The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet

"Julian, what a sweet name. So, your sister must be Helena, right?" Alaric gently took Julian's small hand, his smile barely containing his delight. His tone was softer than ever before.

"Yeah, Daddy! You're so smart, guessing my name just like that!" Helena, sitting beside Alaric, clapped her hands joyously in praise.

Hertha looked at Helena in amazement.

What's happening here? They've just met Alaric and Helena's already calling him Daddy?

That escalated quickly!

Feeling a pang of jealousy, Hertha's spirits sank even lower.

"See? Daddy's got lots of tricks up his sleeve. I'll show you just how amazing I can be," Alaric turned back, his eyes twinkling as he spoke to Helena. Receiving compliments from his daughter made Alaric's heart swell with joy, more so than closing any million-dollar deal.

"Yeah, yeah, sure!" Helena nodded eagerly. "Daddy, you should stay and live with us."

Helena, ever the social butterfly, grabbed Alaric's hand, suggesting he stay over.

Alaric was about to agree without hesitation.

Seeing Alaric open his mouth to respond, Hertha gasped, quickly interjecting, "Oh, but he has work, plus he lives just next door, so it's no trouble for him to come over and play..."

She didn't wait for Alaric to accept, immediately shutting down the idea of him moving in.

What a joke, she thought. She and Alaric were practically strangers; why would he move in with her?

After the incident with Angelina and Georgia teaming up against her, with Alaric standing idly by, Hertha was furious. She hadn't forgiven him yet.

Rejected, Alaric felt a wave of disappointment but kept a brave face for the children.

"Yeah, Daddy's just next door, always here when you need me," he concurred, following Hertha's lead.

Hertha was nervous, her secret about the children finally discovered by Alaric, though he promised not to fight her for them.

Still, she couldn't shake off her anxiety, wishing for someone to bolster her courage.

Glancing towards the kitchen, she noticed her mother's absence.

It then dawned on her, having been inside for quite some time, that the house was unusually quiet. Could her mother not be home? Didn't her mother come over today to help with the kids?

Maybe she stepped out to grab some groceries?

Without backup, Hertha was on her own.

She forced a smile, addressing the children, Julian, Helena, why don't you head to the playroom for a bit? Mommy and your daddy need to talk. I'll call you when dinner's ready."

"Daddy's eating with us, right?" Helena tilted her head, hitting Hertha with the ultimate question.

Caught off guard and met with

Alaric's pleading gaze, as if to say, Yes, I'm staying for dinner. I've missed our last two chances to eat together, and I'm not missing this one.

Hertha didn't want Alaric to stay for dinner, but how could she disappoint her daughter?

Biting the bullet, she answered, "Yes, we're all eating together!"Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

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"Yay! Let's go play, Julian!" Helena, bubbling with excitement, jumped off the couch, grabbing Julian's hand as they scampered off to the playroom.

Hertha's face fell as she turned to confront Alaric.

Before she could speak, the sound of keys turning in the door echoed from outside.