Chapter 1242

Spencer cradled Hertha's foot gently in one hand while his other hand, armed with a cotton swab soaked in iodine, meticulously cleaned the gravel wounds on her sole. Lifting his head, his cultured gaze met hers as he answered, “The company I work for is nearby, and my place isn’t far from here either. I walk to work every day. Passing through this park is part of my routine. Didn’t expect to run into you today, though.”

“You’re going green, doing your bit for the environment and getting in shape at the same time. Pretty admirable,” Hertha remarked.

“How did you end up here today?” Spencer asked as he finished tending to her feet, steering the conversation back to the original topic.

Hertha’s heart sank as she recalled the reason for her being in the park. The anger and pain she had managed to suppress began to flood back in like a rising tide.

She couldn’t believe Alaric and Georgia could be so brazen, taking her to their love nest. Didn’t they worry she’d wake up and catch them in the act?

She cursed herself for sleeping so soundly. If only she had woken up while they were in the throes of passion, she could have snapped them photos with her phone, watched them, and had the last laugh!

Fuming at the thought of Alaric and Georgia together in bed, a sharp pain jabbed at Hertha’s heart. She clenched her fists, fighting the piercing sensation.

Looking down to avoid Spencer’s earnest eyes, she said, “I was at a bar last night. Couldn't drive after drinking, so I crashed at a nearby hotel.”

Hearing about her night at the bar, Spencer’s polite smile faltered, and his warm aura stiffened slightly.

Sensing his change in demeanor, Hertha quickly withdrew her foot from his grasp and looked away.

“It’s getting late. You should be heading to work,” she said, her tone abruptly distant.

Her sudden aloofness snapped Spencer back to reality. His expression softened, and he smiled again.

“Don’t be upset. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just surprised you really drink. I thought you were joking during our blind date when you mentioned it.”

“You’re wrong. Why would I joke? I like hitting the bars, love my drinks, adore handsome men, and I'm fickle too. I’m into whichever male celeb is hot at the moment,” Hertha said, her expression cool.

Spencer could tell she was irritated.

Trying to appease her, he said, “Lots of girls are into celebs. It's pretty normal. We have many in the office who are starstruck.”

“Do you think that’s normal?” Hertha challenged.

Spencer smiled reassuringly. “Of course.”

Then he pulled out his phone and dialed his boss. “Hey, I need to take the morning off.”

After hanging up, he pocketed his phone.

“What do you need the time off for?” Hertha asked, puzzled.

Hertha blinked in surprise. “I didn’t ask you to take me home.”

“That’s not necessary. I can walk,” Hertha declined. It was embarrassing enough to be caught crying in public, and she hadn’t been carried like this before by any man except her father. Read at

“Whoa!” Hertha gasped, and instinctively grabbed onto his shoulders to balance herself.

With Hertha on his back, Spencer strode forward through the park.