The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1982

"Daddy, I love you the most," Helena said, her tiny hands cupping Alaric's face as she planted a soft, mushy kiss on his cheek.

Her voice was so tender and sweet that it could melt anyone's heart. Alaric was over the moon, his heart turning into a puddle. His smile, as warm as the spring sunshine, gently brushed his cheek against Helena's soft face as he said, "Daddy loves you the most too."

"Daddy, me too," Julian said, taking small steps over to Alaric, clutching at his jeans and looking up for attention. Alaric looked down and met Julian’s hopeful eyes, freeing one hand to embrace Helena while using the other to gently pat Julian's head. "Daddy loves you a lot too," he said softly.

"Giggle... I love Daddy too," Julian laughed joyfully, expressing his love for his father.

Kimberly watched from the side, feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement. She was annoyed because Alaric, as their father, seemed to lack discretion in his actions, having another child with a different woman. She thought he hardly deserved the children's unconditional love! But the amusing part was that the children knew nothing of this. They only knew that Alaric was their dad, and they offered all their love without any reservation, never hiding their affection for him. Children truly are the most innocent beings.

"Alright, alright, weren't we going to go play on the slide? Let's go. It's almost time to head back home; it's getting dark," Kimberly said as she stepped forward and took Julian's hand. She could tell Alaric and Hertha had things to discuss, so it was best not to interrupt their conversation.

"So, cold or hot, would you be able to feel the warmth if this fist landed on your face?" Hertha said, gritting her teeth and clenching her fist, rubbing it in her other hand.

Alaric quickly stepped back. "You're quite warm. No need for me now. I'll head back home." He turned briskly, reached his front door, punched in the code, and before stepping in, turned back to catch Hertha's gaze. He grinned wide, showing a mouthful of white teeth, which only made Hertha clench her fist tighter and march towards him. Alaric's smile vanished as he quickly slipped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Phew," he sighed, "Hertha can be quite the tiger sometimes."