The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1530

Hertha was on pins and needles, wondering if Alaric had figured out her and Spencer weren't actually married.

The moment she heard Spencer's voice, it was like a lightbulb went off. She whipped her head towards Alaric, ready to back up Spencer's story, only to catch a glimpse of embarrassment and dejection in Alaric's captivating eyes.

Her initial urge to revel in his misfortune suddenly vanished. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Alaric.

Her heart softened, and she chirped, “Spencer, come on in. And you too, don't just stand there at the door.”

Spencer's response was a nonchalant grunt, the kind of interaction that spoke volumes about their faux-marital familiarity. It was devoid of any awkwardness or excessive politeness. It was only in such close relationships that conversations flowed effortlessly.

And right then, Alaric saw this effortless dynamic between Hertha and Spencer. Despite his reluctance to accept it, the fact was staring him in the face: Hertha was married, and evidently, happily so to Spencer.

As Alaric felt a twinge in his heart, Spencer turned to him with a smile, saying, “Mr. Falconer, please, come in...”

Alaric was about to decline, his interest piqued earlier when he saw Thalassa and Hertha with bags full of ingredients for a classic barbecue, momentarily tempted to invite himself over for dinner.

But seeing Spencer and Hertha's apparent closeness made him rethink stepping inside.

Just as he was about to excuse himself, Hertha, with a beam, said, “Oh, Mr. Falconer, do come in. I've put together a barbecue from scratch today. Care to taste my culinary skills?”

Hertha's smile, her eyes squinting ever so slightly, resembled orbs half-hidden, shimmering with warmth and allure, causing Alaric's heart to skip a beat.

After their silent exchange, they moved into the dining room where Thalassa was setting the table.

She turned to greet Alaric, “Mr. Falconer, welcome, please, have a seat.”

Alaric, never one to stand on ceremony, took the seat of honor and teased, “Hertha, looks like you and your husband are living the high life, indulging in barbecue every now and then. I can't even match this kind of gourmet lifestyle.”

He grabbed a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth without waiting for anyone else.

Hertha couldn't help but laugh, “You're the vice president of the Falconer Group, and you're telling me you can't afford a simple barbecue? Who are you kidding?”