The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Kimberly merely glanced at Hertha and replied with an emotionless face, "Forgot."

Hertha was speechless. Her mother had gone out specifically to pick up soy sauce, and after all that, she forgot?

And what was with that icy attitude? Had someone upset her?

Confused, Hertha looked over at her father, Ashton, who met her gaze. Understanding the question in her eyes, Ashton shook his head, indicating he was just as clueless about what was bothering Kimberly. He hadn't done anything to upset her, that was for sure.

"Mommy, let's play choo-choo train! You be the passenger, and I'll be the conductor," Julian said, tugging at Hertha's sleeve with his chubby little hands.

Looking down, Hertha saw Julian's round, cherubic face gazing up at her, his big, innocent eyes full of anticipation.

His adorably earnest expression nearly melted Hertha's heart.

"Alright, my little conductor. Helena and I will be your passengers. Off we go!" Hertha quickly snapped out of her thoughts about the forgotten soy sauce and immersed herself in the playful, heartwarming interaction with the children.

Soon after, Kimberly had finished preparing the meal and set the table, but she didn't immediately call Hertha and the kids to eat. Instead, she took off her apron and was about to head out again. Seeing this, Hertha asked with concern, "Mom, dinner's ready. Where are you going now?"

didn't even look at her as she replied, "To

do you need soy

said, her response trailing off

ask any more questions, just left and shut the

blinked, utterly baffled, and turned to Ashton. "Dad, did you and Mom

just as confused, shook

is Mom acting so weird?" Hertha still couldn't figure

just a phase, you know, menopause. You have to be

Hertha nodded, somewhat

temper

be unpredictable flaring up

we start eating?" Hertha

for your mom,"

two rings, the door opened. Sᴇaʀᴄh

with a smile. "Dinner's ready. Why don't you come over

nodded and stepped out,