The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet

"Hey, Hertha, come on, don't be like that. Everything I said earlier was true." Richard was getting anxious seeing Hertha's cold response. Alaric had threatened him, saying they'd be through if he didn't smooth things over with Hertha.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Richard truly valued his friendship with Alaric.

"Mr. Richard, you might as well leave. You're ruining our dinner. We were enjoying our meal until you showed up, and now we've lost our appetite," Hertha said, clearly not interested in prolonging the conversation.

Richard was taken aback, "What do you mean? Do I look that off-putting to you?"

"Take it however you want to. We're going to eat now," Hertha picked up her fork and knife again, resuming her meal, ignoring Richard completely. Getting the hint, Richard nodded, stood up, and walked away.

The table fell silent again. Hertha chewed her food, but it tasted bland, and she felt a sudden weariness, as if all her energy had been drained. "Maybe you should give Richard a chance?" Thalassa leaned in and whispered to Hertha.

Hertha gave her a glance and said, "Even you caught the obvious flaws in his story. How can we trust him? I'd rather trust the police." "But what if it's true..."

"Even if it is, there's no going back for me and Alaric." Hertha cut Thalassa off, her voice tinged with sadness. "Alaric and Georgia have a child together. That's a barrier too high for me to ever cross."

Thalassa opened her mouth to say something more but stopped at Hertha's clear reluctance to discuss it further.

Richard exited the restaurant and immediately called Alaric.

He had cleared his day to explain to Hertha that Alaric was innocent, but it had all been in vain.

No matter what, he had to update Alaric on the situation.

The moment the call connected, Richard knew Alaric had been anxiously waiting.

"How did it go?" Alaric asked immediately.

"Alaric, I'm sorry, man. I explained

everything, but Hertha wouldn't

believe me. She thinks I'm some

kind of fake supporter you hired to deceive her."

"Damn it, Richard, you've screwed

me

Alaric cursed, his

fron palpable after anvil

g for nothing.

belongs

He couldn't bear to lose Hertha.

"Women are so hard to please.

Maybe I can make it up to you in et

some other way?" Richard felt guilty, especially since his plan had backfired, leading to this mess.

"I don't need it!" Alaric hung up, furious and disappointed.

Richard sighed as he stared at the disconnected call screen, regretting how things had turned out.

Meanwhile, at the Sinclair Group's headquarters.

David and his team were at the main entrance, ready to welcome Lysander.

Today was the scheduled shareholders' meeting.

Lysander was invited to participate, marking his quickest route back into the Sinclair Group fold.