's side of the story regarding their non-marriage. The

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

he had always felt

never wanted to see him again, a prospect Alaric feared deeply. He didn't want to become

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

door by Kimberly, yet to his surprise, she welcomed him, allowed him to play with the kids, and even invited him to

inevitable, yet he couldn't help fearing

the rice; have some of the side dishes," Kimberly said

out, accepting the food with

warning glare cut him

earning a slight nod of approval

was not

It wasn't

for, and the disappointment was evident as she hid behind her plate, pushing the

nereyes.