The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1873

"But I didn't really have my fill earlier," Alaric murmured, wishing more than anything to grab a bite alone with Hertha.

Since they'd met, it seemed like they hadn't once dined alone or caught a movie together—none of the typical things couples do. And Alaric, he really wanted to do all that with Hertha.

"You not having enough to eat sounds like a you problem, not a me problem!" Hertha said with an air of indifference. She walked briskly, soon reaching the park across from their neighborhood. Sitting down on a bench, she flicked a glance at Alaric and said, "Sit."

Alaric paused for a moment but didn't press further. The fact that Hertha was calm enough to sit with him was already a win. Asking for more might mean losing even the chance to chat.

Alaric sat next to Hertha, pulling out his phone to show her a video from his gallery. "That day, I was in a foul mood, so I hit up Richard and Ethan to grab some drinks at Sapphire Skyline. Out of nowhere, Zola shows up with a bunch of girls. We didn't ask for company, but this one, Ruby, she just oversteps, trying to feed me a drink. I lost it and pushed her away, and she fell, spilling her necklace and scattering the rubies everywhere. She looked so pitiful. I offered to compensate with a similar necklace, but she had the nerve to say mine was less valuable!"

Alaric took a breath, continuing, "The craftsmanship and material were nearly identical. Guess why she claimed mine was less valuable?"

Hertha's eyes, wide and curious, stayed on him, though she said nothing.

Seeing her interest, Alaric went on, "She said the designer of my necklace wasn't as renowned as hers, so it was worth less than a third of hers! I was livid. I mean, how could she undervalue your designs, Hertha!"

Hertha glared at Alaric, still fuming.

Alaric replied, "Her necklace was designed by someone named W."

"W? Who the heck is that..." Hertha started to scoff, then suddenly paused, a lightbulb going off in her head.