The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Hertha's big, round eyes were locked on Alaric as she suddenly remembered something. "Wait, isn't W Thalassa? When she picked that stage name, I was her sounding board."

Alaric, with a grin that was all too eager to please, said, "Right, it hit me later too. That Ruby said your designs aren't worth as much as Thalassa's..."

"Ah, well, Thalassa's the talk of the town now, a designer in high demand. I can't compare to her, can I? And just because of that, you went and cracked someone's head open?" The revelation that her work was deemed less valuable than Thalassa's initially cooled Hertha's temper and forced her to face reality.

Thalassa was her closest friend, the one she had dragged into the jewelry business. Now, Thalassa's fame was skyrocketing, her creations were like gold dust.

Everyone wanted a piece of her magic but could hardly get it.

That Ruby, having got her hands on one of Thalassa's phone charms, must have treasured it like a rare gem. But to have it ruined by Alaric in a heartbeat, no wonder she was less than thrilled.

A simple rebuttal led to a cracked skull – talk about being unjustly wronged.

Alaric nodded, "Exactly, I was so heated. In my eyes, Hertha, your designs are the best, the most valuable. When someone belittled your work, of course, I got mad. I can't stand anyone talking down about you."

made his feelings clear, showing just how much

moment, skepticism crept into her gaze. "Are you

could easily sweep Hertha off her

tall tales, but a wave of sarcasm

good looks and her own infatuation, she had pursued him recklessly,

was the biggest blunder of her

couldn't fall for Alaric's ways

stood up to

don't go. I wasn't just trying to make you happy, I meant every word. Look at the video on my phone, I've been holding

it didn't happen. I wouldn't lie," he

a hospital room, the camera focusing

and an IV in her

pitiful Ruby addressed

accepted Mr.