The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1636

The touch against his cheek was soft and sweet, sending a rush of excitement that made Alaric tighten his grip around Hertha's waist in an attempt to steady the overwhelming emotions threatening to burst free. Heat flushed his face.

Hertha, with her cheek pressed to Alaric's, felt the warmth radiating from him like a scorching kettle, burning against her skin. A pang of excitement shot through her, electrifying her from head to toe. Her body stiffened, toes almost curling.

She was only trying to avoid her mother's probing gaze and preserve her dignity, never anticipating this near miss. Her heartbeat skyrocketed, "thump, thump," with her cheeks turning crimson. Nervous, at a loss, and excited, her hands clung tightly around Alaric's neck. Their embrace grew even more suggestive.

Kimberly, having seen it all before, instantly knew what was up. The pair seemed barely able to contain themselves. Had she not been there, they might have already retreated to the bedroom. Tsk, tsk, these kids, not even married and already not caring about anything but their moment of joy.

Kimberly, speechless, took a deep breath and said, "How long do you plan to keep this up? I'm still here, or do you intend to treat me like I'm invisible and carry on?"

Jolted, Hertha realized she was still holding onto Alaric and quickly let go, even pushing him slightly, trying to distance herself from any implied intimacy. But her actions were as telling as if admitting to a hidden treasure. Alaric, too, felt awkward but didn't dwell on the minor push.

He straightened up, sat up properly, adjusted his shirt collar, wiped the corner of his mouth, and flashed Kimberly a mischievous smile: "We didn't know you were home."

"Oh, please. If you knew, you'd probably have booked a hotel," Kimberly cut him off. "I don't usually stay here. Just had a whim to drop by today, and what do I find? Quite the spectacle. Lucky me," Kimberly mocked.

Hertha, wiping her mouth, froze at her mother's words. Panic surged through her, her spine stiffening! Oh no, if her mother was here, does that mean Julian and Helena were too? Where were the kids, playing in the playroom?

Hertha quickly glanced towards the playroom. The door was shut, hiding any signs of life behind it, ominously quiet. But it was very likely Julian and Helena were there, playing. It wouldn't make sense for the kids' grandmother to visit without them.

She had video-called the kids yesterday, and both little rascals had expressed how much they missed her and wanted to sleep over. She had calmed them by saying she'd ask their grandmother to bring them over tomorrow. Could it be because of that comforting promise, her mother brought the kids over?

Staring at the closed door of the playroom, Hertha's heart bounced back and forth, terror gripping her. Meanwhile, Kimberly and Alaric were oblivious to Hertha's concerns.

Alaric chuckled at Kimberly, "We're not usually like this. Just got carried away today. Must be your lucky day, bringing good fortune our way too."

"What do you mean, 'carried away'?" Kimberly frowned. "Tell me, what exactly is going on between you and my daughter? When are you planning to get married? I'll have you know, if you intend to marry my daughter, you must accept her two..."

Kimberly was laying down the law with Alaric when Hertha, in a panic, jumped up from the couch and covered her mother's mouth. "Mom, mom, please, hold back a bit. Modern relationships aren't all about the endgame, it's about enjoying the journey, right? Mom, he's got urgent matters to attend to, can't stay long. Let him go, and I'll explain everything to you," Hertha pleaded, muffling her mother's words, nervously covering for Alaric.

After her plea, she turned, giving Alaric a look, signaling him to play along and make his exit quickly.