Chapter 1421
A playful smirk lifted the corners of Alaric’s mouth, his eyes–sharp and mischievous with hint of roguish charm–only relaxed In front of Hertha.
“What are you on about?” Hertha rolled her eyes, dismissing the unnecessary banter. “Who needs him to accept, anyway? I just need you to convince him to meet us once. Thalassa said she’s willing to put up fifty million for Dr. Funke to come out of retirement and treat Lysander.”
Dr. Funke was well versed in both traditional and modern medicine, and he might just be the miracle worker they needed for Lysander.
Lysander was Alaric’s best mate, and after three years in a coma, his condition weighed heavily on Alaric’s mind as well. If Dr. Funke could cure Lysander, nothing could be better.
“You don’t need to meet him,” Alaric said abruptly.
“What do you mean? You won’t help us?” Hertha’s temper flared, and she was moments away from throwing a punch at Alaric.
“No. I’ll convince Dr. Funke to treat Lysander myself,” Alaric quickly clarified.
Hertha’s clenched fist relaxed, and she managed a smile at Alaric. “Try talking to him first, but if he’s not willing, we’ll still need you to introduce us.”
She was grateful for her quick reflexes. Otherwise, Alaric might’ve taken a fist to the face.
Alaric caught her smiling eyes, which seemed to sparkle even more with her deliberate grin, like phosphorescence dancing across a lake and into his heart.
Caught off guard, Alaric felt a flutter and leaned in closer. “If it works out, what’s in it for me?” As he leaned in, the faint scent of mint and tobacco from his shirt enveloped her, sending her pulse racing. His devilishly handsome face was now just inches from hers, the allure almost too much to resist, making her breath uneven.
Hertha took a step back, her eyes wide with surprise. “Alaric, you’re the vice president of the Falconer Group. Isn’t it beneath you to ask for favors from a commoner?”
Seeing her nervous reaction, Alaric straightened up and teased, “Scared I might ask for money?”
“What kind of favor are you talking about?” Hertha asked, trying to regain composure.
“Let’s say you reward me with a ride to send you home,” Alaric suggested nonchalantly.
A ride home?
Alarm bells rang in Hertha’s head. The last thing she wanted was for Alaric to discover where she lived and stumble upon her secrets.
21:02
“No need, I’ll treat you to dinner sorne other time. It’s getting late, I should go,” Hertha quickly oxcused herself and hurried off.
She had taken the day off work and drove straight home, her mind filled with thoughts of the two little cherubs waiting for her. Every fear and panic melted away at the prospect of seeing
Ever since becoming a mother, Hertha understood Thalassa’s past decisions and feelings all the more. Her children were her world and her vulnerability.
Hertha pulled up to the Gulfstream Community, got out of the car, and saw Bridget watching over the kids at the playground’s slide.
She was about to join them when a familiar male voice sounded from behind. “Hertha, so this is where you live.”
The voice was unmistakably Alaric’s, and it instantly tensed Hertha’s nerves.
Panicked, she turned around to see Alaric standing there with that characteristic twinkle in his eyes as always, looking straight at her.
Dread filled her. Her children were right there by the slide. If they saw her and called her ‘Mommy, Alaric would undoubtedly hear!