The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1549

As soon as Hertha finished speaking, she could feel her parents' gaze sharpen, their expressions a mix of shock and disappointment, as if they were thinking, "Why can't she be more responsible?"

Before they could launch into a lecture, Hertha quickly said, “Dad, Mom, my boss is waiting for me at the restaurant to go over some work stuff. I was just worried about him finding out I brought the kids—no company wants their employees turning the workplace into a daycare. Could you watch them for a bit? And please, don't come by the restaurant; we can't let my boss see you with the kids or I might lose my job.”

Kimberly opened her mouth, about to say something, but Hertha cut her off before she could get the words out.

“Just take the kids back home. I’ll head there as soon as I finish work.”

After reassuring Julian and Helena to listen to their grandparents, Hertha watched as her parents, with a kid in each arm, walked away from the restaurant. She let out a sigh of relief.

She had been worrying about who would watch the kids, and then, as if by some miracle, her parents showed up. It was like the universe was on her side.

Composing herself and putting on a smile, Hertha entered the restaurant.

Meanwhile, Alaric was puzzled. While he was deeply engrossed in his drink, he could've sworn he heard someone calling out for Hertha, and even the sound of kids calling for their mommy. But when he looked outside, there was nothing.

Was he starting to hear things now?

He wondered how much Hertha actually meant to him, that he was beginning to hallucinate her voice.

Alaric had had his fair share of girlfriends in the past, usually forgetting about them after a little while, not even remembering their names. But Hertha was different. It was as if she had planted a seed in his heart after just one night together.

"Sick, huh? You should see a doctor; sitting here won't make it better," Hertha said, approaching him and slapping him on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

As she got close, her delicate scent enveloped him, and the touch on his shoulder sent a jolt through Alaric.

He straightened up instantly, his fox-like eyes wide with surprise and disbelief, "It really is you!"

"What, you can't recognize me after just a day? Maybe you are sick," Hertha teased, reaching out to touch Alaric's forehead.

Her cool fingertips on his hot forehead made Alaric's heart skip a beat, his breathing quickened at the intimate contact.