The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

The host had just thrown a curveball at Spencer, asking if his decision to marry Emmeline was truly a matter of the heart.

There was a momentary pause, a beat too long, as Spencer's gaze swept over the crowd before settling back on the host to deliver his answer.

Prompted by a remark from a lady in the crowd, Spencer had locked eyes with Hertha as he spoke, and that was the moment Emmeline's heart sank with realization. It dawned on her that Spencer's affections were truly for Hertha; he had never let her go.

This realization pierced Emmeline like a thorn, refusing to leave her in peace. All she wanted now was clarity: Did Spencer truly love her, or was it Hertha all along?

nervously towards him, fearing he might slip up and give the wrong answer again. Hertha understood the gravity of the situation for Emmeline. She knew that just one wrong move, one slip, could lead Emmeline to turn her back and walk away with her father. After all, a woman's intuition in matters of the heart is often sharper

a small detail that hinted at his

Spencer finally said, his voice breaking through

Spencer's gaze, earnest and gentle, was fixed solely on Emmeline, his demeanor radiating focus and sincerity. In that moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the world, everyone else fading

but Emmeline, his voice tender and full of emotion, Spencer seemed to pour his whole heart into those words. Fearing Emmeline might not grasp the depth of his feelings, he gently grasped her shoulders, repeating his vow, love you. It's because love you that I want to marry you. You're the only one in my heart. If I'm lying, may lightning strike me down..." As he raised three fingers

of fear and hope, looked up at Spencer. Emmeline, shorter in stature, had to look up to meet his gaze, her eyes brimming with. empathy. "Don't make such a harsh vow, believe you," she whispered. Though Emmeline craved the assurance

in his, his voice as soothing as