The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1670

Kimberly merely glanced at Hertha and replied with an emotionless face, "Forgot."

Hertha was speechless. Her mother had gone out specifically to pick up soy sauce, and after all that, she forgot?

And what was with that icy attitude? Had someone upset her?

Confused, Hertha looked over at her father, Ashton, who met her gaze. Understanding the question in her eyes, Ashton shook his head, indicating he was just as clueless about what was bothering Kimberly. He hadn’t done anything to upset her, that was for sure.

“Mommy, let’s play choo-choo train! You be the passenger, and I’ll be the conductor,” Julian said, tugging at Hertha’s sleeve with his chubby little hands.

Looking down, Hertha saw Julian’s round, cherubic face gazing up at her, his big, innocent eyes full of anticipation.

His adorably earnest expression nearly melted Hertha’s heart.

“Alright, my little conductor. Helena and I will be your passengers. Off we go!” Hertha quickly snapped out of her thoughts about the forgotten soy sauce and immersed herself in the playful, heartwarming interaction with the children.

Soon after, Kimberly had finished preparing the meal and set the table, but she didn’t immediately call Hertha and the kids to eat. Instead, she took off her apron and was about to head out again.

Seeing this, Hertha asked with concern, “Mom, dinner’s ready. Where are you going now?”

Kimberly didn’t even look at her as she replied, “To get the soy sauce.”

“But dinner’s already made. Why do you need soy sauce now?” Hertha was puzzled.

“For next time,” was all Kimberly said, her response trailing off as the door closed behind her.

She didn’t give Hertha a chance to ask any more questions, just left and shut the door.

Upon seeing Alaric, Kimberly’s face lit up with a smile. “Dinner’s ready. Why don’t you come over and join us?”

Alaric nodded and stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Following him, Kimberly suddenly remembered something. “Oh, I forgot to ask—what’s your name again? How should I address you?”

“I’m Alaric,” he answered, leading the way.

“Right, right, Alaric. Such a lovely name,” Kimberly said, beaming with joy.

Reaching her own door, Kimberly saw Alaric pause and quickly stepped forward to unlock the door.

Inside, Hertha had just finished a round of games with the kids. Hearing the door, she stood up, holding the little ones by the hand, and announced, “Grandma’s back. Let’s go have dinner. Are you hungry?”