The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1608

Alaric Falconer deftly caught the lettuce she tossed his way and dunked it into the hotpot, his smile unwavering. "I didn't say a thing. You're the one jumping to conclusions."

"See? Always acting innocent and then playing the blame game. Good thing I cut my losses early," Hertha Kensington huffed, rolling her eyes at Alaric.

Words spoken without intent, heard with deep meaning.

Hertha's remark momentarily froze Alaric, his heart tightening as he turned his slender, hawk-like gaze towards her.

A shadow of sorrow and depth lingered in his eyes.

Was it his fault that Hertha wouldn't be with him?

Did her words mean her affection for him started with his looks but ended with his personality?

"Why are you looking at me like that? I'm just stating the facts! Go ask any of your exes, they all think the same," Hertha said between bites, never missing a chance to tease him.

After all, Alaric had a thick skin; nothing she said could truly upset him.

Teasing him was Hertha's favorite pastime.

Alaric just tugged at the corners of his mouth silently and continued to add more ingredients to the hotpot.

Now that he knew why Hertha had pulled away, all he had to do was adjust his behavior to match her preferences. It was better than being clueless as before, he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Reginald Whitman was speeding toward Starhaven Hospital, with Rosalind and Thalassa seated in the back. Rosalind kept her distance from Thalassa, envious of the attention Lysander showed Thalassa over her.

She didn't feel a strong attachment to Joshua, but she didn't dislike him either.

Hearing Reginald mention Joshua's potential death made her heart clench with worry.

Arriving at the hospital, the three rushed towards the emergency room, where Matilda was already waiting anxiously.

Beside her, a man in a bespoke black suit exuded a stern and commanding presence from his wheelchair. His profile was strikingly handsome, with sharp, elegant features.

It was Lysander!

The sight of him made Thalassa's breath catch, her already anxious heart skipping a beat.