The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

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 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.