The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1776

\"What the heck happened? You better spill the beans!\" Kimberly was always on edge, having spent the whole morning pacing the floor, waiting for Hertha and Alaric to come back with their marriage license. And then, to top it all off, Hertha hits her with a bombshell over the phone!

Kimberly's heart skipped a beat, instantly boiling over with frustration.

\"Mom, I can't even begin to explain over the phone. I'll fill you in when I get back,\" Hertha pleaded urgently.

She had delayed going home precisely because she feared her mom's intense interrogations, dreading the inevitable showdown.

Before Kimberly could get a word in, Hertha had already hung up.

\"Man, my life's like being in the trenches every single day!\" Hertha murmured to herself as she slipped her phone into her pocket, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Thalassa stood up, placing a comforting hand on Hertha's shoulder. \"Come on, let's get you home.\"

Hertha gave her a weary look, saying, \"Guess I don't have much choice.\"

Avoidance wasn't an option; she had to face the music, sooner or later.

Thalassa had been dropped off by their chauffeur, Blake, who had been waiting outside all this while.

As they emerged, Blake quickly opened the car door, \"Ms. Everhart, Ms. Kensington, please, after you.\"

Hertha couldn't help but tease Thalassa, \"Look at you, rubbing shoulders with Lysander and getting the VIP treatment now.\"

Thalassa shot her a playful glare. \"Is this really the time for jokes?\"

After a moment, Thalassa advised, \"Just try to sweet-talk your mom, okay? She only wants what's best for you.\"

\"Got it,\" Hertha responded, then turned and walked away without looking back.

Thalassa signaled Blake to drive off.

Approaching the elevator, Hertha suddenly noticed a man standing there, not seeming to wait for the elevator but staring intently in the direction of the pedestrians.

His eyes caught her off guard, making her jump. \"Holy moly!\" She clutched her chest, taking a closer look only to realize it was Alaric. Instantly, her anger flared up, and she smacked him on the chest, exclaiming, \"What are you doing lurking around here? You nearly scared me to death!\"

Alaric quickly grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer, and said earnestly, \"Hertha, you're finally back.\"