The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1404

"Mr. Falconer, I've still got something to do today. Let's catch up another time," Dr. Funke paused, flashing a polite smile at Alaric before stepping into the elevator.

Alaric lingered at the elevator entrance, not joining him inside. The roguish grin that usually played on his face was replaced by a more formal expression. "Alright, I'll contact you another day. Have a good day."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the elevator doors slid shut.

"Hey, Dr. Funke..." Hertha stepped forward, about to say something when the doors closed.

Watching the elevator descend, Hertha pushed Alaric's arm irritably, "What are you playing at? You knew we were here to see Dr. Funke, and you just let him leave!"

Alaric's arm swayed to the side with her push. Turning his mischievous eyes to her, the familiar playful spark was still there. "Hertha, three years have passed and you're still as brash as ever!"

"Who's brash? Alaric, you think you can lecture me?" Hertha glared at him sideways, clearly annoyed.

"You guys catch up, I'll head down," interjected Thalassa, noticing Hertha and Alaric’s reunion tinged with unspoken feelings. The way they looked at each other spoke volumes of their longing despite the bickering that ensued.

Deciding to leave them alone, Thalassa didn't want to play third wheel any longer.

Just as she finished speaking, another elevator arrived. She stepped in and closed the door behind her.

Alaric glanced briefly at the elevator before turning back to Hertha with a sly squint, "The first time you saw me, you asked for my contact information, trying to reel me in. Now, you’re throwing yourself at a doctor old enough to be your dad without even meeting him? Hertha, has three years without me left you that thirsty?"