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.

chuckled mockingly, "Didn't know you had psychic abilities.

grabbed a bathrobe hanging in the

the door, swiftly gathered the clothes scattered on the floor, not bothering to sort whose were whose, and threw them all into the washing

detergent, she

went back to her room to change into a

tense nerves finally relaxed a

but

her mother's

not a single piece of clothing would

breath, she approached the bathroom door

done

like taking a shower at my place? Go back to your own house!" Hertha fumed, anxious,

off my clothes here; it's only right I wash

you won't be able

won't leave. Might as