The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1186

The man was none other than Alaric.

He had a look that set him apart from the crowd, with piercing, narrow eyes that seemed to hold secrets of their own, and a sinfully handsome face that blurred the lines between masculine charm and feminine allure.

His presence was magnetic, a walking invitation to both envy and desire, and there was no mistaking him for anyone else.

By his side trailed three women. The one keeping pace with him, Hertha recognized immediately—it was Angelina, with whom she had crossed swords just a few days ago.

Trailing behind were two more women. One of them, a young lady, was all too familiar to Hertha. It was Georgia, the rake-thin beauty whose advances Alaric had declined twice with Hertha's help. Despite her high-end fashion and meticulously applied makeup, the gauntness of her cheeks betrayed a certain world-weariness.

Georgia was arm-in-arm with a middle-aged woman, dripping in jewelry and dressed to the nines, obviously a woman of wealth. Hertha surmised that this must be Georgia's mother.

What could bring Alaric and his mother, along with Georgia and her own, to a restaurant like this? A brief flicker of thought and Hertha realized—they were likely discussing a union between the two families.

While Hertha's gaze lingered on Alaric's entourage, she caught his sharp eyes glancing her way. In that split second of eye contact, she swiftly diverted her gaze, feigning ignorance of his presence.

Her hand, hidden beneath the table, clenched tightly as she turned to face Spencer with a forced smile. "There's nothing like hitting a bar for a drink and some music now and then. If you're into painting, Spencer, I could show you a trick or two when I'm free."