The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1784

Alaric jumped up, trying to block their view. "Grandpa, Grandma, let me get you some tea..."

His awkward attempts were in vain.

"Hertha, is that really you? It's been years, and you've grown into such a lady," Beatrice stood up, delightedly approaching Hertha.

Her face was filled with a kind smile as she warmly greeted Hertha. She walked up to her, gently placing her hands on Hertha's shoulders, giving her an up-and-down look before saying with a laugh, "Hertha, the last time I saw you three years ago, you were still a bit of a tomboy. Look at you now, all grown up and charming."

Hertha recognized them as Alaric's grandparents, whom she had met three years ago at Alaric's place, thanks to Beatrice's meddling, which had led her to get involved with Alaric. She still remembered Angelina's words, saying that Remington and Beatrice just wanted a woman to bear Alaric's children, and it didn't matter who the woman was. Those words had deeply hurt her.

Because of that, Hertha didn't have much fondness for Remington and Beatrice. She stepped back, avoiding Beatrice's touch, and forced a smile, "Oh, Beatrice, it's been a while. You haven't changed a bit."

Beatrice's smile stiffened for a moment but then returned to warmth as she said, "Ah, you're such a charmer. Haven't had dinner yet, have you? Come, sit down with us, let's catch up."

Beatrice invited Hertha, who stood still. Beatrice looked towards Alaric, frantically signaling him to invite Hertha to join them. That silly boy, always talking about making good relationships, and here he was, missing a golden opportunity.

Seeing Hertha reminded Alaric of their awkward encounter at the elevator, and knowing how angry she was, he hesitated to risk upsetting her further without making any progress. But his grandma was hinting at him; if he didn’t step up, wouldn’t that show he lacked courage?

With a forced smile, pretending nothing had happened, Alaric said to Hertha, “Hertha, what a coincidence! It’s fate, isn’t it? To honor this serendipitous meeting, why not join us for dinner?”