The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Alaric gently took Hertha's hand, sliding three credit cards into her palm with a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint and lips curved into a crescent moon. It was a gesture of pure affection and trust.

Hertha, caught off guard, blinked her large eyes in disbelief. She thought Alaric was joking at first, but there he was, seriously handing over his financial lifelines to her.

"Alaric, you really shouldn't have," Hertha started, feeling a mix of embarrassment and astonishment.

Before she could finish, Alaric cut her off, "This card right here, it's the one I get my salary on. You know I've been working with the Crawley Group, and they're pretty solid about dropping the paycheck on the fifteenth every month. Feel free to check the balance then."

He pointed to the first card he gave her and then moved to the next, "This one's from when I was dabbling with some investments during my stint with the Falconer family. Got lucky with a startup that pays out dividends annually. You can take a look at the start of each year, see what's come in."

Alaric explained with such earnestness that Hertha didn't want to interrupt, instead listening intently.

She had pegged Alaric as a playboy, never suspecting he had a knack for investments and financial planning.

of an allowance card from the Falconer family. Used to be my mom would deposit some spending money every month. Haven't touched it in ages, though. If you're curious,

this card was meant to be used

had effectively entrusted her

are, handing over your entire

a

laughter was soft, yet filled with warmth, "To be deemed worthy of your trust

eyes brimming with unshed tears. Alaric's words had

cry, she playfully flicked Alaric on the forehead, "Who in their right mind would

it's you, I don't mind being this kind of fool,"

sent Hertha's heart fluttering, stirring