Chapter 1188
Georgia sensed something was off when she noticed Alaric’s gaze drifting towards Hertha, who was seated at the next table. His complexion changed, indicating an internal shift that didn’t go unnoticed.
Georgia, who had been brimming with warm enthusiasm, suddenly felt like she had been doused with a bucket of ice water. The chill ran from head to toe, leaving her feeling hurt and rejected even as she leaned in closer to Alaric, her dismay plainly written across her
face.
Juliet, Georgia’s mother, didn’t take kindly to her daughter being sidelined. Her features clouded over with discontent as she turned to Angelina and said, “What’s the deal with your son? Is he not interested in sharing this meal with us?”
Angelina hurried to smooth things over with a placating smile. “Well, not at all,” she assured. “It’s just that Alaric’s been feeling under the weather today, a bit of a stomach bug, you know. That’s why he looks a bit off. It’s actually quite touching that he still wanted to come out and spend time with Georgia despite not feeling his best.”
Upon hearing this, Juliet’s concern was immediately piqued. “Alaric, you’re not feeling well? You should have said something sooner. We could have rescheduled for another day.”
But Alaric was barely listening to their exchange. His attention was fixated on Hertha, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the meal Spencer was enthusiastically serving her. They exchanged smiles, and the way Spencer looked at Hertha was with unabashed
affection.
It was clear that Spencer had taken a liking to Hertha, and she was responding in kind. Their interaction was intimate enough that they might as well have been feeding each
other.
This blind date, it appeared, was a success.
Four days earlier, Alaric had been intimate with Hertha, and upon waking, he had expected that they would come to some agreement about their future.
However, Angelina had told him that Hertha had taken two million dollars and left without a word-suggesting she was only after his money.
Alaric refused to believe it until he drove to her workplace, only to find that she hadn’t shown up. Calls went unanswered. His investigation revealed that she had gone on a shopping spree at the mall, spending a cool half a million in a single day.
Two million reduced to one and a half.
The disappointment was crushing-was she really just after his money? Did she think so. little of him that two million would suffice to reel him in and cut him loose at will?
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Chapter 1188
Alaric’s face darkened with these thoughts, his breathing tinged with pain. Every interaction between Hertha and Spencer was like a thorn in his side, an anguish he couldn’t easily dismiss.
“Alaric, since you’re not feeling well, maybe we should go somewhere else to eat,” suggested Georgia, snapping out of her stupor Despite the blow to her pride, she remained determined to win Alaric’s heart.
His scowl unexpectedly softened as he came back to the present, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Well, since we’re already here, why bother moving? I’m fine, really. You go ahead and order. I’ll enjoy anything you pick.”
It was a marked change from his usual dismissive attitude towards Georgia. Stunned and flattered, she nodded eagerly. “Okay, I’ll order. I’ll try to keep it light.”
“Sounds good,” Alaric replied with a small smile.
Angelina felt a surge of joy seeing her son finally come around, while Juliet, seeing her daughter’s happiness, also relaxed. The two mothers exchanged knowing glances, their eyes twinkling with the shared joy of their children getting along.
Unseen by Alaric, Hertha nonetheless overheard every word exchanged between him and Georgia. When Alaric said he’d enjoy anything Georgia chose, it was as if Hertha’s heart had been sucker-punched.
She was still chewing on the barbecued ribs Spencer had served her, but the flavor turned to ash in her mouth. Still, she feigned enjoyment, smiling politely at Spencer while she
chewed.
Spencer was delighted by her reaction, eagerly offering her more food, his face alight with anticipation, waiting for Hertha to take another bite.
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