The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet by Thalassa

Chapter 1425 

The warmth in Alaric’s heart had no chance to surface before it was cruelly drowned in the ocean. 

His face darkened as he watched Hertha and Spencer exchanging greetings casually. 

Still holding onto a thread of hope, he questioned, “You both live here?” 

“Yeah, is there a problem?” Hertha answered without hesitation, her eyes calm and steady after an initial flicker of panic. 

“Mr. Falconer, I’ve heard Hertha mention you before. It’s worth celebrating to see old friends, isn’t it? I’ve just picked up some stuff for a barbecue tonight, why don’t you join us?” Spencer invited with a friendly smile. 

“Oh, come on! He’s now the Vice President of Falconer Group, busy managing a huge business empire. He’s much too unavailable for a casual dinner with us,” Hertha said, her voice cool as she declined on Alaric’s behalf. 

The last thing she wanted was for Alaric to linger. How could she possibly want him to stay for dinner? 

Especially when her kids might come back home any minute now. That would push her world to a whirlwind. 

Hertha was eager to send Alaric away now. But to him, her excuses sounded like a 

different message. 

Hertha was mocking him, suggesting he only got the Vice President position because of the Reed family’s connections. 

And that his busy schedule was filled with obligations to the Reeds. 

Alaric felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if it had been pricked by needles. His very bones felt as if they were soaked in brine, heavy and sour. 

Three 

years can witness a lot. 

In the end, Hertha had married Spencer! They lived together, and the way they communicated was distinctly that of a married couple. 

Yes, three years ago Hertha had said it herself that her interest in Alaric was fleeting, but her feelings for Spencer were genuine. 

Spencer was a good match for her, the one to share her life with. 

She had taken the Falconer family’s money and spent it without a second thought, but she wouldn’t let Spencer spend a dime more than necessary. What a harsh reality. 

Her earlier words echoed in Alaric’s mind. He wasn’t right for her, while Spencer was the 

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perfect match. 

How foolish he had been to think he could start over with Hertha after three years. He once looked down on Hertha, but now, he was the one left in the dust. 

If you don’t seize fate at its peak, you would miss it for a lifetime. Everyone pays a price for their arrogance and foolishness. 

Alaric’s heart trembled with pain, but he maintained a mocking coolness on his face, preserving the last shred of his dignity. 

“You lovebirds enjoy your meal. I’ve got work to do. I’ll be off,” he said, striding to his car and driving away. 

Hertha stood by Spencer, watching Alaric’s car disappear into the distance. 

As the sleek, blue–gray Maserati faded away, Hertha finally let out a sigh of relief. 

That was close. Alaric had almost discovered her children. 

As tough as she was, she couldn’t stand against the Falconer family, so the best strategy was to keep her children’s existence a secret from them. 

“Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to give him the wrong idea.” Hertha said, snapping back to reality and apologizing to Spencer. 

Spencer’s lips curled with a smile that held a tinge of bitterness. 

“You like him, don’t you? Why didn’t you explain?” he asked. 

“Ah, liking someone and seeing the reality are two different things. Anyway, do you think you’ve bought too much for just us to eat?” Hertha deflected, eyeing the bags in Spencer’s hands. 

“I bought it to share with you guys,” Spencer said, his voice soft. 

Chapter 1426 

“You really shouldn’t have, I’m starting to feel bad about this,” Hertha chuckled, scratching her head. 

Spencer lived in the same apartment complex, so when Alaric had asked Hertha if they both resided there, she confirmed it without hesitation. They were even in the same building, albeit on different floors. 

So, Hertha’s response to Alaric wasn’t totally a lie. 

“Oh c’mon, you’re always dropping by with cookies or a pie for me. It’s just being neighborly, no need for any awkwardness,” Spencer said with an amiable smile. 

“Mommy, Uncle Spencer!” 

When Hertha and Spencer chatted, two sweet, cooing voices rang out, their little owners excitedly calling out for Hertha and Spencer. 

The adorable lilt in their voices instantly melted Hertha’s heart. She turned around, looking down to see two little cherubs toddling towards her, their short legs carrying them as fast as they could, like a pair of bouncy balls rolling their way. 

Julian huffed and puffed as he ran, while Helena’s pigtail bounces charmed the world with each step she took. 

All of Hertha’s nerves and discomfort vanished instantly, replaced by the glow of maternal love radiating from within. 

Quickly stepping forward, she bent down to scoop up the little one leading the charge. 

“Julian, come to Mommy!” Hertha lifted Julian, nuzzling her cheek against his soft little 

face. 

The tender, squishy feeling was like hugging a marshmallow, overwhelming Hertha with 

adoration. 

“Mommy, I want a hug, too!” Helena, born an hour after Julian and slightly more delicate, had never managed to outrun her brother. 

It was always Julian who raced into their mother’s arms first, with Helena trailing behind, her cheeks flushed with effort. 

Spencer was about to set down his things to pick up Helena, but feeling a twinge of sympathy, Hertha quickly said, “Let me, it’s okay, I’m strong enough to handle both.” 

With that, she bent over and gathered Helena into her embrace. 

Holding a two–year–old child in each arm was no trouble at all. 

Holding Julian in her right arm and Helena in her left, Hertha had already shared a tender 

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moment cheek to cheek with Julian. Now she showered Helena with the same affection, marveling at her even softer, cuter presence. The sweet scent of baby filled her nostrils, and her heart melted. 

“Oh, my precious little ones, Mommy loves you both more than words can say, Hertha cooed, her love overflowing like the softest cotton, ready to burst from the depths of her being. 

Before she had children of her own, Hertha had always been affectionate towards Thalassa’s kids, but now that she had Julian and Helena, her love towards children had doubled. 

It was true that people always found their own children more lovable and more delightful. 

Hertha treasured every day with her children by her side and couldn’t bear the thought of ever losing any of them to the Falconer family. 

“I forgot to bring drinks when we came out, and the kids were getting thirsty. I was just about to head up for some when I saw you and Spencer downstairs, Bridget explained with a warm smile, touched by Hertha’s love for the children. 

Bridget was familiar with Spencer, as he was a regular at their family dinners. 

“I just ran into Hertha downstairs moments ago. We were about to head up to your place for a potluck dinner,” Spencer added, maintaining his polite smile as he slightly lifted the bag he was carrying. 

Chapter 1427 

Because his hands were full, Spencer couldn’t scoop Helena up earlier. 

Realization dawned on Bridget, and she hurried over to take the bags from Spencer’s hands. “Wow, Spencer, you’ve got quite the haul here! Let me help you with that. I’ll go whip up a nice stew for us.” 

Bridget was both enthusiastic and diligent. 

Spencer didn’t protest, letting Bridget take the bags from him. He stepped forward and took Helena from Hertha’s arms. “Come here, Uncle Spencer’s got you.” 

Helena didn’t resist. In fact, she seemed eager to be held by Spencer. 

Hertha, who had been holding the two kids, could manage for a while, but her arms were starting to ache now. Without a word, she let Spencer take Helena. 

Helena looked up at Spencer with her big, sparkling eyes, her voice soft and curious, “Uncle Spencer, are you our daddy? All the kids in the neighborhood have daddies, but my 

brother and I don’t.” 

This question caught both Spencer and Hertha off guard. Hertha quickly intervened, “Helena, Uncle Spencer is not your daddy. Your daddy… he’s off on a mission in outer space to save the galaxy.” 

Hertha was telling a tall tale, of course. Their real dad had just been sent packing by her. 

Lucky for her, she had sent him away just in time. Otherwise, he would have witnessed the two children running up to call her “mommy”. 

He would have also heard Helena asking why they didn’t have a daddy. 

Alaric was no fool. He would definitely have guessed that Helena and Julian were his kids 

if he heard their words. 

“Like a superhero off to space?” Julian asked, his curiosity piqued. 

“Yep, just like a superhero, with glowing eyes and all,” Hertha confirmed with vigorous nods, serious as a judge. 

The kids were still young and gullible, likely to believe any stories she made up. 

But when they got older, she feared her fibs wouldn’t hold up. 

Well, she thought, one step at a time. When the kids grew up, she’d find other excuses. No one was going to take her children away. 

The kids didn’t ask any more questions. 

Spencer gave Hertha a meaningful look that left her feeling awkward, but she didn’t offer 

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Chapter 1427 

any explanation as they both entered the apartment building. 

Back at Hertha’s place, Bridget was bustling in the kitchen, while the kids were playing in the toy room. 

Hertha and Spencer sat on the couch. 

Spencer had been wanting to ask her something, and now seemed like the right moment. “So, you saw him again. How did it feel?” 

Hertha was snacking on some fruit, and paused at his question, well aware that the ‘he’ referred to Alaric. 

She replied, “No feelings, really. Just helping out a friend. I won’t be seeing him again.” 

“Do you really think you can go your whole life without any more contact with him?” Spencer asked seriously. 

Three years prior, Spencer had planned to propose to Hertha. He had discussed it with her parents and was just about to make it official. But then Hertha came to him and 

confessed her love for another man named Alaric, and revealed that she was pregnant with his children. 

That revelation had hit Spencer like a ton of bricks. 

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Before Hertha sought him out, Spencer had always thought Hertha had special feelings for him. 

Otherwise, why would she care so much about saving him a few bucks? 

They say when a woman is penny-pinching for a man, it’s because she’s got visions of white picket fences and kids playing in the yard-casting every penny towards a future together. 

Spencer had thought just that. He figured Hertha was sweet on him, dreaming of a cozy household. And it didn’t hurt that he was quite taken with her easygoing 

nature-generous, hearty, and without pretense. 

It had been ages since he’d found a woman he could just relax with. 

So, he decided to settle down with Hertha. He met her parents, even suggested a sit-down between both of their parents to talk wedding bells and all that jazz. 

He thought it would all fall into place smoothly-him and Hertha tying the knot under the beaming smiles of their parents, having kids, and living the dream together. 

But the night before the big parental meet-and-greet, Hertha came to him. She was straightforward, telling him she’d fallen for Alaric, and she was carrying his children. 

Spencer was in the midst of planning the family rendezvous at the hotel when she dropped the bombshell. All his hopes and dreams shattered in that instant. 

The woman he thought he’d spend his life with suddenly became a distant stranger. 

It felt like a knife to his heart, and he couldn’t swallow the news she’d so casually tossed 

at him. 

But then Hertha continued, “I’m telling you now so you can cut your losses. Don’t waste your time on me. There’s still time for you to find someone else. With your catch, you’ll surely find a better woman to marry.” 

With that, Spencer had his lightbulb moment-Hertha was an honest and considerate woman, which is why she told him the score when it mattered most. 

A woman with less scruples would’ve kept mum, married him knowing full well it wouldn’t work out with Alaric, and let him play daddy to another man’s children for a lifetime. 

Spencer was heartbroken at first, and he did blame Hertha for getting his hopes up only to 

dash them. 

But he came to terms with it eventually. He was even thankful to Hertha for spilling the beans in time. Otherwise, he’d have been in way over his head. 

And as fate would have it, Hertha ended up buying an apartment in his neighborhood. 

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Chapter 1428 

Chance had them bumping into each other in the complex. Seeing her with the baby bump, Spencer became more protective of her naturally. 

Gradually, they grew into friends. 

Hertha let out a wry smile, her gaze on the floor though her eyes lacked focus. “I didn’t 

have a choice in this.” 

If she could have her way, she’d be with Alaric, starting a family and spending a lifetime together. Her kids would grow up with both mom and dad in a healthy home 

environment. And, honestly, she was so into Alaric that her heart skipped a beat every time she saw him. 

If she had the freedom of choice, she’d be with Alaric in a heartbeat, rather than spending her life without any connection to him. But his social class was out of her league. 

Besides, Alaric was practically engaged now, and no matter how much they squabbled, the ties of interest would likely see them married in the end. 

She wouldn’t be the third wheel between Alaric and his Georgia. 

“Ms. Kensington, the fondue’s ready. Can you help me bring out the broth?” Bridget called from the kitchen. 

“On my way!” Hertha shot up from her seat. 

Just as she was about to head over, a strong hand clutched her wrist, pulling her back down onto the couch. 

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“Let me. The pot is heavy.” Spencer said with a note of concern, heading toward the kitchen. 

It made sense. Spencer had the kind of steadiness and strength that made handling the heavy pot a safer bet. 

She was a woman, and not just any woman, but one who had grown notably thinner and more delicate after the birth of her children. The fatigue of motherhood had sapped some of her strength, leaving her less equipped for such tasks. 

Without a word, Hertha watched Spencer’s tall frame disappear into the kitchen, her gaze slightly unfocused. 

Over the past three years, Spencer had been extraordinarily kind and gentle with her. He took care of her in every possible way, attending to the smallest details of her life. 

To an outsider, it might seem as though he was her husband. His kindness stirred a blend of guilt and helplessness in Hertha’s heart. 

She knew there would never be any romantic possibilities between them, no shared future. Yet Spencer continued to treat her with such tenderness that she couldn’t help but wonder if he still harbored feelings for her. 

“Hertha, what are you daydreaming about? Dinner’s ready,” Spencer called out in a 

cultured tone. 

Snapping back to reality, Hertha managed an awkward smile and took her seat at the table, reverting to her usual warm and friendly self. 

“Spencer, here’s your fork. Try this sesame sauce I got the other day. I think it’s absolutely divine.” She began to mix the dressing for him, their interaction as easy as two best friends. 

“I can handle it. Don’t worry, I won’t get the wrong idea,” Spencer said, taking the bottle from her with a polite smile. He could see right through Hertha’s careful charade. Her overly enthusiastic warmth and lack of boundaries were her way of signaling that she saw him as nothing more than a friend, urging him not to read too much into their interactions. 

Her daydreaming earlier must have been about this very issue. 

Spencer was a sharp man, and after three years of being close to Hertha, he had come to understand her quite well. He could deduce her thoughts from a single glance or gesture. 

“Ha, you really have a sixth sense, don’t you? You see right through me. By the way, why haven’t I seen you on any dates lately?” Hertha asked with a chuckle. 

“I’ve got a girlfriend now. Why would I need to date?” Spencer casually replied while 

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preparing a plate of thinly sliced roast beef. 

“What?” 

The news hit Hertha like a thunderbolt. She was stunned momentarily. Her gasp of astonishment caught the attention of Julian and Helena, who had been playing contentedly on their colorful foam mats. 

The two little ones looked up at Hertha with their big, innocent eyes – eyes as endearing and curious as two teddy bears, filled with concern. 

“Mummy, what’s wrong?” Julian’s young brow furrowed in confusion. 

“Mummy, are you okay? Helena will blow on it to make it better,” Helena said, her chubby hands struggling to push herself up from the floor. 

“Ms. Kensington, did you burn yourself? You should run it under some water,” Bridget said as she came out of the kitchen with a bowl of freshly washed salad, her voice laced with worry. 

Realizing that everyone had misunderstood her exclamation, Hertha quickly clarified, “No, no, I’m fine. I didn’t burn myself. I was just surprised by Spencer’ good news. It’s okay, don’t worry. Helena, keep playing, Mummy will feed you in a bit.” 

She rushed to soothe the children’s emotions. Her little ones might be young, but they were incredibly caring. Their love for her was not just dependency, but also concern. 

Hertha felt a warmth in her heart. 

“You seem more worked up about this than my own parents would be,” Spencer remarked with a chuckle, casting an amused glance her way. 

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Hertha took a hearty gulp of her soda, a cheeky grin spreading across her face as she turned to Spencer, “I’m just so stoked for you, man. Congrats! When the big day comes around, you must send me an invitation.” 

As she spoke, Hertha grabbed a couple of cans from the cooler, popped one open for Spencer and another for herself. She raised her can towards him, “Here’s to you. I’d toast with a beer, but soda will have to do for now.” 

Her sincerity was unmistakable. She was genuinely thrilled for Spencer. At least he hadn’t been hurt or become cynical about love because of anything she’d done. 

Spencer, who had always talked about tying the knot, now had a girlfriend. It seemed like wedding bells were just around the corner. 

Without any pretense, Spencer clinked his can against Hertha’s and glanced over at Helena, who had settled back onto her beanbag chair, a warm smile on his lips. “Thanks for the well-wishes. I hope to have a little girl as adorable as your Helena someday.” 

The way Helena had worried over Hertha, eager to rush over to her side, had truly touched Spencer. 

Helena was just a tiny bundle herself, yet her first instinct was to look out for the ones she loved most. 

Perhaps the greatest treasure in this world was having children of your own. 

“Ha, you think so? I think Helena’s pretty cute, too. I’m sure once you’re hitched, you’ll have a smart and pretty daughter,” Hertha replied with a laugh. 

“Fingers crossed,” said Spencer, his kind eyes twinkling behind his wire-rimmed glasses. He was the epitome of a family man: caring, considerate, and genuinely fond of kids. 

Any woman lucky enough to marry him was bound to be happy. He always treated women with utmost respect and affection. 

Hertha managed a smile, but she felt a twinge of bitterness inside. It seemed like she was destined to remain single for life. 

After dinner, Spencer left. 

Hertha and Bridget fed the twins respectively. 

The adults had enjoyed a fondue dinner, whereas the babies had their own specially prepared meals. 

Since Helena and Julian were still too young to eat on their own, and Hertha didn’t want them to go hungry or be undernourished, she decided to feed them herself. There would be plenty of time to encourage independence when they were older. 

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At bedtime, Hertha cuddled up with her two little bundles, telling them stories until their eyes drifted shut. 

Once the children were asleep, Hertha finally took a moment for herself and headed to the bathroom for a shower. 

Over at Royal Estates, Thalassa filled the tub with warm water before returning to the bedside to prepare Lysander for his bath. 

She bathed Lysander daily, knowing how much he valued cleanliness. He would feel uncomfortable if he didn’t wash every day. Even now in his vegetative state, she didn’t forget his habit. 

She positioned the wheelchair next to the bed, lifted him gently, his arm over her shoulder, her other arm wrapped around his strong waist. Despite his weight pressing down on her, bending her spine with the burden, she held firm, inching him towards the wheelchair before carefully setting him down. 

For three years, she had been moving Lysander from the bed to the wheelchair, taking him to the bathroom for his bath every day. At first, she needed Fitch’s help, but as her strength and technique improved, she could manage the entire process herself. 

In the steamy bathroom, Thalassa knelt beside Lysander, unbuttoning his silk pajamas one by one. 

With each button undone, his muscular chest was revealed, his skin’s texture exuding a sensual masculinity. 

His muscles, as always, were a perfect blend of strength and beauty. 

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Thalassa crouched down, feeling Lysander’s breath on the crown of her head. His exhale was warm and forceful, synchronizing with her own breathing, making it slow and heavy. 

For three years, she had bathed him, and each time, her body reacted to his. No matter how many times she saw him, it always felt like the first, a mix of fascination and heartache. 

She wished for a miracle, for him to suddenly open his eyes, grab her wrist, and demand in that imperious tone of his, “What are you doing? Keep staring and I’ll pluck those eyes right out!” 

But miracles never happened. 

Thalassa’s hope had gradually sunk into a deep, aching dread. She feared that Lysander might never wake up. 

Lost in her thoughts, she had already stripped him down. Supporting his weight, she prepared to lift him into the bathtub. 

Water had pooled on the tiles, which she failed to notice. Her feet slipped on the slick surface. 

“Ah!” Thalassa yelped, her heart skipping a beat. Her first instinct was to protect Lysander from falling. She clutched at him and used all her strength to keep him upright. 

But their balance was lost, and they both slid to the floor. 

She landed on her bottom with a thud, her back emitting a dull grunt, and her head smacking the ground. 

“Ouch!” 

Lysander’s body collapsed onto hers, the impact sending a shock through her chest. The pain from the double assault caused her head to spin, her heart nearly stopping. 

She held her breath for a moment and waited for the disorientation to pass. 

Thankfully, she had managed to pull Lysander down on top of her in the moment of the fall, preventing him from hitting the floor. Another fall could have been disastrous for him in his vegetative state. 

With Lysander’s face pressed against hers, she could feel the firmness of his skin and the warmth of his temperature. His breath and warmth were normal, at least proving he was still very much alive. 

She shouldn’t have been distracted by the fear of Lysander not waking up for three years. Him being alive was the best outcome, wasn’t it? 

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With a furrowed brow, Thalassa eased the pain in her tailbone and then propped herself on Lysander’s shoulders, attempting to push him off. 

Only by pushing him away could she get up. It wasn’t a good time to call for help either, considering Lysander was stark naked. 

How embarrassing it would be if someone walked in on them. 

Even though Lysander was unconscious, she couldn’t compromise his dignity. She had to protect it. 

“Lysander, I’m so sorry.” she apologized guiltily while pushing against his shoulders. 

Lifting him slightly, she began to wiggle out from underneath. 

But as she moved, she felt a stirring against her abdomen – a sensation she hadn’t experienced for three years. 

Now, however… 

Thalassa’s pupils dilated, her heart leaping into her throat. Holding up his shoulders, she tried to look into his eyes, her voice trembling with excitement, “Lysander, you’re responding, aren’t you? Lysander, it’s Thalassa, look at me!” 

Chapter 1432 

It had been three years-three long years of silence and stillness-when finally, Lysander showed signs of reaction. Thalassa’s heart surged with emotion, her eyes stinging with tears that threatened to spill over. 

She propped Lysander up by his shoulders, desperately seeking eye contact, but his head lolled forward, devoid of the will to hold itself up. 

Thalassa’s hands trembled slightly, one hand supporting his shoulder, the other gently cradling his face, lifting it so she could look at him directly. 

Through her teary haze, she saw that Lysander’s eyes remained closed, his handsome face tranquil, showing no sign of change. 

The flicker of hope in Thalassa’s heart plummeted immediately. 

Everything before her confirmed the harsh reality: Lysander had not yet awakened. 

Her frantic heartbeat gradually subsided, her breath slowing from its initial panicked pace. Gently, she laid Lysander back down on the ground. Standing up, she helped him into a seated position, taking in every detail of his form with a clarity that belied her earlier panic. 

She hadn’t been mistaken. Lysander had indeed responded. At the very least, he had somé 

awareness now. 

This was a significant breakthrough. 

And where there’s progress, there’s hope. 

Thalassa fought to contain her excitement, maneuvering Lysander into the bathtub to soak in the warm water. She poured in some shower gel and meticulously bathed him, her hands moving over his back as the steam from the bath fogged the air and warmed her cheeks, her heart pounding-not just from the heat of the room, but from a shy bashfulness. 

The intimacy of a man and a woman in such close quarters was bound to elicit shyness in Thalassa, no matter how routine the task had become. 

“Lysander, am I being too rough? Does your back hurt?” Thalassa murmured, half to herself, half to him. 

Even without a reply, she continued to converse with Lysander, a daily ritual she had maintained for three years. 

“I’m scrubbing a bit harder in case your back itches,” she said to the silence. 

“Lysander, rest assured, I will find a way to wake you up,” Thalassa vowed, her voice thick 

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with emotion, her resolve unwavering. 

Her confidence had wavered before, but she felt a change in Lysander today. She saw it with her own eyes and the light in her dim world brightened once more. 

The next day, Thalassa drove to Hertha’s workplace. 

Hertha was hunched over her computer, engrossed in a sketch, when a knock on her desk startled her. She looked up and saw Thalassa. “Thalassa! What a surprise to see you here 

at the office!” 

The surprise was a delight, making Hertha feel cherished in Thalassa’s heart. 

“Shh, keep it down, will you? Don’t disturb your colleagues,” Thalassa reminded her with caution. 

Hertha’s enthusiasm was as infectious as ever 

“Oh, right. Let’s go to the break room,” Hertha said, taking Thalassa’s hand and guiding her away. She bustled about, fixing Thalassa a cup of coffee. 

“Sit down, Hertha. I’ve got some good news to tell you,” Thalassa said, cutting to the 

chase. 

Hertha placed the coffee in front of Thalassa. Try this. I brought from home,” she offered. “Isn’t today the day Alaric is meeting with Dr. Funke?” Thalassa asked, getting straight to the point. Her mind was wholly focused on finding a cure for Lysander, and everything else seemed trivial. 

“I’ve texted him this morning,” Hertha reported. “He’s having dinner with Dr. Funke at five. Also, he told us not to worry about it. He’s confident he can persuade the doctor.” 

Thalassa nodded, taking a sip of the coffee. Her resolve was clear: she would do anything to bring Lysander back to the light. 

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Chapter 1433 

Alaric was Lysander’s good friend, and he was determined to play his part in helping Lysander’s recovery. 

Thalassa knew how eager Alaric was to help, but her confidence was on shaky ground. What if Alaric couldn’t persuade Dr. Funke to come on board? 

The desperation to get Dr. Funke to treat Lysander was eating Thalassa up. Just yesterday, Lysander had started showing signs of improvement. If they could keep the momentum going, he might wake up soon. 

But time was a fickle friend. If they missed this chance, who knew when Lysander might show another sign of life? 

They simply couldn’t let this window of opportunity close on them. 

With a sense of urgency in hér voice, Thalassa said, “We need to suss out where Alaric and his crew hang out for dinner. We’ll book the private dining room next to theirs. If Alaric can’t seal the deal, we’ll be there to cut Dr. Funke off at the pass.” 

“But what if Dr. Funke refuses? Cornering him might not change his mind,” Hertha pointed 

out. 

Thalassa’s eyes hardened with resolve. “I’ll make sure he agrees to treat Lysander.” 

Hertha was swept up by Thalassa’s unwavering gaze and found her own determination bolstered. 

“I love that confidence! I’ll get the scoop right now. And if Dr. Funke plays hardball, I swear I’ll drag him to Royal Estates myself!” 

Infused with righteous indignation, Hertha whipped out her phone and shot a message to Alaric. 

Alaric responded immediately. 

Hertha excitedly shared the details to Thalassa, “5:30 PM at the Emerald Restaurant, the Harmony Room.” 

“Perfect, I’ll take care of things this afternoon then,” Thalassa said, standing to leave. 

“Don’t go alone, wait for me,” Hertha reminded her. 

That afternoon, Thalassa and Hertha arrived at the Emerald Restaurant together on time. 

Following a waiter, they were about to slip into the private room when they heard voices near the entrance. 

“Dr. Funke, I hear you’re back in the game not just to heal, but to scout out some fresh talent,” Alaric’s voice floated through the air. 

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“You’ve done your homework, Mr. Falconer. Every practitioner dreams of finding a successor. I’m no different,” Dr. Funke admitted without reservation. 

“Quick, let’s get inside,” Thalassa urged in a low voice, pushing Hertha into the neighboring room of the Harmony Room to avoid being seen. They were there as a backup plan in case Alaric failed to convince Dr. Funke, not to sabotage Alaric’s efforts. 

Thalassa and Hertha quickly slipped into the private room next door while Alaric and Dr. Funke were led by the waiter into the Harmony Room. 

Alaric was the epitome of courtesy as he handed the menu to Dr. Funke. “You’re the man of the hour. You do the honors.” 

“You’ve got a different style from the other suits I’ve met,” Dr. Funke chuckled. 

Dr. Funke had recently published a new edition of his book on his techniques, and several companies were vying for the publishing rights. He had been courted by quite a few other 

executives. 

Those business types, with their cunning gestures and airs of superiority, were nothing like Alaric’s laid-back vibe. 

“To be honest, if it wasn’t for family obligations, I wouldn’t be in business. I’d rather live an ordinary life, free-spirited,” Alaric said, a roguish smile playing on his lips. 

Dr. Funke let out a soft chuckle and took a sip of his water. “You might have the wrong idea about ordinary folks. They break their backs every day just getting by. They don’t have time for freedom when life’s pressures are enough to bend them in half.” 

“Dr. Funke, are you still willing to work with me?” Alaric furrowed his brows, sensing that he may not have won the doctor over entirely. 

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Chapter 1434 

Dr. Funke paused, a smile creeping onto his face as he set down his water glass on the tabletop. “Alaric, if I were solely looking for a businessman to partner with, you wouldn’t stand a chance of having dinner with me.” 

“I get it, Dr. Funke. You’re after a businessman with a bit of flair,” Alaric replied, his furrowed brows relaxing into a light, teasing grin. He reached for the pitcher beside him. and topped up Dr. Funke’s glass with a little more water. 

Assured that Dr. Funke bore no ill will, Alaric relaxed. Before long, the server brought over their dishes, and Alaric swapped out Dr. Funke’s glass for a clean one, uncorked a bottle. of wine and poured him a drink. 

“Dr. Funke, in light of our serendipitous meeting, we simply must toast to it today,” he insisted. 

Dr. Funke seemed like an ordinary-looking man in his fifties, speaking with humor and wit, yet there was a sincerity to him. He quickly put up his hand to stop Alaric from pouring the wine for him. “I can’t drink, I still have to drive later.” 

“I’ll call a cab to take you home later. It’s not every day we hit it off like this. We can’t do without a drink,” Alaric said, resolutely pouring Dr. Funke a glass nonetheless. 

Then, he poured one for himself. 

Dr. Funke chuckled. “It seems Mr. Falconer is quite the charmer. You must have quite a following of ladies.” 

Alaric hesitated, then asked with curiosity, “How can you tell I’m a ladies’ man?” 

Dr. Funke just smiled. 

“Have some food, please.” Alaric said, using the serving utensils to dish out food for Dr. Funke. 

“See, that’s your answer,” Dr. Funke gestured at Alaric’s actions. 

Anyone like Alaric, who took care of others, showing it in every little detail and even serving food naturally, carried a magnetic field of likability. They would attract women easily, and once a woman is drawn in, resistance is often futile. 

Such men are good men if faithful; if fickle, they are scoundrels. Every scoundrel has a charm that easily captures a woman’s heart. 

Alaric was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, “Dr. Funke, you do have a great sense of humor.” Naturally handsome, his smile was captivating. 

Even a man of fifty like Dr. Funke couldn’t help but be dazzled. 

Dr. Funke took a bite of his food, a smile playing on his lips, “Mr. Falconer, did you bring 

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Chapter 1434 

the contract with you today?” 

“Right here,” Alaric replied, pulling the contract from his briefcase and sliding it across the table to Dr. Funke. He had come alone to negotiate with Dr. Funke, even leaving his assistant behind, so naturally, he carried the contract himself. 

Dr. Funke took the contract, looked it over carefully, and signed his name at the bottom 

without hesitation. 

Alaric was puzzled by his decisiveness, and asked, “Don’t you want to ask about the specifics? Aren’t you worried there might be a catch?” 

Dr. Funke closed the contract and said, “It’s all there in black and white. You’ll distribute my book on acupuncture techniques to hospitals, schools, and bookstores, maximizing its impact and educating more people about acupuncture. Plus, there’s a bonus for me. 

What’s not to understand?” 

Dr. Funke was straightforward, and Alaric laughed, “Dr. Funke, by turning your exclusive techniques into a book for all to share, you’re ensuring the legacy of acupuncture thrives through the generations. You’re the true hero here.” 

He lifted his glass to Dr. Funke, “This one’s to your spirit of preserving and passing on the culture of acupuncture.” 

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