The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1673

Alaric's reaction wasn't one of doubt that the kids were his, but rather, he thought she had them with another man?

The moment Hertha recalled the look of disappointment and heartbreak in Alaric's eyes when he looked at her, her heart sank, and her breathing became heavy.

"You could have at least given Hertha a heads-up before inviting someone over. Now look at the mess..." Ashton sighed, his anxiety palpable.

Kimberly had told him about catching Hertha kissing a man at her place, which was a boyfriend-girlfriend thing. She also mentioned that the guy had issues with Hertha having two kids, and that’s why they broke up.

Even though Ashton had never met the guy, he now guessed that the visitor today was Alaric, the very man Kimberly had described.

Kimberly's intention to help Hertha reconcile was clear to Ashton, but inviting someone over without a heads-up was something he couldn't agree with.

"Are you blaming me? Don’t you know your own daughter’s character? I was afraid she’d make excuses to avoid it if I told her in advance. I was busy in the kitchen, inviting someone over for dinner, hoping we could sit down and talk things out. Is that so wrong?"

Kimberly burst into tears, feeling her good intentions were misunderstood as meddling.

"I'm not blaming you. I'm just saying, let's consult with each other before doing anything in the future..." Seeing Kimberly cry made Ashton feel guilty.

"Would consulting you even make a difference?" Kimberly sobbed.

"I..."

"Enough, Mom and Dad, stop fighting. It's all because of me." Hertha interrupted her parents' argument, feeling guilty for causing them so much worry.

Kimberly, who had been crying just moments ago, was now cautiously silent, fearing Hertha might mention signing up for dating sites again, until finding someone who didn't mind her having two kids and getting married.

Although she wished for Hertha to settle down, she didn't want her to rush into marrying just anyone, especially someone they knew nothing about.

"Hertha, try this duck soup. Your mom made it especially for you," Ashton said, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled as he placed a bowl in front of her.

Hertha mumbled a thanks, her head bowed.

"Mummy, was that man who was here earlier my daddy?" Helena suddenly looked up with her big, curious eyes at Hertha.

At Helena's question, Kimberly's heart skipped a beat, curiously looking at Hertha for her response.