Chapter 859

“I only stated the fact, didn’t I?” Hertha retorted, chin held high, with an air of righteousness.

Alaric was taken aback. The women who were smitten with him, hoping to win him over, would always back off at his slightest show of disinterest. They’d either try to flatter him or give him up with a heartache.

No one ever dared to give him a hard time.

Hertha, who was no different from the other women chasing after him, was somehow an exception.

She had the audacity to serve him a taste of his own medicine.

With an amused smirk, Alaric nodded at Hertha’s defiant demeanor, deciding not to stoop to her level.

His gaze shifted to Thalassa. “Thalassa, why didn’t you come with Lysander today?”

As Thalassa put down her glass of water, ready to answer, Hertha spoke up on her behalf.

“Can’t you see? She’s on a date with me. Why bring up someone else?” Hertha’s tone was spicy with Alaric.

“Hertha, can you keep your mouth shut when I’m not talking to you?” Alaric shot back, his captivating eyes flashing with annoyance as they met hers.

“My mouth is made for talking and eating. I’m here to eat, so I can’t possibly keep it shut,” Hertha countered.

Alaric, who had managed to keep his smile until now, couldn’t hold it any longer. Gritting his teeth, he acknowledged defeat, “Alright, you’ve got guts. I won’t disturb you anymore.”

As he stood up to leave, Hertha added sarcastically, “I’m not the one sowing wild oats everywhere.

That’s you.”

She then poured water into her and Thalassa’s cups, as if nothing had happened.

Alaric froze in his tracks, his teeth gritted in anger. Once upon a time, she was all doe-eyed whenever she saw him. Now, she was all fire and brimstone, with every word a jab at him.

Was this a case of resentment born out of unrequited love?

“One day, Hertha, I will make you cry,” Alaric threw down the gauntlet before storming off.

“Bring it on. I’ll be waiting. If you can’t make me cry, then you’re not a real man!” Hertha retorted defiantly, watching his retreating figure.

Alaric didn’t respond and walked out of the diner.

Thalassa, who was drinking water, almost choked on Hertha’s words. She quickly swallowed the water and wiped her mouth, looking shocked at Hertha. “Is it really okay for you two to be having this kind of conversation in public?”

“Where’s the harm? We didn’t say anything inappropriate. I was just telling Alaric that if he can’t handle it, he’s not a real man,” Hertha said, looking genuinely innocent.

Thalassa felt embarrassed.

Perhaps she was overthinking.

Noticing the amused glances from the surrounding people, Thalassa blushed and whispered to Hertha, “Enough, let’s just order our food.”

Seeing that people were staring, Hertha decided to stop and focus on the menu.

As they continued their meal, Thalassa’s phone rang with a message. It was from Lysander.

[Finished eating yet?]