The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1408

Alaric's gaze was too intense that it unsettled Hertha.

His eyes seemed to hold a lingering thought of her, as if wondering if she had an opinion on whether he should reconcile with Georgia.

To an outsider, it might seem like he was genuinely asking for her advice. But in reality, what happened between him and Georgia was none of Hertha’s business.

Meeting Alaric's piercing eyes, Hertha's heart fluttered with increasing panic. She quickly averted her gaze and stammered, "Whether you patch things up with her or not is your deal. Thalassa is waiting for me downstairs, I should go."

With that, she rushed to the elevator, stepping into the first one that arrived. Just as she was about to hit the close button, Alaric's tall figure entered, standing close beside her.

The elevator doors slid shut, and Hertha pressed the button for the ground floor.

In the confined space, it was just Hertha and Alaric. He was standing within an arm's reach of her, his faint scent of peppermint and tobacco lingering in the air, mixed with a strong masculine presence.

It was the aroma of a primal choice, the same as the first time she met him—her cheeks flushed, heart pounding and her entire being yearning to be near him.

Even after three years, the sensation hadn't diminished in the slightest.

Hertha fought to control her breathing, not allowing herself to look back at him or show any sign of her inner turmoil.

Her inability to meet his gaze earlier was out of fear that he would see right through her—that she hadn't let go of him at all deep down.

Because of her guilt, her nervousness, she felt utterly exposed.

If she had truly moved on, she could face him fearlessly and look him in the eye without hesitation.

"Why didn't you go down with Georgia?" Hertha blurted, trying to mask the quiver in her voice.