The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1682

The drone landed on the edge of a flowerbed, and a young boy around seven, with strikingly handsome features and an inherently icy demeanor, approached it. His deep, dark eyes seemed to carry a chill as he picked up the device. Removing the camera attached to it, he tucked it into his backpack.

"Mom, are you okay? Do you miss us?" The boy's face puffed slightly, his youthful brows furrowing in concern, as if the longing he felt was about to spill out from his eyes.

He pulled out his smartphone, ready to review the footage captured by the drone. Suddenly, he felt a formidable presence behind him, eerie and imposing. He spun around, his heart racing, only to be met with the sight of a tall figure in a military uniform. Looking up, he saw a stern-faced man standing behind him.

"Atticus Sinclair, do you have any idea what the consequences are for sneaking out of the military academy?" The man's voice was authoritative and strict.

Atticus Sinclair, who had been studying at the academy for three years and was Thalassa's pride and joy, stiffened for a moment before snapping to attention, gripping the drone tightly, fearing discovery. He replied solemnly, "Sir, I wasn't aware."

"Return immediately and run ten laps with full gear!" The command boomed with authority.

"Yes, sir!" Atticus responded without a hint of protest. The rigorous military discipline he had been subjected to over the past three years had taught him the importance of obedience and respect.

He knew he had broken the rules and had to face the consequences. But his longing for his mother was overwhelming, pushing him to sneak out just for a chance to catch a glimpse of her. Worried about alarming his mother, he opted to watch her from afar.

He couldn't leave the academy yet. If he was caught meeting his mother recklessly, not only would he face punishment, but his mother might suffer consequences as well. So, Atticus Sinclair chose to secretly watch over his mother.

As Dean led the way out, Atticus lingered for a moment, glancing back at a window still aglow with light. His young, dark eyes were filled with yearning. Just one more year, and he would be free to see his mother openly. He just had to endure.

Three days later.

Kimberly brought Julian and Helena over to Hertha's place. While Kimberly was busy cooking, Hertha took the kids downstairs to play on the slide. Once they were tired, Hertha led them back inside for some water. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, someone on the outside pressed the button to keep them open.

The moment the doors opened, Hertha saw the person waiting to enter: Alaric, with his lean figure and strikingly beautiful, almost ethereal features. It had been three days since their last uncomfortable encounter, and seeing him now caught Hertha off guard.

Instinctively, she pulled the children closer to her side and moved further into the elevator. Alaric, with his captivating eyes, glanced over at her without any intention to avoid her and stepped inside.

The elevator doors closed, confining the four of them in an uncomfortably tight space, sending Hertha's heart into an erratic beat. Holding the children close, she remained silent, head lowered. Julian and Helena, curiosity piqued, stared at Alaric with wide, innocent eyes.

After a moment, Julian asked, "Mommy, why does this bad man have eyes just like Helena's?"