The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Hertha shot Alaric a quick glance, her cheeks flaming at the memory of that dizzying kiss that had left her in a whirl. Hurriedly, she turned away, scooping up Julian and heading inside.

She felt a flush of embarrassment. Just moments before, she had been firmly rejecting Alaric's advances, and the next, she was lost in his passionate kiss.

To an outsider, it might look like she was playing hard to get with Alaric.

But heaven knows, she had no interest in playing any sort of love games with Alaric.

Deciding to give up on a man she deeply loved was hard enough. Having made that decision, she didn't want to backslide so easily.

Yet, Alaric's unexpected kiss had broken down her defenses, making it all the more difficult to keep him at arm's length.

Though Hertha quickly turned away, Alaric still caught the blush spreading across her cheeks, as striking as the glow of a sunset, stirring something deep inside him.

in his arms, he couldn't just lose his composure. He swallowed hard, trying to tamp down his strong reaction, and followed Hertha

pulled out chairs at the dining table, shooting Hertha a stern look before turning her gaze to Alaric with a huff, "You two, put down the kids and come sit. We need to

Hertha's nerves tensed,

she was. After all, Kimberly was Hertha's mother, his potential mother-in-law. Offending her could make marrying Hertha even more

Alaric was extra cautious, not wanting to

Hertha, hoping she could back

Hertha's eyes, Alaric realized she was just as afraid of

he didn't just need backing; he had to be the

With this realization, Alaric

polite smile, ready to face Kimberly perfect

We'll take Helena and Julian to the playroom to enjoy some toys, and then we'll join

help but roll her eyes at Alaric's