The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

"I get it," Ruby said, fighting back tears.

And just like that, the video cut off.

Alaric quickly defended himself, "See, I wasn't lying."

Hertha looked at him skeptically, "Then explain to me why the cops said you were at the nightclub looking for some shady company, not to mention getting into a physical altercation and a financial dispute?"

Those were serious accusations.

Alaric was desperate to clear his name, "I was at Sapphire Skyline just hanging out with Richard and Ethan, drinking. Those girls, Zola forced them into our booth. I was disgusted, that's why I pushed Ruby away, and she got hurt. That's what they meant by 'physical altercation.' As for the financial dispute, it's exactly what you saw in the video. I accidentally broke her bracelet, and when I tried to compensate her for it, we couldn't come to an agreement."

Hertha pondered his explanation. It made sense, but it was hard to believe outright.

That's the truth?" she pressed, eyebrows

insisted, almost desperately. "If only there were cameras in that booth, I'd show

earnestness, Hertha decided to give him the benefit of the

wasn't entirely

the child you

from his and looked

sadness over Hertha. Alaric was someone she had once been deeply infatuated with, and even now, a part

to be with him

standards, nor could she accept a man who had a child

Alaric's confidence too. His eyes usually so sharp, dimmed as he sighed, "About