The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1875

"I get it," Ruby said, fighting back tears.

And just like that, the video cut off.

Alaric quickly defended himself, "See, I wasn't lying."

Hertha looked at him skeptically, "Then explain to me why the cops said you were at the nightclub looking for some shady company, not to mention getting into a physical altercation and a financial dispute?"

Those were serious accusations.

Alaric was desperate to clear his name, "I was at Sapphire Skyline just hanging out with Richard and Ethan, drinking. Those girls, Zola forced them into our booth. I was disgusted, that's why I pushed Ruby away, and she got hurt. That's what they meant by 'physical altercation.' As for the financial dispute, it's exactly what you saw in the video. I accidentally broke her bracelet, and when I tried to compensate her for it, we couldn't come to an agreement."

Hertha pondered his explanation. It made sense, but it was hard to believe outright.

"Really? That's the truth?" she pressed, eyebrows raised.

"Absolutely," Alaric insisted, almost desperately. "If only there were cameras in that booth, I'd show you the footage myself."

Seeing his earnestness, Hertha decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

He could only state his position. Changing established facts was beyond his control.

"But the reality is what I can't accept," Hertha told him firmly. "I'd rather be alone than with someone tainted. Someone who carries the dirt of another woman."

"Are you calling me tainted?" Alaric was taken aback, hurt flashing across his face.

Hertha knew her words were harsh, but they needed to address their issues head-on.

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Yes, to me, you're covered in mud, impossible to clean. Coming near me, all I can sense is the stench of that mud, the presence of another woman. I can't accept that!"