The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1540

Hertha forced a laugh and said, "Well then, I'll send my best wishes your way in advance."

Spencer, sensing Emmeline's discontent, quickly took off his apron, took her by the hand, and said, "Let's head back. I'll whip up some spicy chili for you."

Spencer was always so refined and gentle, his considerateness made it hard for anyone to stay mad at him. It was Spencer's refinement, his good nature, and his culinary skills that had drawn Emmeline to him in the first place.

Now, even though she harbored some resentment towards Hertha, Spencer's soothing words melted her anger away.

"Okay," she nodded.

"Hertha, we'll be heading off then," Spencer informed Hertha, and then led Emmeline away.

Hertha smiled as she watched them leave. Once they were out of sight, her smile faded, and she felt her face stiffen from the forced cheeriness.

Guilt, self-reproach, embarrassment.

She had overstepped, treating someone else's boyfriend as if he was hers to command. She was in the wrong.

The thing was, over the past three years, Spencer had frequently come over for meals, and it had always been him who cleared the table and washed the dishes afterward.

Gradually, Hertha had grown accustomed to assigning these tasks to Spencer without a second thought.

She hadn't realized her mistake until today, when Spencer's girlfriend came to confront her about it. She finally understood that Spencer's visits were acts of friendship, but she had taken his kindness for granted. She was wrong, and she resolved not to do it again. After all, even if she and Spencer were close friends, he was someone else's partner, someone else's future husband.

From now on, she would try not to leave the kids at Spencer's place or trouble him anymore.

"Mommy, have some chocolate," Julian said, offering a whole piece of chocolate to Hertha.

Hertha accepted it gratefully and ate it.

"Yum!" Hertha nodded in approval.

Julian's smile broadened, his joy evident, even happier than if he'd eaten the chocolate himself.

Bridget watched this heartwarming interaction, relieved to see the children back with Hertha. She then said, "Ms. Kensington, I'd like to request a day off tomorrow. I have some personal matters to attend to at home; one day should be enough."

Hertha felt a bit uneasy; she had to work the next day.