The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1870

As soon as Alaric heard her tone, he knew Hertha was still holding a grudge against him.

His expression became somber, ready to explain what happened at Sapphire Skyline the other day, but just as he was about to speak, Kimberly emerged from the kitchen, halting his words mid-breath.

Kimberly, Hertha's mother, was still in the dark about the whole situation. If he brought it up now, Kimberly would surely jump to the same conclusion as Hertha, assuming he was out gallivanting with other women.

Explaining himself to Hertha was already a tall order; adding her mother to the equation would only complicate matters further.

Alaric could only offer Hertha a sheepish smile, saying, "Things aren't always what they seem."

"Enough dilly-dallying, you two. Come on over and eat," Kimberly called out to Alaric and Hertha.

"Right on!" Alaric eagerly moved to the dining table, taking the initiative to sit down and enthusiastically serving Kimberly and Hertha.

As Kimberly accepted the bowl Alaric handed her, she said, "Sit down and join us. There's no need to stand on ceremony. I invited you for dinner because I want to clear the air between you and Hertha."

Kimberly had always hoped Alaric and Hertha would marry, given that Alaric was the biological father of the children.

If Alaric and Hertha were to marry, it would mean the children could grow up with both their biological parents, which she believed would make them happier.

They had even gone as far as the registry office, yet the marriage hadn't happened.

Kimberly had only heard Hertha's side of the story regarding their non-marriage. The true nature of the situation, the details, remained to be scrutinized.

At the mention of getting to the heart of the matter, Alaric's expression froze momentarily before he forced a wry smile, resuming his awkward demeanor.

Fumbling with his fork, he avoided Kimberly's expectant look.

The failure of their marriage was on him, and he had always felt a deep sense of guilt, making him reluctant to face Hertha's parents.

"Thanks, Kimberly..." he quickly corrected himself, earning a slight nod of approval from Hertha.

Hertha was not pleased with the situation either. It wasn't the outcome she had hoped for, and the disappointment was evident as she hid behind her plate, pushing the food around to mask the sadness in her eyes.

"You two are so alike, can't even remember to eat your veggies," Kimberly chided, serving Hertha as she spoke.

Hertha simply accepted the food, remaining silent.

"Daddy and Mommy are so alike!" Helena exclaimed, her chubby little hands gripping her spoon with excitement, her voice especially sweet and endearing.

"That's why they made us!" Julian chimed in, adding his piece.

Hertha was taken aback; the kids were really pushing the notion of her and Alaric being a perfect match.