The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

When Kimberly heard Alaric explain, she immediately cooled down her temper towards Hertha. Her initial anger was partly for show, to keep others from blaming her daughter. She thought it better to scold Hertha herself than let others do it, hoping it might diffuse the situation and spare Hertha from outside criticism.

Given Alaric had taken responsibility, Kimberly found no reason to keep chastising Hertha. She ceased her scolding, and when she turned to face Alaric, her expression softened into an apology. "Alaric, I had no idea about your history together. If I had known, I never would have allowed Hertha to take that money, much less break up with you."

"There's been a misunderstanding," Alaric attempted to clarify, though he struggled with where to start.

Three years ago, Alaric too believed that it was Hertha who had approached his mother for $200,000 to end their relationship, and that her affections were merely for financial gain. This misunderstanding led Alaric to step back, especially when he saw Hertha with Spencer. To him, a woman who was with him just for money couldn't truly love him, no different from the others he'd dated. But it was only days ago that he discovered the truth; his mother had tricked both of them. Hertha, known for her strong will, must have accepted the money and likely gave his mother a piece of her mind too.

misunderstanding, that's a relief. Now that

"Yes, Mom-"

was about to agree with Kimberly and discuss marriage when Hertha sharply interrupted, frowning at her mother. "Mom, please stay out of this. He and I will figure it

to figure out? You both love each other and have kids together; it's meant to be," Kimberly scolded, her brows furrowed

way again. She knew the pain of missed opportunities

summed up so easily," Hertha sighed, feeling trapped. She wanted to be with

Alaric's one night with Georgia, so open and intimate, made her skin crawl with unease. Unable to forgive that night, Hertha