The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

She served him a slice of roast beef, her silent apology hanging between them. Not voicing her regret was Hertha's last stand of defiance. After speaking, Hertha lowered her head and continued with her meal. Alaric glanced at the piece of beef Hertha had placed in his dish, pausing for a moment before a knowing smile broke across his face. This smile was a genuine one, stemming from deep inside. He got her message loud and clear. The pair resumed their dinner in a comfortable silence.

As they were nearing the end of their meal, Alaric tilted his chin towards something behind Hertha, "Check out that poster behind you." Turning, Hertha found herself staring at a large advertisement on the wall. It read: "Today's Special: Celebrate our owner's anniversary with a 60% discount for couples." Such a deal! Essentially, a meal worth a hundred bucks would only cost forty! The offer was indeed tempting. Hertha turned back to Alaric, saying, "That ad doesn't apply to us." "We could be a couple," Alaric suggested casually, serving her more beef. Hertha paused mid-chew, "We're not a couple." "We could be, anytime you want," Alaric replied, his eyes - narrow and gleaming - fixed on Hertha, his casual tone belying his earnest feelings.

rejected again. Yet, Alaric wasn't disheartened, seizing this moment to express his feelings once more. If his intentions weren't clea enough in the morning, now Alaric was laying his heart bare, telling her he wanted to pursue her, to

kisses, to be his. But reality forced her to rein in her

"It's on the company's dime anyway, why bother saving?" Her words implied she wasn't willing to pretend

up, encouraging her, "Eat up, lean meat's good for hair growth." Hertha snapped her head