The Billionaire's Secret Quartet

Chapter 1436
Hertha was in a state of utter panic. Surely Dr. Funke couldn’t think that her flustered babbling two days ago was some kind of
love confession!
Hadn’t Thalassa already explained to him that many admired his medical skills?
Could it be possible that he didn’t get the implication?
Hertha felt like she’d fallen into a hole and was flailing about, unable to climb out.
With a gasp of alarm, she shot a quick glance at Alaric standing behind Dr. Funke, then forced a chuckle and said, “Dr. Funke, I
truly admire your work. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but I was never quite sharp enough to cut it.
So, I guess I just look up to those who can, like you.””
She was desperately trying to straighten out the mess she’d made the day before.
“Is that so? I’ve been on the lookout for an apprentice with the right spark, and since you’re interested in medicine, I might
consider taking you under my wing,” Dr. Funke said with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, his gaze unwavering on Hertha.
The subtext in his eyes was crystal clear.
Hertha’s heart raced with anxiety. She blurted out, “Dr. Funke, you might be better off taking on a male apprentice to avoid any
misunderstandings. You know, in case Mrs. Funke gets the wrong idea.”
“My wife passed away ten years ago. I’m currently single,” Dr. Funke replied.
His words couldn’t be more transparent. He wasn’t only looking for an apprentice. He was also in search of a new partner.
Alarm bells rang in Hertha’s head. The pit she had dug for herself the other day was about to become her grave. Her gaze
darted around frantically, looking for an escape. But she was at a loss for words, with no excuse in sight.
Just when Hertha didn’t know which way to turn, Alaric stepped in just in time, “Dr. Funke, I think you might be barking up the
wrong tree. She’s already spoken for.”
At those words, Hertha’s head snapped towards Alaric, whose face was flushed with the warmth of wine. His normally
mischievous eyes held a seriousness that was rare.

While Hertha was grateful to Alaric for swooping in to save her, her heart sank when he mentioned she was married. A wave of
profound disappointment washed over her. She longed to distance herself from Alaric, but hearing him so casually reference her
marital status made her feel defeated.
Because in saying that, it was clear to Hertha that any possibility of being with Alaric was out of the question.
Alaric had assumed that Spencer was her husband.
And she couldn’t exactly explain the misunderstanding to Alaric without raising suspicion. Her current situation was precarious. If
Alaric were to dig deeper, he would undoubtedly discover the existence of her two children. She couldn’t afford to lose, especially
not like Thalassa, who hadn’t seen her children for three years.
So, she had to endure despite the heartbroken feelings.
Hertha gave an awkward, servile chuckle, “Heh, yeah, I wouldn’t want to make my husband jealous.”
Thalassa, who was standing nearby, blinked in confusion at the disjointed conversation between Alaric and Hertha. Since when
did Hertha have a husband?
Just as she was about to speak up, she felt Hertha’s hand giving her a secret pinch on the soft flesh.
Turning to Hertha, Thalassa found Hertha’s blinking eyes.
Thalassa instantly understood the silent message from Hertha and remained silent.