The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Hertha's breathing hitched, her eyelashes fluttered, and as she closed her eyes, she could feel Alaric's hot breath on her cheek, his lips inching closer and closer, almost about to kiss her when- "Hertha, why can't I open your room?" Suddenly, Kimberly's voice echoed from outside the door.

Hertha's mind raced, shocked, she opened her eyes wide and saw Alaric's handsome face so close to hers. Hastily, she pushed him away with one hand and nervously responded to her mother outside, "Oh, the door lock is acting up..."

After she spoke, Hertha twisted her face in guilt, amazed at her own ability to lie on the spot.

"The lock's broken? What a hassle, can't even get into the room. I'll go out and buy a new one," Kimberly said before leaving.

Only after hearing the door close did Hertha let out a huge sigh of relief, nearly scared to death.

Her heart was like a roller coaster, soaring and diving, thrilling yet terrifying.

Just as Hertha relaxed, Alaric's deep, teasing voice sounded in her ear: "I helped you out. How are you going to thank me?" Hertha looked at him incredulously, "Have you no shame? When did you ever help me?"

"The keys are on the dining table," Alaric said.

Seeing his amused expression, Hertha instantly understood-Alaric had locked the room from the outside when he came out. That's why her mother couldn't open the door.

abilities. So impressive, why don't you become

a bathrobe hanging in the bathroom, wrapped it

unlock the door, swiftly gathered the clothes scattered on the floor, not bothering to sort whose were whose, and

adding detergent, she started the

quickly went back to her room

her tense nerves

to take a nice shower, but

mother's

a single

she approached the bathroom door and

not done showering,"

taking a shower at my place? Go back to

my clothes here; it's only right I wash here," Alaric

is that! Hurry up and get out, or you won't be able to leave once my mom

I won't leave.