The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1920

Thalassa and Hertha arrived at the principal's office door, which was slightly ajar. Thalassa knocked on the door, but no response came. They exchanged glances, and without further patience, Hertha pushed the door open: "Principal..."

Her face was lit with an eager smile, ready to greet whoever was inside. However, her words hung in the air as they realized the room was empty. Hertha's smile faded as she turned to Thalassa, "No one's here."

Just then, a staff member from the orphanage passed by. Thalassa quickly stopped them and asked, "Excuse me, do you know where the principal is?"

"The principal's playing games with the kids in the main hall," the staff member replied.

"Where's that?" Hertha inquired.

"I'm headed there myself. Follow me," the staff member offered.

Thalassa and Hertha followed the staff member to the main hall. The children were seated on little stools, listening intently to the principal, who was telling a children's story with animated enthusiasm.

Thalassa and Hertha waited by the entrance, not wanting to interrupt. Unable to stay still, Hertha's gaze wandered over the children sitting in rows. Her eyes suddenly fixed on a little boy seated in the middle.

After looking intently for a few seconds, she became even more certain that the boy was Georgia's child! Having met with Georgia holding the child several times, Hertha had taken a good look at him before. Those distinct almond-shaped eyes were the spitting image of Alaric's.

Because the boy resembled Alaric so closely, Hertha was unwavering in her belief that he was indeed the child of Georgia and Alaric. Now seeing him among the other children, she was sure she hadn't made a mistake.

Noticing Hertha's fixed gaze, Thalassa looked in the same direction and saw the child too. Understanding Hertha's feelings, Thalassa gently squeezed her hand, offering silent comfort.

Soon after, the principal finished the story. Hearing from the staff that someone was looking for him, he turned toward Thalassa and Hertha with a friendly smile, "You were looking for me?"

Thalassa quickly responded, politely saying, "Yes, Principal. We were wondering if you might have a moment to talk privately."

"Of course, just give me a moment," the principal replied, then turned back to the children, "Piper will play some games with you while I step out for a bit, okay?"

The children's innocently unanimous response was a resounding yes. Watching the children and hearing their understanding responses, Thalassa felt a pang of sorrow and empathy for them. Every child, she thought, arrives in this world as an angel, innocent and blameless. Yet, some are treated harshly from birth, facing the world's cruelties at such a tender age. How undeserving they are of such fate.

The principal led them back to his office, courteously offering them each a cup of tea.

"Ms. South, was there an issue with the child that was taken yesterday? Please feel free to ask me anything. I'll share everything I know," the principal said, recognizing Thalassa from her visit with Lysander the day before to handle Susan's case.

Though the orphanage had seemed calm on the surface, all the adults were aware of the incident. A woman named Susan had been found sitting on a windowsill, threatening to jump with a two-year-old boy from the orphanage in her arms.