The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet 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!"

"What did you say? You tried to settle with a piece designed by me?" Hertha was taken aback, her interest piqued.

Alaric nodded fervently. "Yes, one of your designs. I had bought a few on behalf of Crawley Group, remember? I always carry a few of your pieces with me because I treasure your work. And then she goes and says your design's worthless. That just set me off, and I pushed her again. She hit her head on the coffee table, got a gash, and next thing I know, I'm at the police station. That's the whole story."

After explaining, Alaric anxiously awaited Hertha's reaction, worried she might not believe him. Richard had warned him, he’d laid out the facts for Hertha, but she was skeptical, thinking it was some scheme they'd cooked up together. So this time, Alaric was extra detailed, leaving no stone unturned.

But looking at Hertha, he saw her breathing heavily, her cheeks puffed out in anger. Her baby-fat cheeks, already plump, looked even rounder, making her appear endearingly furious.

Yet Alaric was on edge, fearing she was angry or still doubted his story. Just as he was about to offer further proof, Hertha slapped her thigh in outrage. "That's outrageous, looking down on my designs! Who does she think she is? And who's this hack of a designer she's so proud of?"

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.