The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1409

Anyone in their right mind would have settled down with Georgia by now, cozying up to the Reeds, wouldn't they?

Hertha cracked a smile and said, "Alaric, you're not exactly basking in sunshine, and your brain's not firing on all cylinders either."

"Hertha, I'm really not in the mood for your sass now!" Alaric snapped back, anger edging his voice.

"I'm not sassing you. If you're so keen on snagging the CEO spot at Falconer Group, then just tie the knot with Georgia and get in good with the Reeds. They've got the clout to make your dreams come true soon. Why on earth were you fighting with Georgia about anyway?" Hertha pressed, her tone serious.

"What do you think our fight was about? It was about defending you, wasn't it?" Alaric blurted out without thinking.

People could say he climbed the ladder thanks to the Reeds, that they looked down on him.

But hearing it from Hertha, it stung. It felt like a heavy stone pressing on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

At Alaric's words, Hertha froze, her eyes wide with disbelief.

He had argued with Georgia because of her! He had risked all he had achieved in the past three years just to stand up for her?

Could it be that she still held a place in his heart?

This realization sent Hertha's pulse racing, the emotions she had kept at bay surged like the tide, threatening to overflow.

Feeling the intensity of her gaze, Alaric was moved. He stepped closer and reached out, wanting to caress her cheek.

His fingertips barely grazed her skin, the heat of the touch felt like a burn to Hertha, who instinctively stepped back to keep distance between them.

Avoiding his gaze, she stammered, "You don't have to do this for me. If you hadn't stepped in, I would have torn her apart myself. You're the one who held me back. Georgia might not see it, but I do. You act like you're defending me, but really, you're protecting her. You're afraid I'll hit her again, aren't you?"

She was rejecting Alaric's kindness.