The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1683

Julian's question had barely left his lips when Alaric's gaze dropped, his eyes meeting Julian's.

The resemblance between Julian's bright, round eyes, full of life, and Hertha's was uncanny. It was as if they were carved from the same mold.

Turning to the girl next to him, Alaric noted the striking similarity in their eyes and, surprisingly, their height. Could the two kids be of the same age?

A frown crept onto Alaric's face, his curiosity piqued.

Hertha, catching Julian's question and Alaric's scrutinizing look, felt a surge of panic. "There are plenty of people with almond-shaped eyes in the world, it's not unusual for some to look alike," she hastily commented, trying to dismiss the implication.

Julian, scratching his head, seemed only half convinced.

Alaric's brow furrowed deeper, his tone abrupt, "Twins?"

"Excuse me?" Hertha stalled, taken aback.

Alaric nodded towards the two kids at their feet. "Your children."

Hertha, though inwardly trembling, managed a nod. "Yes."

"And their father?" Alaric hadn't intended to pry further into Hertha's life but found himself asking regardless.

"What are you hiding, Hertha? Is there something you're not telling me?" Alaric pressed, his foot preventing the door from closing.

Hertha's temples throbbed with panic, her attempts to close the door intensifying. "Alaric, have you lost your mind? Whatever we had is over. Why would I hide anything from you?"

"Really? Then tell me the birthdays of your kids," Alaric countered, reaching for Hertha.

Dodging his grasp, Hertha inadvertently let the door swing open, allowing Alaric to step inside. She quickly scooped up the kids, attempting to escape, but Alaric caught her by the collar, pulling her and the kids back.

"The kids' dad, a young man with almond-shaped eyes? Who's older, you or me?" Alaric challenged, locking his hand around her chin as he drew her back.