《Under the Heiress' Facade》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    It waste August in the deep mountains where Jadonia and Valdend met. A young woman in a


    snug dress and an olderdy stood before a nameless grave.


    The young woman, Hera Youngworth, was born into the Everett family of Norburgh. However, she


    was given to the wrong family due to a mistake at the hospital 17 years ago.


    Just a week ago, the Everetts located her. Today, they were here to bring her back to the city.


    Catherine Youngworth shifted her gaze from the tombstone to Hera. ¡°Let¡¯s start heading downhill.


    The Everetts will arrive shortly. Once you¡¯re back in the city, you¡¯ll be recognized as an Everett. It¡¯s


    time to leave the past behind.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Grandma. You go ahead. I¡¯d like to stay a little longer,¡± Hera replied.


    Catherine took onest nce at the tombstone, let out a sigh, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t keep them waiting.¡±


    Hera stood alone, silently gazing at the nameless tombstone.


    Suddenly, she heard rustling in the woods behind her and nced up. Something was stirring


    among the trees and approaching her.


    Turning around cautiously, she caught the glint of sunlight on her long eyshes. A figure dressed


    in dark camouge dashed out from the woods, stirring a heavy scent of blood into the air.


    The tall man had camouge paint on his face, making it hard for Hera to see his features. Yet, she


    spotted a g on his right arm.


    Meanwhile, Hera could still hear rustling sounds from the woods behind him.


    Bernard Killian hadn¡¯t expected to run into anyone in these deste mountains. With a growl, he


    cautioned, ¡°It¡¯s dangerous here. You should go!¡±


    Drained of energy, he stumbled and copsed before Hera. Hey motionless, his blood staining


    the grass beneath him.


    Hera frowned. The smell of blood was overpowering, leading her to believe that Bernard had likely


    lost consciousness due to excessive bleeding. He might not survive if she didn¡¯t act fast to stop the


    bleeding.


    Suddenly, two men dressed in light camouge suits emerged from the woods.


    The first man, Edwin Elrod, who had curly hair, spoke in Terranish, ¡°There¡¯s a woman over here!¡±


    The second man, Albert Barlowe, had a crew cut and thick lips. He nced at Hera and said, ¡°Let¡¯s


    take her with us.¡±


    It seemed that Albert hadn¡¯t seen a woman in a while. His gaze turned lustful as soon as heid


    eyes on Hera.


    Hera¡¯s heart pounded. She had lived in this bordend for 11 years and was aware of its dangers,


    but this situation was new.


    Despite her anxiety, she silently thanked her lucky stars that Catherine had gone down the


    mountain before her.


    Hera calmly looked at the weapons they were holding, then spoke in standard Terranish, ¡°Please


    don¡¯t harm me. I¡¯m just a viger.¡±


    Albert stepped forward, using the barrel of his gun to lift Hera¡¯s chin. Her face was beautiful and


    soft. He imagined that touching her would be pleasant.


    He licked his lips and grinned. ¡°Miss, you speak Terranish quite well. Come with us. I¡¯ll take you


    everywhere and we¡¯ll live a good life.¡±


    Hera fixed her gaze on the ominous gun barrel, her throat tight with fear. ¡°Fine, just please don¡¯t


    hurt me. I¡¯ll do whatever you say. I¡¯ll pack my things and go with you right away.¡±


    Her timid response only fueled Albert¡¯s dark intentions. He smirked with a hint of malice. ¡°Since


    you¡¯re so agreeable, let¡¯s begin with making me happy!¡±


    Edwin chimed in with a simrly unsettlingugh.


    Albert dropped his weapon and seized Hera¡¯s right hand, pulling her close.


    Quick as lightning, Hera ran her left hand along the side of her tight dress, revealing a silver needle


    between her fingers. She then thrust the needle into Albert¡¯s ST 9 acupuncture point.


    Albert froze, his head dropping to meet Hera¡¯s icy gaze. The fear that had been in her eyes


    moments before was now gone.


    Edwin sensed trouble and muttered curses under his breath. He pointed his gun at Hera but


    hesitated to shoot, fearing he might hit Albert instead.


    Once Albert fell unconscious, Hera shoved him aside and rolled swiftly toward the tombstone. She


    grabbed a handful of white powder from a basket and flung it at Edwin.


    Edwin hurried to reload his gun, but it was toote. The powder filled the air, and as he breathed it


    in, his vision blurred. He felt his senses dulling. Within moments, he copsed unconscious, just like


    Albert.


    The powder Hera used was her own mix, designed to repel wild animals. Without an antidote, they


    wouldn¡¯t wake up for at least an hour.


    Hera got to her feet and looked down. She noticed that the dress Catherine had tailored for her was


    stained and ripped from the stones. She frowned, feeling a pang of regret.


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    Then, she moved closer to check Bernard¡¯s injury. He had been shot in the right shoulder de,


    and blood was flowing from the wound.


    Hera undid the intricate camouge uniform Bernard wore and lifted the slit of her dress. Along the


    edge of the slit, rows of silver needles of various lengths and thicknesses were found.


    She picked a few and carefully inserted them into Bernard¡¯s acupuncture points, which aided in


    stopping the bleeding.


    Next, she tore off a fabric from her torn dress and used it to bandage Bernard¡¯s wound.


    Unfortunately, given the circumstances, she couldn¡¯t remove the bullet.


    As Bernard slowly woke up, he felt a numbness in his right shoulder. He was still feeling dazed, but


    he snapped wide awake when he felt someone¡¯s hands on his chest.


    Hera had just finished wrapping a bandage around his wound when Bernard grabbed her right wrist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m just tending to your injury,¡± Hera reassured him.


    Bernard finally got a good look at her face and was surprised. ¡°C-Cecily?¡±


    Hera was shocked. She looked at Bernard¡¯s face, which was smeared with camouge paint. Then,


    she pulled away from his grip and distanced herself.


    The name Cecily was known only to the Killian family. Hera wondered if the person standing before


    her could be one of the Killians.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Hera feltpletely stunned.


    All of a sudden, the sound of an approaching aircraft grew louder. Bernard¡¯s backup had arrived.


    Hera looked up and saw a helicopter hovering above. The helicopter¡¯s door slid open, and adder


    lowered down. A man dressed in camouge, simr to Bernard¡¯s attire, descended from above.


    Hera swiftly dashed away.


    Bernard pushed himself up, his eyes following her disappearing figure. With a pleased grin, he


    mumbled, ¡°So, you were hiding here. I¡¯ll be back for you.¡±


    ¡­


    At the foot of the mountain, two sleek ck BMWs were parked in front of a rundown house. The


    yard was bustling with curious bystanders.


    In the living room, Catherine weed the Everetts, who had arrived from the city.


    James Everett, Lilith Cresswell, and their daughter, Giselle Everett, who had been mistakenly taken


    at birth and raised by them, were here.


    The three¡¯s impable attire shed sharply with the shabby state of the living room.


    Giselle scowled at the worn cup before her, feeling a wave of repulsion. She nced around the


    living room, taking in the peeling paint on the walls and the chaotic mess of herbs scattered across


    the floor.


    To make matters worse, there wasn¡¯t even an air conditioner in the house on this scorching summer


    day. Instead, an old ceiling fan whirred above, its irritating squeak only adding to her difort.


    The idea that Giselle was part of this rundown family was unbearable to her. She was firmly


    convinced that she was meant to be an Everett.


    Giselle clung to James¡¯ arm, looking upset. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s sweltering in here. Does Hera not want to see


    me because she thinks I stole her parents?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? It wasn¡¯t your fault to be mistakenly taken at birth. Why would she


    me you?¡± James snapped.


    Before arriving, the Everetts had called to say they wereing to take Hera back to their home.


    As for Giselle, they had raised her for 17 years and had grown attached to her, so they decided to


    continue raising her.


    ¡°Then, why is she taking so long?¡± Giselle seemed even sadder. She turned to Catherine. ¡°Um,


    could you go find Hera? And ask her to hurry?¡±


    Her tone sounded like she was instructing a housekeeper on tasks.


    Catherine let out a sigh as she observed Giselle¡¯s behavior. She was about to stand up, but James


    intervened, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s give her five more minutes. If she hasn¡¯t returned by then, we¡¯ll go first.¡±


    Lilith quickly ced her cup down. Finding their biological daughter had been an arduous journey,


    and she wasn¡¯t going to let this visit slip away without a word.


    Just as she was about to speak persuasively, a clear voice was heard speaking from outside,


    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m home.¡±


    All heads turned toward the doorway, where a tall, slender young woman stood. Her figure was


    outlined by the light behind her.


    Hera carried herself with a certain aloofness which hinted that it wouldn¡¯t be wise to cross her.


    Even with her advanced age, Catherine¡¯s eyes were sharp. She noticed therge tear in her dress


    as soon as Hera entered.


    ¡°Hera, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Catherine approached with concern.


    Hera supported Catherine and reassured her, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She looked down at her dress and added, ¡°I just¡­ identally tore my clothes¡­¡±


    It was then everyone realized Hera¡¯s dress was dirty and tattered.


    Giselle was ovee with disgust. She hadn¡¯t anticipated Hera not even having decent clothes to


    wear. She made a firm decision never to return to this shabby ce again!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make another one for you,¡± Catherine assured. She gestured toward the group and


    said, ¡°Come meet your real parents and their daughter who was mistakenly switched at birth with


    you.¡±


    Heranded her gaze on James. He wore a suit, had thick hair, and was slightly overweight.


    Despite being in histe 40s, he looked more like he was in his early 40s.


    James had been waiting for over half an hour in the sultry and rundown ce, only to be greeted by


    Hera, who was dressed in tattered clothing.


    What aggravated him even more was Hera¡¯sck of courtesy. She didn¡¯t bother to offer a greeting.


    Impatiently, James questioned, ¡°Why did you keep us waiting so long?¡±


    ¡°I tripped whileing down the mountain,¡± Hera exined, her eyes cast downward. Her long


    eyshes covered her cold gaze, making her look like a regretful child.


    Seeing how much she resembled Lilith and how sorry she seemed, James couldn¡¯t bring himself to


    scold her anymore.


    ¡°You look a bit messy. Come on, let¡¯s get into the car,¡± James said.


    He quickly turned away, ready to leave as soon as possible.


    Meanwhile, Lilith stepped forward and gently took Hera¡¯s hand, checking for injuries. ¡°Hera, I¡¯m your


    mother. Let me see if you¡¯re hurt.¡±


    Her concerned expression mirrored that of Hera¡¯s adoptive mother, Daphne Jones.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you,¡± Hera said.


    Giselle came over and attempted to pull Lilith away. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go. Dad¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Lilith nodded. She then turned to Hera and said, ¡°Let¡¯s head home. Your father¡¯s


    waiting.¡±


    Hera nodded and said goodbye to Catherine.


    Giselle became displeased when she realized Lilith waspletely focused on Hera. She pulled


    harder on Lilith, but Lilith remained firmly rooted in ce. This only added to Giselle¡¯s frustration.


    Annoyed, she released her grip and intended to seek out James, but Catherine stopped her.


    ¡°Giselle, have you truly considered this? Are you certain you want to leave?¡± Catherine asked


    sincerely.


    Only then did Hera cast a nce toward Giselle, taking note of her long, sleek hair. While Giselle


    wasn¡¯t beautiful, her designer attire gave her the air of a daughter from an affluent family.


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Giselle declined promptly.


    She sneered inwardly. She wasn¡¯t foolish enough to abandon a life of luxury to endure hardships in


    this remote and impoverished ce.


    Catherine let out a sigh. ¡°Alright then. Go ahead. Take a trip to see your father whenever you can.¡±


    As soon as her biological father was mentioned, Giselle¡¯s expression turned grim.


    The Everetts had investigated her background and found out that her biological father, Lucius


    Killian, was serving a life sentence in prison for murder.


    ¡°I only have one father¡ªJames Everett,¡± Giselle stated firmly, then forcefully pulled Lilith away.


    Hera stayed quiet.


    As Giselle walked away with a determined expression, Catherine sighed and shook her head. Then,


    she faced Hera. ¡°It¡¯s your turn to go, Hera.¡±


    Hera hummed in response. Leaning in, she hugged Catherine and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll go see Dad and


    do whatever it takes to prove his innocence.¡±


    Without giving Catherine a chance to persuade her otherwise, Hera grabbed her bag and headed


    for the door.


    Only one car remained in the yard. The driver stood by the door, waiting for Hera. As he opened the


    door for her, she noticed someone seated in the back seat.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    As the car engine hummed to life, James turned to Hera. ¡°Before we get to Norburgh, there¡¯s


    something important I need to tell you. We¡¯ll announce to everyone that the Everetts have officially


    adopted you.¡±


    Hera looked up at James. They hadn¡¯t discussed this before in their earlier phone call. Though


    being agreeable moments ago, she now seemed distant and reserved.


    James felt ufortable under her gaze. It dawned on him then that Hera would always feel


    somewhat disconnected from the Everetts since they hadn¡¯t raised her since childhood.


    Pushing down his uneasiness, he patiently exined, ¡°The Everetts have been relying on help from


    the Gaskell family to make our business sessful.


    ¡°Now, Zyler Gaskell, the heir to the Gaskell family, is engaged to Giselle. Their marriage is important


    for both families¡¯ interests and reputations. So, we need to make arrangements regarding you.¡±


    Hera understood the situation quickly. The Everetts were worried that if the Gaskells found out


    about her humble upbringing, it might ruin the engagement.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Hera replied, sounding indifferent.


    She casually pulled out her phone from her bag and got lost in a game, seeminglypletely


    unbothered by the conversation.


    James felt a sense of relief. He assumed that people from rural backgrounds would be easy to


    handle.


    If Lilith hadn¡¯t persistently asked and if James hadn¡¯t been concerned about Hera¡¯s true background


    possibly harming their family¡¯s reputation, he wouldn¡¯t have personally brought Hera back to the


    Everett residence.


    Hera reclined in the car seat,pletely absorbed in her phone. Her thumbs moved skillfully across


    the screen.


    Frowning, James couldn¡¯t resist sneaking a look at her screen. His disappointment grew when he


    realized she was just ying a basic matching game. Any remaining positive feelings he had for


    Hera quickly vanished.


    He even began to regret bringing her to the Everett residence. Hera came off as impolite and


    lacking ambition. He was worried she might embarrass the Everetts if they were seen together in


    public.


    James was unaware that Hera was actually deeply immersed in Flip-and-Match. The game involved


    99 pairs of identical icons being shuffled and briefly shown for a minute before being flipped over.


    Hera had to rely on her memory to match the pairs by tapping on two identical ones. In this round,


    she memorized all the icons in ten seconds andpleted the level in 48 seconds with a 1% error


    rate.


    However, she wasn¡¯t content with her speed. So, she refreshed the level and started over.


    After the car pulled up at the airport, they boarded the ne andnded at Norburgh Airport two


    hourster. Aside from meal breaks, Hera spent nearly the entire journey refreshing the level of her


    game.


    Finally, she achieved a new personal record¡ªtaking only three seconds to memorize and 27


    seconds to clear, with a wless 0% error rate.


    Right then, Hera¡¯s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification.


    Piglet: ¡°Hey Raven, are you really not epting any job offers? Someone is offering three times the


    usual pay! Aren¡¯t you interested? It¡¯s triple the money!¡±


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    Hera clicked her tongue impatiently.


    Raven: ¡°Nope.¡±


    Piglet: ¡°Not even for a deal worth millions? What¡¯s going on with you?¡±


    Raven: ¡°I¡¯m taking a break.¡±


    Piglet: ¡°When do you think you¡¯ll be back? I need to reply to someone.¡±


    Raven: ¡°It depends on how I feel.¡±


    Piglet: ¡°You¡¯re so childish!¡±


    James thought of Hera as just a typical teenager glued to the inte while Giselle, on the other


    hand, was focused on her workbook even during the flight. James saw them asplete opposites.


    He was convinced that hiding Hera¡¯s true identity as the Everetts¡¯ biological daughter from the


    public was the best choice to avoid any future embarrassment for the family.


    ¡­


    In the rural vige, Catherine was drying herbs in her yard when she spotted two men in


    camouge suits approaching from beyond the fence.


    Bernard was at the forefront. He stood tall and robust. His remarkably handsome face seemed to


    have been sculpted by a great artist.


    A noticeable bloodstain on his right chest hinted at a recent injury. Thankfully, it had been tended to.


    Following Bernard was Aaron Ludden, who appeared youthful and boyish.


    Setting aside the herbs, Catherine asked, ¡°Do you need medical assistance or medicine?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re looking for someone,¡± Bernard replied, pulling a bloodied cloth from his pocket.


    Catherine¡¯s expression turned cautious as she inspected the cloth. The embroidery matched her


    own handiwork, sparking a memory of Hera¡¯s demeanor earlier that morning when she returned


    home.


    She nced at the bloodstain on Bernard¡¯s chest and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Bernard noticed Catherine¡¯s expression change and gently exined, ¡°We¡¯re special forces working


    on a secret mission for the country. A youngdy helped us catch criminals and even saved me.


    ¡°We need her toe with us to give an official statement about what happened, and I want to


    thank her in person.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see, but you¡¯re toote.¡± Catherine rxed. ¡°She left two hours ago and won¡¯t be back.¡±


    Bernard frowned. ¡°Where did she go?¡±


    After a moment¡¯s pause, Catherine replied, ¡°She went to the Everett residence in Norburgh.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡± Bernard turned to leave.


    Aaron caught up with Bernard and teased with a grin, ¡°Boss, have you been away from the unit too


    long? Or are you losing your memory? Since when do we have to give statements after a mission?¡±


    ¡°Since just now,¡± Bernard replied.


    Aaron was stumped.


    Bernard handed Aaron the blood-stained cloth and said, ¡°Clean it up, and tomorrow, give it back to


    me along with the owner¡¯s address.¡±

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Three cars arrived at Norburgh Airport to pick up the Everetts. James had important business at the


    company, so Lilith, Giselle, and Hera went home before him.


    An hour and a halfter, they reached the Everett residence. After exiting the cars, Lilith weed


    Hera into the house. ¡°Hera, we¡¯re home. Your grandma and your brothers are staying with us.¡±


    Hera nodded in response.


    Leading the way, Giselle announced, ¡°Grandma, we¡¯re back.¡±


    After handing her bag to the housekeeper, she quickly headed to the living room, unting her


    status as part of the Everett family.


    A young boy, about six or seven years old, dashed out of the living room. It was Gino Everett, the


    third child of James and Lilith.


    ¡°Giselle, you¡¯re here! Did you bring me any presents?¡± Gino eximed eagerly.


    ¡°What kind of gifts could you expect from the boonies?¡± An elderly voice came from the living room.


    ¡°Good point. It¡¯s not worth getting my hopes up,¡± Gino grumbled as he sank back into the couch,


    returning to his video game.


    Hera trailed behind Lilith as they entered the luxurious living room decorated invish Baroque


    style.


    Mildred Barker sat gracefully on the couch, savoring a cup of coffee with an air of elegance. She


    had grayish hair and was dressed invish attire.


    Giselle quietly settled beside her and poured her another cup of coffee. ¡°Grandma, where¡¯s


    Gideon?¡±


    Mildred sipped her coffee and said, ¡°He flew out to Emberwood around noon. He said he was


    visiting a biological institute.¡±


    Lilith was saddened at the news.


    Before leaving this morning, she had informed her eldest child, Gideon Everett, that they would pick


    up Hera. It was a significant day because it marked the reunion of the Everett family, and she hoped


    they would all be home together.


    Gideon always did things his own way, but he consistently made the Everetts proud, so Lilith


    couldn¡¯t bring herself to scold him because of this. Pushing aside her sadness, she led Hera


    forward.


    ¡°Mom, we¡¯ve brought Hera back,¡± Lilith said. Then, she introduced Hera to Mildred, saying, ¡°Hera,


    this is your grandmother.¡±


    ¡°Grandma,¡± Hera called out softly.


    Mildred ignored her. She set her cup down and called for the housekeeper. ¡°Judy, please bring out


    the rest of the caviar so Giselle can enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Judy McCoy replied. She returned shortly after with the caviar.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandma,¡± Giselle said graciously. She then deliberately lifted the caviar and enjoyed a


    bite, almost as if she were unting it. ¡°It tastes amazing.¡±


    ¡°Take your time, dear. There¡¯s no rush. You must be exhausted after spending the day in the car.


    Enjoy some good food to recharge, and remember to take care of yourself so that Mr. Gaskell will


    be smitten by you.¡±


    Mildred affectionately tucked a stray hair behind Giselle¡¯s ear.


    Giselle nodded with a sweet smile and hummed in response. Noticing Hera being left out, Giselle¡¯s


    satisfaction with herself grew even more.


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    Lilith noticed Mildred was purposefully ignoring Hera. She called, ¡°Mom.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back,¡± Mildred said, pretending she had just noticed Hera and giving her a once-over.


    Hera had a delicate face with her hair neatly braided. Her unexpectedly fair skin contrasted with her


    cold eyes and thin lips.


    Mildred¡¯s gaze drifted down. She saw Hera wearing a dirty, torn dress that hugged her figure tightly.


    She carried a worn bag, and her white shoes were covered in mud.


    Mildred wrinkled her brows disapprovingly at Hera¡¯s outfit choice, convinced it reflected her less


    sophisticated upbringing.


    She thought Hera held no significance to the Everetts, yet they were obliged to support her


    financially.


    ¡°Judy, get her a pair of slippers. Don¡¯t let her track dirt into the house and ruin the wool carpet I had


    air-freighted from Lumoria,¡± Mildred instructed.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Judy replied, promptly fetching a pair of slippers for Hera. ¡°Ms. Hera, could you please


    change your shoes?¡±


    Hera stayed silent.


    Lilith noticed Mildred¡¯s disdain for Hera from her gestures and remarks.


    When Lilith and James began dating, the Everetts were still farmers in the countryside. However,


    their fortunes changed when they discovered a valuable mine underground, turning them into


    overnight millionaires.


    Mildred started acting snobby, turning her nose up at folks from the countryside. She pushed Lilith


    and James to break up, and the whole family eventually moved to Norburgh.


    In Norburgh, theyunched apany, bought a grand mansion, and splurged on luxuries. It was


    all to rise in social status and shake off thebel of being newly rich.


    It was only when James insisted on marrying Lilith and she became pregnant with a son that Lilith


    finally gained eptance into the Everett family.


    The memories of her past made Lilith feel uneasy whenever she thought about it.


    Hera had just gotten back from the countryside. Lilith could already predict that Hera would face


    even more disapproval from Mildred.


    ¡°Mom, life in the mountains is rough. Hera has been through a lot since she was young¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Hurry and help her freshen up and change into something more suitable,¡± Mildred


    impatiently cut in and waved her hand.


    ¡°Hera, I¡¯ll show you to your room,¡± Lilith said.


    Hera simply nodded, catching the disdainful look on Mildred¡¯s face.


    Giselle¡¯s appetite for caviar vanished instantly when she witnessed Lilith¡¯s kindness toward Hera.


    She felt entitled to that affection from Lilith, and seeing Hera receive it instead only fueled her


    resentment.


    Fuming with jealousy, Giselle turned to Gino, who was engrossed in his video game.


    ¡°Gino, are you giving up on your study room?¡± Giselle asked.


    Frustrated from losing a game, Gino cursed under his breath. He promptly left the game console


    behind and rushed to the third floor.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    After ariving at the third door, Lilith pushed the door open and gestured inside. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if this


    matches your taste. Look around and let me know it it suits you, or if you¡¯d Tke to add anything¡±


    The room boasted a chic, princess¨Clike decor, belmming with feminine allure. However, it failed to


    resonate with Hera¡¯s preferences


    Feeling Lilith¡¯s hopeful gaze upon her, Hera reluctantly added. ¡°It¡¯s alright-¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, someone forcefully pushed her, causing her to lose her bnce


    and stagger


    ¡°Out! This is my shady!¡± Gino¡¯s re bore into Hera with intense hostility, resembling a lit fuse ready


    to explode,


    Lith found herself caught in the middle. She asked, ¡°Hera, are you okay? Gino, didn¡¯t we agree that


    this room was meant for your sister?¡±


    Gino¡¯s expected outburst lett Lilith feeling flustered


    The second and third floors of the mansion were fully upied, leaving only the housekeeper¡¯s


    room and guest rooms on the first floor.


    Given Hera¡¯s status as a member of the Everett family, staying on the first Goot was out of the


    question. Thus, Lilith arranged an agreement with Gino.


    Gino agreed to share a study with Godeon, thereby vacating Gino¡¯s study for Bertout as her room.


    ¡°She¡¯s not my sister! I don¡¯t have a sister who showed up from the countryside!¡± Gino objected


    strongly, trying to push Hera away again.


    Hera gracefully sidestepped his advance.


    Caught off guard by her agility, Gino stumbled and collided with the foot of the bed Instantly, his


    pained cries echoed through the room.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?What¡¯s going on? Mildred¡¯s voice came from behind


    Giselle had helped Mildred up to the third floor.


    Gino canto Mildred and burst into tears. ¡°Granda, help me! This hick just shoved me!¡±


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    Hera stayed quiet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll handle this fairly for you¡± Mildredforted him by parring his back,


    ¡°Let me see where you¡¯re hurt.¡±


    Gino¡¯s face was a mess of tears and snot. He had a big bump on his forehead.


    ¡°Oh dear, how did you hurt yourself so badly? Will it affect how you look? Giselle eximed


    dramatically


    Gndered even harder at the mention of his appearance being affected


    ¡°Gino, let me see I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s my fault for not watching you closely enough.¡± Lith anxiously tried to


    approach Gino, but Mildred pushed her away.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? quickly, call the doctor!¡± Mildred scolded her, then red at Her ¡°we¡¯ll


    talk about thister!


    Herz remained silent.


    The mansion was in chaos. Everyone¡¯s attention was centered on Gine.


    Watching Hera being left on the sidelines filled diselle with satisfaction. She saw Heraas nothing


    more than a country bumpkin umworthy of Lilith¡¯s attention


    Gino sobbed in Mildred¡¯s arms in the living room downstairs. His putty, red eyes bugged at Mildred¡¯s


    heartstrings.


    Mildred scolded Lilith, selling her to urge the family doctor, and instructed Judy to fetch a hot pack.


    Before long, Judy returned with one


    ¡°Gina, stop crying. Applying this hot pack should help.¡± Mildred reassured, preparing to apply the


    hot pack


    But before she could, a stem voice cut in, ¡°Don¡¯t use that. Use ice cubes instead


    Mildred turned to see Hera standing on the staircase.


    Hera was still d in her tattered, snug dress, with her bag sling over her shoulder. She had an air


    of confidence that made Mildred suddenly uncertain if she was a city dweller or from the


    countryside.


    ¡°What makes you think you know better? Using a hot pack can boost blood flow and reduce


    swelling,¡± Mildred retorted and red at Hera


    Mildred carefully applied the hot pack over the sizable bump on Gino¡¯s forehead


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Gino winced and began to resist.


    ¡°You need to bear with it. Applying the hot pack over the swollen area is necessary for reducing the


    swelling,¡± Mildred insisted.


    e signaled for Judy to help in keeping Gino sell.


    Lith sympathized with Gino but didn¡¯t dare oppose Mildred¡¯s instructions. She could only watch


    amdously.


    In that instant, Mildred felt someone grab her hand. Her eyes sparked with anger when she


    realized it was Hera. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Hera remained cold and repeated, ¡°You should use a coldpress¡±


    ¡°Move aside! Don¡¯t meddle. I know what I¡¯m doing. Why would I hurt my grandson? Mildred yanked


    her hand away from Hera¡¯s grip.


    She had seen Fanny Paterson, her friend, use this technique to ease swelling and bruises on her


    grandson before. There was no way she could be mistaken! Herastayed quiet.


    Sering the opportunity, Gino squirmed out of Mildred¡¯s embrace and into Lilith¡¯s. His face was


    covered in tears and snot. He looked utterly miserable. Mildred boiled with anger just as she was


    about to instruct judy to bring Gino back to her, the family doctor, Wilbur Hobgood, arrived.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Aller checking on Gins, Wilbur reassured everyone, ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. Just use an ice pack and


    he¡¯ll be fine. Since Gino is taking medication for his nasal condition, I won¡¯t prescribe any


    medication now.


    Wilbur frowned when he noticed Mildred holding a hot pack. ¡°Don¡¯t use a hotpress right after a


    bump. It can make the swelling worse by increasing blood flow.


    ¡°Start with a coldpress immediately after the injury, and after 24 hours, you can switch to a hot


    compress and gently massage the area to reduce swelling and bruising.


    ¡°But remember, you must wait at least 24 hours before using a hot cumpress.¡±


    Mildred felt embarrassed and shot Hera a nasty look. She couldn¡¯t believe Hera, someone from the


    countryside, knew about medical care. Mildred chalked it up to luck.


    She shoved the hot pack into Judy¡¯s hand andmanded, ¡°Why are you still standing there? Go


    get some ice.¡±


    Mildred¡¯s demeanor suggested she wasn¡¯t the least bit embarrassed.


    Meanwhile, Gino red at Hera with teary eyes. His resentful gaze seemed to hold her responsible


    for everything despite her efforts to help him earlier.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Hera remained silent..


    After Wilbur departed, Lilith gently ced an ice pack on Gino¡¯s forehead. She whispered, ¡°Hera,


    how did you know Gino nerded a coldpress


    ¡°The roads up in the mountains are pretty bumpy, and when I was younger, Toften ran into things.


    Whenever that happened, Grandma Catherine would soothe my bumps with cold packs, Hera


    exined.


    She cast her eyes downward. Her eyshes were notably thick and long. Even though she spoke


    softly, her words were audible to everyone in the room.


    Mildred had assumed that Hera possessed medical knowledge, only to realize she couldn¡¯t afford


    professional healthcare and relied on home remedies instead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what you¡¯ve been through, Hera,¡± Lilith said as she took Hera¡¯s hand.


    Whenever Lilith thought about Hera¡¯s struggles with affording doctors and resorting to home


    remedies when injured, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sympathy


    Hera stayed quiet.


    Mildred scoffed. ¡°So, you pushed your own brother just to show off your rustic home remedies?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t push him,¡± Hera replied calmly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t? Gina wouldn¡¯t be in this situation if it weren¡¯t for you pushing him. Do you think I¡¯m


    foolish, or do you think Gino is?¡±


    Herachose not to engage in an argument.


    Lilith weakly defended Hera, saying, ¡°Mom, Hera didn¡¯t push Gine. It was an ident. He tripped


    and hit the foot of the bed¡±


    Mildred fixed Lilith with a stem gaze. ¡°Now you¡¯re taking sides because Hera is your biological


    daughter. Isn¡¯t Gino your own son?


    Lilith barrowed her brows. ¡°Mom, let¡¯s stick to what actually happened


    Mildred cut in sharply. ¡°What really happened is Gino got hurt but Hera didn¡¯t! Could she handle the


    responsibility if Gino had suffered a serious head injury?


    ¡°Plus, that room w


    was supposed to be Gino¡¯s study. You changed it to a bedroom without consulting anyone. Where


    will Gino study now? change it back immediately! ¡°Gino is about to enter first grade. He¡¯s just as


    bright as Gideon and could easily make it into the top ten of the grade. We can¡¯t let him go without a


    proper study room!


    Mildred spoke with a note of pride in her voice.


    Gideon had always been exceptionally bright. He graduated from college at 20 and ventured abroad


    to kick¨Cstart his own business.


    While Mildred took great pride in Gideon¡¯s achievements, she also held Giselle in high regard.


    Although not a member of the Everett family, Mildred had watched Giselle grow up since she was


    young


    Giselle was docile, performed exceptionally well in academics, and notably, she was engaged to


    Zyler. Every positive trait of Giselle seemed to overshadow Her who had been raised in the


    countryside.


    Despite Hera being biologically rted to the Everetts, she was considered insignificant.


    ¡°Then, where will Hera stay?¡± Lilith looked troubled. ¡°We¡¯ve already put Hera in apromising


    position regarding her reputation. We can¡¯t treat her poorly in terms of amodations as well¡±


    ¡°How have we treated her poorly?¡± Mildred asked with a hast of amuse


    over her head, so why be so picky?


    Lilith parted her lips as if to reply but then hesitated.


    ¡®amusement. ¡°Both guest rooms on the first floor are much nicer than her mountain shack, right?


    She¡¯s got a roof


    Mildred was always assertive. If Lilith hadn¡¯t give birth to two sons for the Everetts and it Gideon


    hadn¡¯t shown early brilliance and promise, she might have faced pressure from Mildred to advorce


    Liliths found it difficult to argue with Mildred. The sea of Hera enduring 17 years of hardship only to


    still not be fully epted back home weighed heavily on Lh¡¯s Suddenly, Hera tagged at Libth¡¯s


    sleeve and turned to Mildred it I make it into the top ten of my grade, will get a nice room and my


    own study?


    Chapter

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Chapter7


    Hera¡¯s stare was cold and emotionless as if she were staring at an object instead of a person. This


    deeply disgusted Mildred.


    ¡°Yes! If you can get into the top ten of your grade and make the Everetts proud, you¡¯ll eam a nice


    room,¡± Mildred said sharply.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Hera replied. Then, she turned to Lilith. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Lilith was momentarily puzzled before understanding that Hera wanted her to show the way


    to the guest rooms. Lilith¡¯s guilt deepened.


    As Mildred watched them go, her face twisted with disdain. To her, it seemed absurd that someone


    like Hera, a rural person with limited education, would dare to strive for a top ten spot in her grade.


    Tonight¡¯s dinner was supposed to be a warm wee for Hera¡¯s return home and a celebration of


    the family¡¯s reunion


    However, Gino, who had a bump on his head didn¡¯t want to join them. Gideon, whom Hera had


    never met, was also missing from the dining table.


    As they were about to finish their meal, Lilith passed Hera a list of schools to alleviate the awkward


    atmosphere.


    ¡°Hera, school begins in a few days. I¡¯ve researched some options for you to transfer to Take a look


    and see if any catch your interest.¡±


    Hera paused with a short rib hairway to her mouth, her gaze drifting to the list of schools. They


    were all high schools in Norburgh, varying from mid¨Ctier to high¨Ctier.


    Giselle set down ber utensils and suggested, ¡°Dad, heard Hera did quite well at her school in the


    countryside. Why not just enroll her at Cavenridge International Academy? I could even help her


    out while she¡¯s there.¡±


    Her expression seemned concerned as if she truly cared about Hera¡¯s future. But it was no secret


    that the academic standards at a rural school couldn¡¯tpare to those of an International


    institution.


    James nced at Hera and said, ¡°Crvenridge International Academy teaches entirely in Terranish.


    Can you even understand that?¡±


    Hera had changed into a titted ck dress that made her fair skin shine. With her refined manners


    at the dinner table, no one would guess she came from a humble rural background


    James found himself less judgmental of her as he observed her appealing appearance.


    Hera¡¯s attractiveness surpassed Giselle¡¯s, and her beauty could pave the way for a marriage that


    would benefit the Everett family once she grew older.


    After savoring a piece of short rib, Hera casually said, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to go to Cavenridge


    International Academy.¡±


    Her announcement lett everyone at the table stunned.


    Without seeming bothered, Hera grabbed another short rib.


    James staramed his hand on the table in frustration. ¡°What are you thinking? That school of yours


    up in the mountains doesn¡¯t even have a good Terranish teacher,


    ¡°How do you expect to cope with Covenridge? Do you want to bring shame to the Everetts by doing


    poorly on the SATs?¡±


    The Everetts had looked into Hera¡¯s previous academic records. She ranked as the highest¨C


    performing student in her school, which catered specifically to underprivileged students.


    Only a few teachers were assigned to run the school each year, and they often juggled multiple


    responsibilities. Many of them would resign within six months due to the challenging conditions.


    Given this situation, even though Hera excelled academically, some might doubt the real


    significance of her achievements.


    Sitting at the head of the dining table, Mildred sneered and tamted, ¡°With grades like yours,


    attending Centidge would be embarrassing! If you¡¯re capable, aim for Norburgh High School


    instead.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Strive to be one of the top ten students in your grade. Actually, even being in the top ten of your


    ss would be enough. Then, you can use Gino¡¯s study¡±


    Norburgh High School served as the local public school in Norburgh. It prided itself on sending a


    considerable number of students to prestigious universities like Bradbury University and Quantford


    University every year.


    Yet, its teaching standardsgged behind those of Cavenridge International Academy.


    Cavenridge International Academy, founded by the Ludden family, one of the four influential families


    in the area, had been a prestigious institution for over a century.


    It was focused on preparing students for renowned universities worldwide. Even if someone didn¡¯t


    meet the SAT requirements for these universities, en rolling directly into Cavenridge¡¯s


    undergraduate programs ensured a promising future with respectable job prospects in society.


    ¡°Hera, what do you think?¡± Lilith asked.

 Chapter 8

    ?Chapter 8


    Hera stayed quiet and savored her meal at a leisurely pace.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Mildred wasn''t feeling very hungry. She barely picked at her food and put down her utensils soon after starting.


    As Hera enthusiastically devoured her meal, leaving not a morsel behind, Mildred couldn''t help but express her disdain. "Be careful not to stuff yourself to death."


    "Grandma, Hera never had the opportunity to enjoy such delicious food when she lived in the mountains. It''s her first experience with it, so it''s natural if she indulges a bit. A walkter can help bnce things out," Giselle exined.


    While Giselle''s words seemed to defend Hera, a subtle undertone implying Hera''s rustic upbringing andck of sophisticationy underneath.


    James had briefly entertained positive thoughts about Hera due to her good looks. However, any such sentiments had now faded away. He openly disyed his disdain as he cast his gaze upon her.


    "Alright, your school matters are sorted," James stated as he rose from his seat. He was about to head to the study.


    Hera took the final bite of her meal and ced her utensils down. With a graceful motion, she dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin and remarked, "I never waste food."


    James halted in his steps.


    The Everetts began theirpany with newfound wealth, but their business was struggling to stay afloat. It had been operating at a loss for some time.


    They eventually started making a profit. However, after a few years,petition in their industry intensified, squeezing their earnings.


    The Everetts wouldn''t have been able to sustain theirvish lifestyle without business support from the Gaskells in recent years.


    Making money was tough, and even though James hadn''t urged his family to pinch pennies, he''d stressed the importance of being careful with spending.


    And now, Hera seemed to be implying that they were wasteful.


    "Well, that''s an admirable quality," Giselle remarked with a sugary smile.


    Internally, though, she found Hera''s attitude rather fake. Giselle wondered just how deep Hera''s act could go.


    Ignoring Giselle''s sarcasm, Hera stood up.


    "I''m going to Cavenridge. If you can''t make it happen, don''t bother nning anything else for me," Hera dered before retreating to her guest room.


    "Can''t you grasp what I''m saying?" James grumbled as she walked away.


    Giselle hurried to soothe James. "Dad, please don''t be upset. Maybe Hera just wants to go to the same school as me."


    "Who does she think she is? Does she believe she can simply enroll in Cavenridge whenever she pleases? Coming from a rural vige with average grades, does she even stand a chance of passing Cavenridge''s entrance exam? Isn''t she deliberately trying to embarrass the Everetts?" James roared.


    "But if Hera doesn''t give it a shot, how will she ever know if she''s capable?" Giselle''s tone was gentle as if she was sincerely advocating for Hera.


    Mildred nodded in agreement. "Giselle''s right. She won''t grasp how awful she is unless we give her the chance to try. If she''s set on attending Cavenridge, then we should allow her.


    "Even though we''ve disclosed to outsiders that Hera''s adopted, we should treat every child equally. Let''s grant her request.


    "However, whether she secures admission to Cavenridge rests entirely on her shoulders." James found Mildred''s words convincing.


    Even if Hera failed to gain eptance to Cavenridge, the Everetts could still assert that they didn''t mind her rural background and had chosen the best school for her as she had requested.


    The only problem was her incapability to secure eptance. Nheless, the Everetts would continue enrolling her at Norburgh High School without hassle.


    "Giselle, you''re truly sensible and thoughtful," Jamesplimented. He patted her shoulder and felt satisfied.


    "You should keep up the good rtionship with the Gaskells. And when you tie the knot, I''ll make sure you have a hefty wedding gift to ensure you marry well."


    "Thanks, Dad," Giselle replied sweetly.


    ncing toward the guest room door where Hera was staying, Giselle smirked to herself.


    What did Hera''s biological connection to the Everetts even matter? Giselle considered herself a genuine member of the Everett family!


    Hera returned to her guest room and opened WhatsApp, specifically looking for someone she dubbed "Mr. Annoying."


    Andrew Ludden was the dean of Cavenridge International Academy, and Hera had given him this nickname because she found him bothersome.


    She clicked into their chat. Next to his nickname was a symbol showing that his messages were set to "Do not disturb."


    Hera scrolled up in their chat history, which stretched back two years.


    Mr. Annoying: "Hera, considering the limited educational resources in the mountains, would you like to consider changing schools? How abouting to Cavenridge


    International Academy?"


    Hera: "I refuse."


    Mr. Annoying: "Could you kindly exin the reason? Is it because our education resources


    at Cavenridge International Academy aren''t good? Or?"


    He attached a pitiful emoji.


    Hera: "No reason. I''m toozy to make up a reason."


    Andrew sent an emoji that looked sad and hurt.


    Three monthster, Andrew reached out to Hera once more.


    Mr. Annoying: "Hera, it''s almost September, the start of the fall enrollment season. Have


    you considered applying to Cavenridge International Academy?


    "If you haven''t, I''ll check back with you tomorrow to ask again."


    The following day, Andrew messaged Hera again.


    Mr. Annoying: "Hera, the September enrollment season is here. Have you given any thought


    to Cavenridge International Academy?


    "If not, I''ll check back in two days."


    Their chat history overflowed with simr invitations spanning two years.


    Hera''s fingers flitted across the screen, and she finally responded to Andrew with a single


    word.


    Hera: "Okay."


    As soon as the message was sent, Andrew replied without dy.


    Mr. Annoying: "Awesome! I''ve been waiting for this for two years, and you''ve finally agreed.


    I''ll arrange a car to pick you up on the first day of school! "Wait, scratch that! I''ll personallye to pick you up!"

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Soon, school was about to begin. The Everetts had already arranged for each of their children to


    have a car and a dower for getting to and from school. During breakdast, Lilith proposed to James


    that Hera should also have her own driver and car.


    However, Mildred was the first to disagree with her suggestion. ¡°We don¡¯t even know the results of


    her entrance exam yet. Why rush into it?¡±


    Lilith was rendered speechless by her sharp response. Seeming crestfallen, she stole nces at


    James in the hope that he woulde to her defense.


    Yet, James pretended not to notice. He sided with Mildred¡¯s viewpoint.


    Believing that He was destined to fall her entrance exam, James saw no reason to arrange a driver


    for her. Doing so would only attract ridicule from others and embarrass the


    Everetts.


    ¡°Hera, you can ride with me if you want,¡± Giselle said kindly.


    ¡°No, thanks. already have a ride.¡± Hera declined


    Her cold rejection left Giselle stunned. Nevertheless, Giselle attempted to uphold her image. She


    retrieved a folder and handed it to Hera


    ¡°These are some previous test papers that Chrispleted. He¡¯s always been one of the best


    students at Cavenridge. You can check them out. They could be useful for your entrance exam,¡±


    Giselle said.


    Her gesture seemed considerate and kind to those around her.


    Hera ced her cutlery down and stood up to leave. She didn¡¯t even nce at the folder Giselle


    was holding


    ¡°What¡¯s with the attitude? As 1 expected, people from rural mountain areasck manners!¡± Mildred


    eximed, mming the table in disapproval.


    ¡°Hera, don¡¯t be upset. You can ride in my car. You don¡¯t have to take a cab,¡± Giselle said


    She quickly set down her cutlery and hurried to catch up with Hera before Lilith could. Giselle


    portrayed herself vividly and thoroughly as a person who was sensible, considerate, and


    thoughtful toward others.


    As Giselle rushed outside, she spotted Hera getting into a sleek ck limousine.


    Giselle noticed that the emblem on the car was from Lincoln, but before she could catch a glimpse


    of the license te, the car vanished around the corner.


    The Everetts were considered aristocratic in Norburgh, though they were only on the fringes of the


    true aristocracy. The cars they provided their children were merely BMWs, each valued at several


    hundred thousand dors.


    Giselle couldn¡¯t fathom how Hera could afford such a high¨Css vehicle. She was certain that the


    car Hera had left in was one she had booked online.


    Otherwise, how could someone like Hera, who had recently arrived from the mountains, possibly


    have connections in Norburgh with people who owned luxury vehicles? Giselle hadn¡¯t ever been in


    a Lincoln stretch limo herself.


    Could Hera have gotten involved with a rich man and be his mistress? If that were true, it


    would be just right!


    As Giselle contemted various scenarios, a shyred Ferrari pulled up in front of her.


    After the car door swung open, a man stepped out. He was dressed sharply in a white suit and


    matching leather shoes. He had a youthful appearance


    ¡°Excuse me, Miss Has a youngdye by your ce recently?¡±


    Giselle¡¯s attention snapped back to the present. She was taken aback when she recognized the


    man before her. ¡°Mr. Ludden?¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Aaron looked surprised


    Having enlisted in the army at just 16, Aaron was seldom in Norburgh. He couldn¡¯t recall meeting


    Giselle. He thought that Giselle must be the person who rescued Bernard that day. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve seen


    you.¡± Giselle nodded


    Aaron was the oldest son of the Ludden family, one of the four influential families. She hade


    across photos of Aaron before.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got sharp eyes. Not everyone would recognize me with my face all painted up like that on


    that day,¡± Aaron remarked.


    He remembered the day he got off the helicopter and saw a woman¡¯s back in the distance. From


    the silhouette, she looked just like Giselle.


    Even though Giselle didn¡¯t stand out in looks, Aaron thought she could still somehow measure up to


    Bernard, who was incredibly handsome Aaron had a gut feeling that the person before him was


    Hera


    Giselle was ploded. ¡°That day?¡±


    She quickly realized that Aaron had mistaken her for someone else, but she maintained a pleasant


    smile and chose not toment. ¡°Thank you for rescuing my boss. Her requested me to return this


    to you,¡± Aaron stated, presenting Giselle with the cleaned strip of fabric


    The person Aaron referred to as ¡°Boss¡± could only be associated with the Killians, the most


    prominent among the four influential families.


    (CAMAN 10


    Chapter to


    ¡°it¡¯s my pleasure. Anything else he wanted to say? selle


    She was reching flustered, but she mamarod to keep a sweet sunile ons hetce.


    ¡°How did you know there was something else he wanted me bo tell you?¡± Amon happily tehdleved


    an elegant cake box from the passenger seat and handed it in lies along with the


    striped b


    ¡°My boss sent this cake as a special gift for meeting van,¡± Aaron exined


    Giselle typically steered ekom of desserts, pottiendale cakes, to keepher tigsten check However,


    her resolve softened when she noticed the logo on the cake packaging¨CBlisstal


    The brand. ¡°Blisstad bites¡± was highly esteemed among elite social circles. Their cakes were


    expensive and highly sought after due to their limited mobil


    ¡°Thank you, I love cakes from this bras the most,¡± Giselle sal happily as she epted the cake


    Aarya¡¯s gimtadal into seriousness as he said, ¡°My boss wanted ine to ask if you¡¯d be willing to


    keep in to


    a bold and


    It was only then selle discovered a small white card with gold edges testing atop the cake box:


    Upon opening it, she found a handwritten phone number, signed with al


    elegant ¡°Killian.¡±


    Her heart raced when she saw the name. Was the person a kills from the renowned Killiam tamily?


    This family held the highest prestige among the four most influential families.


    Regardless of whom Aaten was telerting to as his boss from the Killian family, the person¡¯s power


    and states surpassed even that of the Gaskell.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Giselle replied shady with and, teeling ted


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pass it on to my boss. I won¡¯t keep you any longer,¡± Aaron salilbefore hopping into his


    car and driving off.


    Giselle pared at the cake box in het hand, feeling ecstark, She nced at the strip ni tabele ?i her


    other hand. The embroidered design seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn¡¯t ce it.


    Without hesitation, she tossed it into the trash. Whose Labric it was didn¡¯t


    ? didn¡¯t matter to her. After all, the mysterious benefactor now owed his life to her, ??sellel


    After leaving the Everett residence, Aaron prompthe dialed Bernard¡¯s number. ¡°Boss, just like you


    asked, thanded her the strip of fabric andl the cake.¡±


    ¡°How did she react?¡± Bernard asked,


    ¡°She was thrilled. She mentioned she loved Blissful Bites¡® cakes the most. She even said she¡¯d


    keep in touch,¡± Aaron responded.


    Then, he jokingly added, ¡°Boss, you might want to rx a bit since she still looks underen.¡±


    On the other end of the phone, Bernard frowned slightly when he heard the words ¡®she was


    thrilled.¡±


    Memories of Hera¡¯s shocked reaction and her hasty departure when he called her name on the


    mountain floodedback.


    Her intense response made Bernard wary of approaching her directly, opting instead to send Aaron


    to gather information first. He hadn¡¯t anticipated anyone being so willing to put herself in harm¡¯s


    way.


    ¡°You must be mistaken,¡± Bernard asserted firmly


    His ck Audi drove up to the entrance of Cavenridge International Academy, making its way


    toward the faculty building. Parked nearby was a Lincoln stretch limo.


    Aaron, who had been happily teasing Bernard moments before, was suddenly stunned. ¡°What?


    That doesn¡¯t make sense. She imed she saw me on the mountain that day¡­ Damn!¡±


    Reflecting on his conversation with Giselle, Aaron realized he had been too hasty and hadn¡¯t


    noticed something was wrong.


    ¡°TU head back there now,¡± Aaron said.


    As he was about to find a spot to turn his car around, Bernard interrupted, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Once Bernard ended the call, his attention shifted to the young woman stepping our of the backseat


    of the Lincoln


    She wore a snug white dress, her long hair braided into a single it. Her serene prodile showed


    no emotion, and she emanated an air of key detachment.


    Bemard¡¯s assistant, Dous Copley, pulled up and stopped the car. ncing over his shoulder, he


    addressed Bernard, who was sitting in the back seat, ¡°Bernard, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    No response came from the back.


    Dous exited the car and respectfully opened the rear door, but Bemard remained unresponsive.


    Perplexed, Dous bent down to check on him, only to find Bernard gazing intently out the


    opposite window.


    Through the ss, Dous spotted the main entrance of the faculty building, where a man in a suit


    was escorting a woman in a snug dress inside.


    A woman?


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Dous¡® eyes widened in disbelier


    Was Bernard actually noticing a wornan?

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Dongles had known Bernard for right years. He noticed that Bernard hardly looked armen unless it


    was directly rted to his work.


    In fact, s and three other assistants had privately joked about whether Bernard might prefer men


    over women


    Fortunately, ernard had finallyshown interest in a woman! This was a relief for Dous and the


    other assistants as they would no longer have to worry about their safety


    They had been constantly on edge, fearing that Bernard might try to take advoge of them.


    In the hallway outside the Dean of Students¡® office, Andrew¡¯s driver, Nigel Bathur, said, ¡°Ms.


    Youngworth, I¡¯m sorry, but Dean Cadden has ast¨Cminute meeting with a important prestanden


    Linect you


    ¡°The Dean of Students will help you with your transfer ¡±


    Hera nodded and calmly replied, ¡°Thank you


    Herface showed a distant demeanor that made her seem unapproachable.


    Migel found himself pendering Hera¡¯s connection with Andrew. It was curious that Andrew had


    consistentlympian theneed to treat her with exceptional care


    The two reached the Deaned Students¡® office.


    Robert Lekin, a man with thick square sses and a balding head, sat at his desk to front of him


    stood Mnie Miller, a teacher of mixed jadi and Terra berge


    ¡°Ms. Miller, this transfer student will join your ss,¡± robert said, handing her a document


    Mnie was the homeroom teacher for the junior¨Cyear students in ss A


    Cavenridge¡¯s high school division hal 11 sses for each grade level. After each semester, students


    were assigned to sses based on their cumtive exam scores,


    ss A was served for the top 50 students.


    Mnie epted the document. Herexpression soured as she nced over the student¡¯s


    educational history


    Corenridge International Academy was known for itsmitment to teaching excellence. Admission


    was granted after passing an


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    an entrance exam and recehing an eptanc


    letter


    Why was this student from a rural area being ced in ss ¨¤ immediately? She hadn¡¯t even taken


    the entrance exam!¨C


    Just then, a knock echoed through the office Nigel need, apanied by Hera, who was donned in


    a fitted white dress


    ¡°Mr. Larkin, this is the transier student assigned by Dean Ludden. She¡¯s under your care now,¡±


    Nerisid


    ¡°Hera Youngworth, wee. Take a seat,¡± Robert greeted warmly. He rose from his chair with a


    weing smile as he gestured for mera to sit on the couch


    The previous evening. Andrew had called Robert personally and emphasized to ensure everything


    was arranged properly for Hea


    The fact that Andrew held Hera in such high regard suggested a signicant connection between


    them


    Robert couldn¡¯t let this chance slip by. Impressing Andrew was key to his hopes for a promotion and


    a raise.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hera replied with a hint of disinterest. ¡°What do I need to do next?


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of your enrollment process shortly. But before we get into that, let me introduce you to


    someone. This is Mnie Miller, the homeroom teacher for the janine¨Cyear students in CSA¡±


    Then, turning to Mnie, Robert continued, ¡°Ms. Miller, meet Hera Youngworth. She¡¯s under your


    wing now. Could you please show her to the ssroom?


    Mnie studied Hera closely. Hera possessed delicate features, a slender figure, and was


    elegantly dressed in a long dress. Yet, she gave off a cold, distant vibe that didn¡®


    with Mnie


    Moreover, their previous conversation had revealed Hera¡¯s close ties to Androw, Mnie detested


    suchveritism, especially when it came trom students who seemed unaware of their academic


    strengths.


    Mnie was determined not to let a student like Hera undermine her ster teaching reputation,


    especially since she was someone who read on connections than penuine


    ¡°Wee to Cosmidge International Academy, but don¡¯t expect a warm wee to junior year


    ss A Melmie said in in Terrania


    Then, pretending she had made a mistake, the swiftly switched to Jadonish. ¡°Oops, you probably


    don¡¯t speak Ternanish, do you? What I meant was ¨C


    ¡°Ms. Miller, what do you mean by this¡± Robert looked awkward


    *Imem exactly what I said,¡± Mnie replied as she ward the document ¡°How can the follow the


    lectures if she hasn¡¯t even passed the basic burth level at Terrarish How well she munerexams?


    ¡°Allowing her into ss A will only lower the standards for the top 50 students and hurt Coenridge¡¯s


    admission ratel Mnie steed tim


    Meanwhile, Robert¡¯s difort grew more evident.


    hadn¡¯t passed any Terranish levels, and her grades didn¡¯title¡¯s admission criteria


    Yet, the point wain ther a sleme performance. It was that she was a student specifically ced by


    Andrew!


    Meleur interrogred hani sharply. ¡°Mi Larkin, Here¡¯s in need for further


    entrance exam. let her join the ss appropriate for bet¨Cdank-


    terrill through alternate


    na.cmprising only those tankest at the lowest to the war

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Hera remained silent.


    ¡°Quite the assertive stance there, ss A¡¯s homeroom teacher.¡± A pleasant male voice echoed


    from the office doorway. Turning around, the three noticed that a man had silently appeared at the


    entrance.


    Bernard stood tall in a well¨Cfitted ck suit with neatly styled hair. He had an anthoritative presence


    thatmanded attention.


    His gold¨Crimined sses softened his stem look and added a touch of sophistication


    Hera couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ as she looked at Bernard. It was like she¡¯d encountered


    him somewhere before¡­


    Their eyes met His sharp gaze bore into hers from behind his sses, intense and unwavering


    ¡°Professor n, It¡¯s an honor to have you here,¡± Robert greeted with a warm smile, his tone a


    blend of tteryand respect.


    Killian¡­


    The mention of the sumame trippered a memory in Hera¡¯s mind. Suddenly, a youthful face from her


    past shed before her eyes, blending with the features of the man standing before her.


    It was him!


    Hera locked eyes with Bernard, feeling the weight of his stare and noticing his faint smile. She


    couldn¡¯t help but feel a flutter in her eyshes before quickly looking away. Her hands censed into


    fists by her side.


    Did he know who she was?


    Bernard caught every small movement Hera made. He turned his icy gaze toward Mnie. ¡°What¡¯s


    wrong? Can¡¯t even the Dean of Students get you to follow instructions?


    Mnie felt his eyes on her, and her anger slowly shatted into embarrassment


    Bernard noticed her!


    And it was all because of Hera that Mnie was embarrassed in front of him!


    At just 24 years old, Bernard had already be a professor. He was good¨Clooking and in great


    shape. As the future heir to the Killian family fortune, he was wealthy and wielded significant


    influence


    He was the ideal man that all the female teachers at Cavenridge dreamed of.


    ¡°Professor Kin, she¡¯s just a vige girl with poor grades. She¡¯s hoping that being adopted by the


    Everetts will help her get into ss A


    ¡°But considering her past academic performance, 1 suprested she set her sights on ss Kinstead.


    Isn¡¯t that right-


    Mnie was in the middle of exining when Bernard¡¯s cold stare cut her oft. Her voice trailed off,


    and she fell silent.


    ring resentfully at Hera, Mnie couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Hera was nothing but a flirt Hera


    hadn¡¯t officially joined the academy yet, but she was already trying to win Berard over!


    Robert, ever perceptive, smoothly interjected with a smile, ¡°Ms. Youngworth, regarding the ss-


    Hera tried her best to disregard Bernard¡¯s looming presence. She shifted her cold gaze toward


    Robert. ¡°Where do I go to sit for the entrance exam?


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of sitting for the entrance exam 17 Robert eximed in surprise.


    Despite Andrew¡¯s arrangement for Hera to transfer to Cavenridge and Bernard¡¯s protective stance


    toward her, Robert harbored the same skepticism as Mnie.


    Robert doubted that someone from a rural school like Hera could aplish much


    ¡°Sure, you can head over to Room 101 in ssroom Building a for the entrance exam,¡± Mnie


    said with a gleam of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°And if you can¡¯t get into ss A, you¡¯ll have to kneel in front of everyone at the g¨Craising


    ceremony and apologize to prove I was right all along! Mnie added.


    After Hera embarrassed Melende in front of Bernard, Mnie vowed to retum the favor by


    humiliating Hera in front of the entire school.


    Hera gazed up at Mnie, her expression devoid of emotion and her eyes piercingly cold


    Believing Hera to be intimidated, Mnte sneered, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Scared? You should be Junior


    year ss A isn¡¯t a ce just anyone can get into-


    ¦§


    ¡°What if I make it in? Hera interrupted calmly


    Mnie smirked ¡°If you manage to get in, I¡¯ll kneel and apologize to you in front of everyone at the


    g¨Craising ceremony!¡±


    ¡°okay,¡±


    depths.


    ¡°Hera responded before calmly naming away, only to meet Beard¡¯s intense gaze. His eyes were


    mesmerizing, akin to cosmic ck holes that polled everyone into their


    Hera paused briefly before continued walking away. She smoothly walked around him and


    quickened her pace.


    Mnie was surprised by how quickly Hera agreed. She red vehemently at Hera¡¯s aloof


    demeanor and was convinced it was merely a mask ofposure.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Hera would likely regret her decisionter, especially after miserably failing the exam.


    As if suddenly snapping back to reality, Robert asked, ¡°Ms. Miller, why would you make such a bet


    with a student?¡±


    He then turned to Bernard ¡°Professor Killian, sorry for the miss. Please, take a seat and have some


    coffee¡±


    Berard lifted his hand to decline. ¡°Till pass on the coffee, but I¡¯m up for a bet.¡±


    ¡°Professor Killian, what kind of het do you want to make Robert looked surprised.


    Bernard looked toward wher Hera had exited. ¡°Let¡¯s bet on whether Ms. Youngworth will get


    assigned to ss A. If she does, you¡¯ll agree to switch the homeroom teacher for


    Mnie hadsen basking in her smigress just morets ago, but now she felt like she¡¯d been dealt a


    devastating blow.


    It seemed like her teaching career was on the brink of copse¡­

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    As they reached the turn of the stairs, Bernard, who was in the lead, abruptly stopped. Fortunately,


    Hera stopped just in time to avoid bumping into him.


    Bernard turned around, his gaze intense as he looked at Hera ¡°Miss, do I know you from


    somewhere?!


    Hera¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but she kept a straight face as she stepped back. ¡°Processor, your


    approach to starting this conversation feels rather outdated.¡±


    Bemard stayed quiet. He edged closer to Hera, his gaze intensifying with a flurryet emotions.


    Was Heraunable to recognize him? Or was she deliberately choosing to Ignore him?


    Asernard drew closer, his towering figure standing at six and a half feet¨Ccast a shadow over Hera,


    who, at five and a half feet, felt overwhelmed by his presence


    The Bernard before her bore no resemnce in his former gentle self.


    Hera instinctively stepped back as Bernard steadily approached. She stopped abruptly when she


    felt the will against her back.


    ¡°Do you really not remember me? Cecily Killian!¡±


    With his hand against the wall, Bernard nced down at her. His eyes


    is reflected a surge of emotions.


    At the mention of the name, Hera felt a shiver down her spine. She reallord she had indeed been


    recognized.


    17 years ago, Hera was mistakenly taken in by the Killian family and lived with them for six years.


    11 years ago, Bernard¡¯s father, Albert Killian, died on his deathbed, Albert spoused his third son,


    Greg Kilian, as the next head of the family.


    However, just before Greg was due to take over, he was murdered


    All evidence at the scene pointed to Hera¡¯s father and Albert¡¯s sixth son, Lucius, Lucius was


    used of killing his brother for power and was promptly imprisoned.


    Hera¡¯s mother, Daphne, couldn¡¯t believe Lucius would harm his brother. After months of searching


    for answers, Daphne finally uncovered a cloe


    But tragically on her way back in the Kilian residence, she died in a sudden car ident along with


    the driver responsible.


    Sensing danger, Catherine book drastic action to protect her. She set the house on fire, faked their


    deaths, and spirited Hera andy to the countraide.


    With our Catherine¡¯s Intervention, Hera might not have survived. Hera¡¯s heart swelled with


    emotions as she reminisced about those multuous years.


    Even though it turned out that Hera wasn¡¯t biologically rted to Lucius and Daphne, she felt a


    deep gratitude toward them for raising her


    She returned to Norburgh to wield her influence and gather evidence. Her next step would be a


    journey to jetburgh to prove Lucius¡® innocence and avenge Daphne¡¯s death!


    Until she uncovered the true culprit, she wouldn¡¯t trust anyone from the Killian family, not evan


    Bernard, who had once been closest to her!


    Hera met Bemard¡¯s crimson eyes after pushing aide the fear Ingering in her heart. ¡°I¡¯m not Cecily


    Billian. My name is Hera Youngworth.¡±


    ¡°Nu, your¡¯re an Everett, You¡¯re the daughter of the Everetts!* Bernard retorted through clenched


    teeth.


    Hera¡¯s thickshes fluttered nervously, but then she realized that knowing her true identity wouldn¡¯t


    be difficult with a bit of effort


    ¡°Now that you know the truth, you must realize we have no connection anymore. Please, step


    aside,¡± Hera asserted.


    ¡°YOU¡±


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    Bernard stared at Hera, puzzled by his sudden coldness and alot demeanor, He couldn¡¯t fathom


    whytter, ce so close to him, had be so dista


    Something inside his head teh like it was breaking apart. He frowned, and his once handsome


    face twisted in pain.


    Hera was confused. She noticed the bulging veins on his hand pressed against the wall. It looked


    like he was righting to control something


    Was he it seemed like he was having some sort of attack


    ¡°You¡¯rowell * Before Hera could finish her words, Bernard gripped her throat and silenced her.


    His eyes turned increasingly red, his breathing heavy, and his face contorted with agony. ¡°Why


    would you leave.me..¡±


    Bernard¡¯s grip tightened, making it hard for Hera to breathe. She desperately tried to pry his hand


    away with both of hers, but her efforts were in vain. Slowly, her face began to


    turn red.


    As Dous turned theer, he caught sight of Bernard strangling Hera Horrified, Dous wasted


    no time and sprinted toward them


    ¡°Holy crap, Bernard! Let go! You¡¯re going to kill her!¡±


    The air grew thinner, and Hera¡¯s face flushed deeper red.


    this went on, she would suffocate!

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Aber exiting the Dean of Students office, Her breathed a sigh of relle


    could the professor truly be the person from the


    family!


    Hera was aware that while the Kills appeared friendly on the surface, they were actually ruthless.


    ¡°Miss, allow me to escort you to the exam room. A warm and charming voice interrupted Hera¡¯s


    thoughts from behind.


    She stopped and turned around to see Bernard approaching down the long corridor. He stood tall


    and handsome, wearing a faint smile. The autoon sunlight casta graceful and elegant air around


    him.


    ¡°Nothara was about to refuse, but Bernard had already caught up


    to to her


    Bemed¡¯s tone left no room for argument, and Hera fell silent.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it¡¯s on my way.¡± B


    Meanwhile, Dous stood waiting in the corridor. After hearing Beard¡¯s words, Dous couldn¡¯t


    resist saying, ¡°Bernard-¡±


    He was aware that Bernard wasn¡¯t headed in that direction at all Besides, Andrew was still waiting


    for him!


    Bernard nced at Dous with a sharp look, his pace piercing through his gold¨Crimmed sses


    ¡°What a beautiful day.¡± Dous chuckled awkwardly as he tried to shift the conversation. He


    scratched his head and nced around.


    Bernard turned in Hera. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Miss¡±


    His features were handsome and strong. A faint smide spread across his face, making the


    intimidating look he had before seem like nothing more than Dous¡± imagination.


    Dous was left speechless.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Bernard¡¯s favoritism was ringly obvious! Despite this, Dous couldn¡¯t deny that Hera was


    indeed attractive


    Unaware of their inner thoughts, Hera followed behind Bernard


    Bernard and Hera walked together down theidor. Their striding good looks made for a


    breathtaking sight.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Amid the chaos, Hera traced Demand¡¯s arm until she reached an acupuncture point, LIL. She


    pressed down hard on it.


    Once Bernard¡¯s grip weakened, Hera dashed away quickly. She rested her back against the wall,


    breathing heavily


    Suddenly, there was aloud crash. Holding his head in pain, Bemad punched the wall next to Hera.


    His fist left a bloody mark on the white surface.


    ¡°Bernard!¡°Dous rushed forward and rapped his arms around Bernard¡¯s waist, pulling Dernard


    away from the wall to prevent further injury.


    ¡°Get a doctor, now!¡± Dous yelled at Hera


    Hera took a deep breath, bear gripping her as she watched Bernard¡¯s struggle in agony. She had


    narrowly avoided being choked by him!


    Seving Hera¡¯s hesitation, Dous shouted urgently, ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry up. I can¡¯t


    hold him much longer!¡±


    ¡°Release him. I¡¯ll take care of this.¡± Hera¡¯s hand dropped to her side with a swift motion, a silver


    needle appeared between her fingertips.


    Dous was speechless by how calm she sounded.


    When Bernard was in the throes of sickness, he¡¯d morph into a wild beast. He would be so


    unney that even two grown men would struggle to restrain him. So, how could Hera possibly handle


    him?


    As Dous silently muttered, he suddenly received an elbow from Beard. Dons granted as he


    was forcefully shoved away, crashing onto the ground.


    In the grip of his illness, Bernard looked like a crazed beast ready to pounce on anything insight


    He charged toward Hera, but she remained calm and unbethered. She aimed her silver needle and


    skillfully Beard¡¯s M¨CHN¨Cacupuncture point.


    Bernard trace. Then, he slumped weakly toward Hera.


    Dous was amazed to see that Hera possessed a hidden weapon!


    Later, h


    r, he started to mull over the situation. How was it possible for Her to bring Beard under control with


    just one needle? Even two burly men couldn¡¯t manage to restrain


    manager Bernard during his episodes


    In the infirmary, Bernard slowly woke up. His eyes fluttered open to find Hera above him. She had a


    pretty face with captivating eyes, though a hint of coldness lingered in her gaze.


    He noticed faint, pleasant scenting from her. Her hands were gently saying his temples,


    rasing away his difort. It had been ages since he felt this rxed.


    Bernard enjoyed the feeling. He closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.


    However, Hera saw through his act Her cold voice echoed from above ¡°Stop faking. You¡¯re awake.¡±


    Dous had been waiting nearby, and as soon as he heard Beard wake up, he rushed to his


    bedside. ¡°Bernard, are you alright? Johnson ising. You¡¯ve never been out for so long before I


    was so worried¡±


    Bernard didn¡¯t reply, but he couldn¡¯t pretend anymore. He pushed himelt up to sit, his denwance


    bing sukma ¡°Lend¡±


    Dous was startled by Bernard¡¯s sudden outburst. Het hurt and confused by Beard¡¯s harsh


    words, with a boy heart, he murmured, ¡°Alright¡±


    Thim, he quietly left the infirmary


    Hera remained silent.


    Bernard leaned back against the hospital bed, his eyes locked onto his bandaged hand, Lost in


    thought, he seemed to be reflecting on recent events


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Professor Kiljan, if you¡¯re feeling better, I¡¯ll head out,¡± Hera said before turning away.


    She had wanted to leave earlier, but Dous had insisted that she stay and Bernard woke up,


    up, inspecially si


    since she was the one who had jabbed Bernard with the silver needle.


    *Considering the means my siblings use, do you really think they¡¯ll let you got they findout you¡¯re


    still alive? Beard questioned.


    He lifted his gaze,)


    ?fixing it upon Hera¡¯s Figure Without the barrier of his gold¨Crimmed sses, his eyes sparkled with


    a piercing intensity.


    Hera halted abruptly, memories of the dreadful events of that year flooding back. The biter conflicts


    among the Killian siblings Bed to Lucius¡® wrong imprisonment and Daphne¡¯s tragic death in a car


    ident.


    Demand¡¯s mention of ¡°the means my siblings use¡± appeared to separate himself from past events.


    But was the truth really that sample?


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Bernard? Hera spun around as if she had just identified them before her. Yet,


    herexpression stayed cold


    Observing this, Bernard couldn¡¯t suppress a small smile. Want her attempt at acting somewhat


    awkward? the saw through it but decided not to point it out.


    His perring gase softened slightly as he asked, ¡°You¡¯re not in a hurry to keep your distance from


    me anymore?


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Hera questioned


    She was unsure of Bernard¡¯s motives. Was he considering informing the killians that she was still


    alive?


    Bemand noticed the wariness in her eyes, and it unsettled him. Maintaining calm demeanor, he


    gestured towed her. ¡°Come here. Let me have a look. Is your neck okay? Herstood her ground, her


    icy stare locked on hi Uncle Bernard, there¡¯s something wrong with you!¡±


    Bernard was at a loss for words. He knew something was off about him, but here absolute


    confidence made him feel uneasy.


    *Your assistant just you in modem medication, which includes Gabapentin and Carbamazepine.


    These are specifically used to treat neuropathic pain. ¡°Considering the symptoms you¡¯ve been


    experiencing during your episodes, it seems like you¡¯ve been dealing with chronic headaches for


    quite a while, era exined.


    She remembered the moment when Dous brought Beard to the infirmary Dous had the doctor


    take care of Bernard¡¯s hand injury and then sent the doctor away After that, Dous took out a


    small bottle of medicine, gave Bernard a pill from it, and then made a phone radi.


    Hera noticed the pill at that moment. Its shape resembled a modem medication that her online


    friend had researched for treating headaches, prompting her to take a closer look ¡°Go on,¡±


    Benadorped


    He narrowed his eyes at Hera, who seemed to give off an air of aloofness that kept everyone at


    arm¡¯s length.


    How had the once affectionate little princess, who used to cling to him every day, changed so


    much?


    ¡°This medication can bring about side effects and shouldn¡¯t be used for a long time. I¡¯ve learned


    alternative medicine from my grandmother, and I can help you treat this illness.¡± Hera suggested


    Then, she added, ¡°But in return, you must keep the fact that I¡¯m alive a secret from the Killians until


    I reach adulthood.¡±

 Chapter 15

    ?


    The room fell into a brief silence once Hera finished speaking.


    Hera''s intuition told her that the man before her was no longer the same youngd in the past. He was sick and violent, which made him dangerous.


    She didn''t want a conflict with such a dangerous person before her revenge was taken, nor would she fall for his overtures.


    "Okay, but don''t pretend you don''t know me anymore!" Bernard stepped forward and caressed Hera''s head. "You''ve grown up."


    Hera was speechless.


    When she was a child, Bernard used to caress her head and call her a cuddle bunny when she snuggled into his arms. She would always exim with a giggle, "I like Uncle Bernard the most!"


    "Uncle Bernard!" Hera turned her head away in annoyance.


    Then, she took out a tiny ck medicine bottle from the side pocket of her dress and handed it to Bernard. "Don''t hold it in. Spit it out and take this. I''ll check on you over the weekend."


    Bernard''s eyes shed with surprise. He agreed to Hera''s deal just to keep in contact with her and didn''t expect her to actually treat him. It was because even the world''s best doctors couldn''t do anything about his illness.


    He knew Hera had some medical skills since she had saved his life at the border and stopped his bleeding in time. He just didn''t expect her medical skills to be so advanced that she could tell his condition at a nce.


    Bernard took the medicine, nced at his watch, and reminded her, "You can still make it to the second half of the entrance exam now."


    Hera paused. She almost forgot about that! Immediately, she turned and left.


    Once the ward door closed, Bernard spat out a mouthful of blood. Theposure he had been trying to maintain copsed instantly. Red blood stains hung at the corner of his mouth against his pale, handsome face.


    "Bernard!" Dous and Johnson Chime pushed the door in. Seeing this scene, they rushed over to help Bernard.


    Bernard stared at the blood on his hand with a sinister look in his eyes. He understood Hera''s wariness against the Killian family because they were the ones who had caused his illness.


    "It''s okay. Bring me a ss of water." He wiped the blood-stained ck medicine bottle clean with a wet tissue.


    Johnson spotted the medicine bottle and wanted to grab it for a look but failed. He anxious. "Bernard, where did you get the medicine? Are you taking random medicine behind my back?"


    grew


    Bernard rinsed his mouth with water and said, "The youngdy gave it to me."


    Johnson was confused.


    "That one just now?" Dous thought of something. "Wait! Don''t take it¡ª"


    Bernard''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed the medicine.


    "Bernard, how could you take the medicine she gave you? Have you forgotten how you tried to strangle her just now? Aren''t you afraid she might have given you poison to get back at you?"


    Dous was so anxious that he wanted to put his finger into Bernard''s mouth to make him spit the medicine out. Unfortunately, he dared not because he wasn''t Bernard''s match. Bernard answered, "No."


    "Oh no! Johnson, hurry and check on him. He''s lost his mind and even forgotten basic safety knowledge."


    Not receiving Johnson''s response, Dous looked back, only to see Johnson scrutinize and smell the empty medicine bottle. It seemed that he even wanted to lick it.


    "Have you been infected?" Dous pped Johnson on the back to stop his disgusting behavior.


    "Calm down. It smells of a calming herb and some other medicinal ingredients. It should be medicine specifically for headaches," Johnson exined.


    "Bernard, how do you feel now?" He pushed up his thick sses and looked at Bernard.


    Bernard sat on the chair with his eyes closed, his good-looking face calm. A mysterious power seemed to have smoothed his usually tensed nerves, allowing them to rx.


    Listening to Bernard''s steady breathing, Dous and Johnson nced at each other.


    "Asleep?" Dous asked softly.


    Johnson nodded.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, the two left quietly.


    Bernard had been suffering from a sleep disorder due to his illness. He couldn''t have fallen asleep in a sitting position unless he was unconscious. It showed the effectiveness of Hera''s medicine.


    Although it was gratifying, Dous reckoned there needed to be a backup n. "Have you gotten hold of Dr. Shadow?" he asked.


    The miracle doctor, Shadow, was the top figure on Divine Forum. Divine Forum was an international medical exchangework that gathered leading genius doctors from all over the world. It was a dominantwork recognized by the medicalmunity.


    Shadow was a mysterious figure Bernard had been looking for. He was an expert in alternative medicine with superb medical skills. He had published many academic papers that had caused a sensation in the medicalmunity.


    However, nobody could dig up information about Shadow. Hence, some doubted he was a virtual mascot fabricated by the website.


    Johnson was sure about Shadow''s existence because he had interacted with Shadow on Divine Forum. Shadow was his idol who had given him plenty of useful advice.


    "Not yet. He rarely goes online. Thest time was three months ago. He recently said he wouldn''t take consultations," Johnson answered.


    "We need to find him as soon as possible. Bernard''s illness is getting worse," Dous urged. Johnson uttered, "I know."

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    After ss, Mnie especially made a trip to the exam hall. She wanted to see with her own eyes


    what kind of result Hera could get in the exam.


    The second exam of the morning had started when Mnie arrived at the exam hall, but Hera was


    nowhere to be seen. After checking with the invigtor, she found that Hera didn¡¯te for the


    exam.


    be entrance exam and get into ss A. But now, she didn¡¯t even show


    yup.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Mnienghed in anger. Hera had imed confidently in front of Bernard earlier that she would


    take the


    What a coward


    Mnie wouldn¡¯t let Hera get away by avoiding the entrance exam after Hera had made a fool of


    her in front of Bernard.


    Mnie returned to ss A


    Since Hera was the adopted daughter of the Everett family, Giselle, the real daughter, could


    definitely find her.


    It was break time. The atmosphere in ss A was pleasant.


    Giselle specially brought the cake Aaron had passed to her to ss and shared it with everyone.


    Several youngdies who usually got along well with Giselle hung around her ¡°Gigi, this cake is a


    limited edition of Blissful Bites. How did you buy it?¡± one of the female ssmates asked.


    Giselle tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t buy it. It¡¯s a thank¨Cyou gift


    from a Killian family member I saved.¡±


    ¡°The Killian family? The head of the four influential families? Wow! Gig, you¡¯re awesome!¡±


    ¡°Shh, keep your voices down. This matter can¡¯t attract attention.¡± Giselle quickly made a silent


    gesture, yet her smile was unconceble.


    ¡°Gigi, you¡¯re indeed beautiful and kind. Good luck is always on your side!¡±


    ¡°What goes aroundes around. Besides, not everyone can insist on doing charity like Gigi¡¯s


    family. I heard the Everett family even adopted an orphan as their daughter when they did volunteer


    work in poor rural viges during the summer vacation.¡±


    ¡°The adopted daughter¡¯s father is a murderer. Gigi, your family is so kind that you guys even dare


    adopt a mairderer¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Giselle urtered with a distressed look, ¡°Please don¡¯t say that about my sister. She¡¯ll also study at


    Cavenridge in the future. She¡¯ll be sad to hear this.¡±


    Hearing this, those female ssmates gossiped even louder


    ¡°With her grades in the rural vige, can she pass our school¡¯s entrance exam?


    ¡°That¡¯s the wrong question to ask. You should ask whether there are Terranish sses in the school


    in the poor rural vige.¡±


    ¡°Haha! That¡¯s right¡±


    Giselle felt satisfied with theirughter and mockery but put on an anxious look on her face. ¡°Please


    stop making fun of Hera. She just wants to study at Cavenridge with me. Her previous grades were


    pretty good.¡±


    A female ssmate said, ¡°Gigi, you¡¯re too simple and kind.¡±


    Another ssmate added, ¡°That¡¯s why Mr. Gaskell is in love with Gigi¡±


    ¡°But Gigi, you should be wary of that adopted daughter. Since she wants to study at Cavenridge


    with you, she may also fight with you for your engagement with Mr. Gaskell.¡±


    Giselle frowned slightly upon hearing thetter half of the words. She would never allow Hera to


    snatch the engagement!


    Meanwhile, Mnie returned to the ss and walked toward Giselle. ¡°Giselle, Hera is your family¡¯s


    adopted daughter, right?¡±


    Giselle rose from her seat and nodded obediently. ¡°Yes, Ms. Miller. What¡¯s about her?


    Mnie was satisfied with Giselle¡¯s manner. She liked well¨Cbehaved students with good grades the


    best


    Her tone softened as she said, ¡°She didn¡¯t attend the entrance exam. Can you contact her and ask


    her where she is


    ¡°What? Hera skipped the exam?¡± Giselle covered her mouth in shock.


    ¡°Ms. Miller, I¡¯ms


    ¡®m sorry, I¡¯ll call her right away. I apologize on behalf of my sister for causing you trouble.¡± After


    apologizing to Mnie, Giselle went out with her phone.


    The other ssmates were full of praise for Giselle¡¯s attitude. She waspletely different from


    Hera, who ambitiously wanted to enroll in Cavenridge but ended up skipping the


    exam


    Giselle went to the corridor.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t have, or rather, didn¡¯t save Hera¡¯s phone number, which Lilith had shared in the


    family¡¯s group chat two days ago.


    Giselle tapped on her phone and entered the school forum


    ¡°ording to reliable sources, the adopted daughter of the Everett family skipped the entrance


    exam. The country bumpkin likely can¡¯t even read the exam papers.¡±


    ¡°The head of the Everett family is not right in the head. How could he send a loser to Caventidge?


    Does he really think he can use the back door just because he¡¯s rich? How shameless!¡±


    After posting two posts anonymously, she gave fames a call.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    When Herreached the exam hall, only half an hour was left for the morning session¡¯s second exam,


    The invigor, Daniel Chapman, stopped Hera outside. ¡°No one is allowed to enter the exam hall 15


    minutes after the exam starts.¡±


    Just then, Hera¡¯s phone rang, and the caller ID was james.


    James¡® angry voice came from the phone as soon as Hera answered the call..


    ¡°Hera, how dare you skip the exam? Are you trying to disgrace the rent family don¡¯t care where you


    are. Get home now! Stop embarrassing yourself and our family outside.¡±


    How noisy!


    Hera hang up the phone expressionlessly,


    Before James finished scolding her, he heard a beeping sound and saw that the call had ended.


    Furious, hecalled again. This time, the call was declined.


    In att of age, James wanted to smash his phone. How dare Hera hang up on him!


    He made another call persistently, only to find that Hera¡¯s phone had been switched off.


    After turning off her phone, Here called out to Daniel, who was about to return to the exam hall ¡°Mr.


    Chapman, Dean still make it.¡±


    ¡°Are you Hera?¡± Daniel nced at her.


    H


    Mnie¡¯s Inquiry about Hera earlier left a strong impression on Daniel because he disliked students


    who werete for exams. Such students with poor punctuality couldn¡¯t get good results, and letting


    them take the exam would be a waste of time.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Heranodded.


    ¡°Come again next semester. You missed the jadenish exam and camete for the math exam. Even


    if you get bull marks in the Terranish andprehensive exams in the afternoon, you won¡¯t reach


    the admission score.¡® Dunkel waved his hand for her to leave.


    Hera did not move. ¡°I can do all four papers in the two sessions in the alternoon.¡±


    Daniel was shined. Having been imting exams for ten years, he had never met such an arrogant


    candidate


    Even the top student, diristopher, wouldn¡¯t make such a im How dare acountry bumn brag


    like this!


    Daniel scored, ¡°Oh Since you¡¯re so capable, why don¡¯t you go straight to university instead of


    coming to high school?¡± Herewas silent.


    She could do that, but it would attract too much attention and might cause unnecessary trouble.


    ¡°Hera, you¡¯re still here. Thank god¡± At this time, Robert ran over, penting.


    ¡°Mr. Larkin?¡± Daniel was surprised to see him.


    Robert rested his hands on his knees, catching his breath. ¡°Mr. Chapman, sorry to trouble you.


    Please extend the session for Her to take the entrance exam.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Daniel was displeased about having to work overtime, especially for a student who wasto


    for the ca


    Wiping the sweat from his docehead, Robert exined, ¡°He waste for the exam because she was


    helping Professor Killian with some things. Professor Killian specially sent me over to rily the


    situation so that a helpful, good student wouldn¡¯t miss het chance¡±


    Hera nced at Robert in surprise,


    Was Bernard being thought? Or did he do it intentionally


    Although Daniel was unwilling to work overtime, he could only nod and agree since Robert had


    come over personally in the name of Beard, whom even Andrew was respectful


    After Robert left, he took Here to an empty ssroom and ced four papers before her, ¡°Didn¡¯t


    you say you could do tour papers in two¨Cexam sessions? Go ahead.¡± With that, he tumed to sit at


    the podium.


    Hera was speechless. She found it hard to keep a low profile,


    Taking her seat canly, Hera picked up the exam paper and started reading


    She had a habit of reading all the questions and contemting in her mind before writing the


    answers down.


    Daniel sat at the podium browsing on his phone. Seeing Hera staring nkly at the exam paper


    without writing anything, he couldn¡¯t help scoffing inwardly and feeling annoyed. judging by her


    reaction, she likely couldn¡¯t even understand the questions. Where did she get the nerve to request


    to take four cams within two sessions? What a waste of time! 15 minutester, He picked up the


    pen with her right hand and began to write on the paper


    When the Erst exam session was over, Daniel Immediate ordered How, who was still doing the


    papers, ¡°Time¡¯s up. Please hand in the first exam papers.¡± Heraconnued writing, going him


    ¡°I told you to stop writing Can¡¯t you hove me? How much more can you do with this little time? Dani


    strode over, trying to stop her. 1


    Hera¡¯s right hand holding the pen did not stop moving as the grabbed two exam papers with her left


    hand and handed them to Daniel without raising her head.


    Chapter

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Daniel was stunned. He took over the exam papers.


    The math and Terranish papers werepleted. Hera was currently a quarter through the


    comprehensive exam paper.


    She had actually done over two papers on different subjects in one exam session. Was it something


    anyone could do? she had to be fooling around!


    Daniel had seen many such students who entered the academy through the back door. They would


    pretend to do the exam papers confidently but end u


    With such a thought in mind, Daniel nced contemptuously at the multiple choice questions on


    Hera¡¯s mach paper.


    Although he only taught physical education, he was still familiar with the math sybus taught in


    high school


    For the first question, option was selected. It was correct. It had to be dumb luck!


    She chose option A for the second question, and that was correct too! Was Hera so lucky!


    As for the third question, she got it right again!.


    dupin ss K


    Daniel was getting anxious as he went through the paper. The answers for the first third of the


    multiple¨Cchoice questions were correct. As for the rest, he couldn¡¯t be sure


    ¡°You wait for me.¡± With that, he went to look for the math teacher with the exam paper.


    At this time, morning sses ended. Teachers and students were all heading for lunch.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    When Daniel came to the teacher¡¯s office, the math teacher of junior year ss A, Yuliana Jenkins,


    was locking the door.


    ¡°Ms. Jenkins, I have a favor to ask of you, Can you please help me check this entrance exam


    paper?¡± Daniel handed the paper to Yuna


    Yuliana graduated from the world¡¯s top university, Vardhar University. She had been a teacher at


    Cavenridge for ten years. She was a widely known workaholic.


    She got excited when she heard about marking papers and pushed open the office door she was


    about to lock


    ¡°Alright. I heard the entrance exam this semester is more challenging than before. Dean Ludden¡¯s


    purpose is to raise the admission threshold of Cavenridge.¡±


    Yuliana went to her workstation, pushed up her thick sses, and started marking the paper.


    As she continued to tick the exam paper with the red pen, Daniel¡¯s face became redder and hotter


    as if he had been pped.


    ¡°The answer to thisst question is novel. It¡¯s simr to Christopher¡¯s. Not bad!¡± Yuliama praised,


    her eyes shining


    ¡°Which school did this student called Hera attend before? Is she still here? I¡¯d like to meet her.¡± She


    specifically took a look at the name on the exam paper


    Yuliana turned to Daniel, only to see a strange lock on his face. Mr. Chapman, are you okay? You


    don¡¯t look well.¡±


    ¡°I¨CI¡¯m okay So, what¡¯s the score for this exam paper? Daniel gulped.


    ¡°Full marks!¡± Yuliana generously marked the score on the paper.


    Daniel couldn¡¯t believe Hera got full marks when she did the paper in half the exam time. What an


    impressive student! Even Christopher couldn¡¯t do it while she just did it casually.


    He regretted being harsh to her earlier.


    Daniel¡¯s legs suddenly went weak. ¡°I see. This student is still taking the exam. I have to go back and


    check on her.¡±


    Yuliana¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Is she still there? Hurry and let¡¯s go! I¡¯d like to know her ¡±


    Hera was no longer in the ssroom when Daniel returned with Tuliana. There were only two


    completed papers with a pen on them.


    Yuliana carefully picked up the exam papers and took a look at them. The papers were neat, the


    handwriting was elegant, and the ideas were novel ¡°Hurry and send the papers to the teachers of


    each subject for marking. I have a hunch that she¡¯ll be the next academic prodigy of


    Cavenridge.¡±


    Hera returned to the Everett residence, only to see James sitting in the living room with a grim face


    while Lilith was kneeling on the carpet Eke a sinner.


    Giselle stood aside, looking distressed but actually gloating over the drama.


    On the carpet were broken ss shards. The atmosphere was tense,


    You still have the nerve toe home. How dare you skip the exam? Hneel down!¡±


    Seeing Hera, James became angry again. He grabbed the ashtray on the coffee table and threw it


    at her.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Herbed her head slightly. The ashtray brushed against her ear before smashing onto the floor.


    Tered, thooked at Hera with worry. Seeing Her was fine, she turned to beg Jenes for mercy.


    ¡°James, calm down. Let¡¯s talk things out. Please don¡¯t beat Hera ¡°oet out of my way! I need to


    teach her a lesson to let her know I¡¯m her father!¡± After kicking Lilith away, James grabbed the


    prepared whip and whipped the carpet before


    ncing at Lith, who was kicked away and ended up hitting the coffee table¡¯s edge, Hera frowned


    slightly.


    ¡°Bad, please calm down.¡± Giselle stepped forward tofort James


    Then, she turned to advise Hera earnestly, ¡°Hera, just kneel down and apologize to Dad. I believe


    you didn¡¯t skip the exam on purpose. Exin it to Dad. He forgive you.¡±


    ¡°Who said I stopped the exam?¡± He asked in an indifferent tone. Her cold eyes swept across James


    face before falling on Giselle¡¯s


    Faced with Hera¡¯s chilly pressure, Giselle telt Inexplicably culty


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    The then she reminded herself that Hera was just a country bumpkin. What was there to fear about


    her? she had to be pretending!


    ¡°if you didn¡¯t skip the exam, why did you hang up and turn off the phone? And you went missing all


    afternoon!¡±


    Recalling Hera hanging up on him in the moming James angrily raised the whip and fling it toward


    her.


    When Hera was about to catch the whip with her hand, Lilith suddenly pounced on her, taking the


    whipping for her.


    Lilith grimaced in pain but didn¡¯t groan. Instead, she asked with concern, ¡°Hera, ace you okay?¡±


    Hera helped Lith, who was unsteady on her feet, She somehow felt touched.


    Since Daphne passed away, she had shut herself off from the world. Except for Catherine, no one


    had ever protected her like this.


    ¡°James, please don¡¯t hit Hera. Hit me if you want,¡± Lilith pleaded with James, protecting Hera


    behind her.


    James didn¡¯t expect Lilith to take the whipping for Hera. For a moment, he regretted having sing the


    whip.


    But he would lose his authority as the head of the family if he didn¡¯t teach Hera a lesson today.


    ¡°Move! Or I¡¯ll hit you too!¡± he snapped.


    Giselle didn¡¯t expect Lilith to be so protective of Hers. She felt extremely jealous.


    Although Lilith had a humble states in the Everett Lamily, she was nevertheless thedy of the


    family Giselle couldn¡¯t ept any of the Everetts being kind to Hera, because all this originally


    belonged to her


    ¡°Now that things havee to this, Hera, stop lying.¡± Giselle advised with a kind look


    ¡°Ms. Miller contacted Dad because she didn¡¯t find you in the hall. This matter is now spreading


    wildly on the academy terum. It affect our family¡¯s reputation. You¡¯d better exin the situation


    honestly so that Dad can figure out how to deal with it.¡±


    On the surface, elle seemed to be persuading Hera. But in fact, she kept reminding James that the


    news about Hera skipping the exam had gone viral on venidge¡¯s forum, and everybody was


    criticizing Hera and the Everetts.


    If this went on, everyone in Norburgh would know by tomorrow that the adopted daughter of the


    Everett Family, Hera, skipped the entrance exam.


    James cared about reputation. He couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone disgracing the Everett family.


    ¡°I think you just want to embarrass our family!¡± mes raised the whip again.


    Lith wanted to protect Herabut was stopped by her.


    Hera grabbed the whip swinging down with her left hand. ¡°Once the results are released tomorrow,


    the rumors will naturally disappear.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say that now! Why did you skip the exam earlier?¡± James snapped. ¡°Come with


    me to venridge tomorrow morning and apologize to the academy¡±


    Hera was at a loss for words. How many times did she have to tell them she didn¡¯t skip the exam?


    James turned to Giselle and said gently, ¡°Giselle, ask Mr. Gaskell to help us request ovenrider¡¯s FR


    department to delese those posts!


    Zyler Gaskell was Giselle¡¯s fiance. Because his mother was from abranch of the Kilian family, the


    Gaskell family had a certain status in Marburgh.


    Therefore, the academy¡¯s PR department shouldn¡¯torfuse if 2 yder interceded for them


    ¡°Okay, Dad.¡± Despite her obedient look, Giselle was grinning slyly in secret.


    Hera would never have an easy life in Norburgh uner her reputation was ruined for the sake of their


    reputation, the Everett family wouldn¡¯t support her even though she was the real daughter.


    Early the next morning, James, led by Giselle, arrived at the Dean of Students¡® office


    Robert and Mnie were already waiting inside.


    ¡°Dad, this is Me, Larkin, the Dean of Students. And this is Ms. Miler, my hosesoom teacher this


    semester, Giselle introduced


    **Mr. Larkin, nice to meet you.¡± James went up to shake hands with a warm smile.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Robert shook hands with him amiably. ¡°You¡¯re Giselle¡¯s father. So you¡¯re also Hera¡¯s


    dian?¡±


    James understood as soon as he heard this. Zyler had to have arranged it


    With his other hand, James took out an mvelope from his trousers pocket and stuffed it into


    Robert¡¯s hand. ¡°Mr. Larkin, I¡¯m sorry. My ignorant adopted daughter has brought uinenessary


    trouble to the academy. Please forgive her.¡±


    Robert immerbeely caught on upon receiving the envelope. Sometimes, parents offered teachers


    money in the hope that the teachers would give special treatment to their


    However, ballery was strictly forbidden at Coventile. Not to mention, it wolved the student Andrew


    paid special attention to


    ¡°Mr. Everett, bribery is legal¡± Robert juslied the envelope back with astern look.


    James dihi¡¯t expect Robert to reject. For a moment, le coklu¡¯t react.


    The envelope fell to the flour with a thand. Judging from the echo, it was quite thick.


    The sound attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    James¡® face suddenly flushed. He cared about dignity the most. At this moment, he seemed to have


    been pped hard in the face.


    He turned to Giselle with reproach and anger in his eyes. Didn¡¯t Zyler make the arrangement?


    Giselle was terrified Why did things tum out differently from what they were supposed to?


    ¡°It¡¯s so livelliere!¡± M this time, Hera walked in calmly.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    ¡°Hera, you¡¯re here. Take a seat and have some coffee, Robert greeted Hera with a smile


    ¡°Hera, I¡¯vepleted the admission procedures for you. Shall I take you to ss A? Mnie also


    stepped forward and asked with a smile.


    Hera gledat Mnie coldly. Mnie¡¯s tteringsme right now was utterly different from her


    aggressive behavior the previous day. Her couldn¡¯t help sneering inwardly.


    Robert¡¯s and Mnie¡¯s ttering attitude puzzled James and Giselle


    Admission procedures? Didn¡¯t Hera skip the exam? How could she enter ss A?


    ¡°Mr Larkin, is there a mistake?¡± James asked in shock.


    ¡°What mistake?¡± Robert questioned with displeasure.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Hera skip the c? Why did she get admitted to ss A?¡± James enquired.


    Robert stared at James¡® confused expression. It seemed James wasn¡¯t aware of Hera¡¯s


    achievements.


    Then, he burned to look at the aloof Hera. It was as if what they were talking about had nothing to


    do with her.


    She was like this yesterday as well. No matter how harshly Mnie had spoken to her, she


    wouldn¡¯t say a word to defend herself.


    At first, Robert thought she was timid.


    Unexpectedly, shepleted four tests in two exam sessions and scored foll marks in all four


    subjects.


    It was not timidity but the confidence of an academic prodigy! Apart from being shocked, Robert


    was secretly d that he hadn¡¯t offended her yesterday.


    As her guardian, James didn¡¯t know about his adopted daughter¡¯s grades and even bebeved the


    rumors.


    Robertasked angrily, ¡°Who spread the rumor about Hera skipping the exam?


    James was even more confused now. He looked at le


    Startled, Giselle locked toward Mnie nkly, ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Yesterday, Ms. Miller asked


    me to look for Heta, saying she skipped the exam..¡± Seeing the me was going to be put on her,


    Mnie inmediately protested, ¡°I never said Heraskopped the exam


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Rather than how the rumor spread, james cared more about whether Hera¡¯s grades could glorify


    him.


    1990, Mr. Larkin, what scope did my daughter get in the he asked. His adopted daughter earlier


    suddenly became his daughter now


    Having encountered such snobbery countless times, Robert deliberately exposed it.


    ¡°Mr. Everett, Theard you were kind¨Chearted, had a harmonious family, and loved your children. But


    what I see today seems different from what everyone says Don¡¯t you have any idea about your


    children¡¯s studies?¡±


    James blushed. He, who cared about dignity, couldn¡¯t stand criticism against him, let alone in


    public.


    Despite being on the verge of losing his temper, he held back his emotions and scratched his nose


    akwardly. ¡°Hera has only been living with our family for a fer days. We still don¡¯t know each other


    well. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±


    Perhaps because of Hera¡¯s achievements, Robert teh sorry for her being adopted by such a family


    Robert raised his voice, announcing, ¡°For the entrance exam, He scored.¡± He deliberately took a


    deep breath¡± full marks in all our subjects!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Giselle eximed in disbelief.


    ¡°Follmarks?¡± James asked in surpre


    ¡°The entrance exam this time is more challenging than in previous years. But Hera is really smart.


    She scored full marks despite doing four exams in two exam sessions, setting a new Nessun record


    for Cavenridge Robert said proudly.


    ¡°How can that bumpkin¨CI mean how can Hera be the academic prodigy rumored in the form? Are


    you mistaken? Giselle couldn¡¯t ept it, almost screaming


    Last night, a post about an academic prodigywho did four exams in two exam sessions suddenly


    emerged on the academy lorum, overshadowing her anonymous posts mocking


    Hera


    Everyone was guessing who that mysterious student was Giselle was also curious. She had


    browsed the posts all night, searching for the identity of this mysterious academic prodigy the entire


    academy worshiped but to no avail


    Now they were telling her it was Here? No way! It couldn¡¯t be true!


    She couldn¡¯t ept it. How could Hera, a bumpkin from a poor school in a rural vige, be an


    academic prodigy?


    Giselle thought of the folder of sample exam papers she had prepared for Hera. Even though Hera


    didn¡¯t take it at that time, she didn¡¯t know where it went afterward.


    Could Hera have stolen it otherwise, how could she have gotten full marks in the exam?


    ¡°Hera, I want to apologize to you. I was ignorant yesterday I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive me!¡± Mnie


    suddenly apologized to Hera before everyone.


    Mnie never expected that a country bumpkin could be an academic prodigy.


    Although she was reluctant to ept it, she sumbed to crality and let go of her dignity. She


    became the type of person she hated the most, ttering and cowering to those she disliked


    Compared to a secure job at Cavenridge, dignity was nothing to her. She couldn¡¯t the on dignity,


    after all. But once she was fired, her teaching career would be over. No school would take


    someone Cavenridge dismissed


    Mnie couldn¡¯t plead with Bernard and could only ask Her forg


    Both Giselle and James weer shocked by Mnie¡¯s action. A homeroom teacher actually apologed


    to Heral

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    ¡°Ms. Miller, what are you doing? Please get up.¡± Shocked, Giselle hurried to help Mnie


    Heracast Mnie a cold look,


    Mnie thought her sincerity had moved Hera. She pushed Giselle away and looked toward Hera


    ¡°Hera, you¡¯re a kind person. I¡¯ve been ignorant. I¡¯ll turn over a new leat. You¡¯ll forgive me, right?¡±


    Mnie was confident that Hera would forgive her. After all, she would be Hera¡¯s homeroom


    teacher from now on. They would be under one roof.


    Now that she had apologized, most people would be moved by such sincerity. She believed Hera


    had no reason not to forgive her. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t know Hera wasn¡¯t an ordinary person


    Hera nced coldly at Mnie, then looked toward Robert and uttered lightly, ¡°Mr. Larkin, what we


    mentioned yesterday was an apology at the g¨Craising ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ yes.¡± Robert nodded.


    Mnie stared at Hera nkly, her expression stiffened.


    This woman was a devil


    Mnie regretted speaking arrogantly out of anger yesterday. She wished she could turn back the


    clock and p herself in the face.


    If she were to loveel and apologize to Hera in front of all the teachers and students at the g¨C


    raising ceremony, how was she going to continue teaching in the academy? ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She thought Hera would forgive her as long as she apologized, which was better than pleading with


    Bernard, whom she rarely even met. Unfortunately, she was wrong.


    Mnie slumped to the floor in despair.


    At this time, a woman with short hair knocked on the office door.


    ¡°Ms. Jenkins, you¡¯re here at the right time. From now on, you¡¯ll be the homeroom teacher of junior


    year ss A. This is the new transfer student, Hera. Please lead her to the ss, ¡°Robert


    informed.


    In Cavenridge, the position of ss A¡¯s homeroom teacher was higher than that of other teachers.


    For vna, this was a promotion


    Valiens was very excited, not because of the promocion but because of Heta


    ¡°So you¡¯re Hera, the academic prodigy of the new generation! I¡¯ve finally met you! I marked your


    entrance exam paper. Your ideas were great. We can discuss math together.¡± She took Hera to


    ss A while talking to her.


    Although James didn¡¯t know what happened yesterday, judging by this situation, Heca¡¯s perfect


    score in the exam had to be true.


    ¡°Thanks for giving Hera this opportunity, Mr. Larkin.¡± He shook Robert¡¯s hand with joy. ¡°Hera set a


    new Nessguin record for Cavenridge. It¡¯s worth a celebration. I¡¯ll get my family to make preparations


    and invite all the teachers and students to a banquet tomorrow.¡±


    Not only would he hold a grand banquet, but he would also invite the media to report nationwide


    on the academic prodigy from the cultured and wealthy Everett family.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to invite all the teachers and students of the academy to a banquet. It¡¯s too showy.


    That¡¯s not Cavenridge¡¯s style.¡± Robert waved his hand with disdain.


    No matter how hard the Everett family tried to rise to a prominent family, they could never change


    their nouveau riche nature,


    ¡°By the way, Mr. Larkin, I¡¯d like to ask you to help find out who spread the rumor about Hera


    skipping the exam. It¡¯s an insult to our family!¡± James continued.


    When Giselle heard that James wanted to hold a banquet for Hera, her sense of crisis was


    triggered. As she was thinking about how to make James drop the idea, she heard they were going


    to investigate the rumor¨Cmonger. Her face turned pale.


    on the


    ¡°This matter needs to be investigated. But first, well announce Hera¡¯s result.¡± Robert did as he said.


    He immediately arranged for someone to post Hera¡¯s exam results on academy bulletin board.


    In just one ss session, the entire academy knew Hera was the mysterious academic prodigy. On


    the other hand, Mnie received a demerit for picking g on a transfer student


    This news stirred a heated discussion in the academy


    Giselle intended to secretly delete yesterday¡¯s posts before Rubert began to investigate.


    On her posts, however, those who had criticized Hera before apologized one after another and


    cursed the rumor¨Cmonger. She gritted her teeth with anger.


    The news of Hera¡¯s perfect store soon reached the Everett family


    When Hera returned to the Everett residence in the evening, Lilith happily brought her to Mildred.


    ¡°Mom, Hera got a perfect score on the exam. Can she have Gino¡¯s study? Lilith¡¯s voice was full of


    excitement.


    Having bern worried about Hera yesterday, Lilith was surprised that Hera could score full marks in


    all four subjects. It was something Giselle could never achieve regardless of how many tuition


    sses she took


    Mildred shouldn¡¯t the Heraahard time anymore, right?

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Lilith, who had always been submissive, actually made such a request to Mildred today for the sake


    of Hera Giselle, once again, had a sense of crisis.


    ¡°Really?¡± Mildred asked doubtfully, ncing at Hera without the disgust in her eyes as yesterday,


    She didn¡¯t expect a bumpkin like Hera to be so intelligent that she actually scored full marks in the


    exam


    It had to be the Everetts¡® genes! Her genius first grandson was the best proof.


    ¡°Mr. Larkin personally announced the results. All the teachers and students of Cavenridge know


    about it. I¡¯ve decided to invite everyone in the academy to a banquet tomorrow and have also


    notified the reporters,¡± James said excitedly.


    Hearing this, Mildred felt distressed. ¡°It¡¯ll cost a fortune!¡±


    The current financial situation of the Everett family looked good on the surface but was


    optimistic in realit


    They could manage to hold a small party, but there were tens of thousands of people at


    Cavenridge. Moreover, for a school of Cavenridge¡¯s level, they couldn¡¯t just prepare


    ordinary meals


    After making a rough calction of the cost, Mildred nearly passed out.


    ¡°No matter how much it costs, we have to spend it! This is the best chance to prove our family¡¯s


    financial strength and cultural level.


    ¡°After this banquet, I believe the Everett family can be one of the prominent families in


    Norburgh By then, we¡¯ll naturally have more business!¡± James spoke enthusiastically.


    He had already thought about it. If there wasn¡¯t enough money, he could mortgage the mansion and


    get a loan from the bank to hold a grand celebration banquet and invite arge group of reporters.


    In this way, the Everett family would be famous. Then, they could advertise Everett Group and


    wait for business toe. Within half a year, they would earn back the money and redeem the


    house from the bank.


    Mildred had spent half of her life as a farmer in the countryside. After the Everett family became


    wealthy, she became a richdy who only knew how to show off but didn¡¯t know how to run a


    business.


    To her, James¡® eloquent speech sounded like he would make a fortune soon. Since it was also for


    the sake of the Everett family¡¯s reputation, she thought it might be a good idea.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do as you say.¡± Mildred nodded at james and then looked at Hera. ¡°I can give you


    Gino¡¯s study, but you have to change your surname back to ¡±


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    All of Hera¡¯s glory at tomorrow¡¯s banquet would truly belong to the Everett family only if she were an


    Everett instead of an adopted daughter. Mildred¡¯s n was wless


    ¡°Will I also have the identity as the Everett family¡¯s daughter back?¡± Hera asked.


    Listening to them discussing holding a banquet for Hera, Giselle felt that her status in the Everett


    family seemed to be in jeopardy. Hera¡¯s question further put her on the alert


    Sure enough, this country bumpkin still wanted to take back her identity as the daughter of the


    Everett family!


    The thought of the dpidated house in the rural vige was repulsive to Giselle. She would never


    return to that slum again in her life!


    Giselle quietly went out to make a phone call while nobody was paying a


    In the living room, Mildred choked at Hera¡¯s question.


    attention


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before? The Gaskell family is interested in Gigi. The Everett family¡¯s daughter can¡¯t


    be changed!¡± James exined with displeasure


    The Everett family formed a marriage of convenience with the Gaskell family in order to maintain


    their business rtionship. It just so happened that Zyler fell in love with Giselle.


    If Hera were revealed to be the real daughter of the Everett family, the Gaskell family would


    definitely not ept a country bumpkin to be their daughter¨Cinw.


    By then, if Zyler insisted on marrying Giselle, it would no longer have anything to do with the Everett


    family


    Therefore,


    Hera¡¯s ¨¤ identity couldn¡¯t be disclosed before the Everett family¡¯s business bloomed.


    ¡°In that cas, it¡¯s not necessary to change my surname. Anyway, I¡¯m still the adopted daughter of the


    Everett family whichever surname I have,¡± Hera uttered in a calm tone


    The Everett family just wanted to have the reputation but was unwilling to take the risk. What a


    perfect calction!


    For a moment, Hera¡¯s words rendered James and Mildred speechless.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    It was indeed their fault to announce Hera was their adopted daughter. But for the benefit of the


    Everett family, they were determined not to make this secret public


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. Whatever your sumame is, you¡¯re always my sweetheart,¡± Lilith whispered,


    tugging at Hera¡¯s clothes.


    Hera looked back at Lilith. In the entire Everett family, only Lilith truly cared about her. Facing the


    maternal love that she had been missing for over ten years, Hera couldn¡¯t react and just nodded


    lightly.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Later, Lilith plucked up the courage to rearrange Gino¡¯s study on the third floor into Hera¡¯s bedroom


    without waiting for Mildred¡¯s approval


    Gino found that his study had be Hera¡¯s bedroom when he returned home. He angrily pushed


    away the quilt in Lilith¡¯s hand, yelling, ¡°No! This is my study. I don¡¯t want the bumpkin to stay in it!¡±


    He turned to call Mildred over, whining, ¡°Grandma, how could you give her my study? This bumpkin


    stole the study from me the moment she came back. She¡¯ll definitely steal the family¡¯s property from


    me in the future. I don¡¯t want to give it to her!¡±


    His words astonished everyone.


    Although Mildred cared about the Everett family¡¯s reputation, she valued sons over daughters. The


    Everett family¡¯s property could only be inherited by the grandsons, not the granddaughters!


    Hera upied Gino¡¯s study as soon as she returned. Would she tight with him for the Everett


    family¡¯s property in the future?


    Mildred cast Hera a wary look.


    Speechless, Hera asked, ¡°Are the assets of the Everett family worth even a billion?¡± Despite her


    calm tone, her words sounded inexplicably sarcastic


    One billion? Ordinary wealthy families might not have such assets, let alone the Everett family, who


    was still on their way to being one.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mildred¡¯s expression darkened.


    Although the assets of the Everett family were only tens of millions, it was an amount of money that


    a country bumpkinke Hera could never make in her lifetime!


    ¡°Does a bumpkin like you know how many zeros there are in a billion? Stop dreaming! So you really


    dide back to tight with me for the family¡¯s property Grandma, kick her out! Gino shouted


    wilfully,


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    Sensing the tense atmosphere, Lilith quickly stepped in to mediate for fear that Mikired would favor


    Gino and give him back the room.


    ¡°Gino, who told you that Hera wanted to fight with you for the family¡¯s property?¡± she squatted


    before Gino,


    Gine was only seven years old. Although he was clever and mischievous, he couldn¡¯t have had


    such ideas himself.


    Sure enough, he stuttered, ¡°D¨CDo I need anyone to tell me that? I¡¯m not a fool¡±


    Hera nced at Gino. Obviously, he had given himself away. As for who in the family could have


    instigated this silly youngest brother, it went without saying


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in the Everett family¡¯s assets. If there¡¯s nothing else, please don¡¯t disturb me¡±


    With that, Hera mmed the door shut


    Mildred¡¯s expression became even darker.


    If it weren¡¯t for the Everett family¡¯s reputation and the banquet tomorrow, she wouldn¡¯t have let Hera


    stay on the third floor.


    She would sell this brat off to support the family¡¯s living expenses once Hera reached adulthood!

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    After acting up all evening, Gino still couldn¡¯t take back his study.


    Not only did Lilith favor that bumplin, but Mildred was also not on his side!


    Lying on the bed, Gino grew angrier as he thought about it.


    Giselle was right. Hera had indeede back to fight for the family¡¯s property with him. She had


    won Lilith over and had even bewitched Mildred now. He had to teach her a lesson!


    A wicked grin emerged on Gino¡¯s face as an idea shed across his mind. He leaped up, got out of


    bed, and went out.


    Late at night, Hera sat before herptop and opened her mailbox. A copy of the profile information


    came into view: ¡°Isabe Young. Female 18 years old. Currently a student at Cavenridge


    International Academy, Junior year, ss K.¡±


    Hera swiftly read through the information


    Then, she opened her WhatsApp.


    Raven: ¡°Thanks for the Information. Also, keep an eye out for Eclipse Stone in the market for me.


    Piglet: ¡°Eclipse Stone? That¡¯s a legendary herbal medicine Why are you looking for it all of a


    sudden?


    ¡°Do you need it for yourself? Is there a problem with your body? Is it aplicated disease? Shall I


    rmend a doctor to you?


    Raven: ¡°Stop talking nonsense. Just look for it


    The other party was still asking questions. Hera found him annoying and muted his chat. Then, in


    the contact list, sheclicked on an avatar with the ck letter ¡°S¡± on a white background


    Raven: ¡°Mr. 5, the exam papers you sent me before were from Cavenridge International


    Academy?¡±


    Hera was going to log out of WhatsApp after sending the message because Shadn¡¯t replied.


    Not to mention, Shad be even slower with his responses since he stopped guiding her two


    years ago due to health reasons. At times, it could even take three to six months.


    Just as Hera was about to log out, surprisingh 5 replied.


    S: ¡°Yes!


    Hera¡¯s usually aloof eyes were now filled with a hint of joy.


    Raven: ¡°Can we met?¡±


    After seeing the exam papers a


    tance exam yesterday, Hera realized the exam papers & had been giving her were from


    Cavenridge,


    Since 5 could get Cavenridge¡¯s papers, he had to be connected with Cavenrklge. Therefore, he was


    likely in Norburgh.


    Five minutester, 5 had nor replied.


    Hera suddenly came to her senses. She had nearly broken the rules out of excitement


    When Hera became a mentee of s on the hackerwork back then, 5 had set three rules for her¨C


    no illegal activities, investigations of each other¡¯s information, and meet¨Cups.


    The joy in Hera¡¯s eyes slowly dissipated


    Another five minutester and sure enough, 5 still hadn¡¯t replied.


    Hera logged out of the ount and switched to another one


    As soon as Hera switched ounts, she received a message.


    Bernard. ¡°It¡¯s Uncle Bernard.¡±


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    At this time, a hiss suddenly echoed in the quiet room.


    Hera looked in the direction of the sound and so two snakes on the window. They crawled in slowly,


    sticking out their red tongues and staring at Hera with their chilly, green


    The window was next to the bed. Hera remembered it was closed, but it was open now.


    5

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    The cold breeze ofte autumn blew into the room in the middle of the night, apanied by


    creepy snakes, creating achilling r


    gmood.


    Outside the window was the dark balcony connected to the next room.


    Hera was about to move to the window when a dark figure suddenly shed across the balcony.


    With a snap, the lights in her room were switched off


    Hera was speechless.


    dino squatted under the window with a camera, waiting to record Hera¡¯s miserable cry of fear


    Three minutester, however, the expected cry didn¡¯t ur.


    Squatting out there in his pajamaste at night, Gino was freezing


    Why was this bumpkin not screaming yet? Her reaction was slow!


    Another ten minutes passed, and the room remained quiet.


    Could that bumplon have fainted from fright?


    Gino couldn¡¯t hold himself back anymore. He pressed the remote control in his hand, switching on


    the lights in the room.


    He peeked into the room, only to find nobody nor anakes. What was going on? Thinking he was


    mistaken, he poked his head into the room.


    ¡°Is at fun?¡± A cold voice suddenly rang out behind Gine. He jolted up in shock, but his head on the


    window, and fell to the ground in pain.


    He lost his camera. In a pank, his hand identally pressed the remote and the lights were


    switched off again. The surroundings instantly fell into darkness again.


    ¡°Who the hell are you scaring? Ah!¡± Gino cursed, covering his head. Then, he turned around, only


    to see a pale face behind him. He screamed in horror, ¡°Ah! A ghost! Stay away from me!¡±


    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s noisy.¡± Hera¡¯s head buzzed from Gino¡¯s scream.


    She turned off the shlightof her phone and sivitched on the balcony light


    Upon hearing the familiar voice, Gino immediately stopped screaming. Seeing it was Hera, he got


    up from the ground angrily.


    ¡°Country bumpkin, how dare you scare me!¡± He stepped forward in a huff, wanting to kick Hera,


    As Gino stepped closer, he saw Hera clenching two snakes in her left hand. The snakes¡® bodies


    were wrapped around her arm.


    Hera raised her left hand. Gino freaked out, staggered a few steps hack, and slumped on the floor


    ¡°Y¨CYou¡­ Y¨CYou..¡± Gino¡¯s face turned pale in horror. He stammered for a long time without uttering


    a word.


    ¡°Did you do this? Hera nced condescendingly at the trembling Gino, her exquisite face full of


    indifference.


    Despite his fear, Gino couldn¡¯t tolerate Hera¡¯s questioning. He was the one who was making fun of


    Hera. Why did it turn out the other way around?


    He couldn¡¯t ept it and stubbornly argued, ¡°It¡¯s your fault for fighting for the room with me! You


    deserve to be bitten by a poisonous snake! If you plead with me, I can consider forging you Ah!


    Hera didn¡¯t bother to listen to Gino¡¯s childish speech. She threw the snakes straight at him.


    Terrified, Gino spun around in circles. He pushed Hera away, dashed back to his room, and


    mmed the door shut.


    The two snakes fell to the floor without even touching Gino¡¯s clothes. Hera was dumbfounded as


    she looked at the puddle of liquid on the flooc


    Meanwhile, Berard was leaning on his bed.


    He had checked his WhatsApp countless times, but Hera hadn¡¯t messaged him back. He had the


    urge to give her a call and ask her why. But after checking the time, he dropped the


    idea.


    Bernard grabbed his iPad from the bedside and searched on Google about how to initiate a


    conversation with others.


    At this moment, a message came through WhatsApp with a ding


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Picking up his phone, Bernard saw a new friend request.


    Gigi: ¡°Hi, Fra Guselle. The firamisu cake was delicious. Thank you. Please ept my friend


    request!¡±


    Bernard¡¯s finger slid across the screen and tapped on the ignore option. Then, he continued


    searching on Google on his iPad.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    The next day, Hera put on Cavenridge¡¯s uniform. On her tall and perfect figure, the regr light


    gray uniform appeared like a fashionable dress.


    She totally outshone Giselle next to her, especially her long, straight, and fair legs below the pleated


    skirt


    Hera and Giselle went to the academy in the same car, After getting out of the car, Giselle quietly


    distanced herself from Hera, | lest she became Hera¡¯s foll


    In a few steps, a huge banner hanging at the academy¡¯s gate came into their sight. Written on it was


    ¡°Congrattions to Hera, the second daughter of the Everett family, for a perfect score!¡±


    Several girls in uniform stood at the academy¡¯s gate, handing every student a little gitt with a smile.


    ¡°To congratte Hera for her perfect score in all four subjects, the academy¡¯s cafeteria is free of


    charge today. All meals will be on the Everett family.¡±


    The woman in the lead was none other than Judy, a housekeeper at the Everett residence.


    Hera was dumbfounded. Such a high¨Cprofile and vulgar approach was indeed the style of the


    nouveau riche,


    Seeing James showing off openly, Giselle felt somewhat happy instead of jealous


    Walking back to Hera, Giselle advised pretentiously. ¡°Is this your first time seeing such a scene?


    Dad will ask you to give a speech in front of the reporters. You can think about what to say first.


    Don¡¯t slur your words in nervousnesster.¡±


    She was used to such scenes because the Everett family would hold a banquet on her birthday


    every year. But a country bumpkin like Hera had probably never met as many people as a grade of


    students at Cavenridge and would definitelyger stage fright, making a fool of herself.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know what to say, you can say. Hey, where are you going? The open ssroom is this


    way! As Giselle was talking, she found that Hera wasn¡¯t listening but striding toward the faculty


    building


    She caught up and grabbed Hera ¡°Don¡¯t wander around! This is the academy. Over there is the


    faculty building. It¡¯s not like in the rural vige, where you can walk around freely.¡±


    Giselle¡¯s voice was loud enough to attract theughter of several passing ssmates.


    ¡°Haha! The country bumpkin hase to town..¡±


    ¡°Not everyone can climb the socialdder. A bumpkin is a bumpkin. One¡¯s nature can¡¯t be


    changed.¡±


    Giselle secretly rejoiced. This was the effect she wanted!


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! Where I go Is none of your business¡± Hera pped Giselle¡¯s hand away


    ¡°Don¡¯t wander around. If you get lost, you¡¯ll bete. It¡¯ll affect Dad¡¯s schedule, Giselle reminded


    Hera innocently.


    To others, Giselle seemed to be bullied by Hera, looking pitiful


    ¡°How arrogant! Does she really think of herself as the Everett familly¡¯s daughter?¡±


    ¡°So what if she¡¯s beautiful and gor a perfect score in the exam? Her barbarian character is


    unlikable!¡±


    ¡°Alter all, shees from a rural vige. Even though she¡¯s adopted by the Everett family, she¡¯ll


    always be a fake daughter rather than a real one.¡±


    Hera nced coldly at the gossiping ssmates, saying, ¡°That¡¯s right. A fake is a take and can¡¯t


    be the real one, just like a snob will remain a snob even if they be a student at


    Gwenridge.¡±


    Giselle¡¯s face turned pale. Hera was mocking her as the fake daughter.


    Those female ssmates thought Hera was self¨Cconfessing at first but then realized she was


    teasing them. They felt as if they had shot themselves in the foot.


    Hera didn¡¯t bother to tangle with them. She headed straight to the Dean of Students¡® office.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What? You want to switch to ss K? What¡¯s wrong with ss A?¡±

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Robert was shocked by Hera¡¯s request.


    Why would any student choose the weak ss over the top ss? She shouldn¡¯t act wilfully just


    because she had excellent grades!


    Not to mention, James had invited a group of reporters today to report on the academic prodigy


    entering ss A


    ¡°There is no why. Just arrange it for me. Also, arrange a dormitory for me. I want to live on


    campus.¡±


    With that, Hera hirmed and left. Her face was impassive, her eyes cold.


    In the open ssroom, James and someone from the academy¡¯s PR department attended to the


    reporters. They waited for Hera to start the interview, but only Giselle came in the


    end.


    James pulled Giselle aside, asking, ¡°Where is Hera? Why didn¡¯t you bring her over?¡±


    She probably has stage fright. On the way, she refused toe here and went off somewhere. I


    couldn¡¯t stop her,¡± Giselle replied with an innocent look


    Thinking Hera dropped the ball at thest minute, james suddenly grew angry.


    ¡°Sure enough, I thought too highly of a country bumpkin. Forget it! Let¡¯s cancel the interview, lest


    she can¡¯t answer the reporters¡® questions. It¡¯ll disgrace the Everett family,¡± he said in a low voice.


    An Imperceptible smile tugged at Giselle¡¯s lips when she saw James get angry.


    ¡°No, Dad. If she doesn¡¯t show up, the credibility of this news will be in question. Since she doesn¡¯t


    want toe over, we can take the reporters to her. She should be back in the ssroom now.¡±


    Thinking what Giselle said made sense, James asked the reporters to move to junior year ss A.


    Giselle led the way, deliberately making a detour.


    As Giselle intended, the reporters noticed a crowd gathered in front of the school bulletin board.


    They were talking about an academic prodigy, cheating, shamelessness, and so


    1. on.


    With their keen sense for gossip, the reporters sensed potential news just by these few keywords.


    Taking a closer look, they indeed discovered shocking news.


    ¡°You must be Hera¡¯s family? The cheater has the nerve to show off. Get out of Cavenridge!¡±


    Seeing James with a group of reporters, some students started roasting


    ¡°What academic prodigy? She just cheated!¡±


    1. r. That¡¯s grandstanding!¡±


    ¡°The academic prodigy turned out to be a cheater.¡±


    ¡°This is too much! She didn¡¯t just copy Christopher¡¯s answers to the questions but even his


    composition.¡±


    ¡°Cheating behavior will affect the academy¡¯s reputation. Please kick Hera out of Cavenridge!¡±


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The chattering of students around puzzled James. The staff member from the PR department who


    came with him, Nicole Lilleti, also looked confused


    They approached the bulletin board. Seeing the exam papers posted on it, James froze. It was like


    a bolt from the blue to him


    James dark expression was in stark contrast to the excited expressions of the reporters, who were


    busy taking photos.


    Posted on the bulletin board were the exam papers of two students with simr answers and almost


    copy¨Cand¨Cpastepositions. The names on them were Hera and Christopher respectively.


    Christopher¨Cthe son of Cavenridge¡¯s dean and the top shadent! Hera not only cheated in the exam


    but even copied Christopher¡¯s exam papers!


    ¡°Stop! Stop taking photos!¡± James¡® first reaction was to cover the exam papers Unfortunately, the


    coples were all over the bulletin board. His attempt was futile.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    James had mortgaged the mansion to the bank, used the loan to hold a grand banquet, and invited


    a group of reporters in order to show off the glory of the Everett family and attract business for their


    company. But now, it was all screwed


    The reporters didn¡¯t care about the Everett family¡¯s glory or disgrace. They aimed their cameras at


    the exam papers, taking pictures with delight


    A reporter said, ¡°Haha! I thought today¡¯s news wasn¡¯t novel enough at first, but I can write an


    interesting plece now.¡±


    Another remarked, ¡°A poor student pretended to be an academic prodigy with the top student¡¯s


    papers. This title will definitely make the headlines.¡±


    Another reporter echoed, ¡°One of the four influential families, the Ludden Jamaly, is involved. It¡¯ll


    surely tread. This month¡¯s KPI is secured!¡±


    The reporters allughed


    James listened as they charted oblivious to others. He fell into despair.


    It was over! The Everett family was doomed!


    James¡± excitement yesterday about Hera¡¯s perfect score turned into regrets now.


    She cheated and giarized! And the exam papers were posted in public!


    Not only was the Everett family¡¯s reputation ruined, but their mansion had been mortgaged to the


    bank and they had even offended the Ludden family


    James thought it would have been better if Hera had skipped the exam right from the beginning


    ¡°Mr. Everett, are you okay? Nicol supported James, who nearly fainted.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    At this time, Hera returned from the faculty building. The sharp¨Ceyed Giselle spotted her.


    ¡°Dad, Hera is over there,¡± Gaselle informed james.


    Looking over, James roared, ¡°Hera, get over here!¡±


    Nicole frowned at James¡± rear, Judging by his powerful voice, he had to have recovered


    Hera heard someone calling her and saw a crowd gathered there. She couldn¡¯t be bothered with it


    and was about to take a detour


    Giselle wouldn¡¯t let her go and ran over to grab her. ¡°Your cheating has been exposed!¡±


    Cheating? Hera frowned slightly. Wondering what Giselle was up to, Hera went with her.


    ¡°You Ingrate! How dare you chest in the exam? Apologize now!¡±


    James raised his hand to p Hera


    The onlookers all gasped. They didn¡¯t expect the head of the Everett family to be so strict with his


    children.


    But before James¡® hand swung down, it was grabbed by Hera¡¯s.


    ¡°Who said I cheated?¡± Hera stared at James coldly.


    ¡°Hera, just apologize. I gave you Christopher¡¯s exam papers for review. How could you copy all his


    answers?


    Giselle appeared to be worried for Hera, but what she said actually confirmed Hera¡¯s cheating


    How did Hera cheat? Giselle gave her the exam papers to review out of kindness, but she copied


    them all!


    ¡°So arrogant she has no remorse for cheating. Shameless!¡±


    ¡°Cheater! Go to hell with your family!¡±


    ¡°The academic prodigy turned out to be an underachiever who cheated.¡±


    ¡°Bah! Don¡¯tpare her with the academic prodigy. It¡¯s an in


    Insult to the academic prodigy.¡±


    ¡°Cheater, get out of Cavenridge!¡±


    ¡°What a barbaric and wicked country bumpkin! How could she take advantage of Christopher? She


    must have schemed all this from the start.¡±


    Curses and insults rang out.


    Hera released James¡® hand. Her cold eyes fell on the exam papers on the bulletin board, her


    expression indifferent.


    Next to the exam papers was a letter criticizing Hera¡¯s cheating behavior in the entrance exam. The


    letter was not signed. It wasn¡¯t issued by the academy Cheating? Hera secretly sneered. It was


    hard to say who the cheater was!

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    ¡°Who¡¯s Christopher?¡± Hera turned to ask.


    1/1


    Her alood look without a hint of remorse made james even angrier. He regretted his overly excited


    decision yesterday to organize such a grand event today.


    ¡°You still have the nerve to question others when you¡¯re the cheater? Harry and apologize!¡± James


    snapped, raising his hand at Hera again.


    ¡°Mr. Everett, please talk nicely and don¡¯t get physical¡± Nicole quickly stopped James and then


    looked at Hera. ¡°Hera, what exactly is going on? Shall you exin it to everyone?


    Cavenridge finally had an academic prodigy in decades. Unfortunately, she turned out to be a


    cheater.


    Worse still, the cheating wasn¡¯t detected despite the fact that all the teachers in charge had


    checked the exam papers. It was a terrible blunder.


    Not only the Everett family but the academy was also embarrassed. Since the academy¡¯s reputation


    was at stake, they needed Hera to exin it clearly


    Hera was speechless to see everyone stare at her, but none of them answered her who Christopher


    was. What made her more speechless was that James used her of cheating without even


    asking.


    ¡°Who did this?¡± At this moment, a furious male voice echoed behind Use crowd.


    The onlookers moved out of the way. Several girls screamed, ¡°Christopher is here!¡±


    A handsome young man strode over, frowning slightly with a hint of impatience.


    James immediately stepped forward to greet Christopher, nodding and smiling. Putting aside


    whether the banquet would go down the drain, their family definitely couldn¡¯t offend the Ludden


    family.


    ¡°Christopher, you¡¯re finally here. This bumpkin cheated with your exam papers, ruining the


    academy¡¯s culture. Kick her out of Cavenridge!¡± one of the ssmatesined, pointing at


    Hera.


    Christopher nced in the direction and saw a tall youngdy with exquisite features and smooth


    skin. A trace of surprise shed across his angry eyes.


    Yesterday, Christopher heard that a poor student from a rural vige had gotten perfect scores in


    four subjects, surpassing his reputation as the top student


    Andrew had asked him to make friends with her, but he had resisted the idea. He thought country


    girls had to be tanned and shabby and didn¡¯t expect Hera to look charming. But no matter how


    beautiful she was, she was just eye candy!


    When Christopher arrived at the academy¡¯s gate today, a ssmate told him about Hera


    giarizing his exam papers. Hearing their exam papers get posted on the academy bulletin board,


    he immediately rushed over because some of his papers were problematic,


    ¡°Are you Christopher?¡± Hera nced at Christopher lightly.


    Christopher nodded with a look of arrogance and disdain.


    Hera shifted her gaze to the exam papers on the bulletin board, asking, ¡°Did you do these exam


    papers yourself?¡±


    As soon as her words fell, a protest erupted among the students.


    ¡°What do you mean Christopher didn¡¯t do the exam papers himself? Don¡¯t tell us you did them for


    him!


    ¡°Christopher has always been Cavenridge¡¯s top student. If you cheated, then you cheated. Stop


    looking for excuses.


    Christopher didn¡¯t exin himself. He went up to the bulletin board and started reading Hera¡¯s exam


    papers carefully


    H


    Her answers to the questions and herposition were both simr to his, but the handwriting was


    different. It seemed he had overthought.


    Christopher furiously tore off all the exam papers and questioned Hera with a sullen look, ¡°Where


    did you get the exam papers?¡±


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Seeing Christopher grow angry, James became even more convinced of Hera¡¯s cheating. He


    regretted it a lot. Not only did Hera disgrace the Everett family, but she even offended the Lodden


    family!


    ¡°Chris, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have shown Hera the exam papers you lent me before. I


    didn¡¯t expect her to do this. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Giselle apologized with reddened eyes, looking pitiful.


    ¡°Giselle, this isn¡¯t your fault. You don¡¯t have to apologize for her,¡± Christopherforted Giselle and


    then turned to Hera. ¡°Do you have any sense of shame? Are you so eager to disy the great


    works of your cheating to the whole academy?¡°¡°¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    ¡°Are you not right in the head? Did you see me posting them? Hera sneered. ¡°What¡¯s more, did you


    really do these exam papers yourself?¡±


    The onlookers couldn¡¯t help gasping. Sure enough, those from the poor countryside were


    barbarians. Hera had the nerve to scold the second son of the Lodden family!


    ¡°You!¡± Christopher was rendered speechless out of guilt. Hera¡¯s determined tone sounded like she


    had seen through something


    ¡°How dare you talk to Mr. Ludden like that? Are you going to make a bigger scene? Even if you


    weren¡¯t the one who posted the exam papers, you were wrong to cheat in the exam. Apologize!¡±


    After yelling at Hera, James turned to apologize humbly to Christopher


    The onlookers whispered and snickered. The reporters carried their cameras and took photos


    frantically. Some even recorded videos and posted them straight away.


    James¡® press conference, which was originally intended to show off, turned into a joke of


    grandstanding in the end.


    The atmosphere was extremely awkward.


    Eventually, Robert, who hurried over after learning about it, dispersed the crowd ¡°What are


    are you doing here? Stop looking and return to your sses!¡±


    After the onlookers left reluctantly, Robert walked up to Hera and Christopher. ¡°Christopher, Hera,


    Dear Ludden asked for you two.¡±


    Christopher¡¯s expression instantly darkened. He didn¡¯t expect this incident to rm Andrew within


    such a short time. He red at Hera before turning to leave.


    Hera was speechless.


    ¡°Mr. Larkin, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m Hera¡¯s guardian. Can I go with you?¡± James quickly asked.


    He wanted to go with them not to defend Herabut to me her so that she would bear all the


    responsibility. He couldn¡¯t let the Everett family and the Ludden family have a fead because of her.


    ¡°Mr. Everett, you¡¯d better deal with the reporters you brought here first.¡± With that, Robert led Hera


    away.


    At the thought of the mortgaged mansion and the reporters¡± records of the Everett family¡¯s scandal,


    James almost had a heart attack.


    James red at Hera¡¯s back. He would teach her a lesson back home!


    Everyone left, leaving Giselle alone by the bulletin board. A triumphant smile tugged at her lips.


    Seeing Roberting into the dean¡¯s office with Hera and Christopher, Mnie shed a


    provocative smile.


    If Giselle hadn¡¯t asked her for Hera¡¯s exam papers and discovered the secretst night, there


    wouldn¡¯t have been such a great show today.


    Academic prodigy? Bah, she was just an underachiever! Celebrating perfect scores in four


    subjects? Entering ss A? in her dreams! Hera should just wait for Andrew to expel her.


    Cavenridge had always emphasized teaching quality and student conduct. Now that Hera cheated


    in the exam and even giarized Christopher¡¯s exam papers, Andrew wouldn¡¯t spare her easily,


    Hera would definitely get kicked out of Carenridge this time!


    ¡°Who did this?¡± sitting at the desk, Andrew shifted his gaze from theputer screen to the several


    people before him.


    As expected of the dean of Cavenridge, Andrew looked solemn and majestic


    Overshelmed by his imposing air, Mnie shuddered.


    Mnie bekeved


    She gulped and uttered, ¡°D¨CDean Ludden, no matter who did this, the media all know about Hera


    cheating in the exam. For the sake of the academy¡¯s reputation, shouldn¡¯t Hera be punished first?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Andrew ignored her and looked at Robert. ¡°Haven¡¯t you gotten the surveince footage.¡°¡±

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Robert replied, ¡°Someone is working on it.¡±


    At the mention of the surveince, Mnie suddenly felt suffocated. Knowing she would be found


    out sooner orter, she¡¯d rather confess first ¡°Dean Ludden, it was me who posted the exam


    papers.¡±


    As soon as Mnie¡¯s words fell, Robert stared at her in astonishment while Christopher shot her a


    resentful nce in disbelief.


    Only Hera remained untazed. She had guessed it from Mnie¡¯s provocative gaze the moment


    they entered the office.


    Calmly sitting down on the couch, Hera turned on her phone and continued ying Fip¨Cand¨C


    March.


    Christopher loathed Hera¡¯s poor manners, yet at the same time, he gloated over the reprimand she


    would receive for that.


    However, Andrew seemed oblivious to Hera¡¯s behavior without a hint of displeasure.


    ¡°Mnie, you¡¯re a teacher, after all. How could you do something so out of line?¡± Robert


    questioned,


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°Out of line?¡± Mnieughed, letting herself go. ¡°I pointed out a student¡¯s cheating behanor,


    upholding discipline at Cavenridge. What¡¯s wrong with that? You, on the contrary, gave me a


    demerit, deducted my sry and bonus, and defended the cheating student. It¡¯s against


    professional ethics!¡±


    ¡°Sure enough, I was right to give you a demerit! Robert reproached her. ¡°This matter is not clear


    yet. We haven¡¯t investigated it. Now that you posted the exam papers and the reporters


    photographed them, it¡¯ll affect Cavenridge¡¯s reputation. Your actions are extreme!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s not clear about it? Christopher is Cavenridge¡¯s top student while Hera is a bumpkin from a


    rural vige. It¡¯s obvious who copied whose exam papers. What else is there to investigate?¡±


    Mnie asked thetorically.


    ¡°shut up!¡± Andrew pped the desk


    Mnie and Robert immediately stopped arguing.


    Andrew looked at Mnie. ¡°Mnie, what¡¯s your purpose for doing this?¡°¡±


    Mnie was overjoyed to hear this. As expected, Andrew wouldn¡¯t tolerate cheating.


    ¡°Dean Ludden, my purpose is simple. As a teacher of Cavenridge, 1 should maintain the discipline


    and authority of the academy and prevent cheating and giarism Students who vite the rules


    should be severely punished,¡± Mnie said sonorously with her head up, looking upright.


    Andrew nodded. ¡°cheating should be punished.¡±


    As these words echoed in Christopher¡¯s ears, his heart skipped a beat


    Dad¡­


    ¡°Call me Dean Lodden at the academy!¡± Andrew snapped.


    ¡°Dean Lodden¡­¡±


    Apologize!¡±


    ative


    Christopher¡¯s legs went weak at Andrew¡¯s authoritativemand.


    Mnie was secretly thrilled. Andrew was angry Hera was done for!


    The next moment, Christopher lowered his head.


    Mnie and Robert were both shocked


    ¡°Christopher, why are you looking guilty? Shouldn¡¯t it be.¡± Mnie turned around, only to see Hera


    sitting on the couch, nonchntly ying games on her phone.


    This¡­ Robert looked bewildered. Although he criticized Mnie¡¯s behavior, he did think that Hera


    cheated. After all, she was transferred from a poor school with ack of ducational resources.


    When did it begin?¡± Andrew asked sullenly.


    Christopher gazed at the floor with a miserable look, his eyes red. His lips parted and closed, but


    no words came out


    Are you mute?¡± Andrew snapped.


    ¡®F¨CFive years ago¡­¡± Christopher lifted his head, his expression timid.


    ¡°You! ¡°Andrew raised his hand, wanting to hit Christopher. But considering outsiders were present,


    he could only put his hand down


    te uttered with disappointinent, ¡°You¡¯ve let me down!TM

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    It turned out that Christopher had not been a top student since childhood.


    Before entering junior high school, his grades were always in the middle range. His grades wouldn¡¯t


    improve no matter how many tuition sses he attended.


    He found several sets ofpleted exam papers in Andrew¡¯s study by chance.


    The papers had no names, but the solutions were clear and innovative, opening up a new world for


    him.


    Christopher imitated the mysterious academic prodigy¡¯s problem¨Csolving approach, and his grades


    instantly rose from average to the top of the grade.


    As a result, be received approval from his usually strict father, praise from the academy¡¯s teachers,


    and admiration from ssmates.


    This sense of honor ignited his wandr?.


    Christopher also discovered that the mysterious academic prodigy would mailpleted exam


    papers to Andrew at a fixed time each month.


    He only needed to take photos of the papers in advance while Andrew was away and then make


    some slight modifications to continue maintaining his grades.


    He had maintained his grades until now, and this was a secret that no one knew about.


    He had never been caught for five years, so he becamecent. He even copied the academic


    prodigy¡¯s papers in secret and then shared them with a few good friends to show


    Unexpectedly, these papers were posted!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Christopher apologized shamefully when he saw Andrew¡¯s disappointed expression.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°Why are you apologizing to me? You should apologize to Hera and ask for her forgiveness!¡±


    Andrew scolded him.


    *§¯§Ö§Ô§Ñ?


    All three of them looked at Hera in disbelief.


    Hera felt their gazes and looked up from her phone.


    Her cold gaze carried a hint of annoyance as if she was asking, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t it ended yet?¡±


    ¡°How could Hera be the mysterious academic prodigy!¡± Christopher stood up. ¡°She copied the test


    papers 1 lent to Giselle!


    He had seen Hera¡¯s test papers and confirmed that the handwriting was different!


    Although both were written with a pen, the academic prodigy¡¯s handwriting was bold and vigorous


    while Hera¡¯s was delicate and neat.


    ¡°You¡¯re impenitent!¡± Andrew couldn¡¯t help but p Christopher¡¯s head. ¡°Go reflect on yourself until


    you realize your mistakes!¡±


    Christopher was very resentful, but he didn¡¯t dare to disobey Andrew¡¯s orders. He red at Hera


    and then tamed to reflect on himself.


    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Andrew turned to Mnie with a stern face.


    ¡°I¡± Mnie looked at Hera as if he had seen a ghost.


    Mnie just wanted to expose Hera for cheating. How did she end up stirring up trouble for the


    Ludden family?


    Who would have thought that even the top student for five years was a cheater?


    So, she was wrong from the beginning. She shouldn¡¯t have underestimated Hera


    ¡°Mr. Larkin, I don¡¯t want to see this person in the education field in the future,¡± Andrew said with a


    stern face.


    After giving his orders, he turned to Hera. ¡°Hera, I¡¯m really sorry about it.¡±


    He poured her water politely, and his tone was gentle, devoid of the hostility from earlier.


    Robert was surprised by the swit change in Andrew¡¯s attitude. He was secretly relieved that he


    hadn¡¯t offended Hera before. Otherwise, his fate would be the same as Mnie¡¯s


    Moll


    He was peterptive and wasted no time in dragging the despairing Mnie away


    thitistopher, who was reflecting on his actions, was also shocked to hear Andrew¡¯s tone,


    Ja his memory, Andrew had always been serious and never used such gentlenguage.


    ¡°Tarie wouldn¡¯t have Bern so much trouble if I had personallye to pick you up back then, I¡¯m


    truly sorry. Please ept my apology!¡± Andrew said while pouting himself a cup of water, but a far


    and slender hand stopped lum

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    ¡°Dean Ludden, it¡¯s been a while.¡± Hera put away her phone. ¡°How did you know those exam papers


    were mine?


    From Christopher¡¯s confession just now, she learned that the exam papers her mentor made her do


    ended up with Andrew.


    ¡°I noticed that your handwriting is different when you use your left and right hands. You use your left


    hand naturally, but you also trained your right hand,¡± Andrew said.


    Hera looked at him as he continued, ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t talk about this matter.¡±


    ¡°Did you send those textbooks and exam papers?¡± Hera asked.


    Andrew nodded. ¡°Yes, but someone else asked me to send them.¡±


    ¡°Who was it?¡± Hera asked immediately.


    ¡°Hebe, I¡¯m sorry. I promised him that I wouldn¡¯t leak his information.¡± Andrew looked embarrassed


    Hera understood Andrew¡¯s words. Her mentor¡¯s influence was indeed extraordinary since Andrew


    was cautious about it.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± She didn¡¯t want to trouble Andrew anymore and stood up suddenly.


    ¡°Wait, Hera.¡± Andrew hurriedly stopped her and asked her with some embarrassment, ¡°Can you let


    Christopher go for cheating? After all, this matter involves the Ludden family¡¯s reputation¡±


    Hera nced at Christopher who was standing in theer reflecting Christopher stood rigidly


    when he felt her gaze.


    ¡°You must remember that the Ludden family owes me a favor.¡± Hera finished speaking and turned


    to leave.


    Outside the CEO¡¯s office at XS Corporation, thepany¡¯s senior executives were lined up. They


    entered one by one to give their quarterly reports.


    Inside the office, Bernard was ying chess with the CEO of XS Corporation, The Smith.


    Bernard¡¯s slender fingers were holding a chess rock


    When a senior executive finished his report and asked for instructions, Theo didn¡¯t immediately


    respond but nced at Bernard¡¯s expression first


    In the eyes of outsiders, XS Corporation rose to prominence in the past two years by getting hold of


    arge order from Killian Corporation.


    In just two years, XS Corporation became one of the top ten domesticpanies, and this was all


    under Theo¡¯s leadership.


    However, no one knew that the man calmly ying chess in front of them was the true boss of XS


    Corporation.


    Upon seeing that Bernard had no objections, Theo nodded to the senior executive and said,


    ¡°Triplement the n ording to this. Next.¡±


    At this moment, Dous took the opportunity and whispered in Bernard¡¯s ear, ¡°Bernard, I just


    received news that there¡¯s a problem with Hera¡¯s grades.¡±


    Bernard was prepared to move the took and win the game, but his movements halted when he


    heard what Dous said. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    He turned his head to look at Dous.


    ¡°The academy announced that she got a full score yesterday, but just received news that Hera


    cheated by copying Christopher¡¯s exam papers, and it was caught by the media..¡±


    As Dous spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but picture Hera¡¯s cold and distant face. He was unable to


    imagine her cheating


    ¡°Handle it¡± Demand put down the chess piece and suddenly stood up.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Dous replied.


    Seeing Bernard about to leave, Theo also stood up quickly, ¡°Berard, is there something urgent?


    There are still two investment projects here that haven¡¯t been reported.¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m going to


    Cavenridge for ss. Dous, you can decide for the rest of the projects,¡± Bernard said before


    leaving the office and driving away in his ck Audi Theo rubbed his chin, and there was a sly glint


    in his eyes as he looked at Dous.


    ¡°Bernard has been holding the position of professor at Caventidge for two years, but he hasn¡¯t


    attended a single ss. Could there be something fishy now that he¡¯s suddenly


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    proactive


    Dous scratched his head. ¡°Is it because of love?¡±

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Chapters


    The cheating incident at Cavenridge hade to light, and Hers had juste out of the dean¡¯s


    attice when a ck Auch stopped in front of her.


    Bemoedspalleled profile seas sealed when the car window was rolled down.


    Hera checked the date on her phone¨Cit was Wednesday.


    She had promised to treat his illness on the weekend, so she asked absentmindedly, ¡°Why are you


    here? Didn¡¯t we agree on a weekend?


    Seeing her cold expression, Bernard thought she was upset about her grades and said, ¡°Get in. I¡¯ll


    take you to eat something delicious.¡±


    Hera fel puzzled but didn¡¯t refuse she walked to the back seat and was about to open the car door


    when Bernard said, ¡°Sit in the fron


    She wasn¡¯t convinced and tried the door handle, only to find it locked. Finally, she resigned herself


    to sitting in the front


    Bemard took her to a high¨Cend restaurant.


    There was only one long table in the middle of the spacious restaurant,


    There was no music, flowers, and wine. It was a candlelight dinner with rows of servers


    preparing to serve on the Hera had never been in romantic rtionship, but she knew that this kind


    of atmosphere was meant for couples.


    the side.


    She hesitated for a moment. ¡°Uncle Bernard, did you bring me here to witness your date with your


    girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still single. It¡¯s just the two of us, so mjoy the meal treely. Eating can get rid of all your bad


    mood.¡± Bernard gestured, and the servers began to serve the dishes one after


    other


    Hera gave him a puzzled look


    Did she really look like she was in a bad mood?


    Well, the incident caused by the Everett family at the academy was indeed a bit annoying She


    needed to find time to clear some information from the inte.


    *heard about your grade. Don¡¯t worry about them. Exam scores don¡¯t mean anything¡± Demand said


    as he cut the steak


    Hera was speechless.


    Was he trying tobat her by inviting her to a meal?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to study if you don¡¯t want to take care of you in the fire.¡± He put the sliced steak in


    front of her.


    ¡°Considering your position in the Killian family, I¡¯d better shady hard so that you wouldn¡¯t need to


    you don¡¯t need to worry about me,¡± Hera said.


    In other words, she wanted him to care for himself and not meddle in her business.


    Hera had seen Beard¡¯s information as well as the information of every member of the Holon family.


    She remembered it all.


    In the eyes of outsiders, Bernard was a distinguished so of the Killin family, but in reality, Bernard


    was Albert Killian¡¯s illegitimate child in Albert¡¯ster years.


    After being brought back to the Kan sidence, Bemand was astracked by the Killian family


    Before Albert passed away, he gave out of his shares to Benard, making Bernard second only to


    the new head of the Kilian family in terms of shares.


    However, Bernard could only inherit them after getting married Otherwise, these shares would all


    be donated to charity.


    Aber¡¯s goals to make the Killian family approve of Bernard, but it backfired


    and was even more stracized


    At the age of the was sent to the army by the new head of the family under the pertext of training


    Two yearster, he retired from the army and turned to the Killian family, only to be arranged by the


    Willians to be die geral manager of a small subsidy under Kilian Corporation.


    As long as he didn¡¯t get married, he couldn¡¯t get the shares of Killian Corporation, and the Kilians


    could order him around freely.


    In such a situation, Bernard should retaliate by getting married as soon as he reached the legal age,


    inherit the shares, and p those who bulled him in the face.


    However, he was still single at the age of 24 this year.


    It was really iprehensible. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Seeing Hera¡¯s pitying gaze, Bernard said, ¡°Actually..¡±


    Although his personal information was not entirely true, he didn¡¯t want to scare Hera as she had


    been living in the mountains since she was stx and had limited knowledge With this in mind, he


    changed the words that were about toe out. ¡°You lound out about


    Hera was speechless,


    The two ale in silence After finishing the meal Bernard drove her back to Cavender


    she thanked him and was about to unbuckle her seatbelt when he stopped her. ¡°Wait a moment,


    Heatured around and saw him take out a bookedded High School Entrance Exam Simtion on the


    back seat


    ¡°Since you want to study hard, take this workbook back and do it I¡¯ll assess your level first and then


    deviar a study n for youter,¡± Bernard said.


    Hera was speeches,


    He must have prepared this workbook for her from the beginning


    She had finally managed to finish the universityeuses her men gave her, and now she had to go


    through this ¡°Thank you¡± she forced a smile, took the workbook, closed the car door decisively, and


    entered the academy¡¯s gate.


    The Everett family banquet incident had be a joke throughout Cenige after things happened


    in the morning.


    As a member of the Everett family, Giselle used her advanced acting skills to exclude herself


    completely from this joke


    She appeared gentle and weak on the surface as she said to those who mocked her, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,


    please don¡¯t talk about is anymore. My dad just didn¡¯t expect Hera to do something so outrageous.


    He¡¯s very sad about this as well_¡±


    However, she was posting anonymously on the academy¡¯s forum.


    ¡°The Everett family¡¯s annual attention¨Cseeking spectacle is truly an unprecedented joke.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bad enough that the country bumpkin cheated, but the parents also have no brains. I hope the


    dean expels such students directly.¡±


    After she finished posting, she saw that Christopher had replied with his personal ount!


    Christopher wrote, ¡°There was a misunderstanding in this matter. It¡¯s already in the past. Please


    don¡¯t post such things in the future.¡±


    With the top student making a move, no one replied to the post anymore.


    Giselle was puzzled. Christopher¡¯s exam papers had caused such a stir. Why was he still defending


    Hera?


    Just then, Hera, who had disappeared all morning, returned to her ss.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    ¡°Hera, you¡¯re finally back. What did Dean Ludden say? Giselle approached with a worried


    expression. She thought that Hera had born in the dean¡¯s office all morning,


    Hera walked around Giselle, ced her books down, and began to pack up her things.


    Giselle persisted by catching up to her. ¡°Why are you packing up? Did Dean Ludden expel you?


    The surrounding students burst intonchter upon hearing this.


    ¡°Cheaters should be expelled!¡±


    ¡°det lost! Don¡¯t humte us at Crvenridge.¡±


    ¡°Get as far away as possible. Hey! Why are you pushing me¡­ Professor Killian!


    The ssroom, filled with curses, suddenly quieted down. Everyone turned to look at Bernard, who


    had suddenly appeared at the ssroom door.


    After a minute of silence, the scene was chaotic.


    ¡°Oh my goodness! Professor Kin! It¡¯s Professor Killian!


    ¡°He¡¯s so handsome! Lean¡¯t breathe anymore! Quick! Give me some oxygen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve finallyseen Professor Killian in real life. I have no regrets now.¡±


    ¡°Why did Professor Kin suddenlye? Who is he looking for?¡±


    *He must be looking for Gigi remember Gigi saying that she saved someone from the Killian family.


    Oh my goodness! Could it be Professor Killian?¡± ¡°He must be looking for Gigi Otherwise, how could


    he appear here?¡±


    ¡°I envy Gigi so much.¡±


    Upon seeing Beard¡¯s appearance, Giselle was stunned by his handsomeness. He was a hundred


    times more handsome in person than in photos.


    When shefirstadded the phone number Christopher gave her, she checked it and confirmed it was


    Bernard¡¯s number.


    Upon hearing the discussions of her ssmates, she couldn¡¯t help but feel excited, thinking that


    Bernard was here to look for her.


    The next moment, she watched as Bernard walked steadily toward her while exuding an air of


    nobility, causing her heartbeat to elerate instantly. Bernard was really here for her!


    Giselle took a deep breath subconsciously, raised her head, straightened her back, and revealed


    her sweetest smile confidently


    Under the envious pares of everyone, Bernard arrived in front of Giselle.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± he asked.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Giselle looked at his perfect face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she extended her right hand.


    ¡°Frodessor Killian, I¡¯m Giselle Everett Hello¡± ¡°Excuse me, Ms. Everest. You¡¯re blocking my way.¡±


    Bernard looked at Hera, who was behind selle


    Hera was speechless.


    After lunch, Bernard said he happened to have something to do at Cavenridge and would give her a


    ride back. She didn¡¯t expect him toe along as well. Giselle¡¯s outstretched hand froze in mid¨C


    air. Her face was frozen in a stiff smile, looking very awkward.


    Wasn¡¯t Bernard here to look for her? Was he¡­


    Giselle suddenly turned around, only to see Hera leaving through the back door with the books she


    had packed up.


    Bemand also walked past her, leaving behind a group of onlookers with puzzled expressions.


    ¡°Professor Kin just left like that?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t he here to look for Giselle?¡±


    ¡°Clearly not.¡±


    ¡°Why did Professor Kine, then?


    ¡°I guess he¡¯s just passing by?¡±


    Hera¡¯s arms. She was shocked!


    Giselle was unwilling to give up, so she ran out and happened to see Bernard preparing to take the


    books from Her


    Bernard was really here to find Heral


    How could that country bumpkin.


    She suddenly remembered the embroidery pattern on the strip of cloth that day and realized that


    the pattern on the sing dress Hera had worn before was somewhat simr! ¡°Bernie,¡± Giselle called


    out


    She was slightly out of breath as she rushed out in a hurry,


    Hera¡¯s beautiful eyebrows furrowed lightly, feeling a little displeased with how Giselle addressed


    Bernard.


    1

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    ¡°Professor Killian, goodbye.¡± Hera took back the books she was about to hand over and turned to


    leave.


    Bernard watched coldly as she walked away, and a faint smile yed at the corner of his mouth.


    Was she jealous?


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± He turned back, and his handsome face exuded an air of chilliness in an


    instant.


    Giselle was scared by his sudden coldness, but she managed to hide her inner trembles very well.


    ¡°Dernie, didn¡¯t you say we could stay in touch? I called y


    you, but t


    t your phone was off, and you didn¡¯t reply to my messages on WhatsApp either..¡±


    Giselle¡¯s eyes were slightly moist, and her voice sounded aggrieved, making her look pitiful.


    Usually, any man would feel sympathetic at the sight of her like this.


    However, Bernard¡¯s handsome face showed no trace ofpassion as he looked at her coldly.


    Unaware that her number had long been blocked and her text message on WhatsApp had been


    ignored, Giselle continued,


    ed, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m


    Ime wrong. I¡¯m not asking for any i


    ny Lavors


    from you


    ¡°You asked Mr. Ludden to ask me if we could stay in touch, so I thought I¡¯d reach out to you. I also


    wanted to ask if you¡¯re feeling better now?*


    As she spoke, she reached out her hand to touch Bernard, but he stepped back to avoid her touch.


    ¡°Are you the youngdy from the Everett family?¡± Bernard asked.


    Giselle didn¡¯t understand why he suddenly asked this, but she nodded affirmatively: ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Berard replied, then turned and left


    Giselle stood there with a bewildered expression. What did he mean by that? Did that country


    bumpkin tell him something?


    No! She needed to find a way to get Hera to leave Norburgh!


    Hera entered ss with the book in her arms, apanied by the new homeroom teacher.


    Some students in the ss protested, saying that Hera should be expelled for misconduct.


    However, they didn¡¯t dare to be arrogant in front of the homeroom teacher.


    Hera didn¡¯t care about the students¡®ments. She scanned the ss with her cold gaze, and her


    gaze finallnded on a girl sitting alone at the back.


    The girl was slightly chubby, with a stiff bob haircut and a bunny hair clip on her ear. She looked


    somewhat timid.


    Her seat had clearly been moved to the back deliberately. Someone was obviously bullying her.


    Hera walked over, and the ss bully, Janiya Figueroa,ughed sarcastically.


    ¡°It seems that people from the countryside are suited to sit together. Haha¡­¡±


    The whole ss burst intoughter.


    Janiya was expecting to see Hera embarrassed and angry. She enjoyed seeing others frustrated


    and helpless.


    However, Hera arranged her books calmly and then started ying with her phone, acting as if she


    hadn¡¯t heard them at all.


    100


    Janiya suddenly felt that her tactic was useless, and she started to hate Hera


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Isabe Young¡±


    Isabe was being bullied at the academy, and no one wanted to sit next to her. She didn¡¯t expect


    Hera to sit next to her without hesitation.


    Hera nced at her, nodded, and then returned her gaze to her phone screen.


    She quickly typed on the small keyboard area, and codes shed rapidly on the screen above.


    Isabe¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly She had thought Hera was very beautiful when Hera entered the


    ssroom, and now, Hera looked even more beautiful up close.


    Her new deskmate was really beautiful and elegant, albeit a bit aloof.


    Isabe couldn¡¯t concentrate in ss while sitting next to a beauty. From time to time, she nced


    at Hera, only to find that Hera was ying with her phone the whole time with arold expression


    Heraused a privacy screen protector, so Isabe couldn¡¯t see what Hera was looking at


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Was she looking at the content of the academy¡¯s forum?


    She had also heard about today¡¯s scandal involving the Everett family¡¯s banquet on the forum, and


    thements there were harsh.


    ¡°It¨Cideza,don¡¯t believe what they say on the academy¡¯s forum. I believe that you didn¡¯t cheat,¡±


    Isabe said timidly.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Hera paused and looked at Isabe with some surprise.


    ¡°You believe me?¡± she asked.


    Even the Everetts, who were rted to her by blood, didn¡¯t believe her. Yet, Isabe, whom Hera


    had just met, actually said she believed Hera


    Isabe blushed when she was looked at by Hera. She stuttered nervously, ¡°Y¨CYes. There¡¯s a


    saying that the face is the index of the mind. You¡¯re so beautiful, so you must not have cheated. Is


    there some misunderstanding?¡±


    Hera was speechless.


    What a naive person Isabe was.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Hera gave her a faint smile.


    Isabe¡¯s cheeks became even redder, and she even felt a bit dizzy.


    Good gracious! The aloof Hera smiled at her!


    Hera was so beautiful!


    Hera didn¡¯t know about Isabe¡¯s infatuation, but she was reminded of the academy¡¯s focum


    She had just searched the entire Inte with her programming skills but found no trace of today¡¯s


    leaked video. Someone had already taken care of it before her


    Was it him?


    Hera thought of Bernard because he had promised to help her hide the news of her return from the


    Killian unlly


    They exchanged numbers after the meal. She was thinking about whether to thank Bernard


    She opened WhatsApp and saw amessage from him.


    Bernard wrote, ¡°Are you jealous? Why did you walk away so fast? I have nothing to do with her.¡±


    Hera remembered Giselle¡¯s coquettish tone when she called him ¡°Bernie¡±


    Why should she be jealous?


    She closed the chat box


    Only students from Cavenridge could log in to Cavenridge¡¯s forum.


    Hera took a nce and saw that half of the homepage was filled with posts insulting her. Almost all


    of them were anonymous, and thements were filled with foulnguage.


    They dared to insult her but dared not reveal themselves. Hmph! How childish.


    Hera typed on the screen swiftly with her slender and fair fingers. All the ounts that had posted


    anonymously were changed to disy their real names.


    All the names of the anonymous posters who had insulted her were now revealed, and the entire


    forum immediately became lively,


    In junior year ss A, Giselle was still indignant Shecouldn¡¯t help but write a form post insulting


    Hera under her desk.


    Suddenly, her deskmate pushed her.


    ¡°digi, stop posting. The anonymous function of the forum has been canceled, and your name has


    been revealed in all your posts!¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Giselle took a look and saw that all the posts she had posted now had her name disyed!


    Half of the posts insulting Hera on the forum were all authored by Giselle!


    How could this be?


    The forum¡¯s anonymous function was working just fine earlier, so why was it suddenly disying


    their real names?


    Her image as the pure and innocent campus belle would be ruined, wouldn¡¯t it?!.


    Giselle panicked, but she still held onto a glimmer of hope. She wanted to delete the posts before


    too many people found out.


    But she was too slow. Some students had already taken screenshots and posted them.


    ¡°What the heck? Am I seeing things? The posts insulting Hera were all posted by Gee?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not seeing things I saw it too. My perspective of her has been shattered.¡±


    ¡°Turns out she¡¯s evil. Danial Why did Ladmire her for the past two years?¡±


    ¡°The adopted daughter cheated, the father pulled strings behind the scenes, and the biological


    daughter turned out to be evil Birds of a feather flock together. Hahaha,¡± ¡°Oh my goodness! Look at


    what I¡¯ve found. The previous post about Hera skipping the exam was posted by Giselle too! I¡¯ve


    attached the picture as evidence.¡±

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    ¡°Giselle is really wicked. She not only insulted Hera but even herther.¡±


    ¡°Am I the only one who suddenly realized that Hera is quite pitiful? she was adopted by such a


    strange family. Maybe she was forced to cheat?¡±


    ¡°I have a conspiracy theory¨Cmaybe Giselle isn¡¯t the biological daughter of the Everett family but


    Hera is because she looks more like Mrs. Everett than Giselle,¡±


    post where people were insulting her.


    Obelle stared dumbfounded at the post


    panicked even more, especially when she saw that they even linked the matter to the identity of


    the Everetts biological daughter.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t post this! Who hacked my ount? Why are they doing this to me?¡± she scranted.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Upon seeing Giselle agitated, her deskmate began to suspect whether Giselle was truly innocent.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just shout here Why don¡¯t you rity it online?¡± bet deskmates ggested.


    Giselle immediately opened her phone but quickly realized something was wrong when she looked


    up and saw her deskmate staring at her.


    She almost fell for it!


    login¡­sher


    ¡°My ount has been hacked. I can¡¯t log in she said as her eyes tumed red. ¡°I¡¯ll go look for the


    technical instructor at the Public Affairs Department after school¡±


    Giselle naturally had no intention of going to find the technical instructor.


    She wouldn¡¯t participate in the online discussion on the forum anymore, so it would gradually die


    down.


    She just hoped that Zyler would be busy withpetitions abroad and wouldn¡¯t have time to


    browse the forum. As for James, he didn¡¯t have an ount at Genidge, so be wouldn¡¯t be able to


    see the forum


    Giselle held onto a glimmer of hope and pretended that nothing had happened.


    However, she forgot that besides her and Hera, there was another member of the Everett family


    studying in Gavenridge


    Giselle had just pocketed her phone just as she received a text message.


    Gino: ¡°Giselle, are the screenshots on the forum real?¡±


    He then attached a screenshot of the forum.


    What was this spoiled brat trying to do?


    Giselle ignored him.


    Then, another messagee.


    Dino: Transfer me so thousand dors and I¡¯ll keep this a secret. Otherwise, I¡¯ll tell Grandma and


    Dad¡±


    Giselle was shocked that dine was threatening her!


    And he asked for 50 thousand dors right off the ba


    Her monthly allowance was only 30 thousand dors!


    But when Giselle thought about the possible consequences when James saw the forum


    screenshots, it was nothingpared to the 50 thousand dors.


    She gritted her teeth and decided to be the bullet. She borrowed some money and transferred 50


    thousand dors to Ging


    Ginesaw the transfer notification and immediately went to his shopping cart to check out thetest


    game console he had added a few days ago.


    Then, he used the same method and sent the screenshot to Hera


    Gea: ¡°I have evidence of Giselle insulting you. Transfer me go thousand dors and send this


    screenshot to Dad to have him reach her a lesson.¡± Five minutes passed, and there was no reply


    from Hera


    Gime wondered if he was asking for too much.


    How could that country bumpin possibly have 50 thousand dors?


    Thinking of the gradge fromst night when he was given a fright by Hera with the snakes, he sent


    another message to her.


    Gino: ¡°Forget it. I guess you¡¯re not worth so thousand dors. I¡¯ll send the screenshot to Dad if you


    apologize to me and give me back my room¡±


    Hera wrote ¡°I¡¯ll give you 100 thousand dors if you send the screenshot¡±


    Gino stared at the photo of the six¨Cdigit transfer and the confirmation notice that Hera had sent. His


    mouth was agape.


    Gina ¡°How did you get so much money?i


    Her: ¡°You ask too many questions.¡±


    Gino would never believe that a country bumpkin would have so much money. It had to be Lilith


    who secretly gave her so much pocket money! She was so based!


    The monthly allowance James gave Gino was only 30 thousand dors, and with the extra 20


    thousand dors his grandmother gave him each month, he only had a total of go


    thousand dors!


    wer Lilith actually gave Hera 100 thousand dors!


    Lilith was abused!

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    The next day, as Hera descended the stairs with her canvas bag, Giselle happened to be talking to


    James about the forum incident from yesterday.


    cilselle looked as if she had seen a ghost, and her eyes red at Gino warningly.


    But Chino acted as if he hadn¡¯t seen anything while showing James the screenshot


    Giselle showed an angry and pitiable expression when she saw this.


    After James looked at it, his expression turned dark. ¡°Giselle, how could you do such a thing?¡±


    He had apologized and entertained the reportersst night, preventing them from releasing the


    news of yesterday¡¯s incident.


    He returned home at 3:00 am, only to discover that Mildred had fainted upon hearing about Hera


    cheating. So, he had to rush to the hospital


    He had stayed up all night, and Lilith only went to the hospital to relieve him in the morning,


    When he returned home, he was told about yesterday¡¯s ugly incident before he could even eat


    breakfast. He found out Giselle was instigating things on the academy¡¯s forum,


    His anger red up. ¡°Are you not satisfied with how big this matter has be!¡±


    Giselle trembled in fear.


    ¡°Dad, it wasn¡¯t me who posted them. My ount was hacked. I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t realize it in time.¡±


    She knew James was soft¨Chearted and didn¡¯t like confrontation, so she pretended to be wronged


    while continuing to exin, ¡°Zee has already rified things for me on the forumst night..¡±


    Sure enough, James softened when he saw the look on her face.


    However, the most important thing was the mention of Zyler.


    ¡°How could such an important personal ount be hacked so easily? You¡¯re the youngdy of the


    Everett family and the future daughter¨Cinw of the Gaskell family. You represent the reputation of


    the Everett family outsidel


    ¡°Whether you posted those things or not, your ount was used and seen by others!¡±


    James scolded her, but his tone was clearly less angry than before.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    ¡°I understand, Dad. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll be more careful in the future.¡±


    Giselle took the initiative to admit her mistake obediently


    She knew that James didn¡¯t really care about the truth of the matter, he only cared about the


    reputation and interests of the Everett family.


    If she had known, she wouldn¡¯t have given Gino that so thousand dors!


    She red at Gino.


    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t visit those messy forums anym


    should be.¡± James waved his hand.


    ¡°Okay, Dad,¡± Giselle said obediently.


    anymore in the future. You can join more high¨Css banquets if you have the time. That¡¯s where


    the youngdy of the Everett family


    Hera stood at the stairwell, watching this scene of tant favoritism and double standards.


    Although she hadn¡¯t held much hope for this family from the beginning, sering such differential


    treatment still made her feel somewhat disheartened.


    Gino felt a little frustrated when he saw that the matter had ended like this. He also felt that it was a


    bit unfair for Hera


    Previously, James had been so angry at the mere mention of Hera skipping the exam, and he was


    ready to beat her up.


    This time, it was discovered that Giselle was the one spreading rumors about Hera skipping the


    exam. She even insulted Hera on the forum, but James merely scolded her a bir before letting the


    matter slide.


    This was too biased!


    It wasn¡¯t that he was siding with Hera, but he had taken her money and promised to let James teach


    Giselle a lesson.


    But before the drama could even begin, it ended abruptly, which was a blow to his dignity!


    ¡°Dad, is that all for this matter? Gino couldn¡¯t help but ask


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Giselle be punished for insulting you and that¨CHera? Shouldn¡¯t she be taught a


    lesson?¡± He wanted to say ¡°country bumpkin,¡± but when he saw Hera approaching. he suddenly


    changed his address.


    ¡°Are you also dissatisfied with how big the matter has be? James asked sternly


    His anger red up when he saw Herasining calmly at the dining table, eating breakfast leisurely


    like an outsider


    ¡°You still have the audacity toe down for breakdast? Go back to your room and reflect on your


    actions! You¡¯re not allowed toe out without my permission!¡±


    |¨C Chapter 40

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    ¡°Why should listen to you? Hera looked at him coldly.


    She showed no remorse!


    James was so angry that he directly clipped the dining tabl


    ¡°Why¡± if it weren¡¯t for your cheating, would the Everett family have Inst our reputation at


    Cavenridge?


    ¡°Would I have had to lower myself to beg those reporters? Would our vi have been mortgaged to


    the bank without enough money to redeem it?


    ¡°And would your grandmother have ended up in the hospital?¡±


    Giselle was so scared that she screamed when the table was flipped, and food scattered


    everywhere.


    dino, covered in pasta, was about toin when he saw Hera grab the canvas bag next to her


    agilely before avoiding the scattered food skillfully. He looked disheveledpared to her.


    What are you doing with your bag?¡± James noticed the canvas bag in Hera¡¯s hand and asked


    angrily.


    Hera replied indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m going to stay at the academy now so that you won¡¯t get angry every


    time you see me. It¡¯ll risk your health and shorten your lifespan.¡± James red at her angrily.


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Hera, how dare you curse Dad¡± delle said


    Only Gino looked at Hera with admiration and thought, ¡°Impressive! She dares to confront Dad!¡±


    James had a fierce temper, and no one dared to disobey him in the Everett family!


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to school first if there¡¯s nothing else.¡± Hera didn¡¯t bother to say much before turning around


    and leaving


    ¡°Stop! You beat! Who allowed you to leave? How dare you still go to school! Dean Ludden didn¡¯t


    deal with you, but that doesn¡¯t mean the Ludden family can be easily provoked You¡¯re not allowed to


    go! Come back!


    James was furious, but Hera didn¡¯t return


    He felt that his authority as the head of the family had been seriously challenged again, but he


    couldn¡¯t do anything about it


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. You¡¯ll run your health, Giselle stepped forward tofort him


    ¡°Hera¡¯s behavior of running away from home is too much. Since she came back, there hasn¡¯t been


    a single peaceful day.. Why don¡¯t we just send her back to the mountains¡­ James pped Giselle


    before she could finish speaking


    ¡°Dad? She covered her red cheek while looking at him in confusion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say this kind of thing in the future!¡± James reprimanded her.


    Giselle wanted to use James to drive Hera out of Norburgh, but she was too impatient and


    identally stepped on his toe


    James valued reputation the most diselle was reminding him that Hera was challenging his dignity


    as the head of the family and exposing his ability to discipline Hera, Moreover, it would be


    embarrassing if they abandoned Hera within less than a month of announcing her adoption publicly.


    Not to mention, Hera was his biological daughter. ¡°Yes,¡± Giselle replied obediently, her eyes filled


    with resentment


    Heca called for a cab, and she saw a car when she reached the yard.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    She opened the back door, sew a man sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, and paused.


    His face was angr and extremely beautiful. He wore a pair of golden¨Cframed sses which


    covered his sharp eyes, and there was a faint smile on his thin lips


    Although he was smiling, it wasn¡¯t a genuine smile. It gave off a cold feeling.


    That person was none other than Bernard

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you getting in the car? Bernard asked.


    Hera remained silent momentarily before saying, ¡°Uncle Bernard, why are you doing cab¨Chailing


    service? Are you that free?!


    Was he unable to stay with the Killian family and had to rely on himself?


    ¡°I¡¯m not free. I¡¯m waiting for you,¡± Bernard said while raising his phone. ¡°You haven¡¯t answered any


    calls or messages since yesterday afternoon. Are you still angry?¡±


    Hera was speechless.


    Did she look so childish?


    ¡°Hey, country bumpkin¡± You have the guts to scare me with snakes and confront Dad, but why didn¡¯t


    you confront Giselle and those people who insted you on the forum?


    At this moment, Gino ran out


    With his hands on his hips, he asked fiercely, ¡°Did you really cheat in the entrance exam?¡±


    Hera nced at him indifferently. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Gino was taken aback by her words and then became even more aggressive. ¡°Do you think Teare


    about you? A country bumpkin like you is not qualified for that!¡±


    Hera turned around and got into the car


    Seeing that she ignored him. Gino felt that he was making too much!


    However, he suddenly blocked the car door she was about to close when he saw her bulging


    canvas bag.


    ¡°Hey, are you really going to stay at school?¡± he asked awkwardly.


    Hera nced at his band blocking the car door, then nced at him.


    Her cold gaze seemed to ask if she needed his permission.


    Gino felt ufortable under het ge


    ¡°I¡¯m just asking. It was your own decision to vacate your room, and it¡¯s not because I drove you


    away. Remember toe back on the weekend and exin it to Mem yourselt,¡± he said


    awkwardly, then mmed the car door shut before running back home with red ears.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    He was really reluctant to part with Here!


    It was just that he felt that she was impressive as she dared to catch snakes and confront James.


    She was also generous and agile!


    Bernard drove the car and nced at the reflection of Hera¡¯s exquisite face in the rearview mirror.


    Her expression was cold Her thick and long eyshes drooped as she scrolled through her phone


    He could not tell her mood


    ¡°Running away from home?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No. The Everett residence is too noisy. I can¡¯t focus on my studies.¡± Hera found a random reason


    without looking up at him.


    Bernard¡¯s lips curled slightly. ¡°You don¡¯t have the to reply to my messages because you¡¯re


    studying?¡±


    Hera was speechless


    Was this not over yet??


    She gave him an affirmative reply, ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°How far have you gotten in your workbook?¡± Bernard asked again


    Hera paused her actions of ying with her phone and was speechless.


    She had fallen into a trap inadvertendy.


    She hadn¡¯t done it!


    Not only had she not done it, but she didn¡¯t even know where she had put the workbook


    Bernard had already guessed that she hadn¡¯t done it since he didn¡¯t hear her response.


    Hena didn¡¯t seem very enthusiastic about studying. He needed to find a way t


    y to address this


    ¡°The academy¡¯s dormitory is not much quieter either. Don¡¯t stay there,¡± he said.


    Hera only then realized that the route outside the car window wasn¡¯t leading to the school


    Half an hourter, Beard parked the car in the parking lot of a smallmunity called Skyview


    Heights in the city center.


    Skywow Heights was located in the valuablend of Norburgh, ssified as a wealthy area by


    ordinary people.


    But in the eyes of the aristocrats, Skyview Heights was just a fail to the neighboring Celestial


    Gardens vi area.


    Hera looked at the advertisements ying on the elevator¡¯s disy promoting the sale of the third


    phase of vis in the newly developed Celestial Gardens


    She thought to herself, ¡°The Killian family is so harsh with Bernard. They let him live in an ordinary


    house instead of a vi ¡±


    On the side, Bernard was reading the message sent by The Bernard, we¡¯ve secured thend by the


    river, we need your confirmation on the project n for the fourth phase of the Celestial Gardens


    project.¡±

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Bernard replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The elevator reached the top floor.


    There was only one unit on the top floor.


    Bernard used his fingerprint to open the door, and a pink little creature rushed out from the house,


    robbing against his leg and grunting.


    I was a pink pot¨Cbellied pig!


    A distinguished man like Bernard was actually raising a pig!


    Just how much did he love pigs?


    Hera would never forget the day of her fifth birthday when she received a small pot¨Cbellied pig he


    had given ber


    It looked very simr to this one. Shenamed it after her favorite dessert, Tiramisu,


    ¡°Pig, look who¡¯s here.¡± Bernard bent down and reached out to turn the pig¡¯s head, which was


    rubbing against his pants, toward Hera.


    Hera was speechless.


    She suddenly had a premonition¡­


    The little pot¨Cbellied pig seemed dissatisfied with Bernard calling it that and grunted before opening


    its mouth as if to bite him.


    But its pinkle pig nose suddenly caught a famr scent.


    The pe¡¯s nose twitched, and it gradually approached Hera with cautions steps.


    Finally, it stopped at Hera¡¯s heel. It seemed to remember something before granting happily as it


    circled around Hera and rubbed against her foot. It was seeking affection.


    Hera was charmed by its cute behavior. She squatted down and patted its head.


    The little pig closed its eyes in enjoyment.


    ¡°Tiramisu Mera called out tentatively


    Hearing its name, i the line pig happily nudged Hera¡¯s hand.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Apparently, this was not enough to express its happiness. It almost squeezed into Hera¡¯s arms,


    vigorously rubbing its head against her to seek more affection.


    Hera was amused by its anties and picked it up. ¡°It¡¯s really you, Tiramisu, I thought you had.¡±


    She thought thar Tiramisu had passed away.


    Tiramisa granted twice in response while nestling in Hera¡¯s arms and close its eyes in contentment.


    Being able to see its owner in its lifetime was the greatest happiness for a ple


    But this happinesssted only three minutes. Arge hand abruptly lifted it up from Hera¡¯s arms and


    threw it back into its sty


    ¡°You¡¯ve been neutered so long ago, and you¡¯re still in heat?¡± Bernard said coldy, his tone tinged


    with displeasure.


    Tiramisu granted discontentedly at Beard


    In the next moment, it felt Bernard¡¯s sharp gaze and immediately cowered


    Then, it grunted and sniveled as it crawled back into its pigsty Eke a bullied victim.


    Its pair of dark eyes was moist as it looked at Hera pitifully.


    Hera was melted by its cuteness and went over to rub its little head.


    ¡°Tiramisu, good boy.¡±


    Hera¡¯s voice was soft, devoid of the previous coldness.


    Bernard looked at Hera, whose hair was cascading down her shoulders. Her skin was fair, her


    profile was exquisite, and there was a faint smile on her slightly upturned lips. This was the woman


    in his heart


    His gaze softened involuntarily as he said, ¡°I rarelye to this house. You can stay here. It¡¯s close


    to the school.¡±


    Hera looked around. This ce was a duplex with an estimated total area of about 400 square


    meters


    He used such a big house to raise a pig?


    Suddenly, she felt that the Killian family wasn¡¯t treating him so harshly, after all.


    ¡°No-¡±


    ¡°No need to rush to reject me, Bernard interrupted her.


    ¡°I promised to protect you, so I should ensure your safety. At the same time, I also need a ce for


    you to treat my iness.¡±


    As he said this, he nced at the pig, which was closing its eyes in enjoyment as it was being


    petted.


    ¡°This pig also wants you to stay.¡±


    The mesos were very convincing, and Hera didn¡¯t insist on relusing anymore

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to protect me. I just told you not to mention me to the Killian family,¡± Heracorrected


    him.


    She was quite strong¨Cwilled.


    Bernard chuckled softly andplied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Seeing his smile, Hera inexplicably remembered the awkwardness in the car yesterday, and her


    checks med slightly red as she averted her gaze. At that moment, Bernard¡¯s phone rang, so he


    turned to answer the call


    ? ? ? ? ? ?? ?? ?


    It was unclear what the person on the other end said, but Bernard¡¯s demeanor turned chilly,


    The little pig shivered all over when it felt the chilling air be emanated


    Although tera¡¯s expression remained cold, a voice in her heart reminded her not to trest Bernard


    easily.


    After hanging up the phone, Bemard concealed the coldness he had inadvertently revealed, turned


    around, and sent Hera to the academy.


    He told her to call him if she needed anything, and he didn¡¯t appear for the next few days.


    Originally, they had agreed to have her check his condition over the weekend, but when she texted


    him to ask when he would be back, he only repled ¡°Later. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Hera looked at those words and felt speechless.


    Who was worried about him?


    Since the patient wasn¡¯t in a hurry, she naturally had no reason touch.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    That day, Lilith learned that Hera was staying at the academy after returning from the hospital. She


    felt both reluctant and worked.


    She wanted to go to the academy to find Hera and persuade her toe back home. After all,


    staying at home was betterpared to staying in the academy¡¯s dormitory.


    However, she was stopped by James


    ¡°She¡¯s the one who¡¯s at fault in this matter. Not only did she not adroit her mistake, but she also ran


    away from home in a fit of anger. Who is she venting her anger on?


    ¡°She can stay outside for the rest of her life if she has the guts to do so! None of you are allowed to


    give her living expenses without my permission! And don¡¯t contact her!¡±


    James was furious,


    He didn¡¯t believe Hera could continue Iving in a city like Norburgh that had a high cost of living after


    getting her living expenses cut off.


    Hers would definitelye back and admit her mistake obediently within a week!


    By then, he would make her realize that he was her father and the head of the Everett family!


    The disturbance on the forum caused by Hera¡¯s supposed cheating and the Everett family¡¯s


    banquet had died down over the weekend..


    After the g¨Craising ceremony on Monday, Hera was stopped by Christopher on her way back to


    ss R, which attracted resentful nces from many passing female students.


    As one of the academy¡¯s most handsome boys and a top student, Christopher was usually


    focused solely on his studies and paid little attention to gossip.


    But Hera¡¯s sessful cheating had caught his attention.


    They would have done the same if they had known this trick was so effectivl


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡°¡± Hera¡¯s tone was indifferent.


    Ignoring the gazes of others, Christopher said shyly, ¡°Hera, It¡¯s study together in the future.¡±


    After learning that Hera was the mysterious academic prodigy, he was grounded by Andrew for


    three days. Even so, he had been excited for five days.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to see Hera on Monday.


    She was the academic prodigy be admired, and he wanted to study with her!


    However..


    ¡°No.¡± Hera rejected him mercilessly before turning away coldly.


    Christopher gazed foolishly at her retreating figure while thinking to himself, ¡°An academic prodigy


    sure acts differently.¡±


    she acting so arregant?¡±


    ¡°wah. Christopher isn¡¯t holding a grudge against her, but she still acts high and mighty. I wonder


    what benefits the Everett family gave to the academy to let her stay.¡±


    ¡°Lalso want to study with Christopher.¡±


    The girls at the side whispered. Then, they pushed each other, wanting tofort Christopher. At


    this moment, Giselle arrived


    She noticed Christopher stopping Hera just now.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    ?


    ¡°chris, Hea grew up in the mountains since she was young and isn¡¯t very knowledgeable about


    manners. I apologize on her behalf if she has offended you in any way.¡± Giselle said graciously


    portraying herself as a protective older sister.


    Little did she know, her words sounded quite offensive to Christopher


    So what if Hera grew up in the mountains?


    Despite limited teaching resources in the mountains, she managed to educate herself and excel.


    She had every right to be proud!


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak about Hera like that in the future, Christopher said sternly before ring at the other


    girls who were watching. ¡°Same goes for all of you.¡±


    After Issuing his warming, he turned and walked away.


    Ghelle and the several girls were puzzled.


    Why was Christopher not only not angry with Hera but also


    Could it be that he had fallen for Hera¡¯s looks?


    protecting her?


    Giselle¡¯s eyes were filled with envy and resentment when she thought of Hera¡¯s exquisite


    appearance, and her nails dug into her palms.


    Christopher was from the second branch of the Luddon family. He had a higher statuspared to


    Zyler.


    Before being engagelito Zyler, Giselle had tried to flirt with Christopher but was ignored.


    If it weren¡¯t for Zyler, Christopher probably wouldn¡¯t even speak to her.


    ¡°Gigl, the bell has nung. Why are you still standing here? Lily Bourne asked while rushing toward


    the ssroom.


    diselle snapped out of her thoughts and quickly put on a sweet smile.


    ¡°thought I just saw Chris


    walking toward ss K. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Lily had a close friend named Janiya.


    Janiya, relying on her father¡¯s official position in the city, was quite domineering in ss Kand was


    considered the ss bull


    It was well known that she had a crush on Christopher


    The boldest thing she had done for Christopher was confessing her feelings to him publicly.


    Not only was she rejected by Christopher, but she was also punished by the academy and warned


    not to start dating early, which made her tone down a lot.


    Giselle deliberately said this to create the effect of unintentional disclosure.


    And she had achieved her goal


    Lily immediately told Janiya through WhatsApp, and with the eyewitnesses from this morning,


    Janiya immediately understood¨CChristopher had approached Hera and was


    Janiya had long been displeased with Hera, a country bumn who pretended to be aloof all day.


    Now, she even dared to flirt with Christopher!


    Heca needed to be taught a lesson to behave!


    After school, Hera went to the restroom and happened to encounter three girlsering isabe


    and threatening her.


    ¡°Campus violence? Hera raised her eyeszily to look at them.


    The leader of the group turned around, and it was none other than janiya,


    she carried herself confidently, with numerous small braids adoring her head and exaggerated


    earings hanging from her ears. Her lips were painted ck, and she chewed gum casually,


    projecting a tough girl demeanor.


    ¡°Oh, look who¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Hera, hurry and leave! Upon seeing Hera, Isabe immediately called out.


    Having been bullied by Janiya before, she knew how formidable she and her group were. Moreover,


    they had stopped her this time to threaten her to bring Hera over


    ¡°shut up, bitch!¡± One of the girls grabbed a piece of cloth and stuffed it intobe¡¯s mouth.


    Isabe struggled desperately, but the two girls held her down firmly


    ¡°Don¡¯t get agitated. We won¡¯t do anything to you today¡± Janiya turned to the two girls holding


    Isabe and gestured with her eyes. ¡°Take this troublemaker and lock her in the cubicle.¡±


    Isabe¡¯s face turned pale when she recalled the fear she had experienced being trapped in the


    cubicle before, and she struggled even harder. Tears streamed down her face uncontrobly


    Just as the two girls were about to push Isabe into the cubicle, Herreached out and grabbed their


    arms before punching them hard. Their hands immediately went numb, and dylost their strength


    ¡°Why not to violence instead of sitting down and talking things out?


    Hera shielded Isabe bond her, and her pate swept over the three of them


    The two girls wear stunned by her icy, aloof demeanor and dared not approach further.


    This made Jaulya, who was used to being domineering, feel a litle ashamed.


    Hera was instacountry bumpkin. What was there to be afraid of?


    she blew a bubble with her chewing gum, and her eyes became more fence. ¡°Take her down! I¡¯ll


    cover for you if anything happens!¡±

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    ¡°Before you act, can you exin why you¡¯re doing this? Hera raised her hand and asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? You dare to do but not admit it?¡±


    ¡°Look at yourself. Who do you think you are? How dare youflict with Christopher)¡±


    The two girls said one after another.


    Hera thought for a moment, realized they were relearing to what happened with Christopher this


    morning, and felt somewhat speechless.


    She nced at Janiya disdainfully. ¡°Are you an idiot?¡±


    ¡°Do it!¡± aniya spat out her chewing gum and cursed, ¡°You¡¯re counting death!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the idiot!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve lived long enough, huh? How dare you insult Janiya!


    The three of them clenched their tists and sharpened their knives, frighteningbe until her legs


    trembled. They even had knives!


    She rugged on the hem of Hera¡¯s uniform. ¡°Hera, please don¡¯t provoke them anymore.¡°¡®


    Hera remained calm. ¡°Don¡¯t harm unrted people since this is directed at me. Let Isabe go¡±


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯re stupid? You want us to let her go so she can go tell the teachers?¡± one of the


    girls said.


    But Janiya said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let her go¡±


    She warned Isabe, ¡°I guarantee you won¡¯t be able to stay at Cavenridge anymore if you dare to


    sell the teacher!


    Isabe was so frightened that she trembled while clutching Hera¡¯s clothes. ¡°I¨CIwon¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll stay


    here with you.


    Even though she was trembling and her voice was shaking she was still unwilling to leave on her


    own.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Go wait for me by the door, I have something to ask youter.¡± Hera gave her a reassuring


    look.


    Isabe hesitated for a moment but eventually went out.


    As she was closing the door, Hera suddenly said, ¡°Guard the door, and don¡¯t let anyone in


    Isabe was perded


    Was Hera also afraid of others seeing her being bullied?


    Well, it wasn¡¯t a dignified situation, and letting news of the matter spread would only make it worse.


    should she coEndaracher?


    Would janica really make her unable to stay at Coventide anymore if she informed a teacher about


    it?


    The corridor was empty after school, and isabestood at the restroom door hesitating for ten


    minutes before finally making up her mind.


    Was it still possible to inform a teacher now?


    At that moment, the restroom door opened.


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    Hera walked out unharmed


    ¡°Hera, are you okay? Isabechecked on her mously.


    She waspletely unharmed!


    Tmfine Let¡¯s go,¡± Hera said.


    ¡°Why did they let you off so easily?¡± Isabe asked in shock.


    She identally blocked Janiya¡¯s way when she was going downstairs once, and they just pushed


    her down the stairs directly.


    There was also a time when she was a bit slow in the bathroom, so they sshed her all over with


    water, locked her inside, and kept her there for the whole afternoon.


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯se to terms with it,¡± Hera said.


    Did Janiyae to terms with it?


    Did she realize that bullying people was wrong?


    Isabe followed in Hera¡¯s footsteps and looked back every few steps, but Janiya and the other two


    didn¡¯te out of the bathroom for a long time.


    The top of them returned to the ssroom.


    ¡°Hera, thank you,¡± Isabe said, still trembling with fear.


    Everyone turned a blind eye when she was bullied by Janiya in the past


    Although Janiya and the other two said they were going after Hera, Isabe believed that if she had


    stayed, they would have definitely targeted her.


    Although she didn¡¯t know what Hera did to deal with them, her intuition told her that Hera was very


    formidable!


    ¡°by the way, you said you had something to ask me. What is it? Isabe nemembered Hera¡¯s


    words earlier.


    Hera looked at Isab after packing up her bag.


    Dabe blusbed under her gaze and smiled shyly,


    Hera Irit the timing was right and went straight to the point. ¡°Is Robin Young your father?¡±

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    The smile on Isabe¡¯s face chilened instantly as if she had thought of something.


    She fell to the ground, and her face was filled with more terror than when facing Janiya.


    ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know anyone named Robin Young.¡±


    Isabe gathered her books hardly before stumbling out of the ssroom.


    Hera watched her retreating figure, confirming she had found the right person.


    She had watched the surveince video of the ident countless times. At the time, there was no


    issue with traffoles; it was just a sudden collision from a car that pushed out and hit Daphne¡¯scar


    The case was closed, and the police stated that the driver was drunk. Since the culprit was already


    dead, he couldn¡¯t be held ountable.


    However, the driver¡¯s wite suddenly had enough money to treat her illness, and their daughter was


    now attending Gownridge International Academy after his death.


    It was hard for Hera not to think something fishywas happening


    Giselle waited until everyone had left the ssroom before slowly gathering her textbooks.


    Then, she headed toward the restroom


    She had received a message that janiya was going to condront Herain the restroomafter school.


    She wanted to see for herself what Hera¡¯s miserable stage would be likel


    There was no one else in the corridor, and the restroom door was closed


    Giselle stood at the door and listened for awhile but didn¡¯t hear any sound.


    She pushed open the door gently out of curiosity, only to be shocked by what she saw.


    Janipa and her twopanions were lying on the damp floor, their Imbs henching. They were


    struggling in strange positions and with expressions of agony on their faces.


    Luckily, it was still daytime. If it were nighttime, Giselle might have mistaken them for zombies


    The three of them finally managed to lift their headsboriously when they saw someone had


    arrived. Tears streamed down their faces. They tried to call for help, but no sound


    time out


    delle was both shocked and baffled


    What on earth happened?


    Weren¡¯t they here to confront Hera?


    Why were they all on the ground? And where was Hera?


    Cell 900¡±


    Finally, Janiya struggled to write a message with her tears on the Door She asked selle to call for


    an ambnce.


    That evening, the directors of several departments at the Pineview Hospital gathered to discuss the


    patients¡® conditions


    Finally, they identified the symptoms of the three individual.


    They had been struck at specific acupoints, rendering them usable to move theirnts, speak, or


    step their tears.


    There were no other bruises or injuries on their bodies, indicating that the person who did this had a


    high level of skill in targeting acupoints. They were Tkely an experienced allernative medicine


    practitioner


    Thut why would an experienced practitioner y such a pointless prank on three female students at


    a school?


    ¡°Un Excuse me.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A weak voice suddenly interrupted the meeting.


    The door to the meeting room had been pushed open at some point, and a man wearing thick


    sses poked his head in,


    ¡°Who are you? Don¡¯t you know you can¡¯t just barge into the hospital meeting room. Oh, it¡¯s you, Mr.


    Chine Hcbr_¡±


    One of the directors turned around and smiled embarrassedly after recognizing Johnsen Chime


    Johnson had been eagerly searching for clues about the anonymous miracle doctor recently, and


    when he heard the words ¡°experienced alternative medicine practitioner,¡± he got


    ¡°Where is this experienced alternative medicine practitioner you¡¯re talking about?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen them in person, but the patients in Ward 201 should know,¡± another doctor


    replied.


    After thanking them, Johnson turned and headed forward 201


    In the ward, a rocks was heard.


    ¡°no and investigate who did this! You must investigate it thoroughly! I want their entire family to pay


    the price!¡±


    Cler Donovan satby Janiya¡¯s bedside, her eyes full of rage as she spoke to Robert.


    The academy¡¯s management had a certain responsibility when students got into trouble at the


    artery, even if the student¡¯s behavior had been poor in the past.


    Moreover, Joel mera held a significat position in the city


    ¡°ades. Figarros, please calm down, we¡¯ll investigate this matter thoroughly,¡± Robert said


    respectfully


    pinayakay on the hospital bed, unable to miner her limba si sprak


    However, she still struggled to pull ire¡¯s clothes and shook her head to indicate there was no


    need to investigate.


    She had underestimated Hera!


    Hera actually carried needles around with her!


    Janiya would have to personally take revenge on Hera for embarrassing her!


    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    The news that Janya had been beaten up in the restroom spread throughout the academy the next


    day


    Janiya¡¯s archenemy, Kate Helmer, received this news and immediately ordered drinks for the entire


    ss of ss


    ¡°Great! Someone finally taught Janya a lesson. Let¡¯s see if she dares to bully others again in the


    future.¡±


    ¡°Kare, you¡¯re a hero for ridding us of evil¡±


    ¡°Janiya is always so overbearing Katie is still the best!¡±


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    ¡°ate, you¡¯re our leader from now on!


    They all believed that Katie was the one who had beaten up Janiya.


    Kate often shed with Janiya as she was unable to stand by and watch Janiya bully others.


    Although Janya disliked Katie, she couldn¡¯t do anything to her because both of their fathers were


    deputy mayors of Nurburgh and candidates for the next mayor, making thempetitors.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. I left school early yesterday and didn¡¯t see her miserable state when she was taken


    away by the ambnce. What a pity¡±


    Katie denied it, then gloated, ¡°I¡¯d acknowledge that person as my boss if I knew who beat up


    Janiya.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure! That person is practically a hero.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so very satisfying! I¡¯ll acknowledge that person as my boss too!¡±


    A few of Kate¡¯s close ssmates cheered.


    Katie, who sat in front of Hera, med around.


    ¡°you by..¡± When she saw that isabe wasn¡¯t there, so she corrected herself, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be


    afraid of Janiya bullying you anymore.¡±


    Katie knew that Janiya didn¡¯t like Hera, and she even knew that Janiya had been looking for an


    opportunity to take action against Hera


    Hera was speechless.


    Was Janiya even qualified?


    Isabehadn¡¯e to the academy for three consecutive days. The homeroom teacher said she


    had taken sick leave


    Hera knew that [sabe was deliberately avoiding her question from the day before by not


    answering het calls or messages.


    Hera couldn¡¯t let things connue like this.


    After school, the decided to go to Isabe¡¯s house.


    However, she was blocked by several men just as she stepped out of the academy¡¯s gate.


    The leader was a burly man with tattoos on his arms and a gold chain around his neck.


    He was smolding a cigarette as he asked, ¡°You¡¯re Hera, right?¡±


    Hera nced at the several men with tattoos behind Jayden Carr, all of whom looked like shady


    characters with wretched appearances. They were clearly delinquents ¡°What¡¯s the matter? She


    looked at Jayden, and her none was Indifferent,


    Her contemptuous attitude made jayden feel a sense of irritation. It felt like he was being looked


    down upon.


    Other students would avoid him when they saw him, but Hera dared to act all high and mighty front


    of him!


    She sessfully provoked his desire to dominate her.


    ¡°Someone asked us toe and teach you a lesson,¡± Jayden said arrogantly.


    Hera¡¯s thick eyshes trembled lightly as she asked, ¡°who sent you?


    Jayden thought she was scared, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and blew smoke in her direction.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know that. She asked us to break your limbs, but 1 suddenly changed my mind


    after seeing how pretty you are. y with us and we promise not to harm you.¡± The other guys


    behind him followed with lewdughter after he finished speaking


    Many bystanders were drawn to the group of troublemakers gathered around a beautiful female


    student. Despite their curiosity, no one felt brave enough to intervene and find out what was


    happening


    Hera nced at the surveince camera at the academy¡¯s entrance and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere


    else.¡±


    Herpliance pleased Jayden.


    He licked away the gate bot and whistled, ¡°Wow! You¡¯re a smart girl. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you to an


    alley¡±


    Giselle walked out of the academy¡¯s gate and saw Hera leaving with several delinquents.


    She felt a songe of joy in her heart and quickly took out her phone to take two photos Hera was


    indeed fisting with men outsidel

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Last time, it was someone who drove a Lincoln. This time, it was with delinquents.


    Hera really was a country bumpkin who could associate with any kind of man.


    No wonder Janiya didn¡¯t manage to teach her a lesson that day and ended up being beaten instead.


    It bed out Hera was friends with some delinquents.


    fines found out, would he still let her stay at the Everett residence?


    When Giselle thought of this, her lips curled into a sinister smile as she entered the BMW waiting for


    her.


    Ack Bentley polled up at the academy¡¯s gate after the BMW drove off.


    Dous parked the car, looked at the entrance of Cavenridge, and asked Johnson, who was sitting


    in the passenger seat, ¡°is the anonymous miracle doctor here?


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s the anonymous miracle doctor, but it¡¯s definitely the experienced alternative


    medicine practitioner,¡± Johnson corrected him.


    He went to Ward 201 that night, but Janiya refused to say who had attacked her no matter what


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    However, he still managed to find out that the experienced alternative medicine practitioner would


    come to Coenridge after school today.


    ¡°You¡¯re not sure?¡± Dous red at him while gritting his teeth. ¡°Why did you bring Bernard along,


    then?¡±


    As he spoke, he nced at the rearview mirror.


    seemed to emanate a sense of heaviness. His face was set in a cold and stem expression.


    The man sitting in the back


    Didn¡¯t Bernard return to the Killian residence for a few days recently? Was his moodcurrently at a


    very low point?


    Would Johnson anger Bernard if Bernard really made this trip for nothing? Would his bonus for this


    month be deducted?


    Johnson already delt the chill emanating from the back seat.


    He rubbed his arms and whispered, ¡°I thought Bernard wasn¡¯t in a good mood, so I wanted to take


    him out to rx.


    ¡°Even if we don¡¯t manage to find the anonymous miracle doctor, his mood might improve a bit after


    seeing Miss Hera, right?¡±


    ¡°Do you think Berard is that shallow?¡±


    As soon as Dous finished speaking, he heard the back door open. Beard got out of the car.


    Dous was stunned. Could things really work out like this?


    The delinquents took Hera to a secluded alley.


    The alley¡¯s walls were mottled, the coed was uneven, and there were


    re many weeds, indicating that this was a ce nobody would usually pass by.


    ¡°Alright. This is it. Nobody will disturb us here.¡± Jayden lit another cigarette.


    ¡°Jayden, you first Or us? A skinny man rubbed his hands and asked.


    The other men followed set with lewdughter, blocking all of Hera¡¯s paths.


    ¡°She has such a pretty face. I wonder if she¡¯s still a virgin.¡±


    ¡°Her skin is so delicate. It looks so soft. Jayden, why don¡¯t you go first? I¡¯ll take photos.¡±


    Hera stood calmly in ce as her beautiful almond eyes scanned the surroundings.


    There were no surveince cameras.


    She scanned the several delinquents surrounding her and found that each of them was carrying a


    knife at their waist. If things got physical, she would definitely be at a disadvantage, so she had to


    outsmart them


    sked, ¡°Can we do it individually, and the rest of you stand watch outside?¡±


    She took a step back, partially lowering her thick eyshes, and asked, ¡°Can we


    ¡°Haha. Don¡¯t worry. This is a good spot. No one wille even if we y here for three days and


    three nights! Let¡¯s all go together. It¡¯s been a long time since we¡¯ve yed as a


    Jayden let out a lewdugh, and he approached step by step together with the other men.


    Hera¡¯s thick eyshes trembled lightly as her fingertips touched the silver needle on her skirt


    There was no other choice.


    Just as Jayden¡¯s dirty hand reached for Hera, a stone suddenly flew over and hit his hand


    urately.


    Jayden screamed in pain.


    His hand seemed to be broken, and the pain made his vision darken. The thrower had exerted an


    immense force with the stone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch her with your filthyhands¡±


    A deep, roll, andmaic voice sounded in the alley.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Everyone turned around to see a man in a fitted white suit standing in the middle of the alley


    m arge ext-


    The man was extraordinarily handsome, with a cold and stern expression. His hands were casually


    tocked into his pants pockets, and the tore his shoe rested on a sized stone


    When He saw him, a ripple of emotions stirred in her best


    It was Bernard.


    He exuded a cold and chilling demeanor without his sses.


    Some of the delinquents instinctively felt intimidated, but after some thought, they realized that


    Bernard was alone and wearing a suit and leather shoes, so it was probably just a bluff.


    ¡°Who the hell are you? Mind your own business,¡± one of the skinny men cursed


    ¡°Get lost if you don¡¯t want to diel¡± Bernard said coldly.


    ¡°Fuck! You¡¯re counting death! Get him! I want to make him a cripple!¡± Jayden, who had recovered


    from the pain, spot and cursed


    Several of his underlings red fiercely and took out their weapons. No one had ever dared toy


    hands on jayden in this area.


    Hera let go of the silver needle under her skirt without a trace.


    She believed that Bernard, who had military experience, would be able to handle a few hooligans.


    ¡°Heh..¡± Bernard noticed all of Hera¡¯s subtle movements, and his lips curled slightly.


    She was quite calm. It seemed she trusted him.


    In the next moment, Bernard litted his long legs and kicked several stones on the ground with


    precision.


    The stones hit the knees of the delinquents charging at him, and several of them screamed in pain


    before falling to the ground while clutching their knees.


    Seving Bernard knocking down all the delinquents by standing in ce without even talding his


    hands out of his pockets, Jayden was enraged.


    This disy of dominance made jayden feel powerless.


    ¡°Babyou¡¯re all useless!¡±


    He spat and pulled out a long knife from his waist before rushing at Bernard aggressively


    But Bemard simply sidestepped, dodged the attack gracefully, and walked toward Hera.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    Hera nced at Jayden, who was following behind Bernard and swinging the knife at Bernard in


    anger.


    However, Bernard avoided it effortlessly as if he had eyes on the back of his head,


    ¡°Why should I call you?¡± she retorted


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to call me if you¡¯re in trouble?¡±


    Hemard stopped in front of Hera, and his maic voice was tinged with a hint of presence. It was


    completely different from his previous domineering demeanor. Hera looked at the enraged Jayden


    behind him and was speechless


    Jayden was so furious that he swung the knife frantically when he waspletely ignored by


    Bernand


    ¡°Did you miss me?¡± Bernard asked again since Hera didn¡¯t answers.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me not to miss you?¡±


    ¡°I was just being polite. You really didn¡¯t miss me?


    Hera was speechless.


    ¡°I¡¯m sad and heartbroken.¡±


    She remained speechless


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m your patient, and you don¡¯t even care about my life or death.¡±


    She didn¡¯t reply to him.


    Wasn¡¯the alive and licking?


    What was with this coquettish tone?


    Was this really the same man who exuded such a chilling air just now?


    ¡°Damn it! Don¡¯t underestimate me¡°¡±


    Jayden swing the kale dozens of times and ponted heally while Bernard stood there unscathed and


    chatting with Hera. He did not even take his hands out of his pockets!


    This was too much!


    Jayden was so angry that his eyes reddened. He couldn¡¯t do anything to Bernard, but he could still


    attack the defenseless tera

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    The de gleamed with a cold light as it was suddenly aimed at Hera


    just as the knife was about to strike, a slender and articte hand with distinct knuckles grabbed


    Jayden¡¯s wrist, and a chilling air burst forth.


    Jayden¡¯s bones broke, and the knife fell to the ground.


    Jayden screamed so loud that he startled the birds in the nearby trees.


    Bernard wiped his right hand with a wet tissue. He looked coldly at Jayden cowering on the ground


    as if he were looking at an inanimate object.


    ¡°Give me a call if something like this happens next time,¡± he turned to Hera and said.


    His tonebrooked no interference,den with lingering hostility.


    Hera¡¯s eyshes trembled slightly. Bernard could change his demeanor fast.


    At times like this, she dared not disobey. She just made a small noise of assent.


    This sound seemed to dissipate some of Bernard¡¯s hostility.


    ¡°Bernard!¡±


    Dous and Johnson rushed over at this moment, Seeing the delinquents lying on the ground and


    the lingering gloom around Bernard, the two already had a good idea of had happened.


    ¡°I parked the car outside the alley,¡± Johnson said.


    Bernard nodded and put his arm around Hera¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    As he turned around, he gave Dous a meaningful look.


    Dous immediately understood his meaning


    On the way back, Johnson felt that the atmosphere in the car was somewhat subtle.


    After dropping them off at Skyview Heights, he said to her, ¡°Ms. Hera, I¡¯ll leave Bernard to you.¡±


    With that, he left hurriedly.


    Dous still had some reservations about Hera¡¯s medical skills, but he trusted her. After all, some


    illnesses still required specialized treatment.


    Hera was speechless.


    In the evening, Hera arrived at the door of Bernard¡¯s room. As a token of appreciation for his help in


    the afternoon, she had promised to check his condition tonight


    Just as she was about to knock on the door, she noticed that the door wasn¡¯t closed but slightly


    ajar.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Bernard¡¯s maic voice sounded from inside the room.


    Hera pushed open the door and saw his back.


    He was tall and straight, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. He looked like a male model


    straight out of a magazine.


    ¡°You¡¯re here. Let¡¯s start the examination.¡±


    Bemard took off his shirt, and his maic voice was filled with warmth.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take off your clothes.¡±


    Hera remained calm on the surface, but she was actually trying to keep herselfposed.


    As she nced up, she noticed a new scar on his left chest.


    Although it had healed, she could tell it was a gunshot wound!


    Moreover, the location of this injury seemed somewhat familiar.


    ¡°The person in the mountains that day. It was you?¡± Hera asked instinctively.


    Bernard saw that she had finally remembered, and his lips curled slightly. He grabbed her hand.


    ¡°How do you want to repay me for saving your life?¡±


    The touch of his fingertips made Hera¡¯s thick eyshes tremble slightly. Her heart was pounding,


    and her cheeks were flushing


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She suspected that Bernard was trying to flirt with her!


    She broke free from his grasp and ced her hand on his wrist.


    After a moment, she said, ¡°You¡¯re beyond saving. You can go straight to the crematorium.¡±


    Bernard was speechless.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Half an hourter, Hetalinished examining Bernard¡¯s body and administered acupuncture at several


    acupoints such as BL 7,08 39, LA 1, and LIG Bernard¡¯s less was mate severe than she had


    expected.


    Hischool beadaches wine caused by long¨Cterm of toxic drugs, and it was not just one type of drug


    It seemed that there was more than one person in the allian family who wanted him dead!


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Beard was indeed not having an easy time in the sillian tamily.


    Even the body he was proud of wasn¡¯t in good condition


    Demand sow the sympathy in Hera¡¯s eyes.


    She patted his shoulder gently,forting him not to be upart.


    Both of them remained st


    ¡°Is there salyno hope heard asked.


    There was silence for awhile.


    ¡°I can help you if you find the Eclipse Stone,¡± Hera said as she finished the acupuncture and got up


    Hera¡¯s acupuncture helped Bernard relieve his headache over the past few days. His brain no


    longer throbbed sporadically, and he felt relied overall.


    After taking the medicine Herage himst time, he had a rare good sleep for two nights.


    However, he would still experience pain after retuming to the Kilian residence.


    The headaches started agan, making difficult for him to sleep at night. The pain would intensity


    during the day, leading to a vicious cycle.


    Hera equidly after seeing him beathing steadily and falling asleep.


    She opened the door and saw Tiramisu panding the door.


    Tiramisu happily robbed its head against her feet. Th, it sorted twice at Beard in the room to express


    its dissatisfaction because he never let it into his room and always kept the door tightly closed


    ¡®Shh.¡± Hera picked Tiramisu up, closed the door gently, and left


    The next day, the sunlight outside the window streamed through the curtains and fellen beard¡¯s


    wlessce on the bed.


    He slept quietly, like a prince in a fairy tale.


    Suddenly, a ringtone broke the silence and woke the man on thebed.


    Brand¡¯s res opened abruptly, and he emined achilling air. The surrounding air pressure instantly


    dropped.


    The other party was about to hung up when the call was finally answered.


    ¡°Boss, you finally answered the phone. Are you okay?¡± Dous asked anxiously.


    What¡¯s wrong


    Dous heard the husky voice on the phone and inked incredulously, ¡°You just woke up?


    Berard looked at the time. It was dam


    Heslept through the light without dreaming and surprisingly wake up at Boo


    He hadn¡¯t slept for so long in a long time. In the past, he would get up when dam broke


    It was not that he didn¡¯t want to sleep but that he couldn¡¯t


    This once again proved that Hera¡¯s treatment method was effective. He slept longer this time than


    the 20 minutes he slept in the academy¡¯s infirmaryst time.


    ¡°nemard, those delinquents from yesterday were all sent to the police station, and we also found out


    who the mastermind was¨CJinly,¡± Dous continued.


    ¡°I checked her information. She¡¯s the only daughter of Depoty Mayor Joel Figueroa She often bulles


    het ssmates at school by relying on Joel¡¯s official position but was taughta lesson by Ms. Hera


    ¡°As a salt, she hired someone to harm Ms. Hera¨Cout of resentment.¡°¡±


    Bernard could speak, he asked, ¡°How should we deal with it?¡±


    Bemard said softly. ¡°It¡¯s the parents¡® alt for not educating their child.¡±


    Dous immediately understood what to do.


    ¡°Also, Camille went to Gavenridge at 5:00 pm yesterday. Johnson suspects that she might be the


    anonymous miracle doctor. Do you want to meet her? Dous asked again.


    No Demand remembered what Herahad saidst night ¡°Go find something at Starry Lights¡±


    What do you want to find Dous asked


    Bernard replied, ¡°The Delp Stone


    Dous won taken aback. The Eclipse Stone was mored to be a medicinal material that could cure


    all diseases, but no one had confirmed its authenticity


    Why would Bernard upon the anonymous miracle doctor and believe in such an unrealistic remor


    Bernard hung up the phone and noticed that there were more than a dozen missed calls fromst


    night.

 Chapter 52

    ?Chapter 52Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    It was clear how soundly Bernard slept.


    Things weren''t so peaceful at the Figueroa residence.


    "It''s already noon, and you''re still sleeping? Get up!"


    Joel kicked Janiya off the bed.


    "Dad, what are you doing!"


    Janiya was feeling dazed when she was dragged out of bed by Joel. She woke uppletely after she was kicked and fell to the floor.


    "What am I doing? You''ve ruined all of my political prospects!"


    Joel received news that his candidacy for mayor had been revoked early in the morning!


    He spent two hours reflecting on himself and couldn''t find any ws.


    So he asked around and was told that his family member had offended someone.


    After thinking for a long time, Joel realized that the biggest problem might be Janiya, who always caused trouble!


    Thetest mayor election was underway, and he and Kelvin Helmer were candidates. He had better qualifications than Kelvin in all aspects and had a good chance of bing the next mayor.


    He had been preparing for this moment for ten years.


    But his ipetent daughter let him down at the critical moment!


    Joel grabbed a baseball bat from the room angrily, but ire immediately stopped him.


    "Joel, this has nothing to do with Janiya. She was bullied by her ssmate at school a few days ago and just got out of the hospital. Don''t hurt her anymore!"


    "She deserves it! This is all because you''ve spoiled her rotten! I''ve told her many times not to cause trouble outside!"


    Joel swung the baseball bat and pointed at Janiya whilemanding angrily, "Think carefully about who you''ve offended recently!"


    Janiya trembled. She might be domineering at school, but she was most afraid of Joel at home.


    When Joel got angry, not only would he scold her, but he would even hit ire!


    Who did she offend recently?


    The cold and beautiful face of Hera appeared in Janiya''s mind.


    A country bumpkin like Hera couldn''t possibly do this!


    The delinquents she sent to cause trouble were caught, but that was just Hera''s luck!


    Hera couldn''t possibly have the ability to threaten Joel''s political prospects!


    "Mr. Figueroa, bad news." At this moment, a staff member ran over in a panic while holding a cell phone.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you panicking?" Joel reprimanded.


    "Someone has posted evidence of your bribery online. There''s also news of Ms. Figueroa bullying others at the academy, which nearly caused a tragedy. The incident of the family settling it privately has been exposed."


    "What!"


    The three of them opened Twitter, and the news "Deputy Mayor Joel of Norburgh epted a Bribe of 120 Million Dors and Abused Power for Personal Revenge" was trending.


    Several news tforms were reporting it simultaneously.


    The reports contained chat records, videos, photos, and other on-site evidence.


    "How could this happen? Who recorded these videos?" Joel broke out in a cold sweat.


    He remembered that the transactions were very secure.


    Where did the evidencee from?


    He suddenly remembered what his mentor had said, "You''ll leave traces in everything you do in this world."


    Joel felt like there were eyes watching him in the dark, making him feel terrified.


    "Who have you offended outside!" He shook Janiya''s shoulder forcefully.


    Hera''s cold and beautiful face appeared in Janiya''s mind again.


    Impossible!


    That country bumpkin couldn''t possibly have this ability!


    It had to be Katie''s father!


    He waspeting with Joel for the mayor''s position!


    "Joel Figueroa, we''re from the attorney''s office. Someone reported that you epted bribes and abused power for personal revenge. Pleasee with us."


    At this moment, a dozen men in uniform suddenly rushed in before handcuffing Joel and taking him away.


    Outside the Figueroa residence, the ce was packed with reporters and media. Inside, several prosecutors uncoveredrge amounts of illegal cash and antiques. They finally sealed off the entire vi.


    Upon hearing the news, friends, and rtives all cut off contact with the Figueroa family, fearing they would be implicated.


    Within a day, Janiya and ire were left homeless.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Within a day, Janiya and ire were left homeless.


    In the study room of Skydew Heights, Hera scrolled through the news reports at Joel¡¯s downfall


    with narrowed eyes


    She had just collected all the information, and Joel had already fallen from grace before she could


    even send it out.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been at the first question for half an hour.¡±


    A slender, well¨Cdefined hand tapped on the workbook on the table


    Hera looked up, and her gaze met Bernard¡¯s wless, handsome face.


    Helendover,


    Herwas speechless


    right elbow resting on the table. His hand was supporting his chin, and his eyes were staring at her


    fixedly


    Didn¡¯t he? When did beback?


    The sky was clear outside the windows, and the two of them stared at each other across the cable.


    It was as if time had frozen in this moment


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It felt like a long time had paised


    Bernard¡¯s left hand reached over the table and helder lender wrist.


    ¡°Keeping it and I might have to confiscate your phone.¡±


    His palm wasrge, easily grasping her slender wrist.


    Hera¡¯s eyshes trembled sightly. She immediately avoided his hand and put away her phone.


    She picked up the pen on the table and casually circled ¡°n¡± in the nk space of the first multiple


    choice question.


    When did you start waiting with your right hand?¡°


    Berard squinted at her right hand holding the pen.


    He remembered vividly that she was left¨Chanded by nature.


    He even deliberately practiced with his left hand.


    Hera looked at her right hand and only then realized that she had been ustomed to sing her right


    hand recently


    ¡°Grandma said my handwriting was too ogrihen used my left hand and asked me to practice with


    my right hand,¡± she said while looking away.


    Bemard looked at her, and the corsed his mouth were quivering


    Her habit of avoiding eye contact when lying or feeling pulty hadn¡¯t ch


    She was still so cute


    Hera didn¡¯t know what he was thinking, so she pretended to continue doing the questions


    She looked very serious as she answered the multiple¨Cchoice questions quickly, showing a


    schrly demeanor.¨C


    She finished all the multiple¨Cchoice questions on the first pagem less than two minutes.


    Bemard walked around behind her and book a look.


    She did very well


    She avoided all the correct answers!


    Berard was speechless.


    As Hera was about to tum to the next page, she was interrupted by his maic voice, which


    carried a warm breath as it sounded in her ears


    Hisrge palm held her hand that was holding the pen.


    This posture was too ambiguous. It was as Bernard was embracing Hera from behind,


    Hera stiffened all over. Her heart skipped a beat unintentionally, and her nostrils were filled with the


    faint scent of tobo from his body.


    ¡°You have to use this form for the test question Recalcte il ¡±


    Bernard held Hera¡¯s hand and wrote a mathematical form.


    He behaved as if this teaching method was perfectly normal


    ¡°Professor Kin, do you always teach people to do homework like this? Hera asked.


    Bernard looked at the person in his arms with a smile ying at theers of his mouth.


    Hera was speechless.


    She pictured him teaching other girls like this and et explicably ufortable.


    She was treated


    ¡°Nothing I don¡¯t know how to do these questions, so I¡¯m not going to do them.¡±


    Hera withdrew her hand, stood up abruptly, and let


    Bernard watched her back and wondered if she was angry again.


    What Heradidn¡¯t know was that Brand look out two sets of exam papers from the desk drawer after


    she left the study.


    One was her entrance exam papers, and the other was the mysterious academic prodigy¡¯s exam


    papers handed over by Christopher


    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    ¡°Academic prodigy¡± Beard fiddled with the two best papers, and his eyes were filled with surprise.


    At the Everett residence, a ruckus was beard


    ¡°Useless bunch!¡±


    Giselle looked at the cline news reports, where Kirvin became the next mayer, Joel tell from grace


    due to bribery, and faniya¡¯s family was investigated and sealed she felt


    contemptuous.


    she thought she could use janiya to teach Hewa lesson, but then the Figueroa family got into


    trouble


    Hera, that country bumpkin, was really lucky.


    She always managed to escape!


    ¡°Ms. Everett, dinner is ready.¡± The maid knocked on the door of the room.


    ¡°I¡¯ming¡±


    ble. However, there were five sets of cutlery on the table.


    Giselle was thest one to take her seat at the dinner table, and she noticed that there were only


    four people at the table


    The extra set of cutlery was ced in the spot where Hera had sat before.


    James didn¡¯t notice that Lilith was staring at that spot absent¨Cmindedly.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Seeing this, Giselle felt a strong sense of resentment in her heart.


    Hera had moved out, so why was Lilith still so concemed about her?


    ¡°Judy, did you forget that Grandma hasn¡¯t been discharged from the hospital yet?¡± Giselle smiled


    and asked.


    ¡°The table set by Mrs. Everett, Judy McCoy muttered and quickly removed the extra set of cutlery


    This move caught James¡® attention.


    He looked at the empty seat where Heta had sat bedore and calcted the time.


    ¡°Dad, didn¡¯t you say that Hera woulde back and apologize within a week?¡± Giselle asked with


    an air of indifference, as it she was just watching the show


    It had been half a month now.


    Not only had Hera not returned, but there had been no sign of her at all.


    James¡® facial expression immediately darkened, and his first reaction was to look at Lilith.


    ¡°Are you secretly contacting her and ghing her money behind my back?¡±


    Lich hastily denied, ¡°No!¡±


    Shehad previously secretly sent money to Hera, but Hera returned it all.


    Hera said she had money


    But she had only moved to the city recently.


    1. y. Even if Catherine had given her some money, it wouldn¡¯t havested long in the expensive


    city


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Gino said.


    Lilith had given Heca 100 thousand dors in pocket money!


    ? ? ? ? ?


    That 100 thousand dors had ended up in his hands. Hera should be broke now.


    As he raised his head, he saw the other three people looking at him. They were waiting for him to


    need some unknown secret.


    Gino contined, ¡°As II¡°.


    All three of them were speechless


    ¡°Did she starve to death at the academy?¡± James blurted out in anger.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. Hera is actually living quite well at the academy. Once after ss, I saw her


    with ¡°Giselle paused intentionally, and her hesitant look made people even more


    curious.


    ¡°Who was she with!¡± James asked s


    Isharply.


    Giselle hesitated for a long time, not knowing how to say it. She opened her phone and handed it to


    him


    The more she acted like this, the more curious it made people. What exactly did Hera do?


    Lich put down her cutlery and was about to get up to see when James threw the phone to the


    ground angrily


    ¡°This unfilial girl! How dareshe do such depraved things! And she still feels that she hasn¡¯t


    disgraced the Everett family enough!¡±


    Lath quickly picked up the phone, and on the screen was a photo of Herawalking away with a few


    delinquents.


    ¡°Howeld this be.¡°she covered her mouth in disbelied


    Giselle added imperceptibly when she saw James anger re up again.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry.¡±


    She got up tofort James and the whispered something in his ear. James¡± angry expression


    gradually subsided.


    ¡°Okay. Bring her back when the timees.¡± James nodded.


    ¡°ukey, Dad.¡°Obelle¡¯s eyesshed with a cunning light.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Hera looked at the empty seat to her. Isabehad her on leave two weeks


    The homeroom teacher said Isabe took a long leave to take care of her sick mother and didn¡¯t


    specify when she would return to school


    During break time, Hera opened WhatsApp and switched to another ount.


    Ren: ¡°How¡¯s the investigation going?


    Piglet ¡°have something. Two weeks ago, she took her mother to Terrands for treatment. I also found


    information about the corresponding hospital¡±


    Then, he sent over several photos and screenshots of the surveince footage showing Isabe


    and her mother entering the hospital.


    Isabe¡¯s mother had been suffering from liver cancer for over ten years and had been undergoing


    treatment in seemed to have worsened recently


    But ording to the investigation, the mother and daughter had very meager ies, and they


    were usually very frugal. They were still taking the cheapest anti¨Ccancer drugs, so how did they


    suddenly get the money to go abroad for treatment?


    Raven: ¡°Help me hire someone to visit them


    Piglet ¡°Do you have to be so cautious? The hospital surveince cameras caught them going in.


    Isn¡¯t that enough?


    Following were five or six emotis expressing doubt.


    Hera sent back an emoji and typed: ¡°block you you keep talking¡±


    The other party immediately quieted down.


    ¡°Wow, the campus belle of ss A actually came to ss 1


    ¡°With Hera here, the title of campus belle for this year will change hands, right?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s pretty, but her behavior of cheating is bad.¡±


    ¡°What matters is that the campus belle looks good. Who cares about her behavior?


    There was amation in the ssroom.


    Giselle stood at the door of ss, listening to their discussions. She remained calm on the


    surface, but inside, she was full of envy


    However, she believed that Hera would leave before the next campus belle selection


    *Hera, Giselle looking for you.¡± Katle tumed around and knocked on Hen¡¯s desk.


    Heranced at Katie.


    She had noticed Giselle.


    Then, she looked up and saw Giselle smiling and waving at her from the ssroom door.


    Many students wereing and going in the corridor during break time


    at¡¯s wrong?¡± Hera asked impatiently.


    Giselle maintained her sweet demeanor and said, ¡°Hera, why has your phone been off all this


    time? Are you out of money for phone bills? Dad and I are very worried about you!¡±


    Hera couldn¡¯t be bothered to answer such ame question and was about to leave


    ¡°Ms. Ext, one can still receive calls nowadays even if one has outstanding payments. If you


    can¡¯t get through, there¡¯s only one pessary.¡±


    Katie came out of nowhite and said while leaning against the ssroom dear


    ¡°What?¡± Giselle asked subconsciously


    ¡°You¡¯ve been blocked,¡± satie said.


    Giselle was speechless.


    She had wanted to give Hera 200 dors in charity since era had run out of living expenses.


    Hera looked at Katie, who immediately showed a pleasing smile as if to say, ¡°Praise me.¡±


    Hera was schless.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Diselle saw that Hera was about to leave and immediately grabbed her before


    saying, ¡°You haven¡¯t been home for so long. Dad and Mom are very worried about


    ¡°Mom has even fallen because of this, and she¡¯s been calling out your name. why don¡¯t you go back


    and visit her


    Hera¡¯s footsteps paused. The only one who cared about her in the Everett family was Lilith.


    ¡°I know what to do,¡± she said, then turned around and went back to the ss


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Glew that she took the bait and couldn¡¯t help but smile subdy.


    Kate followed behind Hera cheerfully and called out, ¡°Boss!¡±


    Hera paused and burned to look at her.


    Katie seemed a little strange today.


    ¡°I finally found out that you were the one who taught Janiya son. You¡¯re my boss now,¡± Batle sald


    mysteriously


    Hita was speechless, and her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly


    ¡°Boss, don¡¯t worry I won¡¯t say anything you don¡¯t want others to know about this and want to keep


    low profile¡± Katle patted her chest bolly


    As soon as she finished speaking, a ssinate asked, ¡°Huh? Kate, why are you calling this country


    bumpkin your boss?¡±


    The next moment, ss Kwas in a heated discussion.


    ¡°What? Kate is calling Hera her boss?¡±


    ¡°Kate said before that whoever teaches Janiya a lesson would be her boss!¡±

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Janiya being taught a lesson by the mysterious figure, Joel¡¯s downfall, the sealing off of the


    Figueroa residence, and Janiya¡¯s dropping out of school became hot toples during this period


    Runons spread that the mysterious figure was the nemesis of the Figueroa family, a hero who rid


    the people of harm!


    The whole ss looked at Hera with admiration when it was revealed that she was the bero.


    ¡°Boss!¡± someone shouted.


    ¡°Boss!¡±


    Someone started addressing Hers as ¡°Boss,¡± and the other students followed suit until the whole


    ss joined in.


    As for the issue with Hera being a country bumpkin. Well, everybody had to start somewhere.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Regarding her cheating on the exam. How many in ss actually got in through legitimate means?


    The ssroom was burting until the bell rang, and it wasn¡¯t until the teacher arrived that things


    settled down.


    And thus, Hera inexplicably became the leader of ss K


    What happened to keeping a low profile?


    After school, Giselle deliberately waited for Hera downstairs.


    She saw several ssmates chatting andughing with Hera from afar as they walked together.


    ¡°Boss, see you next Monday


    Those ssmates noticed Giselle and left tactfully.


    Giselle had a vague impression of those ssmates.


    Weren¡¯t they the ones who used to insult Hera as a country bumpkin and cheater?


    Why


    were they calling her ¡°boss¡± now?


    Hera remained silent.


    ¡°Hera, why don¡¯t we go back together? Mom and Dad heard you were going back today, so they


    specially booked a table of good food at the imperial Hotel.¡± Giselle came to her senses and took


    Hera¡¯s hand affectionately as if they were very close.


    Herawithdrew her hand as she felt that Giselle had an uberior motive again.


    She wanted to see whattrick she was ying this time,


    An hourter in the VIP room on the third floor of the Imperial Hotel, Hera voiced out, ¡°Where¡¯s


    Mom?¡±


    Hera nced around the room, but there was only James sitting at the head of the table


    The table was filled with delicious dishes,


    ¡°Hera, take a seat. Lilith suddenly felt unwell and had to leave first.¡±


    James stood up, pulled out a chair, and was anally kind as he spoke.


    *This VIP room was booked by Lilith a week ago. Don¡¯t disappoint her.¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t be shy. Try the mushroom soup Mom ordered for you¡± Giselle scooped the soup into a


    bowl


    Herawatched them both pretending to be sincere. There was something fishyabout this!


    ¡°You can go straight to the point¡± She couldn¡¯t be bothered to beat about the bush with them.


    Giselle and James exchanged nces.


    When did Hera be so shrewd?


    James took a sip of water, pondered for an


    | moment, then said, ¡°Hera, I¡¯ve been thinking a lot during the time you were away.


    ¡°You¡¯ve suffered a lot in the mountains over the years. Now that you¡¯re back, we¡¯re finally reunited.


    We should all get along well as harmony brings prosperity.


    ¡°So, whatever trouble you caused before and the embarrassment you brought to the Everett family,


    I won¡¯t hold it against you anymore. You shouldn¡¯t be stubborn anymore.¡±


    What did he mean by she caused trouble, brought embarrassment to the Everett family, and


    shouldn¡¯t be stubborn?


    Hel


    Hera sneered, picked up her cutlery, and grabbed a piece of meat. ¡°Go on


    Her arrogant lone made it seem beshe was the one in charge.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    ¡°But now, your grandmother is hospitalized, and thepany¡¯s financial situation is in trouble


    again. If we can t secure investment soon, thepany will go bankrupt.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to see the Everett family go bankrupt and end up homeless, right? James said in a


    tatherly tone while suppressing his anger.


    Hera replied, ¡°So what?¡±


    James kindly passed the juice that Giselle had handed over to Hera


    ¡°So, Mr. Gagher from Omega Microsystems will be hereter. Apany him and try to secure


    his investment.¡±


    He then emphasized, as if afraid of her misunderstanding something, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll only be


    apanying him for drinks and nothing else!¡±


    Hera nced at the juice, picked it up as if nothing had happened, and took a sip.


    ¡°How much are you nning to ask him to invest?¡± she asked.


    James held up fivefingers ¡°Five million dors.¡±


    She was worth five million dors?


    Heh. She really was his biological daughter!


    At that moment, James¡® phone rang, and he nced at the caller ID before leaving immediately


    giselle followed him out


    After a while, the door to the private room opened again, but only Giselle returned.


    ¡°Something suddenly came up for Dad, and he went to apany another client. He asked you to


    stay and entertain Mr. Gacher,¡± Giselle said


    Hera detected the hidden agenda in Giselle¡¯s words and suddenly felt dizzy. ¡°What did y


    The next moment, she copsed onto the dining cable.


    you give me.¡±


    Diselle revealed a sinister smile when she saw this, and she anmediately took out her phone to


    make a call.


    ¡°Mr. Gagher, I¡¯ve prepared her for you.¡±


    Agray Lamborghini packed in front of the Imperial Hotel


    The hotel doorman opened the car door politely.


    ¡°I wonder if there are any new beauties on the fourth floor? Recently, I¡¯ve been doubting my


    eyesight. Last time I saw Flora, I thought it was so pretty,¡± Aaron said, tossing the car beys to the


    v.


    ¡°Be confident and dispel your doubts.¡± Bernard got out of the car.


    Aaron, still feeling wronged over mistaking someonest time, whimpered pititully.


    The two of them walked with an air of elegance


    Bemand wasn¡¯t wearing sses tonight He wore a fitted ck shirt and ck trousers. His neat


    short hair parted to the side, showcasing his rugged and perfect facial features. He looked so


    handsome that he took people¡¯s breath away


    The passing women couldn¡¯t help but turn their heads


    Among them was a heavily made¨Cup and seductive woman named Emilie Thornton, who worked as


    a liquor saleswoman on the fourth floor of the Imperial Hotel


    She saw the cool and eye¨Ccatching Lamborghini Reventon when she got out of the cab.


    The Lamborghind Reventon was limited to 21 units worldwide, starting at 15 million dors


    Emilie would still be willing to strike up econversation even if the person who got out of the car was


    a fat and bald old man, not to mention these two such dazzling handsome


    She was on the verge of rearing her dream of bing a rich madam.


    Emilie, who was waring high heels and swaying her waist, chased after Bernard¡¯s footsteps.


    When she caught up to them at the elevator, Emilie eximed, ¡°Oops!¡± and felltoward Bernard.


    However, he didn¡¯t reach out to help her as she had imagined and even avoided her skituly before


    entering the elevator,


    ¡°Get lost! Stay away from me.¡± Bemard gave her a cold nce, sending a chill down her spine.


    She hadn¡¯t even approached when he caught a whiff of her strong cheap perfume, making him


    nauseous.


    Emile fell t on her face, and her face turned pale with fright,


    ¡°Damn! Why are you kneeling to us?¡± Aaron was also startled and hurried into the elevator as if


    afraid of catching a virus.


    ¡°I still think Flora smells better.¡± He pinched his nose with one hand and closed the elevator door


    quickly with the other.


    Flora was a now raised by the military¡¯s kitchen staff.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    The elevator stopped on the third floor before the doors opened.


    dy wearing a ck duckbill cap and mask carried a tallerdy into the elevator with her head


    lowered.


    Thedy she was carrying wore Corridge¡¯s unor, which caught Aaron¡¯s attention, causing him to


    nce at her a few more times.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    The Lady Lytionless, seemingly unconscious. Her long ck hair covered her face, making her


    features indistinguishable


    Aaron was about to offer help when he saw how thedy was struggling, but the elevator stopped.


    They arrived at the froth floor.


    Bernard nudged Aaron.


    Aaron had no choice but to mind his own business. He stepped out of the elevator and headed


    straight for the private room.


    The girl being carried looks to have good bone structure. She¡¯s definitely beauty Boss, why did you


    stop me


    There was no response after he finished speaking; When be turned around, he realized that there


    was no


    Boss? Where did he go?


    Did he not get out of the elevator?


    Did Bernard stop Aaron so that he could strike up a conversation with thedy?


    one behind him.


    On the eighth floor of the Imperial Hotel, Giselle struggled to carry Hera and make her way to Room


    Hod.


    She felt as if there was an icy stare behind her, causing her to quicken her pace involuntarily.


    Room Boi¡¯s door was slightly ajan.


    Geselle hurriedly entered the room with Hera on her back, then quickly closed the door to block out


    the feeling of being watched.


    ¡°is the pretty littledy here?¡± Michael Gagher came out of the bathroom in a bathrobe and


    greeted Giselle with a perverted smile when he saw her cing Heron the bed.


    At just a nce from afar, he judged that Hera must be even more beautiful in person than in the


    photos


    Giselle gasped for breath and said, ¡°Mr. Gagher, enjoy yourself. Please confirm the investment as


    soon as possible. Also, don¡¯t tell my did about this.


    Michael readily agreed and then went back to the bathroom to blow dry his wet hair


    As Giselle turned to leave, she suddenly felt her clothes being caught on something.


    She realized it was Hera¡¯s hand when she turned back!


    She was surprised. The drug she used could make someone unconscious for two hours at the very


    minimum, so how did Hera wake up so quickly?


    She looked up and felt relieved when she saw that Hera¡¯s eyes were closed


    Hera must have grabbed her when she wasn¡¯t paying attention


    Giselle tried to pull away, but Hera¡¯s grip was too strong. She hadn¡¯t expected Hera to have such a


    strong grip even while unconscious


    She had no choice but to lean in to release Hera¡¯s grasp.


    What she didn¡¯t see was the silver needle on the fingertips of Hera¡¯s other hand.


    After Mr. Gagher finished drying his hair and came out of the bathroom, he caught a whiff of a


    faint pleasant fragrance, like aromatherapy.


    He thought to himself that Giselle was quite considerate.


    ¡°pretty littledy, let¡¯s have some fun,¡± he said as he took off his bathrobe and moved toward the


    lady lying on the bed.


    Giselle was suddenly awakened by the bervy weight pressing down on her. Michael had already to


    her clothes apart before she could figure out how she ended up on the bed.


    She pushed him away in a panic. ¡°Mr. Gagher, let go of me. I¡¯m Giselle! You¡¯ve got the wrong


    person!¡±


    Michael, however, seemed possessed. He continuously tore at Giselle¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Pretty littledy, don¡¯t struggle. The more you struggle, the more excited I get. Hahaha.¡±


    Terrified, Giselle screamed, ¡°Ah! Mr. Gagher, you¡¯ve got the wrong person!!! |


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    In her panic, she grabbed an ashtray on the bedside table and smashed it on his head


    Michael grunted, awakened from his daze.


    ¡°How dare you hit me!¡± he eximed while touching his forehead, which was covered in blood.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person!¡± Giselle was already crying in fear as she huddled at the head of the


    bed, chitching her torn clothes tightly.


    At that moment, there was a sudden bang as the door was lucked open


    A group of police officers rushed in. ¡°Freeze¡±


    ¡°We received a report that there was a sexual transaction taking ce here. Pleasee with us!


    The pole e quickly apprehended the two people on the bed.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to go to the police station..¡±


    As Giselle was handcuffed and taken away, she waspletely distraught and disheveled.


    she had clearly brought Hera here, so how did she end up lying on the bed?


    She only remembered trying to break away from Hera¡¯s grasp. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and her


    whole body became weak.


    When she woke up, Hera was gone!


    Giselle couldn¡¯t understand why Hera could still escape after drinking the juice she spiked.


    she was certain that Hera must have done something to make her taint!


    The elevator sounded as it reached the first floor.


    As the elevator doors opened, a group of reporters rushed over, broadcasting, taking photos, and


    interviewing. They attracted many onlookers.


    Some media recognized the disheveled Giselle.


    ¡°Ms. Everett, you¡¯re engaged to Mr. Gaskell Why were you in a hotel room with another man?


    ¡°Ms. Everett, does that mean you¡¯ve had a falling out with Mr. Gaskell?¡±


    ¡°Does Mr. Gaskell know about your infidelity?


    Relying on her engagement to Zyler, Giselle maintained her position as the heiress of the Everett


    family. If the Gaskell family found out about this, not only would her engagement and dreams of


    marrying into a wealthy tzmily vanish, but even her position as the family¡¯s heiress would be at risk.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not true. You¡¯re all spouting nonsense! Please stop ralding photos!¡± Giselle cried in


    despair.


    She had originally wanted to witness the scene of Heta being arrested by the police for prostitution


    firsthand. She had even anonymously tipped off the media, expecting it to be newsworthy.


    But she never expected that she would end up digging her own grave.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    It was all Hera¡¯s fault!


    At this moment, James was in a bar on the first floor of the Imperial Hotel entertaining clients.


    One moment, he was boasting to the clients about Giselle growing up, her engagement with the


    Gaskell family, and the stability of thepany¡¯s finances. He assured them of their cooperation.


    The next moment, Giselle was being led away by the police on charges of prostitution and


    surrounded by the media.


    ¡°Mr. Everett, your daughter is quite something.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s engaged to Zyler Gaskell on one hand and seducing the CEO of Omega Microsystems on


    the other. Your daughter is quite impressive.¡±


    ¡°I suggest we hold off on this partnership for now. Mr. Everett, you should focus on bailing your


    daughter first¡±


    The clients at the table murmured.


    James¡® facial expression turned bad. He wished he could find somewhere to hide.


    He put down his ss, apologized to the clients, and hurried to rescue his daughter


    James brought awyer to the police station and managed to bail out Giselle and Michael on the


    grounds of a misunderstanding.


    Michael was displeased throughout the bail process. He left promptly without giving James a


    chance to exin.


    The five million dor investment from Omega Microsystems was now down the drain.


    The Everett family was now facing a crisis of not being able to pay their employees, being unable to


    repay their mortgage loan, and being unable to afford Mildred¡¯s medical


    expenses.


    James¡® expression was as dark as night.


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Giselle tugged at James¡® clothes after getting into the car.


    w did things end up like this?¡± james asked with a grim expression.


    all Hera¡¯s fault! She set me up, made me faint on the bed, and made Mr. Gagher mistake me for


    someone else! Giselle said angrily, her tear¨Cfilled eyes bill of resentment.


    Chipler to

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    ¡°Hera knocked you out and sent you to Mr. Gagher¡¯s bed?¡± James asked angrily.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    James suddenly realized something, and his anger rose. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Hera would just be


    apanying him for drinks? How did it turn into something like sleeping with him!


    It was only then that Giselle realized she had identally Jet it slip.


    Originally, when she suggested to James that Hera apany Michael for drinks to secure the


    investment, she portrayed it as a purely innocent gesture. That was the only reason James agreed


    to it.


    It didn¡¯t mean he was a good person,


    James just cared too much about his reputation. Even if he disliked Hera, he wouldn¡¯t openly send


    her to someone else¡¯s bed, inviting gossip.


    ¡°It¡¯s. Hera. She deliberately seduced Mr. Gagher, just like she flirted with the delinquents before. I


    went to stop her, but she outsmarted me,¡± Giselle exined hastily.


    James raised his hand and pped her


    Giselle was thrown against the car window by the force of the blow, and a handprint immediately


    appeared on her cheek.


    ¡°Even if Hera is cunning, why would she suddenly target you for no reason? James gritted his


    teeth.


    ¡°She_She_II._¡± Giselle was afraid that the more she exined, the closer he would get to the truth,


    so she stopped exining. Instead, she covered her face and cried.


    She had failed miserably and nearly implicated her own innocence. She caused a scene at the


    police station, embarrassing James in public. It was only natural that he vented his anger on her.


    He was already infuriated, and now her crying only made him more frustrated and confused


    He let out a low growl. ¡°Enough! Stop crying I¡¯ll have Johnny find someone to retract the news that


    was sent out. As a precaution, you¡¯d better inform Zyler to prevent thepany¡¯s final business


    from falling apart ¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Giselle choked out the word.


    ¡°But don¡¯t think things are over just like this. Mr. Gagher¡¯s investment fell through, and the


    company¡¯s finances are tight, so I¡¯ll have someone put the house in Westin on the market through


    an agency tomorrow.¡± James said


    The house in Westin was one of the dowries James had prepared for Giselle, with a market value


    of five million dors..


    Giselle felt a pang of heartache but dared not refuse. She was so angry that her nails dug into her


    flesh..


    In Presidential Suite 8888 on the top floor of the Imperial Hotel, a loud ssh was heard.


    Arge hand pulled Hera out of the bathtub.


    ¡°Who let you in!¡± She shivered from the cold and didn¡¯t know when Bemard had barged


    She didn¡¯t want him to see her in such a miserable state.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯te in, you would¡¯ve drowned yourself!¡±


    Bernard looked at her, his gaze mixed with annoyance and concern.


    Her face was pale from the cold, her lips were devoid of color, and her long ck hair was clinging


    to her face, making her look even paler.


    Droplets of water from her hair flowed down her fair and delicate neck, soaking her light gray school


    uniform in the bathtub


    When she drank that ss of juice, she had already numbed her senses in advance.


    But she didn¡¯t expect the effects of the drug to be even stronger than she had anticipated.


    Unfortunately, she happened to bump into Bernard when she escaped from the room.


    ¡°Are you still feeling ufortable? Bernard asked.


    Herashook her head.


    He bent down and Fitted her out of the bathtub.


    Hera¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she remembered her mentor saying that men were always up to


    no good. She felt a little flustered

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    ¡°I grew up with you!¡± Hera tried to maintain aposed expression


    ¡°So what? You¡¯re the youngdy of the Everett family anyway.¡±


    Bemard denied it, tightening his grip on her..


    He looked at Hera in his arms. Her nervousness and the appearance of wanting to resist but not


    daring to move made her more approachable than her usual aloof and distant self.


    He put her on the couch. His long hands were propped on the backrest and seat of the couch,


    imprisoning her between his arms.


    ¡°Nothing happened before, but now that you¡¯ve grown up and we¡¯re not rted by blood, the feeling


    is different¡±


    His gaze was focused, and his lips curled up as he leaned in close to Hera¡¯s ear. ¡°Especially since


    you saved my life.¡±


    Bernard¡¯s gentle and maic voice was very pleasing to the ears.


    The warm breath from his words brushed against Hera¡¯s ear, causing her heart to skip a beat


    unintentionally. Her body trembled involuntarily


    This kind of nervous feeling was subtle. It seemed like she was expecting something in her heart,


    but she was also afraid of what might happen.


    ¡°Perfect timing Ican¡¯t stay in the Killian family anymore. How about I be the son¨Cinw of the


    Everett family?¡± Bernard looked at her intently.


    If someone else were present and heard Bernard, who held almost as many shares as the Kilian


    family¡¯s patriarch, they would probably be shocked to the point of dropping their Jaws.


    Hera pushed him away immediately.


    She didn¡¯t understand why Bernard would tease her like this. Considering their identity and


    rtionship, was impossible between them.


    But due to their disparity in strength, her hands were pressed against Remard¡¯s chest but she


    couldn¡¯t push him awaypletely.


    Bernard lowered his head, his forehead touching Hera¡¯s. ¡°You can choose to agree to it or kiss me.


    I¡¯ll let you go either way.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one choice!¡± Hera frowned slightly.


    ¡°Very clever!¡± Bernard saw that she was about to get angry and stopped teasing her. He chuckled


    softly and continued, ¡°Don¡¯t do things like obtaining a pyrrhic victory in the


    future.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Hera was speechless


    So, he actually knew what happened tonight and deliberately walled for her at the door?


    Bernard handed her a clean set of clothes and then turned to leave.


    Hera felt an inexplicable sense of being manipted and then abandoned


    She felt a little annoyed.


    After changing her clothes and drying her hair, Hera heard Bernard making a phone call faintly


    outside the suite.


    He deliberately lowered his voice. ¡°Take down the Everett family..


    When Bernard returned, his expression was calm, and be brought a cup of chamomile tea


    After drinking the tea, Hera¡¯splexion finally showed some improvement.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about the Everett family¡¯s matters,¡± Hera said.


    Bernard casually nced at her. He did not expect her to have overheard what he said outside the


    suite just now,


    ¡°I do want to worry, but I¡¯m just an illegitimate child without power or authority in the Killian family¡±


    He chuckled softly, refusing to admit it.


    Hera was speechless.


    After washing up, Hera pretended to be sleepy and urged Bernard to leave


    As he tucked her into bed and was about to leave, he reached for the light switch and turned off the


    lights.


    Hera immediately sat up. ¡°Don¡¯t turn off the lights!


    There was a trembling in her voke that she couldn¡¯t control


    Bernard turned the lights back on, only to see Hera¡¯s pale face as she clutched the nket tightly


    with both hands..


    When did she grow afraid of the dark?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    He approached her, but he was stopped before his hand touched her. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Hera raised her head, and her eyes were tinged with red with lingering fear.


    Upon seeing Beard¡¯s face clearly, she came back to her senses and covered her face with her


    hands. A momentter, she took a deep breath.


    Bernard looked at her fragile appearance and felt a twinge of pain in his heart. What had she been


    through all these years?

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    been through all these years?


    ¡°Alright I¡¯ll be in the living rooms. Call me if you need anything.¡±


    He lowered his hand which was frozen in mid¨Cair and turned around. In that instant, the gentle glint


    in his eyes vanished, reced by a cold gaze


    The door closed, dividing the room and the living room into two separate spaces.


    Inside the room, Hera regained herposure after taking a deep breath. The exquisite features


    on her face once again disyed an aloofness.


    Her encounter tonight was all thanks to Giselle.


    She could ignore her identity as the youngdy of the Everett family, forget the Everett family¡¯s


    double standards, and even overlook Giselle¡¯s repeated provocations


    But this time, Giselle had crossed her bottom line.


    She wanted to y, didn¡¯t she?


    She would y with Giselle and see if Giselle could handle it


    Hers got out of bed, turned on theputer, and took out a mini USB sh drive from her phone


    case before plugging it into theputer.


    She typed on the keyboard, and lines of code were generated across the screen. Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    In the living room, Bernard sat on the couch with aptop on his legs. His long and slender fingers


    were tapping on the keyboard.


    His expression was cold, and be gazed at the rapidly shing code on the screen.


    The first thing Giselle did when she woke up the next day was to checkst night¡¯s news.


    It made her jump in shock.


    The top trending news was-¡°Zyler Gaskell wins third ce in the International Chopin Piano


    Competition.¡±


    The second news was-


    ¡°Zyler Gaskell¡¯s fianc¨¦e caught cheating.¡±


    Not only was the scandal exposedst night not petracted, but it was also amplified by the media,


    particrly in conjunction with Zyler¡¯s award details.


    After an overnight of heated discussion,izens had already dug up her past misdeeds on the


    academy¡¯s forum.


    Now, it would be difficult even if she wanted to keep the Gaskell family from knowing aboutst


    night¡¯s incident!


    ¡°Johnny, why hasn¡¯tst night¡¯s news been taken down?¡±


    Giselle immediately called James¡® assistant, Johnny Pritchett.


    ¡°Ms. Everett, I tried to delete itst night, but I couldn¡¯t! I even tried to find the number one hacker in


    Norburgh, but they refused to take the job.¡±


    Johnny paused and asked tentatively, ¡°Ms. Everett, did you offend someone? People in the hacker


    community are saying they dare not ept your tasks for fear of offending Raven.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Raven?¡± Giselle asked.


    ¡°Raven is the codename of a hacker, the apprentice of the internationally renowned top hacker, S.


    He¡¯s recognized as a big shot in the domestic hackermunity. But we don¡¯t know who Raven is,¡±


    Johnny exined.


    Johnny didn¡¯t know, and neither did Giselle


    She didn¡¯t even know who the real Raven was, so how could she have offended him?


    But the person who wanted to see her embarrassed most had to be Hera!


    So, it had to be Hera who found someone to prank her!


    She really underestimated Hera.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already had the Lawyer Issue a statement to refute the rumors. People will forget about this


    kind of entertainment gossip quickly. You don¡¯t need to worry anymore. The trending news will be


    reced when the next piece of newses out,¡± Johnny advised.


    As the person involved in the scandal, Giselle naturally couldn¡¯t be as optimistic as Johnny.


    It wouldn¡¯t help even if a statement was issued to refute the rumors. The longer this news stayed


    trending, the more the Gaskells would believe it!


    She couldn¡¯t just sit and wait! She had to find new gossip to rece it quickly!


    And the best candidate for this gossip was Hera


    She put the most potent drug in that ss of juice precisely to prevent Hera from escaping.


    Even if Hera managed to escape by chance, she would definitely need to find a man to get rid of the


    effects!


    As soon as Giselle thought of this, she immediately went to the Imperial Hotel to check the


    surveince footage.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    At the Imperial Hotel, the front desk attendant told Giselle, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you don¡¯t have permission to


    view the hotel¡¯s surveince footage.¡±


    ¡°I suffered a loss in your hotelst night, and you¡¯re responsible! You must cooperate with me and


    show me the surveince footage fromst night. I need to find the culprit who


    framed me.


    i don¡¯t cooperate with meti


    Diselle took off her sunsses, her demeanor imposing as she revealed her identity. ¡°I¡¯m Mr.


    Gaskell¡¯s fianc¨¦e I¡¯ll report you if you don¡¯t coo


    She deliberately mentioned the Gaskell family, thinking that the staff wouldn¡¯t dare to easily offend


    the Gaskell family although the Imperial Hotel was Eamous in Noeburgh.


    However, the front desk attendant still maintained a professional smile and said, ¡°Ms. Everett,


    you¡¯re wee to make a scene if you¡¯re not afraid of your surveince footage || fromst night


    being made public¡±


    Everything had been arranged as someone had already predicted that Giselle woulde.


    ¡°You!¡± Giselle¡¯s face turned pale.


    Who could order the staff of the Imperial Hotel and cover up for Heral


    Gazelle¡¯s mind conjured up a perfect handsome face¨CBernard.


    Everything made sense if it was someone from the Killian family who intervened.


    As soon as she thought of Bernard protecting Hera, she clenched her fist tightly. Bernard should


    have been hers from the beginning!


    Since Giselle couldn¡¯t ess the surveince footage, she could only take the final step¨Cfind Zyler.


    At Kraka International Airport at Udra, 2yler and his ssmates were waiting at the VIP bunge.


    ¡°Zyler, your fianc¨¦e is also in the news.¡±


    A ssmate of his showed Zyler the domestic news he had just seen ¡°Zyler Gaskell¡¯s fianc¨¦e


    caught cheating¡±


    Although the Everett family had issued a statement to refute the rumors, the video and photos of


    Giselle and the rumored older man being taken away by the police were not


    Furthermore, things were escting


    Zyler¡¯s expression turned bad.


    He hadn¡¯t even looked for Giselle yet, but Gisco¡¯s overseas call came first


    ¡°Gigi, what¡¯s with that news? Are you okay? Zyter walked aside and answered the phone.


    ¡°Zer, 1. Boo¨Choo.¡± Giselle burst into tears as soon as she started speaking.


    She cried heartrendingly while gasping for breath. Thispletely broke Zyler¡¯s heart, and he had


    completely forgotten about the news,


    Giselle finally stopped and began to exin after crying for a full ten minutes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely Hera¡¯s fault. She just likes you and wants to be your fianc¨¦e, so she deliberately


    framed me


    ¡°Her?¡± Zylerughed in anger


    Giselle hadined to him about how era didn¡¯t just want to be a foster daughter previously and


    wanted to be the youngdy of the Everett family. For this, Hara had made


    Giselle sufferabot


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Now, not only did Hera want to be the youngdy of the Everett family, but she also wanted to


    compete with Giselle for him?


    He was the son of the Gaskell family!


    He was born into a prestigious family and raised in houry. He received a high¨Cquality education,


    had excellent looks and outstanding academic performance, and was recognized as the no


    prodigy of Norburgh.


    How dare a country bumpkin like Hera, who was ugly and cheated her way into the entrance exam,


    have such thoughts about him?


    She was daydreaming!


    How could she not consider her appearance and status?


    Only Giselle, with her noble birth, high education, kindness, and gentleness, was worthy of him.


    As for Hera, it was impossible!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I only have you in my heart, Gigi I won¡¯t be seduced by her!¡± Zyler assured her


    exnestly.


    ¡°I believe you, Zee.¡± Giselle achieved her goal and acted like a goody¨Cgoody. ¡°But isn¡¯t it unfair to


    Heta? She doesn¡¯t know your feelings. When youe back, will you ¨C Zyles immediately dispelled


    her worries. ¡°I¡¯ll fly everything with her after seturning to Norburgh!¡±


    Bemard stood by the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window on the eighth floor while watching Giselle¡¯s tiny figure


    leaving the Imperial Hotel, His eyes were filled with a cold light ¡°Mr. Killian, the matter has been


    handled ording to your arrangements,¡± the manager of the Imperial Hotel said respectfully.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    ¡°You can leave.¡± Bernard waved his hand.


    1:|:??


    The manager immediately left, only exhaling deeply once he reached the door


    In the presidential suite, the room door opened from the inside. Hera came out wearing a light pink


    tweed suit.


    The light pink color made her fair skin appear even fairer, adding a hint of loveliness to her icy


    demeanor.


    The clothes were prepared by Bemard.


    Where are you going? I¡¯ll drive you¡± Bernard turned around. The coldness in his eyes instantly


    disappeared and was reced by a gentle glow.


    Hera experienced once again what it meant for someone to change their attitude in the blink of an


    eye, and she didn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°Back to the Everett residence,¡± she said to him


    Bernard was somewhat surprised. Why was Hera suddenly so casual with him?


    Before he could ask, Hera added casually, ¡°I¡¯m toozy to get acab


    Bernard was speechless.


    He dropped Hera off at the entrance of the Everett residence before leaving


    As his car left, a ck BMW followed behind.


    Inside the car, Gino was recliningzily in the back seat with his feet propped up on the front seat.


    He was ying games.


    The driver reminded him three times to sit properly and pay attention to safety, but it was all in vain.


    Gino was a spoiled rich kid, so the driver could only try his best to drive steadily.


    Arthis moment, he saw a tall and beautiful figure and muttered, ¡°Ms. Hera is back.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Gino immediately threw away his phone and sat up but ended up falling back on the seat


    The driver immediately mmed on the brakes, thinking that he was done foc!


    He had worked for nothing this month


    He was already familiar with what was going to happen next Gino would start wailing and howling


    about the driver¡¯s unstable driving, thenin to Mildred and have his sry deducted.


    However, the expected crying didn¡¯te.


    ¡°That country bumpkin finally retumed.¡± Gino got up quickly.


    He saw Hera walking forward through the car window and urged, ¡°Open the door! Hurry up!¡±


    The driver was puzzled and quickly unlocked the back door.


    Gino pushed open the door, jumped out of the car, and shouted behind Hera, ¡°Hey, Heral Stop


    right there¡±


    Hera ignored him and kept walking


    She only returned to the Everett residence to confirm whether Lilith was involved inst night¡¯s


    incident.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Hey, are you not only blind but also deal!¡± Gino was angered by her indifference.


    She hadn¡¯t replied to his messages before, and now she didn¡¯t even respond when she saw him.


    He grabbed her clothes when he finallycaught up to her. ¡°I¡¯m talking to you


    ¡°Let go of your filthyhand!¡± Hera nced at his hand.


    Gino let go instinctively but then wondered why he was obeying her!


    He needed to save his reputation!


    ¡°Are you out of money anding back to ask for some? Dad¡¯s not in a good mood recently. You¡¯ll


    only get scolded it you ask him for money once youe back. You¡¯d better ask me for help. Hey,


    I¡¯m talking to you!¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, Hera had already walked away.


    She didn¡¯t even show him any respect!


    Gino hurriedly caught up with her by taking small steps. Before he could speak, Hera stuffed the


    unfinished tea in her hand into his arms.


    ¡°shut up and don¡¯t make a fuss¡±


    Gine nced at the half¨Cdrunk cup of tea in his arms, feeling annoyed. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a trash


    can?¡±


    After scolding her, he took a sip of the tea it was really sweet!


    The driver was shocked Didn¡¯t Gino diske Hera? Why did he seem so happy


    py that Hera was back? And he even drank her leftover beal

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    ¡°Hera, you¡¯re finally back¡±


    Lilith saw her and was very happy, pulling Hera into her warm embrace


    Hera del a bit ufortable, but she didn¡¯t avoid it and answered all of Lilith¡¯s questions


    After some small talk, Lilith took out a bank card.


    ¡°Theard that you¡¯re not living on campus. Are you used to living on your own outside?¡± She handed


    the card to Hera


    ¡°There¡¯s 100 thousand dors in here. I saved it myself. Take it and let me know if it¡¯s not enough.


    Don¡¯t do anything that makes you unhappy.¡±


    Thetter words were said very tactfully, but Hera pralized something Someone was talking


    nonsense to Lith, muking Llith worry about her.


    It was obvious who that person was.


    ¡°I¡¯m staying with a friend, so you don¡¯t need to worry. Take the money back. I have ebaugh.¡± Hera


    returned the bank card.


    Lichfelracle sad when Hera refosed her kindnes


    She thought Hera was going to ask James for living expenses and exined, ¡°Your dad is still


    angry, and his mood n¡¯t good because of what happened to Gisellest night.


    ¡°He went to thepany early this morning, and he doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re back. You might not be


    able to get any living expenses from him, so you should take what I give you? Lilith didn¡¯t know the


    truth about what happenedst night


    ¡°I didn¡¯te back for money. came back to visit you. How are you feeling? Hera said, taking


    Lilith¡¯s hand and checking her pulse.


    Lilith was very touched and a linte surprised.


    Since he moved out, it hadn¡¯t been feeling well


    The doctor said it was due to blood deficiency, causing restlessness. She had been taking medicine


    for a while, but it not only didn¡¯t relieve her symptoms but also caused asional chest tightness


    and headaches.


    But she hadn¡¯t told Her about any of this, so how did the know?


    After Hera checked her pulse, she took out an acupuncher kit.


    Lilith was surprised. ¡°Hea, you know acupuncture?¡±


    ¡°Heamed it from my grandmother.¡± Hera spread out the acupuncture kit.


    she skillfully performed acupuncture, finding acupoints and inserting needles with precision.


    After removing the needles, the pleasantly surprised when her chest tightness and headache


    disappeared.


    She had been taking medicine for half a month without improvement, yet just a low needles from


    Hera had worked wonders.


    ¡°Could you take a look at your grandmother? she¡¯s been in the hospital all this while.


    After saying it subconsciously, Lilith regretted when she saw it¡¯s cold expression


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just want everything to go smoothly at home¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it ¡°Hera said calmly.


    Lich selt abit guilty. Herabad finallye back, but she had ruined the atmosphere.


    She didn¡¯t mention it anymore, and she hesitated on how to offer the money apan,


    After Her packed the acupuncture kit up, she saw through Lilith¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°Thave ways to earn money. You don¡¯t need to give me any,¡± she said.


    Lith thought of Hera possibly doing part¨Ctime work and felt even more distressed and


    ufortable


    Herswould rather work hard than ask for money from home.


    Thinking of this, she took out another card.


    ¡°This is the supplementary card Gideon e me. He said it has a monitily limit of 500 thousand


    dors. I don¡¯t need it, so you can take it


    Hera was speechless.


    Hera took a napon the couch before lunch.


    Gino walked by, kicked the couch, and said, ¡°Go back to your r


    troom if you want to sleep. Don¡¯t be an eyesore bene¡±


    Hera¨Copened her beauts eyes which were clear and cold.


    ¡°What are you looking at me for? Do you want me to carry you back upstairs? Gino scolded


    grimptly


    ¡°Gino, how can you talk to Hera likedat?


    Liath came out of the kitchen and exined, ¡°Hera, Gino actually wants you to go upstairs and take


    a look. He¡¯s been keeping your room for you, hoping you¡¯de back to stay Hera looked atcino


    with surprise. She blocked his number when be annoyed her in the past


    tins blushed. ¡°Who wants her toe back and stay? just felt sorry for her and gave her the room!


    If she doesn¡¯t want to live here, she can forget it! I¡¯m going to eat. I¡¯m starving!¡±


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    After speaking, he turned and walked arogantly toward the dining room,


    Hera femained silent.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Lover.


    Oina walked into the dining room and happened to see Judy carrying a garbage bag, about to take


    away the cup of tea on the coffee table. He immediately rushed on


    ¡°What are you doing with my tea?


    Judy shook the empty cup in her hand ¡°Gino, thought it was empty.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not empty!¡± Gino stepped forward and snatched it back. ¡°There are still two drops left in 11!¡±


    After saying that, be shaped it up.


    ¡°Are you done with it now? Can I take the cup away?¡± Judy asked.


    ¡°No! I think this cup looks nice. Wash it clean and keep it for flower arrangements,¡± Gino said.


    Judy was puzzled.


    When did Gino be so thrifty?


    After lunch, Hera went back to visit Tiramisu


    Ging was angry to see her leave so quickly without even going upstairs to check the room out,


    ¡°Mom, how much pocket money did you secretly give her behind my back? She left as soon as she


    got the money! She¡¯s so materialistic.¡±


    ¡°Hera didn¡¯t ask me for money. She said she would earn it herself.¡±


    Lilith actually wanted Hera to take the money. At least she could make up for her regrets of the past


    17 years with it.


    But Hera didn¡¯t take a single penny, let alone the ck card.


    ¡°Really?¡± Gino was skeptical


    No wonder she brought him half a cup of tea as a gift when she came back. She was so frugal


    He would give her some pocket money for the sake of that half cup of tea.


    Hera suddenly received a WhatsApp notification about a transter while in the car.


    She opened it and saw that Gmo had transferred 25 thousand dors to her.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Hera sent him a question mark.


    Ginoc ¡°Don¡¯t bring such frugal gifts for me next time¡±


    Hera replied with another question mark


    When did she give him a gift?


    Gino: ¡°At least bring a whole cup of tea next time.¡±


    Hera did not know what to say to that


    She thought that Gino was quite cute


    In the self¨Cstudy ss on Monday afternoon, Hera leased her chin on one hand while swiping her


    phone with the other. Her postre was catal, but she exuded an air of dootness


    On her phone screen was a WhatsApp conversation.


    Piglet: ¡°Boss, you¡¯re amazing! I sent someone to search the hospital but couldn¡¯t find Isabe and


    her mother!


    ¡°Adtering some means, I found out that they disappeared from the hospital the day after Isabe¡¯s


    mother was admitted for treatment!


    ¡°The key is that her mother¡¯s medical records have been constantly updated¡±


    This indicated that someone had noticed that Hera had found Isabe and deliberately arranged


    this diversionary Lactic


    Hera hadn¡¯t sent someone to visit them, she wouldn¡¯t have noticed that Isabe and her mother had


    already disappeared!


    Piglet ¡°Now all the clues are gone.


    ¡°Beas, what should we do now? Should we report it to the police?¡±


    Raven: ¡°No need.¡±


    Since the mastermind could arrange such a meticulous diversionary tactic, reporting it to the police


    would be useless.


    Piglet ¡°By the way, Boss, you haven¡¯t said why you wanted to find this poor mother and daughter?¡±


    Raven: ¡°There are things you shouldn¡¯t ask


    Piglet: ¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡±


    Hera blocked him before he could bber.


    I was suspicious that Isabe took her mother abroad for treatment.


    Did the mastermind park because Hera was getting closer to the truth?

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Hera¡¯s slender fingers moved back and forth on her phone.


    It seemed that she was on the right track this time. Isabe and her mother were the key


    breakthroughs in the car ident years ago


    But their sudden disappearance now suggested that she had been exposed


    She had to find them quickly before the mastermind acted again!


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    At that moment, her phone screen suddenly Et up, alerting her to a new message. She quickly sat


    up straight


    5 finallyreplied to her: ¡°Iheard you¡¯re looking for Isabe. You can take a look at this information.¡±


    Then, he sent over a document.


    Hera nced at the message she had sent earlier which was ignored by S. She had asked if she


    could meet with him.


    She felt relieved that S replied to her message even though she had overstepped the boundary,


    which indicated that 5 was giving her a chance.


    Raven: ¡°Thank you, Mr. 5.


    After some thought, she found a cute emoji in the conversation with Piglet and sent it over


    As expected, 5 didn¡¯t reply again.


    Hera opened the document, only to find information about Queenie Rians!!


    Queenie was a distant rtive of the Killian family. She was the wife of Terence Gaskell from the


    Gaskell family in Norburgh.


    Did S providing her information about Queenie suggest that Isabe¡¯s disappearance was linked to


    Queenie?


    In the evening, Hera was done checking Lilith¡¯s health at the Everett residence. Right as she was


    about to leave, Giselle stopped het.


    ¡°Hera, the Gaskell family is hosting a celebration banquet for Zee¡¯s award on Independence Day.


    You should join the event,¡± Giselle said in the tone of a hostess,


    ¡°Sure!¡± Hera readily agreed


    She was just thinking about find


    Giselle¡¯s timing was really on point.


    reason to go to the Gaskell residence, and it came to her.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t attended such a high¨Cend banquet before. You need to wear formal attire. Take this


    set of formal attire with you¡± Giselle smiled and handed her a gift box.


    Hera nced at the gift box. It seemed that Giselle hadn¡¯t learned her lesson yet.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She took the gift box and lett.


    Giselle watched Hera¡¯s graceful figure as she left. Her smile disappeared instantly and was


    reced by a venomous re


    This time, she would definitely embarrass Heral


    1.1


    Soon, it was Independence Day.


    Bernard arrived at Skyview Heights with a stylist early in the morning


    ¡°Theard you¡¯re attending the Gaskell family¡¯s banquet, so I¡¯ve hired a stylist for you.¡±


    Hera wasn¡¯t surprised. ¡°You¡¯re really well informed.¡±


    ¡°I care about you,¡± Bernard said with a faint smile ying at theers of his mouth.


    This sentence sounded quite ordinarypared to what he saidst time at the hotel


    But it seemed that it was the stylist¡¯s first time hearing Bernard say such gentle words, and he even


    smiled!


    She had the privilege of styling Bernard a few times. Although he deliberately wore sses to make


    himselt look gentlemanly and mild, he was actually cold and unapproachable.


    She had wondered what kind of woman could match such a perfect man.


    Now, she finally had the answer.


    Hera was naturally beautiful, with skin so wless that conventional cosmetics were unnecessary.


    The stylist only applied some light makeup to her face and curled her hair.


    Hera changed into a white sequined dress. The skirt was adorned with diamonds and shimmering


    sequins, enhancing her delicate features and fair skin. It gave her a fairy¨Clike Appearance.


    She looked elegant with her jet¨Cck hair slightly curled and paired with pearl essories. The


    feather earrings swayed gracefully, which made her look like a doll with her flowing hair, slender


    waist, and high nose bridge that entuated her facial features, she captivated Bernard¡¯s gaze.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    ¡°you need a malepanion.¡± Bernard extended his hand, making a gentlemanly invitation.


    Tiramisu darted out from behind Bernard with a grunt and stood in front of him.


    Its nose was directed at Hera, its tail wagging desperately. Its round eyes were gleaming as it


    saying, ¡°Pick me Pick mel


    Seeing this, Bernard furrowed his brows Eightly How dare a pigpete with him for attention!


    He lifted his foot subtly and moved Tiramisu aside.


    Tiramisu grunted disapprovingly at him twice and wanted to bite the bottom of his trousers, but it


    didn¡¯t dare to. It ended up pitifully snuggling up to tera, whining and cooing for attention


    Hera couldn¡¯t help butugh at its antics. She squatted down and litted it before rubbing its little


    head.


    Tiramisu closed its eyes in contentment. Afterward, it even stack out its tongue at Bernard, proudly


    showing off that its owner chose it.


    Bernard was speechless.


    ¡°I¡¯m suddenly craving pork chop. What should I do?¡± His long Engersnded on Tiramisu¡¯s back


    Tiramisu¡¯s hair stood on end immediately, and it snuggled into Hera¡¯s armas. If it were a species


    with thick fur, it would probably look like a puffed¨Cup plg.


    Hera was speechless.


    Meanwhile, the stylist¡¯s jaw almost dropped as she was astonished by this interaction.


    Bernard was actually jealous of a pig!


    When it was time for the banquet, Bernard dropped Hera off near the entrance of the Gaskell


    residence.


    ¡°Do you really not want me to apany you? I really want to go. Bernard looked at Hera, his deep


    gaze seemingly capable of entrancing people.


    Dous had parked the car. He almost choked while drinking water when he heard Bemard¡¯s


    pleading tone


    Wasn¡¯t it Bernard who threw the invitation card sent by the Gaskell family into the trash?


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t want to.¡± Hera rebused.


    Bernard was in Norburgh, and the Gaskell family had to know about him. They must have invited


    him to the banquet, and if he didn¡¯t n on attending it in the first ce, there was even less


    reason for him to appear with her.


    Moreover, she came to the Gaskell residence for a reason.


    Bernard looked at her with a piecting gaze. ¡°You¡¯re dressed so beautifully. I¡¯m worried you might run


    off with someone¡±


    Dous choked on his water up front


    Good gracious! Was this really something Bernard would say?


    ¡°I won¡¯t. Tiramisu will apany me.¡± Hera picked up Tiramisu.


    Tiramisu immediately lifted its proud little head toward Bernard, revealing the ck bow tie


    specially worn around its neck.


    Bernard looked at the pig in her arms, as if he were looking at a te of pork chop, and sighed


    regretfully. ¡°Fine. Call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Hera responded and got out of the car white bolding Tiramisu.


    The atmosphere at the Gaskell family¡¯s banquet was grand and lively, with guests mingling and


    toasting each other.


    Giselle walked gracefully into the banquet hall wearing a white dress.


    The dress, adorned with diamonds and sparkling sequins, made her look charming and attractive. It


    drew many admiring nces.


    ¡°Wow, Giselle! You look really beautiful today.¡±


    Some recognized the dress Giselle was wearing


    ¡°This dress is from the hands of the international top designer, Karl Lagerfeld, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, It¡¯s called ¡°The Angel, designed by Kack for his first love. The diamonds and sequins on it


    were all sewn on by him personally.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really


    y gorgeous. I wanted to buy it too, but it¡¯s a limited edition.¡±


    ¡°This dress is hard toe by. I heard even the Duchess of Jascil couldn¡¯t get it. I didn¡¯t expect you


    to get it. You¡¯re amazing!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Everett Lamily to be so wealthy¡±


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡°Giselle, you look so beautiful in ¡±


    Faring everyone¡¯spliments, Giselle smiled gracefully. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    At flih moment, the previously lively banquet suddenly quieted down, and everyone looked toward


    the entrance.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Hera walked in wearing a gown while cradling Tiramisu in her arms.


    Someone chuckled.


    Quietly, the people made space


    oce for Hera a


    and Giselle to stand face to face. To everyone¡¯s surprise, they were decked out in matching


    dresses.


    But where Hera radiated elegance effortlessly, Giselle seemed tock the finesse, charm, and


    poise that Hera effortlessly exuded.


    Though d in identical attice, they exaded entirely different vibes. One seemed like a mere pauper


    striving for the stars while the other was like a princess.


    Giselle couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous as she looked at Hera, who stood before her so majestically.


    Even though the gown was a replica, it seemed tailor¨Cmade for Hera


    Despite her jealousy, Giselle¡¯s excitement for the uing spectacle overshadowed any


    resentment she harbored.


    Seeing Giselle in the same gown, Hera instantly grasped why she had been given it. She parted


    Tiramisu¡¯s head and whispered, ¡°Remember what I told you? Go ahead.¡±


    With that, she released Tiramisu, who scurried off to find a spot. The onlookers were more


    interested in the drama than Tiramise.


    ¡°Hera, where did you get this gown? It looks remarkably authentic for a knockoff,¡± Lily scrutinized


    Hera. Lily, a scion of the Bourne family, was one of the guests invited by the Gaskell¡¯s.


    ¡°Knockott?¡± Hera¡¯s expression remained indifferent.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Lily sneered, ¡°This gown is called The Angel, a one¨Cof¨Ca¨Ckind! There¡¯s only a single set in


    existence. If Giselle¡¯s gown is legit, then isn¡¯t what you¡¯re sporting just a replica?¡±


    ¡°Lily, why bother talking to her? She¡¯s just a country bumplein taken in by the Everetts. She


    probably isn¡¯t familiar with luxury goods at all. If it weren¡¯t for the Everetts, she wouldn¡¯t even be at


    such an upscale banquet,¡± someone interjected.


    *she¡¯s wearing the same gown as Giselle at Mr. Gaskell¡¯s celebration despite herck of knowledge


    about luxury goods. What¡¯s het motive?¡± Lily mocked.


    Whispers spread among the onlookers.


    As an adopted daughter, Hera¡¯s decision to wear the same gown as the heiress of the Everetts


    could be interpreted as attention¨Cseeking or an attempt to steal Giselle¡¯s fianc¨¦ After all, the guests


    invited by the Gaskells were all affluent and influential figures


    *Lily, why are you picking on Hera like that? Maybe she didn¡¯t realize she was wearing a knockoff


    and just wanted to look good for the party. Maybe she was duped into buying a take,¡± Giselle


    defended


    Giselle approached Hera in a friendly manner. ¡°Hera, why didn¡¯t you let me help you choose a


    gown? It could¡¯ve spared us all this¡­.¡±


    Giselle¡¯s hesitant tone, coupled with Hera¡¯s cold demeanor, fueled more spection


    Despite being the adopted daughter of the Everett family, Hera¡¯s actions seemed ungrateful and


    scheming. She appeared to be nothing more than a haughty country girl.


    ¡°Are you sure yours is authentic?¡± Hera¡¯s gaze turned icy as she observed Giselle¡¯s hypocritical


    demeanor.


    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s a funny question.¡± Lily chuckled.


    The surrounding crowd joined in theugh


    They were loyal fans of Karl Lagerfeld¡¯s designs. Each season, the designer¡¯s new collection was in


    high demand, especially if it was a limited edition.


    Obtaining a limited¨Cedition piece was almost impossible. Nheless, they wouldn¡¯t settle for


    knockoffs, knowing it would tarnish their family¡¯s reputation


    Aware that their image reflected their family¡¯s standing, any blemish would not only tamish their


    personal reputation but also besminch their family¡¯s andpany¡¯s name.


    Giselle had always been a patron of designer brands. They knew she wouldn¡¯t wear fake goods to


    her fianc¨¦¡¯s celebration!


    ¡°Karl Lagerfeld¡¯s haute couture engraves their logo on every essory,¡± Hera exined, plucking a


    sequin from Giselle¡¯s dress.


    Giselle was caught off guard by the tug. Her horror deepened as the sequin came loose, ttering


    to the ground alongside others from her dress.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Giselle¡¯s face drained of color in an instant, her hand instinctively covering the affected area. How in


    the world could this happen?


    ¡°There¡¯s no logo here,¡± someone pointed out after picking up a sequin from the ground.


    ¡°No! This can¡¯t be selle eximed in disbelief she checked several sequins and even the diamond


    base, but none bore the engraved logo!


    Her mind went nk. She grabbed hold of Hera¡¯s skirt, frantically examining the sequins. Each one


    sported the logo!


    How was this even possible! She had clearly given Hera a knockoff gown, so how did it turn out to


    be the real deal? Was it swapped? ¡°You¡°Giselle pointed usingly at Hera


    Upon confirmation that Hera was indeed wearing the genuine The Angel gown, the onlookers¡®


    attention swiftly shifted to Giselle. It turned out the joke was on her.


    ¡°And what about me?¡± Hera chuckled lightly. ¡°Did I sneally wear the genuine one while we agreed to


    wear lonockoffs together?¡±


    In reality, Hera didn¡¯t pay much attention to luxury brands. She preferred the sheath evening gown


    her grandmother made for her.


    Coincidentally, Bemard saw Hera bringing home the gown Giselle had given her. He immediately


    discarded it in disgust and fetched an identical gown that morning.


    A swift online search for the gown¡¯s logo enlightened Hera about the situation. Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Giselle widened her eyes in disbelief. She had paid a high price for this gown. How could it be fake?


    And how could Hera afford the genuine one?


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough!¡± a male voice cut in.


    The onlookers made way, revealing a young man in a fitted white suit. He walked over with a


    meaningful expression.


    ¡°Zer.¡± Giselle¡¯s tears welled up at the sight of Zyler¡¯s arrival She appeared vulnerable and pitiful.


    Zyler¡¯s heart softened looking at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t M


    worry.


    Gigi I¡¯m here now. No one can bully you,¡± he assured, draping his suit jacket over her.


    Then, turning to Hera, he asked hesitantly, ¡°Are you Hera?


    She wasn¡¯t quite what he expected.


    ¡°And who might you be? Hera inquired calmly, leaving everyone stunned with herposed


    response. After all, Zyler was the star of today¡¯s gathering! ¡°He¡¯s from the Gaskell family. Zyler


    Gaskell, Giselle¡¯s fianc¨¦,¡± someone in the crowd reminded her.


    Hera sized up Zyler. He seemed decent, maybe a 7.9 out of ten, but certainly not as attractive as


    Bernard Giselle¡¯s taste in men was obviouslycking.


    Zyler was taken aback, feeling as though Hera was intentionally putting on a show. But what was


    with Hera¡¯s looks?


    Giselle hadined about Hera numerous times, but she never showed him a photo of Hera,


    He pictured Hera as matirartha sel


    think she¡¯d be the stunning beauty standing before him!

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Hera spotted him standing there dumbstruck and snapped, ¡°If you have something to say, spit it out


    otherwise, stop blocking my way like a moron.¡±


    Zyler snapped back to reality, realizing she had just called him a moron! Hera, with her


    unsophisticated behavior, struck him as a real waste of good looks.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t you dare mess with Gigi again! And don¡¯t even think about ying tricks on


    me!¡± Zyler warned.


    Hera raised an eyebrow. ¡°y tricks on you?¡±


    Seeing her denial, Zyler found her audacity irritating.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve got a thing for me and you¡¯re trying to shake up my engagement to Gigi Well, forget


    it! The only one worthy of me from the Everett family is Giselle, the true heiress. You, as an adopted


    daughter, are not!¡± he deliberately emphasized hisst sentence.


    Hera chuckled lightly. ¡°Where¡¯d you get that confidence from?


    ¡°You!¡± Zyler was taken aback by her unexpected response. But then he figured Hera must be


    feeling pretty embarrassed after her secret got out, hence the denial.


    He continued, ¡°I won¡¯t even start on what you¡¯ve done to Gigi. Didn¡¯t you cheat on the Cavenridge


    entrance exam just to cozy up to me?


    ¡°And what you¡¯re wearing now is an imitation of Gigi¡¯s style. Isn¡¯t that just to grab my attention?


    Well, cut it out! Even if what you¡¯re wearing is genuine, I won¡¯t be interested in you. My heart¡¯s set


    on Gigi¡±


    Gigi, Gigi, Gigi! Hera was tired of hearing it. Was Giselle trying to annoy ber by sending over a


    lapdog?


    ¡°God gave me my looks, and you¡¯re calling me proud because of that? Get lost and leave me alone,


    Hera said.


    Bold, confident, anmanding! Hera¡¯s presence held the crowd in thrall


    Maybe only Hera in all of Norburgh would have the guts to steal the spotlight from the event¡¯s main


    character and tell him to leave!


    Zyler waspletely thrown off by Hera¡¯s smooth reforts.


    ¡°No wonder Gigi was bullied so badly. Hera¡¯s just ying hard to get because she¡¯s obviously into


    me! All that was just to catch my eye. Oh, women!¡± he scoffed internally, ¡°Hera! What¡¯s going on?


    James and the Gaskell couple came out of the study to find a crowd surrounding Hera and the


    others. Their smiles vanished instantly, their first thought being that Hera had stirred up trouble.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Wee, everyone, to our son¡¯s celebration banquet. Enjoy yourselves,¡± Terence, the head of the


    Gaskell family, was calmer than James and quickly sized up the situation He greeted everyone with


    a heartyugh along with James and dismissed the crowd.


    As the onlookers dispersed, Queenie Killian¡¯s expression darkened as she eyed Giselle¡¯s gown.


    Last time, it was a scandal. Now, she was wearing a knockoff. Her fondness for Giselle had


    plummeted to zero, but in front of so many people, she instructed Zyler, ¡°Zee, take Gigi upstairs to


    change her clothes.¡±


    Giselle felt a mixture of emotions as Queenie¡¯s concern rmed her. She feared queenie yet took


    satisfaction in seeing Hera in trouble this time for offending Queenie. After Zyler apanied


    Giselle upstairs, Queenie turned her gaze to Hera, and their eyes locked.


    Hera, in her ethereal white gown, looked stunning while Queenie exoded opulence in her elegant


    silk dress with a fur scarf. Their looks were in contrast with one another, and they were silently


    vying for dominance.


    ¡°What¡¯s your game?¡± Queenie¡¯s mood soured due to the disruption at the celebration. Being a


    perfectionist, she couldn¡¯t stand any disturbances


    ¡°I¡¯m here to spoil your fun,¡± Hera retorted illy.


    ¡°How dare you! past because you¡¯re the Everett family¡¯s adopted daughter?¡±


    In all of Norburgh, everyone knew that Queenie was a fiery andpetitive woman


    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Hera¡¯s words undeniably provoked Queenie.


    ¡°Someone, get this wretch out of here,¡± Queenie called for a maid while James quickly


    approached.


    ¡°Mrs Gaskell, please calm down. I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    James didn¡¯t want Hera to be kicked out of the Gaskell residence in front of so


    so many elites as it would tamish the Everett family¡¯s reputation.


    ¡°You¡¯re too audacious, Heral Who asked you toe? James led Hera forcefully to the backyard.


    He knew Hera was a nuisance and never intended to bring her along. But she managed toe


    anyway.


    Without waiting for Hera¡¯s reply, he pointed to a path. ¡°There¡¯s a back door here. Get out of here


    immediately!¡±


    With that, he turned on his beel and headed back to the banquet hall


    Hera chuckled lightly, but her gaze remained cold. She hadn¡¯t done anything yet, and he was


    already furious?


    In fact, this wasn¡¯t the first time she had met Queenie. Back when she was with the Killians, she


    attended a family banquet where she had a nin¨Cin with Queenie.


    Queenie identally bumped into Daphne, causing a herbal remedy Hera had workedte into the


    night to prepare for Albert to fall to the floor. Not only did Queenie not apologize, but she also dirtied


    Daphne¡¯s dress, resulting in her being scolded by Albert.


    At that moment, pig grunts sounded from a nearby flowerbed


    Hera snapped out of her thoughts and saw Tiramisu poking its head out of the greenery. It grunted


    twice at her before disappearing back into the bushes


    Following the floral path, Hera trailed after Tiramisu for a while.


    The Gaskell family was indeed wealthier than the Everett family. Their backyard was an expansive


    garden, stretching to a small grove at the end. It was filled with valuable trees. In the secluded


    grove, she caught sight of a small gray cabin


    Tiramisu nosed around the bed of dry leaves and unearthed something. Hera picked it up. It was a


    bunny hairpin with only one ear.


    The hairpin was the one Isabe used to wear on her head. It seemed Isabe¡¯s disappearance


    was indeed tied to the Gaskell family.


    ¡°Good job.¡± She patted the Tiramisu¡¯s head, stood up, and headed toward the small cabin nestled in


    the woods


    Gisellechanged into a fresh outfit and descended the stairs, scanning the room but finding no sign


    of Hera. It appeared queenie had already kicked her out¡­


    Asly smile yed on Giselle¡¯s lips. She then gracefully approached queenie to apologize for her


    blunder tonight.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Giselle knew Queenie was a perfectionist who couldn¡¯t tolerate any ws. Quernde must be turning


    that she was publicly exposed for wearing a knockott tonight, so she needed to apologize promptly.


    However, she was stopped by the butler before she could reach Queenie.


    ¡°Ms. Everett, I¡¯m sorry, but Mrs. Gaskell doesn¡¯t wish to see you right now.¡±


    Giselle¡¯s face paled instantly as she watched Queenie engage in lively conversation with the


    guests, ignoring herpletely.


    Though Queenie reluctantly approved of her rtionship with Zyler, she didn¡¯t endorse it. Now with


    this debacle, life wouldn¡¯t be easy even if Giselle married into the Gaskell family.


    ¡°Gigi, are you all right? You look a bit pale, Lily asked as she approached with a ss of wine.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, just feeling a tad stuffy, I¡¯ll step outside for some fresh air. Giselle hurriedly made her exit


    as she was worried that Lily might pick up on Queenie¡¯s disdain for her.


    Upon stepping out into the courtyard, she crossed paths with a maid escorting an elderlydy with


    silver hair and d in a simple dress


    Giselle panicked at the sight of the olddy. Why was Catherine here? Could it be that Hera


    deliberately had her brought here to publicly expose her identity?


    If the shell family found out she wasn¡¯t the real heiress of the Everett family, then her marriage to


    Zyler would be over!


    At the thought of this, Giselle broke out in a cold sweat.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    ¡°Giselle ¡°Catherine recognized Giselle too, but before she could finish speaking, she was cut off.


    ¡°Why are you here!¡± Giselle demanded.


    Seeing that the two knew each other, the mald spoke up, ¡°Ms. Everett, do you know her? Thisdy


    is


    ¡°No need for introductions. You can go,¡± Giselle interrupted sharply.


    The maid was caught off guard and nced at Giselle. Wasn¡¯t Giselle always polite when she


    came before? What was going on today?


    Giselle, worried about being seen, pulled Catherine to the backyard.


    ¡°Did Hera send you?¡± she asked aggressively


    ¡°No.¡± Catherine noticed Giselle¡¯s displeasure and frowned. ¡°Do you have a disagreement with


    Herie?¡±


    Catherine affectionately referred to Hera as ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still insisting that Hera didn¡¯t send you!¡± Giselle was feeling uneasy because of Queenie¡¯s


    attitude. With nobody around, she dropped her pretense and poked Catherine¡¯s chest with her


    finger


    ¡°Hera cheated on the exam. She disgraced the Everett family and almost caused us to go bankrupt!


    Isn¡¯t that enough? Does she want you to expose the Everett family¡¯s lies and nuin uspletely?¡±


    ¡°Cheating on the exam? With Hera¡¯s intelligence, does she really need to cheat? And could her


    cheating on the exam almost bankrupt the Everett family?¡± Catherine thought to


    bersell


    But Catherine gleaned a key piece of information. Heta wasn¡¯t doing well after returning to the


    Everett family.


    Although they asionally contacted each other, they mostly talked about alternative medicine.


    Hera never shared anything negative about her life with the Everett family.


    Now it seemed that Hera just didn¡¯t want her to worry, which was why she kept silent. Hera was too


    considerate sometimes, which made Catherine heartbroken.


    ¡°What lies? Catherine asked with a stem expression.


    *Stop taking it! She just wants to reim her position as the Everett family¡¯s heiress and doesn¡¯t


    want to be an adopted daughter anymore, right?¡± Giselle wasn¡¯t afraid of Catherine spreading


    gossip.


    She sneered, ¡°Even if she regains that position, the Gaskell family won¡¯t ept a country bumplin


    as their daughter¨Cinw. Isn¡¯t that clear from what zyler said at the banquet? His heart belongs to


    me!


    ¡°You guys better stop these tricks! Exposing the Everett family¡¯s secrets won¡¯t benefit anyone. Just


    leave!¡±


    Catherine was stunned by Giselle¡¯s words and stood still, allowing Giselle to poke her chest. Did


    the Everett family take Hera back just to publicly announce she was an adopted


    daughter?


    Even if Hera wasn¡¯t her biological granddaughter, she was still her precious grandchild whom she


    had raised with her own hands! If it weren¡¯t for Hera back then, she might not have been able to


    bear the pain of losing her own daughter.


    Yet, they actually treated Hera like this!


    If Catherine hadn¡¯te here, she might never have known how the Everetts were treating Hera


    ¡°How could you snatch her position and refuse to give it back! Catherine gripped Giselle¡¯s wrist


    firmly


    ¡°Isnatched her position? This was my position in the first ce!¡± Giselle tried to shake off her hand


    but couldn¡®


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t even identify the right child 17 years ago. Doesn¡¯t that mean I¡¯m destined to be the


    Everett family¡¯s heiress? I¡¯ll always be the heiress of the Everett family! Let me Pol


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Though Catherine was aged, she was surprisingly strong and tightly gripped Giselle¡¯s wrist.


    Giselle grew furious and raised her other hand to deliver a p to Catherine¡¯s face.


    The sharp sound of the p resonated in the backyard, Giselle¡¯s head jolted to the side while the


    p rang in her ears. If her other hand hadn¡¯t been restrained just now, she might have stumbled


    from the force of the slip


    ¡°Herie..¡°Catherine looked at Hera, who emitted an icy demeanor,


    , momentarily stunned.


    It was the first time she had seen Hera kike this.


    After a moment, Giselle turned back with her hand covering her swollen face. Her eyes were


    ming with anger. ¡°Hera, how dare you

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    ¡°I¡¯m teaching you a lesson!¡± Hera forcefully pulled her hand away. Harming Catherine was


    challenging her limits!


    ¡°You!¡± Giselle staggered back


    Zyler, who hade out to find Giselle, witnessed the scene. ¡°Gigi¡±


    He rushed over and supported Giselle. Noticing the red handprint on Giselle¡¯s face, he red


    angrily at Hera. ¡°Hera Youngworth!¡±


    Hera ignored him, focusing on Catherine, ¡°Grandma, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry,¡± Catherine assured her, shaking her brad.


    ¡°Why are you here?


    Hera inquired.


    ¡°I had some errands to run and thought I¡¯d check on you,¡± Catherine exined.


    Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    For the first time, Zyler felt what it was like to be ignored, especially by a country bumpkin like Hera.


    He couldn¡¯t quite describe the feeling in his heart.


    ¡°Well done, Hera, you¡¯ve sessfully caught my attention!¡± he thought.


    Zyler¡¯s gaze shifted to Catherine. ¡°Where did this beggare from? How dare she intrude into the


    Gaskell family¡¯s territory! Security, get her out of here!¡±


    Hera seemed to care a lot about Catherine, so he would start with her!


    ¡°Zee, no, she¡¯s Hera¡¯s grandmother.¡± Giselle immediately stopped Zyler.


    Several of her ssmates had been watching the scene behind Zyler, When security was called, it


    rmed even more people at the banquet.


    Fearing Hera might expose their identities publicly, Giselle acted quickly to announce their


    rtionship in front of everyone.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mrs. Gaskell just kick her out? Why is she still here, and why did she bring her


    grandmother?¡±


    ¡°Are they here to freeload off the food and drinks? Well, country bumpkins don¡¯t know their


    ce.¡±


    ¡°These peasants are embarassing.¡±


    ¡°Get them out quickly. Their presence is ruining the mood for everyone¡±


    The onlookers began gossiping


    After publicly announcing their rtionship, Giselle continued, ¡°Zee, I¡¯m sorry, I identally lost the


    diamond bracelet you gave me. I was anxious, so I asked the maids to help


    ¡°They mentioned seeing thisdy with a simr bracelet here. I just wanted to ask her about it, but


    then Hera.¡± As she spoke, she sorrowfully covered her face and numed to Loveal the area where


    she¡¯d been pped.


    Someone with sharp eyes noticed something hanging from the edge of Gatherine¡¯s canvas bag


    Zyler stepped forward and pulled it forcefully. The canvas bag fell, revealing a sparkling diamond


    bracelet¨Cthe same one he had given Giselle!


    ¡°You¡± Catherine nced at the bracelet on the ground, then at Giselle.


    she couldn¡¯t believe it. Despite her young age, Giselle¡¯s ability to twist the truth was impressive,


    leaving Catherine feeling conflicted.


    ¡°The evidence is right here. Do you have anything else to say?¡± Zyler picked up the bracelet,


    ring at Hera


    Given Hera¡¯s previous boldness, he wanted to see her response now that the evidence was clear.


    Hera chuckled and asked, ¡°Are you sure there are our fingerprints on the bracelet? Are you sure


    Giselle didn¡¯t lie? Are you simme there aren¡¯t lies in your rtionship?


    The thiter questions made Giselle¡¯s scalp tingle with anxiety. Not just bet, but even the onlookers


    began to doubt Giselle because of Hera¡¯s calm demeanor.


    Zyler also began to feel suspicious, but he remained steadfast. ¡°Turusta@¡°¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s review the surveince footage publicly,¡± Heta suggested, ncing at the surveince


    cameras


    At her words, elle¡¯s face turned pale. She had forgotten about the surveince cameras


    ¡°Alright (Luminoth


    inde!¡± Ayder vallend for the butler. ¡°Mr Willums, poretrieve the surveince footage!¡±


    Act Fast Time Bonus Timers Running

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Chapter75


    *Zee, maybe we should drop it. We found the bracelet, so there¡¯s no need to make a scene,¡± Giselle


    urged Zyler.


    If they saw the surveince footage, it would ruin her reputation, and she¡¯d be done for


    ¡°Gigl, you¡¯re too kind. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let her bully you again,¡± Zyler assured her.


    The builer quickly retrieved the surveince footage and yed it publicly with a projector. The


    surveince footage not only captured video but also recorded audio


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    The footage showed Giselle dragging Catherine to the backyard aggressively and revealing the


    Everett family¡¯s hidden secrets.


    Was Hera actually the Everett Lamily¡¯s biological kin? But they had announced her to be their


    adopted daughter!


    The diamond bracelet was identally dropped during the foss, and it hung on Catherine¡¯s canvas


    bag! Seeing this, there was amotion in the crowd.


    ¡°Giselle Everett! James trembled in anger.


    He thought Hera had caused trouble again when Zyler wanted to y the surveince footage. He


    never expected Giselle, whom he was always so proud of, to expose the family¡¯s lies!


    And it all happened in public! The reputation of their family and theirpany was ruined!


    Integrity was crucial in the business world. Regardless of the reasons for publicly announcing


    Hera¡¯s adoption, it was dishonesty.


    ¡°Dad¡± Giselle saw James¡¯s threatening gaze and broke out into a cold sweat.


    She then nced at Queenie, whose eyes were sharp, like she was looking at an enemy. Just


    because of her irrational actions, she had offended both the Gaskell and Everett


    Giselle didn¡¯t know what to do. She could only ce herst hope on Zyler. But all she faced was


    his shocked and disappointed gaze.


    ¡°Is everything you said true? Zyler asked incredulously. He could have overlooked Giselle¡¯s identity,


    but she had never told him.


    She made him publicly humiliate Hera based on her identity, and now he realized he was the fool!


    ¡°Zee, ¡­¡± Giselle¡¯s face turned red, then pale, then red again like a spinning wheel of colors. She


    didn¡¯t know how to face the situation, so she pretended to faint


    Because of themotion, the guests thought the banquet was about to end. But Little did they


    know it was just the beginning


    Suddenly, the projected screen went ck, and another video started ying.


    ¡°Mrs. Gaskell, please spare us. We really didn¡¯t say anything¡± in the video, a tied¨Cup mother and


    daughter were begging Queenie for mercy.


    The background was the same as in the previous video, in the backyard. It indicated it was from the


    same surveince angle, just at an earlier time.


    Chaos erupted once more in the banquet hall. Queenie¡¯s expression shined, and forsaking her


    image, she rushed over to unplug the projector. ¡°Who authorized ess to the surveince?!¡± she


    demanded, her teeth clenched.


    ¡°Lasked Larry to do it,¡± the butler confessed, looking flustered Wasn¡¯t this footage deleted before?


    How did it suddenly reappear?


    Just then, a swarm of media reporters barged into the banquet hall.


    ¡°Mrs Gaskell, can you rity what the mother and daughter did wrong in the video? Why were they


    treated like that?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Gaskell, are you aware that restricting personal freedom is against thew?¡±


    ¡°Where are the mother and daughter now?¡±


    The scene turned into a chaotic mess.


    The guests didn¡¯t want to get involved in the trouble, so they left one by one

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    The celebration banquet Queenie had meticulously organized for her son had turned into a disaster,


    making headlines the next day. Following right after was the embarrassing scandal of the Everett


    family.


    But what hurt James more than bing the city¡¯sughingstock was that the Gaskell family had


    cut ties with Everett Group, leading to its bankruptcy.


    When he inherited the family business, he vowed to run it well and secure a ce for the Everetts


    in Norburgh. Yet, they went bankrupt under his watch!


    Upon hearing the news, Gideon mushed back from overseas and saved the Everett residence from


    foreclosure with his personal funds.


    ¡°Gideon, I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to. I was just angry with Hera at the time, and 1 spoke without


    thinking, Gideon, I¡¯m so sorry. Please don¡¯t kick me out of the family,¡± Giselle tearfully pleaded,


    kneeling on the ground


    She couldn¡¯t feign fainting forever, so she immediately apologized pitifully when Gideon retumed.


    Since Gideon has returned, he wouldn¡¯t just stand by and watch the Everett family fall apart.


    No matter what was ahead, staying here was better than being isted in the mountains. She didn¡¯t


    want to go back with Catherine! If she did, there was no hope left.


    Gideon didn¡¯t look at her. Instead, his gaze fell on Hera, who was beside him.


    She had changed into a slim¨Cfit beige dress. Her demeanor was cold, as if she was indifferent to


    the situation. She was even casually sipping her tea. Her manners exuded elegance and mor,


    unlike a country bumpkin.


    Was Hera really his own sister? She was so different from what he imagined!


    Topare with, Giselle was crying on her knees, looking disheveled. Shecked the demeanor of


    a heiress from a prestigious family.


    ¡°Dad, do you know what went wrong in this matter?¡± Gideon asked James.


    For the head of the family to be publicly questioned by his son was undignified. Normally, James


    would have exploded with rage. Even if Gideon was the pride of the Everett family, he would have


    sternly disciplined him to eam respect


    But now, James slouched on the couch as quietly as a mouse, as if he hadn¡¯t yet processed the


    fact that the Everett family had gone bankrupt under his watch.


    ¡°Your biggest mistake was being a smartass and publicly revealing that my sister was adopted!¡±


    Gideon said sternly.


    Hera paused as she nced up at Gideon. He referred to her as ¡°my sister,¡± and not by her name.


    It seemed not everyone in this family was dumb.


    ¡°Gideon, please. For the sake of our 17 years of sibling bond, don¡¯t kick me out of the family,


    okay?¡®t really don¡¯t want to part with you guys,¡± Giselle pleaded, embracing


    She wasn¡¯t foolish enough not to understand Gideon¡¯s words. They were seemingly directed at


    James, but they were meant for her. N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    ¡°Do you really need us as a family, or are you past afraid of losing our money?¡± Gidron said with


    disdain.


    ¡°Why did I never realize before that you¡¯re such a hypocrite?¡± Previously, he even went to trouble


    Hera because of Giselle¡¯s words.


    Giselle was taken aback. Seeing that appealing to Gideon was vain, she turned to James


    *Dad, please help me persuade Gideon, I¡¯ll do whatever you say. Please help me persuade him not


    to drive me away,¡±


    ¡°Get lost! I don¡¯t have a daughter like you!¡± James kicked her away.


    His frustration grew every time he saw Giselle. Would he be in such a situation today if it weren¡¯t for


    her causing trouble at the Gaskell residence?


    ¡°Mom, please say something. Didn¡¯t you always say that a family that sticks together, stays


    together? Please help me persuade Gideon not to lock me out,¡± Giselle crawled toward Lilith, who


    was always the most sympathetic.


    Lilith couldn¡¯t bear to see the child she had raised for 17 years pleading like this. But to be lenient to


    her meant cruelty to


    in

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    ¡°You¡¯re right. A family that sticks together, stays together. But you¡¯re not one of us,¡± Lilith saki.


    ¡°I¡¯m not one of you guys?¡± Giselle chuckled bitterly as she slugged wearily on the ground. She then


    despairingly stared into the nk.


    She had spent 17 years in this family, only to discover in the end that she wasn¡¯t considered their


    family after all!


    Why was she taken in, then? And if a mistake was made, why couldn¡¯t it have just been


    overlooked?


    It was all Hera¡¯s fault! If Hera hadn¡¯te back, everything would still belong to her!


    Giselle¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment as she red at Hera. Seeing a fruit knife on the coffee


    table, she suddenly felt a surge of homicidal rage.


    ¡°Mrs. Youngworth, please bring Giselle away,¡± Gideon said to Catherine,


    ¡°Alright. Thank you for caring for Giselle all these years. And please, I trust you to look atter Herle,¡±


    Catherine said, rising to help Giselle. ¡°Let¡¯s go, dear.¡±


    ¡°Get lost! I¡¯m not going back with you!¡± Giselle forcefully pushed Catherine aside, then grabbed the


    fruit lite and lunged at Hera


    Everyone was shocked by her sudden action. Even Tiramisu, who was sleeping on Hera¡¯s legs,


    woke up and snarled at Giselle upon sensing danger.


    At that critical moment, a gunshot rang out.


    Hera sat calmly on the couch, unharmed. She continued sipping her tea as if nothing happened.


    Giselle fell to her knees in a disheveled manner in front of Hera while the fruit knife ttered to the


    floor beside Hera¡¯s feet. Giselle felt a sharp, bearing pain in her back legs. She tried to get up but


    found her legs immobilized by pain.


    She turned and saw a ring pool of blood staining her skirt. She let out a scream


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Hera calmly set down her teacup and soothed the frightened Tiramisu, ¡°Tiramisu, calm down. Your


    dad is here to pick you up.¡± She finished her words while looking up at two tall figures standing at


    the living room door.


    The man at the forefront exuded a stem air. He was none other than Bernard Beside him was


    Aaron, who was busy wiping his gun.


    A gun! Gideon was shocked as guns were banned in the country. But here they were, openly


    disying them!


    Wait, why would the head of the tour influential families; Bernard Hun, and Aaron of the Ludden


    family, be here?


    ¡°Sorry, I forgot to put on the silencer,¡± Aaron apologized after noticing everyone¡¯s gaze. However,


    there was no sincerity in his tone.


    Hera remainedposed while Gideon stood in stunned silence to process the unexpected turn of


    events.


    Upon hearing Aaron¡¯s voice, Giselle tumed her head and saw Bernard. Her eyes lit up instantly as if


    she had seen her savior.


    Ignoring the pain in her legs, she joyfully crawled toward him


    Catherine, as a doctor, couldn¡¯t bear seeing her hurt. She immediately took out bandages from her


    bag and said, ¡°Giselle, don¡¯t move. Let me stop the bleeding for you¡±


    ¡°You old hag, don¡¯t touch me!¡± Giselle shouted. She then eagerly crawled toward Bernard, leaving a


    trail of blood on the floor


    ¡°Bernard, I knew you¡¯de, Hurry and save me! I saved your lite once, and now you should save


    mine. I don¡¯t want to leave Norburgh..¡°¡±


    Bernard¡¯s expression remained cold as he effortlessly avoided Giselle¡¯s outstretched hand and


    walked toward the couch.


    Sering Giselle¡¯s pitiful state, Aaron initially felt guilty and regretted firing the gun. However, when he


    heard her words, his guilt disappeared instantly.


    she had caused her own misfortune.


    Mct Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Was Giselle dumb? Despite her situation, she still held onto the belief that she had once saved


    Bernard¡¯s life.


    As Bernard passed Catherine, hepaused briefly, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll spare her life for Ms. Daphne¡¯s sake.¡±


    Daphne¡­


    ¡°You__¡± Catherine looked at Bernard in astonishment. How did he know her daughter¡¯s name?


    Upon closer inspection, Catherine realized that the man before her bore a striking resemnce to


    the young man from her memories.


    He was the ilegitimate son of Spencer Killian, Bernard! She failed to recognize him before and even


    told him about Hera¡¯s return to Norburgh.


    Bernard¡¯s presence here couldn¡¯t be a coincidence. Catherine¡¯s anxiety grew as she turned to Hera


    for reassurance.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Hera handed the Tiramisu over to Berard and approached Catherine to link arms with her. ¡°I¡¯ll


    apany you out.¡±


    The two exited the courtyard. A ck Jeep was already waiting to send Catherine and Giselle back


    to the countryside.


    Hera briefly exined the arrangement with Bernard. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got it handled¡±


    Knowing Hera¡¯s determination, Catherine couldn¡¯t persuade her and simply offered a few words of


    advice before leaving


    At Aaron¡¯smand, the maids ced Giselle, who was covered in blood, onto the jeep.


    Catherine approached Giselle and saw that she had passed out due to blood loss. After


    administering treatment to stop the bleeding, Catherine quickly boarded the vehicle Before parting


    ways, Hera handed Catherine a bank card. ¡°If you need money, just ask me. Don¡¯t travel all this


    way for work again.¡±


    Catherine epted the card. ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t.¡±


    Once known as Dr. Maracle, Catherine had been living in seclusion with Hera since Daphne¡¯s


    incident in the Killian family. She hadn¡¯t expected the Gaskell family to find her and invite her to


    treat Lennon Gaskell.


    She epted their request mainly because she wanted to visit Hera. Yet now, after witnessing the


    true colors of the Gaskell family through Giselle¡¯s actions, she changed her mind about continuing


    her medical practice.


    ¡°Will Giselle be alright without going to the hospital, considering the amount of blood she¡¯s lost?


    Lilith voiced her concem as she watched the feep depart. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine,¡± Hera assured confidently


    with Catherine¡¯s medical expertise, a gunshot wound was nothing to be overly concerned abour.


    In the living room, the bloodstains on the floor had been cleaned up. Bernard and Aaron were sitting


    on the couch while Gideon and James served them water. ¡°Thank you both for saving Hera Excuse


    me for asking, Mr. Killian and Mr. Ludden, how did you guys get to know Hera?¡± Gideon inquired,


    his curiosity piqued.


    He wasn¡¯t alone in his curiosity. James was also perplexed by Hera¡¯s connection to them,


    especially considering her rural upbringing. If he had known earlier, he would have never publicly


    dered Hera as an adopted daughter!


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You just have to know that she belongs to me,¡± Bernard sald, setting down his


    ss.


    James choked on his water, his face turning red. While Gideon managed to hold it in better, he said


    sternly, ¡°Mr. Killian, Hera is still underage!¡±


    ¡°We know, don¡¯t worry. Bernard knows what he¡¯s doing.¡± Aaron patted Bernard¡¯s shoulder, causing


    James¡® heart to race.


    Only Aaron, from one of the four influential families, dared to pat Bernard¡¯s shoulder like that.


    But Gideon remained unconvinced by Aaron¡¯s assurances.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Hera and Lilith reentered the living room with dino trailing behind.


    ¡°Hey, country bumplin, are you stupid? Why did you give them money?¡± Gino asked, his voice


    tinged with assertiveness.


    He had sharp eyes and noticed Hera handing Catherine a card! With the Everett family bankrupt


    and caught up in their own drama, it seemed foolish to him for Hera to be giving money to someone


    else, especially to the grandmother of her assant.


    Observing Hera¡¯s attire, whichcked any branded names, Gino realized how dire their situation


    was.


    Hera hadn¡¯t wom anything other than a school uniform or unbranded clothes since her return. It


    was a stark contrast to the days of favoritism when Giselle wore different branded clothes daily.


    Now that the family was bankrupt, Gino didn¡¯t even have new clothes for himself, let alone Hera


    Hera was truly in a worse situation than him!


    Unaware of Gino¡¯s thoughts, Hera shot him a nce before retorting. ¡°None of your business.¡±


    ¡°Pin-¡°Gino scoffed. ¡°Who cares about you? Didn¡¯t I already give you all my pocket money before?


    Here, consider this my goodwill¡±


    Gino handed Hera a bank card, containing the refund for thetest gaming console he had ordered.


    There was about go thousand dors in it.


    She was his sister, after all, despite being so foolish. With this money, she could buy a couple of


    sets of clothes. Worst¨Ccase scenario, he could also sell the other two limited- edition gaming


    consoles he had.


    Hera was bewildered. Did she look like she needed pocket money?


    ¡°Gino, take the card back. Your pocket money came from me! Hera¡¯s expenses shouldn¡¯t rely on


    you. Even if I have to work as aborer, I¡¯ll still support you both!¡± James interjected, standing up.


    Shouldn¡¯t he start showing Hera some affection now? Maybe there was still time?


    ¡°You¡¯d better sort out Mom¡¯s medical expenses first. We can¡¯t rely on Gideon forever,¡± Lilith said.


    She then turned to Hera and took out the ck card she hadn¡¯t given awayst


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hera, this is what I¡¯ve been keeping for you.¡± It Hera, her daughter, needed money, she believed it


    should be from her own resources.


    James hadn¡¯t anticipated being criticized by his wife.


    Hera stayed silent, observing the exchange.


    ¡°Mom, your card is a supplementary card with a limit of 500 thousand dors. Take it back,¡± Gideon


    sald while approaching Hera and handing her a gold¨Cbordered ck card


    ¡°This one is the primary card with a limit of one million dors. Heca, use this instead.¡±


    Girls in the family should be well provided for. Despite the Everett family¡¯s bankruptcy, Gideon was


    still here to make up for what they owed her.


    Hera observed the scene with disbelief. This wasn¡¯t how the Everett family was supposed to appear


    after bankruptcy.


    ¡°Stoparguing.¡± Bernard took out a golden card from his suit pocket and ced it on the coffee table.


    ¡°No limit,¡± he dered.


    Gideon and the others gasped at the sight of the card


    Aaron¡¯s confusion only grew as he witnessed Bernard¡¯s extravagant gesture. ¡°What¡¯s happening?


    Am I supposed to put out a card as well?¡± he thought, puzzled.


    But with Bernard unveiling the global supreme unlimited card, was there a point in him bringing out


    his regr one?


    Hera¡¯s silence hung heavy in the air.


    Gino was stunned at the realization of his miscalction. The joke, it seemed, was on hin


    At the Gaskell residence, a conversation was taking ce.


    ¡°It¡¯s been two days, and there¡¯s still no oue? What have you all been doing? queenie stormed


    into the control room.


    The control room was spacious, with over a dozen people inside, both male and female. They were


    all busy typing away on theirputers.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    They were all hackers hired by the Gaskell tamily.


    ¡°Mrs. Gaskell, we can only findtraces of hacking in the system. After the breach, only the previously


    deleted surveince footages were recourted.


    ¡°Nothing else was tampered with, and the target seemed to be just that footage,¡± Kelly Hart


    exined. She was sitting in the front row with her purple hair tied in double ponytails


    ¡°Stop talkhig nonsense. What need to know now is who did it¡± Queenie demanded


    Since the footage yed at the banquet went public, it caught the police¡¯s attention. Quernie


    became a suspect in the incident where Isabe and her mother went missing. She was even taken


    in for questioning.


    This led to a two¨Cday consecutive drop in Gaskell Corporation¡¯s stock.


    Furthermore, this incident indirectly indicated that the Gaskell family¡¯s security system could be


    easily breached it attracted many malicious hacker attacks, and though unsessful, it had caused


    considerable trouble and necessitated around¨Cthe¨Cclock monitoring


    ¡°The hacker¡¯s skill level is much higher than ours, and there are no discemible traces left behind.


    However, we strongly suspect this individual,¡± said Kelly, turning theptop screen toward Queenie.


    It disyed surveince footage from the backyard during the banquet, Hera didn¡¯t love the Gaskell


    residence but remained in the woods for a while after following a ple


    And it was when Giselle caused trouble that Hera returned.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Queenie squinted, focusing on Hera¡¯s figure in the footage. ¡°I¡¯m here to spoil your fun.¡± Hera¡¯s


    words suddenly echoed in her mind.


    Was it a coincidence? Or did she know about the incident from years ago?


    But how could a country bumpkin like her breach the Gaskell family¡¯s security system? After all, it


    was safeguarded with multipleyers of protection!


    ¡°Oh no, Mom! Grandpa fainted Where¡¯s the Dr. Miracle that you hired? We need to save Grandpa


    quickly.¡± Zyler rushed over


    Lennon¡¯s health had always been poor, and he had been recovering in the nursing home. The


    family intentionally hid the news from him to prevent him from saw it online, got angry, and fainted.


    The doctors barely saved his life, but his recovery was uncertain. They couldn¡¯t be guaranteed


    when he would wake up


    Queenie was troubled by the surveince footage and hadpletely forgotten about this matter.


    worrying, but he


    The doctor she had hired was rmended by a wealthy acquaintance. She was told that the


    doctor was highly skilled but had been living in seclusion in the mountains for many years. So, it


    took Queenile two years to contact her.


    Two days ago, she invited Dr. Miracle to treat Lennon, hoping that things w


    would work out. Yet, things turned out unexpectedly.


    ¡°Madam, Mr. Gaskell, Ms. Youngworth¡¯s grandmother is the doctor you hired. She¡¯s Dr. Miracle,¡±


    said the maid who weed Catherine that dw


    ¡°What!¡± queenie and Zyler were shocked.


    Dr. Miracle¡¯s identity was always mysterious, bing even more so after she disappeared into the


    mountains.


    ¡°T¡¯ fetch her from the Everett residence now to treat Grandpa!¡± Zyler grabbed the car keys.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Queenie intervened. ¡°Find another doctor.¡±


    ¡°Mom, Grandpa¡¯s life is at stake!¡± Zyler misunderstood queenie¡¯s concern about their reputation.


    The Gaskell family had severed ties with the Everett family after the banquet. Seeking their help


    now would undermine their authority. But it was a matter of life and death now and irption


    mattered less.


    ¡°Read this,¡± Cie said and showed him a message.


    in was a refusal message from Catherine ¡°Mrs Gaskell, your Eamily has upset my granddaughten. I


    refuse to treat the patient.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a refusal, it was a revamped if they approached her again, it would be humiliating!

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    "But Grandpa..." Zyler hesitated to speak.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve already arranged for Camille to see Grandpa. I heard she''s Dr. Shadow, the top


    doctor everyone''s searching for on the Divine Forum," remarked Amelia, the eldest daughter of the


    Gaskell family, as she strolled in wearing her six-inch high heels.


    "Seriously?" Zyler''s eyes brightened. "That''s fantastic! Grandpa can be saved!"


    The top doctor on the Divine Forum, known as Dr. Shadow, was highly sought after by elite families.


    With people prone to illness, having such a doctor guaranteed peace of mind for all ages.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Yet, Dr. Shadow was even more mysterious than Dr. Miracle, making their discovery challenging.


    Sometimes, luck came effortlessly. To their surprise, the mysterious Dr. Shadow turned out to be


    Amelia''s good friend, Camille Chime. She was the eldest daughter of the Chime family, one of the


    four influential families.


    The Chime family had been practicing medicine for centuries, and Camille had shown extraordinary


    talent in medicine since young. Amelia met her at a prestigious school, and the two became close


    friends during their school years.


    "Come on, let''s head to the hospital," Queenie said, relieved.


    Even without Dr. Miracle, the family could still rely on Dr. Shadow.


    Dr. Miracle was an alternative medicine practitioner from a rural vige. Did she think that she could


    truly challenge the Gaskell family''s foundation?


    At Pineview Hospital, Lennon, who was previouslyatose, woke up after Camille''s sessful


    treatment in the ICU.


    "Camille, thank you so much! You truly deserve the title of a great doctor," the Gaskell family


    expressed heartfelt gratitude. It was worth noting that even the country''s top doctors were unable to


    help Lennon, and they issued a dire prognosis.


    Yet, Camille managed to wake him, if only briefly. Still, she helped Lennon through the most critical


    period.


    "You''re wee. It''s the least I can do. Mr. Gaskell Senior has always been kind to me, and I''m


    happy to help him," Camille said with a warm, natural smile.


    "You''re very kind, Camille. Amelia told me you''re the sought-after Dr. Shadow of the elite families.


    With you here, I''m confident Lennon will recover soon," Queenie ttered while holding Camille''s


    hands.


    Yet when Camille heard the name "Dr. Shadow," her eyes flickered momentarily. She smiled and


    said, "Mr. Gaskell Senior''s cardiovascr disease is quiteplex, but I''ll do my best to treat him."


    Queenie was even more impressed with her gentle demeanor. As the eldest daughter of the Chime


    family, Camille was humble, well-mannered, and highly skilled in medicine.


    To have her as a daughter-inw would elevate the Gaskell family''s status. Unfortunately, Zyler was


    young and still head over heels for the fake heiress from the Everett family.


    But Queenie soon thought of a way of building a connection between Camille and the Killian family.


    ¡­


    Later that night, after seeing off Camille, Queenie returned home to learn that thepany''s firewall


    had almost been breached.


    Her frustration grew. After reprimanding the employees and issuing a stern warning, she dered,


    "Don''t bother showing up tomorrow if you guys can''t find a solution!"


    Amelia reassured, "Mom, don''t worry. I''ve reached out to people, and there''s word in the hacker


    community that Raven, the top domestic hacker, has reappeared. We can pay top dor to hire


    him."


    "Hire him now! Spare no expense to bring him here!" Queenie asserted. She wanted everyone to


    know that the Gaskell family was a force to be reckoned with!


    ¡­


    At Skyview Heights, Hera leaned against the headboard with Tiramisu in her hands while watching


    a medical documentary.


    Suddenly, she received a message from an unknown number: "Boss, why aren''t you replying to my


    messages?"


    Hera deleted the message and opened WhatsApp to unblock Piglet.


    Piglet: "Boss, I''ve got intel on the Eclipse Stone.


    "In the Astral Nova auction next Saturday at 8:00 pm, the Eclipse Stone will be the grand finale."


    Raven: "Got it."

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Piglet: "But to gain entry to the Astral Nova auction, you need to bet something as your entry ticket."


    The Astral Nova auction was a haven for the world''s most exquisite treasures. While everyone


    dreamed of snagging something, only a privileged few could step through its doors as the


    organizers were meticulous in screening their participants.


    It was aimed to be an affair only for the elites.


    Raven''s response was concise: "A life."


    Piglet was concerned and cautioned: "Boss, calm down! Don''t act rashly. You can get in easily by


    taking a task as Raven for free. No need to gamble with your life. And hey, how will I earn my cut if


    you''re not around?"


    Hera was speechless. Thest line must have been the main point!


    Raven rified: "I meant I''ll save a life. As long as they''re breathing, I can bring them back."


    Piglet was relieved and also surprised. He replied: "You nearly gave me a heart attack! Wait, you


    still practice medicine? Wow, Boss, you''re incredible. How can the others survive with you around?


    "So, are you after the Eclipse Stone to help cure someone else, not because you''re sick?"


    Piglet bombarded Hera with several more messages. Once again, she blocked him before resuming


    watching her documentary. It wasn''t until she finished the two-hour documentary that she unblocked


    Piglet and resumed their conversation.


    Piglet: "Boss, did you block me again? Sob, sob.


    "Alright, I''ll cut to the chase. Someone just offered ten times the price for you to take on a task. Are


    you in or out?


    "Ten times! Ten times! What do you say?"


    Raven: "Let me see the details of the client."


    Piglet quickly sent a brief summary of the client''s task.


    Amelia Gaskell, the Gaskell family¡­


    Hera closed the file expressionlessly. There was still no word from the police on Isabe. All she


    could do was wait.


    Coincidentally, she needed funds for the auction next week¡­ With a sudden vision, she tapped on


    her phone. "This task is a bit tough. It''ll cost a hundred times the usual price."


    On the other end of the chat, a teenager with gray hair was sipping coffee. Upon reading the


    message, he identally spat out his drink onto theputer screen. Hastily, he grabbed a tissue


    to clean up the mess.


    Piglet: "You''re saying that it''s tough? Even someone at Level 5 like me can see it''s not that hard for


    you! You obviously don''t want to take it!


    "No! You''re deliberately trying to squeeze more money from this! You want to trap her without


    options! Asking for a hundred times the price means no one in the country will take this job."


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    In reality, people naturally gravitate toward power and influence, and it was no different in the


    hackermunity.


    It was a task that could have been worth a six-figure sum. But when the top-ranked person


    demanded a hundredfold increase, everyone else would follow suit.


    Raven: "Pigs are indeed wise."


    Piglet: "..."


    Hera gently stroked Tiramisu who was sleeping on herp and got up to return it to its bed. As she


    stepped out, she collided with Bernarding out of the study.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    "Why are you still here?" Hera eximed.


    Ever since she returned from the Everett residence that day, Bernard had been spending the night


    here with his health as an excuse.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    This morning, she gave him acupuncture treatment and though he left after that, only to find out he


    was still here.


    "This is my house," Bernard replied.


    Hera remained silent before responding, "Didn''t we agree you wouldn''t stay often?"


    "But my health condition depends on you," Bernard said, his profound eyes fixed on her. His deep


    voice gave the illusion that he was coaxing her.


    Hera was rendered speechless by his charm and was momentarily unable to respond.


    Bernard''s gaze inadvertently moved down from her exquisite face. Hera was wearing a light beige


    silk slip dress. Below her fair, slender corbone, her voluptuous figure was subtly seen.


    Feeling a dryness in his throat, Bernard suddenly found the sleeping Tiramisu in Hera''s arms


    somewhat bothersome.


    He approached closer and brushed aside a strand of hair on her cheek. Then, his knuckles traced


    down her slender neck. Finally, he gently lifted Tiramisu from her arms.


    "Don''t spoil it like this."


    Hera took a moment to notice his gaze, and her cheeks flushed red. With a thud, she turned away


    with embarrassment and closed the door.


    Tiramisu, suddenly awakened, looked around in confusion at the closed door, then at Bernard, who


    frowned slightly. It had been in Hera''s arms just a moment ago, so how did things change?


    "Stop taking advantage of her from now on!" Bernard pointed at Tiramisu''s head.


    Tiramisu gazed at Bernard in confusion.


    Hera leaned against the door inside her room with her heart racing. She was used to living alone,


    so she wore casual clothing. She hadn''t expected Bernard to still be here.


    His earlier words had already left her at a loss, so she could only pretend to be calm. Now, facing


    this embarrassing situation, her heart raced uncontrobly.


    Hera pressed her chest and reminded herself not to be fooled by his appearance.


    She couldn''t easily trust anyone from the Killian family until she avenged Daphne''s death and


    cleared Lucius'' name. She would leave here once she acquired the Eclipse Stone and helped him


    cure his illness!


    ¡­


    Outside the room, Bernard had just finished taking a cold shower and was ncing at Hera''s closed


    door with a slight frown. Countless women were obsessed with his looks, yet Hera continued to


    keep her distance from him.


    "Why is the girl who used to be so close to me now keeping her distance?" Bernard typed the


    question into his browser, but the search results were unsatisfactory.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was Aaron calling. "Bernard,e out and have fun at the Imperial


    Hotel," Aaron suggested.


    Bernard checked the time. It was already 11:00 pm, so he rejected Aaron''s invitation.


    "The Casanova, Shaun Thompson is back. Come and learn something from him," Aaron suggested


    again.


    Bernard''s gaze shifted toward Hera''s door. "I''ll be there in 20 minutes."


    ¡­


    On the fourth floor of the Imperial Hotel, the atmosphere in a certain private room was lively with


    colorful lights, intoxicating music, and sses clinking.


    Bernard, in a ck shirt, sat on the couch while swirling the ice in his ss. The lights entuated


    his facial features, making him look unduly handsome.


    With his appearance, he attracted a few provocatively dressed women, but they did not dare to


    approach him as they were deterred by his intimidating demeanor.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    "Hey, Bernard, I heard from the guys you''ve got yourself a girlfriend. Howe you didn''t bring her


    out to show us?" Shaun Thompson approached with a provocatively dressed woman on one side


    and an innocent-looking college girl on the other.


    Shaun was from one of the four influential families, the heir of the Thompson family. He was well-


    known as a yboy in their circle as he had a revolving door of partners.


    He was once thrown into the military by Alex Thompson for training, but he emerged into the


    business world after three years. He and Bernard crossed paths back then.


    "Stay away from me. You smell awful." Bernard frowned lightly. He didn''t like the cheap perfume


    scent on the women.


    Shaun, aware of Bernard''s clean freak tendencies, clicked his tongue unhappily. "You''re still so


    picky. What kind of perfect girlfriend did you find?" He then waved the two women away, dismissing


    them.


    "He hasn''t got her yet!" Aaron leaned in to whisper.


    "Huh?" Shaun raised an eyebrow. With a cigar in hand, he arrogantly asked, "Is there a woman in


    this world Bernard can''t charm?"


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Bernard was speechless. Shaun continued, "Have you given her yachts, houses, luxury cars,


    diamonds?"


    "...No," Bernard answered. If he couldn''t even convince Hera to stay at Skyview Heights willingly,


    would he scare her off by directly buying her all those? He wasn''t too sure.


    "Well, that won''t do. Women are all materialistic. First, you have to buy her diamonds, luxury cars,


    and houses. If that''s not enough, buy her a star in the sky and name it after her."


    Shaun took a deep drag of his cigar, slowly exhaling as he continued, "There''s no woman you can''t


    get as long as the money''s right."


    "That''s something new!" Aaron couldn''t help but give a thumbs-up. "Bernard, should we follow this


    method tomorrow?"


    "She''s not that superficial." Bernard nced at him, his eyes full of disdain. Why did hee to


    consult such a shallow yboy? It was useless.


    Aaron recalled Hera''s cold beauty, the aloof air she unknowingly exuded, and her calm demeanor


    even after being attacked. Hera was indeed an extraordinary woman.


    "But how will you know if you don''t try? If you never try, you''ll never know!" he shouted after


    Bernard''s retreating figure.


    The response was the sound of the door closing.


    ¡­


    Bernard walked out of the Imperial Hotel, and Dous happened to pull up alongside him.


    "Bernard, the Astral Nova has found the Eclipse Stone! It''ll be on auction next Saturday night at


    eight." Dous opened the back door for him.


    Bernard nodded. "Go get ready."


    Dous responded, "Got it. Then, will you still be meeting Ms. Chime tomorrow?"


    The head of the Killian family, Chad, who usually ignored Bernard, suddenly became concerned


    about his health in the past few days. He even arranged a doctor for Bernard.


    This doctor was Camille from the Chime family.


    Chad also specifically reminded Bernard that Camille was single, and it would be a great benefit for


    Bernard if the Killians and Chimes could arrange a marriage of convenience.


    Chad''s newfound concern for Bernard''s health and marriage was clearly aimed to win Bernard over


    for the Killian Corporation shares in his hands.


    Bernard''s gaze lowered slightly as he answered, "Yes."


    Dous was slightly surprised. "How about Ms. Youngworth..."


    "We''ll bring her along."


    Dous was puzzled at Bernard''s decision.


    ¡­


    Amelia was enraged as she received a message from Raven''s assistant early in the morning. It was


    to request a price increase.


    Ten times the price was already her maximum budget, yet now he wanted a hundred times the


    price!

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    "A hundred times the price? That''s over 300 million dors! Who does he think he is to ask for such


    an outrageous amount?"


    Amelia conveyed this message to Queenie.


    "Why doesn''t he just go rob a bank!" Queenie cursed.


    "These hackers may sound fancy, but they''re nothing but uncultured nerds. They''re so greedy. The


    tenfold increase you offered has only fueled their greed, hence the skyrocketing prices," Queenie


    criticized Amelia''s approach.


    "I''ve looked into it. Someone offered three times the price before, but he turned it down. We offered


    ten times the price, so I thought he was sure to be tempted," Amelia exined.


    She strategized with Queenie, hoping to impress her. Amelia wanted to prove to Queenie that she


    could be more valuable than Queenie''s favorite, Zyler. That was why she spared no expense to hire


    the hacker when a problem arose.


    Amelia hadn''t expected Raven to be so arrogant!


    "But now, both our home andpany security systems are under close surveince. We''re facing


    the constant threat of being hacked. Since it''s urgent, why don''t we triple the price¡ª"


    "No! Just stick to ten times the price. If he refuses, find someone else! If we can''t find anyone


    locally, we''ll search abroad! I don''t believe that our family can''t afford a meer hacker," Queenie


    dered.


    Queenie had just mentioned that she would hire him at any cost, but when it came down to actually


    spending over 300 million dors, she felt the deal wasn''t worth it. After all, businesspeople


    prioritized profit.


    "Okay." Amelia nodded.


    She also believed that the price they were offering was enough to find someoneparable to


    Raven!


    ¡­


    After finishing her morning routine at Skyview Heights, Hera happened to see Bernarding out


    of the kitchen with a ss of hot milk.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "Morning," he greeted.


    He was dressed in a ck silk loungewear robe with a gray apron tied around the front. It


    entuated his tall and well-built figure. Despite his elegance, he had a touch of earthly charm.


    On the dining tableid a sumptuous breakfast spread that Hera loved, including fried shrimp,


    bacon, French sausages, and steak.


    Hera was surprised. "Did you make all this? You can cook?"


    In the Killian family, women were expected to be versatile, excelling in both their careers and


    housework. Men, however, were groomed for management and finance, with the notion that they


    should stay out of the kitchen.


    "Yeah, I didn''t do so well with the Killian family, so I had to fend for myself," Bernard said with a hint


    of self-pity.


    Hera eyed him suspiciously. Had this been a few days ago, she might have believed him. But she


    was no longer so gullible ever since the incident at the Everett residence. Even Aaron Ludden, the


    eldest son of one of the four influential families, followed Bernard''s lead without question.


    "Try some." Bernard pulled out a chair for her and looked at her expectantly.


    Without hesitation, Hera cut a piece of the steak and tasted it. Instantly, her eyes lit up. The steak


    was perfectly seared, tender, and delicious.


    Seeing her enjoying the food, Bernard reached out and took the steak from in front of her as she


    was about to go for another bite.


    Hera looked up, only to see Bernard''s faint smile as he asked, "How is it?"


    "Perfectly seared on the outside, tender on the inside. It''s a perfect steak," Hera praised him without


    hesitation.


    "Do you want more, then?" Bernard''s tone sounded like he was tempting a child.

 Chapter 86

    ?Chapter 86


    Hera had barely tasted the dish, so she obediently nodded. "Yeah."


    "Say Please, Bernie'' then," Bernard requested. As he finished his words, he braced himself, expecting Hera to meet his request with a chilly response


    Yet, the temptation of delicious food was too strong for Hera to resist. Without hesitation, she called out, "Please, Bemie."


    With that, Bernard''s hand twitched imperceptibly, and his throat tightened. His spur-of-the-moment decision to have Hera address him differently suddenly felt weighty.


    It wasn''t the first time people had called him "Bernie," but hearing it from Hera felt different


    As Hera spoke, her mind felt foggy, as if the food had clouded her thoughts. She couldn''t believe she fell for his charm. Despite her racing heart, she epted the steak calmly and continued eating.


    The steak was delightful, as was the bacon. Hera convinced herself she was onlyplying for the sake of the food. Yeah, that was it!


    They sat facing each other, lost in their thoughts during breakfast. Yet, the atmosphere remained surprisingly harmonious.


    After breakfast, Hera took the initiative to clean up, but Bernard stopped her. "Leave it. The maid will handle it. Tonight,e with me to meet someone."


    "Who?" Hera inquired, still preupied as she kept an eye out for Tiramisu trying to snatch leftovers. "Camille Chime," Bernard said, deliberately observing Hera''s reaction.


    Hera paused and then nced up as she asked, "Why do you want me to meet her?"This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Hera vaguely remembered Camille. They had briefly crossed paths at an international medical conference before. She knew Camille had earned a reputation as a medical prodigy in the country since her teens.


    Bemard paused and then offered a reasonable exnation. To assess her medical expertise."


    Hera felt somewhat displeased. "Don''t you believe that I''ll be able to cure your illness?"


    "I do, but Chad doesn''t know that and arranged someone else for me." Bernard exined, his tone carrying a hint of resentment as he portrayed himself as a victim.


    "I refuse," Hera said firmly, her tone cold and detached. It was a stark contrast from her earlierpliance. At that moment, she seemed like a fair- weather partner, disengaging now that they''d each gotten what they wanted.


    "Actually, I''m not keen on going either. As a weakling'' in the Killian family, I''m isted and defenseless. I have no choice but to follow Chad''s orders if I want to survive," Bernard added.


    As Bernard spoke, a suddenmotion erupted at the entrance. They turned to see the door wide open. Dous was sprawled on the floor amidst scattered fruit and broken vase fragments.


    Dous hade to pick up Bemard. He had the keys to this ce as he often came to take care of Tiramisu when Hera wasn''t around.


    ustomed to using the keys directly, he didn''t expect to overhear Bernard''s conversation.


    But a misstep led to his fall--a painful reminder that this was reality, not a dream. He wasn''t hallucinating! He had heard Bemard''s smooth talk to Hera, along with his self-pitying act.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Lost in thought, Dous mulled over Bernard''s words. A supposed weakling capable of executing


    enemies in special ops? Vulnerable and isted within the Killian family?


    Wasn''t he the one who disregarded family ties and intentionally seized control of the family


    business to undermine the Killian family? Yet he said he was forced to go along with Chad''s


    demands?


    "Boss, it''s a real shame you''re not an actor!" Dous thought.


    As he got up, Dous noticed all eyes on him, including Tiramisu''s. What was with Bernard''s death


    stare?


    "I didn''t hear a thing. Carry on, you two," Dous quipped.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Hera and Bernard were speechless.


    ¡­


    At nightfall, on the top floor of the Luxent Hotel, Camille stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in a


    champagne-colored feathered gown. She gazed out at the city''s night view.


    Behind her, a setup of flowers, fine wine, candlelight, and sses awaited.


    "Camille, congrattions! You finally get to go on a date with your dream guy," Amelia said, handing


    her a ss of champagne.


    "Amy, quit teasing me." Camille smiled gracefully, taking the champagne and clinking sses.


    After they finished their champagne, Amelia handed Camille a card. "Make the most of this date,


    and here''s to bing Mrs. Killian soon."


    Camille nced at the card, realizing it was a room key card. She yfully protested, "Amy!"


    "My dear, you can''t hold back when you want a man. You''ve waited for him for six years. Do you


    want to wait another six? Seize this opportunity." Amelia helped adjust Camille''s hair, revealing her


    cleavage.


    Camille hesitated for a moment but epted the card in the end.


    Camille had been deeply in love with Bernard ever since sheid eyes on him on a cruise ship six


    years ago.


    It took her a long time to discover that he was Bernard from the Killian family, but he had always


    been in the army. By the time Bernard was discharged, she had already gone abroad for further


    studies, and the two lost touch.


    Six years of waiting had led to this moment. Of course, she had to make the most of it. But her


    upbringing taught her to be reserved and maintain the family''s dignity.


    "Okay, it''s about time. I''ll leave you to it. Good luck on your date." Amelia checked the time and left.


    Camille felt hesitant looking at the room key card in her hand. But what outweighed her hesitation


    was the excitement bubbling up from within.


    She kept the room key card and went to touch up her makeup in the bathroom.


    Just then, a waiter came and said, "Mr. Killian has arrived and is on his way up."


    "Okay, thank you." Camille tipped the waiter before letting him leave. She then took the emergency


    exit, descended a level, and took the elevator back up.


    The doors to two elevators opened one after the other.


    The elevator on Camille''s side was slightlyte, and she happened to see Bernard stepping out of


    the adjacent elevator.


    "Mr. Kilian, what a coincidence. I''ve just arrived too." Camille stepped out of the elevator with an


    elegant smile.


    Bernard paused, eyeing her like a stranger.


    "I''m Camille Chime, introduced by Mr. Chad. Please, call me Camille." She extended her hand


    elegantly.


    "Ms. Chime, hello." Bernard politely shook her hand. His formality made Camille feel awkward.


    "Are you here for a blind date or an interview?" At that moment, a cold female voice chimed in.


    A woman in a ck-knitted dress emerged from the elevator behind Bernard. She had delicate


    features, a beautiful face, and a chilly demeanor. Dous followed behind her.


    When did Bernard have a woman by his side?

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    rm bells were going off in Camille''s mind, but she shed a smile and asked, "And who might


    this be?"


    "I''m his secretary," Hera replied casually.


    "What''s yourst name? You look young, like a 17 or 18-year-old teenager," Camille probed further.


    "You don''t have to know." Hera felt irritated as she nced at their hands. Was this just a


    handshake or were they holding hands?


    Taken aback by Hera''s response, Camille remained silent.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Bernard was caught off guard by Hera''s proactive disclosure of her identity, though her tone carried


    a hint of displeasure. Was she jealous? He smirked and deliberately prolonged the handshake.


    "Mr. Killian, you''ve got quite an interesting secretary," Camille remarked with a faint smile. She


    attempted to withdraw her hand, but Bernard''s grip lingered.


    The faint smile on Bernard''s lips sparked excitement in Camille''s heart. Was Bernard into her too?


    Seizing the moment, Camille linked arms with Bernard and led him into the private room.


    Bernard shot a disdainful look at their hands but refrained from shaking Camille off rudely. Instead,


    he nced at Hera, who was following behind.


    Hera''s expression was unreadable.


    Unbeknownst to him, Hera was feeling irritated. But at the same time, she was unwilling to leave


    them alone in the room.


    She followed them into the private room, where she saw a long table set with flowers, wine, and


    candlelight, with a chair on each side. Was this for medical consultation or romantic matchmaking?


    Hera''s frustration grew. Spotting a lounge area, she pulled out a chair and seated herself at the


    table''s center.


    "You two chat. I''ll be here," she said as she put on earphones and immersed herself in Flip-and-


    Match.


    Bernard remained silent as he observed Hera.


    Camille mirrored his silence, her thoughts racing as she struggled toprehend the situation. How


    could his secretary be so audacious? And shouldn''t a secretary like her be outside to assist


    Dous rather than intruding into their private meeting like this?


    But Bernard didn''t express his opinion, and Camille was at a loss for words. Whether it was her


    imagination or not, Bernard seemed oddly attentive to his secretary. He was asionally stealing


    nces her way.


    If it were anyone else, they would have immediately asked the waiter to kick out such an


    unprofessional employee. But Camille''s upbringing didn''t allow her to do so. She signaled the waiter


    to bring another set of cutlery for Hera.


    Thus, Camille''s anticipated romantic date was shattered by the unwee presence of this third


    wheel.


    Hera''s peripheral vision asionally caught glimpses of Camille and Bernard chatting leisurely.


    Meanwhile, her phone screen disyed an rming 50% error rate in her game.


    Her irritation grew stronger, and she felt conflicted. She wouldn''t fully trust Bernard until she had


    avenged her family. But seeing him cozying up to another woman made her uneasy.


    He had spoken of marrying into the Everett family, yet here he was, flirting with someone else.


    "Scumbag," she thought.


    Just as she was getting annoyed, a notification popped up on her screen.


    Piglet: "Boss, it''s been a day since you asked the Gaskell family to raise the price."


    Raven: "Have they agreed?"


    Piglet: "No, they''re recruiting other hackers at the mission hall. But no one dares to ept it


    because Imented the price you set. Aren''t I smart? Quick, praise me!"


    Raven: "Pigs are indeed clever."

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Hera switched off her phone, feeling a bit relieved atst. She''d leave once she got the Eclipse


    Stone next week and cured Bernard''s illness. That way, she wouldn''t even have to care about


    Bernard meeting other women.


    "''Mr. Killian; sounds a bit distant. Can I call you ''Bernie'' instead?" Camille asked Bernard with


    sincerity.


    Hera remained silent overhearing their conversation.


    "As long as you like it," Bernard replied casually, his gaze returning to Hera. She sipped her tomato


    cream soup, seemingly unfazed by Camille''s presence.


    Bernard was perplexed. Was his tactic of ying hard to get failing miserably? Was Hera only


    interested in food and games?


    She used to say she liked him the most when she was younger. How had she changed so much?


    "Bernie, you''re so kind." Camille smiled shyly. He was indeed the man she fell in love with at first


    sight. He was noble, gentlemanly, and soft-spoken.


    If not for Hera''s presence, Camille would almost believe he genuinely liked her, judging from their


    encounter at the door and Bernard''s gentlemanly behavior.


    But as Bernard''s gaze fell on Hera once again, his eyes softened in a way that didn''t belong to her.


    She then realized everything she had done had prepared the way for someone else''s happiness.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    But Camille wouldn''t easily give up on the man she loved. Camille ignored it, continuing, "Speaking


    of which, Bernie, we have a deep connection.


    "Six years ago, you saved me during the pirate hijacking on the high seas. If it weren''t for the urgent


    dispatch of special forces, thousands of people on the entire cruise ship would''ve perished..."


    Hera listened quietly while drinking her soup. No wonder Camille was so enthusiastic. She wanted


    to repay her gratitude by marrying Bernard.


    Lost in her thoughts, Hera suddenly felt a touch on her foot. She was caught off guard but instantly


    realized whose foot it was.


    Hera choked on the soup and coughed. She looked at Bernard in shock. What was he trying to do?


    "Take your time. There''s no need to rush. We can leave once you''re full," Bernard said


    mischievously, handing her a napkin.


    Hera said, "Mr. Killian, should I remind you of the purpose of tonight''s agenda? You should let Ms.


    Chime check your illness."


    Hera smiled, her gaze shifting between them. The message in her eyes seemed to say, "Mr. Killian,


    as a man, you should be a gentleman ande over to Dr. Chime''s side."


    Bernard remained silent. Hera red at him discreetly, and she saw a mischievous smile on his lips.


    It was as if he was asking whether Hera had admitted defeated.


    Camille was at a loss for words. She had passionately recounted their first encounter to share how


    they were fated and how well-suited they were for each other. But it seemed like background noise


    to these two.


    Not only that, but they were openly exchanging flirtatious nces in front of her!


    Camille''s upbringing taught her to endure. As the future Mrs. Killian, she wouldn''t give up easily.


    She didn''t deserve to like Bernard if she let herself be defeated so easily.


    At that moment, the waiter brought in another dish.


    "You shouldn''t starve even if you''re in a hurry for the treatment," Camille said with an elegant smile.


    "Bernie, their foie gras is good. You should try some."


    "I don''t eat foie gras," Bernard declined.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Camille wasn''t fazed. "So you''re not into foie gras. Got it. They also serve nice steak. Maybe you''ll


    like that."


    "I''ll pass on that too. I don''t eat steak," Bernard added.


    Hera nced at him. They just had steak for breakfast together this morning, hadn''t they?


    Camille understood the message from them exchanging nces. It wasn''t that Bernard didn''t eat


    those things, he simply didn''t want to.


    "Alright then. Let''s head to the lounge. I''ll give you a check-up," Camille said, grabbing the nearby


    medical kit.


    The lounge she mentioned was the same small room Hera had gone to earlier to fetch a chair. It


    had everything¨Ca bed, a couch, even a bathroom. It was quite the deluxe lounge.


    It was hard to tell if they were going for a check-up or something else entirely.


    Bernard couldn''t be that clueless, could he?


    But to her surprise, Bernard stood up and followed Camille into the lounge.


    Hera was flustered. S was right! Men were all alike!


    ¡­


    When they got in the lounge, Camille shut the door before turning to Bernard. As she gazed fondly


    at his tall figure, her heart fluttered, and she felt a strong urge to hug him.


    "Why did Chad send you?" Bernard turned around, his cold demeanor sobering Camille instantly.


    "He mentioned you were feeling off and asked me to check on you," she responded. In truth, Chad


    suspected Bernard might be seriously ill and tasked her with investigating.


    "Is that so? Then tell Chad I''m sorry to have disappointed him. I''m perfectly fine," Bernard said. His


    illness was a secret. It would be disastrous if the Killian family were to find out about it.


    Camille''s expression stiffened. Bernard made it crystal clear he didn''t need her examination. So, he


    came in here just to make that clear?


    As Bernard moved to leave, Camille blocked his path. "You''re into her, aren''t you?"


    Bernard looked at her in surprise. If even outsiders could see his feelings for Hera, why couldn''t


    Hera herself see it?


    Camille''s heart skipped a beat at his gaze. But it also confirmed Bernard''s genuine affection for


    Hera.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "I can help you win her over," she offered again.


    "What''s the catch?" Bernard asked.


    "You!" Camille thought.


    She maintained a smile and said, "Nothing, I don''t need anything from you. We''re friends, and if


    you''re happy, I''m happy."


    "Let''s not have these talks in the future." Bernard sidestepped her.


    Camille was stunned. "Why?"


    "I don''t like pick-me girls," Bernard said, opening the door and leaving.


    Camille stood there in disbelief, her cheeks flushing red as if she''d been pped twice. Bernard''s


    labeling of her as a pick-me girl shattered her meticulously crafted image as one of Norburgh''s elite.

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    A ck Lincoln pulled up at the entrance of Luxent Hotel, and in the back seat were Lily and Zyler.


    "Zee, we''re here," Lily reminded.


    "Do you trust them?"


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Zyler looked skeptical.


    Lily exined, "The hackers on Cyber Web highly respect Raven. If Raven refuses a job, no one


    else will take it, even if it''s left hanging for months. You''d have to resort to the ck market.


    "Don''t worry. Raven built our family''spany firewall. It''s been solid with no issues."


    Despite posting a reward, the Gaskell family received no responses to the mission. Instead, they


    faced more hacker attacks.


    The security of the Gaskellpany''s firewall was at risk, causing headaches for the whole family.


    With even Amelia frantically seeking solutions, Zyler couldn''t stay idle and wanted to help.


    Although he knew little about managing apany due to his passion for music and arts, he


    remembered that the Bourne family was in the inte industry and sought Lily out.


    Unexpectedly, Lily suggested looking up people from the ck market despite the risks involved.


    But with the Gaskell family pushed to the brink, Zyler decided to proceed with her idea.


    As they headed toward the lobby, they spotted Hera rushing from the elevator, followed by a man


    who looked like a hotel security guard.


    Lily''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She wondered about the reason for Hera''s presence.


    Considering Luxent Hotel''s cost and the Everetts'' bankruptcy, Lily spected that Hera might have


    dined and dashed. The thought excited Lily, as Hera had caused trouble for the Gaskell family,


    Giselle, and her best friend, Janiya.


    Hera had especially troubled Janiya.


    Lily had contacted Janiya after the incident, who indirectly implied Hera''s involvement in her fate.


    Lily felt she had to use this opportunity to seek revenge on Hera for Janiya''s sake.


    At the sight of Hera, Lily said, "Zee, look. It''s Hera."


    Zyler''s first thought was that Hera was stalking him.


    "Hera, where are you going in such a hurry?"


    Lily blocked her path.


    Hera nced at them indifferently and coldly replied, "Leave me alone."


    "You haven''t done anything wrong, so why are you running so fast?"


    Lily stubbornly obstructed Hera''s way and called over the security guards at the entrance.


    "She''s broke. You''d better hold her and check if there''s been a theft in the hotel or if someone''s


    been dining and dashing," Lily confidently dered, which attracted much attention in the lobby.


    Some bystanders immediately stepped forward to surround Hera at the mention of a theft.


    Lily was delighted at themotion she had caused. She anticipated seeing Hera thrown out by


    the security guards, preferably after she received a good beating.


    However, the security guard didn''t move when he saw the person Lily was using.


    Instead, he scrutinized Lily and asked, "Who are you? On what grounds are youmanding us?"


    The guard had seen Hera arrive with Bernard, who even opened the car door for her. He wouldn''t


    dare touch her.


    "What''s with your attitude? Do you want to keep your job here? Look closely¡ªI''m a gold VIP


    member of Luxent, and he''s from the Gaskell family!


    "You''d have to sell your own mother before you''d even get close to affording a scratch on his


    shoes!"


    Lily''s frustration boiled over as sheshed out at the security guard.


    Zyler frowned at Lily''s crude behavior. His remaining feelings for her dissipated instantly.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    The lobby manager noticed themotion and rushed over. At the sight of Zyler and Lily, he quickly


    apologized humbly.


    His modest attitude appeased Lily''s anger. Still, she arrogantly pointed at the security guard.


    "Get rid of this watchdog right now! I don''t want to see him here when I spend my money!"


    Lily then pointed at Hera and shouted, "And detain this country bumpkin for interrogation!"


    "Yes, yes," the lobby manager nodded repeatedly.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Then, his heart skipped a beat when he noticed Hera''s cold and annoyed expression.


    "Ms. Bourne, perhaps it''s best if you avoid visiting here in the future," the lobby manager said with a


    professional smile.


    With a simple hand gesture, the security guards immediately dragged Lily out despite her


    resistance.


    Both Lily and Zyler were puzzled by the rapid esction of the situation.


    "How dare you treat me like this! I''ll file aint against you! Let go of me! I have an


    appointment here¡ªouch!"


    Lily''s cursing faded as she was dragged away.


    "Escort out the guest Lily Bourne made an appointment with," the lobby manager instructed into his


    walkie-talkie.


    The onlookers gasped. Only those with substantial financial means could afford to spend at Luxent


    Hotel. Gold card members were obligated to spend at least five million dors annually.


    Yet, a lobby manager dared to cast out such a high-end customer. They had even removed the


    person she had an appointment with. The onlookers couldn''t help but wonder about the identity of


    the person Lily had offended.


    All eyes turned to Hera. They were curious about the drama, but the lobby manager dispersed the


    crowd.


    "Ms. Youngworth, my apologies for the disturbance," the lobby manager said, bowing apologetically.


    His obsequious demeanor seemed as if, in the next moment, Hera couldmand him to kneel


    and lick the floor clean if she wished.


    Zyler felt ufortable watching from the sidelines.


    "Excuse me. Please step aside!"


    Zyler tried to approach Hera but was blocked by Dous.


    Hera ignored Zyler and walked away coldly.


    "Dou-Dous!"


    Zyler recognized Dous.


    He was Bernard''s personal assistant. Unbeknownst to others, Queenie had instructed the Gaskells


    to memorize all the direct lineages and even the assistants of essential figures in the Killian family.


    Dous nced at Zyler and failed to recall who he was. However, chasing after Hera was more


    urgent, so he ignored Zyler and quickly walked away.


    Being ignored by two people in a row infuriated Zyler.


    But what enraged him even further was the sudden realization that Hera had struck up a connection


    with Dous. Moreover, Dous seemed to care a lot about Hera.


    Piecing it together, he felt it was no surprise that the lobby manager would prostrate before a


    bankrupt heiress.


    The thought ignited anger within Zyler.


    He continued to curse Hera in his heart.


    "Hera is so superficial and low! She had imed to like me before, but now she is cozying up to


    another man!"


    He felt even more insulted by the fact that Dous was merely his cousin''s personal assistant.


    Even if his status as an assistant wasn''t considered too low, Zyler was still the heir to the Gaskell


    family.


    He wondered if Hera honestly thought he was inferior to even Bernard''s assistant and if she had


    actually tried to cozy up to him.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    "Ms. Youngworth..."


    Dous finally caught up with Hera in the parking lot.


    Hera nced at him, expressionless, then opened the car''s back door and got in.


    "Do you really trust Bernard to be alone with that woman?" Dous asked.


    The heavy sound of the door mming shut was her response. Perplexed, Dous scratched his


    head, wondering if he had said something wrong again.


    He had seen Hera leaving alone earlier at the private room entrance.


    He teasingly asked, "Ms. Youngworth, why are you alone?"


    Then, Dous noticed Hera''s irritation grew. When he didn''t see Bernard follow Hera out into the


    elevator, he realized something was off. He quickly took the elevator to catch up.


    "Don''t worry, Ms. Youngworth. Bernard is very disciplined. He won''t fall for her charms so easily,"


    Dous exined from the driver''s seat.


    "Chad arranged for Bernard to meet Ms. Chime. As they say, one can''t refuse their elder''s kindness,


    and Bernard¡ª"


    "Shut up and drive," Hera interrupted tly.


    Dous immediately shut his mouth. He found Hera to be much more frightening than Bernard.


    After some hesitation, he weakly suggested, "Should we wait for Bernard a little longer?"


    With a single nce from Hera, Dous mimed zipping his mouth shut, but didn''t start the car.


    He kept his silence.


    The thought of Bernard alone with Camille irritated Hera even further. She felt like her time was


    better spent elsewhere than used to apany Bernard. She should have stayed at home to


    watch dramas and y with Tiramisu.


    "In that case, you wait for him then."


    Hera opened the door, ready to get out, but found it being opened from the outside.


    A tall figure cast a shadow over Hera as he blocked the car door. Although it was backlit, his deep


    eyes glimmered in the dim light, staring at her.


    "Why didn''t you wait for me?" Bernard asked.


    Hera was caught off guard but quickly regained her cold demeanor.


    "Well, you were going to send Ms. Chime back, and we''re not going the same way," she said,


    avoiding his gaze.


    Bernard smirked at her sarcasm. It seemed that his efforts didn''t go to waste, as there was some


    jealousy in the air that night.


    "She''s not a child who needs an adult to send her back."


    Bernard motioned for Hera to move further in to make room for him.


    Hera fell silent as she felt patronized. She wondered if he was implying that she was still a child in


    his eyes. Whether it was his earlier yful banter or the flirtatious gestures under the table, were


    they all simply to tease her?


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Hera felt particrly irritated.


    "Is someone jealous?"


    Bernard leaned into the car, his gaze fixed on her.


    Hera felt even more irritated and reluctantly shifted over to give Bernard space.


    "Why on earth would I be jealous?"


    Hera''s tone was firm, implying her irritation.


    "Does that still mean you''re jealous?"


    Bernard chuckled softly, finding her angry expression oddly endearing.


    Hera remained silent as she couldn''t find the words to exin.


    Bernard exined, "I''m not interested in her. I only met with her because of her medical skills¡ª"


    "It seems to me that Ms. Chime is unprofessional. Instead of seeing patients at a hospital, she


    makes appointments at fancy restaurants, even inviting patients to candlelit dinners. Her intentions


    aren''t pure," Hera interrupted in a detachedly.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    "I agree. Her medical skills seemcking," Bernard chimed in.


    Dous remained silent in the front seat.


    He mulled over Bernard''sment. Camille was from the renowned Chime family with a century-


    long legacy in medicine. She was hailed as a prodigy in the field and was even nominated for a


    Nobel Prize. Dous wondered how sharp Hera''s skills were if she could call Camille


    unprofessional.


    Hera was stunned by Bernard''s response. After all, he still followed Camille into the lounge for a


    private check-up. She couldn''t help but curse at him silently.


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Sensing the tension, Dous quickly raised the partition between the front and back seats as he


    was worried about bing a target of Bernard''s wrath.


    "I reluctantly agreed to meet her after being pressured by Chad. I even thought of bringing you


    along for support, but you were too caught up in your games to notice me," Bernard said in a deep


    voice, looking at Hera with an innocent expression.


    Hera couldn''t stay angry looking at him. But the more he feigned innocence, the more irritated Hera


    felt. Despite there being no chance between them, he continued to push the boundaries of their


    rtionship.


    "You don''t owe me an exnation. We''re in this together just for business. Once we obtain the


    Eclipse Stone and cure your illness, we''ll go our separate ways," Hera stated coldly.


    She lowered the divider and instructed Dous, "Pull over."


    Dous hesitated when he noticed Bernard''s stern expression in the rearview mirror.


    "I said pull over!"


    Hera''s tone grew sharper.


    Dous hit the brakes, and Hera immediately stepped out of the car.


    As the door loudly mmed shut, Dous felt the temperature in the car drop. He wanted to turn on


    the heater, but he didn''t dare to do so.


    He watched Hera''s figure disappear into the night, then nced at Bernard''s expressionless face in


    the mirror.


    "Bernard, aren''t you going after her?" Dous asked.


    Bernard watched Hera''s retreating figure with bloodshot eyes through the car window. His hands


    were clenched into fists as if holding back an overwhelming emotion.


    "Bernard?"


    Bernard''s unusual behavior caught Dous'' attention. He turned to check if Bernard''s illness was


    acting up again.


    Dous had already dialed Johnson''s number.


    Bernard remained silent. He leaned back with his eyes closed.


    An image of a sweet smile from a young girl formed in his mind. It was her smile and her gentle


    voice that had once saved him from the brink of madness. She had diverted him from his path of


    vengeance by softening his cold heart.


    It was a memory so vivid, it felt almost tangible.


    "Do you like me?"


    "Yes."


    "You''re my favorite! Mom and Dad, too."


    The boy held the girl''s hand, gently stroking it without a word.


    He yearned to take her away from the Killian family so that he would be the only one in her eyes.


    He wanted to own her entirely, marry her, and start a family together when they grew up.


    But he never dared to confess his thoughts, fearing that she might be taken aback.


    Yet, before she could grow up, she vanished from his life.


    The Killian family imed she had died. He refused to believe it and spent years searching for her.


    Finally, 11 yearster, he found her.


    However, she was no longer the innocent girl he remembered. She had changed.

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    Bernard''s eyes flickered open in the dim light after a long silence. His gaze had regained its


    composure, but it remained deep, akin to an abyss.


    "Dous, how would you treat a treasure that''s been lost and found?" he asked.


    "I''d probably worship it."


    Dous sighed in relief when he saw Bernard return back to himself. He promptly ended the call to


    Johnson.


    "I was being too anxious," Bernard muttered to himself.


    Dous was confused. He couldn''t seem to keep pace with Bernard''s thoughts. Rtionships, he


    realized, were like aplex puzzle.


    ¡­


    Hera hailed a taxi and directed the driver to an address on the outskirts. She owned a vi there


    that was purchased before her move to Norburgh. Conveniently situated on the border between


    Norburgh and Jedburgh, it served her future ns well.


    As she did, a text message popped up on her phone.


    "Are you still alive out there? If you don''t return soon, your room will be gone!"


    It was from an unknown number, but Hera recognized it as Gino''s.


    "Sir, please change the destination to No. 8 Oak Estates," Hera instructed.


    That was the Everett residence''s address.


    Hera stepped out of the car at the vi''s entrance 40 minutester. The gate stood wide open, with


    tworge trucks filling the yard and workers in uniforms bustling about seemingly moving


    belongings.


    She wondered if they were moving.


    "Mr. Gideon, what about the piano? It''s worth a hundred thousand dors. Perhaps Ms. Hera would


    still want to use it," Judy fretted as she watched the workers move the piano out.


    "I''ll get Hera a new one if she wants to learn the piano. There''s no need for second-hand items,"


    Gideon stated while seated on the sofa with his legs crossed.


    He was busy designing the roomyout on his tablet.


    "Dad, there are still two pictures to take down on that wall. If it looks too empty, we can take some


    new ones for Hera another day."


    "But... can we keep two of the pictures?" James said hesitatingly while caressing the photo frames.


    The wall disyed family photos decorated by Lilith, mostly highlighting the children''s


    achievements.


    James was referring to the photos of Giselle''s wins in the state pianopetitions in primary and


    junior high school. They were images of James with Giselle and the governor.


    It wasn''t the photo of Giselle that James valued, but the honor depicted in the photo with the


    governor.


    "No!" Gideon rejected firmly.


    "I want every trace of Giselle gone from here! Only then will Hera return to stay."


    Upon reflection, Gideon realized Hera''s reluctance to stay at home wasn''t simply due to the family''s


    favoritism toward Giselle. It was also because Giselle''s presence had made her ufortable.


    Thus, he aimed to remove everything.


    "You heard him."


    Lilith attempted to snatch the photo album from James, who held it tightly. Lilith failed to snatch it


    from his hands, so she decided to attend to other matters first.


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    "Gideon, I think the room you''re designing isn''t as good as my current study. That was the room she


    had taken from me before. She treasures it, so there''s no need to change it," Gino remarked,


    pointing to the design on the tablet.


    Gideon was redesigning the room where Giselle had been living for Hera''s use. As it was a master


    bedroom, it had a betteryout than Hera''s current room in every aspect.


    "Your study is too small. Girls have a lot of stuff, and there''s simply not enough space. If Hera likes


    the decor of this room, I''ll have it redone ordingly."


    Gideon firmly insisted because the new room was closest to his.


    "The air in Giselle''s room still reeks of whore! She might not even want to stay there!" Gino added.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    "That''s her choice, so why are youining?"


    Gideon set down his tablet.


    "And show some respect to Hera. Don''t you dare curse in front of her!"


    "It''s none of your business!"


    Gino turned his head away proudly.


    "Ms. Hera, you''re back."


    Judy''s voice suddenly came from outside.


    The four people in the living room immediately looked toward the door.


    In the blink of an eye, James immediately threw the photo frame he had been caressing into the


    trash bin. Lilith was stunned by his actions.


    Before Gideon could intervene, Gino swiftly positioned himself in front of Hera.


    With his arms crossed, head held high, he dered, "You''re back so soon, huh? Are you afraid that


    I''ll reim my room? It''s obvious your favorite room is still my study!"


    Gino would sever ties with Hera if she didn''t opt for his study. He wouldn''t even offer her pocket


    money.


    Hera remained silent, her expression unreadable.


    "Don''t mind him. Hera,e and take a look. I designed a new room for you."


    Gideon pushed Gino aside. He handed Hera the room design n and looked at her expectantly.


    Hera nced at the design n. It was detailed and considerate, with many thoughtful elements. It


    was evident that a lot of effort had been put into it.


    "Not bad," she said.


    Gideon was delighted to earn Hera''s approval.


    "If you like it, I''ll have the interior designpany start remodeling tomorrow."


    Hera was slightly taken aback by his sudden affection, as she wasn''t used to having such a caring


    brother. Seeing him lead the family in making these changes for her brought a soothing warmth to


    her heart.


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    Her mood, which had been restless all evening, improved slightly.


    "Alright."


    She nodded in confirmation.


    Gino''s eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn''t believe her audacity for not choosing him. He felt he


    was done with this nonsense.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in the CEO''s office at Gaskell Corporation, Queenie was holding a ss of wine when


    she asked Amelia, "It''s been three days. Has no one taken the order yet?"


    Amelia shook her head.


    "No. I have posted on every single tform avable both domestically and internationally, but no


    one is interested."


    "These fools. They''re idiots for not grabbing the money even when they have the chance!"


    Queenie cursed and mmed the wine ss heavily on the coffee table.


    "Mom, I''m sorry, I underestimated the influence of Raven. I just found out that Raven is the only


    disciple of S," Amelia said apologetically.


    "What?"


    Both Queenie and Terence, who was sitting in the CEO''s seat, eximed in surprise.


    They all knew about the S incident where S was regarded as a national hero. Eight years ago, S


    was deployed by the nation during Miridian''s invasion of the country''s defense system.


    He single-handedly obstructed the enemy''s invasion within a day and also counter-killed the enemy.


    His actions paralyzed the Miridian''s defense system for a week.


    At that time, the incident became a global sensation, elevating S to the status of a legend in the


    hackermunity.


    However, two years ago, S retired from hacking due to health issues, leaving behind a void in the


    hacker world. The fact that Raven was S'' only disciple was enough to instill fear in hackers


    worldwide.


    And the Gaskells had offended such a terrifying existence in the heat of the moment.


    "What took you so long to figure that out?"


    Queenie red at Amelia, full of resentment.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    Amelia felt ashamed of her blunder and lowered her head in embarrassment.


    Terence felt irritated and sumbed to smoking one cigar after another until the office was


    shrouded in heavy smoke and the ashtray overflowed.


    Amelia coughed uncontrobly, and she opened the window to clear the air. She urged Terence to


    smoke less, but her words fell on deaf ears.


    At that moment, a knock sounded on the office door, and Zyler entered.


    "Dad, why are you smoking in here again?"


    He coughed, choking on the thick smoke.


    Terence extinguished his cigar and stood up.


    "Zyler, how did it go?"


    "Here. Have some water first before you tell us," Queenie offered him a ss.


    Zyler took a sip of water and said, "He refused to see me."


    That night at Luxent Hotel, Adrian was also forced to leave after Lily was ousted. This left Adrian


    feeling embarrassed and furious, leading him to sever ties with the Bourne family.


    Zyler waited for two days, hoping to give him time to cool down before attempting another visit.


    However, Adrian still refused to meet him.


    "How could this be? Don''t people operating in the ck market prioritize money above all?" Terence


    questioned.


    Desperate times called for desperate measures. They wouldn''t choose to work with those in the


    ck market unless the situation were dire.


    "It was because¡­" Zyler recounted the incident at Luxent truthfully.


    Queenie''s expression darkened immediately.


    While those in the ck market might prioritize money, they were also proud individuals who valued


    their pride above all else.


    It was no wonder Adrian was furious. He was kicked out by Luxent. It was akin to a p in his face.


    But Queenie also gleaned a significant piece of information. Hera had hooked herself up to


    Dous.


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    "Hera! It''s her again!"


    Queenie clenched her teeth in anger.


    A thought then crossed her mind, and she sneered, "A country bumpkin will always be a country


    bumpkin. She could do nothing else but pester Bernard''s personal assistant!"


    She wondered if Hera thought she could escape scrutiny by attaching herself to Bernard''s assistant.


    She felt that destroying Hera would be as effortless as crushing an ant.


    Zyler felt a strange difort hearing her words.


    "With things getting to this point, we can only pay Raven a hundred times the price," Terence


    concluded.


    "Amelia, you handle it. It''s best if Raven solves our problem by tomorrow. The fools in ourpany


    won''t hold out much longer."


    Despite all the trouble, not a single penny was saved, and they ended up offending others. Queenie


    was further disappointed in Amelia.


    However, the thought of Raven''s power sparked another idea in her mind.


    "Give me Raven''s contact. I''ll handle this personally," Queenie demanded.


    "But..."


    Amelia looked at Queenie in surprise.


    Amelia was the one who negotiated with Raven, securing the deal at a hundred times the original


    price. If she could finalize this deal, the credit would be hers, and the shareholders would regard her


    more favorably.


    Yet, Queenie sought to take credit for her daughter''s achievement at this critical moment.


    "No ''buts''. Isn''t my authority greater than yours?"


    Queenie red at her.


    Amelia felt resentful but stillplied.


    "Yes. I''ll send you the contact information right away."


    Hera stayed with the Everetts over the National Day long weekend.


    On the first day back to school, Hera felt her phone constantly buzzing at the breakfast table. She


    nced at it.


    It was a message from Piglet saying, "Raven, the Gaskell family has agreed to pay a hundred times


    the price! However, this time, it was Mrs. Gaskell who contacted me. Should I ignore her for a while


    and then pretend to reluctantly agree?"


    She replied, "No need."


    "True. It''s better to receive the nine-figure sum sooner. I''ll agree to her offer immediately," Piglet


    texted.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    Hera texted Piglet, saying, "That offer has expired. Now it''s two hundred times the price."


    Piglet messaged, "Oh my gosh! Are you messing with her? Or are you intentionally taking


    advantage of the situation? Either way, I love it!"


    Hera smiled when she imagined the look on Queenie''s face upon receiving this message. She set


    her phone down and continued with her breakfast.


    As breakfast neared its end, James got up to fetch the car keys.


    "Hera, the driver''s off today, and I happen to be free. I''ll take you and Gino to school," he said, trying


    to sound pleasant.


    Gone was the dignity of the former head of the household in this fawning demeanor.


    Hera nced casually at him, unimpressed by his attempt to curry favor. She didn''t refuse, but it


    was Gino who objected first.


    "I''d rather not ride in the same car as this country bumpkin even if I have to walk to school myself!"


    He strode off arrogantly with his small backpack slung over his shoulder. Gino was still sulking over


    the fact that Hera did not choose to stay in his study.


    However, as he reached the yard, he pretended to tie his shoces and paused his steps. He


    figured he could reluctantly agree to share a ride with Hera if she asked him.


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    But then, he saw Hera shoot him a casual nce before getting into the car. Even James didn''t try


    to persuade him. The car started and drove away.


    As the car pulled away, leaving Gino standing in the yard, a surge of disbelief washed over him. He


    was left behind. The situation left him pondering if he was truly their biological child.


    In the car, James kept his eye on the road while asionally ncing at the back seat passenger


    through the rearview mirror.


    Hera, engrossed in her game, kept her head lowered. Their positions were now vastly different,


    though her cold demeanor remained unchanged.


    "Hera, what''s your rtionship with Mr. Killian?" James asked.


    He had wanted to ask this question for a while now but hadn''t found the right opportunity. He


    wouldn''t have ended up in this situation if he had known how well-connected Hera and Bernard


    were.


    At the mention of Bernard, Hera''s hand briefly paused the game. They hadn''t contacted each other


    for several days since that night they parted ways.


    "It''s none of your business," she replied nonchntly without lifting her gaze.


    James nearly choked. His hot temper would have red up immediately in the past, but now, he felt


    powerless. In fact, he had to be shrewd. He recognized the situation and knew not to get angry. He


    dared not get angry, too.


    "Yes, yes. It''s none of my business. But can you, for the sake of our father-daughter rtionship,


    help me persuade your brother to let me work at hispany?" he asked in a low, pleading voice.


    Then, he added, "Any position will do."


    Gideon looked down on James and wouldn''t let him interfere in thepany''s affairs, so James


    had to ask Hera for help.


    If he didn''t, he was at a loss as to what to do, even considering a job on a construction site.


    Hera looked up and nced at him.


    "How about a janitor?"


    James remained silent before adding, "Could it at least be a managerial position? After all, I am the


    face of the Everett family to those on the outside..."


    He pleaded with Hera, trying to salvage some dignity.


    He had once been a CEO. He felt that making him into a janitor would be beyond what he could


    tolerate.


    "A janitorial supervisor?" Hera suggested.


    James hesitated.


    He considered her suggestion. He figured that the role of a janitorial supervisor was still a


    managerial position.

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    "What?"


    Queenie abruptly sat up from the massage table when she read the reply on her phone. Her


    reaction startled the women undergoing spa treatments next to her.


    "What''s wrong, Queenie?" one of them asked.


    Queenie realized she had overreacted. She simply smiled and then casually reclined back.


    "It''s nothing. I''m simply discussing a coboration with a hacker called Raven."


    She pretended to be calm, but her inner turmoil went into overdrive when she learned that the price


    tag soared to two hundred times the original price.


    The asking price had exceeded six hundred million. Unexpectedly, Raven had jacked up the price


    by a hundred times in just a few days. Queenie couldn''t help but wonder if the hacker Raven


    thought money grew on trees.


    "Raven? The country''s top hacker? My son is always raving about him and thinks he''s amazing.


    With just a snap of his fingers, he''s made eight figures. It''s impressive to see you negotiating with


    him," another woman remarked.


    "My son is also obsessed with Raven. He''s been skipping his studies to learnputer hacking."


    "If you manage to recruit Raven, it''ll be like obtaining a guardian angel for the Gaskells. Who would


    dare mess with your family?"


    "At this rate, your family is headed to the top. Soon, you''ll be mentioned among the four influential


    families."


    "In the future, it won''t just be the four influential families anymore. It''ll be the five influential families."


    As they showered Queenie withpliments and attention, she felt a wave of contentment wash


    over her. It even soothed the effects of her earlier inner turmoil.


    Queenie aimed to elevate the Gaskells to the same level of prominence as the four influential


    families.


    So, she obtained Raven''s contact information from Amelia with the intention of recruiting him.


    Without hesitation, she drafted and sent out the message.


    ¡­


    At Cavenridge, the Terranish teacher was in the middle of teaching a lesson in ss.


    Hera''s chin was resting on her hand. She was absentmindedly ying the new Candy Crush game


    that Katie had rmended.


    Then, a WhatsApp message popped up on her phone. It was from Piglet.


    "Raven, Mrs. Gaskell has agreed to the new price.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "However, she has one condition¡ªshe wants to meet you in person. This time, she appeared quite


    desperate and responded unusually fast."


    Hera narrowed her eyes and wondered if their desperation was genuine or if it masking their


    intentions. Nheless, she held the upper hand in the negotiation.


    "Alright. But the price won''t be the same as before," she replied.


    Piglet was taken aback.


    "You''re nning to increase the price again? Are you doing this on purpose?"


    Hera responded, "If she agrees, pass along my contact information."


    Piglet asked, "So, how much then? Three hundred times?"


    She texted back, "Depends on my mood."


    Piglet sent a flexed bicep emoticon andmented, "Your answer implies that you''re the one


    behind the Gaskells'' setup."


    ¡­


    Back at the beauty salon, Queenie frowned as she read the message.


    The price was raised again. She felt the situation was an endless cycle of demands.


    Considering the Gaskells'' ambition and observing her friends'' admiring nces, Queenie surmised


    that news of the Gaskells'' interest in coborating with Raven must have already spread through


    gossip.


    If the Gaskells couldn''t close the deal with Raven, their reputation would take a hit, and their


    company''s systems might copse.

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    The Gaskells'' stock plummeted, and their losses were in the billions. If this continued, they would


    soon hit rock bottom.


    Queenie gritted her teeth and stomped her foot before reluctantly agreeing to the deal. After


    obtaining Raven''s contact information, she sent a friend request and breathed a sigh of relief.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Queenie was grateful that this ordeal was going to end soon. After all, Hera''s surveince footage


    had gotten on Queenie''s nerves. But once this was resolved, she would show Hera who was the


    boss.


    ¡­


    Hera had left Queenie''s friend request pending for two days. After Piglet''s umpteenth reminder, she


    finally epted it.


    Saturday had arrived, and that night was the Astral Nova Auction.


    Queenie messaged Raven.


    "You''ve finally epted my friend request. Let''s meet up and talk face-to-face."


    She added a smiley face with a bead of sweat on its forehead. Her emoji possibly hinted at her


    annoyance at being ignored for two days but still conveyed her willingness to cooperate.


    Hera chuckled and replied using Raven''s ount.


    "Send me the task requirements. I''ll review them and get back to you with the price and ount


    details."


    After sending the message, she switched ounts and found Bernard''s WhatsApp messages.


    Theirst exchange was two weeks ago. She debated whether to tell him about the auction. But


    every attempt topose a message felt off. She grew frustrated and tossed her phone aside.


    She initially wanted to set clear boundaries. Yet, she didn''t understand why she feeling strangely


    reluctant. She wondered why she should care when Bernard himself didn''t even seem concerned


    about his own well-being.


    The neglected phone buzzed with an iing call. Hera quickly picked it up, expecting it to be


    Bernard. But her heart sank when she saw Samantha''s name sh on the screen instead. Despite


    the initial disappointment, she answered the call promptly.


    "Hera, I''m back in town! I''ve been busytely and hardly had time to catch up. How''s life at the


    Everetts''?"


    A soft and melodic female voice came through the phone. It was Samantha Steele on the other end.


    She was an international movie star and Hera''s close friend.


    They had met on an international flight when Samantha was suffering from severe menstrual


    cramps.


    Hera, who was seated beside her, adeptly applied a few acupuncture needles and eased


    Samantha''s difort.


    Samantha was so grateful that she insisted on getting Hera''s contact number and treated her like a


    guardian angel.


    Hera replied, "I''m fine."


    Samantha said indignantly, "Really? I just learned about the Everetts scandal and how they


    mistreated you.


    "Why didn''t you tell me about it? By the way, I''m on my way there. I''ll confront them."


    Hera retorted, "Do you want to be banned from entering the country and never see me again?"


    Samantha quickly responded, "Of course not!"


    Being a foreigner with a quarter of Elvermark royal lineage, she couldn''t risk it.


    "Then behave and stop making a scene. I don''t want to move again," Hera said.


    "Move again?"


    Samantha sensed something amiss about her response.


    "Let''s discuss it when we meet."


    Hera deliberately kept Samantha guessing.


    She wanted Samantha''s opinion on her rtionship with Bernard, considering Samantha''s


    experience in matters of love.


    "Okay!" Samantha agreed.


    "But we might not have much time. I''m heading to the Astral Nova Auction tonight. Would you like to


    join me? They''re auctioning off some rare treasures."


    Hera responded, "Well, I''m also heading there."


    They arranged to meet in a cozy caf¨¦ booth. After some small talk, Hera briefly mentioned her


    situation with Bernard.


    Samantha''s eyes lit up upon hearing that.


    "Wow, isn''t this like a tragic romance straight out of a Shakespearean tragedy?"


    Hera was rendered speechless by her reply.

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    "No. You''re an Everett, not a Killian. This isn''t a scene out of a forbidden love drama. You''re free to


    date whoever you want."


    Samantha held Hera''s phone. Her unique blue eyes blinked with curiosity as she pouted her rosy


    lips.


    "Come on. Show me his picture. I want to see the guy who''s got my little angel head over heels."


    Samantha appeared as lovely as her name suggested, with cascading waves of light brown hair


    framing her face.


    Her high nose bridge gave her a distinct Euranian appearance, further entuating her sapphire-


    like blue eyes.


    She resembled a porcin doll straight out of a disy window. It would be difficult for anyone to


    refuse a request from someone as adorable as her.


    However, Hera wasn''t falling for it. She retrieved her phone and set it aside.


    "No, you''re wrong. It''s not happening."


    "Why not? From what you''re saying, it sounds like he''s really into you."


    Samantha looked puzzled.


    "You''re not trying to use ''I don''t want to date yet'' as ame excuse, are you?"


    Hera pondered Samantha''s words. She recalled the numerous asions when Bernard


    overstepped boundaries before. She didn''t know if he was genuinely interested in her or was simply


    messing with her.


    "Unfortunately, I''m just a kid in his eyes."


    Hera sipped her coffee.


    "A kid? Why would he make those flirtatious gestures if he sees you that way? Thest guy who


    pulled that on me was my ex," Samantha said.


    She pped her hand on the coffee table.


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    As if recalling something, she added casually, "Oh, and the jerk at the bar who thought he could hit


    on me."


    Hera silently admitted Bernard was indeed a jerk. He had flirted with her, only to disappear into the


    lounge with another woman. If that wasn''t behaving like a jerk, then what was?


    "But your ''young uncle'' isn''t like that, right?" Samantha asked.


    "Could it be that you''re the one who dislikes him?"


    Hera lowered her gaze to her coffee, pondering Samantha''s question. She couldn''t deny that she


    had once harbored feelings for Bernard when she was younger.


    However, that affection, akin to that of an older brother, was not the same as what Samantha was


    implying.


    Moreover, Bernard had changed. Although he appeared refined and cultured, he had an underlying


    coldness that kept people at a distance. He also possessed an air of mystery that was hard to


    decipher.


    He could be tender and attentive with her. Yet, he also seemed capable of wearing different masks


    depending on the situation, which made her hesitant to trust him fully.


    After all, he was a Killian. Until she uncovered the truth behind Lucius'' framing and Daphne''s


    murder, suspicion loomed over every member of the Killian family.


    At Hera''s silence, Samantha continued, "If you don''t like him, why do you care about his well-being?


    "Besides treating his illness, you also n to attend tonight''s auction to bid on the Eclipse Stone for


    him. Do you realize how many people are vying for it tonight?"


    "I''m simply honoring our initial agreement," Hera defended herself.


    "Are you certain about that?"


    Samantha eyed her skeptically.


    Hera replied impassively, "Without a doubt."


    At that moment, her phone chimed with a WhatsApp message. She nced at it to find Bernard''s


    profile picture and immediately tapped on it.


    A selfie caught her attention. He was biting on his shirt cor in the photo. He held the phone up to


    the mirror while his other hand pulled down his pants to reveal his muscr physique.


    She couldn''t help but notice his eight well-defined abs and sleek abdominal line.


    However, her eyes were drawn to a deep brown scar across his left waist. It was startling, yet it


    added a ruggedness to his otherwise wless body.


    The photo was strategically taken. It showcased his attractive physique while cleverly obscuring his


    face with the phone. To a stranger, it might appear to be a model''s picture from the inte.


    But Hera recognized that scar as Bernard''s. She had once identally seen his back covered in


    scars when he was changing. The impact of the image caused her ears to turn red.


    What could he possibly mean by sending her such a photo?

 Facade Chapter 102

    Facade Chapter 102


    ¡°Wow! What a jaw¨Cdropping physique. Let me see¡±


    Samantha identally caught a glimpse of Hera¡¯s phone screen and immediately pounced over to


    grab it.


    She added, ¡°Is this a selfie of the ¡°young uncle¡® you were tallding abour?


    my gosh! He¡¯s the definition of perfection. With a body like that, his looks must be off the charts.


    ¡°Are you sure you dislike him? If so, introduce him to me. I¡¯m all in for that body,¡±


    Hera blushed and tried to snatch her phone back.


    ¡°Out it out and give me back my phone.¡±


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Samantha deliberately refused and pointed at the photo mischievously.


    ¡°Do you find this body type attractive or not? Tell me the truth.¡±


    Hera hesitated before admitting, ¡°I do!¡±


    Her ears turned even redder.


    With a physique like that, who wouldn¡¯t like it?


    ¡°So, who was just ying tough, saying it¡¯s only a coborative rtionship?


    Samantha finaly found a way to tease Hera. Sheughed hysterically.


    Hera managed to retrieve her phone. Then, she realized that she had identally sent a flirtyemoji


    during their struggle.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief. She quickly tried to long¨Cpress to delete it. But before she could, she


    noticed that Bernard had deleted the photo. He also sent her a text reply.


    ¡°I sent the wrong thing. Do you like it? Beg me, and I send it again.¡±


    Hera fell silent, and her mind raced with questions. She wondered if she was the intended recipient


    of that message and considered if he perhaps wanted to send it to Camille instead


    The mere thought of it made Hera¡¯s blood boil.


    ¡°What aplete jerk!¡± she thought inwardly.


    Meanwhile, on the other end, Bernard narrowed his eyes as he stared at the emoji Hera had sent.


    He muttered, ¡°Her phone wasn¡¯t hacked, right?¡±


    It turned out that he didn¡¯t mistakenly send the photo. He had actually sent it on purpose.


    After Bernard parted ways with Hera that day, he suddenly received a brief emergency mission from


    the military. So, he had to leave Norburgh for a few days.


    While on the mission, Bernard was too busy to get in touch with Hera Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t reach


    out to him either.


    Feeling frustrated by her apparentck of concern, he nced at the chat window where it read,


    ¡°Hera is typing ¡°He was eager to receive her response.


    However, the typing indicator disappeared after a minute, and even the flirty emoji was deleted


    Bernard was speechless but convinced that Hera¡¯s phone hadn¡¯t been hacked


    At that moment, Johnson knocked on the study door before entering.


    ¡°Bernard, the car is ready. We can head to Astral Nova.¡±


    Bernard responded with a grunt. He remained fixated on his phone and showed no intention of


    getting up.


    Johnson paused for a moment, then asked, ¡°Should we pick Ms. Hera up?


    ¡°No.¡±


    Bernard suddenly stood up


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Johnson was puzzled. Hera had requested to find the Eclipse Stone, so he thought she should be


    informed about it.


    Bernard remembered Hera¡¯s words from before.


    ¡°Once we find the Eclipse Stone and cure your illness, our rtionship is over.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t understand how their rtionship could be over that simply alter locating the Eclipse


    Stone.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    Before heading to Astral Nova, Hera stopped by a mansion on the outskirts to change into a


    different attire. She then rode with Samantha.


    During the journey, Samantha fluttered her thickshes at Hera.


    "Why don''t you invite your young uncle along and let him shower you with money?"


    "No, thanks. I can earn my own money."


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    Hera had calmed down, though she suspected Bernard was hooking up with other women at that


    moment.


    She also didn''t want him to learn more about her identity.


    "Hera, you can''t always be strong and independent like this. You must y up your feminine side to


    bring out a man''s protective instincts."


    Samantha wagged her finger.


    She added, "And it''s great that you can make money, but you shouldn''t unt it. Otherwise, you''ll


    end up like me¡ªonly capable of attracting gold diggers.


    "Although the men are sweet, I always feel like they''re not interested in me but in my money. I just


    want a normal rtionship. Why is that so hard?"


    Hera''s gaze swept over Samantha''s head, and she noticed the sparkling diamond hair clips.


    Samantha''s ears gleamed with 25-carat pink diamond earrings, and a ruby ne adorned her


    neck.


    She was also dressed in a custom-made exclusive gown, essorized with a stunning 150-carat


    diamond ring on her index finger and a top-grade gold bracelet on her wrist.


    Hera hesitated before remarking, "Maybe try toning down the diamonds and cease your habit of


    buying drinks for everyone at the bar every time you go out."


    "I can try to cut back on the drinks, but diamonds are my passion. I can''t give them up," Samantha


    said while caressing her diamond ring.


    She continued, "And trust me, I''ve already restrained myself. I used to have every finger adorned


    with diamonds."


    Hera was left speechless.


    They continued chatting away until they reached Astral Nova.


    Astral Nova was located adjacent to Dusk City. It boasted a stunning garden and architecture


    reminiscent of the opulence of the Gilded Age.


    Its majestic design and old-world charm made it feel like a pce straight out of a fairy tale. But


    what truly set it apart was its renowned auctions featuring treasures from around the world.


    The founder of Astral Nova was always a mystery. Rumors suggested ties to the founder of Dusk


    City or involvement with a secretive organization.


    While opinions varied, one thing was clear: Astral Nova had significant influence and shouldn''t be


    underestimated.


    The gates shone brightly at the entrance while luxury cars filled the area. Security guards stood


    sentinel and kept the media reporters at a distance with caution tape.


    Astral Nova prioritized guest privacy and safety. Only those with verified identities could pass


    beyond a checkpoint, as external vehicles were not permitted entry.


    As Samantha''s car trailed behind a Rolls-Royce, Hera prepared to exit the vehicle.


    However, her attention was inadvertently drawn to the car''s license te in front, which read


    "KIL8888". It was a customized te for the Killian family, one of the four influential families.


    This sight caught Hera off guard, though she wasn''t entirely surprised by the presence of a Killian


    family member at the auction. Still, the coincidence was unexpected.


    She narrowed her eyes and focused on the car ahead, where a woman in her 30s assisted an


    elegant, elderly woman with silver hair out of the vehicle.


    Hera instantly recognized them. The elderly woman was Albert''s widow, Ember, and the other was


    Aurora Killian, daughter of the current family patriarch.


    "The Eclipse Stone must be very valuable if even the Killian matriarch is here," Samantha remarked


    as she looked at the figures ahead.


    She added, "It seems like everyone''s after it tonight. Hera, you''ll face some serious pressureter."


    When Hera remained silent, Samantha turned and noticed Hera''s cold gaze fixed on the two


    women before them.


    "Should we wait for them to enter before we exit the vehicle?" Samantha asked.


    Although Samantha wasn''t aware of Hera''s past experiences, she knew Hera harbored a deep


    hatred for the Killians.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    "No," Hera said to Samantha as she withdrew her gaze.


    She took out a specially prepared golden mask and put it on before stepping out of the car.


    It was mid-October, and the Norburgh weather had already turned chilly.


    Hera draped herself in a red cloak, wearing a golden mask.


    As she stood before the security guards, who were dressed uniformly in suits, she seemed out of


    ce yet oddly fitting against the backdrop of the pce''s red walls and green tiles.


    Once their invitation was verified, a female attendant ushered Hera and Samantha into the venue.


    At the front, Ember walked slowly while being supported by Aurora. As the courteous attendant


    guided them forward, Ember smiled and nodded in response to the greetings.


    However, her attention was momentarily captured by a figure in red passing by. She paused, and


    her eyes instinctively followed the red silhouette.


    Aurora noticed her distant gaze and asked, "Granny, what''s wrong?"


    "Oh, nothing."


    Ember snapped out of her thoughts.


    "It''s just that I''d heard that Dr. Shadow once attended an international medical research conference


    wearing a bright red cloak and a golden mask."


    "Wait, you mean that was Dr. Shadow?"


    Aurora suddenly looked up, but the red figure had already disappeared from sight.


    Their goal for this trip was to obtain the Eclipse Stone, but they had also heard rumors that the


    anonymous miracle doctor might attend the auction. So, they wanted to seize the opportunity to


    meet him.


    "I''m not sure."


    Ember shook her head. Then, she turned around and noticed another attendant escorting someone


    wearing a red cloak and a golden mask past them.


    ¡­


    The main auction venue was located in a tower in the center of the pce.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    The tower had seven floors, and each floor served as an independent viewing tform. Each floor


    symbolized the guest''s prestige, with higher levels denoting greater importance.


    Hera was on the fifth floor, while Samantha was on the fourth. Not wanting to be alone, Samantha


    quietly slipped away after the attendant left and sneaked up to the fifth floor to find Hera.


    As Hera weed her in, they noticed an attendant escorting another individual.


    The mysterious figure was dressed in a red cloak and golden mask. She stopped at Room 509 next


    to Hera''s.


    In that brief moment of eye contact, Hera sensed the avoidance in the other person''s gaze before


    she entered the room.


    "Is that a coincidence, or is she copying your style?" Samantha mused.


    She considered knocking on the door to investigate.


    The golden mask and red cloak had be Hera''s trademark attire for attending international


    medical research conferences.


    While she couldn''t dictate what other people wore, seeing someone imitate her outfit at such a


    prestigious event raised suspicions.


    "The auction is starting soon. Let''s not cause a scene," Hera advised and stopped Samantha''s


    impulse to investigate.


    The bold imitation suggested that the other party was well-prepared. Hera grew curious and wanted


    to unearth the imposter''s ns.


    Although Samantha was irritated, the unfoldingmotion inside the tower diverted her attention.


    Seated in the stands, they both observed as everyone turned to look at the seventh floor.


    "Oh my gosh! The seventh floor is upied!" Samantha eximed.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    There was only one viewing tform on the seventh floor. It was solely reserved for the


    grandmaster of Astral Nova. For years, it had remained vacant, but now it was upied.


    Excitement rippled through the auction venue as attendees realized the mysterious grandmaster


    had arrived.


    "Tonight''s auction highlight, the Eclipse Stone, is truly a precious treasure. It has even drawn out the


    mysterious grandmaster of Astral Nova to make a public appearance."


    Samantha stood and nced up at the seventh floor. She could see a figure but couldn''t make out


    any details. She was disappointed and returned to her seat.


    "Hera, it seems like your n for tonight might be going south. And since you''re not particrly fond


    of your young uncle anyway, why not just give up?"


    The grandmaster''s presence threatened Hera''s n as he held the authority to double the highest


    bid on any auction item at will.


    While Samantha fretted, Hera remained unfazed. She lounged in her chair and casually yed on


    her phone as though she had everything under control despite the grandmaster''s appearance.


    Samantha couldn''t resist asking, "So, tell me, how much do you have on you for this auction?"


    With the grandmaster suddenly showing up, Hera''s calm demeanor made her the only unfazed


    individual in the room.


    "We''ll see how the bidding goes," she replied calmly.


    Samantha was surprised by Hera''s answer.


    "So, are you aiming to make a serious profit here?"


    "Do you want to know?"


    Hera nced at Samantha and deliberately let her words hang in the air.


    Samantha nodded eagerly.


    "After the bidding starts, someone will foot the bill."


    Hera lifted her phone.


    Hera''s mischievous smirk caught Samantha''s eye, and a thought crossed her mind.


    She wondered, "Could it be that some sucker was swindled by Hera again?"


    Upon entering Room 509, a woman with a fairplexion helped herself to a ss of cold water. It


    turned out to be Camille.


    She had heard about the Eclipse Stone, the highlight of the Astral Nova Auction, but it didn''t pique


    her interest.


    Her expertisey in modern medicine, and the Eclipse Stone was rumored to be a remedy in


    alternative medicine.


    Since Bernard would be there, Camille decided to attend as well. To her surprise, the anonymous


    miracle doctor was also present at the auction. She had expected him to be abroad instead.


    She vividly remembered encountering the miracle doctor at a national medical conferencest year,


    where the chairman had introduced her.


    The anonymous miracle doctor, wearing a red scarf and a mask, was seated at the head of the


    conference stage.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    The miracle doctor eloquently shared her experiences navigating both modern and alternative


    medicine in wless Terranish. Camille couldn''t help but be impressed by the miracle doctor''s


    presentation.


    "Wee to Astral Nova. The auction is about to begin. Congrattions to each of you for joining


    us tonight in thepany of the grandmaster of Astral Nova."


    The host''s voice broke Camille''s reverie. She ced her ss of water down, stepped off the


    tform, and took a seat.


    Her presence immediately caught the attention of the Astral Nova female manager on the seventh


    floor.


    Standing before the man in the grandmaster''s seat, the female manager asked, "Grandmaster, Dr.


    Shadow is among those two women in red. Shall I bring them up?"


    The man, donning a ghost-faced mask, lounged in a sandalwood chair withzy ease. His ck


    boots were casually propped up on the table.


    A dragon-patterned ring adorned his index finger. It was the mark of the Astral Nova''s grandmaster.


    With a deep, maic voice emanating from behind the mask, he declined the offer.


    The manager''s heart fluttered at his voice. She couldn''t resist stealing another nce at the man.


    Despite eight years of working there, she had never seen the grandmaster in person. She had


    imagined him as an older gentleman but was surprised by his youthfulness.


    Even behind the mask, his sharp eyes, strong jawline, and pleasing voice hinted at his undeniable


    handsomeness.


    As the grandmaster rarely made appearances, the manager wanted to leave a good impression.


    So, she stepped forward and suggested, "Dr. Shadow''s whereabouts have always been mysterious.


    "Since we''re gathered here today, it''s a good opportunity for you to meet and perhaps exchange


    contact information for future needs."


    "Are you trying to teach me how to do my job?"


    The man''s icy gaze felt like a dagger to her heart.


    The female manager shivered. Then, a burly bodyguard wearing sunsses grabbed her by the


    neck and forcefully threw her out of the room.


    "Don''t let the grandmaster see this woman again!" the bodyguard instructed those guarding the


    door.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    The burly man pped his hands and returned to the room.


    He respectfully informed the grandmaster, "Bernard, the issue has been resolved."


    Bernard grunted in response.


    The auction was already underway. He adjusted his posture, grabbed his phone, andunched the


    WhatsApp chat with Hera.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Theirst conversation concluded with the message, "Beg me, and I''ll send it again."


    Unable to believe that she had ignored him, he tapped on the screen and sent her a message.


    Meanwhile, on the fifth floor, Hera wasn''t interested in anything except the Eclipse Stone. So, she


    put on her headphones and focused on the matching tiles game.


    Suddenly, a WhatsApp notification popped up on her phone screen, so she clicked on it.


    It was Bernard asking, "Where are you?"


    Her heart skipped a beat. Her first instinct was to check if he knew she was at the auction. She


    casually nced around, scanning her surroundings.


    However, she couldn''t spot him on the same level or any level below her. The floors above the sixth


    were out of her sight.


    She recalled mentioning the Eclipse Stone to Bernard before, so she expected him to be there. With


    that in mind, she replied with another question instead of an answer.


    "Where are you?"


    Even though she was in disguise and unlikely to be recognized, she felt it was wise to know his


    location as a precaution.


    Bernard responded, "Skyview Heights. Aren''t you returning?"


    He added a pitiful face emoji at the end.


    Hera was left speechless by his response. Instead of putting her at ease, it only fueled her anger


    that he wasn''t present at the auction venue.


    She wondered if it was because she hadn''t emphasized enough about the Eclipse Stone''s potential


    to improve his condition. She even considered that he was perhaps simply not interested in


    regaining his health.


    He messaged again, "Where are you now?"


    She was annoyed and curtly texted her response, "Everett residence."


    She hit send and almost immediately received an invitation to video call him.


    Her heart skipped a beat in fright. She hastily declined the call, though she couldn''t shake off the


    uneasy feeling.


    So, she quickly added, "In the shower."


    On the seventh floor, Bernard''s faint smile broke out as he read her reply. The tension he had felt


    over her words dissipated atst.


    He was relieved she hadn''t attended the auction. Without acquiring the Eclipse Stone, she wouldn''t


    be able to leave him.


    As time flew by, the auction drew to a close.


    "Next up for auction is the highlight for tonight¡ªthe Eclipse Stone!"


    With the host''s announcement, a staff member approached and ced a brocade box on the


    disy table.


    The table was equipped with a camera, and it broadcasted the Eclipse Stone''s image to tablets on


    each viewing tform for bidders to examine.


    As the box opened, a translucent, egg-sized water droplet crystal with a ck pearl floated in the


    center. It was known as the Eclipse Stone, and its beauty captivated all who beheld it.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    The host said, "The Eclipse Stone was sourced from the depths of the Netherworld. It was believed


    to ward off evil spirits and cure ailments. Hence, it was deemed as a rare treasure.


    "Bidding starts at 50 million, with at least one million increments. Let the bidding begin."


    "Bidder 111, 51 million."


    "Bidder 102, 53 million."


    "Bidder 203, 60 million!"


    "Bidder 132, 65 million."


    "Bidder 501, 75 million."


    "Bidder 306, 80 million."


    "Bidder 402, 85 million!"


    ¡­


    Everyone in the room lowered their heads to input their bids on their bidding devices while two


    coordinators sequentially announced the bids.


    The bidding price at the venue kept increasing.


    "Come on, Hera. Enter your bid."


    Samantha handed the bidding device to Hera.


    Hera calmly breezed through thetest levels of her game, then put away her headphones and


    phone.


    "Bidder 406, 100 million!"


    "Bidder 501, 101 million."


    "Bidder 502, 110 million."


    "Bidder 666, 150 million."


    "Bidder 622, 151 million."


    "Bidder 688, 152 million."


    "Bidder 666, 155 million."


    "Bidder 611, 156 million."


    "Bidder 688, 157 million."


    "Bidder 666, 160 million."


    ¡­


    The Eclipse Stone was a highly sought-after treasure. As the bidding reached billions, the number


    of prospective buyers decreased, and the bid increments became smaller.


    Eventually, only four bidders remained¡ªbidders 611, 622, 666, and 688. They have been fiercely


    competing for half an hour.


    "Bidder 611, 199 million."


    In Room 666, Aurora was entering her bid of 210 million dors on the bidding device. Her hand


    was sore from bidding in one-million increments over 30 minutes. She decided it was time to make


    a significant price jump.


    "Aury."


    Ember''s weathered hand intervened and stopped her granddaughter.


    "Granny?"


    Aurora looked up and was puzzled by her action.


    "Give it to me. Let me take over."


    Ember took the bidding device from Aurora and entered a string of numbers.


    She added, "The Eclipse Stone must belong to us tonight."


    Aurora was wondering about the price Ember entered, when the host dered, "Bidder 666, 250


    million."


    The crowd erupted in uproar as bidding reached an unprecedented level. Adding 50 million in one


    go was aggressive.


    If the grandmaster also wanted the Eclipse Stone, doubling that bid would take it to half a billion.


    Half a billion for a single stone was extravagant.


    "250 million going once..." the host said.


    Silence filled the room as everyone awaited the historical high bid.


    The host deliberately took a deep breath before ncing at the coordinator.


    He continued, "250 million going twice..."


    Aurora held her breath. She knew that the Eclipse Stone would belong to them as long as the


    grandmaster didn''t outbid them.


    "250 million¡ª"


    Suddenly, the coordinator dered, "Bidder 508, 400 million."


    The room fell into an eerie silence. It was quickly reced by a thunderous roar of excitement at the


    announcement of thetest bid. Another 150 million had just been added to the price tag.


    Now, that was a disy of real determination.


    Everyone craned their necks to locate Room 508. They were eager to see who was bold enough to


    bid that high.


    "What?"


    Aurora immediately rose from her seat.


    Adding 150 million in one go was either an aggressive bid or an attempt to snatch the item from the


    Killians.


    She nced at Room 508 and noticed a figure in a red cloak with a golden mask calmly observing


    everyone.


    She recognized the figure instantly.


    "Granny, should we counter?" she asked Ember.


    Aurora was reluctant to let the prized possession slip away from their grasp just like that.


    On the contrary, Ember had already spotted the figure in red. She just wasn''t sure if either Room


    508 or Room 509 belonged to the anonymous miracle doctor.


    She set down the price input device and said, "I''m going over to introduce myself."


    Although Aurora wasn''t happy about it, she understood what Ember meant and replied with an


    "okay" before turning to leave.


    Meanwhile, Bernard, holding his bidding paddle, paused as he heard thetest bid from the


    coordinator.


    He rose from his seat and cast a curious nce down at Room 508, where a woman adorned in a


    red cloak and golden mask caught his attention.


    Simultaneously, Hera stood up and walked on the tform. As she looked up at the seventh floor,


    their eyes met.


    Amidst the noisy surroundings, it felt as though the world had faded away, leaving only the two of


    them and the stirring of two different energies, each testing the other''s boundaries.


    "Any more bids from the floor?"


    Hera withdrew her gaze and nced around.


    Even though she was only on the fifth floor, her presence felt like a reigning champion''s.


    The room fell silent as everyone waited to see if there would be any bids from the sixth floor.


    Regrs knew the sixth floor was reserved for the members of the four influential families. If they


    didn''t bid, it would be left to the grandmaster on the seventh floor.


    After a brief pause, Hera''s gaze shifted to the seventh floor.


    She said, "If no one else bids, then it''s just between us."


    "Who does she think she is, challenging the grandmaster?"


    "She''s probably going to get kicked out."


    "I heard she''s Dr. Shadow."


    "But Dr. Shadow is always low-key. She''s so daring. Are you sure she is not an imposter?"


    "Room 509 looks more like Dr. Shadow to me."


    "Regardless, openly challenging the grandmaster''s authority like this? She''s definitely getting kicked


    out."


    ¡­


    Hera''s words stirred up the previously quiet scene at Astral Nova. It caused amotion among


    the crowd.


    Even the four influential families had to show some respect at Astral Nova. Yet her audacity in


    challenging the grandmaster was unprecedented.


    "Miss, please adhere to Astral Nova''s rules," the host reminded through the microphone.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    At Astral Nova, the grandmaster held immense power to dictate prices as they pleased.


    "Doubling, huh? 800 million, 1.6 billion, 3.2 billion, and so on. Money''s just money, right? Who can''t


    afford it?"


    Hera chuckled in response.


    The host was momentarily surprised, thinking, "What a showoff!"


    Yet, he maintained a smile and cautioned, "Let''s keep the bidding fair and refrain from driving up the


    prices."


    Hera said, "Okay. How about a little game between me and the grandmaster to keep things fair?


    The winner takes the Eclipse Stone."


    She nced back up to the seventh floor. Her gaze was firm, and a hint of defiance lingered. She


    was prepared to up the ante and stand her ground if the grandmaster refused.


    Bernard''s gaze turned cold. The headstrong woman reminded Bernard of Hera''s strong presence.


    However, he remembered Hera iming she was in the shower at the Everett residence earlier.


    He nced to the side and signaled to the nearby bodyguard.


    The bodyguard immediately understood the meaning behind Bernard''s gesture. He turned to head


    toward Room 508 on the fifth floor and knocked on the door.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Silence fell as everyone waited to see how Bernard would handle Hera.


    Meanwhile, in Room 508, Samantha was admiring Hera''sposure. Despite her admiration,


    Samantha couldn''t help but wonder if Hera was stirring up trouble.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.


    Samantha stood up anxiously.


    "Is the grandmaster really going to kick us out of Astral Nova?"


    "No. Just open the door," Hera reassured her.


    Samantha walked to the door and ced her hand on the knob.


    She turned to look at Hera and whispered nervously, "But what if they''re serious?"


    The thought of being kicked out and bing the subject of international gossip was too


    embarrassing for Samantha to bear.


    "Don''t you still have your royal guard?" Hera teased.


    If the situation got rough, she wouldn''t hesitate to fight back.


    Samantha pondered Hera''s confidence and realized it stemmed from seizing opportunities rather


    than waiting for them to fall into herp.


    It felt like ying with fire, which was daring beyond belief. Yet, she loved the thrill.


    With a deep breath, Samantha opened the door to find a burly bodyguard wearing sunsses


    outside.


    "Miss, the grandmaster requests your presence on the seventh floor," he said.


    Samantha breathed a sigh of relief inwardly as she noted the request was for them to go up instead


    of being kicked out. She quickly looked at Hera.


    "Okay."


    Hera nodded, and they followed behind the bodyguard.


    As Hera and Samantha exited the viewing tform, onlookers immediately spected if they were


    being kicked out from Astral Nova.


    Everyone knew troublemakers typically met a harsh fate.


    Challenging the grandmaster in public and merely getting kicked out? Many felt the grandmaster


    was too lenient.


    Then, the host received the message through his earpiece, and his announcement interrupted the


    murmurs.


    "The grandmaster has epted Bidder 508''s challenge."


    "What?"


    "The grandmaster actually epted? That''s against the rules!"


    "Is the grandmaster being too kind?"


    "Can you really pull off something like this?"


    The crowd erupted into chatter.


    On the seventh floor, the bodyguard opened the grandmaster''s viewing room door and motioned for


    Hera to enter. She nodded and stepped inside.


    Samantha wanted to follow, but the bodyguard stopped her.


    "The grandmaster only invited her, not you," he stated.


    She widened her eyes.


    "We''re together. Since when do you split guests up like this? You''re not trying to separate us to


    cover your tracks, are you?"


    The bodyguard remained silent.


    Hera turned back and gave Samantha a reassuring look.


    "Wait for me outside," she said.


    Samantha reluctantly stepped aside as she watched the door close.


    The bodyguard led Hera up the stairs to the grandmaster''s room, which was muchrger than the


    one downstairs. It was decorated in a consistent Gilded Age style.


    They passed through one room to reach a viewing tform separated by a bead curtain. A tall


    figure stood facing away from them.


    Dressed in sleek ck attire that emphasized his tall stature, he stood against the backlight and


    exuded a mysterious presence.


    "Grandmaster, she''s here," the bodyguard said respectfully.


    The man, wearing a ghost mask, turned around. His eyes were sharp and piercing.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Separated by the curtain, Hera and the man exchanged cold gazes and silently assessed each


    other.


    Finally, he broke the silence and said in a deep husky voice, "Let''s hear the rules of the game."

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    "It''s simple. There should be no unfair bids. We both state our intended price for the Eclipse Stone.


    Whoever offers the higher amount gets it."


    Hera parted the bead curtain to face Bernard.


    "And what''s the penalty for the loser?"


    His eyes narrowed.


    After all, there needed to be a bargaining chip when challenging the grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    "If you win, I''ll pay the bid value. If I win, I''ll still pay it," Hera said boldly.


    Bernard chuckled lightly.


    "Isn''t it just money? Who can''t afford it?"


    Hera fell silent. She hadn''t anticipated him using her own words against her. Reading between the


    lines, she understood that the stake wasn''t enough to pique his interest in ying games with her.


    "I''ll help you save three lives if I win."


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Hera changed her bargaining chip.


    Life was priceless; that was the miracle doctor''s strongest bargaining chip.


    "Alright, I''ll go first," Bernard agreed.


    He picked up the bidding device from the coffee table and entered a series of numbers before


    handing it to her.


    "No need. I brought mine."


    She lifted the bidding device from her cloak with her left hand.


    As she did, his attention was drawn to the bracelet on her fair wrist. It entuated her skin''s


    radiance by alternating between pink conch pearls and white diamonds.


    Bernard''s eyes were fixed on the bracelet. It was a unique piece that held a deep familiarity for him.


    The four unique pink conch pearls on it were the result of years of searching across various


    locations and spending millions of dors.


    After meticulous crafting, they were set together with diamonds to make that bracelet. It was a


    birthday gift from Daphne to Hera on her fourth birthday.


    Bernard raised his eyes slightly and stared intently at the woman before him. Despite her makeup


    and brown contact lenses, he glimpsed the familiar coldness in her eyes.


    A sense of revtion surged within him as if he had stumbled upon a hidden truth. Hera had misled


    him into believing she was at the Everett residence.


    Hera submitted her bid and said, "Let''s reveal the final bet."


    As she looked up, she sensed a subtle change in Bernard''s demeanor. His piercing, previously cold


    eyes now held a glint of genuine joy behind his mask.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if he had won.


    The bodyguard beside her also noticed an imperceptible difference in Bernard''s behavior and


    wondered the same thing.


    He immediately instructed the coordinator to send the information over. Both parties had entered


    880 million. It was truly an incredible coincidence.


    "Grandmaster..."


    The bodyguard approached and whispered the information into Bernard''s ear.


    Bernard nodded, gazed deeply at Hera, and said, "You''ve won!"


    The bodyguard was taken aback at Bernard''s exmation.


    He muttered, "Wait! Grandmaster, did you mishear me? I clearly said it''s a tie. Shouldn''t a tie mean


    we start over?"


    The two coordinators who heard this result through their headsets were also shocked. Their eyes


    widened as they repeatedlypared the two sets of bidding figures.


    They confirmed that both were indeed 880 million. It was precisely the same and not even a


    decimal off.


    They couldn''t understand how one bid would win over the other when both were of equal value.


    They started to wonder if they were taught math wrong.


    "Point taken."


    Hera was somewhat surprised. She thought Bernard was surprisingly honest and willing to ept


    defeat. A faint smile crept up beneath her mask.


    She instinctively rubbed her bracelet.


    She had discovered it while sorting through Daphne''s belongings. Inside the box was a note that


    read, "A gift for Hera''s fourth birthday." It was a lucky bracelet left to her by Daphne.


    She cherished it and rarely wore it out. But every time she did, it brought her good luck.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    "Lot 608 sold for 880 million. The bidding was intense as it just barely surpassed the grandmaster''s


    offer," the host dered.


    The crowd erupted into chatter. Not only did Astral Nova''s grandmaster participate in the bidding,


    but he also lost. They spected about the grandmaster''s final bid.


    They questioned why the grandmaster would concede the Eclipse Stone just like that. It was hard to


    believe Astral Nova would allow such a bold move. If Hera could do it, they surmised they could


    also do the same.


    Hera stated, "If you''re fine with the oue, I''ll head down to handle the payment."


    With that, she turned and departed.


    After all, grabbing what she needed and leaving was her usual style.


    "Three lives for three demands," Bernard added.


    Hera paused and skeptically nced at him. Even the nearby bodyguards were surprised and


    wondered what demand could surpass a life.


    "It''s a simple request," Bernard rified.


    She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Such as?"


    "You can start by sharing your contact information."


    Bernard''s request almost caused a nearby bodyguard to stumble in disbelief.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Bernard handed his phone that showed a WhatsApp QR code. He maintained a mysterious smirk


    and kept staring at her.


    People would typically log in to WhatsApp with their primary numbers. But Hera remained unfazed


    and calmly scanned the code as though she had nothing to hide.


    "What about the second one?" she asked.


    "Keep in touch," he replied as he scanned her QR code in return.


    Having now added her as a contact, he nced at her profile.


    Her WhatsApp name was "Shadow", with a in ck and white profile picture. Her WhatsApp


    updates only featured shares of her medical papers on the Divine Forum.


    He was speechless when he realized it was her secondary ount.


    "What about the third demand?" Hera asked.


    "I haven''t decided yet. I''ll hold onto it for now," Bernard replied.


    Hera nced at him. He had used two lifelines just to exchange contact information and keep in


    touch with her. She wondered if he was trying to win her over.


    After some thought, she couldn''t see what else the grandmaster, whom she was meeting for the first


    time, could want from her aside from her medical skills.


    Moreover, the benefits of forming a connection with the grandmaster at Astral Nova outweighed any


    potential drawbacks for her, so she readily agreed.


    "Okay," Hera replied before turning to leave.


    As she made her way out, Bernard suddenly questioned, "Who are you nning to give the Eclipse


    Stone to?"


    He was expecting her to brush off the inquiry with a curt response.


    He was surprised when she answered cheerfully, "A friend."


    He observed her closely and smiled beforementing, "Someone important, huh?"


    With a vague nod, Hera opened the door and exited.


    Behind her, Bernard reminded her, "Dr. Shadow, don''t forget my request."


    Hera said nothing. Samantha made a silly face at the bodyguard behind her as Hera stepped out.


    Then, she hugged Hera and led her to the restroom.


    "How did you do it?" Samantha asked excitedly.


    She heard the host''s announcement that Hera had managed to snatch the Eclipse Stone from


    Bernard.


    "I simply took a chance," Hera replied.


    As she recalled Bernard''s subtle shift in his disposition and his three demands, she concluded,


    "Maybe the Eclipse Stone isn''t that important to him."


    "Really? Is the grandmaster really that easy to deal with? Did you really not have to sacrifice


    anything, like your looks?" Samantha asked suspiciously.


    Hera paused, then responded, "Is that how you see me?"

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    Samantha paused for a thought. Instead of trying to charm someone, she figured it might be quicker


    to simply take them out. But she quickly dismissed the idea with a shake of her head.


    Then, she remarked enviously, "You defied the powerful, braved dangers, and stormed the Astral


    Nova Auction tower.


    "Plus, you also outsmarted the grandmaster in bidding for the Eclipse Stone and spent nearly 900


    million. If your young uncle knew you risked everything for him, he''d be deeply moved and ready to


    commit."


    "Are all men like that?"


    Hera suddenly remembered Bernard''s assertive words from their previous conversation at the hotel.


    That was his style.


    "Anyone interested in you definitely would be!" Samantha replied.


    Hera was momentarily speechless.


    Samantha''s mischievous grin widened as she leaned in toward her.


    "Just go along with it when the timees," she advised and tried to catch any sign of a blush


    under Hera''s mask.


    She added, "Don''t try even to insist that you and him are coborators."


    Hera pushed Samantha''s intrusive face away.


    "I''ve got some errands to run. You head home. I''ll cover your Cartier red diamond."


    Moments earlier, Samantha, the diamond enthusiast, had bid 170 million for a Cartier red diamond


    at the auction.


    "Okay, love you. I love you," Samantha chirped and made heart shapes with her hands.


    "Let''s have a moment of silence for the sucker. I''m out."


    Samantha was well aware of Hera''s knack for getting others to foot the bill, and Hera''s strategy


    wasn''t lost on her either. Whenever Hera had a big expenseing up, she would take on a task to


    make her sponsor foot the bill.


    By keeping the money out of her own hands, Hera effectively hid her tracks. With Samantha''s


    departure, Hera swiftly reached for her phone. She sent a quick quotation to Queenie, then made


    her way down the stairs to collect the goods.


    ¡­


    The burly bodyguard, Samson Shaft, had returned to the grandmaster''s room after escorting Hera


    out.


    He asked, "Bernard, did you really let her take the Eclipse Stone?"


    Seatedfortably behind the bead curtain, Bernard rxed on the grandmaster''s throne with a


    ss of red wine in his hand.


    He casually pushed the ghost mask atop his forehead to reveal his striking features.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    He took a sip of wine and asked, "Do you have a problem with that?"


    Samson hesitated and considered the gravity of the situation. He knew the Eclipse Stone was


    Bernard''s salvation, yet he had allowed another to snatch it away.


    Now faced with Dr. Shadow''s demands¡ªthe return of the stone, a cure for the illness, and an


    ambiguous question of friendship¡ªSamson found himself at a loss for words.


    Then, heposed a message in the WhatsApp group titled "North, South, East, West".


    Samson: "Bernard''s having an episode! @Johnson, where are you? Hurry up!"


    Dous: "What''s going on?"


    Dous: "Bernard''s having another episode?"


    Dous: "Are you guys still at the auction? You have to keep him under control. Keep his identity


    hidden."


    Dous: "@Johnson, Where are you? Why aren''t you answering the phone?"


    Dous: "Does anyone have Ms. Hera''s phone number?"


    Theo: "Dous, calm down. Mr. Ludden probably has her number. I''ll give him a call."


    Samson: "Bernard isn''t losing control. He just gave the Eclipse Stone to someone else!"


    Johnson: "I''m just getting on the elevator. There''s no signal!"


    Johnson: "!!!"


    Dous: "!!!"


    Theo: "Wait! Is it a woman?"


    Dous: "Samson, stop her now!"


    Samson: "Yes, it''s a woman. It''s Dr. Shadow."


    Bernard: "Samson, there goes your bonus for the quarter."


    Samson: "Damn!"


    Samson forgot there were five other people in the group chat. He quickly pocketed his phone and


    nervously nced at Bernard.


    "Bernard, are you really okay?"


    "What do you think it means when a woman keeps wearing gifts given by a guy?" Bernard


    countered with a question.

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    Bernard held his phone in his left hand and flipped it in his palm as he contemted the question.


    Samson''s face was a picture of confusion at this seemingly random inquiry. He wondered about its


    connection to Bernard giving the Eclipse Stone away.


    Samson racked his brains but couldn''t make sense of it. So, he discreetly pulled out his phone and


    quickly Googled the question.


    He selected a response and tentatively said, "Maybe it means the girl likes the guy¡­ and that she


    values the gifts he gives¡­"


    "I think so, too," Bernard replied with a smirk.


    It turned out that Hera was the anonymous miracle doctor he had been searching for all this time.


    She also deliberately lied to him about not attending the auction. He wondered if she was nning


    to surprise him and if he should keep up the pretense.


    Sensing something amiss, Samson observed Bernard''s strange behavior.


    Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang.


    Johnson dashed in.


    He panted and asked, "Where is Dr. Shadow?"


    He idolized the miracle doctor.


    When Samson saw him, he hurriedly pulled Johnson aside and whispered, "Dr. Shadow is gone.


    Quick! Check on Bernard. Is he alright?"


    Then, he steered Johnson toward Bernard.


    At that moment, Bernard was sitting on his throne with his legs crossed. Johnson saw Bernard


    leisurely sipping his red wine. He didn''t look sick at all.


    "Bernard, why¡ª"


    Bernard interrupted him, "Johnson, schedule a time for me to meet with Dr. Shadow."


    Johnson hesitated. He realized Bernard wasn''t talking about a formal meeting.


    "Are you receiving treatment? Don''t you have Ms. Hera?"


    Johnson recalled their decision to forgo seeking out the miracle doctor upon meeting Hera. After


    securing the Eclipse Stone and entrusting it to Dr. Shadow, the sudden urgency for another meeting


    hinted at something more significant.


    "Are you falling for someone else?"


    Bernard took a sip of his wine.


    "You singleds wouldn''t understand."


    Johnson and Samson exchanged nces.


    They mused, "What''s that about being single, Boss? Aren''t you still flying solo?"


    ¡­


    After Samantha parted ways with Hera, she returned to the fifth floor and happened to see


    someone exiting Room 509.


    The individual was wearing a red cloak and a golden mask.


    "I''d love to see who you really are, imposter," Samantha muttered to herself as she strode toward


    that individual.


    "Hey, miss."


    "Hello?"


    Camille eyed Samantha warily. She looked at Samantha''s sparkling appearance, like a porcin


    doll covered in diamonds.


    She remembered Samantha, the international movie star who was with Dr. Shadow earlier.


    "That mask of yours looks really nice. Might I take a look?"


    Samantha smiled and leaned toward her.


    Camille cautiously took a step back.


    "Sorry, it''s not convenient."


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "Why not?"


    Samantha blinked innocently, but her approach was anything but harmless.


    In a voice audible only to both of them, she asked, "Is it fun to imitate others? Imposter."


    Camille''s face under the mask paled instantly, and she immediately pushed Samantha away.


    Samantha seemed to have anticipated her actions. She raised her hand and forcefully pulled off


    Camille''s mask, then pushed her back.


    Camille couldn''t keep her bnce and fell to the ground. Her face turned pallid.


    "You..."


    Aurora, who wasing down from the sixth floor in search of someone, happened to witness the


    scene. She rushed forward to help Camille up.


    "Are you okay, Ms. Chime?"


    She looked at Camille''s face and was somewhat surprised.

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    Chapter 113


    Aurora and Camille had crossed paths at various social gatherings but weren''t close.


    "I''m fine, thanks," Camille calmed her inner panic and smiled.


    "Why did you shove her all of a sudden?"


    Aurora nced at Samantha.


    The auction ended, so guests began to spill out of the private rooms. Their curious gazes lingered


    on Samantha.


    Since she didn''t want to make a scene, Samantha disdainfully nced at Camille. With a smirk,


    Samantha thought she had done Camille a favor by unveiling the imposter''s true face in front of


    everyone.


    Samantha tossed Camille''s mask into the non-recyble trash, pped her hands, and gracefully


    made her exit. Unbeknownst to her, her actions didn''t reveal Camille''s true identity. Instead, her


    mistake led everyone to believe Camille was Dr. Shadow.


    Samantha wouldter regret her mistake deeply.


    "What''s up with her?"


    Aurora nced at Samantha''s departing figure and was speechless by her actions.


    Camille calmly observed the curious nces from everyone around and smiled.


    She exined, "Don''t worry. She is just messing around with me."


    With a single statement, she turned the tension into friendly banter.


    Aurora nced at the room number beside them, which happened to be 508. She remembered it


    was Bidder 508 who had imed the Eclipse Stone from the grandmaster and stolen all the


    spotlight that day.


    Then there was Samantha, the international movie star, who shared the same room. Aurora couldn''t


    help but connect the dots, especially with Camille''s nonchntment hinting at a familiarity


    between them.


    Looking at Camille''s red cloak and the discarded golden mask, Aurora began to suspect Camille


    was the anonymous miracle doctor. Camille was born into a prestigious medical family and had


    shown extraordinary talent in medicine since childhood. She was hailed as a medical prodigy.


    Aurora''s excitement surged as she concluded that Camille was the anonymous miracle doctor


    everyone whispered about. The revtion felt like stumbling upon something precious without even


    seeking it.


    "Congrattions, Dr. Shadow, on acquiring the Eclipse Stone. I''m the CEO of Carson


    Pharmaceutical Company. I hope we can coborate sometime."


    At that moment, a portly bald man smiled and handed a business card.


    "Dr. Shadow, I''m from Farcen Emporium. Could I schedule an appointment with you to have my


    father treated?"


    "Dr. Shadow, here''s a business card from the Liam family. Thank you for epting it."


    "Dr. Shadow, could I get your contact information?"


    "Dr. Shadow, would you consider selling the Eclipse Stone? I can offer one billion."


    ¡­


    A crowd of curious onlookers swarmed around Camille. She wanted to exin that they had


    mistaken her for Dr. Shadow.


    But she hesitated before the words could escape her lips. She might not be Dr. Shadow, but she did


    know medicine.


    Just as she was hesitating, the bodyguard Aurora had summoned came to Camille''s rescue and


    ushered her out of the crowd.


    Inside the elevator, Camille expressed her gratitude.


    "Thank you, Ms. Killian."


    "You''re wee. I just didn''t expect you to be the anonymous miracle doctor we were looking for,"


    Aurora replied as she eyed Camille intently.


    Camille understood the implication behind Aurora''s words as a fleeting moment of guilt shed


    across her eyes.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Does someone in your family need medical attention?" she asked.


    "You''re indeed perceptive. I won''t hide it from you. My grandmother and I were after the Eclipse


    Stone tonight, but when she saw your bid, she deliberately backed out of the bidding."


    Aurora''s words hit the nail on the head. Just like Hera had said earlier tonight, it all boiled down to


    money¡ªwho couldn''t afford it?


    The Killians'' decision to back off from the biddingpetition gave Hera the chance topete


    with the grandmaster and ultimately secure the Eclipse Stone.


    But Camille wasn''t Hera, and she didn''t deny it.


    As the elevator approached the ground floor, Camille smiled and handed Aurora a business card.


    "Let''s sit down for a chat when you''re free. I have to go for now."


    Aurora looked at the business card with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Finally, there was hope for


    her illness.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    At Gaskell Corporation, a group of young people sat in the conference room staring at their


    computers.


    Seven or eight were yawning, while another four or five were struggling to keep their eyes open.


    None dared to sumb to sleep, not with Queenie casting her ominous presence at the front of the


    room.


    At noon, Queenie got a reply from Raven that made her forehead vein pop. It was a deal worth six


    hundred million, yet they were being so casual about it.


    But with thepany''s firewall system at stake, Queenie rushed to the office. She had to prepare


    and gather all theputer experts in thepany into the conference room.


    "I need you all to track down the other party''s location through thework."


    Theputer experts could only respond in unison, "Yes."


    After Queenie sent the task request, they waited for hours in the meeting room until they finally


    received a reply at 10:00 pm.


    Raven replied, "Task epted. 1.05 billion. Get ready and transfer the funds to this ount within


    half an hour. No dys."


    Queenie had skipped going to the Astral Nova Auction. She had waited anxiously for the entire day,


    only to receive a shock when she finally saw the figure¡ª1.05 billion.


    In just a few days, Raven''s price had skyrocketed from 300 million to 1.05 billion. Queenie suddenly


    realized she might have been scammed.


    Ever since the surveince footage was leaked, it seemed like she had been lured into a trap.


    "Find their location now!"


    Queenie mmed her hand on the table and stood up.


    The hackers sprang into action and swiftly tracked down the coordinates.


    After a flurry of keystrokes, one of them reported, "Found them. 66¡ã34'' S, 160¡ã E."


    "30¡ã N, 20¡ã E"


    "34¡ã S, 151¡ã E"


    As everyone reported their findings, they looked at each other and finally came to one conclusion¡ª


    they had been counter-surveilled.


    "We''ve traced the bank card information. It''s the ount used for payments at the Astral Nova


    Auction," someone said.


    "Immediately find out what was auctioned tonight at Astral Nova for 1.05 billion and who the buyer


    was," Queenie ordered.


    Then, she turned to her secretary.


    "Prepare the car, we''re heading to Astral Nova!"


    "Got it."


    The secretary hurried to catch up with her.


    "Do we need to settle the payment for the request?"


    Queenie wanted to refuse, but the saying "time waits for no one" made her hesitate. After all the


    trouble, they couldn''t just give up.


    Theirpany''s firewall system couldn''t afford to wait for them to find someone else. They also


    considered the transaction''s legitimacy since the ount belonged to Astral Nova.


    "Pay it! But only at thest minute, and keep a record of the transfer," she said with a sly smirk.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    The secretary responded, "Got it."


    Half an hourter, Queenie arrived at Astral Nova. By the time she showed up, most of the auction


    attendees had already left, and the security guard at the entrance stopped them.


    "I''m sorry, but the auction is over. No one else may enter."


    "What?"


    If this were any other ce, Queenie would have barged in. But this was Astral Nova, so she held


    back.


    She opened WhatsApp and sent a message to Raven.


    "Are you at Astral Nova? I happen to be here, too. Do you want to meet up?"


    There was no reply.


    "Madam, the payment has been made," the secretary said whilst on the phone.


    She hung up the call she was on and continued, "Also, I discovered that tonight''s auction highlight


    was the Eclipse Stone. It was auctioned off with the highest bid at 880 million, and Dr. Shadow


    purchased it."

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    Queenie''s secretary said, "1.05 billion might sound like the price tag for a few items. Over a dozen


    treasures were auctioned off tonight.


    "Based on the price algorithm, the total price of the items sessfully auctioned added up to 1.05


    billion. There were five groups who won the bids, but the bidder''s information couldn''t be traced. So,


    we can''t rule out the possibility further."


    The algorithm seemed tooplex for Queenie to attribute it to a bidder.


    If it wasn''t a bidder, then the most likely scenario remaining was that the receiving ount belonged


    to Astral Nova, and Raven was associated with them.


    At that moment, a message popped up on her WhatsApp. She immediately opened it.


    Raven replied, "Payment received. Mission aplished."


    Following the message was an image file.


    Queenie clicked on the attached image. It was a screenshot showing Raven''s response to a task on


    Cyber Web.


    "Mission aplished."


    Her frustration bubbled up. She couldn''t believe that all that effort and anticipation was all for them


    to receive a two-worded response simply. She wondered if it had really cost her 1.05 billion for such


    brevity.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    She asked, "Is this it? Have youpleted all the requests I sent you? You''re asking for 1.05 billion


    from me. Do you think I wouldn''t report you for fraud?"


    Queenie rattled off a bunch of words in her text. As expected, there was no response from the other


    end.


    The silence was so cold it made one suspect they were dealing with an automated customer


    service bot.


    At the sight of Queenie''s dark expression, the secretary asked weakly, "Mrs. Gaskell, do you think


    we might have stumbled upon a fraud syndicate?"


    Even the secretary felt like she was dealing with a scammer.


    Queenie became even more suspicious and wondered if she had really been cheated. But even if


    she reported it to the police, their chat records wouldn''t be enough to prove that the other party was


    a fraudster.


    Instead, it would show her actively trying to get the other party toplete assignments and send


    money. Queenie''s reputation as a savvy person would be ruined if this got out. So, her intention of


    reporting it was merely to scare the other party.


    At that moment, the secretary''s phone rang again. She picked up the call, and whatever was said


    on the other end of the line made her face light up with joy.


    "Really? Okay, okay."


    She hung up the phone and immediately turned to Queenie.


    "Mrs. Gaskell, the attackers targeting ourpany''s firewall system have all ceased their activity."


    "Really?"


    Queenie raised an eyebrow skeptically.


    The secretary nodded firmly.


    "Yes, it''s true. The head of tech just called to report that all the malicious activity suddenly stopped


    during their efforts to intercept the attacks. Now, they''re focused on resolving the bugs."


    Another message popped up on Queenie''s WhatsApp.


    Raven texted, "Inspectionplete. Transactionpleted."


    The swiftpletion of the inspection stunned Queenie. Mere minutes had passed, and it was


    already over. The efficiency was unnerving.


    Hence, she rushed back to thepany and focused on ensuring the security of the firewall system


    before sending a message to Raven.


    As soon as Queenie hit send, a red exmation mark reminded her that her message was


    undelivered.


    It was then that Queenie realized that Raven had blocked her.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Hera had returned to the Everett residence. She took a shower and exited the bathroom


    with damp hair.


    Hera chuckled when she thought of Queenie being unable to message her. She picked up the


    conch bracelet she had ced on the table before showering and began fiddling with it.


    She recalled the incident when Queenie broke the herbal remedy jar that Daphne had stayed up


    late to prepare for Albert.


    Not only did Queenie not apologize, but she also soiled Daphne''s dress, resulting in Albert''s stern


    rebuke.


    The indifference in Queenie''s eyes back then as she watched the chaos unfold left Hera with a chill.


    The recent events were just the beginning of something about to unfold.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    Hera dried her damp hair and got into bed to sleep.


    In the dimly lit hallway, the door of the adjacent room crept open. Simultaneously, another figure


    emerged from the staircasending.


    Two figures stealthily approached Hera''s door. Their movements halted when they heard each


    other.


    After a moment of confusion, they both whispered, "Shh!"


    The two figures were Gideon and Lilith.


    "Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    Both whispered in unison. Then, they exchanged knowing nces toward Hera''s door.


    Light seeped out from under the door, but there was no sound from within to confirm if Hera was


    asleep.


    "Hera came back alone in a taxi," Lilith said.


    At noon, Hera mentioned she had ns with a friend and wouldn''t be back for dinner. She had gone


    out and unexpectedly returned only in the early hours of the morning.


    "Yeah, I know."


    Gideon refrained from mentioning the ck Audi following Hera''s taxi. He was wary of exacerbating


    Lilith''s concerns.


    Once Hera disembarked and entered the gate, the Audi parked at the corner. It waited there until


    she went inside and only left after a considerable time had passed.


    "It''s good that she''s returned."


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Lilith breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Did Hera used toe back thiste before?" Gideon asked with a slight frown.


    "No, not when she lived at home. But after moving out..."


    Lilith recalled Giselle mentioning the photo of Hera with a young guy, which left her feeling uneasy.


    Yet, she also worried abouting off as nagging if she prodded too much.


    "What''s wrong?"


    The tightly closed door abruptly swung open and startled Gideon and Lilith.


    At the same time, a thud echoed from the other end of the hallway. It took them a moment to adjust


    to the light spilling from the room.


    Following the noise, they spotted a small figure scrambling up from the floor and dashing nervously


    toward the room.


    "Gino?"


    Gideon flicked the hallway light on.


    "Gino, why aren''t you asleep yet? Are you worried about Hera, too?" Lilith asked.


    The sudden brightness left Gino momentarily disoriented.


    "Who cares if shees back or not? I just got up to use the bathroom."


    After saying that, he didn''t bother to find his other slipper and hastily returned to his room with one


    foot bare. He nearly stumbled and left the slipper behind in the hallway.


    "I could''ve sworn there was nothing wrong with the bathroom in Gino''s room..." Lilith muttered to


    herself as she hurried to catch up.


    "Gino, let me see if you''re hurt."


    Gideon grumbled, "Spoiled brat."


    Hera was speechless at the scene.


    "Is there anything else?"


    She looked at her brother as he lingered by the door, not intending to leave.


    Gideon cleared his throat and asked, "Where were you tonight? Did you get yourself into any


    trouble?"


    She nced at him again with a fleeting hint of caution in her eyes. She wasn''t sure why he


    suddenly asked these two questions.


    "Just went to a party with friends. What''s up?"


    Gideon noted her reaction and realized she likely wasn''t aware of being followed.


    "Call me if you''re out past ten. I''ll pick you up. It''s not safe for you to take a taxi back thiste," he


    said.


    His sister was undeniably beautiful, and he felt a need to watch over her.


    Hera paused and thought he knew something. But she realized he was simply concerned for her


    well-being. When she returned home that night, she found the living room softly illuminated yet


    empty.


    Assuming everyone had retired for the night, she quietly went upstairs, unaware that they were all


    waiting for her return.


    A warmth stirred within Hera''s heart. It was a gentle sensation that thawed her usual indifference


    toward the world.

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    This was how she felt after losing her home for over a decade.


    Hera hummed in agreement.


    "Get some rest. Goodnight," Gideon said with a smile.


    "Goodnight," Hera replied.


    Gideon didn''t immediately go to sleep when he returned to his room. Instead, he made a phone call


    to a friend who worked as a police officer.


    "Felton, did you find anything on the license te number I requested?"


    He was referring to the car''s license te number that had followed Hera home half an hour ago.


    "Yeah, I found something. The car belonged to the general manager of a Killian Corporation branch


    in Norburgh," the voice on the other end confirmed.


    "And who was the general manager?" Gideon inquired.


    "Bernard Killian."


    "Alright, thanks."


    After exchanging a few more words with Felton, Gideon hung up.


    He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized it wasn''t a dangerous person tracking Hera.


    However, the thought of Bernard gave him a headache.


    Hera was still underage, and Bernard, who was in his 20''s, was clearly exploiting her youth.


    Unfortunately, Bernard''s influence was too great, and the Everett family was powerless against him.


    Gideon realized he needed to work even harder to earn money for Hera''s sake.


    ¡­


    On the Cavenridge forum, Giselle''s scandal as the fake heiress and the notice of the Everett


    family''s bankruptcy had been prominently featured on the front page for over half a month.


    However, it was finally buried under the announcement of the new round of selection activities for


    the academy''s new Belle and Hunk.


    Previous editions of the Belle and Hunk selection process were spontaneous activities organized by


    students. But this time, it was initiated by the academy, which was a rare urrence.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    The winning Belle and Hunk would represent the students and perform a recitation on the stage of


    Cavenridge''s 80th-anniversary celebration, which would be broadcast nationwide.


    The selection process began with students nominating others or rmending themselves. The


    top ten males and females with the most votes would automatically advance. The winning Belle and


    Hunk would be determined through a speechpetition organized by the academy.


    "Kate, should we all support Boss in the selection of the new Belle?"


    Several ssmates gathered around Katie''s seat.


    "Absolutely! With Boss'' ethereal beauty, she''s bound to shine!"


    "I agree! I''ll go talk to the ss president."


    Katie immediately went to fetch the ss president.


    When Katie brought the idea up, the ss president pointed to the forum request on the phone


    screen.


    "Are you guys idiots? Didn''t you read the requirements? The academy requires the new Belle to be


    a beauty and a schr. Do you want to embarrass Boss before the entire academy?"


    Hera might be as beautiful as a celestial being, but everyone was well aware of her academic


    achievements.


    They were the only ss whose teachers were allowed to teach solely in Jadonish. So, the


    prospect of reciting in Terranish was daunting for them.


    "In this world, is there really someone who embodies both true beauty and intelligence?"


    "There is¡ªthe legendary Professor Killian."


    "Christopher and Zyler aren''t that bad either."


    "But they''re not on the same level as us."


    Just then, Hera arrived. She sighed heavily when she noticed Katie and the others gathered around


    her seat.


    "Boss, you''re here. We were justmenting your missed opportunity to secure the Belle title," Katie


    said, pulling Hera to her seat.


    "What? Belle?" Hera asked in puzzlement.


    At Hera''s confusion, Katie realized she hadn''t checked the academy forum. She proceeded to


    exin, thinking Hera would share their disappointment, assuming every girl enjoyed unting their


    beauty.


    However, Hera simply responded nonchntly, "Oh, I''m not interested."

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    Chapter 118


    Katie was left speechless.


    It was hard for her toprehend that Hera, who was beautiful, didn''t seem to value beauty that


    much.


    "Boss, can''t you pretend to be upset with us at least?" Katie implored.


    "I''m too busy for that," Hera replied.


    She set down her backpack and grabbed a small canvas bag before leaving.


    The ss president and her other ssmates felt as though they had been snubbed by royalty.


    Hera left the ssroom and headed to theboratory building.


    Christopher leaned casually against the wall at the entrance of the chemistryboratory on the


    fourth floor He was carrying his backpack and reading a book while waiting for someone.


    This particr chemistryb was rarely used, and the hallway was deserted except for him.


    Footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Christopher looked up to see a tall figure approaching.


    Hera had her ck hair tied in a ponytail. With a cold expression on her stunning face, she exuded


    an air of aloofness that kept others at a distance.


    Her tall figure and long legs turned the in gray uniform into a fashion statement.


    Christopher''s heart skipped a beat as he quickly put his book away and stood up straight.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "Hera, you''re here," he said while hurriedly extracting a lunchbox from his backpack and handing it


    to her.


    "Have you had breakfast? I brought this for you."


    Without looking at the lunchbox, Hera demanded, "The key."


    Unperturbed, Christopher reached into his pocket but didn''t hurry to pull the key out.


    "Are you nning to conduct an experiment?" he asked.


    Before leaving that morning, Andrew had given him a key to theb to hand over to Hera.


    Anticipating his encounter with Hera, Christopher promptly requested the chef to prepare an


    additional breakfast meal.


    "It''s none of your business. Don''t ask," Hera said.


    She reached out her hand, signaling him not to dawdle.


    "I just wanted to say¡ªif you need help, you can call me anytime," Christopher offered, cing the


    key in Hera''s hand and looking at her with hopeful eyes.


    "There''s no need for that," Hera said, unlocking theb door and coldly shutting Christopher out.


    She needed a quiet, undisturbedb to separate the Eclipse Stone from the Aquadder.


    She had discussed it with Andrew over WhatsApp, and he had promptly arranged the space for her.


    Rather than feeling upset about being turned away, Christopher felt secretly delighted.


    He was ecstatic to encounter Hera and even have a conversation with her.


    He made a firm decision to intensify his efforts in his studies to match Hera''s pace.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in ss K, Katie addressed the entire ss from the tform.


    "Hey, everyone! We all know how gorgeous Boss is, and we''d love to see her as the Belle in the


    uing Belle selection. However, she''s not keen on joining. So let''s respect her wishes and not


    nominate her."


    "Why give up without even trying?" a pregnant woman in her 30s standing at the ssroom door


    remarked.


    She was their teacher, Kerry Lane, who hade to discuss the matter during break time.

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    Chapter 119


    "The activities organized by the academy should be actively participated in. Our ss has many


    good-looking students. You also don''t need to worry about the speechpetition. If you actively


    sign up, I will find ways to improve your Terranish proficiency!" Kerry passionately promised.


    "This is a rare opportunity for our ss to shine in academy activities. We must bravely toss our


    hats in the ring and participate. We need to prove that although our academic performance may not


    be as good as the other sses, we are not worthless," she added.


    Katie was the first to stand up and politely decline, "No, Ms. Lane. We are quite self-aware. We


    don''t want to bite off more than we can chew."


    "Yeah, miss. We just want to live our lives peacefully," another student chimed in.


    Several eager female students who considered participating changed their minds when they


    learned about the additional tutoring. They were only there to obtain the Cavenridge International


    Academy certificate and didn''t want any extra hassle.


    "Oh damn! Someone just nominated Hera!" a student suddenly eximed in the ss.


    Katie immediately pulled up the forum page on her device, asking, "Who nominated her?"


    "I don''t know¡ªit was anonymous."


    "Damn. Wasn''t the anonymous feature disabledst time? Why is it back?"


    "I heard someone hacked into the academy''s system and yed a prank, but the academy


    programmers fixed it."


    "What a mess! It''s much better with real names, so we can weed out the imposters."


    The ssroom erupted withints.


    Meanwhile, in ss A, a voice eximed, "Hera from ss K signed up!"


    "Oh, she''s that rich girl from the countryside. She''s pretty, but can she handle giving a speech in


    Terranish?"


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "Let''s not vote for her, lest she publicly embarrass the academy on its anniversary."


    "Yeah. Let''s vote for our ss president instead."


    "Right. Our ss is the true representative of Cavenridge students."


    Cindy Fry, the ss president of ss A, ranked first academically among sophomores. She even


    scored an impressive eight out of ten in terms of attractiveness ording to the boys'' aesthetic


    standards.


    She was currentlyparing her vote count with the male candidates for the title. Christopher and


    Zyler were neck and neck, both leading by a wide margin among the boys.


    Cindy herself was also leading among the many other girls who were participating.


    She was fantasizing about performing on stage at the anniversary celebration with Christopher


    when Hera''s entry immediately tied her vote count.


    Just then, the discussions among Cindy''s ssmates gave her a new surge of hope. She was


    about to speak up when she was interrupted by her deskmate, Lily.


    "Hera''s eagerness to participate is a disy of her courage. We should apud her bravery in


    trying," Lily remarked.


    Her unexpected defense of Hera drew curious nces from many ssmates.


    Several ssmates who were close to Lily knew of her dislike for Hera, prompting them to wonder


    why she was suddenly speaking up in Hera''s favor.


    "Well, I just pity her. She managed to reim her position in the Everett family, but then they went


    bankrupt. Isn''t that sad? Seeing her still strive in such circumstances is admirable. That''s why I think


    we should support her and not discourage her," Lily exined.


    She felt somewhat disgusted with herself for expressing sentiments she didn''t truly feel.


    While backing Hera was not something Lily would consider, she relished the thought of witnessing


    Hera embarrass herself in public. She was determined to settle the score for Hera''s past humiliation


    of her.


    "Very well said, Lily. I didn''t expect you to be so kind," a ssmate chimed in, echoing Lily''s


    sentiment.


    The response stirred sympathy among everyone as they found Lily''s argument reasonable. After all,


    Hera was undeniably beautiful and seemed genuinely pitiable. Consequently, they all cast their


    votes for Hera, with some even persuading other ssmates to do the same.

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    Chapter 120


    The support for Hera surged rapidly, leaving Cindy far behind in the Belle ranking in just one day.


    With that, Hera firmly secured the top spot among all female students in the academy.


    Cindy felt a mix of jealousy and frustration when she saw herselfgging behind Hera by over a


    thousand votes. She was especially frustrated as she watched Lily still campaigning for Hera after


    ss.


    Cindy couldn''t deny Hera''s beauty but believed her own abilities surpassed hers. Even if Lily helped


    Hera secure a spot in the top ten, could shepete in the final speech showdown?


    Cindy saw Hera as nothing more than a pretty face. She felt that Hera wasn''t suited topete with


    her.


    She was firmly convinced that she would emerge as the academy''s Belle at the celebration.


    ¡­


    That evening, Katie was shocked to find Hera leading the polls. Fearing foul y, she urgently


    pleaded on the forum for people not to vote for Hera.


    However, her plea backfired as those who hadn''t considered voting for Hera before were captivated


    by her beauty and decided to vote for her.


    Despite Katie''s efforts, Hera''s ranking remained unchanged the next morning. Her votes had even


    increased. Katie couldn''t help but marvel at Hera''s stunning beauty.


    Zyler entered the ssroom and immediatelyunched the academy forum to check the voting


    results.


    He had never cared much about such matters because the Hunk title always went to either him or


    Christopher.


    Zyler''s and Christopher''s rankings were always neck and neck across the years. Ultimately,


    whoever garnered more admirers during the crucial voting period won the title.


    Their rtionship had always been good, and they didn''t let thepetition for the academy''s Hunk


    title affect their friendship. So, neither of them cared too much about who held it.


    But Zyler overheard many ssmates discussing the voting that day and Hera''s name was


    frequently mentioned. He became curious about the events that were unfolding.


    Opening the "Academy Belle and Hunk" section of the forum, he was surprised to see Hera ranked


    first among the female students.


    The photo apanying her profile was a candid shot of her sitting at her desk. She was resting


    her chin on her hand, eyes lowered as she yed with her phone. Her delicate features, elegant


    contours, and smooth, wless skinbined gave her a breathtakingly beautiful appearance.


    Zyler''s first thought when he saw Hera''s photo was that she must have entered thepetition


    because she wanted to perform with him at the academy''s anniversary celebration.


    He understood that the feelings one had for someone couldn''t simply be brushed aside, as he


    himself had experienced with Giselle.


    Despite being angry at her for deceiving him, he still found himself thinking of her from time to time.


    Therefore, Zyler believed that Hera still harbored feelings for him, although she was involved with


    Dous.


    Zyler felt a hint of satisfaction at that thought. He even spected that Hera might be trying to grab


    Dous'' attention just to make him jealous.


    Suddenly, he noticed that Christopher was ranked first among the male students. Zyler''s vote count


    had unexpectedly dropped by 50 votes.


    He couldn''t understand why someone without credentials like Hera could be at the top. As the heir


    of the Gaskell family and a piano prodigy with great manners, he felt he deserved first ce.


    In a fit of anger, he cast a vote for himself.


    The voting rules allowed each male and female student one vote. After casting his vote, Zyler


    turned to Christopher, who was sitting behind him.


    "Chris, did you vote on the forum in the Belle and Hunk election?" Zyler asked.


    Christopher, immersed in his test papers, didn''t even look up.


    "No. I''d rather spend my time brushing up on some more questions than waste it on that sort of


    thing."


    "Well then, how about you let me use your ount to vote?" Zyler suggested.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    Christopher paused his studying, looked up, and said, "Didn''t you say these contests were boring?"


    "Yeah. But I can''t ept that country bumpkin Hera taking first ce while I''m in second," Zyler


    replied.


    "Wait... Hera joined?"


    Christopher immediately put his pen down and opened the forum on his phone.


    On the girls'' voting page, he saw Hera leading by a wide margin. Then, on the boys'' side, he found


    himself in first ce, with Zyler in second. Zyler was only 49 votes behind.


    Christopher decided that if Hera participated, so would he. He wanted to perform alongside Hera.


    Christopher quickly cast a vote for himself.


    "Wait..."


    Zyler tried to intervene, but Christopher''s screen had already shown a sessful vote.


    After voting for himself, Christopher shared the voting page in the ss group chat and within his


    social circle to campaign.


    Zyler was shocked.


    "Didn''t you also say it was a waste of time?"


    He wondered why Christopher suddenly changed his mind and voted for himself.


    Christopher replied earnestly, "This is an academy-organized event. As a member of the academy


    and heir of the Ludden family, I should actively participate."


    Zyler was left speechless.


    He watched as Christopher finished sharing the voting page and returned to cast another vote for


    Hera.


    "Why are you voting for¡ª"


    Zyler began.


    "Have you cast your vote for the female candidate? If you haven''t, vote for Hera," Christopher


    interrupted.


    Zyler refused, "That country bumpkin doesn''t deserve my vote!"


    Christopher frowned at Zyler''s reference to Hera, saying, "Zee, don''t speak of Hera like that."


    Zyler felt an indescribable difort seeing Christopher defend Hera so adamantly.


    "Am I wrong? She''s just a girl from the mountains. Even if she''s leading in the polls, she''ll still be


    brushed aside in the speech contest. Why waste public resources?" Zyler argued.


    "But she won''t fail!" Christopher insisted.


    During the entrance exams, Christopher only mentioned the giarism incident involving Hera on


    the forum. The matter was misunderstood, and the school didn''t take any action.


    Hence, everyone thought the academy was lenient and that Hera was just a country girl who relied


    on her connections.


    But in reality, Hera was a true academic genius. If it weren''t for Christopher and his family''s


    reputation, his father wouldn''t have asked her to overlook the subject, and people wouldn''t judge


    her as they currently do.


    Thinking of this, Christopher felt guilty and vowed to treat Hera better and study harder in the future.


    "You''ll see what she''s capable of at the speech contest!"


    At the sight of Christopher''s firm belief, Zyler couldn''t help but doubt if Hera had also seduced


    Christopher.


    He thought Hera had a bad personality despite a good outward appearance.


    Zyler couldn''t let his good friend be deceived.


    He would expose her on the day of the speech contest.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    ¡­


    The Belle and Hunk election had been going on fiercely for a week. The top ten male and female


    candidates would be chosen on Friday night.


    Meanwhile, Hera was busy in theb, separating the Eclipse Stones and developing medications.


    She paid no attention to the election.


    She asionally nced at her phone while having lunch in the cafeteria on Friday afternoon.


    It had been a week since the auction, but Bernard hadn''t contacted her.


    She wondered if he no longer wanted her to cure him.


    She considered that he may have heard that the Eclipse Stone had fallen into someone else''s


    hands and had given up on treatment.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    "What are you thinking about, Hera? I''ve called you several times, but you didn''t respond," someone


    suddenly tapped her shoulder and asked.


    Hera snapped out of her thoughts and saw Kerry standing there.


    "Ms. Lane, what''s up?" she asked.


    With a canvas bag hanging on her shoulder and hands on her baby bump, Kerry seemed to have


    approached her on purpose.


    "I finally found you! Here. These are a few speech drafts I selected for you. Take a look and see


    which one you prefer," Kerry said, taking out a stack of papers from her bag.


    The drafts were in both Jadonish and Terranish with many annotations on them. Kerry''s meticulous


    preparation was evident in every detail.


    Hera pushed her lunchbox aside and nced at the papers in confusion.


    "The top ten Belles will be revealed tonight. You''re currently one of the top contenders in ss K.


    You''re definitely securing a spot in the top ten," Kerry cheered enthusiastically.


    "Now, let''s gear up for the final speech contest and memorize your speech beforehand. Aim for that


    Belle title, and let''s showcase the best of ss K at the academy''s anniversary celebration!"


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Hera wanted to rify that she hadn''t signed up. But when she checked the school forum, she saw


    her photo and name listed as the first among the nominated girls.


    "Thank you, Kerry," Hera reluctantly epted the speech drafts.


    "You''re wee. Take them back and have a look. Drop by my office after school. I''ll teach you


    Terranish recitation. I can also give you extra tutoring over the weekend. Let''s polish your speaking


    skills before next week''s speech contest!" Kerry said confidently.


    "No need. Actually, I¡ª"


    "Hey, are you Gino''s sister?"


    Just as Hera was about to decline, she was interrupted by a young boy.


    The boy looked to be about seven or eight years old. He was wearing the Cavenridge Elementary


    School uniform. He was sweating profusely, out of breath from running.


    "What''s the matter, my dear? Don''t be in a hurry. Take your time."


    Kerry hurriedly took out a tissue to wipe his sweat and helped him catch his breath.


    "Thank you, Ms. Lane."


    After thanking Kerry, the boy turned to Hera and said urgently, "I''m Gino''s ssmate. Gino got into a


    fight with a third-grader and was sent to the school clinic. The teacher has called the parents, but no


    one has arrived yet. Pleasee and check on him."


    Hera frowned. She remembered that Gino was only in the first grade. She wondered how he could


    possibly get into a fight with a third-grader.


    "Is it serious? Hera, go and check on him quickly," Kerry urged.


    "Okay."


    Hera nodded slightly.


    "Thank you for the information. You don''t need to worry about tutoring me. Take care of yourself and


    your baby. I''ll get going now."


    Kerry wanted to persuade her to reconsider tutoring, but Hera had already turned around and


    followed the boy to the clinic.


    "Kerry, I think you should take an early maternity leave and go home. These students are hopeless.


    They''re just trying to graduate from a prestigious school by any means necessary. It''s not worth


    putting in so much effort for them," Esme Jeanne, who had witnessed the scene earlier, walked over


    and said.


    She was the homeroom teacher for ss B in the second year and also taught Terranish from


    sses A to E.


    She had also heard about the Belle election.


    Kerry might try to make Hera shine, but Esme doubted that Hera could win the final speech contest


    with her poor Terranish proficiency.


    Esme thought it all seemed futile.


    "Esme, that''s not true. Every student has their strengths and shining moments. Anyone can shine


    with a little effort," Kerry argued.


    Esme chuckled, "A rotten wood can''t be carved. Be careful not to get too worked up and let it affect


    your pregnancy."

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    Chapter 123


    Hera followed the young boy to the door of the school clinic, where the sounds of a boy''s sobs and


    a woman''s sharp scolding could be heard from inside.


    "What''s going on? It''s been almost an hour. Why haven''t his parents arrived yet? Some parents just


    don''t care about their children," Eugene Ergol''s mother, Yana Harrington, eximed angrily.


    "Mrs. Ergol, please calm down. Mr. Everett is stuck in traffic," Violet Woodwick, Gino''s homeroom


    teacher, tried to pacify her.


    "When I came, there wasn''t any traffic. It''s just an excuse. I''m convinced he''s intentionally avoiding


    responsibility," Yana retorted angrily.


    "This brat injured my son. If I don''t get an exnation today, I''ll sue you all for negligence!"


    Upon hearing this, Eugene''s homeroom teacher, Quincey Bard, became anxious and urged, "Ms.


    Woodwick, are you sure he''s really on his way? Maybe you should call him again to hurry him up."


    At that moment, the door was knocked and then pushed slightly open. Hera walked in.


    Her gaze swept coldly across the room, where Gino stood by the window like a punished student.


    His school uniform was dirty and torn, and though his face was bruised and swollen, he stubbornly


    held his head high as he looked out the window.


    Sitting across from Gino was Eugene, who appeared rather chubby. He looked to weigh around 95


    pounds based on a visual estimate. His skin was dark, his face dotted with e, and his dirty


    school uniform showed no other visible injuries besides a white bandage on his forehead.


    He sat on a stretcher bed, sobbing, while Yana, the school doctor, and teachers surrounded him.


    In contrast to Eugene, Gino, though beaten, did not cry.


    "Your anger makes it sound like your son was beaten to death," Hera quipped.


    Upon hearing her voice, Gino immediately turned around and looked at Hera with a puzzled


    expression.


    "Who are you talking back to? Have you no manners?" Yana scolded.


    With short, curly hair dyed wine red, d in designer attire, adorned with oversized gold earrings


    and chains around her neck, she exuded a nouveau riche vibe.


    "You''re hurling curses left and right, yet you''re lecturing me about manners?" Hera retorted.


    Yana was momentarily speechless at Hera''s words.


    "Who are you?" she asked.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "I''m Gino''s sister," Hera replied, motioning for Gino toe over.


    "Come here."


    With just those simple words, Gino was stunned. He instinctively walked toward her.


    He was already standing in front of her when he realized what he was doing.


    "Hey, I remember the Everett family went bankrupt, but no one died, right? That cowardly James


    doesn''t dare to show himself, so he sends his country bumpkin daughter instead," Yana said


    sarcastically.


    The news of the Everett family''s bankruptcy was widespread across Norburgh. Yana had even


    rejoiced for days, as it meant one less businesspetitor for the Ergol family.


    She had originally nned to use this incident to embarrass James when he arrived, but she hadn''t


    expected his daughter to show up instead.


    Hera ignored Yana.


    She looked at Gino and asked, "What happened?"


    Judging by his bruised appearance, it was clear that the beating he took had been severe.


    "You don''t need to worry about it," Gino replied.


    He turned his head away, unwilling to speak.


    Quicey immediately exined, "It''s like this. Gino and Eugene got into a fight due to a


    disagreement. Gino started it and even hit Eugene on the head with a stone. You are responsible


    for the consequences."

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    "I didn''t use a stone on him. He hit his head on his own!" Gino defended himself.


    However, Hera''s focus was elsewhere.


    "So it was you who started the fight? And you lost?"


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Gino remained silent.


    "How embarrassing," Hera remarked.


    "Go back and ask Mommy to enroll you in a martial arts ss."


    Gino''s head snapped up in surprise as if he couldn''t believe what he had just heard.


    Not only Gino but Violet and Quincey were also astonished by Hera''s approach to educating him.


    They couldn''t believe that Hera was encouraging him to make mistakes without learning from them,


    even supporting him to learn martial arts. It was as if she were preparing him for another fight next


    time.


    "Oh my! Kids from the poor countryside are so barbaric! Are they nning to get into another fight?"


    Yana exaggeratedly remarked, "Ms. Woodwick, I think students who stir up trouble like this should


    be expelled!"


    "Well..." Violet was somewhat conflicted.


    Gino was in first-grade ss A, while Eugene was in third-grade ss K. Their futures were clearly


    different.


    Moreover, Violet had heard that Eugene often caused trouble at school. The fact that they engaged


    in violence together implied it wasn''t a one-sided conflict, and it wasn''t certain who had suffered


    worse injuries.


    However, Gino and Hera''s influence was weaker than the Ergols with the Everett family''s


    bankruptcy. However, the stubborn Gino turned a situation that could have been resolved amicably


    into this mess.


    "Why should I be expelled? If anyone should be expelled, it''s this fatso!"


    Gino was anxious at the thought of being expelled.


    "I got in here on my own merit, not through connections like you¡ª"


    "Shut up!" Hera interrupted him coldly.


    Gino red at her with reddened eyes, wondering if she was on his side or theirs.


    But when he saw Hera''s cold gaze, he clenched his fists and remained silent.


    "How do you want to handle this? Do you want it to be settled formally or privately?"


    Hera turned her gaze toward Yana.


    Yana, thinking they were backing down, sneered and boasted, "We can settle this privately if you


    want. First, ask your useless brother to kneel and apologize to my son! Then we''ll consider a private


    settlement."


    Then, she deliberately stepped aside as if making room for them.


    Gino exploded at her suggestion.


    "Dream on! I did nothing wrong! It was this fatso who started spewing nonsense first! I won''t


    apologize to him! If anyone should apologize, it''s him!"


    Hera raised her hand and pulled Gino behind her.


    "When you make a mistake, you should apologize," she said firmly.


    Gino widened his eyes at her. Just as he was about to explode again, Hera pressed down on his


    head with one hand to signal him to calm down.


    "What are you waiting for? Kneel and apologize!" Yana crossed her arms and sneered arrogantly.


    "Before that, your son insulted my brother first, prompting him into action! Shouldn''t your son kneel


    and apologize first?" Hera countered coldly.


    On her way to the clinic, Hera had already learned the gist of the situation from the young boy who


    led her.


    During lunchtime, on the way to the cafeteria, Gino happened to overhear Eugene and his


    ssmates discussing the top ten candidates for the school Belle and Hunk election.


    It was a hot topic during school breaks, which was nothing out of the ordinary.


    However, the precocious and lecherous Eugene had made inappropriate remarks about Hera,


    making Gino extremely ufortable.

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    Chapter 125


    Gino, like anyone else, was naturally disgusted when several boys made lewdments about


    Hera''s photo, especially considering those remarks were directed at his own sister.


    Therefore, Gino publicly warned Eugene not to insult Hera.


    Eugene wasn''t one to hold back. He felt embarrassed at being warned by a first-grader in public, so


    he continued with his lewd remarks, which further escted the situation.


    In response, Gino shoved him, igniting the conflict.


    "Lies! My son didn''t insult anyone! Son, tell her!" Yana demanded, looking to Eugene for


    confirmation.


    But to her dismay, Eugene was staring at Hera with a lewd expression and a silly grin on his face.


    She pinched his arm in frustration, "Tell her!"


    Feeling the pain, Eugene snapped out of it.


    Although he was unsure about what Yana had just said, he nodded and mumbled, "Yes, yes."


    "Do you hear that? My son didn''t insult anyone! You have no evidence, so stop ndering people


    here, or I''ll sue you for defamation!" Yana threatened.


    Yana knew about Eugene''s flirtatious nature. But Heracked evidence to take action without their


    admission and surveince at the scene.


    "Hera, why don''t you apologize to them? Escting this won''t benefit anyone."


    Eugene''s homeroom teacher, Quincey, had previously dealt with Yana''s stubbornness. He tried to


    persuade Hera.


    With the Ergol family''s wealth and the Everetts'' bankruptcy, Quincey felt that Gino couldn''t win


    against them even if Eugene was at fault.


    "Then let''s handle it formally and call the police," Hera calmly suggested.


    "Sure, go ahead! We''re not afraid!" Yana retorted.


    Quincey quickly intervened, "There''s no need to escte this. Calling the police won''t benefit


    anyone."


    Hera then addressed Violet.


    "Ms. Woodwick, considering that Eugene has harmed my brother, indicating a potential for violence,


    shouldn''t the school prioritize student safety and possibly consider expulsion for such students?"


    Violet paused for a moment, then nodded in understanding.


    "Yes," she replied.


    "What? It was clearly your brother who struck first. He even used a stone to hit my son, causing the


    injury on his forehead!" Yana eximed.


    Hera chuckled lightly.


    "Do you have any evidence to prove that my brother struck first?"


    Dealing with such a bully required being even more ruthless and obstinate.


    "You!"


    Yana was momentarily silenced by Hera''s words.


    "And besides, the bump on your son''s head has no cuts. It''s just bruising, suggesting a t impact,


    not from a stone," Hera continued.


    "Nonsense! It was from your brother using a stone! Even the school doctor didn''t deny it. You don''t


    know what you''re talking about!" Yana argued cunningly.


    The school doctor muttered beside them, "I never said it was caused by a stone. That''s what you


    said!"


    Yana immediately shot a re at the school doctor, who promptly fell silent. She was just an


    employee and didn''t dare to offend such an obnoxious outburst of wealth.


    "Would you like to see what a wound caused by a stone looks like?"


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Hera spotted two lead balls beside the desk, went over, and picked one up.


    "Since there''s no stone, let''s use a lead ball instead to demonstrate," she said.


    Then, she raised the lead ball in her hand, her gaze fixed on Eugene''s head.

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    Chapter 126


    Violet, Quincey, and the school doctor were shocked.


    Eugene, who had been staring nkly at Hera, suddenly felt his scalp tingle and his body tremble


    as he saw her pick up the lead ball.


    "Don''t hurt my son!"


    Yana feared Hera would really throw the lead ball, so she hurriedly shielded her son with her hands.


    It could be fatal if it hit his head.


    However, the stretcher couldn''t withstand the weight of both of them and tilted to one side.


    With a loud bang, apanied by the screams of Eugene and Yana, they toppled over with the


    stretcher, creating a ratherical scene.


    Hera chuckled lightly and released her grip. The lead ball dropped to the ground with a thud,


    causing Eugene and his mother to tremble in fear.


    Immediately, an unpleasant urine smell began to spread slowly.


    At the sight of the previously arrogant Yana trembling in fear and Eugene wetting himself, Gino


    looked at Hera with admiration in his eyes.


    He couldn''t help but marvel at Hera''s decisive actions. Despite their differences, her intervention


    had earned his forgiveness, and he resolved not to sever ties with her.


    "How dare you threaten us! I''ll sue you! And I''ll have Dean Ludden expel you!"


    Yana quickly stood and pulled Eugene up.


    "What''s going on?"


    Suddenly, a stern voice rang out.


    Everyone turned around, only to see Andrew standing at the door of the school clinic, apanied


    by his assistant.


    "Dean Ludden."


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    The two teachers and the school doctor werepletely taken aback by Andrew''s appearance.


    They quickly greeted him respectfully.


    Yana had never met Andrew before.


    Upon seeing the respectful demeanor of the two teachers, her eyes lit up, and she immediately


    comined, "Dean Ludden, you arrived just in time. One of them hit my son, and the other


    threatened us. You must expel them."


    Andrew first nodded lightly and greeted Hera with a smile, much to the shock of the two teachers,


    who widened their eyes in disbelief. They found it quite unusual, as Andrew was typically known for


    his stern demeanor.


    Hera''s indifferent nod made it seem as if she were the one in charge and Andrew was her


    subordinate.


    "Who inflicted these injuries?"


    Andrew''s gaze shifted to the bruised Gino, his brow furrowing slightly. It was evident that he hadn''t


    immediately epted Yana''s usation.


    "It was him," Hera said, pointing at Eugene.


    Andrew followed her gesture and nced at Eugene before turning to the two teachers beside him.


    "Is that so?" he inquired.


    "Yes," the two teachers replied in unison.


    It was true that Eugene had inflicted Gino''s injuries. But something felt off.


    Realizing the situation wasn''t going her way, Yana hastily interjected, "Dean Ludden, you can''t just


    listen to her one-sided ount. He was the one who started it!"


    "Lucas, take them to verify their ss and proceed with disciplinary action. This is a ce for


    learning, not for brawling," Andrew instructed his assistant before turning away.


    "Alright, Mr. Ludden," his assistant, Lucas Dock, replied.


    Yana''s mind buzzed at the mention of disciplinary action. She knew they were in trouble.


    "Dean Ludden, please listen to my exnation..."


    She dropped to her knees before Andrew.


    Eugene also panicked.


    He tugged at his mother''s arm and pleaded, "Mom, I don''t want to leave Cavenridge. My


    ssmates will mock me. Please, give Dean Ludden money to let me stay! If not, just¡ª"


    "Shut up!" Yana immediately interrupted him.


    Andrew''s expression darkened instantly.


    Violet noticed the shift in Andrew''s demeanor and promptly cautioned Yana, "Mrs. Ergol, pleading


    with Dean Ludden won''t be effective. You should seek rification from Mr. Dock."


    Feeling desperate, Yana hastily stood up and pulled Eugene along to catch up with Lucas.


    Not wanting to face Andrew''s wrath, the two teachers quickly made their excuses and slipped away.


    With everyone gone, the school clinic finally returned to peace.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    The school doctor was startled upon encountering the Dean for the first time. Uncertain of what to


    do, she hesitated between tidying up the room or attending to Gino''s wound first.


    "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and attend to Gino," Andrew admonished.


    "Yes, of course," the school doctor hurried to fetch the medical kit.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "I''ll handle it," Hera intervened, taking the medical kit from her and instructing Gino to lie on the


    stretcher.


    Then, she calmly retrieved some gauze and a small cloth pouch from her pocket.


    Upon opening the pouch, various lengths of silver needles were revealed.


    "You know acupuncture?" the school doctor eximed in surprise.


    Since Hera carried silver needles with her, it indicated that she was not just proficient in


    acupuncture but also an experienced practitioner.


    Hera calmly nodded and picked up a silver needle.


    As Gino saw that gleaming silver needle approaching, he felt his scalp tingle.


    He swallowed nervously and asked, "Are you sure about this?"


    As Hera administered the needle to his BL 1 acupoint, Gino immediately shut his eyes in fear.


    He realized he was being used as a guinea pig by Hera.


    After a while, the expected pain did note.


    Oddly enough, Gino found it didn''t hurt at all. He waited for a while longer and felt slight sensations


    on his face as if bitten by dozens of mosquitoes.


    Just as he was about to open his eyes, Hera cautioned, "Stay still," as she quickly covered his face


    with a piece of gauze.


    After 20 minutes, the school doctor eximed, "Oh my!" upon seeing the white gauze on Gino''s


    face turn a dark red.


    Unable to suppress her concern, she asked, "Is he alright?"


    Hera removed the gauze, revealing that Gino''s previously bruised and swollen face had


    miraculously subsided.


    While notpletely healed, the noticeable bruises had faded, and the swelling had reduced.


    It usually took between three to five days for bruises to heal, but Hera managed to do it in less than


    half an hour.


    "I haven''t been disfigured, have I?"


    Gino heard the school doctor''s astonished exmation and immediately opened his eyes wide.


    Hera remained silent.


    "No, your face looks better!"


    The school doctor hurriedly handed him a mirror.


    Gino looked and was surprised to see the swelling had gone down.


    He looked at Hera with an unmistakable gleam of admiration in his eyes. He was surprised to


    discover that Hera had such impressive skills, even in alternative medicine.


    "Hera..." he couldn''t help but call out.


    Hera stopped arranging the silver needles.


    She looked at him and advised, "It''s better not to rush into things if you''re not sure you''ll win. Ending


    up like this is quite embarrassing."


    Gino fell silent.


    Andrew stood by, looking at Hera with surprise.


    Although he wasn''t an alternative medicine practitioner, he had read many books on the subject.


    Hera''s needling technique was skilled, her acupoint uracy was impressive and on par with


    seasoned practitioners of alternative medicine.


    He was increasingly convinced that having Hera at Cavenridge was a stroke of luck.


    As Hera put away the needles, Andrew asked, "Hera, may I have a word?"


    Hera nodded. Just as she was about to follow him, Gino stopped her.


    "Your bead bracelet," Gino said as he picked up a handcrafted bracelet from the bed.


    Hera nced back. It was a gift that came with the purchase of the small cloth bag, which she


    initially thought was unnecessary and had declined.


    "It''s for you," she said casually, then turned and left.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    "What''s this junk? Do I look like a garbage disposal?"


    Despite grumbling discontentedly, Gino obediently slipped the bead bracelet onto his left wrist.


    It fit perfectly, almost as if it was custom-made for him.


    He admired it momentarily, then extended his hand toward the school doctor.


    "Does it look good?" he inquired.


    The school doctor hesitated before replying, "It''s quite nice."


    The school doctor was surprised by his sudden change of attitude. Wasn''t he just disdainful of it a


    moment ago?


    "Of course. It''s a gift from my sister," Gino boasted, retracting his hand and admiring the bracelet


    again.


    He couldn''t help but find it pleasing to the eye.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door of the school clinic, and Gideon hurried in.


    "May I ask who you are?" the school doctor inquired as she stepped out.


    "I''m Gino''s brother. What''s going on?"


    Gideon looked around and spotted Gino sitting on the stretcher, examining his wrist.


    "Gideon? Why are you here? Where''s Dad?"


    Gino was surprised to see him.


    "He was caught in an ident on the way here. The road is blocked. He called me, and I happened


    to be nearby. What happened?"


    Gideon approached, pinching Gino''s chin and inspecting his face.


    He felt that something was off about Gino''s face.


    Annoyed, Gino swatted away his hand.


    "It''s fine, Hera has taken care of it."


    "Well, you see..."


    The school doctor blushed slightly, marveling at the gic fortune of the Everett family.


    She briefly recounted the recent events.


    Gideon listened, feeling somewhat surprised and pleased.


    First, there was Bernard and Aaron, and now Andrew stepped in to help. Hera was indeed not as


    simple as everyone perceived her to be.


    "Did you just refer to Hera as your sister?" he raised an eyebrow at Gino.


    Gino would previously address Hera with a mix of informal and formal terms, calling her a country


    bumpkin one moment and then switching to a more respectful address the next. He even arrogantly


    stated that he would only call her his sister if she called him her brother first.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Gino proudly lifted his chin.


    "Did Hera call you her brother first?"


    Gideon was somewhat surprised.


    He remembered Hera''s cold demeanor. It didn''t seem like she would initiate such terms.


    Recalling that Hera referred to him as her brother earlier, Gino nodded in agreement.


    "That''s right."


    Then, he lifted his left hand, rolled up his sleeve, and revealed the bead bracelet.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "How does it look?"


    Gideon nced at it. It was just a standard red bead bracelet. There was nothing remarkable about


    it, and it looked rather tacky.


    "How can men wear bead bracelets? It''s so effeminate," he scoffed.


    Unperturbed, Gino smirked.


    "I can see you''re jealous. It''s a gift from my sister, something you don''t have."


    Upon hearing this, Gideon nced at the bead bracelet again.


    "Childish. Who cares about a bead bracelet?"


    With that, he turned around, opened WhatsApp, and sent a message to Hera.


    ¡­


    Hera lounged on the sofa in the Dean''s office, legs crossedzily. She leaned back against the sofa,


    idly ying with her phone.


    Suddenly, a message popped up on WhatsApp.


    It was a message from Gideon, along with a sad face emoji.


    "Where''s my present?" he asked.


    Confused about what he meant, Hera replied with a question mark.


    "You gave Gino a present. What about me?" came his reply.


    Hera was puzzled. Then, it suddenly dawned on her that she had casually given Gino the bead


    bracelet when leaving the school clinic.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Hera stayed silent, considering if the bead bracelet counted as a gift.


    However, since Gideon had asked for it, she would check if there were any left.


    "Here, Hera, have some tea," Andrew said as he prepared tea and poured her a cup.


    "Thank you," Hera said as she took a sip of it.


    "If it''s about joining the Everett Group, then let''s not talk about it."


    "It''s not. I noticed your proficiency in acupuncture. Would you like to consider using your skills to


    earn money? I have a friend who is looking for alternative medicine practitioners," Andrew


    suggested.


    Having owed Hera a favor from his time teaching in the mountains and another due to Christopher,


    Andrew wanted to repay her kindness and perhaps recruit her into the influential circle of the


    Ludden family.


    When the news of the Everett family''s bankruptcy broke, he swiftly contacted Hera to offer his


    assistance via WhatsApp. However, she coldly rebuffed his request.


    After being rejected, he regretted his impulsive actions. Knowing Hera''s character, he realized she


    wouldn''t ept a favor without a valid reason.


    "I''m not interested in minor ailments. They''re not challenging enough. But I might consider difficult


    andplex cases," Hera replied calmly.


    Upon hearing this, Andrew couldn''t help but admire her even more. He felt that her medical skills


    must be profound to instill such confidence in her.


    "My mother has had rheumatism for decades. She can''t get out of bedtely. Could you take a look


    at her?" he asked.


    Hera nced at him indifferently as if suspecting that his initial suggestion was merely an excuse


    and this was his true intention. However, considering that he had helped with Gino''s matter in the


    school clinic earlier, she nodded in agreement.


    ¡­


    At Pineview Hospital, Amelia sat by Lennon''s bedside. At that moment, Queenie entered the room.


    "Is he awake?" she asked.


    Amelia shook her head.


    "Not yet."


    Since Camille leftst time, Lennon had fallen into a deep sleep and hadn''t woken up since.


    During this period, she delicately inquired of Camille why he hadn''t awakened yet. However, Camille


    simply reassured her, urging her not to fret, and then proceeded to attend to other matters.


    Seeing how busy she was, Amelia felt embarrassed to ask further. After all, she was the one asking


    for favors.


    "It''s been so many days, and you still haven''t contacted Camille toe and see him!" Queenie


    scolded angrily.


    "Camille has been very busytely..."


    "How busy can she be even to schedule an appointment?" Queenie snapped.


    Since the incident with Ravenst time, she had been looking at Amelia with disdain.


    She wondered why others'' daughters were outstanding and perfect while hers seemed useless.


    Amelia tried to exin, but she gave up when she thought about how inferior she was to her brother


    and Camille in Queenie''s eyes. Then, she turned around and left the ward with her phone in hand.


    Just as she was about to call Camille, she happened to see Camille chatting andughing with an


    elegantdy.


    "Camille!"


    Amelia immediately greeted her.


    Camille noticed her and nodded with a smile.


    "Amy."


    "Camille, my grandfather still hasn''t woken up. Could you please look at him again?" Amelia held


    Camille''s hand and pleaded.


    As Camille nced at the hospital room door behind her, her gaze momentarily drifted. However,


    she quickly refocused and smiled kindly.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    "Of course. Just wait a moment. Let me finish up with Mrs. Ludwig''s family first, then I''lle find


    you."


    "Thank you."


    Amelia nodded gratefully.


    "Ms. Chime, you truly live up to your reputation as a miracle doctor with yourpassion and skill,"


    the elegantdyplimented.


    Camille smiled and apanied her to another hospital room.


    An hourter, Camille arrived at Lennon''s hospital room.


    She frowned at the vegetative old man in the hospital bed, unable to figure out where the problem


    lay.


    But she decided to try that method at the sight of Queenie and Amelia''s expectant looks.

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    Chapter 130


    Camille opened her medical kit and administered a dose of medicine to Lennon. After a series of


    swift and practiced maneuvers, Lennon finally woke up.


    "Grandpa," Amelia eximed as she rushed to Lennon''s bedside.


    "What happened to me?" Lennon asked, ncing around in confusion.


    "Dad, you''ve finally awakened. You passed out earlier and wouldn''t wake up. Thank goodness for


    Camille," Queenie said gently.


    She tactfully avoided any mention of the family scandal that had caused him to faint.


    "Thank you, Camille," Lennon said to her.


    "You''re wee, Mr. Gaskell Senior. It''s my duty. You must be hungry after sleeping for so long."


    Camille smiled, then turned to Amelia.


    "Amelia, could you ask the maid to prepare some nourishing soup for Mr. Gaskell Senior?"


    "Of course. I''ll go now," Amelia said.


    This time, Camille didn''t rush off. She stayed in the room, ensuring that Lennon had something to


    eat and chatting with him. She prepared to leave once she made sure he was okay and had fallen


    asleep again.


    "Camille, you truly are a miracle doctor. We owe you a debt of gratitude," Queenie said, taking


    Camille''s hand and personally escorting her out of the room.


    They seemed so close, as if they were best friends, leaving Amelia trailing behind them


    unnecessarily.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Mrs. Gaskell, it''s a doctor''s duty to save lives. You''re too kind," Camille replied with a smile.


    Queenie remembered something and asked, "By the way, have you met Bernard?"


    "I have."


    Camille recalled theirst encounter and felt a moment of awkwardness.


    Queenie could tell things hadn''t gone smoothly. Even she found Bernard intimidating.


    Over a decade had passed, but she still couldn''t forget the chilling look in his eyes.


    Bernard, merely eight years old at the time, stood beside a figure drenched in blood, gripping a


    knife. His face and hands were smeared with blood, his eyes burning with a malevolence that


    seemed to have spawned from the depths of hell.


    The day after Bernard was brought back to the Killian family, he attacked the maid who was taking


    care of him with a knife. Within just a month of returning to the Killian family, he had stabbed four


    other maids.


    No one dared to approach him easily, and no maid was willing to risk their lives to care for him.


    Only when Lucius and Daphne intervened and offered to look after him did things begin to improve.


    Although their exact methods remained uncertain, they gradually softened Bernard''s menacing


    demeanor.


    "It''s alright. Just spend more time together," Queenie regained herposure andforted.


    "By the way, I heard Bernard is searching for an anonymous healer. You could take advantage of


    this opportunity..."


    "Well, isn''t that a bit inappropriate?"


    Camille hesitated.


    She had heard about Johnson assisting Bernard in finding the anonymous miracle doctor. However,


    they hadn''t contacted her yet, so she was waiting for their call.


    "Bernard is also my cousin. Considering our close rtionship, it''s only fitting for me to arrange this


    for you," Queenie reassured, patting Camille''s hand.


    If she could arrange a meeting between Camille and Bernard, Bernard''s position could be secured.


    With that, Camille would surely remember her kindness and support her in the Killian family.


    "Ms. Chime, there you are," Julie Ludwig, the elegant woman Camille was with before interrupted.


    She rushed over with a woman in her 40s.


    "That settles it then," Queenie concluded, no longer wanting to disturb them, and returned with


    Amelia to Lennon''s room.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    "You''re Dr. Shadow, right? Please, save my son. The doctor said there''s no hope, but he''s my child!


    I beg you, please save him," the woman pleaded, kneeling before Camille.


    "Ms. Chime, I''m sorry. I just saw them downstairs, and they seemed so pitiful. I couldn''t help but tell


    her you were here," Julie exined.


    In the hallway, people passing by cast curious nces. The Chime family had ties with the hospital,


    and Camille had a good reputation here. It was hard to refuse.


    "Take me to see him," Camille said, helping the woman up.


    "Thank you. Thank you so much," the woman said tearfully, leading Camille to her son''s room.


    The attending physician frowned when he saw Camille with the woman.


    "Ms. Chime, the patient''s telet count is too low for surgery. It''s too risky," the attending physician


    said.


    After a brief pause, he added, "Besides, they still owe the hospital for the past two days of


    hospitalization, let alone the surgery costs. So, I don''t think it''s worth the risk."


    "It''s alright. Let me handle it. Put the medical expenses under my name," Camille said as she took


    the patient''s medical records.


    After reviewing the case and conducting a thorough examination, Camille immediately arranged for


    surgery. Three hourster, the surgery was found to be sessful. The patient was transferred to


    the ICU.


    "Thank you, Dr. Shadow. We''re so grateful," the woman said, kneeling before Camille once again.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Not only did the woman express her gratitude and post about it on her social media, but she also


    called the media to report the act of kindness.


    The day after, major tforms featured headlines about Dr. Shadow''s true identity as Camille and


    her phnthropic deeds.


    Early in the morning at the Everett residence, Hera was abruptly awakened by Samantha''s urgent


    call.


    "Hera, how can you sleep so soundly? Something big has happened!"


    "You better have a good reason for waking me up, or your Cartier red diamond will be


    Tiramisu''s toy," Hera''s voice, still hoarse from sleep, was filled with irritation.


    "Quick, check the news! That faker Camille is impersonating you!" Samantha eximed indignantly.


    "I already exposed herst time and revealed her true identity. How can people still think she''s Dr.


    Shadow?"


    Hera rolled over and grabbed her phone, quickly scanning the news. The news reported Camille''s


    assistance to impoverished families at Pineview Hospital and exposed Dr. Shadow''s action of


    snatching the Eclipse Stone from Astral Nova''s grandmaster at an auction.


    Interestingly, the incident with the Eclipse Stone wasn''t reported the day after the auction ended. It


    took quite some time for it to be covered, which was intriguing.


    "When did you expose her?" Hera inquired.


    Samantha hesitated for a moment, realizing she had spoken too impulsively out of anger.


    She reluctantly recounted the incident of unmasking Camille at Astral Nova.


    After she finished speaking, she realized she had been too impulsive at the time. Not only did she


    fail to help, but she also inadvertently caused the situation. She immediately berated herself for it.


    "Hera, I''m sorry. It''s all my fault..." Samantha apologized weakly.


    She then added defiantly, "But I won''t let this impostor get away with it!"


    "You should stay out of this," Hera replied, getting out of bed to freshen up.


    "What will you do about it then?"

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    "Let''s not rush into it. Let''s see what she''s up to first," Hera mumbled as she brushed her teeth with


    an electric toothbrush.


    The Eclipse Stone was a coveted treasure, and many were eyeing it. Camille''s intervention at this


    time might have diverted attention away from Hera.


    After chatting a bit more, they hung up. Hera finished her morning routine, headed downstairs, and


    went for a run.


    When she returned, the whole family, including the housekeeper, Judy McCoy, was gathered


    around the dining table reading the newspaper.


    "Ms. Chime is Dr. Shadow. Should we ask her to see Mrs. Everett Senior?" Judy asked.


    Since Hera''s incident at the hospital, Georgia Hemsworth''s health had been fluctuating, and she


    had been recuperating there.


    Hera remained silent.


    "Gideon, why don''t you try reaching out to her? Your grandmother has been in the hospital for a


    while now, and the medical expenses are high. Moreover, they haven''t been able to diagnose her


    condition. Dr. Shadow could diagnose her more efficiently," James suggested to Gideon.


    He had heard that Camille was still single, and so was Gideon. He thought that if the two could grow


    closer during this process, it could greatly benefit the Everett family''s reputation.


    "I think we should have Hera treat Grandma. My sister''s medical skills are impressive!" Gino chimed


    in proudly.


    His statement caught Lilith and Judy off guard. Both of them looked at him in surprise.


    They seemed to question his sudden change in attitude toward Hera silently. Wasn''t he resistant to


    acknowledging Hera as his sister before?


    Gino remained unfazed, immediately changing the subject when he noticed someone entering the


    room.


    "Hera, you''re back. Get ready. Everyone''s waiting for you to have breakfast!" Gino eximed.


    Hera nced at him, a slight smile ying on her lips as she replied, "Sure."


    Judy found the scene surreal, wondering why Gino, who was usually aloof, was suddenly so


    affectionate toward Hera.


    Lilith, witnessing this, felt tears welling up. Finally, Gino seemed to have softened toward Hera.


    "With just a mere bracelet, you''re suddenly all chummy with her," Gideon scoffed lightly.


    "No!" Gino retorted emphatically.


    Gideon nced at his empty wrist adorned only with a Rolex watch.


    He pondered when he would also receive a bead bracelet as a gift from Hera.


    ¡­


    When Hera descended in a different outfit, breakfast was already served. However, no one touched


    their food until she sat down and started eating.


    After breakfast, Lilith tactfully asked, "Hera, would you like to apany me to the hospitalter to


    visit your grandmother?"


    As she asked, James, Gino, and Gideon all appeared to be going about their business. However,


    each of them was secretly listening intently. This was the result of their discussion while Hera was


    changing.


    Both Lilith and Gino believed in Hera''s medical skills. But James, who hadn''t witnessed them,


    expressed doubt and leaned toward finding the miracle doctor.


    Gideon, however, thought it would be imprudent to directly request Hera to treat Georgia,


    particrly considering Georgia''s past attitude toward her because of Giselle.


    Taking everything into ount, they decided it was eptable to have Hera take a look at Georgia


    first.


    "I''m busy," Hera said lightly.


    Lilith''s eyes dimmed at her response.


    James gave a coldugh as if to say, "See, I told you it wouldn''t work. We''ll have to find the miracle


    doctor."


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "I''ll go next week," Hera added.


    Lilith''s eyes immediately brightened.


    James remained silent.


    "Hera has made it to the Belle finalists and needs to prepare for the speech contest next Friday.


    After that, she can go," Gideon exined.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Hera nced up at Gideon. She was about to ask him how he knew about the situation when Gino


    suddenly spoke up.


    "Hera, my Terranish is pretty good. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime," Gino


    offered.


    Hera remained silent.


    "Your Terranish proficiency is like a first-grader''s. It''s not even enough to teach at kindergarten,"


    Gideon remarked.


    He then turned to Hera and added, "I''ve already contacted a Jascilian tutor. They''ll drop by this


    afternoon for your tutoring session."


    Gino was surprised.


    "Having money doesn''t make you great. When I have money, I can do the same!" he thought.


    Hera replied calmly, "No need. I have to go out for a while. I won''t be back for lunch."


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡­


    As the new week began, the academy forum was unusually active because the results of the Belle


    & Hunk election were released.


    Lily stayed up until midnight on Friday to see the results.


    She felt relieved when she saw that Hera unsurprisingly topped the girls'' rankings. It wasn''t in vain


    that she had spent the week pretending to support Hera and canvassing for votes.


    Cindy came second, and Lily herself made it to tenth ce. She looked forward to personally


    humiliating Hera and getting revenge for the embarrassment Hera had caused her.


    The contestants were practicing theirnguage skills and speech techniques for the speech contest


    on Friday at the academy''s theatre.


    Observers on the forum refreshed it daily, monitoring who was putting in the effort and how their


    chances of winning the title were improving.


    Only Hera''s probability of winning the beauty title remained at 0% without any progress.


    It was due to the fact that no one had seen her practicing, and some even imed she didn''t attend


    sses regrly.


    Consequently, those who had voted for Hera in the preliminary round began to question their initial


    belief that Hera would turn over a new leaf.


    Meanwhile, Hera was in theboratory,pletely focused on separating the Eclipse Stone.


    The liquid in the vial containing the Eclipse Stone was highly toxic. Without careful handling, the


    Eclipse Stone would turn into poison.


    She had been in theboratory for ten days when she finally separated the Eclipse Stone. The next


    step was pharmaceutical processing.


    She logged into Raven''s ount and asked Piglet to locate some herbal medicines for her. When


    she switched back to her private ount, she saw Bernard''s profile picture in her chat records.


    It was time for his follow-up appointment, yet he hadn''t contacted her. Therefore, she decided to


    message him first.


    "Are you at Skyview Heights? I''lle overter for your follow-up."


    Two hours passed, and he still didn''t reply, which made Hera feel uneasy. Bernard used to respond


    to her messages quickly.


    At that moment, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.


    She securely stored the Eclipse Stone, removed her gloves and protective clothing, and then


    opened theboratory door to find Christopher waiting outside.


    "Hello, Hera. I hope I''m not interrupting. I''vee to escort you to my house," Christopher said,


    shing a bright smile.


    Hera nodded faintly.


    "Let''s go," she replied, locking theboratory door behind her.


    She had promised Andrew the week before that she would visit Mary at the Ludden residence after


    school that day.


    They walked out of theboratory building side by side, and the Ludden family''s driver was already


    waiting downstairs.


    Lily witnessed Christopher gantly opening the car''s back door for Hera. She immediately jumped


    to conclusions, thinking Hera was shameless for trying to seduce Christopher.


    She promptly took several photos with her phone and anonymously posted them on the academy


    forum.


    "No more talk about Hera not putting effort into the speech contest. She just has her own unique


    way," the caption read.


    This news was like a bombshell, causing chaos on the forum.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    "Holy crap, is this what I think it is?"


    "My world copsed!"


    "Instead of using these shady methods, why not practice speaking properly instead?"


    "I wasted my vote. I''m regretting it now."


    "Thest person who openly flirted with Christopher was Janiya. She is now sleeping on the


    streets."


    ¡­


    "I have to agree, Hera''s ssy face suits the academic genius vibe perfectly."


    "I agree with thement above."


    "Good looks are just a facade. She can never change her country-bumpkin nature. She''s definitely


    not on par with our top student."


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Country bumpkin, stay away from Christopher!"


    ¡­


    "Maybe Hera just genuinely wants Christopher to tutor her!"


    "Whether it''s tutoring or something else, we''ll find out at Friday''s speech contest."


    ¡­


    Upon seeing the photos on the forum, Zyler felt a surge of anger.


    His suspicions were confirmed, as Hera had indeed flirted with Christopher.


    The image of Christopher willingly opening the car door for her only fueled Zyler''s disdain.


    He harbored a deep contempt for Hera.


    First, she attempted to separate Giselle from him, then she tried to seduce Dous, and now she


    was attempting to ensnare his good friend. Zyler couldn''t help but wonder if she was trying to make


    him jealous or if she was simply inherently maniptive.


    He couldn''tprehend how someone as academically aplished as Christopher could be


    blinded by her.


    He immediately called Christopher. He was unable to stand by and watch his good friend be


    one of Hera''s victims.


    ¡­


    Christopher sat reservedly in the Lincoln carriage on the way to the Ludden residence, asionally


    ncing at Hera beside him.


    Hera sat with her legs crossedzily, ying games on her phone against the backseat cushion.


    She appeared casual but exuded an aura of aloofness that kept others at bay.


    Christopher pondered that a game capable of captivating Hera to such an extent must be


    sophisticated, possibly even rted to academic pursuits.


    "Hera, what game are you ying?" he couldn''t help but inquire.


    He also wanted to join in and y along with Hera.


    Without batting her eyelids, Hera uttered, "A basic matching game."


    At that moment, his phone rang. It was Zyler.


    "Hey, Zee," Christopher answered.


    "Chris, as your good friend, I have a question for you. Are you and Hera together?"


    Unaware of the fervor on the school forum, Christopher interpreted it as a question on their current


    location.


    ncing at Hera beside him, he replied, "Yes, how did you know?"


    Zyler''s fury spiked at his response.


    "Chris, some things might be hard to hear, but as your good friend, I feel obligated to tell you," he


    said seriously.


    "What''s wrong?" Christopher''s tone matched Zyler''s seriousness.


    "I suggest you break up with Hera as soon as possible. She''s not as good as you think."


    Christopher frowned.


    "What do you mean?"


    "She may put on a good front and prove to be the true heiress to the Everett family, but she can''t


    hide the fact that she grew up in a rural vige. Shecks education, seeks shortcuts, and has a


    chaotic personal life," Zyler exined.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    "She''s just a gold-digger. The Ludden family is a century-old schrly family, and Dean Ludden is a


    stern and upright man who would never allow you to associate with someone like her! I advise you


    to break up with her before she hurts you."


    As Christopher listened to Zyler''s words, his expression grew increasingly grim.


    Christopher wondered if Hera appeared truly despicable in Zyler''s eyes and how his father, who had


    encouraged their rtionship, could suddenly disapprove of it.


    By now, the car had pulled into the Ludden family''s courtyard, and the driver parked the car.


    "If you''re just ying around with her, I advise you to quit. We have the college entrance exams


    next year, and you can''t outsmart her in a game of maniption," Zyler said with disdain.


    "Let me be honest with you, Christopher. Hera''s only with you for the Ludden family''s influence. She


    competed with Giselle over me when she was reintroduced to the Everett family. Later, I caught her


    with Uncle Bernard''s assistant¡ª"


    "Zyler, stop it!" Christopher interrupted sharply as Hera got out of the car.


    "I won''t allow you to speak of Hera like that. If you insult her again, I''ll end our friendship!"


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    On the other end of the line, Zyler stared at the darkened screen in disbelief and indignation.


    He had underestimated Hera''s allure. He couldn''t imagine that even Christopher, who had always


    prioritized academics, was deeply entangled.


    He had to find a way to expose Hera''s true colors and prevent his good friend from being harmed.


    After Hera got out of the car at the Ludden residence, she saw a white Bentley parked in the yard. It


    seemed like the Luddens had other guests.


    After Christopher hung up the phone, he got out of the car and led Hera inside.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The Ludden family estate was muchrger than the Everett family''s. Hera followed Christopher


    through twists and turns for more than ten minutes until they reached a reception room.


    Andrew was brewing tea on the coffee table in the room.


    When he saw them approaching, he nodded and smiled, "Hera, have some tea. Stay for dinner


    tonight."


    "No, thank you. Where is Mrs. Ludden Senior?" Hera inquired.


    Although it wasn''t the first time Christopher had seen his father being so solicitous towards Hera,


    witnessing the scene again made him feel a sense of awe.


    He had thought Zyler was his good friend who could appreciate Hera''s uniqueness like him. Yet, to


    his disappointment, Zyler turned out to be just like those ignorant masses who maligned Hera


    without understanding her true nature.


    Christopher thought he should have severed ties with Zyler directly instead of just warning him.


    "Please follow me this way. Things are a bitplicated..." Andrew led the way, exining to Hera


    as they walked.


    Following them through twists and turns for another five minutes, they finally arrived at the ce


    where Mary was recuperating.


    Two servants were watching the door. Before Andrew could even knock, the door opened from


    inside.


    A woman in her early 40s walked out of the room. Although she was dressed elegantly and well-


    preserved, she exuded an air of haste.


    "Aunt Jane," Christopher greeted her politely.


    Jane disregarded him and turned to Andrew, saying, "Andrew, what''s going on? I''ve arranged for Dr.


    Shadow toe and treat Mary today. Why did you bring an alternative medicine practitioner


    here?"


    As her gaze fell upon Hera, she eximed, "Is this who you brought?"


    Dressed in a Cavendrige uniform, Hera boasted a remarkably beautiful countenance. Her


    complexion was wless, and she emitted aposed aura that belied her youthful appearance.


    Jane might have believed it if she were Christopher''s girlfriend, butbeling her as an alternative


    medicine practitioner seemed imusible to Jane.


    "Are you joking about Mary''s health?" Jane questioned sharply.


    As Andrew''s sister-inw, Jane had been instrumental in garnering support for Mary to secure


    Andrew''s leadership position in the Ludden family.


    Although not malicious, Jane was fiercelypetitive, always striving to prove the superiority of the


    main family branch over the second, even in matters like Mary''s medical care.


    "Hera is wise beyond her years," Andrew retorted with a serious expression.


    "Moreover, Mom has been suffering from rheumatism for decades, and despite seeing numerous


    doctors, none have been able to cure her. I brought Hera here to give it a try. What harm could it


    do?"


    Jane scoffed.


    "That''s because the previous doctors weren''tpetent. The one I''ve invited today is the renowned


    Dr. Shadow!"

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    "I''m sure Dr. Shadow can cure Mary''s rheumatoid arthritis, so just stay out of it," Jane said


    confidently.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Hera remained silent, her attention drawn to her phone buzzing in her pocket. ncing at it, she


    saw it was from Bernard. Stepping aside to answer the call, Aaron''s urgent voice came from the


    other end of the phone.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Bernard is in trouble. He''s badly injured, and I''m afraid he might not make it.


    Where are you?"


    Hera''s mind went nk, her breath catching in her throat.


    "Ms. Youngworth? Are you there?" Aaron''s voice pulled Hera back to reality.


    Shaking off the shock, she replied, "Pick me up at the Ludden residence."


    With that, she ended the call and turned to Andrew.


    "Something''se up. I have to go."


    "Are you alright, Hera?"


    Andrew''s concern was evident in his voice as he noticed her pale expression. But before he could


    inquire further, Hera had already left in a hurry.


    "Christopher, please see her off," Andrew immediately instructed.


    Christopher nodded and ran after Hera.


    "Andrew, make sure to get a more professional doctor next time," Jane remarked with a chuckle.


    "Just look at how quickly she ran when I mentioned Dr. Shadow."


    "I believe something urgent must havee up. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have left so abruptly,"


    Andrew replied with a serious expression before walking away.


    "That doesn''t change the fact she ran away!" Jane scoffed, returning to Mary''s room.


    "What''s the matter, Mrs. Ludden?" Camille asked, emerging from the room.


    "Nothing much, Ms. Chime. My brother-inw brought a youngdy home, iming to practice


    alternative medicine. But as soon as I mentioned your name, she fled in a hurry."


    Jane chuckled.


    Taking Camille''s hands, she said sincerely, "Ms. Chime, I''m counting on you to cure my mother-in-


    law''s illness now!"


    Since Jane had boasted to Andrew about Camille''s capabilities, she now had to ensure that Camille


    lived up to her promise.


    A hint of distress crossed Camille''s face. Based on her understanding of current medical


    advancements, she hadn''te across anyone capable ofpletely curing rheumatoid arthritis. It


    typically required ongoing management through treatment.


    While manageable, the condition inevitably deteriorated over time. Rheumatoid arthritis was among


    the most challenging diseases to treat worldwide, and Camille doubted even the real Dr. Shadow


    could cure it.


    "I''ll do my best," Camille replied with a smile.


    ¡­


    Stepping out of the main entrance of the Ludden residence, Hera saw a helicopternding nearby.


    With its door open, Aaron leaped off the helicopter to escort Hera aboard.


    The helicopter had already departed when Christopher reached the main entrance.


    "Hera and Aaron knew each other?" Christopher murmured as he watched the familiar helicopter


    slowly vanish into the night sky.


    Aaron noticed Hera skilfully buckling up in the helicopter, indicating that this wasn''t her first


    helicopter ride.


    "How is he doing?" Hera asked.


    Aaron exined, "The bullet is pressing against the major artery in his thigh. Johnson and the


    doctors at the hospital refrained from removing it. They''re concerned that the bullet fragments might


    enter the bloodstream and flow to the heart, which could be fatal.


    "But if we don''t remove the bullet, it will continue pressing against the artery, cutting off blood flow,


    and his leg will slowly die, potentially leading to amputation¡­


    "They suggested that the best solution would be to amputate his leg to secure his life. However,


    Bernard disagreed. He''s lost a significant amount of blood, had a high fever, and was in a semi-


    comatose state. Despite his critical condition, he instructed us not to inform you because he didn''t


    want to worry you.


    "Now he''spletely unconscious, and his fever isn''t subsiding. We''re concerned that he might¡ª"

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    Upon hearing Aaron''s report on Bernard''s current condition, Hera felt a sob catch in her throat,


    leaving her at a loss for words. It was as though a surge of emotion fluttered through her heart,


    making her feel suffocated.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    So Bernard hadn''t been contacting her or even replying to her messages because he was in dire


    condition. She wondered why he couldn''t have more faith in her medical skills.


    "Actually, Bernard had retired from the frontline due to health reasons. However, our team found


    itself on a challenging mission, and we had no choice but to request his support.


    "It''s all my fault. I knew he wasn''t fit for the mission, yet I still requested him. He was shot because I


    failed to cover him," Aaron med himself, his fistnding heavily on the cushion.


    Not skilled at offeringfort, Hera replied awkwardly, "Don''t me yourself. It was his decision."


    Aaron nodded in understanding. They had beenrades-in-arms for over nine years. If Bernard


    were to ask for his assistance, he would agree without hesitation, even in the face of great danger.


    "Have Johnson and the other doctors prepare the operating room. I''ll need a set of silver needles as


    well. We''ll begin the surgery as soon as wend," Hera instructed.


    "Huh?"


    Aaron was stunned.


    He hade to fetch Hera so she could see Bernard onest time in case Bernard didn''t make it.


    He hadn''t expected her to perform surgery on him.


    From Johnson, Aaron learned that Hera practiced medicine and was treating Bernard with


    alternative medicine.


    However, removing a bullet required modern medical skills, and Bernard''s condition was so critical


    that even Johnson and the doctors in the hospital doubted they could seed. He pondered how


    Hera could possiblyplete such a challenging surgery.


    "What are you waiting for?"


    Hera red at him, prompting him to act on her instructions.


    "Got it!"


    Sensing her urgency, Aaron quickly contacted Johnson.


    Meanwhile, Hera also sent a message to Lilith, informing her that she wouldn''t be home for the next


    two days.


    After texting, she looked out the window, silently praying, "Hang in there, Bernard. I''m on my way


    now."


    ¡­


    20 minutester, the helicopternded at the secret military hospital. Aaron led Hera straight to the


    meeting room next to the operating room, where Johnson and several doctors were in the midst of


    discussing surgical ns.


    Upon seeing Hera, who appeared to be barely of age, the doctors couldn''t help but wonder if she


    was capable of performing surgery on Bernard.


    Despite their doubts, Johnson showed Hera their ns and Bernard''s current condition. He had


    prepared the surgical antiseptics and the silver needles she had requested. They were already set


    aside for her to begin the surgery at any moment.


    "Ms. Hera, how many assistants do you need?" Johnson asked.


    Having witnessed Hera''s ability to pull Bernard out of illness before, Johnson was confident she


    could bring him back from the brink of death.


    "You alone will be sufficient," Hera replied, having confirmed the bullet''s position through the CT


    scans they had taken.


    Without hesitation, she swiftly tied up her long hair and disinfected herself. Donned in surgical


    sterile clothing, she entered the operating room with the silver needles.


    "Okay."


    Johnson quickly followed behind.


    The doctors, who had been listening to their conversation, were shocked. They couldn''t believe the


    internationally renowned genius, Dr. Johnson Chime, would be Hera''s assistant.


    Moreover, given theplexity of the surgery, Hera should require at least two assistants, yet she


    only requested Johnson''s.


    They couldn''t understand how the two of them could execute such a challenging surgery, especially


    when even they had found it difficult.


    The doctors found Hera''s n rather imusible.

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    The doctors kept their doubts to themselves since Johnson, Bernard''s personal doctor, had


    decided.


    Meanwhile, Hera finally saw Bernard in the operating room. As hey on the table with his eyes


    closed, Bernard''s lips stood out as unusually crimson against his pale expression. His hand, where


    the IV drip was attached, bore bruises and needle marks.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Typically exuding an air of authority, Bernard now appeared fragile and weak. His brows remained


    furrowed despite being unconscious, hinting at a subtle restlessness beneath his closed eyelids, as


    if he were trapped in a nightmare.


    Hera observed his heart rate and blood pressure readings on the monitor. It appeared that his


    condition was more critical than she had anticipated.


    As she touched his forehead, Hera felt the heat. It was feverish enough to sear her heart.


    "The fever is a result of a wound infection. We''ve administered antibiotics and antipyretics, but their


    effect is minimal," Johnson exined, his tone tinged with concern.


    He feared the prolonged fever might affect Bernard''s brain before his leg.


    Hera gently smoothed Bernard''s furrowed brows, then swiftly opened the packet of silver needles.


    With precision and expertise, she inserted the needles into specific acupuncture points.


    Shortly after, Bernard''s agonized expression gradually eased.


    "Attach the oxygen tube and be careful around the needles. We''ll begin the surgery right away,"


    Hera instructed, removing the IV drip from Bernard''s hand to check his pulse at the wrist.


    "Got it," Johnson affirmed.


    Despite his extensive surgical experience and the years since hest acted as an assistant in the


    operating theatre, Johnson felt no difort at following Hera''s lead.


    On the contrary, he was quite impressed by her performance. It was the first time he had witnessed


    someone seamlessly integrate acupuncture with modern medicine, let alone apply it in a


    challenging surgery.


    As Hera, d in a green surgical gown, stood at the operating table with her head bowed in


    concentration, her movements were precise and steady.


    ¡­


    Aaron paced anxiously in the hallway outside the operating room, his gaze frequently darting toward


    the closed door. His brows were knitted tight with worry. Several doctors stood nearby, waiting with


    him.


    "Captain Ludden, should we inform the Killians about Mr. Killian''s condition?" inquired one of the


    doctors.


    He was Liam Jach, a man in his 40s with thick sses and a bald head.


    Given Bernard''s former role as the captain of the special forces unit "Azure Wolf" and his status as


    the younger brother of the head of the Killian family, the doctors were concerned about the potential


    repercussions if anything were to happen to him during the surgery at their hospital.


    "That won''t be necessary," Aaron dismissed the suggestion firmly.


    "Bernard''s condition must remain confidential. No one should be informed."


    Aaron had some insight into Bernard''s situation within the Killian family. He knew the Killians were


    all coveting the shares Albert had left for Bernard. If news got out that Bernard was in critical


    condition, they would surely make a move to secure his shares, preventing them from falling into


    charitable hands.


    Moreover, external forces were keeping a keen eye on Astral Nova and internal conflicts within the


    organization. Any disclosure of Bernard''s condition would undoubtedly trigger a chain reaction.


    Therefore, keeping Bernard''s status strictly confidential was paramount.


    "Yes, sir!" the doctors replied solemnly.


    "But should we at least have a close rtive of Mr. Killian sign this surgical consent form?" Liam


    asked hesitantly, holding up the unsigned document.


    While the consent form wasn''t mandatory, given Bernard''s unique status and critical condition, Liam


    felt it prudent to have it signed to shield him from potential liabilities.


    Aaron nced at the form, then back at the doctors. He understood their concerns from their


    expressions. It was clear they still harbored doubts about Hera''s medical abilities.


    Aaron retorted, somewhat irritated by theirck of trust, "That won''t be necessary. Mrs. Killian is


    currently inside the operating room!"


    "M-Mrs. Killian?" Liam stuttered, visibly taken aback, as were the other doctors.

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    Liam and the doctors were puzzled at the mention of Mrs. Killian. They wondered when Bernard


    had gotten married. The youngdy looked barely of age.


    Although their curiosity peaked, the doctors silently stared at Aaron, keeping their thoughts to


    themselves.


    ¡­


    Outside the window, darkness gradually gave way to the breaking dawn, marking the end of the


    heart-wrenching wait.


    In the operating room, Hera''s forehead glistened with sweat as she deftly removed the bullet with


    the forceps in her left hand.


    The sound of the bullet hitting the metal tray echoed through the otherwise quiet operating room,


    drowned out only by the hum of machinery.


    Johnson''s eyes lit up with overwhelming joy.


    They had seeded! Judging by the vital signs monitor readings, Bernard''s condition had been


    resolved without anyplications.


    While he and other seasoned doctors had spent hours deliberating over a viable surgical n, Hera


    had effortlesslypleted the surgery after a quick examination of the CT scans and Bernard''s


    pulse.


    He found her to be truly remarkable.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Johnson suddenly recalled Bernard''s search for Dr. Shadow. It seemed they no longer needed Dr.


    Shadow now that they had Hera.


    "Stitch him up," Hera instructed Johnson.


    As Johnson closed the wound with sutures, she applied a few more acupuncture needles to


    Bernard.


    With the surgery now concluded, Johnson moved to open the operating room door while Hera


    removed her gloves and gently brushed her fingers against Bernard''s cheeks. She let out a sigh of


    relief.


    Although Bernard''s body temperature remained slightly elevated, his fever had subsided, and his


    lips had regained their natural color.


    Despite his pale expression, he slept soundly, like a sleeping prince awaiting to be wakened up with


    a kiss.


    As soon as the operating room door opened, Aaron hurried over and asked anxiously, "How did it


    go?"


    Stepping out of the operating room, Johnson finally released his tension, his expression worn out


    from exhaustion.


    However, his demeanor shocked the other doctors, who assumed the worst. A chill crept down their


    spines as they contemted the potential consequences if Bernard had indeed perished during the


    surgery.


    "Captain Ludden, I''m truly sorry. If I had tried to stop them or perhaps joined their surgery, Mr. Killian


    might still be alive now," Liam eximed, dropping to his knees, his expression filled with remorse.


    Liam''s reaction startled the other doctors, leaving them uncertain if they should follow suit.


    "What nonsense are you bbering about!" Johnson interjected.


    "The surgery was a great sess! The patient is stable without needing to amputate his leg!"


    "Really?" Liam eximed in disbelief.


    Ignoring him, Johnson returned to the operating room to assist Hera in wheeling Bernard out.


    The doctors were left dumbfounded, unable to grasp how a youngdy had seeded in a surgery


    they deemed challenging.


    Without hesitation, they dropped to their knees, offering their sincere respect to Hera.


    "You''re a genius, Mrs. Killian! You have our deepest respect and gratitude, Mrs. Killian!"


    Hera stared at them in puzzlement.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Staring at those shiny bald heads kneeling before her, Hera turned to Aaron and asked calmly,


    "What''s going on?"


    She wondered why they suddenly started addressing her as Mrs. Killian after the surgery.


    Aaron hadn''t expected the usually serious doctors to turn so sycophantic suddenly. He couldn''t help


    but wonder where those doctors who had doubted Hera had disappeared to.


    The doctors lifted their heads and nced at Aaron, seemingly questioning whether Hera was


    indeed Mrs. Killian.


    Ignoring their curious stares, Aaron reassured himself that Hera would eventually be Mrs.


    Killian anyway, so he wasn''t exactly lying.


    "They''re simply in awe of your extraordinary medical skills. They wondered if you could cure their


    balding issues," Aaron replied to Hera''s question with a fabricated reason.


    The doctors were taken aback by Aaron''s statement. While not offensive, it was undeniably


    humiliating.


    After a long night of surgery, Hera''s face showed signs of exhaustion as she finally rxed.


    Nevertheless, she instructed Johnson to take Bernard to the ward while she fetched her


    acupuncture kit.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "We certainly can''t have doctors roaming around with shiny bald heads. It can be hurtful to the


    eyes," Hera remarked as she spread her kit on a chair in the hallway.


    Aaron was dumbfounded. He didn''t expect her actually to know how to cure baldness.


    Meanwhile, the doctors were left speechless. They began to debate internally whether they were at


    fault for neglecting their appearance.


    As doctors, they felt that they should prioritize medical studies over their looks. Thus, they figured


    that they shouldn''t be overly concerned about their baldness.


    However, if their medical knowledge was sufficient, they might have resolved their baldness issue


    long ago.


    ¡­


    Bernard found himself trapped in a small, dark room. Inside, he was transported back to his


    childhood, where his mothery in a pool of blood, surrounded by mocking voices using him of


    being illegitimate.


    Faces with vicious smiles advanced toward him. They were the faces of the house helper who


    desecrated his mother''s ashes, the maid who held him underwater, and the cook who poisoned his


    food.


    With reddened eyes, he clutched a dagger tightly, thrusting it at them relentlessly until they retreated


    in fear. Discarding the dagger, he fled.


    However, no matter how fast he ran and where he went, he found only endless darkness, as if he


    were trapped alone in this world.


    As fear, istion, helplessness, and despair crept into his heart, pushing him to the verge of


    copse, he suddenly heard a familiar yet cold female voice.


    He dashed toward the voice until he glimpsed a glimmer of light ahead.


    "Bernard¡­"


    When Bernard opened his eyes, his gaze found the face he had longed for.


    Upon seeing him awake, Hera''s eyshes fluttered as she gazed at him with lowered eyes, a hint


    of joy shing across them.


    "I might have resorted to using my needles to wake you if you hadn''t woken up," Hera teased.


    Bernard slowly closed his eyes again, feeling the intense pain in his left leg after the anesthesia had


    worn off.


    The pain reminded him that the scene before him wasn''t a dream. Hera was here with him, and so


    was his leg.


    With a twitch of his discolored lips, he said, "Perhaps your kiss could fully awaken me."


    Hera was left speechless by his request.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    Seeing Bernard requesting a kiss with his eyes closed, Hera couldn''t help but wonder if he truly saw


    himself as a sleeping prince. Her cold expression softened slightly with a hint of joy.


    With Bernard''s condition finally stabilized, Hera could now find sce in a peaceful rest. Despite


    taking a brief nap afterpleting the surgery, she found herself gued by dreams of Bernard in


    the operating room, disturbing her sleep.


    "Your brain isn''t fried, is it?"


    Hera touched Bernard''s forehead with the back of her hand, confirming that his temperature had


    returned to normal.


    Sensing her hand on his forehead with his eyes closed, Bernard suddenly felt her presence drawing


    near, catching a whiff of her faint fragrance. Then, he felt a gentle touch of soft, warm lips lightly


    pressing against his forehead.


    Bernard promptly opened his eyes, only to see Hera turning around and calmly heading toward the


    door. He couldn''t help but wonder if that kiss was merely a figment of his imagination.


    "Where are you going?"


    He let out a loud groan.


    He propped himself up, identally aggravating his wound and causing a sharp pain that nearly


    made him faint.


    Hera immediately turned around and gently pushed him back onto the bed.


    "Stay put if you don''t want to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair!"


    "Yes, ma''am," Bernard replied with a smile, appreciating her care.


    He couldn''t help but notice the blush on her face, confirming that the kiss had indeed been real.


    "What are you smiling at?"


    Hera noticed his smile.


    "You can''t just flirt and run off like that. You''ve got to take responsibility," Bernard teased.


    He reached out a hand and lightly tugged at the hem of Hera''s uniform, which she had been


    wearing for two days straight. His pale face had a pitiful look that was reminiscent of a helpless


    puppy.


    Hera stared at him silently, her cheeks flushing even more deeply as she remembered the impulsive


    kiss she had given him on the forehead.


    Pulling his hands away, Hera retorted seriously, "Professor Killian, I''m leaving because you didn''t


    trust my medical skills. Nothing more."


    Hera believed that Bernard''sck of trust was evident in his decision not to inform her about his


    injuries. It suited her fine since she didn''t fully trust him either. Ultimately, their rtionship was


    simply a partnership.


    "Tiramisu is alone at home, so I''m going to check on it. Take careful of yourself."


    With that, Hera left the ward.


    As Bernard watched her depart, the pain in his leg suddenly intensified.


    He should have exined that he had kept his injuries from her because he didn''t want to worry her,


    not because he doubted her skills.


    After Hera left, Johnson and Aaron entered the ward.


    "Bernard, what did you say to Hera? She seems a bit upset," Aaron asked.


    "Who told her?" Bernard countered.


    Johnson ced the consomm¨¦ and medicine on the table, then pointed at Aaron.


    Aaron slowly raised his hand and admitted, "Your life was at risk. I was worried you wouldn''t make


    it, so I brought her to see you¡ª"


    Before Aaron could finish his sentence with "for onest time", he felt Bernard''s icy re bore into


    him like daggers, sending a shiver down his spine.


    "Get ready. I''m going back to Norburgh now," Bernard announced.


    He pushed himself up despite the pain.


    "No, Bernard. You need to rest after the surgery," Johnson quickly interjected.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "That''s right. Hera specifically told us to keep an eye on you, making sure you stay in bed and rest


    properly," Aaron added.


    "Don''t make me repeat myself!"


    Bernard''s tone was stern, his expression cold.


    Sensing his fury, Aaron and Johnson acquiesced.


    "I''ll arrange it immediately," Aaron said, hurrying out of the ward.


    Bernard''s insistence set everyone in motion, but none of them understood why he was adamant


    about returning to Norburgh in such haste.


    However, Bernard knew that if he didn''t depart for Norburgh soon, a scoundrel might capture Hera''s


    affections before him.

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    The final Belle & Hunk election showdown was a speech contest. It was scheduled for 2:00 pm at


    Cavenridge International Academy.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Early that morning, the teacher overseeing the contest, Wanda Walker, posted a notice on the


    school forum and bulletin board: "Finalists from the auditions, please report to the backstage of the


    school auditorium at 1:00 pm this afternoon."


    Christopher took a screenshot of the notice and sent it to Hera but received no response. He


    couldn''t help but wonder why she hadn''t been replying to his messages since the previous day.


    Believing he had a valid reason to contact Hera, Christopher scrolled through his contacts and


    called the contact that was saved as "Goddess" for the first time. However, the call didn''t go


    through, indicating Hera''s phone was switched off.


    Concern gnawed at him. Christopher couldn''t help but wonder if Hera was in trouble. He hurried to


    the teacher''s faculty to find Kerry Lane, the homeroom teacher of junior year ss K.


    "Hera messaged me two nights ago, saying she needed two days off for personal matters," Kerry


    remarked as she checked her phone for the message.


    For over a week now, Hera had been heading to theb shortly after she arrived in the ssroom


    every day.


    While Kerry had been willing to overlook Hera''s ssroom absence, she disapproved of her


    skipping the speech contest.


    Kerry tried to persuade Hera to return to school many times, but Hera didn''t respond to her


    messages. Kerry had even tried calling her, but Hera''s phone remained switched off.


    "Ms. Lane, Christopher, you can''t reach Boss¡ªuh, I mean Hera¡ªeither?" Katie interrupted, having


    overheard their conversation. She was there to submit the homework on behalf of her ss.


    "I can''t reach her either!" Katie added, cing therge pile of workbooks on Kerry''s desk.


    She thought Hera had deliberately ignored her because she found her too bothersome.


    "Is she in some kind of trouble?" Kerry asked, her tone tinged with concern.


    A shiver ran down Katie''s spine as a worrisome thought crossed her mind.


    "Could she have been kidnapped? I mean, Boss is beautiful¡­"


    Christopher pondered silently for a moment before speaking up.


    "Please contact her parents, Ms. Lane."


    "Of course. I''ll do that right away."


    Kerry nodded.


    While they were preupied searching for Hera, a gossip post titled "Hera Taking Leave Possibly


    to Avoid Competition" emerged on the school forum and quickly gained traction as the most popr


    post of the morning.


    "Taking leave to dodge thepetition? What game is she ying at?"


    "Wasn''t she busy flirting with Christopher two days ago? Did she strike out?"


    "Obviously! Our Christopher wouldn''t fall for her."


    "Go, Christopher!"


    "What the heck? Is she chickening out? Then why bother campaigning?"


    "I smell a conspiracy behind the people pushing Hera''s campaign."


    "Who posted this? Do you have any evidence? Delete this now! Hera wouldn''t skip out on the


    speech contest!" Katie responded to the post.


    "Katie, are you Hera''spdog or something? I''ve noticed you always defend her."


    "Lapdog andckey, I''d say. I really don''t get why the mayor''s daughter is so sycophantic toward a


    country bumpkin like Hera. What''s in it for you, Katie?"


    "Katie, my source is solid. Hera won''t be participating in the contest this afternoon."


    ¡­


    It was 1:00 pm. The audition finalists reported to the backstage of the auditorium promptly.


    Lily, the first finalist to arrive, stood at the registration counter, counting the finalists who came to


    sign in.


    Once all the finalists had registered, she couldn''t help but feel disappointed and scornful that Hera


    hadn''t shown up. It confirmed the gossip post on the school forum about Hera''s decision to skip the


    contest.

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    Chapter 143


    Although Lily had been covertly rallying votes for Hera, secretly hoping to witness Hera embarrass


    herself, Hera''s decision to withdraw from the contest pleased her nheless.


    She believed that a country bumpkin like Hera, who hadn''t had much exposure to the world, would


    be intimidated by such a grand contest.


    "Is everyone here? Gather around, please. We''re going to draw lots to determine the contest order,"


    Wanda announced, pping her hands to gather everyone''s attention.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "Ms. Walker, we''re one person short. Hera hasn''t arrived yet," reported the student responsible for


    the attendance list.


    "What? I clearly stated that we were meeting at one," Wanda replied.


    She nced at her watch to confirm it was already 1:10 pm.


    "Ms. Walker, could we please wait a little longer? I believe Hera is on her way here," Christopher


    said, capturing everyone''s attention.


    The others stared at him in surprise. They were puzzled by his unexpected defense of Hera. After


    all, they had assumed he had rejected her advances, as indicated by the gossip post on the forum.


    "In that case, let''s wait another five minutes," Wanda announced, reluctantly agreeing to


    Christopher''s request.


    Despite her annoyance, she couldn''t afford to disregard the Dean''s son.


    "Chris, are you still in contact with Hera?" Zyler approached Christopher, asking in a hushed tone.


    "Uh-huh," Christopher replied casually, ncing at his watch as he anxiously awaited Hera''s arrival.


    Observing Christopher''s nervous demeanor, Zyler felt frustrated, realizing that Christopher had


    ignored his earlier advice.


    "Chris, Hera isn''t as good as you think¡ª"


    "Zee, we''re done being friends," Christopher cut him off.


    Zyler''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Chris, what are you saying?"


    "I''ve made it clear before. If you insult Hera again, our friendship is finished."


    With that, Christopher walked away, putting some distance between them.


    Zyler was stunned by Christopher''s directness and resolve. He was unable to believe that


    Christopher would end their six-year friendship over someone like Hera, whom he had only known


    for three months.


    He wondered about what Christopher saw in Hera. To him, she was nothing but a Money Fly.


    Zyler couldn''t wait for Hera to show up so he could prove to Christopher that she was a gold digger.


    He was also determined to win the Hunk title, dazzling everyone and making Christopher regret


    ending their friendship.


    "Ms. Walker, I don''t think we should wait any longer. I saw a post on the school forum stating that


    she had quit the contest," Lily raised her hand to speak.


    Cindy Fry turned around, giving Lily a puzzled look.


    Hadn''t Lily campaigned for Hera earlier? Why was she now speaking against her?


    "When was the post made?"


    Wanda''s expression darkened, displeased that Hera hadn''t informed her of her decision to drop out


    of the contest, resulting in everyone''s time being wasted.


    "It was posted this morning. Everyone has been discussing it since then," Lily said with a hint of


    regret.


    "I had hoped that Hera had truly turned over a new leaf, but¡ª"


    "Some people never learn. Ms. Walker, Christopher, perhaps we should stop waiting for her."


    "Agreed! Let''s proceed with drawing lots. With 20 of us here, every five minutes wasted equals a


    hundred minutes of lost time! We can finish the contest in that time."


    "Even if she does show up, she''ll probably end up inst ce anyway. I don''t see the need to


    waste our time just for her."


    "It''s her fault for not being punctual in the first ce."


    The students began to echo their agreement.


    ncing at her watch, Wanda noted that the promised five minutes had passed. She decided not to


    wait any longer.


    "Let''s draw lots. If Hera arrives, she''ll be thest to take the stage. Otherwise, she will be


    disqualified," Wanda announced.


    This was the greatest favor she could offer Christopher.

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    The speech contest began promptly at 2:00 pm. The auditorium was packed with students, while six


    teachers sat as judges in the front row.


    Lily, the first contestant to take the stage, seemed particrly nervous. Despite the chilly early


    November weather in Norburgh, she stood on the stage in a sky-blue strapless dress, facing the


    vast audience.


    Her voice quivered uncontrobly, perhaps due to the cold or her nerves, promptingughter from


    her peers.


    However, being a member of ss A for two consecutive years, Lily possessed a solid grasp of


    Terranish, though her pronunciation wasn''t wless.


    Despite some stumbling due to her anxiety, she managed toplete her speech. The judges


    awarded her a score of 80, given that she was the inaugural contestant.


    Aware that her chances of winning the Belle title were slim, Lily found somefort in her score of


    80, considering her nervous performance. She believed that other contestants might not fare as


    well.


    However, as she watched the contest unfold from the backstage prep room, her expression


    darkened as she realized that her score remained at the bottom.


    When Christopher, contestant number 17, took the stage in his impably tailored ck suit and


    styled hair, he immediately drew screams from the female audience.


    Despite being recognized as the top student in the school, Christopher had put considerable effort


    into improving his Terranish over the years, aided by his frequent travels to Terrania, resulting in his


    clear and fluent pronunciation.


    Delivering his speech with natural poised and emotional depth, Christopher captivated the audience


    with his clear and readilyprehensible content, prompting enthusiastic apuse.


    "Thank you, Christopher, for the wonderful speech. And the score he received is¡­ 95! Ladies and


    gentlemen, that''s the highest score we''ve seen today!" the host announced.


    Once again, the audience erupted into apuse, cheering for Christopher to be crowned as the


    hunk of the year.


    Backstage, Zyler grew even more confident about surpassing Christopher''s score. While


    Christopher might excel academically, Zyler knew his Terrainsh were superior.


    As Cindy prepared to take the stage, she nced toward the hallway, still no sign of Hera. It


    seemed she couldn''t make it after all.


    Adorned in a creamy feathered dress, Cindy walked onto the stage gracefully, her fair skin radiant


    under the lights.


    Passing Christopher as he descended from the stage, she greeted him with a blush,


    "Congrattions on the highest score, Christopher."


    "Where''s Hera? She''s up after the next two contestants¡­ " Christopher hurried past her, pulling out


    his phone to make a call.


    Feeling slighted by Christopher''s oversight, Cindy took a deep breath, reassuring herself that the


    Belle title would be hers if she could achieve a score of 95.


    As Cindy stepped onto the stage, the male students in the audience showered her with whistles. As


    a member of ss A, Cindy''s Terranish pronunciation was almost as fluent as Christopher''s.


    In the end, her graceful performance and well-written speech won her a 95 score¡ªthe highest


    among the female participants.


    Hearing the audience cheering for her to be crowned as the Belle of the Year, Cindy smiled


    confidently, assuming that the title was hers to earn.


    Meanwhile, Lily, who remained in the prep room, felt embarrassed upon realizing she had earned


    the lowest score among the female contestants.


    Nevertheless, she consoled herself with the thought that she wouldn''t be inst ce. Even if Hera


    were to show up for the contest, Lily was confident that Hera couldn''t outperform her.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Zyler, thest male contestant, had a long history of participating in various pianopetitions and


    performances since childhood. As a result, he had a keen understanding of stage lighting.


    For his performance, he specifically opted for a bright red suit, styled his hair into a mature


    pompadour, and applied makeup to his face.


    As he stepped onto the stage, his features appeared strikingly attractive under the bright lights,


    eliciting screams of admiration from his fangirls.

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    Zyler''s Terranish pronunciation was impable, thanks to his piano teacher from Terrania who had


    guided him since childhood. Confident in his ent, he believed he could surpass Christopher in


    this aspect.


    However, a stir arose during his speech as Tim Smithon, the prominent professor from Cavenridge''s


    Linguistics Department, appeared in the audience.


    Rumor had it that Tim was scouting for talented students, so the audience couldn''t help but wonder


    if he was here for Zyler.


    Zyler was also convinced that Tim was here to watch his performance since he was thest to take


    the stage. This thought rattled him, causing a momentarypse in his speech, but he quickly


    regained hisposure and continued.


    When Zyler finished his speech, he was showered with enthusiastic apuse. He was confident


    that he could achieve a score of 99, with only 1 score deducted for his momentarypse.


    Considering that even Tim Smithon honored him with his presence, Zyler believed he would be


    crowned the Hunk of the Year.


    "Thank you, Zyler, for the excellent speech. The score he received is¡­ 94!" the host announced.


    Zyler''s smile froze upon hearing his result, unable to believe he had only scored 94.


    "Zyler''s Terranish was fluent, and his pronunciation was excellent too. However, there''s a minor


    grammar issue in his speech.


    "Additionally, his performance came across as a bit exaggerated, and he could have maintained


    better focus. Don''t lose heart! There''s always next time!" the host reassured Zyler, noticing his


    puzzled expression.


    Although Zyler was tempted to mention that Tim''s sudden appearance had thrown him off, he


    refrained from speaking out, assuming Tim had specificallye to see him¡ªsince Hera, who was


    supposed to be thest contestant, was nowhere in sight before Zyler took the stage.


    "Thank you, Zyler. Please remain backstage while we wee our final contestant, number 20, to


    the stage," the host concluded.


    Disheartened by his score, Zyler exited the stage as instructed. Seeing Hera''s continued absence


    backstage, his mood lifted slightly. Though he hadn''t secured the Hunk title, at least Christopher


    had discovered Hera''s true nature.


    As the stage remained vacant for a minute, the six judges exchanged nces while the students


    began to whisper among themselves.


    "Enough waiting! Contestant number 20, Hera Youngworth, has dropped out of the contest. Let''s


    announce the results already!" a male student eximed, sparking a wave of discussion throughout


    the venue.


    "So, she really did drop out!"


    "Hmph! That country bumpkin couldn''t handle the pressure, huh?"


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "What a joke! If she was too scared topete, why did she even bother auditioning?"


    The venue erupted into a chorus of criticism.


    "Gino, did your sister really drop out?" X Yonder asked, her hands holding arge bouquet of


    flowers. She hade to apany Gino to watch Hera''s speech.


    "Beats me," Gino replied embarrassedly, standing beside her in puzzlement.


    He couldn''t help but wonder why Hera had suddenly changed her mind again.

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    "But if your sister doesn''t show up, we won''t be able to give her this bouquet," X remarked, her


    eyes casting a pitiful nce at therge bouquet of pink roses cradled in her arms.


    X Yonder was Gino''s ssmate. When Gino invited her to watch the contest with him, she


    happily epted.


    Before heading to the auditorium, they stopped by a nearby florist, where Gino bought the bouquet


    and handed it to her.


    Thrilled by Gino''s unexpected gesture, X couldn''t help but assume that Gino might have feelings


    for her. As she began to imagine their future weddings and children, Gino''s words shattered her


    dream abruptly.


    "After my sister finishes her speech, you can give it to her." Gino muttered softly, "I''ll look ridiculous


    carrying that big bouquet around."


    X was left speechless, realizing that Gino had only invited her to deliver the flowers on his behalf.


    As Gino debated whether to dispose of the flowers since Hera was absent, a female voice suddenly


    echoed through the speaker.


    "Hello, everyone. I''m Hera Youngworth. My apologies, I was caught up in some personal matters so


    I''mte¡ª"


    The audience quickly hushed, turning their attention toward the stage, which remained empty.


    Nevertheless, Hera''s voice continued to resonate through the speaker.


    "I''ll be there in five minutes. However, I don''t want to keep everyone waiting, so I''ll start my speech


    here online¡ª"


    The audience exchanged puzzled looks, whispering among themselves. Perplexed by the sudden


    development, the judges turned to the host for rification.


    The host quickly radioed the sound system crew, asking, "What''s going on?"


    "The sound system is connected to an unknown external device. We''ve tried to disconnect it, but it''s


    futile. Unless we unplug the power¡ª"


    "Don''t interrupt her. Let her finish her speech with this unconventional method," Tim intervened,


    taking the inte from the host.


    The host was taken aback. He had assumed Tim was here for Zyler, but apparently, that wasn''t the


    case.


    As Hera''s Terranish speech emanated from the speaker, the chaotic venue gradually settled. Even


    the six judges instinctively sat up straight, marveling at her fluent native ent.


    They had heard rumors about Hera''s rural upbringing and dismal academic performance, especially


    in Terranish.


    Yet, as they listened to her speech, her Terranish pronunciation appeared wless, her grammar


    natural and engaging. She even included advanced vocabry in her speech, sounding


    indistinguishable from a native Terranian.


    In contrast, Zyler''s earlier impable pronunciation now seemed rigid and grammatically awkward.


    All the contestants were taken aback at the prep room by Hera''s fluent Terranish¡ªexcept for


    Christopher, who seemed deeply impressed.


    Upon recognizing Hera''s voice, Zyler and Lily were dumbfounded by her wless speech.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Zyler, in particr, was stunned. He couldn''t fathom how someone like Hera could speak Terranish


    so fluently.


    "Impossible! How can a country bumpkin speak Terranish so wlessly? This must be an edited


    audio!"

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    Lily eximed in disbelief, "With today''s advanced technology, Hera could easily create an audio


    that sounds exactly like her!


    "That''s cheating! If she''s too scared to show up, she should just withdraw from the contest instead


    of ying games!"


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "You can''t use her of cheating without evidence!" Christopher retorted, his expression darkening.


    He detested the mention of "cheating" as it reminded him of his past humiliating experience. But


    what he detested even more was hearing others humiliate Hera in front of him.


    "But it''s undeniable that she didn''t deliver the speech in person," Lily argued softly. Frightened by


    Christopher''s solemn expression, she turned to Zyler, pitifully pleading for his support.


    Feeling a surge of protectiveness at the sight of Lily''s pleading gaze, Zyler''s discontentment with his


    score of 94 intensified.


    "Christopher, why do you always defend that country bumpkin? Have you forgotten that she copied


    your test paper during the entrance exam? Has she bewitched you or something?" Zyler interjected.


    Then he added, "Lily''s right. Hera didn''t show up for the contest, so we can''t be sure if she''s the one


    giving the speech."


    "Bewitched? I wonder who''s the one bewitched here," Christopher retorted, ring at Lily with


    disdain as he spoke through clenched teeth. "Don''t jump to conclusions without verifying the truth!"


    As Christopher''s and Zyler''s eyes met, tension thickened in the air, leaving the other contestants


    bewildered. They couldn''t understand why these close friends were suddenly at odds.


    "She''s not cheating. It''s real. Look!" Cindy interjected calmly, pointing at the monitor broadcasting


    the stage. The camera had now focused on the audience, zooming in to reveal a tall figure entering


    the main entrance.


    Hera, holding her phone to her lips, continued her speech with a nonchnt demeanor.


    Dressed in Cavenridge''s gray winter uniform, her slim, long legs could be seen under her pleated


    skirt. Her long hair was casually tied into a bun at the back of her head.


    Even without makeup, her natural beauty effortlessly outshone the other female contestants who


    had meticulously dressed for the contest.


    "Wow!" Someone eximed in astonishment upon spotting her presence, drawing everyone''s


    attention to her.


    Everyone was stunned as they watched Hera continue delivering her fluent Terranish speech.


    Hera slowly made her way to the stage, her speech flowing uninterrupted.


    X, tightly holding the bouquet, moved to the side of the corridor and handed it to Hera as she


    walked past.


    "You''re amazing, Hera!" X whispered to her.


    epting the bouquet with a faint smile, Hera resumed her speech without missing a beat. The


    moment she stepped onto the stage, her speech concluded perfectly.


    Hera wlessly delivered her speech within ten minutes, seamlessly transitioning from another


    location to the auditorium. Her unwavering focus and wless delivery were evident, even as she


    epted a bouquet without missing a beat.


    "Last but not least, I''d like to thank Ms. Lane for providing me with such a wonderful speech." With


    that, Hera concluded her address.


    A hushed silence enveloped the venue as everyone marveled at Hera''s mastery of Terranish.


    "Allow me to borate. While I provided Hera with the speech, she was the one who tranted it


    into Terranish. I must say, her trantion is even better than mine!" Kerry stood up from the


    audience, her voice tinged with inexplicable excitement.


    "Well done! Bravo!" Tim rose from his seat, apuding.


    The venue erupted in apuse, the sound filling the space and echoing for a long while.

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    "Thank you, Hera, for the outstanding speech! I wonder how much she scores¡­" the host


    eximed passionately, reminding the judges not to forget to award her scores.


    "Hera, have you stayed in Terrania before?" Tim asked in Terranish, his pronunciation mirroring


    Hera''s.


    "No, sir," Hera replied fluently in Terranish.


    "Where did you pick up the pronunciation then? It''s spot on!"


    "I''ve never had any formal training. However, I used to live next to a Terranian family, so I picked it


    up from them."


    "Good heavens! Your learning ability is truly remarkable!" Tim eximed.


    Considering Hera hadn''t lived in Terrania, nor had she undergone formal training for Terranish


    pronunciation, she must possess exceptional linguistic talent to speak Terranish like a native.


    Andrew was right; Hera was indeed an up-anding student.


    As the rest of the students listened to Hera conversing fluently with Tim in Terranish, any lingering


    doubts about hermand of thenguage were swiftly dispelled. It became evident that Hera''s


    proficiency wasn''t merely the result of memorizing a script.


    Meanwhile, in the prep room, a female student approached Cindy.


    "Cindy, why did you speak up for Hera?" she asked in a hushed tone, under the assumption that


    Cindy had disregarded Hera as herpetitor.


    "Because she''s awesome!" Cindy replied honestly.


    Like her peers, Cindy initially underestimated Hera, assuming that her rural upbringing would result


    in poor academic performance.


    However, Cindy was deeply impressed after witnessing Hera''s speech and her fluent exchange with


    Tim!


    "Do you two have anything else to say?" Christopher questioned Zyler and Lily.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    He then warned, "Hera isn''t only proficient in Terranish; she also excels in other subjects. Don''t


    judge her by appearances and jump to conclusions. Your assumptions will only spread false rumors,


    tarnishing Cavenridge''s reputation."


    "She just happens to speak fluent Terranish! It doesn''t necessarily mean she''s good at other


    subjects!" Zyler''s expression turned ashen as he eximed, refusing to believe that a country


    bumpkin like Hera could excel academically.


    "Stubborn as always!" Christopher''s expression darkened, his tone turning solemn. "When Hera


    arrives, you two should apologize to her. If she forgives you, I''ll let this matter slide."


    Zyler was taken aback, realizing that Christopher might not be lenient if Hera chose not to forgive


    him.


    Considering Christopher had already severed ties with him for Hera''s sake, Zyler was convinced


    Christopher would take drastic measures.


    He remembered the two Vardhar University schrships that Cavenridge offered annually.


    Christopher had intended to secure one for him, and they nned to continue their studies together


    at Vardhar University afterpleting the SATs the following year.


    With this schrship opportunity in mind, Zyler realized it would be unwise to fall out with


    Christopher at this juncture.


    "If that country bumpkin''s grades are really as impressive as you say, why is she still in ss K


    then? If she manages to get into ss A, I''ll apologize to her in front of everyone in ss A!" Lily


    blurted out.


    Her feet stomped in frustration as she grappled with the embarrassment of knowing her score was


    confirmed to be the lowest among the contestants.


    Lily had anonymously rmended Hera to participate in the Belle election with the intention of


    seeing Hera embarrass herself.


    However, her n backfired, with Lily ending up making a fool of herself while inadvertently putting


    Hera in the spotlight.


    Now, with Christopher expecting her to apologize to Hera, Lily''s anger only intensified.


    Upon hearing Lily''s outburst, Christopher''s expression darkened inexplicably.


    Everyone present was taken aback by Lily''sck of emotional intelligence, questioning how


    someone like her ended up in ss A.


    Despite Christopher''s clear attempt at reconciliation, Lily had chosen to disregard it entirely,


    showing the scion of the Ludden family no respect. What a foolish move!


    Even Zyler instinctively distanced himself a little further from her.


    Meanwhile, on the stage¡­

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    Upon receiving Hera''s scores from the six judges, the host quickly announced, "Now, it''s time to


    reveal Hera''s score."


    "That won''t be necessary! I hereby dere Hera as Belle of the Year!" Tim interjected.


    ncing at the final result, the host smiled. "Professor Smithon certainly has a keen intuition!


    Hera''s score is¡­ 99! With 1 point deducted due to the unoriginal script."


    "Congrattions, Hera Youngworth! You''re Belle of the Year! Please share your thoughts with us."


    The host handed the microphone to Hera.


    "I''d like to express my gratitude to Cavenridge for organizing this event and giving me the chance to


    stand on this stage. I also want to thank those who voted for me in the preliminary selection."


    With that, Hera scanned the stage calmly before turning back to the host.


    "This stage offers equal opportunity to all. Therefore, I''d like to request an additional chance for the


    contestant with the lowest score to dance for everyone, a chance to showcase her talent once


    more. What do you say?" Hera proposed.


    Although Hera phrased it as a question, her firm demeanor made it difficult for the host to decline.


    "I think that''s a wonderful idea. Let''s invite that contestant to the stage," Tim egged on.


    The audience watched in confusion, wondering what was happening.


    "Why should I dance just because you say so?" Lily protested as she was pushed onto the stage.


    "I thought you rmended me to join this election because you wanted my support?" Hera


    countered.


    "No one said anything about support!" Lily burst into rage. Dancing wasn''t her forte, and performing


    on stage would only lead to public embarrassment.


    "Oh, so you are the one who anonymously rmended me for this election?" Hera pointed out


    calmly.


    In fact, if Hera wanted to identify the person who rmended her, she could easily trace it back


    using the rmender''s code. Yet, she chose to expose her on stage to ridicule Lily.


    "Why you¡ªt-that wasn''t me! You have no proof!" Lily stuttered, caught off guard by the sudden


    exposure.


    "I''m not sure if Lily was Hera''s rmender, but she did ask me to vote for Hera," a student in the


    audience suddenly said.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "Same here. She mentioned Hera''s Terranish wasn''t up to par, but she admired her efforts to


    improve and thought she deserved our support."


    "She told me the same thing!"


    "Me too!"


    As more students in the audience raised their hands in agreement, the consensus became evident.


    "So, Hera never even wanted to participate in the Belle election, and Lily deliberately pushed her


    into it?"


    "What was she thinking?"


    "So, all this time, she was spreading rumors about Hera''s Terranish and urging us to vote for her


    just to see Hera make a fool of herself in public?"


    "Now, the tables have turned."


    "Oh, dear. What have I done?"


    As the students in the audience discussed fervently, Lily felt a flush of embarrassment and anger


    wash over her.


    Those people had promised not to reveal that she had asked them to vote for Hera, yet they didn''t


    keep their promises!


    "Her behavior merits an F," Timmented.


    Tim''sment hit Lily hard, making her wonder whether she would still have a chance at getting


    into Cavenridge''s undergraduate program.


    "Nevertheless, it''s never toote to acknowledge and rectify one''s mistakes. Perhaps you could


    dance for Hera as an apology andmit to not making simr mistakes in the future?" Tim


    suggested to Lily.


    It seemed that Lily had no choice but to dance in public.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    As the music began to y, Lily recognized it as the tune for bunny dance¡ªa catchy dance that


    most people had learned in kindergarten.


    Standing at the center of the stage In her sky-blue strapless dress and six-inch high heels, Lily was


    stunned upon hearing the familiar melody. She stiffly swayed her body along with the rhythm,


    elicitingughter from the audience at her awkward movements.


    Flushed with embarrassment and anger, Lily realized she had be a ridiculous clown. Feeling


    utterly ashamed, she covered her face and hastily fled the stage.


    Theughter in the audience persisted.


    "Don''t go! Keep dancing! I can''t get enough of this. Hahaha!" One of the students urged.


    "How ironic. I guess we should probably think twice before rmending someone for the event.


    You never know who might end up being the clown," Hera''s voice echoed from the speaker, her


    tone indifferent.


    Theughter in the auditorium gradually died down until it abruptly ceased altogether.


    The students who voted for Hera found the situation less amusing now, realizing that what they had


    witnessed was clearly a prank orchestrated by Hera to get back at Lily, using the event stage to


    publicly embarrass her.


    Feeling a chill running down their spines, the students couldn''t help but feel relieved that Hera had


    suggested the contestant with the lowest score to dance rather than those who had voted for her.


    On that day, Hera not only became the new Belle of the Year but also the talk of the school forum.


    Posts flooded the forum with titles like "Hera Wows Everyone with her Incredible Terranish ent",


    "Don''t Mess with this Belle Unless You Want to Do the Bunny Dance like that ss A Student",


    "Karma is a Bitch, Proven by My Newest Goddess", and so forth.


    While the posts reflected mixed reviews about Hera, they all conveyed a singr message. "Never


    cross Hera; otherwise, you can kiss your pride goodbye with a bunny dance."


    ¡­


    After the speech contest concluded, Hera and Tim found themselves alone in the prep room.


    "Hera, have you considered Cavenridge''s undergraduate program? Perhaps joining the Linguistics


    Department? We''ve established a group to study Terranish and Jadonish literature, and we''d be


    thrilled to have you as a member," Tim asked enthusiastically.


    "I''m not interested," Hera replied without hesitation.


    "What a shame," Timmented. He had declined numerous requests from graduate students to


    be their mentor, but when he was eager to mentor this promising student, he was turned down


    instead.


    "Which college do you have in mind?" Tim asked curiously, thinking he could rmend her to


    other colleges, given his extensivework.


    "Any college in Jedburgh," Hera replied. In fact, she didn''t have a particr college of choice; her


    main goal was to get closer to the Killian family in Jedburgh.


    "Huh? I thought you''d say Vardhar University or Comridge University. Didn''t expect you to go for


    Quantford University or Bradbury University. That''s a bit unexpected. May I know why?" Tim was


    puzzled.


    "Because I''m patriotic," Hera replied casually.


    Tim was left speechless.


    "If that''s all, please excuse me." With that, Hera rose to leave.


    Shrugging helplessly, Tim gave Andrew a call. "Andrew, she''s sure is a talented student. It''d be


    such a shame if Cavenridge missed out on her¡ª"


    As Hera exited the prep room, she crossed paths with Christopher and Zyler in the hallway.


    "Hera, congrattions on winning the Belle title. Looking forward to our performance at the school


    anniversary celebration," Christopher greeted as he approached.


    Despite Hera''s nonchnt nod, Christopher''s face lit up with a bright smile.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    If Christopher had a tail, it would be wagging vigorously, much like a Husky excitedly greeting its


    owner returning home, a stark contrast to his previous stern demanor when warning Zyler and Lily.


    Zyler couldn''t help but wonder who had imed that Hera was flirting with Christopher. The


    evidence clearly showed otherwise.


    "Sorry!" Zyler said harshly to Hera before storming off in a mix of fury and embarrassment, feeling


    unjust by Christopher''s different treatment toward him and Hera.


    Despite Christopher''s displeasure with Zyler''s attitude, he let him leave nheless. Hera was


    puzzled by Zyler''s sudden apology, though.


    "Hera, I''m Cindy Fry, the ss monitor of ss A," Cindy approached Hera, extending her hand as


    a friendly gesture.


    "I''d like to apologize for my previous attitude. You''ve proven yourself to be a worthy opponent, after


    all. I look forward to seeing you in ss A next semester," she stated sincerely.


    Cindy''s straightforwardness reminded Hera of Samantha Steele, and she admired people like them.


    "Nice to meet you." Hera shook Cindy''s hand.


    "Also, a quick word of advice¡ªkeep an eye on Lily Bourne," Cindy reminded her. Having witnessed


    Lily''s two-face demeanor, Cindy was convinced that Lily would seek payback for what happened


    earlier.


    "Oh. Who''s Lily Bourne?" Hera asked indifferently.


    Dumbfounded by Hera''s response, Cindy exined, "The one who danced the bunny dance?"


    "Is she a badass?" Hera inquired.


    "Not as badass as you!" Christopher quickly interjected.


    Cindy was left speechless by hisment.


    ¡­


    After the contest, Hera decided to head to Skyview Heights to check out Tiramisu. She had been


    avoiding going there because she thought Bernard might be there.


    Suddenly, a yellow Ferrari pulled up beside her. Rolling down the window, Christopher called out


    from the car, "Need a ride, Hera? I can give you a lift."


    epting his offer, Hera slid into the back seat and provided the address for Skyview Heights.


    Ten minutester, Christopher pulled up to the west gate of Skyview Heights.


    "Which unit are you in? Do you want me to drop you off?" Christopher asked, ncing at the


    security booth''s barrier, trying to discern Hera''s home address.


    "I''ll walk from here, thank you," Hera replied as she stepped out of the car.


    Christopher swiftly unbuckled his seatbelt, grabbed the bouquet from the passenger seat, and


    exited the car. "You forgot your bouquet, Hera."


    ncing nonchntly at the bouquet, Hera recognized it as the one she had received from the girl


    during her speech. She had left it in the prep room and hadn''t expected Christopher to bring it over


    for her.


    "Thank you," Hera said as she took the bouquet.


    Bernard, who happened to be nearby, witnessed everything¡ªa man sending Hera home in a sports


    car and even presenting her with a bouquet!


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    He couldn''t believe that Hera was already seeing another man while he had only been away on a


    mission.


    "Hera!" Bernard called out, his tone seething with anger.


    Hera turned around and saw him in a wheelchair, dressed casually in gray, his expression pale.


    Momentarily taken aback, she frowned as she approached him.


    "Why have youe back?" she asked in puzzlement.


    Bernard scoffed, thinking that Hera might have already run off with someone else if he hadn''t


    returned sooner.

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    "You left in a hurry, iming you wereing back to check on Tiramisu. Yet here you are, meeting


    that guy?" Bernard questioned, his expression souring.


    ncing at Christopher, whom he recognized as Aaron''s cousin, Bernard scoffed again. He was


    clearly physically superior to Christopher, so he couldn''t fathom why Hera would ept


    Christopher''s bouquet.


    Bernard had thought Tiramisu was his onlypetition, but apparently, there was this guy too!


    "That''s none of your concern," Hera replied, remembering he hadn''t exined himself either when


    he was alone with other women.


    "You''re underage, so I forbid you to date!" Bernard retorted.


    "I also forbade you from moving around, and yet you''re here," Hera stated, her displeasure evident


    as she stared at him in the wheelchair.


    Despite the biting winter cold, Bernard was d only in thin casual attire, his hands on the armrest


    turning ashen from the chill.


    Hera wondered why he was there alone in such weather. Judging by the red stain near his left thigh


    on his pants, Hera assumed his wound had been reopened.


    "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair?" Hera asked, her brows furrowed.


    Even though the surgery was sessful, his wound still required time to fully heal. Hera couldn''t


    help but question whether Bernard truly cared about his health.


    Sensing her anger, Bernard lowered his gaze to his legs and said, "Aaron needs to go on a mission,


    so he decided to send me back."


    He then raised his head and looked into Hera''s eyes, his eyes tinged with innocence. "He didn''t


    even have the time to send me back to my unit, leaving me here alone."


    Hera quietly observed him, amazed at his skill at ying the victim.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, as Aaron drove away from Skyview Heights, he suddenly sneezed. ncing at the


    rearview mirror, he noticed a ck coat in the backseat. He cursed. When did Bernard take off his


    coat and leave it here?


    ¡­


    Back at the entrance of Skyview Heights, Hera questioned Bernard again, "Where''s Dous then?"


    "He''s on vacation," Bernard replied without hesitation.


    Hera gazed at him in silence.


    Meanwhile, Dous, who was sent to buy some bottled water near Skyview Heights, suddenly


    received a message from Bernard. The message read, "Don''te back. You''re on vacation."


    Dous was left puzzled by the message.


    Speechless, Hera handed Bernard the bouquet and pushed his wheelchair toward his unit.


    ncing at the bouquet, Bernard scoffed in disdain at those 30 pink roses.


    ¡­


    When Hera and Bernard arrived at Block 8, Hera heard a noise from the nearby trash can as she


    reached for the elevator button.


    She turned around, only to see a big bouquet forcefully thrown into the non-recyble trash bin,


    with a few pink rose petals scattered on the ground.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Recognizing it was her bouquet, Hera stared at Bernard.


    "My leg was hurting, so I couldn''t hold onto it. It just slipped out of my grasp. I''ll buy you another


    one," Bernard replied casually, already searching for nearby florists on his phone.


    While Hera was left speechless, Bernard''s response deeply impressed a man standing next to the


    elevator.


    ¡­


    Arriving on the top floor, Hera was greeted by Tiramisu as soon as she opened the door.


    It had been a while since Tiramisu had seen Hera, so it enthusiastically rubbed against her feet, its


    tail wagging joyfully.


    "I missed you so much, Tiramisu!" Hera eximed, lifting the little pig in one hand while guiding


    Bernard''s wheelchair with the other.


    Setting Tiramisu on the couch, Hera turned on the heater and fetched a nket to cover Bernard


    before making him a cup of tea.


    Afterpleting her tasks, Hera cradled Tiramisu and casually remarked, "Take off your pants once


    you''ve warmed up. I''ll take a look at your wound."


    Feeling a bit self-conscious about her words, she turned to Bernard, who sat motionless in his


    wheelchair, his smile bearing a hint of mystery.


    "My leg hurts. I can''t move. Can you please help me take them off?" Bernard pleaded affectionately,


    his toneced withziness.


    Hera quietly looked at his thigh. Due to the urgency of the surgery, she hadn''t paid much attention


    to the wound''s exact location.


    Now, without the sterile cloth obstructing her view, she finally realized the wound was quite close to


    his groin. If the bullet had deviated a little more, Bernard might have lost his manhood.


    "Hold on," Hera said, feeling a twinge of sympathy for Bernard as she contemted the potential


    severity of his injury. Setting Tiramisu down, she turned to fetch her medical kit.


    Bernard smiled victoriously at Tiramisu, suddenly finding it adorable. However, his smile didn''tst


    long.


    Hera, holding a medical kit in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other, approached him. Without


    hesitation, she began to cut down his pants. Her demeanor appeared somewhat inappropriate to


    bystanders.


    With a few snips, Hera swiftly cut arge hole around the bloodstain on Bernard''s trousers,


    revealing the wound beneath. As she had anticipated, the wound had reopened, and blood was


    seeping out.


    Removing the bandage, Hera retrieved a few silver needles from her kit and used them to stem the


    bleeding. After cleaning the wound, she applied a fresh bandage.


    As Hera knelt between Bernard''s legs, meticulously tending to his wound, his gaze fixated on her


    fair nape, feeling an inexplicable dryness in his throat. Whenever her fingers brushed against his


    thigh, he felt a surge of sensation coursing through him.


    "All done. Now, go lie down in bed and stay put," Hera instructed, snipping the bandages.


    Raising her head, she noticed Bernard''s expression seemed somewhat uneasy. She couldn''t help


    but wonder if his wound hurt¡ªwhich was odd because she was sure she had administered pain


    relief with her needles before tending his wound.


    "Okay," Bernard responded, obediently wheeling himself to his room.


    Feeling worried, Hera casually tidied up the medical kit before following him to the room.


    As Bernard struggled to rise from the wheelchair, Hera rushed to assist him, fearing his wound


    might reopen. However, she identally stumbled over Tiramisu, who suddenly darted out from


    nowhere.


    "Oof!" With Tiramisu''s squeal, Hera fell into a solid embrace.


    Bernard winced at the pain from his thigh wound, emitting a soft grunt as they both tumbled onto the


    bed.


    "Are you okay?" Hera scrambled to get up.


    "Don''t move!" Bernard said, his voice hoarse.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Bernard had always prided himself on his self-discipline. No matter how seductive the women he


    encountered during his missions, he never lost hisposure. However, Hera effortlessly shattered


    his self-discipline.


    Propping his right leg, Bernard tried to conceal his awkward reaction from Hera. Assuming she


    might have touched his wound, Hera remained still as he instructed, lying on his sturdy chest and


    enveloped by his faint tobo scent.


    Sensing the warmth, Hera could feel the firmness of his chest and abdomen muscles beneath his


    shirt. Recalling the photo Bernard had mistakenly sent herst time, she suddenly felt the desire to


    trace his muscr lines.


    However, she quickly brushed aside such an inappropriate thought, feeling the flush on her cheeks


    and the confusion in her mind.


    As their breaths intertwined, Hera could hear their heartbeats loud and clear, unable to distinguish


    her heartbeat from his. It felt like the temperature in the room had risen.


    After a long pause, Bernard broke the silence. "I think I need a shower." A cold shower, to be exact.


    Hera promptly got up and cleared her throat before saying, "No, your wound can''t get wet."


    However, knowing Bernard''s hygienic habits, she presumed he wouldn''t be able to sleep without a


    shower. Reluctantly, she said, "If you insist, you can opt to wipe your body¡­"


    She could offer to wash the towel for him, though.


    "It''s alright then," Bernard gently declined.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the awkwardness in the air.


    Hera hurried out, washing her face with cold water before answering the door.


    A delivery man was at the door, holding arge bouquet of champagne roses.


    "Hi, this is for Ms. Youngworth. Please sign here," he said.


    Hera stared at the bouquet in disbelief. She hadn''t expected Bernard to actually buy her another


    bouquet. Moreover, she was incredibly fond of the color of these roses.


    Once Hera returned to the house with the bouquet, she promptly snapped a picture and sent it to


    Samantha.


    Shortly after, Samantha initiated a voice call to Hera. Instead of answering immediately, Hera


    retreated to her room upstairs before picking up.


    "So, who gifted you those champagne roses?" Samantha asked anxiously once the call connected,


    her beautiful face erged on the screen.


    "Bernie bought them," Hera decided it was more appropriate to use "bought" than "gifted".


    "Ooh, Bernie, huh?" Samantha sensed something juicy was brewing, remembering Hera had


    addressed him as Bernard thest time they met.


    Upon realizing she had instinctively addressed Bernard by his nickname, Hera quickly became


    aware of her own unusual behavior.


    Despite her usualposure, Hera didn''t seem to be herself whenever she was around Bernard.


    "We''re not blood-rted, so I can''t keep calling him Uncle Bernard. That would boost his ego," Hera


    exined, trying to convince herself at the same time.


    Samantha smiled mischievously. "Oh, yes. I definitely see your point there! So, did you say yes to


    his proposal?"


    "Stop teasing me, or I''ll hang up now," Hera protested shyly.


    "Darling, don''t you know? Champagne roses are not to be given lightly. They represent ''the one and


    only,'' meaning ''you''re the love of my life''. In other words, he''s proposing to you! Oh, dear. You''re


    making me jealous¡­"


    Hera was stunned by Samantha''s remark, her cheeks burning. She couldn''t help but wonder if


    Bernard had chosen those roses on purpose.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Dous was busy packing his luggage, nning to visit his parents in his hometown


    since Bernard had told him to take a vacation.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    However, just as he finished booking his flight, Dous received a call from Bernard.


    "Come to Skyview Heights now," Bernard urged over the phone.


    Dous was stunned, puzzled by Bernard''s sudden change of mind.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    Dous reminded Bernard, "But Bernard, you said that I could go on a vacation¡­"


    "I''m canceling it."


    Dous fell silent at the order.


    Was Bernard toying around with him on purpose?


    ¡­


    Hera was woken up by her phone''s loud ringtone the following day. It was Nathan who was in


    charge of Isabe''s case. He requested Hera to drop by the police station at 2:00 pm.


    Nathan didn''t bring up any details regarding the case. All he said was that he''d exin everything to


    Hera once he got back to the police station.


    Hera had a bad feeling about the meeting.


    After washing up in the bathroom, she had just descended the stairs when she heard the doorbell


    ring.


    The moment Hera opened the door, she saw a man d in a uniform belonging to the Imperial


    Hotel. He carried a wooden engraved lunch box with him.


    "Hello. This is the meal that Mr. Killian has ordered."


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Thank you."


    Hera epted the lunch box. When she returned to the living room, she nced in the direction of


    Bernard''s room.


    Did he wake up early in the morning?


    Hera recalled the events that had urredst night and the bouquet of flowers. She shook her


    head to get rid of all unnecessary thoughts. It was best if she pretended that nothing happenedst


    night.


    Then, Hera opened the lid of the lunch box, revealing an assortment of food. Most of the food items


    happened to be her absolute favorite, with the remaining food items being pastries and consomm¨¦.


    She took a seat at the table and ate some of the food. After that, she arranged the rest of the food


    on a tray so that she could bring them over to Bernard.


    Meanwhile, Bernard leaned against the bed frame in his room with a pair of Bluetooth earbuds


    stuck in his ears. He raised his right knee in order to bnce hisptop on top of it.


    He maintained a poker face as his fingers flew over the keyboard swiftly. Strings of white codes


    quickly streaked across the dark screen with every key he typed.


    Theo''s voice continued filling Bernard''s eardrums via the earbuds. "There''s a traitor in the hospital.


    Someone has leaked the news of your incident. That''s why they have the guts to act so


    outrageously."


    "Hmph! To think they''re already this bold when I''m still alive! If I were dead, their heads would be


    extremely inted from their ego!"


    Bernard chuckled coldly in a deep tone. His gaze was extremely icy at that time.


    Theo could sense Bernard''s fury from the other end of the line. He asked, "Are we still keeping


    them around?"


    "What for?" Bernard snapped icily.


    At that moment, he heard someone knocking on his door.


    Bernard''s hands paused in their typing momentarily. Then, he typed even faster on the keyboard.


    30 secondster, the screen was switched back to the desktop.


    "Strike them at their most vulnerable moments. Get rid of everyone once and for all," Bernard


    commanded in a low tone.


    After that, he hung up on Theo and removed his earbuds before closing hisptop. Then, he ced


    everything on the nightstand.


    "Come in," he called out.


    When the door swung open from the outside, Bernard quicklyy back down on the bed. He made


    sure to ster on a sickly expression as well.


    Hera carried a small table into Bernard''s room a secondter. She noticed Bernard lying on the bed.


    It was apparent that he had gotten out of bed earlier, seeing as he had changed into a pair of ck


    silken pajamas. Not to mention, he didn''t slip under the covers as well.


    After setting up the table on the bed, Hera brought breakfast into the room.


    "Has Dous used up his annual leave?" she asked.


    "Why do you ask?" Bernard replied with a question of his own.


    "I saw himing overst night," Hera exined.


    In fact, Dous had left prettytest night.


    The memory ofst night''s incident made Bernard cough awkwardly. "He had to drop by at thest


    minute to deliver something."


    "Oh. Tell him toe overter. I''m going back to the Everett residence once you''re done with


    breakfast. Something came up, and I have to deal with it," Hera said.


    She had promised Lilithst week that she''d apany her to visit Mildred at the hospital on


    Sunday, which was today.


    Since Hera was nning to return to the Everett residence, there was no telling whether or not


    she''d go home at night.


    Bernard, ever so shameless, stated, "Dous is still on his annual leave. He returned to his


    hometown early in the morning."


    "What about Johnson?" Hera asked.


    Once she was done with the visit, she''d have to drop by the police station. That meant she wouldn''t


    be back so soon.


    Hera would feel a lot at ease if someone was here to take care of Bernard on her behalf.


    "He returned to the Chime residence for a family banquet," Bernard responded.


    "Well, do you have any other assistants or friends who can help take care of you?"


    "Nope."


    Bernard''s answer came out swift and decisive. There was no hesitation at all.


    Of course, Hera was rendered speechless.

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    "You should eat up. After breakfast, make sure to take your meds. I''ll try to be back as soon as I


    can," Hera said, albeit helplessly.


    Only then did Bernard slowly sit up on his bed. His dark eyes were still fixed on her face.


    "It hurts. Feed me¡­"


    Hera shot a nce at theptop, which was sitting on the nightstand. She reminded Bernard, "Mr.


    Killian, you injured your leg, not your hands."


    "My leg hurts so much that my hands have gone weak from the pain. If you don''t feed me, I won''t


    eat anything."


    Bernard moved to lie back down as he spoke.


    Hera was speechless once again. She could tell that Bernard was pretending to be in pain just to


    gain her sympathy.


    As Hera remained unmoved, Bernard added, "It''s not like I''m going to die of starvation just by


    skipping one meal¡­"


    Hera remained silent the whole time.


    She nced at the time, knowing that if she were to continue wasting her time on Bernard, she


    wouldn''t be able to leave anytime soon. Hence, she picked up the bowl and started feeding him


    spoonfuls of consomm¨¦.


    Bernard spent 40 minutes eating his breakfast by dilly-dallying a lot.


    Before Hera left, Bernard said to her, "I''ve already arranged a car for you. The driver''s waiting for


    you in the foyer right now. He''ll be in charge of driving you everywhere today. Come back soon,


    okay? I''ll wait for you at home."


    Hera fell silent at his words. She had a feeling that she was stuck with a man-child instead of a


    husband.


    ¡­


    Hera and Lilith met up at the entrance of Pineview Hospital. Gino had tagged along as well.


    When Gino saw Hera, he immediately stered a resentful expression on his face.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Why did you leave without me yesterday? You didn''t even go home as well! I even bought you a


    cake just to celebrate your birthday with you, you know!"


    Having spotted Gino''s miffed expression, Hera fished out two pieces of chocte from her pocket


    and passed them to him.


    "Be a good boy now, Gino. No tantrums, you hear?"


    The reason why Hera had chocte lying around in her pocket was because she had to use it as


    an incentive to coax Bernard into taking his medicine. She ended up carrying the spare chocte


    around in her pocket after that.


    "Can you bring me better gifts next time? You always treat me like a child!"


    Gino might be chastising Hera for her actions, but it was clear that he was happy about the


    chocte. In fact, he even snapped a photo of the chocte before posting it on his Instagram.


    The photo''s caption read, "I''ve decided to forgive her, seeing as she has specifically brought me a


    gift."


    Soon, the trio reached Mildred''s ward.


    Mildred stayed in a VIP ward all by herself. She even hired a caretaker, Mariah Foster, to care for


    her.


    Typically speaking, Lilith and Mariah took turns caring for Mildred daily. Based on the current time,


    Mariah had just gotten off work, as she worked night shifts.


    "Mom, Hera and Gino are here to visit you," Lilith announced the moment she stepped into the


    ward. She ced the thermal sk containing the broth on the table at the same time.


    "Gino, let me take a good look at you. Have you grown taller? I missed you so much."


    Mildred reclined against the bedframe as she smiled and beckoned for Gino to approach her.


    "Grandma!" Gino approached Mildred immediately.


    After they chatted for a bit, Mildred turned to look at Lilith stonily. "Why did you bring Gino to the


    hospital? There are germs everywhere in this ce! You should know that Gino has a weak


    immune system! What if his rhinitis acts up again?"


    Lilith pouted in response. She didn''t intend to bring Gino to the hospital in the first ce. He was the


    one who insisted on tagging along the moment he found out that Hera would being too.


    "Grandma, this isn''t Mom''s fault. I was the one who wanted to visit you in the first ce. Besides,


    I''ve already made a full recovery from my rhinitis," Gino exined.


    "Really?" Mildred asked doubtfully.


    Gino was born prematurely, so his immune system was quite weak from a young age. He was also


    diagnosed with chronic rhinitis.


    Over the years, he had visited countless doctors in hopes of treating his illness. Unfortunately, his


    illness kept rpsing as well. There wasn''t a definitive cure for his illness at all.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    That meant a miracle doctor must have cured Gino''s illness!


    "Yup! My older sister was the one who cured me!" Gino eximed confidently.


    He then shot Hera a proud look. "She''s here to treat your illness today!"


    Ever since Hera administered acupuncture to Gino in the school infirmary, he was pleased to find


    out that the bruises on his face had disappeared. Not only that, his rhinitis was also cured once and


    for all.


    That was why he had absolute faith in Hera''s medical skills.


    "Your ''older sister,'' you say?"


    Mildred acted as though she finally noticed Hera for the first time. She continued in a passive-


    aggressive tone, "Oh? It''s rare to see you here today."


    This was Hera''s first time visiting Mildred at the hospital since thetter got hospitalized. Mildred''s


    resentment toward Hera had been building up all this time.


    That was why she decided to ignore Hera right after Hera stepped into her ward. She merely


    wanted to act all high and mighty around Hera in order to teach her a lesson.


    However, Hera didn''t seem to care about Mildred''s demeanor. She dragged the only chair in the


    ward to the side and plopped down on it. With one leg crossed over the other, she began ying a


    game on her phone.


    Based on her demeanor, it was clear that Hera didn''t mind waiting for the other Everetts to wrap up


    their conversations.


    She was a girl of her word. It was due to the promise she had made to Lilith that she decided to


    drop by the ward. If not, she would never visit a nasty old woman like Mildred in the first ce.


    Of course, Mildred was pissed off at the sight of Hera''s nonchnce.


    "What the hell is with that attitude of yours? I knew it! Those whoe from the countryside are


    extremely rude!"


    "Mom, don''t be like that. Hera came all the way here just to visit you. She''s also here to treat your


    illness," Lilith hurriedly exined.


    "Treat my illness? As if that country bumpkin and her useless remedies can do that! From the way I


    see it, she''s nning to poison me with those remedies! Tell her to get lost right now! Just the sight


    of her makes my head throb!" Mildred shrieked angrily.


    After that, she nced at the door. "Where''s Giselle? Why hasn''t she visited me after so long?"


    Gino was quite displeased with Mildred''s demeanor toward Hera, so he shot back, "Don''t you know


    what happened, Grandma? Giselle made our family go bankrupt! She has already returned to the


    countryside, where she actually belongs!"


    "Gino!" Lilith wanted to cut Gino off, but she was toote.


    "What did you just say? When did that happen? Why didn''t anyone tell me about it?" Mildred


    eximed in shock.


    She seemed to have thought of something, for she turned to re at Lilith with cloudy eyes.


    "Lilith, what else have you been hiding from me?"


    "Mom, please don''t get mad. I was worried that the news might affect your recuperation, so I didn''t


    tell you anything," Lilith quickly exined.


    The Everetts might have filed for bankruptcy, but thankfully, Gideon was still around to save the day.


    His business, which was based in another country, was doing quite well. Thanks to that, he was


    able to clear most of the Everetts'' debts using his profits. James would deal with what was left of the


    pile.


    Gideon was also the one footing Mildred''s medical bills. This was the sole reason she could still


    stay in the VIP ward. Otherwise, the hospital would''ve kicked her out a long time ago.


    Lilith was worried that news of the Everetts'' bankruptcy would affect Mildred''s recovery rate, thus


    her decision to not tell Mildred anything.


    As for Mildred, she wasn''t one who read the news or paid attention to the news channel on the


    television. She spent her days strolling around the hospital''s courtyard with a fellow patient from


    next door after mealtimes. In fact, her days at the hospital were as rxing as her days at home.


    The moment Mildred heard about the Everetts'' bankruptcy, the first thing she thought was that her


    luxurious life was gone. The emotional damage inflicted on her was even greater than the one she


    had sustained when she had received news of Hera cheating in her exams.


    Mildred could barely breathe afterward. Her eyes rolled backward before she copsed back on her


    bed in a dead faint.


    "Mom? Mom!" rm washed over Lilith''s senses at that moment. She wasted no time in punching


    the emergency call button above the bedframe.


    "Grandma?"


    Gino shook Mildred as well. Fear began setting in when he realized she wouldn''t respond to him.


    "Hera, hurry up and take a look at Grandma''s condition!"


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Hera clicked her tongue, seemingly annoyed by Gino''s exims. "She''ll live."


    Then, she put away her phone casually and rose from the chair before walking toward Mildred''s


    bed. Lilith quickly scooted to the side to make way for her.


    Hera pulled out her acupuncture kit from her bag and opened it up so that she could spread it


    across the bed. She plucked a needle daintily from the kit, her eyes roaming around Mildred''s form


    as she searched for a proper acupuncture point to target.


    "What''s going on here?"


    A nurse, Eileen Hedgewick, rushed into the ward after noticing the emergency button lighting up in


    the nurse''s station. The moment Eileen flung the door open, she noticed Hera about to stab Mildred


    with a needle.


    She eximed in shock, "What are you doing to the patient?"

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    "Who are you? Are you going to use that needle on that patient?"


    Eileen rushed over in an attempt to pull Hera away from Mildred''s bed.


    "My sister is treating Grandma at the moment! Don''t disturb her!" Gino dashed forth to stop Eileen.


    When Eileen heard his reason, she looked even more anxious. "Is she a doctor? Does she have a


    medical license?"


    Eileen tried to sidestep Gino to stop Hera. Mildred was her patient, after all. She wouldn''t be able to


    bear the responsibility should anything happen to Mildred under her care.


    "You don''t have to care about that! Everything''s fine as long as she can save my grandma!"


    Gino hugged Eileen''s leg right away just to stop her from moving.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eileen was rmed, to say the least. Unfortunately for her, Gino was quite strong for his age, so


    she couldn''t move an inch, thanks to his interference.


    She eximed to Lilith, "You''re the patient''s family member, aren''t you? Hurry up and stop her!"


    Lilith was hesitant to let Hera treat Mildred earlier. But seeing as Hera had already begun treating


    Mildred, Lilith didn''t waver any longer.


    She walked over to stop Eileen as well while saying, "Just let her try it out."


    "You''ve gone crazy! Absolutely nuts, I''m telling you! I can''t believe you''re willing to resort to


    alternative methods just to cure the patient!"


    Now that two people were actively blocking Eileen, she knew that she couldn''t get to Hera. Hence,


    she spun on her heel and walked away.


    Gino used the opportunity to m the door shut and lock it.


    Soon, Eileen returned with n Pittson, Mildred''s primary doctor. The head nurse and two security


    guards followed them closely as well.


    That was when they realized that the ward door was locked.


    "This is outrageous! Open up right now!" n roared while pping a hand on the door.


    After that, he turned to bark an order at Eileen. "Quick, look for the ward''s key!"


    "I''m not opening the door for you! My grandma has stayed here for over two months, yet you can''t


    even cure her! You''re such a trashy doctor!"


    Gino folded his arms in front of his chest while standing behind the door. He kept making faces at


    the small window on the door.


    Then, n spotted Hera plunging needles into the unconscious Mildred''s body. He ordered, "The


    patient''s life is at stake here! We can''t let them do whatever they want! We have to bust down the


    door right now!"


    At the same time, Hera was done inserting the final needle. She said, "Open the door."


    The security guards rolled up their sleeves and backed away from the door. Then, they rushed


    forward simultaneously in hopes of busting the door down.


    However, the door was opened from the inside at that moment, resulting in the guards rushing


    through thin air. Both of them ended up tripping and falling to the floor.


    Shocked, the head nurse quickly moved to help them up.


    "Pfft!" Gino couldn''t help but giggle.


    n shed him a re before striding into the ward furiously.


    "Who gave you permission to do whatever you want here?" he growled out while attempting to push


    Hera away.


    But Hera was quick to nce at him. "Use your words, not your fists."


    Her gaze was extremely icy. For some reason, n had a feeling that she was silently warning him


    to back off.


    "You little¡­"


    At that moment, Mildred, who was supposed to be unconscious, inhaled sharply. Her eyes flew


    open in the next second, signifying that she was awake.


    The first thing she saw was Hera and the silver needle she happened to be toying with. That was


    when Mildred noticed the erect needles poking out of her body and arms, which pissed her off


    greatly.


    "You brat! How dare you stab me with needles! You must really have a death wish!"


    Mildred turned the air blue with curses as she attempted to get out of bed.


    "Mom, calm down! You fainted just now! Hera was the one who woke you up!" Lilith quickly


    appeased Mildred.


    "Mrs. Everett Senior, there are still needles sticking out of your body. Don''t move around, lest you


    hurt yourself."


    n quickly held Mildred down as well. "Don''t get angry just yet. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"


    As he spoke, he tried to remove one of the needles. Suddenly, a slender hand shot out to grab his


    wrist. It was so strong that he found it difficult to free his wrist from its grip.


    n turned to see Hera''s gorgeous face. At the moment, she looked cold and aloof.


    "The needles need to stay where they are for half an hour," she stated.


    Hera sounded so firm that n wondered if she truly knew acupuncture.

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    n''s fortey within internal medicine, so he didn''t know much about acupuncture. As he looked at


    the points where the needles were inserted, he felt that Hera had pinpointed every needle correctly.


    Hence, he began to wonder about Hera''s identity.


    "Ouch! It hurts so much! She woke me up, you say? Well, she certainly did that by stabbing me!"


    Mildred shoved Lilith away before plucking a needle out of her body.


    Hera didn''t say anything, nor did she stop Mildred.


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    "Oh, my God! Dr. Pittson, please give me a check-up right now! I feel so dizzy, and my heart


    palpitations are above the charts! Is that brat nning to kill me with her needles?" Mildred moaned


    in pain.


    When n heard Mildred''sments, all spections about Hera''s medical skills vanished


    immediately.


    To him, saving Mildred''s life took priority.


    He yanked his wrist from Hera''s grip forcefully before removing all of the needles from Mildred''s


    body. In fact, he worked so fast that Lilith only managed to regain her senses a whileter. By then,


    it was already toote for her to stop the doctor.


    "Hera, will your grandma be alright?" Lilith gazed at Hera worriedly.


    Hera hated it the most whenever her patients refused to cooperate with the treatment process. She


    put her silver needles away before snapping coldly, "She''s doomed. You''d better start making


    arrangements for her funeral soon."


    "Huh?" Lilith was so frightened that her hands began trembling. "Is¡­ Is she really doomed?"


    Hera fell silent at the question.


    She was just cracking a joke. Why did Lilith take her seriously?


    Then again, it was true that Mildred wouldn''t be able to live for long if things were to go on like this.


    "She''ll be a goner sooner orter," Hera exined.


    "Just listen to that brat, Dr. Pittson! She''s clearly here to murder me! That''s murder, you know! Hurry


    up and perform a full body check-up on me! I need you to check whether or not she''s poisoned me!"


    n was worried that Mildred''s life was in danger, so he and the head nurse quickly moved Mildred


    from the hospital bed to a nearby wheelchair. Then, they wheeled her to another room so that they


    could perform aplete body check-up on her.


    Before they left, n instructed the security guards to watch Hera.


    "Don''t let her leave! If anything happens to the patient, she''ll have to be held responsible!"


    After that, he said to Lilith, "You''re the patient''s family member, so you muste along as well!"


    Hera fell silent at n''s words.


    Sometimeter, the check-up''s results were out. Mildred was doing fine, and her data showed that


    her condition had significantly improvedpared to yesterday''s check-up results.


    It wasmon for elderly people to suffer from clogged arteries. Yet, Mildred''s severely clogged


    artery waspletely unblocked.


    n and the rest of the medical team had worked hard over the past two months, but the best they


    could do was manage to unblock one-third of Mildred''s clogged artery. To think that it was


    completely unclogged today¡­


    That was when n suddenly recalled the acupuncture session.


    Did Hera really know how to treat patients with acupuncture? Was she the one who unclogged


    Mildred''s artery?


    But she looked like a minor!


    "Mom, do you feel better now? Are you still unwell anywhere?"


    Lilith heaved a sigh of relief after hearing n''s words. She asked Mildred that question as she


    wheeled thetter back to the ward.


    Mildred denied it immediately. "Nope! I still feel dizzy! My heart palpitations are still here! In fact, I


    feel very sick and lethargic!"


    "But Mrs. Everett Senior, all the data on your check-up results shows that you''re in a better


    condition than yesterday. Your artery is already unclogged, after all," n chimed in.


    "That''s impossible! Are you even a skilled doctor? Don''t tell me that country bumpkin bribed you!


    The truth is, you want me dead as well, right?"


    Mildred mmed a hand onto the arm of her wheelchair and forcefully applied the brakes to it. Now,


    she refused to budge an inch.


    "I think you and that brat are ganging up on me! I don''t want you as my primary doctor anymore!"


    Then, Mildred barked an order at Lilith. "Go to the top floor and bring Dr. Shadow here! I want her to


    treat my illness!"


    Mildred had heard from the other patients that Lennon received his treatment in this hospital as


    well. Dr. Shadow would alwayse over to treat him at regr intervals. Today was the day of his


    follow-up treatment session.


    Since Dr. Shadow had saved an impoverished young man who was severely ill without requesting


    any payment from him, Mildred was confident that the mysterious doctor would treat her too.


    Lilith looked troubled. How was it possible for her to ask Dr. Shadow for help?


    It was clear that Mildred was trying to make things difficult for her.


    Also, Lilith brought Hera to the ward today because she wanted her to treat Mildred. If she were to


    change doctors suddenly, wouldn''t that mean she didn''t have faith in Hera''s medical skills?

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    "Even though Dr. Shadow has a coborative deal going on with our hospital, she doesn''t take any


    patients," n stated as a reminder for Mildred.


    In fact, it''d be extremely difficult for Mildred to see Dr. Shadow in person, let alone get her illness


    treated by her.


    "I don''t care! I know you want me dead! I won''t believe you! I don''t want to get treated unless you''re


    able to bring Dr. Shadow here! I''m not leaving this spot otherwise!"


    Mildred firmly pressed the brake button on the wheelchair. She couldn''t care less about her


    reputation and appearance at all, for she started throwing a massive fit in the corridor.


    She did all she could to cause a ruckus, be it wailing or screaming at the top of her lungs. Lilith''s


    words did little to appease her.


    There were a lot of people walking down the corridor leading to the inpatient department. They shot


    weird looks in Mildred''s direction. Some of them even muttered to each other about her tantrum.


    When Gino heard the ruckus, he exited the ward to check on the situation. Needless to say, he was


    embarrassed to acknowledge Mildred as his grandmother.


    "Hera, what should we do? Grandma demands to see Dr. Shadow right now!" he said to Hera as he


    turned around to look at her.


    Hera had already put on her headphones at that time. She continued ying the game on her


    phone with one leg crossed over the other while sitting on the chairfortably. Clearly, she didn''t


    care about the situation at all.


    "Hera?" Gino approached her, intending to take her headphones away. He was about to reach for


    the headphones when Hera pped his hand away.


    Hera didn''t even bother looking up from her phone. "She''ll be too tired to continue throwing the fit


    once she wears herself out."


    Gino didn''t know what to say. For a moment, he wondered if Hera truly was Mildred''s biological


    granddaughter.


    While Hera was perfectly capable of being calm and uncaring toward the ruckus, others found it


    difficult to do the same. n, in particr, was starting to get antsy.


    Those who weren''t in the loop might think Mildred''s tantrum stemmed from her displeasure with the


    hospital''s services and treatment. If this were to continue, the recuperation rate of other patients


    might be affected. Not only that, but it would definitely wreck the hospital''s reputation.


    In the end, everyone was left without a choice. Lilith had to yield to Mildred''s unreasonable demand.


    "Alright, Mom. I''ll go get Dr. Shadow in a while. Can we go back to the ward first? Let''s not affect


    others, okay?"


    "I want you to go find Dr. Shadow now! Otherwise, I''m not going back to the ward!" Mildred insisted


    stubbornly.


    "Alright, alright."


    Lilith didn''t want Mildred to continue throwing that fit of hers, so she asked n and the head nurse


    to take Mildred back to the ward. Then, she headed toward the top floor.


    Only after Mildred witnessed Lilith walking into the elevator did she release the brake button on the


    wheelchair. After that, she followed n and the head nurse back to the ward.


    The moment she saw Hera, she harrumphed loudly, as if to show how influential she was in this


    hospital.


    Gino, n, and the head nurse fell silent at the sight.


    "Since there aren''t any problems with her, that means I can leave now, right?" Hera put away her


    phone and got up to her feet. After that, she nced at n coolly.


    "Sorry for the misunderstanding, miss."


    When n recalled the data on the check-up results, he became even more respectful. "How did


    you unclog the artery so qui¡ª"


    "Bye."


    Before n could finish his sentences, Hera said goodbye to Gino before leaving the ward. She


    didn''t even bother sparing n a nce, even though he was a well-known doctor who specifically


    treated elderly patients in Norburgh.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    To think that he''d get looked down on by a young girl¡­


    Then again, Hera was extremely skilled in using acupuncture just to unclog Mildred''s artery.


    Once n returned to his office, hepared Mildred''stest check-up results with those obtained


    from her past check-ups. He couldn''t help but marvel at Hera''s medical skills in awe.


    "Youngsters really are talented nowadays¡­"


    The hospital director, Oscar Bloom, happened to walk into n''s office at that time, so he


    overheard the monologue.


    "Dr. Pittson, what are you marveling about?" he asked curiously.


    "Ah, Dr. Bloom!" n rose to his feet immediately and greeted Oscar upon seeing thetter.


    Oscar waved a hand airily with a chuckle. "Take a seat, Dr. Pittson. Tell me, what happened?"


    n knew Oscar was very experienced and well-read. Not only was he kind and gracious, but he


    also cherished talented people. Hence, he told Oscar about Hera''s acupuncture skills.


    Oscar was shocked after hearing n''s exnation. "Really? It''s not rare to see doctors using


    acupuncture to unclog arteries. But the thing is, only a handful of doctors are capable of unclogging


    arteries immediately with their skills. Hurry, show me the security footage!"


    In order for the medical staff to care for the VIP patients well, all of the VIP wards were equipped


    with security cameras of their own.

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    n quickly got a technician over to pull up the security footage.


    Oscar was shell-shocked upon noticing Hera''s skillful needle cement in the footage. "That''s the


    13 Needles of Death technique!"


    It had been more than 20 years since hest witnessed the 13 Needles of Death in action. Back


    then, a woman under the alias of Dr. Miracle was the one using it.


    Dr. Miracle worked so skillfully that it had shocked Oscar to the core back then. Those who


    witnessed her at work would never be able to forget the sight.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Recently, news of the 13 Needles of Death resurfaced on the Divine Forum. Dr. Shadow, known as


    the best doctor on the forum, had brought it up in her medical dissertation on alternative medicine.


    But Oscar had never seen Camille use that technique before. That was why he thought the


    technique didn''t get passed down.


    To think that he''d be able to see it getting replicated in the footage¡­


    And it was used by a teenage girl, to boot!


    "That''s the legendary 13 Needles of Death?" n was shocked as well.


    "Yes! Is she still in the ward? Quick, take me to her!" Oscar eximed, his face now lit up.


    A talented doctor like Hera was extremely difficult to find nowadays.


    "She has already left. Apparently, she''s Mrs. Everett Senior''s granddaughter," n replied.


    "Take me to Mrs. Everett Senior, then!" Oscar urged.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, another conversation was going on in Mildred''s ward.


    "Did you really seek Dr. Shadow out?" Mildred gazed at Lilith suspiciously.


    "Yes, I did. But the Gaskells'' bodyguards stopped me from entering the ward."


    Lilith recalled what had happened to her earlier when she was looking for Dr. Shadow. She didn''t


    even get to open Lennon''s ward door, let alone see the esteemed doctor in person. The Gaskells''


    bodyguard had wasted no time in stopping her.


    When the bodyguards found out that Lilith was a member of the Everett family, they told her to get


    lost without even bothering to report to Lennon.


    "Mom, our rtionship with the Gaskells haspletely soured thanks to Giselle. Our family has


    filed for bankruptcy as well. It only makes sense that the Gaskells refuse to see me at this time,"


    Lilith said helplessly.


    "So¡­ the Everetts have gone into bankruptcy¡­"


    Mildred still found it difficult to ept the truth. She ced a hand on her chest as she slumped on


    the bed. She spent some time mourning for the family before sitting up once again.


    "This is all that brat''s fault! She brings nothing but misfortune to the family! Ever since we brought


    her back and inducted her into our family, a series of unfortunate things happened to us right away!


    She''s a curse to this family!"


    "Grandma, can you just stop yapping for once? You''re too loud! You''d still be lying on the bed


    motionlessly if it wasn''t for Hera!" Gino grumbled in annoyance from his chair while he yed a


    game on his phone.


    His grumbles caught Mildred by surprise. A secondter, she stared at him like he had been


    possessed.


    "Gino, how dare you talk back to me just to defend that walking jinx!"


    She began throwing another fit. "The end of the world is here! My granddaughter stabs me with


    needles, whereas my grandson dares to talk back to me! There''s no ce for me in this family


    anymore!"


    At that moment, someone knocked on the door from the outside. Oscar and n then walked into


    the ward.


    When Mildred spotted them, she stopped her fit immediately. She asked respectfully, "Dr. Bloom,


    what''s the purpose of your visit?"


    Both Gino and Lilith were speechless by Mildred''s double-faced antics.


    "Mrs. Everett Senior, Dr. Bloom specially came here to visit you. How are you feeling right now?


    Better, perhaps?" n exined.


    Mildred couldn''t help but feel smug and vain upon hearing n''s words. After all, the director of the


    prestigious Pineview Hospital personally dropped by to visit her. Not many patients had the honor of


    being visited by Oscar.


    Then, Mildred focused on feeling every part of her body. Ever since she woke up, her head no


    longer hurt, nor was her lower back constantly sore. In fact, she was filled with vigor and energy.


    "I feel a lot better now. This is my first time feeling so energetic ever since I got hospitalized. Thank


    you for dropping by just to visit me, Dr. Bloom."


    Once again, Gino was speechless.


    No wonder Mildred was able to throw so many fits in one day.


    Oscar chuckled before replying, "There''s no need to thank me. You should be thanking your


    granddaughter instead."


    "What?" Mildred was perplexed.

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    "You want me to thank Hera?" Mildred chuckled coldly in response.


    Was she expected to thank Hera for bringing her bad luck? Was she meant to be grateful to Hera


    for getting her hospitalized in the first ce before causing the Everetts'' bankruptcy?


    "Yeah. She used acupuncture to unclog your artery. Once the artery is unclogged, the symptoms of


    the other health problems you suffer from are greatly alleviated," Oscar exined kindly.


    "Really?" Mildred looked stunned.


    So, that brat was really equipped with medical skills after all?


    "Of course! Your granddaughter is extremely talented, you know! She''s able to perform the 13


    Needles of Death so skillfully despite her tender age! She''s destined to be a great doctor one day!


    "May I ask for her contact number? I''d like to hire her as the chief physician of Pineview Hospital."


    What? Chief physician?


    Mildred''s jaw went ck from the shock. She even thought she was hearing things.


    To think that Oscar, the director of Pineview Hospital as well as an influential individual in Jadonia''s


    medical world, had showered Hera with such praises!


    He also wanted to hire her as the chief physician, for crying out loud!


    The rank of a chief physician was the highest rank any doctor dreamed of attaining!


    Lilith was shocked as well. She knew that Hera was good at acupuncture, but she never thought


    that Hera was that skilled.


    Gino was the only one wearing a smug look. "I told you Hera''s medical skills are outstanding! You


    refused to believe me back then!"


    Lilith managed to snap out of her trance. "Thank you for your wonderfulpliments, Dr. Bloom.


    But my daughter''s still studying at the moment. She needs to focus on her studies for the time


    being, so she can''t take on any shifts at the hospital."


    "That won''t be an issue! If she can''t take any shifts, she can remain as an expert in name. The base


    of her annual sry will start at a million dors."


    Then, Oscar passed his business card to Lilith. "Please give your daughter my business card and


    tell her to think this offer through. Pineview Hospital needs her extraordinary talent."


    Hera''s annual sry would start at one million dors?


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Back when the Everetts were still rich, Mildred thought a million dors was a huge figure. Now that


    the Everetts had gone bankrupt, Mildred needed the money a lot more than before.


    She never thought that Hera was worth that much money.


    Lilith was still hesitant about the offer, so Mildred epted the business card right away.


    "Dr. Bloom, there''s no need for Hera to think about the offer. I''m her grandmother, so I can decide


    for her. I''ll ept the job on her behalf."


    "Mom!" Just as Lilith uttered that word, Mildred turned to shoot her a re that screamed "shut up".


    "Dr. Bloom, don''t listen to her. My sister is still a minor. But I''ll pass your offer to her," Gino spoke up


    immediately in a mature manner.


    Oscar had gone through a lot in life, so he could see through Mildred''s scheme right away. Still, he


    opted not to expose her. Instead, he just patted Gino on the shoulder gleefully.


    "Age isn''t a problem here. We can afford to wait for her response. Please convey our offer to your


    sister, child. I''ll be waiting for your good news."


    Celestial Gardens was an affluent residential area located right next to Skyview Heights. Every vi


    in Celestial Gardens was named after a constetion in the sky.


    The atmosphere in a vi named Ursa Major was extremely tense and eerie at the moment¡ªtwo


    rows of bodyguards d in dark suits and sunsses upied both ends of the living room. Three


    middle-aged men could be seen kneeling on the floor while begging the man seated on an armchair


    for mercy.


    The man wore a ghastly mask and was dressed in all ck. His legs were parted slightly as he sat


    on the armchair, whereas his right hand was propped leisurely against the arm of the armchair.


    There was an engraved thumb ring upying his thumb, the faint outline of a dragon streaking


    across the surface.


    An intimidating bearing surrounded the man, making him resemble a king overseeing his subjects.


    A pair of alluring eyes hid behind the mask, though they were currently trained on the men


    prostrating in front of him at the moment. His gaze was cold as if he were looking down on pests


    instead of actual human beings.


    "Grandmaster, please forgive us! We were blinded by greed back then, so we ended up making


    these mistakes!"


    "We truly are in the wrong, and we acknowledge that! We won''tmit the same mistakes


    anymore! Please give us a chance to change our ways!"


    "Please allow us to atone for our sins by devoting ourselves to Starry Lights!"


    The men proceeded to grovel in front of the masked man¡ªalso known as Bernard¡ªeven more.


    "Those who betray the grandmaster are met with only one fate!" Samson dered from his spot


    next to Bernard.


    Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Cripple these men. They''ll spend the rest of their lives ving


    away in Astenia."


    When the men heard the verdict, they felt as though they were about to pass out. They''d rather die


    than sumb to that fate.

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    "Grandmaster, please! We''re begging you! Please spare our lives!"


    The men began groveling even more to the point that they began smashing their foreheads against


    the floor, causing their heads to bleed.


    At that moment, a phone''s ringtone cut through the atmosphere.


    Bernard picked up the ringing phone casually. When he saw the caller ID, a hint of warmth surfaced


    on his cold-looking face.


    He parted his thin lips to utter, "Keep it down."


    The three men grasped onto the final line of hope, thinking that they could still reverse the situation.


    They looked up at Bernard eagerly, waiting for his next line.


    Little did they know that Bernard was talking to the bodyguards this whole time.


    The bodyguards paired up immediately and approached the men. One person was in charge of


    covering his target''s mouth and strangling him, while the other took on the responsibility of crippling


    said target.


    Three resounding snaps of bones being broken could be hearding from the men. The poor


    men were in so much pain that they couldn''t utter a sound. Darkness swam around their vision,


    threatening to consume them whole.


    At that moment, Bernard answered the call. "Sweetie, are youing home soon?"


    One of the bodyguards, who was in charge of beating his target up, happened to overhear


    Bernard''s affectionate nickname for Hera being spoken in such a gentle manner. He shuddered


    immediately and lost control of himself for a moment, resulting in him almost killing the target.


    Was this really the cold and ruthless grandmaster of Astral Nova?


    Who on earth was the one calling him?


    The poor man fainted on the spot from the intense pain after letting out a few soft groans.


    Meanwhile, Samson was left feeling speechless and awkward.


    If only he could remind Bernard to keep up his intimidating front as the grandmaster of Astral


    Nova¡­


    On the other hand, Hera''s breath was lodged in her throat the moment she heard Bernard''s voice.


    For some reason, it managed to strum her heartstrings.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Bernard hadst called her "sweetie" 11 years ago. Back then, she was still living with the Killians.


    "Sweetie" was Bernard''s favorite nickname for her.


    "Nope. I''m not done with my business yet," Hera replied after regaining her senses. "I just wanted to


    remind you to take your meals regrly. Don''t forget your meds."


    "I thought you missed me," Bernard replied while sounding pitiful.


    Another bodyguard shuddered at the response. He ended up knocking out his own target, who


    crumpled to the floor with a loud thud.


    Hera didn''t say anything on the other end of the line.


    The truth was, she was a little worried about Bernard''s injury.


    "Is there someone else with you at home?" She could hear the thuding from Bernard''s end of


    the line.


    "Nope. I''m alone here. Right, Tiramisu''s with me too," Bernard answered smoothly.


    Samson and the bodyguards were speechless, to say the least. Were they not supposed to exist?


    "I''ve ordered food for you. The server will arrive soon with the food. You have to pay attention to the


    doorbell, alright?" Hera said.


    "Got it. You''re so meticulous, sweetie. I''ll wait for you toe home."


    After Bernard ended the call, the hint of gentleness dissipated instantly. His demeanor became icy


    once again.


    He shot a frosty nce at the three men, who slumped on the floor before ordering, "Deal with them


    ordingly."


    "Yes, sir," Samson responded before waving at his subordinates.


    A few bodyguards propped the men out of the vi.


    Once Samson and Bernard were the only ones left in the living room, Bernard removed his mask.


    "We''re going back to Skyview Heights."


    Samson hurried over to help him up on his feet. At the same time, Dous brought out a


    wheelchair from a room.


    As the grandmaster of Astral Nova, Bernard couldn''t let anyone else find out about his injury.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    It was 2:00 pm in Nathan''s office at the police station.


    "Ms. Youngworth, I have good news and bad news for you."


    Nathan took a deep drag from his cigarette before snuffing the butt against the ashtray.


    Hera waved the smoke away, a look of disgust apparent on her face. Before she could speak up,


    Nathan''s voice cut her off.


    "The good news is, we finally found Isabe and her mother."


    His words elicited a frown from Hera immediately. If Nathan chose to start with the good news


    instead of the bad news, that could only mean that the bad news carried more weight in this case.


    "What''s the bad news?" she asked.


    "We found their corpses." As Nathan spoke, he pulled out a case folder from his drawer and passed


    it to Hera.


    Hera lowered her gaze slightly, her long and thick eyshes fanning out from her eyelids, as she


    gazed at the brown paper envelope.


    Even though she was already mentally prepared for the bad news after receiving Nathan''s call this


    morning, she was still saddened by the news.


    Hera was only acquainted with Isabe briefly, so she didn''t care about Isabe. In fact, Isabe


    was the daughter of the driver who had killed Daphne back then.


    Still, Isabe was still a human being. To think that she''d die just like that.


    Did she go missing just because she had mentioned Robin back then? Did that lead to her death?


    "The authorities found the victims'' bodies in a dam located near Southburrow a week ago. By the


    time the bodies were fished out of the water, they were already severely dposed.


    "Back then, the forensic doctor had deduced that the victims were dead for over a dozen days, so


    the authorities weren''t able to determine the victims'' identities.


    "Three days ago, the local police department issued a notice for the other police departments to


    help investigate the victims'' identities. After I received the news, I traveled to Southburrow right


    away. After running tests on the bodies'' DNA, I was able to determine the victims as Isabe and


    her mother."


    Nathan took a sip out of his coffee mug before continuing, "The cause of death is the sudden influx


    of liquid into the victims'' airways, which caused asphyxiation to ur. In other words, they drowned.


    "The victims'' time of death had taken ce far too long ago, not to mention a few storms had


    urred since their deaths. This resulted in the severe destruction of the crime scene.


    "Of course, the public security camera installed near the road outside the dam was down during


    those three days. The authorities aren''t able to deduce if murder, suicide, or an ident is on the


    table here. But in the end, they wrapped up the case afterbeling it as an idental death."


    "This is against the rules, right? You''re in charge of missing people''s cases. Now that they found the


    missing victim''s body, shouldn''t you be the oneunching a thorough investigation before wrapping


    it up?"


    Hera raised her head to look at Nathan calmly.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    There were too many abnormalities surrounding Isabe''s disappearance back then. Typically


    speaking, since Isabe''s case was lodged in Norburgh, the police in charge should be the ones


    closing the case.


    The fact that the authorities of Southburrow closed the case so haphazardly could only mean one


    thing¡ªsomething fishy was going on.


    "That''s the reason why I invited you over to my office."


    Nathan rose from his chair and moved to stand by the window. He cracked the window open slightly


    before lighting another cigarette.


    The reason why Isabe''s missing person case could be built was because she was a few days


    away from reaching her 18th birthday. That meant she was a minor during her time of


    disappearance, thus fitting the criteria of filing an underaged victim''s missing person case.


    Once the case was built, Nathan took Queenie back to the station for questioning, seeing as she


    was the biggest suspect then. But Queenie was able to prove her innocence, so she was released


    after that.


    Nathan had no choice but to lead his team on a search for Isabe. Unfortunately, all his efforts


    were for naught.


    A few dayster, Isabe officially turned 18 years old. Since the police couldn''t find any other clues


    that suggested the possibility of abduction, Isabe''s case became a regr missing person case.


    Hence, her case was no longerbeled as a case meant for the criminal investigation department.


    This meant Nathan couldn''t use the force''s resources to aid his investigation regarding the case.


    He could only use his spare time when he was off duty to continue looking for clues regarding


    Isabe''s disappearance.


    It wasn''t until Nathan saw the notice issued by Southburrow''s police department three days ago that


    he found out the truth. But Isabe and her mother''s deaths resulted in a new case being built in


    Southburrow instead.


    "Southburrow is taking part in the Urban Utopia Competition as a contestant. The higher-ups of the


    Southburrow police department doesn''t want to escte this incident, so they decided to close the


    case prematurely."


    After Nathan was done speaking, he inhaled another lungful of smoke silently.


    Cold wind blew through the gap at that moment. Hera felt the wind pping her cheeks and toying


    with her locks.


    She understood the situation right away. Isabe and her mother were just two regr people


    without prominent backgrounds. If the police chose tobel their deaths as idental deaths and


    close the case just like that, no one in this world would demand the case to be reopened.


    Even if someone did do that, there were still people powerful enough to override this decision.


    Besides, it was hard for regr people to demand a case to be reopened anyway. That was unless


    the person making the demands had strong connections and an influential background that allowed


    them to fight back against the authorities and the government.


    "Thank you, Captain Olson," Hera said while rising to her feet.


    Isabe was the only clue that could lead to a breakthrough in Hera''s investigation of Daphne''s


    ident. But now, this lead was gone.


    All Hera knew was that she was heading in the right direction. Daphne''s death was no ident¡ªit


    was a premeditated murder.


    The cause of Isabe and her mother''s deaths was definitely murder, too.


    Hera''s role as an investigator was most likely revealed to the mastermind. The bad thing was that


    the mastermind lurked in the dark while she remained unaware of their identity.


    "If you want to keep investigating, you can start by investigating the Gaskell family," Nathan stated


    all of a sudden.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Hera paused in her actions of opening the door and leaving the room upon hearing Nathan''s


    statement.


    Nathan continued, "Robin used to work as the Gaskells'' driver prior to the ident."


    He wanted to continue investigating Daphne''s case, but at the end of the day, he was just a public


    servant of the bureaucratic system. He wouldn''t be able to do anything to the Gaskells at all.


    "Thank you," Hera replied coolly before exiting the office.


    At the same time, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.


    "Hey, Mr. Annoying. Your family still owes me a favor. It''s time for me to cash it in."


    Hera ended the call sometimeter and walked out of the police station. The driver stopped the car


    in front of her before getting out to open the back seat''s door for her.


    "Ms. Youngworth, are you returning to Skyview Heights now?" he asked.


    Hera nced at him coolly before replying, "Yeah."


    ¡­


    After the meeting, Gideon decided to leave thepany. He scrolled through Instagram while


    waiting for the elevator to arrive.


    That was when he saw Gino''stest post, which was posted at noon. "I''ve decided to forgive her,


    seeing as she has specifically brought me a gift."


    The image that came with the caption showed two bars of chocte.


    "How childish," Gideon muttered under his breath. Then, he snapped a screenshot of the post


    before sending it to Hera.


    He texted, "You can''t just show affection to your younger brother. You need to shower your older


    brother with love too."


    There was a pitiful emoji pasted at the end of the message.


    Meanwhile, Hera was ying on her phone in the back seat when she saw a WhatsApp notification


    pop up. After tapping on it, she saw Gideon''s screenshot and message.


    She fell silent at the message.


    The chocte bars were meant to coax Bernard into taking his medicine in the first ce. That was


    why she had extra chocte bars lying around in her pocket.


    After that, Gideon sent Hera another photo. It was a photo of his left hand with his sleeve rolled up


    to reveal his wrist. His skin was particrly fair and smooth.


    Hera texted back, "What?"


    Gideon didn''t hesitate to bombard her with more texts.


    "Don''t you think my wrist is quite bare? You didn''t even give me a presentst time!"


    Hera didn''t know what to reply.


    That wasn''t a gift at all. It was just a piece of red string that she didn''t want.


    Coincidentally, the car sped past a shopping mall. Hera happened to see a branded outlet selling


    men''s essories.


    So, she said to the driver, "Pull over for a bit."


    After the driver stopped the car, he took a photo of Hera walking into the outlet before sending it to


    Bernard.


    "Ms. Youngworth has left the police station. We were on the way home when she decided to go


    shopping. It''ll take us half an hour to return to Skyview Heights," he texted.


    Back in Skyview Heights, Bernard was in the midst of going through the project files that Theo had


    brought him when he noticed his phone screen lighting up. He tapped on the phone to nce at it


    momentarily before closing the files.


    "I want you to amend the proposalter. That''s all for today. Restore the living room to the way it


    was before you leave."


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Theo and Dous exchanged knowing nces with each other.


    That meant Hera wasing home soon.


    One of them wheeled Bernard back to his room while the other tidied up the living room swiftly. After


    that, both of them hurriedly left.


    Bernardy on the bed leisurely while zooming into the photo the driver had just sent him. When he


    noticed the outlet, he couldn''t help but smile.


    He wondered what sort of gift Hera would pick out for him.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    The sky had already gone dark by the time Hera returned to Skyview Heights.


    She opened the front door, soon realizing that the lights in the living room were turned on. Tiramisu


    came bounding toward her merrily before nuzzling against her legs.


    "Tiramisu, has your dad been behaving himself today?" Hera picked Tiramisu up and changed into


    her indoor slippers at the doorway before entering the living room.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Tiramisu grunted in response. If it could speak, it would''veined to Hera that Bernard kept


    misbehaving throughout the day. Not only did he leave the apartment, but he also brought other


    visitors with him and kept Tiramisu locked up in its pen. Because of him, Tiramisu couldn''t even y


    in the living room.


    Hera spotted Bernard, who was sitting in his wheelchair. He was still wearing the same silk pajamas


    from this morning. The light cast down on him made him seem a lot fairer than usual. He didn''t even


    bother putting on his slippers, judging from his bare feet on the wheelchair''s pedestals.


    "Why did you get out of bed?" Hera asked as she put Tiramisu down.


    Then, she removed her jacket and hung it on the coat rack. She made sure to fetch an extra


    cardigan from the rack so that she could drape it on Bernard''s shoulders.


    Even though the heater was already turned on, the fact that Bernard had just recovered from his


    illness still stood. It''d be very easy for him to catch another cold since he was only wearing thin


    pajamas.


    Bernard ran his fingers across the fabric, a small smile already ying on his lips.


    "I want to be the first person you see the moment you walk into the apartment."


    Hera fell silent at his sappy words.


    Bernard scanned her up and down thoroughly before turning to look at the doorway. Strangely


    enough, Hera didn''t return with a shopping bag.


    "Where''s the gift?" he asked. His eyes glinted as he turned to look at Hera hopefully.


    That word again!


    "What gift?" Hera asked coolly as she walked into the kitchen to check the ingredients in the fridge.


    This time, it was Bernard''s turn to stay silent. A momentter, realization dawned on him.


    Ten minutes ago, the driver had informed him that Hera had gotten out of the car with a shopping


    bag. How was it possible for the gift to disappear in just ten minutes?


    Did Hera give that gift to another man behind his back?


    When Bernard recalled the scene where Christopher had given Hera a bouquet of flowers at the


    gateway of the residential area yesterday, his eyes darkened instantly, followed by his expression.


    He pulled out his phone and drafted a text message for Andrew.


    "You''d better keep a leash on that son of yours," he wrote.


    Of course, Andrew was extremely confused when he received the message.


    "Is the Everett residence the only ce you''ve been to today?" Bernard asked while wheeling


    himself toward the kitchen.


    Hera was in the midst of clearing out the rotten vegetables from the fridge. She didn''t bother to look


    at Bernard.


    "Don''t you already know the ces I''ve been to today?"


    Hera would never believe that Bernard had hired the driver randomly.


    On the other hand, Bernard was surprised to see that Hera was smarter than she looked. Since she


    didn''t get mad at him after exposing his lie, he decided not to put up any pretenses anymore.


    "I can help you with the case," Bernard stated.


    "No need for that," Hera rejected immediately.


    Isabe and her mother were already dead. Hera wouldn''t be able to extract any clues from their


    bodies, so she could only change her focus on the investigation.


    Bernard was silent after getting rejected. Did Hera not trust him?


    "So, who''s the gift for?" he asked again.


    Hera didn''t say anything for a few moments.


    Why the hell did the conversational topic return to the gift?


    "Take a guess yourself!" she snapped.


    Bernard didn''t say anything after that. Instead, he secretly cursed the lucky man out.


    ¡­


    At the same time, Gideon attended a gathering which was introduced to him by a friend.


    He had just opened a branchpany in Jadonia, so he needed to make new connections. It so


    happened that someone also wanted to coborate with him in business. It was safe to say that


    both parties would benefit from this gathering.


    The moment Gideon opened the private room''s door, his close friend quickly approached him and


    hooked an arm around his neck.


    "Hey, you''re here! Everyone, Gideon''s here! Let''s get to know each other, yeah?"


    "Sorry for beingte. Something came up just now," Gideon said while removing his jacket.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Someone happened to notice the watch strapped around Gideon''s left wrist. When he approached


    Gideon to shake his hand, hemented, "You have great taste in watches, Gideon! That''s a four-


    million-dor Rolex watch right there! It suits you really well!"


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Wow! You really are generous when ites to the good stuff! This watch is the only model in the


    whole world, you know! I can''t believe you actually got your hands on it!"


    "As expected of Gideon! You really have remarkable taste!"


    When the first guy began kissing up to Gideon, the few others who wanted to coborate with him


    followed suit.


    "Is that so? Thank you," Gideon replied with a smile.


    Then, he flipped his hand around to show his inner wrist. "What do you think about this cufflink,


    then?"


    The people fell silent after ncing at the cufflink.


    Wasn''t it just an ordinary cufflink? It looked dull whenpared to the four-million-dor Rolex


    watch. Heck, it even looked extremely cheap.


    But the guests were charismatic and knew their way around a human''s heart, seeing as they


    wanted to work with Gideon. The fact that Gideon was asking them such a question meant that he


    was doing it on purpose.


    So, they wasted no time inplimenting the cufflink.


    "The cufflink might not be as expensive as the watch, but the one who picked it out for you has


    amazing taste!"


    "Just look at the cufflink''s design! It''s extremely intricate! This cufflink is definitely designed just to


    complement you, Gideon!"


    "Precisely! This cufflink matches your appearance well, Gideon!"


    Gideon was in a good mood despite knowing that the other guests were just saying all those things


    to butter him up. "My sister was the one who gave me the cufflink."


    The guests swapped looks with each other. They had all heard that Gideon chose to stay in Jadonia


    and start a branchpany here for the sake of his younger sister. Hence, they collectively


    breathed mental sighs of relief.


    Thank goodness they didn''t overdo the whole buttering up thing.


    ¡­


    Yana walked into the living room of the Gaskell residence with an armful of shopping bags. Eugene


    trailed behind her quietly.


    It turned out that Yana was Queenie''s cousin. She visited the Gaskell residence regrly so that


    she could suck up to the Gaskells. That was why she knew her way around the manor.


    Queenie smiled at the sight of the things Yana had brought. "Oh, Yana! It''s great to see you here!


    Why must you insist on bringing this many gifts every time you visit?"


    "It''s nothing," Yana replied while cing the items on the coffee table. "I heard that Mr. Gaskell


    Senior''s condition has improved by leaps and bounds. It just so happens that I''ve bought some


    supplements as well as elderberries from Jenville for him to nourish himself.


    "Queenie, your gifts are fish oil pellets imported from Inkvaria and cogen pills from Jenville. They


    are meant to preserve your youthful beauty while keeping your skin smooth and dewy.


    "This Montnc fountain pen is a gift for Zyler. I hope it''ll act as a good luck charm for him to


    emerge as the valedictorian in his SATs next year. As for this¡­"


    Queenie watched as Yana listed out all the valuable gifts she had prepared for every member of the


    Gaskell family. Obviously, Yana needed the Gaskells to help her out with something. Why else


    would she prepare suchvish gifts otherwise?


    "You really are thoughtful and generous, Yana," Queenie said smilingly.


    Then, she turned to look at Eugene, who was seated on the couch while ying a game. "How are


    Eugene''s grades as ofte?"


    "Eugene, hurry up and greet your aunt." Yana nudged Eugene gently.


    "Hi, Aunt Queenie," Eugene greeted before returning to his game.


    "Oh, Queenie. Frankly speaking, Eugene got himself into a bit of conflict with his ssmate some


    time ago. That ssmate''s older sister seduced the dean and managed to convince him to expel


    my sweet Eugene from the school!" Yanamented.


    Queenie was both surprised and intrigued, to say the least. She asked, "Just who on earth is that


    charming to be able to seduce Dean Ludden?"


    As far as Queenie knew, Andrew had always been an upright and stern man. To think that there


    existed a woman who was able to seduce him¡­


    "You know that girl too. She''s Hera Youngworth, the Everetts'' actual daughter whom they had


    brought back from the countryside some time ago," Yana replied.


    "What?"


    "Holy sh¡ªwhat?"


    Zyler happened to walk down the stairs at that moment, so he overheard Yana''s words. He and


    Queenie were equally stunned to hear Yana''s answer.


    "Zyler!" Yana visibly lit up at the sight. She nudged Eugene once again. "Eugene, hurry up and


    greet your cousin."


    "Hi, Zyler." That was when Eugene put his phone away.


    "What happened?" Zyler asked with a sullen expression.


    Not only did Hera seduce Christopher, but she also seduced Andrew?


    Yana began filling Zyler and Queenie in on the exaggerated version of what happened in the


    infirmary that day.


    "That brat''s at it again!" Queenie glowered darkly.


    But Zyler looked pleased. "Is what you said the truth?"

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    "Of course! Why else would Dean Ludden personally deal with the situation, if not to back the filthy


    bitch up?"


    Yana was very confident that Hera had seduced Andrew.


    Hera had stirred up a ruckus at the Gaskells'' family banquet in the past, resulting in them bing


    aughingstock in the upper echelons. Also, their reputation had been endangered since that


    incident.


    Queenie was furious at Hera because of that incident. Of course, it was only natural for her to hate


    Hera to the core.


    Now, all Yana had to do was invoke Queenie''s wrath directed at Hera. That way, she''d be


    Yana''s ally in dealing with Hera. Things would definitely be a lot easier after that.


    "And here I was, thinking about how to destroy that brat once and for all! To think that her


    scandalous weakness is presented to me on a silver tter!" Queenie snarled out, her eyes


    narrowing slightly.


    "This time, she has nowhere to escape," Zyler muttered under his breath while clenching his fists


    tightly.


    He had been worrying about how to expose Hera''s true colors so that he could patch his friendship


    with Christopher in order to secure a spot on the guaranteed admission list. Now, that chance had


    arrived.


    "Zyler, since you and Christopher are such close friends, can you help put in a good word for me in


    front of him so that I can return to Cavenridge as a student? I promise, once I''m re-enrolled into the


    academy, I''ll definitely study hard instead of picking fights with others!" Eugene requested eagerly.


    "Precisely. Zyler, you and Mr. Ludden are good friends, aren''t you? Can you speak up for Eugene?


    My sweet Eugene can''t leave Cavenridge, you see," Yana pleaded as well.


    This was the purpose behind their visit.


    After Eugene got expelled from Cavenridge International Academy, the other elite academies


    refused to take him in as their student. On the other hand, Eugene''s grades were so poor that he


    could barely qualify for public schools. Then again, he felt that studying in a public school was


    humiliating, so he didn''t want to enroll in any of them.


    "Um¡­" Zyler looked a little troubled.


    The thing was, he never told anyone that Christopher no longer wanted to remain as his friend. That


    was because he was confident that Christopher would soon make up with him. To him, there was no


    need to tell anyone about the incident, lest othersughed at him instead.


    "This isn''t a problem at all. Zyler can bring it up to Christopher the next time they meet. Just wait


    patiently for his good news."


    While Zyler was racking his brain on how to refuse Yana and Eugene politely, Queenie agreed to


    help them out on his behalf.


    Naturally, Zyler didn''t know what to say.


    Yana was ted, to say the least. "Thank you, Queenie and Zyler!"


    "Thank you, Zyler!" Eugene piped up excitedly. "My mom told me that Cavenridge will be given two


    slots in Vardhar University''s guaranteed admission list! One of them is definitely yours! She even


    told me to study hard like you, so that I can get into Vardhar University in the future!"


    "Ahaha¡­ You''re wee¡­" Zyler smiled awkwardly.


    He was even more bent on exposing Hera''s true colors and patching up his friendship with


    Christopher. If not, he''d be reduced to aughingstock among the elite families.


    ¡­


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    On Monday morning, Hera finished her breakfast and got ready to go to school. That was when


    Bernard wheeled himself out of the room.


    "I''ll take you there," he offered.


    Hera nced at him. A pair of gold-rimmed sses was perched on his nose bridge, thus


    entuating his wlessly gorgeous features. His short hair was styled with hair gel, and his


    appearance waspleted with a ck suit, which brought out his figure. A gray checkered woolen


    quilt rested on hisp to ensure hisfort.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Bernard was seated in his wheelchair, Hera would''ve thought that he


    was nning to show up at a red carpet event.


    Also, Bernard was still confined to his wheelchair. Was he really taking her to school? Or was she


    expected to wheel him there?


    "It so happens that I need to visit Cavenbridge as well. I need to deal with something there,"


    Bernard exined as though he could sense what Hera was thinking at the moment.


    His injuries had significantly healed after his two-day recuperation. So, Hera didn''t restrict him from


    leaving home. She just acquiesced to his request to go to the academy with her.


    Both of them left the apartment after that. The moment they reached the gateway of the residential


    area, they spotted a yellow Ferrari parking right outside. Christopher stood next to the car while


    gazing into the residential area.


    He visibly lit up when he saw Hera. Then, he raised an arm to wave at her. "Hera!"


    But when he saw Bernard, his smile faded away slightly.


    It seemed that Hera and Bernard really were living together.


    After Christopher drove Hera back to the residential area on Friday night, he had witnessed her and


    Bernard walking into the area together. He even waited at the gateway till midnight after that, yet he


    never saw Hera exiting the residential area.


    Christopher wasn''t sure what rtionship Hera and Bernard shared, but he subconsciously leaned


    more toward the possibility of them being rtives. He guessed that Hera had to stay with Bernard


    to care for him, seeing as he was injured.


    "Why are you here?" Hera asked coolly.

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    "I just happened to pass by this area. Since you haven''t gone to the academy, I might as well stick


    around and wait for you for a bit. That way, we can go together."


    Christopher smiled bashfully at Hera before greeting Bernard politely. "Good morning, Professor


    Killian. How''s your¡ª"


    "You must''ve covered an additional distance of over 30 miles just by traveling from the Ludden


    residence to here before going to Cavenridge International Academy, right?" Bernard interjected.


    His deep and husky voice sounded extraordinarily chilly. Just like that, he exposed Christopher''s lie


    without intending to spare thetter''s pride.


    Naturally, Christopher was no match for Bernard when it came to courting girls.


    Both Hera and Christopher fell silent after hearing Bernard''s words. Christopher looked somewhat


    embarrassed now that his actual intention was revealed.


    However, Christopher dared not offend Bernard. After all, Bernard was the seventh son of the


    esteemed Killian family. He was an individual to whom Andrew and Aaron had to show respect.


    Besides, Christopher wasn''t sure what the true nature of Hera and Bernard''s rtionship was.


    "Since you''re bent on ying the role as our driver, then what are you standing around for?"


    Bernard asked icily.


    He scanned Christopher up and down with his sharp gaze, as though he was looking for a gift given


    to him by a certain someone.


    Christopher was baffled, to say the least.


    Hold on, he didn''t agree to be Bernard and Hera''s personal driver!


    Meanwhile, Hera shot Bernard a surprised look. Then, she looked down at her phone, which


    showed her e-hailing app. It was the morning rush hour, so none of the drivers had epted her


    order. She then canceled her request.


    "Thanks," Hera said to Christopher.


    Left without a choice, Christopher could only open the back seat door. Then, he and Hera worked


    together to help Bernard into the back seat. The wheelchair was quickly folded up before being


    ced into the trunk.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    On the way to Cavenridge International Academy, the atmosphere in the car was eerily silent. The


    pair sitting in the back seat were scrolling through their phones quietly.


    As for Christopher, he could only drive dutifully. He felt like crying on the inside.


    To think that Hera and Bernard truly treated him like their personal driver!


    20 minutester, Christopher stopped outside the ssroom block where the junior year students


    primarily studied.


    After Hera got out of the car and closed the door behind her, Christopher asked, "Professor Killian,


    where is your destination?"


    Bernard continued looking at his phone screen without ncing at Christopher. "Skyview Heights,"


    he replied coolly.


    At that moment, Christopher felt like the biggest clown in the world.


    Was Bernard toying around with him?


    Besides, the first lesson was about to start soon. If he were to drive Bernard home, he''d definitely


    bete.


    "Professor, we''ve already reached the academy. Isn''t there something you want to do here?"


    Christopher asked in a roundabout way.


    "I''m already done with my business here."


    Once again, Christopher was rendered speechless.


    Bernard didn''t even get out of the goddamned car! How the heck was he done with his business?


    "The first ss will start in five minutes. Is it okay if I get my driver to drive you home?" Christopher


    suggested, albeit exasperatedly.


    Bernard nced at his watch. "If you continue to mull over this dilemma for two more minutes, you


    can get back to the academy just in time to miss the first lesson entirely."


    He sounded very firm. Clearly, there was no room for negotiation.


    Christopher was starting to get angry, but he dared not show it for fear of offending Bernard. So, he


    could only turn the car around and drive Bernard back to Skyview Heights.


    Sometimeter, the Ferrari reached Skyview Heights.


    After Bernard got out of the car, he said frostily, "Since you like being a driver that much, you should


    just apply for a job as a designated driver."


    Christopher was so furious that he almost popped a vein on the spot. He finally realized that


    Bernard was doing this just to mess with him on purpose.


    And all of this sparked because Christopher came up with an excuse to drive Hera to school?


    Christopher clenched his fists tightly for a moment. He mustered all of his courage to ask,


    "Professor Killian, may I ask you a question? What''s your rtionship with Hera?"

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    Bernard retorted, "What does that have to do with you?"


    ¡­


    Christopher sat at his desk in the ssroom. His mind was gued with Bernard''s answer, which


    had been reverberating throughout the morning. He wasn''t in the mood for sses at all.


    The moment the lunch bell rang, Christopher packed up his stuff immediately. He needed to track


    Hera down just so he could talk to her.


    Zyler called out to Christopher at that moment.


    "Why don''t we have lunch together, Christopher? I''d like to talk to you about something."


    "What do you want to talk about?" Christopher replied tly.


    Zyler felt quite miffed upon hearing Christopher''s cold tone. He found himself resenting Hera even


    more after that.


    If it weren''t for her, things between him and Christopher wouldn''t have gotten this tense.


    "I''ve booked a private room in the Imperial Hotel. Why don''t we chat while having lunch together?"


    There were too many people at school, making it difficult for Zyler to badmouth Hera in front of


    Christopher.


    "We''re no longer friends now, so there''s nothing to talk about. I have to deal with some other


    matters, so I''m leaving now."


    Christopher left the ssroom after saying his piece.


    Zyler stared at Christopher''s receding figure, his fists tightly clenched.


    ¡­


    After sses were done for the day, Hera stayed back to clean the ssroom because it was her


    turn on the duty roster that day. There, she received a phone call from an academy admin, who


    requested that she pick up her package from the academy mailroom.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Piglet: "Boss, I''ve mailed you all the alternative medicines you need other than the century-old


    gurdyroot. The package is quite heavy, so it''s best if you get someone to carry the package with


    you."


    Piglet: "There are only two known century-old gurdyroots on the market so far. The first one has


    existed for 218 years. It currently serves as a relic in the National Auditorium of Jadonia. I can''t buy


    it at all. The other gurdyroot is a part of Astral Nova''s collection. It''s not for sale."


    Piglet: "I''ll have my subordinates look for another gurdyroot if possible."


    Raven: "Thanks. You don''t have to look for the gurdyroot anymore."


    Raven: "Keep it on my tab for now. I''m a little tight on moneytely, so I need you to start taking jobs


    for me again."


    Piglet: "You? Poor? Boss, didn''t you just earn a whopping one billion dors from the Gaskells some


    time ago?"


    Raven: "I''ve already spent it all."


    Piglet: "Holy shit! How the hell did you spend all that money? You really are something else!"


    Piglet: "It just so happens that a few clients want to seek you out for their dealings. I''ll filter them out


    for you before sending you more information."


    Hera texted back an "okay" before switching to another alternate ount she rarely used. Her


    nickname on that ount was "Shadow".


    The second text bubble on the interface showed a user named "Grandmaster of Astral Nova". Hera


    remembered adding the grandmaster''s phone number to her contact list.


    Suddenly, she recalled the second condition out of the three conditions the grandmaster wanted her


    to ept in the past. He wanted to be able to contact her at all times.


    Hence, Hera began typing up a text message for the grandmaster.


    Shadow: "Are you there? I''d like to discuss something with you. I''ve had my eye on the century-old


    gurdyroot in Astral Nova''s collection. What should I do in order to trade for it?"


    Hera wasn''t in a hurry to receive the grandmaster''s reply. After she sent the message, she was


    about to head toward the mailroom to pick up the package when she received an instantaneous


    reply from the grandmaster.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "Everything in Astral Nova''s collection is not for trade."


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "That is, unless¡­"


    Hera waited for a while, yet the grandmaster never texted her back.


    Shadow: "Unless what?"


    But the grandmaster didn''t respond to her at all.


    So, Hera put her phone away and dropped Katie, her duty roster partner, a message. Then, she


    made her way toward the mailroom on her own.


    ¡­


    Zyler exited the mailroom after collecting his parcel. He happened to spot Hera walking toward him


    in the corridor. His expression fell slightly, thinking that Hera must be stalking him.


    Then, he strode toward Hera to block her way. "What the hell are you up to this time?"


    Hera shot Zyler a cold nce, her brows scrunching into an annoyed frown. "Why are you


    everywhere?"


    "Hah! You''re the one stalking me here! Why would you ask such a question?"


    Zyler chuckled coldly. "You think you can get my attention just by ying hard to get after


    convincing Christopher to alienate me?"


    "Narcissism is a form of mental illness. I suggest you go get yourself checked into the psychiatric


    department. Now, get lost," Hera shot back icily.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    "You¡­" Zyler was instantly furious.


    What audacity Hera had to call him crazy!


    Not only did he not move away from Hera, but he also snarled out, "I''ll have you know that I have


    witnesses who saw all the despicable things you did in the past! Just you wait, Hera Youngworth! I''ll


    definitely expose your true colors in front of Chris¡ª"


    "Shut up!"


    Hera raised her right hand impatiently, revealing a silver needle which was trapped between her


    fingers. She wasted no time in stabbing Zyler''s neck, where the GV 15 acupuncture point was.


    Her actions were swift and decisive. By the time Zyler registered her actions, he was shocked that


    he couldn''t emit a sound despite having opened his mouth.


    He widened his eyes while rubbing his throat. Still, he couldn''t let out a sound.


    Zyler grabbed Hera by the shoulders, mouthing angrily, "What have you done to me?"


    "If I see youining again, I don''t mind sealing your voice permanently!" Hera snapped


    impatiently.


    Zyler was shell-shocked, to say the least.


    What sort of voodoo magic did that country bumpkin cast on him? How was he unable to speak?


    He needed her to undo whatever magic that was right away.


    So, Zyler continued gripping Hera''s shoulders and screamed silently at her.


    "Zyler, what are you doing to Hera?" Coincidentally, Christopher showed up at that moment.


    He rushed forward quickly to shove Zyler away from Hera. Then, he turned to look at her worriedly.


    "Are you alright?"


    Zyler didn''t expect Christopher to appear at this time. He was very sure that Christopher must have


    misunderstood him.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Right now, Christopher was clearly head over heels for Hera. If she were to lie to Christopher about


    what happened, he''d definitely misunderstand Zyler even more.


    That meant Zyler''s chances of patching things up with Christopher would decrease significantly, and


    subsequently, he would lose his spot on the guaranteed admission list.


    Zyler wanted to exin his side of the story, yet he couldn''t make any sounds.


    "It was nothing. He was telling me that he could carry my package for me," Hera said coolly.


    Upon hearing the excuse, the furious Zyler turned to stare at Hera in astonishment. He didn''t expect


    her to defend him.


    He knew it! She had feelings for him!


    "Really?" Christopher didn''t believe the excuse. After all, he had witnessed Zyler about to strike


    Hera just now.


    Why was Hera suddenly speaking up for Zyler?


    Christopher shot Zyler a look. Thetter heaved a big sigh of relief before nodding.


    Displeasure streaked across Christopher''s eyes at that moment. "I can carry your package for you


    as well."


    "Well then, you can supervise him," Hera said.


    That was when Zyler realized that something was off.


    Meanwhile, Christopher was still digesting the meaning behind Hera''s words. Hera used the


    opportunity to im her package from the mailroom.


    "Carry this package to the chemistryb on the fourth floor," Hera ordered while kicking therge


    box. It didn''t budge at all from the kick.


    Christopher instantly understood what Hera was nning to do. He said to Zyler," Go on. Carry it."


    Zyler remained silent. It seemed that he had stepped into a trap.


    In the end, Zyler managed to carry the 50-pound box from the mailroom on the second floor of the


    administrative block all the way to the fourth floor of the chemistryb block. Christopher made sure


    to monitor him the whole time.


    As a son of the Gaskell family, Zyler lived avish and pampered life. He was never ordered to do


    manualbor like a lower-ss peasant.


    Once he finally reached theb''s doorway, he ced therge box onto the floor heavily out of


    spite. Unfortunately, he didn''t control his strength well, resulting in the box squashing one of his


    hands the moment itnded.


    To make things worse, Zyler''s hand suffered from multiple fractures.


    He cursed. He still needed his hands to y the piano!


    ¡­


    Hera had gone back to the ssroom to finish carrying out her cleaning duties for the day. By the


    time she returned to the chemistryb on the fourth floor, she noticed her package being left at the


    doorway. Zyler was nowhere to be seen.


    After opening the door, she dragged the box into theb before opening it. Countless rare and


    precious medicinal ingredients packed securely in their own packaging could be seen in the box.


    Hera turned on the space heater before taking off her jacket. She spent the next half hour or so


    unsealing and removing the ingredients from their individual packaging.


    Her phone, which was set aside, lit up at that moment. It turned out that the grandmaster of Astral


    Nova had responded to her.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "That is, unless you''re my wife."


    Hera stared at the message silently, clearly speechless.

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    Gurdyroots weren''t exactly rare on the market. Century-old gurdyroots, on the other hand, were


    very rare to find nowadays.


    Hera opened herptop and logged into the Divine Forum, which she hadn''t visited for quite some


    time. She asked a few alternative medical practitioners who were quite well-known for their own


    merit while ignoring the unread notifications. s, none of them possessed a century-old gurdyroot.


    Her phone rang loudly at that moment. It was a call from Bernard.


    "It''s already night time. Where are you?" His husky voice drifted out of the loudspeaker.


    Hera nced at the time. Only then did she notice that it was already 7:00 pm.


    The sky had already gone dark. All the streetlights on the campus were brightly lit.


    "I''m still at the academy," Hera replied.


    "Which part of the academy?"


    Bernard''s question caught Hera off guard. "Are you still at the academy?"


    She remembered telling Bernard on WhatsApp earlier that afternoon that she needed to perform


    her duty roster chores, so she''d go hometer than usual. That was why she wanted Bernard to go


    home on his own after he was done with his business at the academy.


    "Yeah. I''ve justpleted my business. I''lle get you right now. But I don''t see any lights in the


    junior year students'' ssroom block."


    "Don''t go anywhere. I''ll go find you instead."


    Hera recalled that Bernard was still stuck in his wheelchair, so she quickly switched off herptop


    and put on her jacket. She made sure to lock the chemistryb up before scurrying away.


    There was a short distance between the chemistryb and ssroom blocks. Hera descended all


    the way to the first floor. She spotted Bernard as she hurried down the path.


    He could be seen sitting in his wheelchair on the deserted path. The dim yellow streetlight traced


    the outline of his handsome face, casting dark shadows on a portion of his face.


    Bernard''s regal-like bearing and sitting position made him seem like he was sitting on a throne


    instead of a wheelchair.


    But the night breeze was extraordinarily chilly. His hands, which rested on the arms of the


    wheelchair, were starting to turn blue from the cold¡ªthe thought of Bernard wheeling everywhere in


    search of her strummed Hera''s heartstrings.


    "Why didn''t you call me in advance?" she asked while approaching Bernard. A ball of white mist


    escaped from her lips as she spoke.


    The temperature in Norburgh often dipped a few degrees lower during winter nights.


    "I''ve already texted you, but you never replied," Bernard said. He dragged out his words slightly,


    making him seem pitiful and helpless.


    Hera tapped on her WhatsApp and switched ounts once again. Only then did she notice the text


    message Bernard had sent her half an hour ago. He had told her that he''de over to pick her up.


    Suddenly, she felt a little guilty.


    Bernard lifted the woolen quilt that was draped over hisp in an attempt to drape it over Hera''s


    shoulders. But he couldn''t reach her due to him being a lot shorter than her, seeing as he was


    confined to his wheelchair.


    He was silent for a moment before saying, "Come here."


    Hera could tell what Bernard was trying to do. She opted to stand before him without budging at all,


    her eyes silently fixed on his figure.


    "Perhaps you can try to stand up."


    Bernard didn''t respond at all. He had a feeling that Hera was mocking him.


    But if he were to rise to his feet right in front of Hera, she''d have discovered that he was perfectly


    capable of caring for himself.


    So, Bernard reached out to take Hera''s hand.


    Surprised, Hera soon felt the coldness ring from Bernard''s bigger hand, making her heart skip a


    beat.


    Suddenly, Bernard pulled her into his arms with a strong tug.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    His actions shocked Hera, but she dared not squirm around for fear that she might identally


    make contact with his injuries.


    Bernard''s frame was a lot warmer than his hand. His familiar smoky scent shot up Hera''s nostrils


    instantly, though it felt colder thanks to the night''s chill. It made her head clearer than usual.


    As Bernard draped the quilt over Hera''s shoulders, he ced his hand on her back and pulled her


    closer into his arms. He breathed in her light fragrance at the same time.


    The dim light cast down on the pair, dragging out their shadows on the deste path.


    Suddenly, two beams of light were pointed in their direction. It appeared that a car had cruised into


    the campus and had chosen to go down the path they were on.


    Hera snapped out of her trance and got up instantly. Meanwhile, Bernard shot a displeased look at


    the iing car.


    Dous, who was seated in the driver''s seat, could feel Bernard''s murderous gaze being fixed on


    him. He shuddered instinctively before stepping on the brakes.


    He didn''t mean to interrupt Bernard and Hera''s private time on purpose!


    Upon spotting the familiar license te number, Hera moved to open the car door. The moment she


    saw Dous, shemented, "I see you''re back from your vacation."


    "Yes, Ms. Youngworth," Dous replied.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    The sad truth was that Dous never got to go on a vacation.


    On the way home, Bernard''s car got stuck in a traffic jam, thanks to the evening rush hour. Typically


    speaking, they could reach Skyview Heights in over ten minutes. But they were stuck in the jam for


    half an hour this time. Unfortunately, they had yet to reach their destination.


    Hera leaned against the seat while ying on her phone. Suddenly, she felt something weighing


    her shoulder down. It turned out that Bernard had rested his head against her shoulder.


    She turned to see Bernard''s face, which was magnified before her. Did he fall asleep on her


    shoulder?


    Only when Hera was staring at Bernard from this angle did she realize how thick and long his


    eyshes actually were. Now that his eyes were closed, his eyshes were able to cast down


    crescent shadows on the spot under his eyes.


    Bernard''s skin was smoother than that of a regr woman''s. The outlines of his tall nose and sharp


    jaw were entuated even more, thanks to the glow of the streetlights.


    Anyone would''ve killed to have a face as gorgeous as Bernard''s.


    Hera''s mind began to wander as she stared at Bernard nkly.


    Dous focused on driving the whole time. Once the jam finally cleared up, he put his foot on the


    gas pedal and sped down the road.


    Skyview Heights was just right ahead. Dous stole a nce in the rearview mirror at that moment,


    only to get stabbed in the heart at the sweet and tender sight.


    If he were to stop the car now, would Bernard wake up from the jolt? Would he be dissatisfied


    because he was ruining the rare moment?


    Dous then recalled the murderous look Bernard had shot in his direction before getting into the


    car earlier. Realization dawned on him as he steered the car slightly to the left.


    Just like that, the car drove past the gateway of Skyview Heights.


    Dous reminded himself that this was for the sake of Bernard''s future happiness. In a way, he was


    also doing this for the sake of his year-end bonus.


    He ended up making threeps around Skyview Heights.


    Just as Dous was about to do the fourthp, the security guard posted at the gateway couldn''t


    hold himself back any longer. He could recognize the license te number belonging to one of the


    apartment''s inhabitants, so he stepped forward to stop the car.


    "Are you new to these parts? Can you even find the entrance properly? You''ve already done three


    laps around the area, you know! I''m getting dizzy just by looking at you!"


    Hera snapped out of her trance, thanks to Dous applying the brakes abruptly. Even Bernard was


    woken up by the sudden jolt.


    Everyone in the car fell silent for a few moments.


    Once Hera and Bernard got home, they unanimously decided to avoid bringing up what had


    happened in the car earlier.


    After dinner, Hera reminded Bernard to take his medicine on time. Then, she returned to her room


    to bathe and wash up for bed.


    Sometimeter, shey on her bed in her pajamas. She then tapped on WhatsApp before switching


    to Shadow''s WhatsApp ount.


    Her conversation with the grandmaster of Astral Nova was still stuck at the part where he wanted


    her to be his wife. Hera thought for a few moments before an idea popped into her head.


    She tapped on her keypad for a while before sending the text message.


    After that, Hera opened the photo album. She was about to send a photo to the grandmaster when


    her phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Lilith.


    The moment Hera answered it, she heard Gino''s voice drifting from the loudspeaker.


    "You refused to pick up my calls earlier, and you didn''t even call me back! Yet, you picked up Mom''s


    call right away! Am I even your actual brother?"


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Hera was momentarily stunned. It was then she remembered having spotted Gino''s missed calls in


    the afternoon, but she hadpletely forgotten to call him back.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Can''t I call you even if there''s nothing going on? Why aren''t youing home again?"


    It was rare for Hera not to hang up on Gino the moment she heard hisints. Instead, she


    swiped the calling interface away.


    She was about to continue texting the grandmaster of Astral Nova in order to find out how to get her


    hands on the century-old gurdyroot. That was when she saw the photo she had just sent to him.


    The sight of the photo caused Hera to jump out of bed right away. She promptly deleted the photo


    after that.


    Since when was that photo saved in her photo album?


    ¡­


    At the same time, Bernard stared at his phone in his study downstairs.


    Shadow: "Do you mind taking a man as your wife?"


    Bernard was speechless when he saw the question.


    Then, Shadow sent him a photo on WhatsApp. It was a photo of a man biting the hem of his white


    shirt while taking a selfie of himself in the mirror.


    The moment Bernard tapped on the photo, Shadow instantly deleted it.


    But he was very sure that it was the photo he had sent to Hera some time ago, which shocked him


    to the core.


    To think that Hera actually saved that photo into her own album!

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    "What happened?" Gino asked when he heard the soundsing from Hera''s end of the line.


    "I''ll talk to you about the things you brought up just now. I need to go now."


    Hera ended the call before swiftly typing a sentence into the WhatsApp private chat. "Will you


    believe me if I tell you that was the wrong photo?"


    She hesitated for a moment when she was about to send the message. Then, she deleted the


    whole thing.


    Hera needed to stay calm. Maybe the grandmaster hadn''t seen the photo yet.


    Thinking that luck might be on her side, she deleted the sentence before the photo.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Hera wanted to send Piglet''s photo and information to the grandmaster of Astral Nova earlier. Since


    Piglet preferred men, this mission was suitable for him.


    But in the end, she screwed up.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "You have a nice body. Are you trying to seduce me?"


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "But I haven''t had my fill of looking at it. Why don''t you send me the


    same photo again?"


    Hera was stunned, to say the least.


    She opened the photo album, only to see Bernard''s photo in it. The date it was saved happened to


    be the same day Bernard had sent the photo to her. She must have identally saved it while


    fighting Samantha for her phone.


    Shit! This was all a huge misunderstanding!


    Hera quickly tapped on the photo to delete it. But when the system asked her if she really wanted


    the photo gone, she ended up tapping "no" for some reason.


    She had to admit that Bernard was insanely hot and sexy.


    That was when Hera remembered what Bernard had done to her back then. She swiped back to the


    WhatsApp private chat and decided to go with the flow.


    Shadow: "You like it? I''ll give you the photo in exchange for the century-old gurdyroot in your


    possession."


    Meanwhile, Bernard smiled as he stared at his phone in the study.


    It seemed that Hera was pretty skilled at turning the tables in her favor.


    Bernard tapped a slender finger on the desk rhythmically. What would Hera do if she were to find


    out that he was the grandmaster of Astral Nova?


    Back in Hera''s room, she breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed that the grandmaster wasn''t


    replying to her message. It''d be weird if he did end up agreeing to her request.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "Deal."


    The message stunned Hera to the core.


    What? Did that really just happen?


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "But you need to send me ten sexy photos of yourself from different


    angles."


    Hera fell silent at the absurd condition.


    Was this really the grandmaster of Astral Nova? Did someone else hack into his ount?


    To think that the grandmaster would have such a weird fetish¡­


    Despite feeling confused, Hera still downloaded a few photos of sexy men from the Inte before


    sending them to the grandmaster.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "Are you doubting my memory? Are you refusing to take the deal?"


    Hera fell silent after seeing the message.


    How the hell could she get her hands on ten of Bernard''s sexy photos taken from different angles?


    ¡­


    Christopher sat on a bench outside the operating theater in Reind Hospital. He kept sneaking


    nces at his watch from time to time.


    He originally wanted to drive Hera home after school, but his n was ruined.

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    Queenie, Terence, and Amelia rushed over at that time.


    "Christopher, what on earth happened to Zyler? Is his injury serious?" Queenie asked worriedly.


    "Mrs. Gaskell, Zyler had identally hurt his hand when he was carrying a parcel for his ssmate.


    His right index finger and middle finger suffered from bone fractures as a result," Christopher


    exined.


    "Who''s the ssmate that''s bold enough tomand Zyler to carry their parcel for them? His


    hands are meant for ying the piano, not for manualbor!" Queenie snarled out.


    Thest person whom Zyler was willing to suck up to at all costs was Giselle, who had already


    returned to the countryside.


    Christopher frowned slightly upon seeing how vile Queenie actually was. He pursed his lips, not


    wanting to answer her question.


    He had always thought Queenie was the bold and straightforward type, but now she seemed more


    like a mean and vile woman.


    Terence was the observant type. He nudged Queenie slightly as a hint for her to keep up her


    appearance in front of Christopher.


    "That parcel seems heavy. How could Zyler be that careless?" Terencemented tactfully.


    After that, he said to Christopher courteously, "Christopher, thank you for taking Zyler to the


    hospital. It''s already thiste, which means you haven''t had dinner yet, right? I''ll order something for


    you¡ª"


    "No need for that. Since you guys are here, I''ll go home now." Christopher turned the offer down


    curtly.


    As he walked out of the hospital, he nced at his watch once again. He wondered if Hera was still


    at the academy.


    Terence wanted to walk Christopher out of the hospital. But the sight of Christopher''s swift gait gave


    him an inexplicable feeling that the former was being cold and distant toward him.


    It was as if Christopher had done his part by taking Zyler to the hospital.


    The doors of the operating theater were flung open at that moment.


    "Doctor, how''s my son''s hand? Can he still y the piano in the future?" Queenie asked hurriedly.


    "We''ve sessfully reattached the bone fragments together. He should be fine as long as he


    recuperates for three months," the doctor said.


    "He ''should be'' fine?" Queenie was dissatisfied with the doctor''s verdict. "Do I sound like I want an


    uncertain promise? I want his hand to be as good as new! No matter what, you have to heal his


    hand to the point it''s as good as new!"


    Zyler was destined to be a famous pianist. His hands mustn''t be harmed no matter what.


    "Of course, ma''am."


    The doctor nodded before continuing tactfully, "But we haven''t found out the exact reason behind


    Mr. Gaskell''s muteness¡­"


    "You useless piece of trash! It''s all thanks to trash like you that Reind Hospital''s reputation is


    ruined!" Queenie insulted angrily.


    Then, she roared at Amelia, who stood next to her, "What are you standing around? Call Camille


    right now and tell her to get over here stat!"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Reind Hospital was actually a branch hospital owned by the Chime family in Norburgh. When the


    doctor heard Camille''s name being uttered, he feared for his future in the hospital. But at the same


    time, he disliked Queenie''s unpleasant and hot-tempered personality.


    Did that woman seriously think she was capable of summoning Camille, the precious daughter of


    the Chime family?


    Amelia looked troubled as well. "Mom, have you forgotten that Camille has returned to Jedburgh?


    She''s celebrating her grandmother''s 90th birthday today."


    "Look at the time! The birthday banquet must be over now, right? Just call her first! I want her to get


    over here to treat your brother first thing tomorrow morning no matter what!" Queenie barked out


    harshly


    "I''ll do my best." Amelia clenched her fists tightly in response.


    Queenie was the type who barked out orders without caring if Amelia could carry them out.


    The thing was, Camille was Amelia''s friend, not her servant. Besides, the Chimes'' social status was


    a lot higher than the Gaskells''. The Gaskells should be honored if Camille agreed to Queenie''s


    ridiculous demand and personally came over to treat Zyler.


    To think that Queenie was bold enough to demand Camille to rush to Reind Hospital first thing


    the next morning! She was being extremely unreasonable, that was for sure!


    At that moment, a nurse wheeled Zyler out of the operating theater. Queenie dashed forward right


    away and bent over Zyler''s hospital bed. Then, she beganforting him in soft tones.


    The stark bias made Amelia feel even more distressed. Her eyes were now red-rimmed. She turned


    on her heel and left the corridor.


    Soon, Zyler was transferred to a private ward. Queenie and Terence crowded around his bed in


    concern for him. They didn''t care about Amelia''s absence at all.


    "Zyler, tell me, who''s the cause behind your injury? I swear, I''ll skin that person alive!" Queenie


    uttered, feeling her heart break at her son''s condition.


    Zyler opened his mouth instinctively just to reply, but he still couldn''t make a sound. That was when


    he began to panic.


    What the hell did Hera do to him? Would he remain as a mute for the rest of his life?


    "Don''t worry. Camille wille over tomorrow to treat your illness," Queenie continuedfortingly,


    the distress in her eyes growing stronger every second.


    Terence opened a notepad on his phone and passed it to Zyler. With difficulty, thetter managed to


    type out a message with his left hand.


    "Hera''s the reason why I''m like this!" it wrote.


    Queenie''s gaze darkened visibly after reading the message. "It''s that filthy bitch again!"


    To think that Hera would show up with a target painted on her back before Queenie could cause


    trouble for her.

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    The Chime residence, which was located in Jedburgh, was illuminated by bright lights from the


    inside out.


    Prisci Shaw''s 90th birthday banquetsted from noon tillte evening. Full courses consisting of


    delectable cuisines wereid out on long tables. All the seats were upied by esteemed guests,


    who spent long hours clinking sses with each other while chatting merrily.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Chime Senior, you really are blessed to have a miracle doctor like Ms. Chime in your


    bloodline. Surely she brings your family pride and joy!"


    Many family members and friends who came over to the main table to wish Prisci a happy


    birthday would always bring Camille''s title up as the famous Dr. Shadow.


    Augustus Chime and his wife, Prisci, had always been a humble couple. They were also shocked


    when they discovered that Camille was the elusive and famous Dr. Shadow, an entity sought out by


    the rich and the influential from the news. At the same time, they were ted as well.


    The Chimes came from a lineage of doctors. Their forefather had spent most of the toughest, battle-


    hardened years to save countless lives as doctors. Hence, he was bestowed the title "Dr. Miracle".


    After that, modern medicine was introduced to Jadonia, which impacted alternative medicine. The


    Chimes were greatly influenced by the ideology of modern medicine, so they ordered their children


    to abandon alternative medicine in pursuit of modern medicine instead.


    Because of that, the Chimes never produced another miracle doctor until recent years.


    The fact that Augustus'' descendant was a miracle doctor would forever remain the proudest


    achievement he had gained in his life. He and Prisci were all smiles throughout the day.


    "Oh, you tter me too much. I just did what a doctor''s supposed to do. Dr. Shadow is just a


    nickname that everyone has bestowed to me," Camille said with a smile.


    She presented herself as a gentle, humble, and gracious woman. Because of the magnificent first


    impression, countless rich madames adored her greatly and wished to introduce their sons to her.


    "Ms. Chime, you really are amazing for snatching the bid on the Eclipse Stone from the


    grandmaster of Astral Nova! Can you show us the stone and let us admire it?" a wealthy woman


    asked.


    Everyone agreed to the suggestion immediately.


    "I''ve always heard that the Eclipse Stone is a mythical treasure. Never did I expect for people to be


    able to find it for real! Ms. Chime, please show us the Eclipse Stone so that we can feast our eyes


    on its glory."


    "Precisely! We hope the Eclipse Stone''s blessings can be rubbed off on us by admiring it."


    "We''ve never seen the Eclipse Stone before, so we''d like to study it up close."


    More and more guests began piping up, making Camille feel increasingly uneasy. Her smile was


    starting to seem awkward.


    "Camille, why don''t you grant everyone''s wish by showing them the Eclipse Stone?"


    Prisci was eager to see the Eclipse Stone for herself, thanks to the guests'' words of marvel.


    She had never gotten to touch the Eclipse Stone. Even though she had attended the auction, her


    seat was too far from the Eclipse Stone for her to look at it properly. She only got to look at the


    stone via the monitor.


    The quality and the texture of Eclipse Stone were mesmerizing, to say the least. Prisci couldn''t


    wait to feel the actual stone in her hands.


    "I''m sorry, Grandma. I was in a hurry toe here, so I didn''t bring it with me," Camille said


    apologetically.


    "Do remember to bring it back next time, alright? That way, your grandfather will be able to take a


    good look at it as well." Prisci patted Camille on the back of her hand.


    "Alright." Camille nodded in response.


    Although the guests felt it was a shame that they couldn''t see the Eclipse Stone in person, they


    couldn''t help but discuss it. Naturally, Camille felt a mixture of uneasiness and guilt weighing down


    on her heart.


    Thankfully, her phone rang at that very moment. It was a call from Amelia.


    Now that she finally had an excuse to leave, Camille quickly excused herself from the banquet hall


    so that she could pick up the call.


    Johnson, who had been loitering in a corner, noticed Camille leaving the hall. He said his goodbyes


    to his associates before following her out of the hall as well.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A whileter, Johnson finally located Camille sitting on the swing in a corner of the garden. The


    sight of her silhouette gave him mixed feelings.


    Camille was the daughter of the Chimes'' main branch. As for Johnson, he was just a descendant of


    one of the branch families.


    Even though both of them were cousins, their status in the family waspletely different.


    Camille was the precious daughter who was the apple of everyone''s eye. Meanwhile, Johnson was


    just a lowly son from a branch family that the main family didn''t acknowledge. When he was a little


    boy, he was warned to stay away from Camille no matter what.


    Since then, Johnson admired yet feared Camille greatly. He never thought she was Dr. Shadow, the


    very being he admired with all his heart.


    "Dr. Shadow," he called out.


    Camille ended the call at that moment. She turned around to see Johnson, which was shocking for


    her.


    "Why did you leave the banquet hall as well, Johnson? Come, take a seat."


    She scooted to the side to make space for Johnson.


    "Thanks." Johnson walked over to the swing, but he didn''t sit down. "It''s been a while since youst


    logged into the Divine Forum."

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Camille''s heart went tense for a moment. She gazed at Johnson, wondering if he had an ount on


    the Divine Forum.


    The truth was that Camille also had her own ount on the Divine Forum. She''d log into the forum


    every now and then to read the academic theses uploaded by other doctors. Also, she''d poke


    around to see if Dr. Shadow was online or had posted a new thesis.


    It had been half a year since Dr. Shadow wasst online on the forum.


    "Yeah. I''ve been quite busytely." Camille glossed over the answer.


    A hint of suspicion crossed Johnson''s eyes at that moment.


    "Have you gotten your hands on a gurdyroot?" he probed.


    "Gurdyroot?" Camille hesitated for a moment before nodding with a smile. "Yup. I got it."


    Johnson clearly noticed the fleeting confusion. Grimness began to set in on his expression.


    Earlier this evening, Dr. Shadow had suddenly logged into the Divine Forum and messaged


    Johnson to ask if he had a century-old gurdyroot. After he said no, she never responded to him.


    "What''s wrong?" Camille was starting to feel uneasy upon detecting the slight change in Johnson''s


    expression.


    Could it be that Johnson knew Dr. Shadow privately?


    "It was nothing. It''s great that you got yourself a gurdyroot." Johnson forced out a stiff smile.


    "Ah. Thanks. It''s too chilly out here, so I''m going back to the manor first."


    Camille''s eyes became shifty. She came up with an excuse before hurrying out of the garden.


    Johnson remained rooted to the same spot as he stared at Camille''s receding figure. A solemn


    expression could be seen on his face.


    Was Camille really Dr. Shadow?


    ¡­


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The next morning, Hera stepped into the ssroom just as the first bell rang. She had only sat


    down briefly when a grim-faced Kerry led a few police officers into the ssroom.


    Hushed whispers began to spread across the ssroom.


    "Who''s Hera Youngworth? Please step out of the ssroom and go to the police station with us,"


    the leader of the troop stated seriously.


    All of the students turned around to look at Hera, who sat in thest row. She stood up calmly and


    exited the ssroom with the police officers.


    "What''s going on?" she asked impassively.


    "You''re pinned with assault and battery charges. Please return to the police station with us for


    further questioning."


    Hera''s brows were instantly scrunched into a frown.


    After the leader showed his warrant for detainment, the police officer behind him whipped out a pair


    of handcuffs immediately. He cuffed Hera''s wrists together before taking her away.


    At the same time, a well-dressed Queenie sat on the couch in the deputy chief''s office at the police


    station. Brandon Hobbs, said deputy chief, served her a cup of coffee while sucking up to her.


    "Don''t worry, Mrs. Gaskell. I''ll be the one personally dealing with this case for you. Judging from Mr.


    Gaskell''s injuries, it won''t be a problem for the court to sentence her to imprisonment thatsts


    between three to ten years."


    Queenie frowned at her newly done manicure. "Aren''t there harsher punishments? I''d prefer it if she


    gets locked up for the rest of her life!"


    "That''ll be more difficult to pull off." Brandon looked troubled. "But ten years is more than enough to


    teach her a lesson."


    "Fine." Queenie relented reluctantly.


    After that, she pulled out a check and slid it across the desk. "I''ll leave this matter in your capable


    hands, Deputy Chief Hobbs."


    Since Hera was ballsy enough to harm Zyler, Queenie wanted to subject her to a fate worse than


    death.


    Brandon nced at the check, a greedy smile soon spreading across his face. But he wasn''t in a


    hurry to ept it.


    "You''re being way too courteous, Mrs. Gaskell. Tossing her behind bars for ten years is a walk in the


    park for me. But before that, are you sure she and the Everetts aren''t influential at all?"


    The police chief was about to retire soon, meaning Brandon would be promoted to the chief''s


    position in no time. He needed to be very cautious at a critical juncture like this.


    Queenie just chuckled in response. "Don''t worry. The Everetts have already gone bankrupt. In fact,


    they''ve racked up a humongous debt, so they can barely take care of themselves now, let alone


    Hera.


    "Gideon, on the other hand, is quite capable and has amassed some connections on his own. But


    those connections of his are just nobodies. They can''t do anything to reverse the situation in their


    favor.


    "As for Hera¡­ she''s just a country bumpkin from the countryside. Without the Everetts'' support,


    she''s no different than a homeless person on the streets."

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    Brandon rxed visibly upon hearing Queenie''s words. He epted the check giddily afterward.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Someone knocked on the door at that moment. A police officer opened the door and informed,


    "Deputy Chief Hobbs, we''ve brought the suspect to the station. She''s currently in Interrogation


    Room 3."


    "Got it." Brandon rose to his feet.


    Meanwhile, Hera sat in Interrogation Room 3 while thinking if she hadmitted assault and


    battery on someone recently. Then, she saw Brandon and Queenie walking into the room, followed


    by a police officer who was in charge of taking her statement.


    "Do you know what crime you''vemitted?" Brandon thundered while maintaining a stoic fa?ade


    after taking a seat across from Hera.


    Suspects who were typically cowardly or guilt-ridden would be ovee with so much fear that


    they''d give up all the details the moment they saw Brandon''s stoic face.


    But Hera remained calm andposed. She parted her lips long enough to spit out a few words.


    "Why don''t you tell me?"


    Queenie was displeased at Hera''s calm attitude. To her, Hera was just a country bumpkin. She had


    no one to help her out, so by right, she shouldn''t be calm at all.


    Brandon didn''t expect to see such a young girl looking soposed despite being in the police


    station. She didn''t look frightened in the slightest, either.


    He mmed a hand onto the desk heavily. "She doesn''t look remorseful at all! Are her parents


    notified about this arrest?"


    "Yeah. A guardian should be here soon," the police officer replied.


    Coincidentally, someone knocked on the door at that moment. The officer went to get the door right


    away.


    Gideon strode into the room in the next moment. His expression grew sullen when he saw Queenie.


    A frown appeared on his face when he saw Hera being handcuffed.


    "Officer, I''m Hera''s older brother. What happened?"


    Upon hearing Gideon''s voice, Hera whipped around to look at him.


    Gideon thought she was frightened, so he shot her aforting nce. "Don''t be scared. I''ll protect


    you."


    Hera didn''t respond to Gideon at all.


    The truth was, she wasn''t scared in the slightest. But Gideon''s words made her feel warm and tingly


    on the inside.


    On the other hand, Queenie didn''t expect to see Gideon in the station. She thought James would be


    the oneing for Hera''s aid.


    It was all thanks to Gideon that the Everetts didn''t be homeless after their bankruptcy.


    "Tell him what his sister has done," Brandon said sternly while rapping his knuckles on the desk.


    The police officer acknowledged the order immediately by exining, "During the after-school hours


    yesterday, Hera Youngworth assaulted Zyler Gaskell in the corridor outside the mailroom of


    Cavenridge International Academy. This resulted in Zyler losing his ability to speak.


    "Hera''s purpose was to coerce Zyler into carrying her parcel for her. He ended up suffering from


    fractures in his right index finger and middle finger."


    As the officer spoke, he ced multiple documents on the table. This included pictures of Zyler''s


    injured fingers, which were set up in their respective casts, as well as the doctor''s letter to prove the


    validity of the injuries.


    "My son is being hospitalized as we speak! He has yet to regain his voice! You can forget about


    settling this case in private!"


    Queenie folded her arms in front of her chest. She was very fierce and demanding.


    "This is a severe assault and battery case! Hera needs to take legal responsibility no matter what!


    Resolving this dispute in private is a no-go this time! The legal route is the only way to settle this


    case!" Brandon added while tapping on the photos.


    All the trio did was use and berate Hera for what she had allegedly done. It was clear that they


    wanted to pin the crime on her.


    "Hera, is what they said the truth?" Gideon chose to ask Hera that question first instead of looking


    at the evidence.


    He believed that Hera wasn''t the type to hurt others without a valid reason.


    His trust in Hera made her feel very warm and happy on the inside. Still, she wondered if he''d be


    disappointed in her the moment he found out that she was the cause behind Zyler''s loss of voice.


    Hera looked at Queenie and said, "Since your son''s fingers got fractured, why did you seek me out,


    then? I''m not a representative of the insurancepany, you know."


    "Stop changing the subject! If it wasn''t for¡ª"


    Brandon extended an arm immediately to stop Queenie from speaking. It seemed that he had


    picked up on a key point.


    "So, this means you don''t deny the fact that you''re the cause of Zyler''s muteness!" he said.


    "Do you have evidence on that?" Hera just gazed at Brandon coolly.


    "The victim is the best evidence! Very well. Since you don''t deny that usibility, that means you''ve


    admitted to it! You can wait for the court''s verdict now! Case closed!"


    Brandon closed the case on the spot before rising to his feet. "Take her away and wait for my


    orders!"


    After that, he left the interrogation room.


    Queenie mmed her hands onto the desk before standing up as well. Her gaze was firmly pinned


    on Hera the whole time.


    "You think you can take on me in a sh, huh? Well, you''re far too wet behind your ears for that!


    Enjoy living your best years out in regret behind the bars, Hera!"


    She left after saying her piece as well.

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    It was clear to Gideon that Brandon and Queenie pushed Hera around because they had more


    power and authority over her.


    He could only clench his fists furiously. If only he was a lot more influential and powerful. That way,


    Hera wouldn''t have to suffer from this injustice.


    "Hera, why didn''t you deny their ims just now?" Gideon asked.


    Instead, Hera''s response gave Queenie and Brandon leverage over her.


    "What''s the use in denying it?" Hera shot back.


    Since Brandon, the deputy police chief, personally handled a minor case like this, that meant he


    and Queenie must have conspired together to pin the me on Hera.


    This was the power of authority.


    Gideon''s fists tightened even more. Still, he did his best tofort Hera soothingly.


    "Don''t be scared. I have a few contacts who work in the police department. I''ll contact themter to


    ask for their help. No matter what, I''ll clear your name."


    Hera smiled faintly. "Thank you, Gideon. I''m not scared at all."


    Her tant trust in Gideon filled him with limitless vigor and energy. He mustn''t let Hera get


    sentenced to jail and leave a criminal record which would tarnish her life no matter what.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Bernard sat on the couch in his residence at Skyview Heights. He was ying chess on


    his tablet to pass the time. Tiramisu nestled against him while fast asleep.


    It was rare for those two to stay in the same room amicably and peacefully. Soon, however, Dous


    would shatter the cozy atmosphere with some bad news.


    "Bernard, I was informed that Ms. Youngworth was taken away by the officers from Norburgh''s


    police department. Till now, she has yet to leave the station," Dous reported after ending the call.


    Bernard paused in his movements. He raised his head immediately, his gaze cold and sharp.


    He had just dropped Hera off at the academy, yet someone was bold enough to whisk her away so


    soon.


    "Mrs. Gaskell was the one who lodged a police report and had Ms. Youngworth taken to the police


    station. She imed that Ms. Youngworth had assaulted and harmed Zyler, so she wanted Ms.


    Youngworth to be sentenced to jail," Dous continued.


    After that, he added, "How should we deal with this matter?"


    It wasn''t optimal for Bernard to personally visit the police station just to deal with the matter due to


    his injury.


    Bernard put down his tablet before picking up his phone. Then, he dialed a number.


    The call went through soon enough. Shaun''s yful voice drifted from the other end of the line.


    "Hey, Bernard! What''s up?"


    "Shaun, I have a job for you."


    "What is it? Do you need me to be your wingman in your pursuit of love?"


    "Take some men with you to the Norburgh Police Department right now and bail my future wife out,"


    Bernardmanded icily.


    "Holy shit! Who the hell''s that idiotic toy a hand on your future wife? I''m going there right now!"


    ¡­


    Once Brandon left the interrogation room, he bade Queenie goodbye before returning to his office.


    He then summoned an officer into his office.


    Sitting at his desk with his feet propped on the desk, he pointed at Hera''s case while saying,


    "Prioritize dealing with this case first. You must wrap it up before the chief returns!"


    "What sort of case is that? Why can''t I be notified about it, hmm?"


    The door was flung open at that moment. The chief of Norburgh Police Department, Kane Manford,


    was revealed to be standing at the doorway.


    Shocked by his appearance, Brandon couldn''t stop himself from falling off his chair.


    "C-C-Chief Manford, why have you returned?" he stammered as he mbered up to his feet.


    "If I don''t get back here soon enough, there''s no telling what you might do to overthrow my authority


    here!" Kane eximed ferociously.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Then, he turned away and gestured respectfully to the person behind him. "This way please, Mr.


    Thompson."


    Brandon looked at the doorway, only to see a man in a red suit stepping into the office.


    "M-Mr. Thompson!"

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    "Mr. Thompson, it''s an honor to see you here! Please take a seat!"


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Brandon quickly approached Shaun and began showering him with respect. He invited Shaun to sit


    on the couch.


    But Shaun moved to sit on Brandon''s office chair right away with his hands stuck in his pockets. He


    proceeded to put his feet up on the desk as well. Then, he lit a cigar.


    Upon witnessing Shaun''s antics, the assistant was shocked, to say the least.


    This was his first time seeing someone acting so boldly in front of Kane and Brandon.


    Nheless, this was expected of Shaun Thompson, who descended from one of the four


    influential families. His grandfather was the famous Alex Thompson, who used to be a general in his


    time. It was no wonder everyone addressed Shaun with reverence.


    "Your seat seems prettyfy, huh?" Shaunmented after taking a drag out of his cigar and


    exhaling the smoke slowly.


    The thin wisps shrouded the outline of his handsome face.


    Brandon could feel chills running down his spine after hearing Shaun''s words. He stood up straight,


    his smile turning stiff.


    "S-Surely you must be kidding, Mr. Thompson."


    "Am I kidding?" Shaun''s expression changed drastically at the word. "You''ve grown bold enough to


    lay a hand on my sister-inw! Do I look like I''m kidding?"


    Brandon was so shocked by the outburst that he didn''t know what to do.


    "Y-Your sister-inw, sir?"


    Didn''t Alex only have one grandson? How was it possible for Shaun to have a sister-inw?


    "How preposterous!" Kane had already taken the liberty to review the case his assistant had passed


    to him. He was so furious that he hurled the case file right at Brandon. "Release her this instant!"


    Brandon stared down at the papers from the case file scattered everywhere on the floor. The paper


    on top of the mess revealed Hera''s full name, causing his breath to hitch in his throat.


    Hera was Shaun''s sister-inw?


    Didn''t Queenie im that Hera was just a country bumpkin with no power at all?


    What the hell was going on?


    Shaun was the one who brought Kane to the office just to demand Brandon release Hera!


    That meant the man Shaun viewed as a brother must be extremely intimidating and powerful.


    Brandon had a feeling that he was about to lose his job. Queenie''s scheme had doomed him this


    time.


    "T-This is all a huge misunderstanding! I''ll release her right now!"


    After that, Brandon ordered an officer to release Hera from her cell.


    At the moment, Hera was being imprisoned in a holding cell on her own.


    The cell was dark and damp. While the other criminals in the cells next to Hera''s looked low-spirited


    and half-dead, she was the only one who sat on her bench calmly with her eyes closed. Apparently,


    she was meditating at the moment.


    Hera looked as cool as a cucumber, as if she wasn''t trapped in a cell at all.


    When Brandon opened the cell door, the first thing Shaun saw was Hera, who was in the midst of


    meditating. He perked up at the sight.


    He had always been curious about how special Bernard''s beloved future wife truly was. This time,


    he was able to get his answer.


    Hera was a lot prettier than Shaun had imagined. In fact, she and Bernard made a perfect couple.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Mr. Thompson is here to bail you out," Brandon said respectfully in a low tone, as


    though he was afraid that his voice might startle Hera.


    Hera''s thickshes fluttered slightly upon hearing Brandon''s voice. Then, she slowly opened her


    eyes, which showed nothing but calmness.


    She nced at Brandon, noting how humble and lowly he was acting at the moment. This Brandon


    and the arrogant Brandon who had interrogated her earlier that morning werepletely different.


    Then, Hera turned to look at Shaun.


    She couldn''t recognize him at all. Was he one of Gideon''s contacts?


    That man had pretty decent looks. He looked pretty sessful as well. Judging by his attire, she


    guessed he came from a wealthy and influential background.


    Only then did Hera realize the reason behind Brandon''s change in attitude toward her.


    Hmph! What a pathetic bootlicker!


    However, Hera didn''t move an inch. Instead, she closed her eyes again and continued meditating.


    Shaun was intrigued, to say the least.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    As expected of the girl Bernard had his eye on. Hera was definitely a special one.


    Meanwhile, Brandon looked confused.


    Since both Shaun and Kane had personally arrived to set Hera free, shouldn''t she be leaving the


    cell right away?


    Why was she still sitting there? Did she fall in love with the cell?


    "Ms. Youngworth, Mr. Thompson is here to bail you out. You may leave now," Brandon reminded in


    a humble tone once again.


    "Do you even know the art of speaking, you dumbfuck?" Shaun delivered a kick at Brandon''s ass.


    "What do you mean by ''bail''? She didn''t do anything wrong in the first ce!"


    Brandon almost tripped and fell because of the kick.


    After steadying himself, he quickly changed his tune. "Y-Yes! Of course! She didn''t do anything


    wrong! I was the one who messed everything up! I''m really sorry!"


    Only then did Hera raise her head coolly. "My things," she said.


    Her phone and acupuncture kit were confiscated before she was thrown into the cell.


    Upon hearing Hera''s words, Brandon quickly ordered an officer to bring her belongings over. Then,


    he presented them to her respectfully.


    At that moment, Brandon finally had a taste of what it really felt like to have shot himself in the foot.


    After Hera stowed the acupuncture kit into her pocket, she epted her phone leisurely. Then, she


    turned on the camera app and started recording Brandon.


    "What are your mistakes?" she asked.


    Shaun grew even more intrigued when he realized what Hera was doing. The way she handled this


    incident was simr to how Bernard would usually act.


    Brandon''s expression went stiff. He didn''t say anything in response.


    Why did Hera''s interrogative tone and demeanor seem so familiar?


    "Well? Spit it out!" Shaun delivered yet another kick at Brandon.


    Brandon felt both humiliated and aggrieved to have received two kicks in a row. But he dared not


    protest, seeing Kane said nothing about the kicks.


    He thought for a moment before replying, "I went against the principles and ethics of my career and


    sullied it with my misdeeds. I didn''t investigate the case fairly, choosing to draw my conclusion just


    by listening to one side of the story. In doing so, I ended up wronging you, Ms. Youngworth. I''m


    sorry about that.


    "I promise you that I''ll write a report detailing my self-reflection after this. I''ll always take this lesson


    to heart."


    "Does that mean you''re not denying the fact that Queenie Killian was the one who conspired with


    you to frame me for the crime just to throw me into jail?" Hera questioned while ring at Brandon


    icily.


    Brandon was very sure that the thermostat in the detention facility was turned on, yet he felt cold


    sweat rolling down his forehead.


    The way Hera spoke while ring at him mirrored how he had behaved while interrogating her this


    morning.


    To think that his retribution came so soon!


    What was worse was that Hera had asked Brandon this sharp question right in front of Kane. If


    Brandon were to say yes, he''d have admitted to bribery. If the answer was no, he''d be suspended


    from his job because of his poor performance as the deputy chief.


    No, Brandon couldn''t afford to let anyone investigate him at this point.


    But judging from her courageous demeanor, she would never leave the facility if he didn''t answer


    her.


    Yes. This time, Brandon really shot himself in the foot.


    In the end, he weighed his pros and cons for a few moments before saying, "I shouldn''t have


    believed in Queenie''s lies. I didn''t carry out my job well and ended up making the wrong judgment."


    "You im to have made the wrong judgment?" Hera chuckled coldly in response. "No. That was a


    false usation!"


    Brandon trembled instinctively. As a member of the authorities, the fact that he consciously broke


    thew despite knowing all about it meant that he hadmitted a huge crime.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "Ms. Youngworth, I''ve already ordered my men to investigate this case thoroughly. I promise you,


    we''ll uncover the truth and clear your name. Do you have any other requests?" Kane quickly


    intervened, unable to stomach Brandon''s pathetic lies anymore.


    He was definitely a smart man. At this rate, things were going to be tense and awkward if he didn''t


    do anything about it.


    Hera would never leave her cell as long as the case remained unsolved.


    To think that Kane had thought of Brandon as a charismatic and capable officer who stuck to his


    principles no matter what.


    If it wasn''t for Shaun summoning Kane back to the police station under the guise of an emergency,


    he wouldn''t have witnessed the scene. Ironically enough, Kane was nning to rmend


    Brandon as the next deputy chief prior to this incident.


    Brandon wasn''t charismatic at all; he was the type who sucked up to the powerful people and


    bullied the ones weaker than him.


    Not only did Kane need to rethink who to nominate, but he also needed to purge the bad apples out


    of the police force in order to rectify everything.


    Hera looked at Kane coldly. "Yes. I''d like to lodge a report. Queenie Killian has made false


    usations against me."

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    "No problem," Kane promised heartily.


    He then summoned Nathan to the cell and told him to take over the brand-new case. At the same


    time, he ordered the other officers to take Brandon away so that they could start investigating him.


    Once Kane was done issuing his orders, he said to Hera, "Ms. Youngworth, we''re nowunching


    the respective investigations. In that case, would you like to visit my office for a while? Perhaps


    you''d like to have a bite to eat there?"


    Things would be way easier as long as Hera agreed to leave the detention facility.


    "It''s fine. I''ll wait right here," Hera rejected the suggestion.


    If she were to leave the cell, Queenie would never be charged with the crime of falsely using her


    of something she didn''t do.


    Meanwhile, Shaun decided to bombard Bernard with WhatsApp messages.


    Daddy Shaun: "Bernard, as expected of thedy who catches your eye!"


    Daddy Shaun: "She''s a ruthless one, that''s for sure!"


    Daddy Shaun: "You''d better watch out for yourself in the future. Don''t go around provoking your


    future wife, alright? Otherwise, you''ll be facing nasty consequences!"


    Back in the study at Skyview Heights, Bernard sat in front of hisputer with his elbows resting on


    the desk. He intertwined his fingers and ced them before his lips; his sharp eyes fixated on the


    monitor before him.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The monitor was ying the live footage from the security cameras'' feed in the detention facility. In


    fact, this particr angle was directed at Hera''s cell. White codes were swiftly streaking across the


    ck backdrop at the bottom of the footage.


    At that moment, his phone screen lit up. Bernard nced at the screen to see Shaun''s barrage of


    messages. Only then did he decide to pick it up.


    Then, he texted Shaun back.


    A secondter, Shaun''s formerly rxed expression contorted instantly on the footage.


    Bernard: "I''ve already snapped a screenshot of this conversation. I''ll forward it to Herater on."


    Shaun fell silent after that.


    Seriously, Bernard and Hera really were alike in certain ways.


    ¡­


    Since Hera refused to leave the detention facility, Kane was extremely stressed. If he couldn''t get


    Hera to leave, he''d get berated by his higher-upster on.


    So, he kept urging Nathan toplete the investigation as soon as possible.


    Nathan took the lead of the entire police force. He divided the officers into three squads.


    The first squad would go to the Gaskell residence to take Queenie back to the police station. The


    second squad would drop by the hospital just to perform another check-up on Zyler''s injuries. The


    third squad was tasked to go to Cavenridge International Academy to seek out the only witness of


    the incident¡ªChristopher.


    ¡­


    After Queenie left the Norburgh Police Department, she headed straight to Reind Hospital to


    check on Zyler.


    Upon entering the ward, Queenie didn''t see Amelia and Camille there. A hint of displeasure crossed


    her eyes, though a look of distress soon set in the moment she noticed the thunderous-looking


    Zyler lying on the hospital bed.


    Queenie approached Zyler before saying, "Zyler, I got some good news for you. Hera''s definitely


    going to jail for good this time."


    Zyler was feeling depressed because there was a chance he might stay mute for the rest of his life.


    The moment he heard the good news, a sparkle appeared in his previously cold and empty eyes.


    Since Hera was going to jail soon, Christopher would be able to see her true colors for himself. He''d


    definitely patch things up with Zyler after that, right?


    Once that was to happen, Zyler would be able to secure a spot in Vardhar University''s guaranteed


    admission list.


    Queenie and Zyler silently celebrated for a few moments before a troop of police officers kicked the


    door open and barged into the ward abruptly.


    "We''reunching an investigation at the moment. Please cooperate with us."


    Nathan showed his police badge to the Gaskells before saying to Queenie, "Queenie Killian, please


    come with us to the police station."


    Queenie had a feeling that something wasn''t right. But she instinctively ignored it, thinking that Hera


    would soon receive her sentence from the court.


    "Alright. Deputy Chief Hobbs works really fast, huh?" she remarked smugly.


    Nathan shot a look at one of the officers, who immediately understood his intention. He pointed his


    camera at Zyler while asking, "Zyler Gaskell, we need to runch the investigation on this case. Are


    you able to speak?"


    Zyler was pissed when he heard the question. He replied immediately, "No, I can''t!"


    But his voice came out loud and clear.


    Everyone in the ward fell silent for a moment. Zyler, on the other hand, was stunned to hear his own


    voice.


    "I can talk again!"


    Zyler was shocked by the sudden turn of events as well. He couldn''t help but cry happy tears after


    repeating a few vowels to test his voice.

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    Zyler no longer had to worry about the possibility of bing a mute.


    "Mom, I can talk!" he eximed excitedly. But when he raised his head, he noticed everyone else


    staring at him as though he was an idiot.


    "Since you''re not injured to the point that you can''t walk, you''ll be following us to the police station


    as well," Nathan stated.


    Zyler also thought that Hera was about to receive her jail sentence, so he nodded in agreement.


    He wanted to witness Hera getting thrown into jail.


    Under the passersby''s curious gazes, Nathan took Queenie and Zyler back to the police station.


    Then, he led them to the detention facility.


    Both Kane and Shaun happened to be away at the moment, leaving only an officer keeping Hera


    company.


    The sight of Hera ying on her phone in her cell put Zyler in a good mood. For a moment, he


    really wished that Christopher was there to witness this scene.


    But Queenie had a feeling that something was wrong. Still, her sense of superiority muddled her


    brain just enough to temporarily ignore that weird feeling.


    "Oh? It turns out that Gideon didn''t even hire awyer for you, huh?" she asked mockingly.


    Hera was sitting in front of the security camera with the back of her phone facing the camera. She


    was in the midst ofpleting the mission Piglet had epted for her, so she didn''t bother sparing


    Queenie a nce.


    It was then Queenie finally realized why things felt off for her.


    Hera''s cell door was wide open, not to mention she was ying on her phone! Weirdly enough,


    Brandon was absent as well!


    Typically speaking, suspects detained in the detention facility would have their means of


    communication confiscated immediately.


    "I''ve brought them here."


    At that moment, Kane and Shaun returned to the cell from the men''s washroom.


    Queenie was shocked when she turned around to see them. She initially thought that Brandon was


    the one who had invited them to the detention facility.


    Truth be told, Queenie had always wanted to kiss up to the famous Thompson family, who was


    known for its military prowess and achievements. But she never had a chance to do so in the past.


    How was Brandon able to invite Shaun to this ce?


    Queenie was perplexed, to say the least. Either she, Zyler, or Hera was the reason why Shaun


    decided toe.


    Since Shaun didn''te at the Gaskells'' behest, could it be that he came here because of Hera?


    That was impossible. Hera had grown up in the countryside. How was it possible for her to get


    acquainted with Shaun?


    That was why Queenie''s gut told her that Shaun and Kane came to the detention facility because of


    the Gaskells.


    Some time ago, rumors were circting about the possibility of the Gaskells working with Raven,


    which was a major boost in their reputation and fame. Recently, their stock prices skyrocketed


    simply because they were revealed to be extremely close to Dr. Shadow.


    It was only natural for Shaun to favor them.


    "Mr. Thompson! Chief Manford! Hi there!" Queenie greeted them smilingly.


    She pped on a friendly demeanor, as though she was close to them. "I didn''t expect you two to


    come over and personally deal with this miniscule matter of mine. Honestly, I''m ttered."


    "This is no miniscule matter, Mrs. Gaskell. Since Brandon can''t deal with this matter properly, I''ll be


    the one dealing with it in his stead," Kane replied seriously.


    Upon hearing Kane''s answer, Queenie''s weird feeling came back in full force. But she continued


    smiling at Kane and Shaun.


    "Thank you in advance, Chief Manford, Mr. Thompson."


    At that moment, a police officer led a gray-suited man wearing a pair of frameless sses into the


    building.


    "Hello, everyone. I''m Ms. Youngworth''swyer, Rupert McLaggen."


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera stopped keying in the codes for a moment. She quickly raised her head to look at Rupert.


    Awyer? Did Gideon hire Rupert for her?


    On the other hand, Queenie''s smile began to fade away the moment she spotted Rupert.


    Rupert was a famouswyer in Jadonia. Nomon folk would be able to afford to hire him.


    Was he actually Hera''swyer?


    The weird feeling that was haunting Queenie began to intensify.


    "Chief Manford, Captain Olson, I''ve brought Christopher here." Another officer led Christopher into


    the building at that moment.


    "Christopher, why are you here?" An ominous feeling began seeping into Zyler''s senses when he


    saw Christopher.


    Christopher just looked at the Gaskells grimly without responding to them. On the way to the


    detention facility, he found out what happened from the officer escorting him.


    This time, he was extremely disappointed in Zyler and the rest of the Gaskells.


    Queenie''s smile hadpletely disappeared at that point.


    Based on how things were unfolding at the moment, the police didn''t intend to issue Hera a prison


    sentence. They were actually here to confront Queenie.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    Queenie was no fool. When she realized something was off, she immediately contacted herwyer.


    Just because Gideon hired Rupert for Hera and got Christopher toe over didn''t mean that


    Queenie would let them get the upper hand on her.


    There was no way Hera could turn the tables in her favor, seeing as Kane and Shaun were present.


    Hera finished her mission just as everyone involved in the case finally showed up. She put away her


    phone and tilted her head.


    "Let''s begin," she stated.


    Thebination of Hera''s poker face and her icy demeanor made her seem even more superior


    compared to the others.


    Kane shot Nathan a look, who understood it immediately. Thetter then reopened the case file,


    which he had reinvestigated earlier.


    "Queenie Killian, we''ve reconfirmed the validity of the information gathered from the investigation on


    the report you''ve lodged this morning. The victim, Zyler Gaskell, is able to speak normally without


    any problems, which doesn''t match the report you''ve made."


    Queenie''swyer was a woman named Michelle Doyle. Thetter had gotten to know all the


    necessary details this morning so she could defend Queenie right away.


    "Although Zyler regained his ability to speak this morning, that doesn''t mean he didn''t get injured.


    We have written proof from Reind Hospital as well as the medical staff''s witness statements that


    Zyler couldn''t speak at allst night."


    "You should provide the evidence that shows Hera crippling Zyler to the point that he can''t speak,


    not evidence given by the hospital," Rupert refuted.


    He had already been briefed on what had happened when Michelle was making her way to the


    detention facility.


    Michelle was speechless, to say the least.


    As expected of the bestwyer in Jadonia, the moment Rupert spoke up, he targeted the most vital


    weak point in Michelle''s defending speech.


    Reind Hospital was still unable to determine the exact cause behind Zyler''s muteness. This


    meant no one had any evidence that Hera was the culprit other than Zyler''s own statement.


    Still, Michelle had no choice but to continue, "The teacher working at the mailroom in Cavenridge


    International Academy can prove that Zyler could still speak normally before leaving the mailroom


    during after-school hours.


    "But after he got into the conflict with Hera, he could no longer speak once he returned to the


    mailroom."


    "I can prove that," Christopher spoke up at that time.


    Queenie felt a lot more relieved upon hearing Christopher''s words.


    She was worried that Hera was the one who had summoned Christopher to the detention facility.


    Now that Christopher was defending Zyler, Queenie felt at ease.


    "But Hera didn''t rob Zyler''s ability to speak. At that time, I had gone to the mailroom to collect my


    package. That was when I witnessed Zyler bullying Hera. After I shoved him away, he didn''t speak


    anymore."


    Christopher continued, "Hera was worried that I might misunderstand Zyler, so she offered him a


    way out. So, Zyler took the initiative to carry Hera''s parcel for her. He injured his fingers purely by


    ident."


    Both Queenie and Zyler were stunned.


    "I didn''t hit her! She was the one who struck my throat''s acupuncture point! That''s why I got anxious


    and tried to get her to undo it!" Zyler exined hastily with widened eyes.


    "Acupuncture point? You must''ve read too many fiction novels." Hera chuckled lightly.


    "You!" Zyler didn''t know what to say.


    He remembered feeling Hera''s hand grazing across his neck. Right after that, he couldn''t let out a


    single sound.


    If Hera didn''t strike his acupuncture point, then what was it?


    "I suspect that Zyler''s so-called muteness is just an act. Otherwise, why couldn''t the hospital find


    out what was wrong with his throat?" Hera continued, seemingly deep in thought.


    Shaun, Rupert, and the others turned to look at Zyler as though realization had just dawned on


    them. In a way, they were very cooperative with Hera.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Hold on, that''s not the case! Don''t spout lies in my face!" Zyler tried to defend himself.


    Queenie''s gaze darkened. "Christopher, you''ve known Zyler for so long. Don''t you trust him? Why


    are you falsifying your testimony just to help Hera out? Did she threaten you as well?"


    "I side with justice, not with people I''m affiliated with," Christopher replied righteously. "Also, I''m


    ashamed to admit that I only got to witness your true colors after knowing you Gaskells for such a


    long time. Truth be told, I''ve already cut Zyler out of my circle a long time ago."


    Zyler didn''t expect to see Christopher tantly admitting the truth in public without sparing his pride.


    He was so pissed that his breathing started bing heavier.


    Queenie inhaled sharply as well. Her mind was plunged into so much chaos that she couldn''t be


    bothered to question Zyler about what had happened between him and Christopher.


    Christopher''s testimony ended up turning the tables in Hera''s favor. Queenie and Zyler wouldn''t be


    able to win if the debate went on. That was why Queenie needed to think of a way to reverse the


    situation.


    She turned to look at Shaun and Kane while pondering about how to make her request known.

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    Meanwhile, Michelle argued, "Why would we call the cops on you if you didn''t hurt Zyler at all?"


    Rupert refuted, "That''s because you want her to go to jail!"


    The truth was exposed so abruptly that Michelle didn''t know what to say for a moment. She wanted


    to backpedal to the "it''s all a misunderstanding" route, but Rupert never gave her a chance to do so.


    "To sum it all up, Queenie twisted the truth and conspired with a member of the police force to lodge


    a fake police report. She did all this to frame Hera and get her imprisoned.


    "In doing so, she hasmitted two crimes¡ªfalse usations and deliberate framing of others.


    Sir, I implore you to make this a valid case."


    "Request approved. This case is now valid." Nathan waved a hand. Almost immediately, two officers


    stepped up and grabbed Queenie from both sides.


    Queenie was stunned by the sudden plot twist. She turned to look at Shaun and Kane once again.


    "Mr. Thompson, Chief Manford¡­"


    Shaun nudged a foot against the cell''s iron door as he smoked from his cigar, clearly enjoying the


    show. He couldn''t be bothered to spare Queenie a nce.


    "I think it''s necessary to look into her crime of bribery as well," he added.


    How dared Queenie use such underhanded methods to frame Hera? Shaun felt he wouldn''t be able


    to face Bernard anymore if he didn''t resort to brutal methods just to deal with Queenie.


    Queenie was stunned upon hearing Shaun''s suggestion.


    Wasn''t he supposed to side with her?


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Thompson. We''ll definitely investigate every single thing she''s done," Kane said


    firmly.


    Then, he turned around to look at Hera. "Ms. Youngworth, are you satisfied with the oue of this


    matter? If you''re still unsatisfied with it, we can continue discussing your concerns in my office


    instead of hanging around this cell."


    Kane simpered at Hera. His demeanor and tone were extremely respectful.


    Needless to say, Queenie and the others were very shocked. They had been stealing nces at


    Shaun and Kane the whole time, but they never expected to find out that the case was specifically


    reinvestigated just for Hera''s sake.


    "Thanks. It''s a pretty decent oue," Hera replied, rising to her feet. Then, she exited the cell.


    Kane heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, he was able to get Hera out of the cell.


    Hera stopped at the doorway long enough to nce at Queenie coldly. "Sorry for taking up your


    spot, Mrs. Gaskell. It''s all yours now."


    Her tone was neutral, yet she was able to say such infuriating things.


    Queenie gritted her teeth furiously while ring at Hera. "You bitch!"


    She got careless this time.


    Never did she expect to see Shaun backing Hera up.


    Undeniably, Hera was exceedingly beautiful. Everyone knew Shaun changed his girlfriends


    frequently. Once he was sick of Hera, Queenie would make sure that Hera would pay for what she


    had done.


    Now that things had progressed to this stage, Queenie could only swallow the bitter defeat in front


    of Shaun and Kane. She''d have to wait for the Gaskells to bail her out.


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Otherwise, she might have to go to jail for real if things worsened for her.


    Nathan grabbed Queenie''s shoulder firmly before shoving her into the cell. Then, he mmed the


    cell door shut and locked it.


    "Mom!" Zyler wanted to stop Nathan, but he was toote. An officer escorted him out of the


    detention facility soon.


    Since everything was already dealt with, Shaun said disdainfully, "Alright, let''s leave. This ce


    stinks like hell."


    Hera, Kane, and Nathan fell silent at theint.


    Shaun didn''t look so disdainful when he first arrived at the detention facility. He had spent a few


    hours there before finally revealing his disdain.


    He was definitely doing this on purpose, wasn''t he?

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    "You can leave first," Hera said all of a sudden.


    Shaun could tell that Hera had something to say to Queenie. "Alright. I''ll wait for you outside."


    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    After that, he strode out of the detention facility hastily. It seemed that he truly despised the ce.


    Kane had worked so hard to get Hera out of the cell. He was worried that she might change her


    mind about leaving, so he shot Nathan a look as a hint for him to wait outside for Hera. Then, he


    told Shaun to leave with him.


    Once those two were gone, Hera was the only one left in the dark corridor. She stood before the


    iron door while gazing at Queenie, who was the one trapped inside the cell this time. Her eyes were


    cold and merciless.


    Ironically enough, Queenie was the one harping Hera about spending her best years regretting her


    choices in prison this morning. To think that their identities and positions would be swapped in the


    afternoon¡­


    "You think you can cripple me by doing this?" Queenie red at Hera ferociously.


    Once the Gaskells bailed her out, she''d definitely destroy Hera. Also, she''d make sure to implicate


    the entire Everett family as well.


    "Well, you''ll get sentenced to a number of years in prison just bymitting the false usation


    and bribery crimes, so I won''t be able to destroy you with those crimes. But what if you''re pinned


    with another charge called premeditated murder?" Hera replied coolly.


    Queenie''s arrogance dissipated instantly. A trace of shock crossed her malice-filled eyes. It might


    be fleeting, but Hera still managed to capture it.


    If one was charged with premeditated murder, they''d definitely be subjected to a death sentence in


    Jadonia.


    "Are you threatening me? That won''t work on me, you know!" Queenie snarled out in response.


    "Who do you think murdered Isabe?" Hera dove into the topic right away.


    Rage had flooded Queenie''s mind at that time, but the mention of Isabe''s death made her mind


    go nk. That was how she managed to calm down.


    She red at Hera warily without saying a word.


    Didn''t she spend money to stop the news from getting spread around?


    How the hell did Hera find out about Isabe''s death?


    Queenie then recalled the way Kane and Shaun had backed Hera up earlier. Isabe''s case mustn''t


    be reopened no matter what.


    "Who on earth are you?" Queenie asked after a while.


    Hera replied, "I''m here to piss you off."


    Speechless, Queenie clenched her fists tightly. She was so angry that she didn''t even realize her


    nails had dug into her palms.


    Hera said the same thing she had said to Queeniest time.


    Previously, right after Hera said that sentence, Queenie''s scandal was quickly leaked to the public.


    As a result, the Gaskells were attacked by anonymous hackers, causing their stock prices to


    plummet.


    Back then, Queenie had hired someone to investigate Hera.


    Hera''s information matched the rumors which had been swirling around the city. She was the


    Everetts'' biological daughter who had spent most of her life in the countryside. There was nothing


    ringly special in her information other than the fact that she looked gorgeous.


    But now, Queenie''s opinion of Hera was starting to change.


    "Also, did Robin really die in the ident he caused after drinking and driving?"


    Hera''s tone was very soft at that time. She continued staring at Queenie calmly while saying, "You''ll


    be sentenced to death once the Young family''s deaths are pinned on you. If you don''t want to get


    framed for their deaths, I advise you to think it through before the court gives its verdict."


    Queenie stared at Hera, who began making her way out of the detention facility, with shock in her


    eyes. All color was drained from herplexion at that time.


    Who on earth was Hera Youngworth? How did she know about what happened to the Young family


    back then?


    ¡­


    Once Hera walked out of the detention facility, she inhaled deeply, clearly relishing the fresh air.


    Although Queenie''s case wasn''t enough to make an impact on the Gaskells'' influence in Norburgh,


    it was enough to strike them where it hurt the most. The Gaskells would definitely do everything in


    their power to bail Queenie out.


    Hera brought Isabe and her family up in front of Queenie on purpose. Since she was already


    exposed to the murderer, there was no need to hide the fact that she knew about the Young family''s


    deaths anymore.


    Queenie must have known about Isabe''s death too, but she might not necessarily be the


    murderer.


    Had Queenie chosen to kill Isabe and her mother just to shut them up for good, there was no


    need for her to wait till this very moment to strike. Moreover, she was revealed to have gotten into a


    conflict with both Isabe and her mother in the past.


    If Queenie were to kill Isabe and her mother right after the conflict, she would undoubtedly be


    screaming at the world that she was the murderer. This n had too many ws, which didn''t suit


    Queenie''s perfectionism and meticulousness.

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    There was a reason why Hera had purposefully asked Queenie who she thought the murderer was. She wanted to bait Queenie into taking action right after she got bailed by the Gaskells.


    ...


    Once Hera left the detention facility, she found out that Shaun and Rupert had already left some time ago. She wanted to call Gideon, but her phone was already switched off due to theck of battery.


    Hence, she took a taxi back to the Everett residence.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    The moment Hera got out of the taxi, she bumped into Gino, who happened to have returned from school.


    "Why did you escape from jail?"


    For a moment, Gino looked shocked. Then, he peered to his left and right, as though he was afraid that someone might have spotted Hera. After that, he grabbed Hera''s hand and dragged her into the Everett residence quickly.


    "Can''t you just wait in jail for a few hours longer? Gideon is already contacting his connections and potentialwyers to bail you out!"


    As Gino spoke, he kept scanning around the manor in hopes of locating suitable hiding spots for Hera. Those hiding spots had to be discreet as well in order to prevent the police from finding her.


    Hera was speechless, to say the least.


    "Hera! Are you alright?"


    Lilith, who had spent the whole day waiting in the living room anxiously, was equally stunned to see Hera.


    She rushed over and took Hera''s hand as well. Then, she began checking Hera over for any injuries.


    "Don''t tell me you escaped from jail!" Mildred slowly walked over with her walking stick. Judy propped her the whole way.


    Once again, Hera didn''t say anything.


    It seemed like her family was having a hard time envisioning her getting released from jail as an innocent person.


    "I''m fine. Gideon''s friend andwyer helped prove my innocence," she exined patiently.


    Gino fell silent after hearing her exnation. He released Hera''s hand immediately, feeling a burst of awkwardness surging into his heart at that moment.


    "It''s good to see you doing fine. You must be hungry, Hera. I''ve already made honey-zed ribs for you."


    Lilith let out a sigh of relief.


    "As expected of Gideon!"


    Mildred looked proud. She eyed Hera up and down for a moment before continuing, "You should take a bath and wash away all that bad luck! Judy, break out my precious can of caviar for Hera."


    Lilith thought Mildred was about to lecture Hera again. Unexpectedly, not only did Mildred spare Hera from a scolding, but she also gave Hera the caviar.


    Hera just shot Mildred an impassive look before heading upstairs. After she got back to her room, she charged her phone and took a bath.


    Both Gideon and James had returned for dinner. It was the first time the family of six sat at the dining table together.


    Lilith and Judy whipped up avish feast for the family. Gideon even popped open the vintage bottle of


    Chateau Lafite Rothschild, which et


    James had stored for many years. It remained sealed for a long time simply because James couldn''t bring himself to pop the cork and drink from it.


    "We''re celebrating Hera''s safe return. Cheers to that!" Gideon said while raising his wine ss.


    "Cheers!"


    Since Hera and Gino were still minors, they toasted to the celebration with juice instead.


    It was rare not to hear anyone humiliating or mocking each other at the dining table. For the first time ever, the Everetts ate and drank happily. Hera secretly observed the genuine smiles etched on everyone''s faces. She felt quite touched once again. The familiar surge of warmth swirled around her heart this time.


    The reason why she was willing to reunite with the Everett family was because she needed the esteemed identity as their daughter. That way, it''d be easier for her to carry out her revenge.


    Little did she know that she''d be able to sit at the same table with her family amicably despite having gone through so many hardships with them. After dinner, Hera knocked on the door of Gideon''s study.


    "Gideon, thank you for your help. Please convey my thanks to your friend and Mr. McLaggen as well. These pills can help save one''s life when they''re in danger. Please give the boxes to them on my behalf. It''s my way of thanking them,"


    Hera ced two ck velvet boxes on the desk as she spoke. She wasn''t one to owe others favors.


    Gideon nced at the boxes. There weren''t any logos on the covers, which led him to believe that Hera had crafted the pills instead of buying them. "Did you craft the pills yourself?" he asked in surprise.


    "Yeah."


    Her answer stunned Gideon to the core.


    "What other skills do you have?" he asked again.


    So far, Hera had demonstrated her skill in treating illnesses and crafting medicines. Not only that, but she was also capable of speaking fluent Terranian as well.


    Hera was such a talented girl. Gideon had a feeling that James must be aplete buffoon back then, seeing as he refused to acknowledge Hera as his actual daughter.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    "I suppose I''m also talented in wolfing down food as well," Hera joked.


    Gideon burst intoughter, clearly amused.


    Despite Hera''s skinny frame, she had a huge appetite. She was unlike the other young girls who ate very little each meal just to maintain their figures. Hera was the type who cleaned every morsel off her te. In fact, she enjoyed eating desserts too.


    "You should take the pills back. I wanted to ask you how you managed to get out of jail," Gideon replied.


    He had been contacting everyone he could think of while trying toe up with a way to bail Hera out of jail the entire afternoon. But when his contacts heard that Queenie and Brandon were the ones behind Hera''s imprisonment, they dared not offer their help.


    They imed that they couldn''t afford to step on Queenie''s and Brandon''s toes at this time. Also, they wouldn''t be able to do anything to people as powerful as those two.


    Gideon only stopped when he received a phone call from Lilith, who informed him of Hera''s return.


    He was curious as to why Queenie and Brandon could let Hera off the hook so easily. After asking around, he found out that Shaun and Kane had visited the police station.


    Was Hera acquainted with Shaun as well?Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "That wasn''t you? Then it could only be..." Hera looked surprised.


    A gorgeous face popped into her mind at that moment. Was Bernard the one who helped her out?


    ...


    Back in Skyview Heights, Bernard sat on the couch in a ck shirt and long pants. He gripped a wine ss while swirling the red liquid around elegantly.


    Shaun sat across from him. He had a cigar in his left hand, whereas his right hand clutched the ss by the mouth carelessly. The ice cubes rattled with his every move, and his cognac sloshed around as well.


    "Bernard, I admit that I was wrong back then. I''ll down three sses of cognac as my punishment," Shaun said.


    After draining three sses of cognac heartily, he continued, "It''s wrong to purely im that all women will be attracted to men who spend the right amount of money. I need to add one more condition."


    Bernard raised an eyebrow as an indication for Shaun to continue speaking.


    "Power ys a huge role as well."


    This was the conclusion Shaun had reached after meeting Hera in the police station.


    He had met all sorts of women, yet it


    el


    was his first time meeting someone like Hera. She was gorgeous and sexy, though she had a cold personality and was very opinionated. Regr men could


    never score a chance with her.


    Bernard opted not to say anything about Shaun''s ridiculous conclusion.


    "Then again, you''ve been keeping a low profile for way too long recently. If not, why would trash like Queenie have the guts to bully Hera?" Shaun dusted the ash off his cigar. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Bernard sipped some red wine from his ss. "It''s time to force the Gaskells into bankruptcy."


    "This can be chalked up to your wooing progress being far too slow. No one else knows that Hera''s your girl. Do you need my help?" Shaun raised an eyebrow.


    If it weren''t for the fact that Bernard had a crush on Hera, Shaun would''ve been interested in courting her.


    The colder a woman seemed, the stronger his urge to conquer her.


    "No need for that. You can leave now," Bernard replied ruthlessly.


    "Tch! I can''t believe you told me to get lost after ordering me around! You''re the only one who''s bold enough to do this to me!" Shaunined, clearly displeased.


    Still, he threw his head back and downed the rest of the cognac before getting up to his feet.


    Suddenly, sounds of the electronic lock being unlocked could be hearding from the outside. The front door was opened the next moment.


    The first thing Hera noticed was a strong smell of smoke wafting from inside the residence. A frown graced her features as she turned to look at the couch.


    Wisps of smoke could be seen


    surrounding the living room. A few bottles of wine sat on the coffee table, their corks already popped Bernard sat on the couch while holding the wine ss that he had yet to set down due to the time constraints.


    Hera made eye contact with Bernard coolly. There wasn''t a trace of emotion on her face.


    She had specifically dropped by Skyview Heights just to thank Bernard in person. Little did she expect that she''d witness him drinking alcohol behind her back.


    Bernard had yet to make a full recovery from his injuries. He was forbidden from drinking alcohol and eating spicy food.


    It had only been one day since Herast saw Bernard, and yet he was already breaking one of the rules. What if he did something else behind her back?


    Meanwhile, Bernard didn''t expect to see Hera returning to Skyview Heights all of a sudden. As a result, he was caught red-handed.


    Wasn''t Hera supposed to return to the Everett residence?

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    The next thing everyone knew, Bernard raised his wine ss at Shaun.


    "Thank you for doing me such a huge favor, Mr. Thompson. I''ll definitely repay you for your benevolence in the future. Please, help yourself to the alcohol. Cheers."


    Bernard then drained his ss dry. He made sure to cough a few times after that as though he choked on the wine.


    Shaun, who was taken aback by the sudden performance, was extremely confused.


    Didn''t Bernard tell him to leave? Why did he make it seem like Shaun was the one forcing him to drink?


    How the hell did he get framed?


    Then again, Shaun had no choice but to take the me for the sake of Bernard''s future happiness.


    Still, he was starting to feel concerned for Bernard. After all, he was willing to bend over backward just to cater to Hera''s wishes.


    "Mr. Thompson, thank you for your help today. This is a life-saving pill that I''ve crafted. Think of it as my gift for your help."


    Hera pulled out a small velvet box from her bag and passed it to Shaun. The dark box formed a sharp contrast against her fingers, making them look extremely slender and beautiful.


    The faintest trace of a smile was present on Hera''s beautiful face. For some reason, Shaun had a feeling that he was epting a lethal pill instead of a life-saving pill.


    Then again, it was a gift from Bernard''s beautiful wife-to-be. Shaun was more than thrilled to ept poison from Hera as long as it was a gift from her.


    After epting the box and putting it into his pocket, Shaun replied, "No problem. You can treat me to a few drinks next time. I''m leaving now." What Shaun didn''t know was that the pill would end up saving his life in the future.


    "Sweetie, I didn''t mean to drink on purpose..."


    The moment Shaun closed the front door behind him, Bernard immediately stered an innocent look on his face.


    He continued, "I was worried about you, but I was in no condition to pick you up. So, I had to ask Shaun for help. He likes drinking a lot, you see. I can only humor him by going with what he wants. But really, I didn''t drink much at all."


    Hera nced at the bottles on the coffee table again. Clearly, she had noticed that half of the wine was gone.


    Bernard didn''t drink much, huh?


    Upon noticing Hera turning to leave with an impassive look on her face, Bernard rose to his feet immediately before sweeping the bottles off the coffee table.


    Sounds of ss crashing onto the floor rang out abruptly at that moment.


    Hera turned around immediately, only to see Bernard slumping against the coffee table. She rushed over to help him up immediately. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m not!"


    Hera quickly checked Bernard over. It appeared that he didn''t sustain any injuries.


    She remained silent afterward.


    "I know my mistake now, sweetie. Can you please not get mad at me?" Bernard continued to y the pity card despite having gotten Hera''s attention. "I''m not mad at you."


    Bernard proceeded to study Hera''s beautiful face. "But you keep ignoring me. You also tried to leave."


    Hera was speechless for a moment.


    "I was going to craft you some hangover pills," she exined.


    It was all thanks to Bernard that Hera was released from her cell so quickly without a hitch in the process. Also, she got to turn the tables on Queenie. Bernard''s


    contacts yed a huge role in


    ensuring that things went well.


    e


    Hera couldn''t bear to see Bernard ruining his own body by consuming alcohol. She was both angry and distressed because of this. Bernard''s lips curled into a small smile. "There''s no need for that. My alcohol tolerance is quite strong."


    In the past, he had gone through


    special training just so he could


    complete a spy mission. As a result,


    he was able to keep his mind clear


    even after guzzling down four pints


    of content belongs to


    Hera fell silent after that.


    Even though Bernard imed that he didn''t need hangover pills, she still went ahead and crafted some for him. He still had to take anti-inmmation pills, so he needed to be careful when it came to


    alcohol intake.


    Bernard just went along with the flow obediently. He seemed to have pondered about an issue for a long time, for he soon spoke up. "Even Shaun has a gift. Why didn''t you give me one?"


    Once again, Hera didn''t know what to say.


    She knew that Bernard was ying the pity card on purpose, yet she didn''t have the heart to expose him, nor did she want to turn him down. Suddenly, Hera recalled the ongoing deal she had with the grandmaster of Astral Nova. The best gift she could prepare for Bernard was an opportunity to cure his illness once and for all.


    That was why she needed to get her hands on the century-old gurdyroot as soon as possible.


    As for the photos requested by the grandmaster...This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    Hera fixed her gaze on Bernard before scanning him from the bottom to the top. It was as though she could see his muscr figure through his clothes. In the end, her gazended on Bernard''s gorgeous face.


    "You want a gift from me? Not a problem. Give me ten of your selfies. I need to trade them for the medicinal ingredient I need," she said.


    It was Bernard''s turn to be speechless.


    "Right. I want the selfies that are simr to the one you sent to me by mistake in the past," Hera added.


    Bernard remained silent.


    He had been wondering how Hera would get her hands on his photos. Never did he expect that she''d request them from him in such a blunt manner.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "I don''t have any selfies left. I don''t really take them," Bernard denied right away.


    "Didn''t you send someone else your selfiest time? You even imed that you sent it to the wrong person!" Hera gazed at Bernard suspiciously. Clearly, she didn''t trust him.


    "Are you jealous?" Bernard looked at Hera with a mysterious smile on his face.


    Upon recalling the incident involving Bernard and Camille back then, Hera''s long-forgotten irritation came back in full force.


    "Don''t switch the subject! The medical ingredient is meant for you. Now, hurry up and give me the photos," she urged stonily.


    Hera really was a stubborn one.


    Bernard opened his photo album and showed it to her.


    "Seriously, I don''t have any photos of myself. I didn''t send the photo to the wrong person back then; I sent the wrong photo to you. I wanted to send you another one, you know. You''re the only one who gets to see my selfies."


    Initially, Hera didn''t want to look at the photo album. But her eyes still betrayed her by gliding over to Bernard''s phone screen.


    There were only two photos in his photo album.


    The first one was the photo


    featuring his abs, which had been sent to her in the past. The other photo was a photo of Bernard''s gorgeous looks. There was even a caption at the bottom of the photo, but Hera couldn''t make it out since the font was too small.


    Hera was still doubting Bernard''s reason, so she raised a hand and swiped the screen upward to check the album properly.


    True to Bernard''s words, there were only two photos in his photo album.


    "Who did you strike a deal with? What sort of medical ingredient are you trying to barter for?" Bernard asked despite knowing the answers to those questions.


    Hera didn''t want to reveal too much information to him. She gazed downward instead.


    "It''s a guy with a weird fetish. I''m trying to get my hands on a medicinal ingredient that can save your life."


    Bernard was momentarily silent when he heard the answer.


    "Is it the Eclipse Stone? I heard that Dr. Shadow obtained it," he said.


    At the same time, he studied Hera''s expression carefully in order to capture the slightest change in her expression.


    Hera''s expression was still stony,


    but her eyshes fluttered slightly the moment she heard Dr. Shadow''s name being mentioned. She was a great actress, but Bernard still


    noticed the hint of strangeness.


    "It seems that you think too highly of yourself." She chuckled icily in response.


    As if the Eclipse Stone was worth ten of Bernard''s selfies!

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    If it were that easy, Hera wouldn''t have to go to the Astral Nova Auction to bid for the damned pearl. Not only did she spend 880 million dors on it, but she also had to agree to three of the grandmaster''s conditions.


    Thanks to that, she wasn''t able to buy any other medical ingredients, nor was she able to settle the second half of the payment.


    Ugh! She was dirt poor at the moment!


    Bernard couldn''t help but smile. He didn''t want to expose Hera''s identity, seeing as she didn''t want toe clean to him just yet.


    "Enough with the nonsense! Just snap ten selfies and send them to me!" Hera tossed the phone back to Bernard before turning to head upstairs. She wanted to go to bed soon.


    Bernard grabbed her hand immediately. "I''m still sick, so I can''t take my own selfies. Why don''t you take them for me?"


    His action caught Hera by surprise. Bernard''s hand was quite big, and he had long, slender fingers. Even though the residence was very warm thanks to the thermostat, his body temperature was rather low. It was a sign that his health was still poor.


    Hera turned around to see Bernard sitting on the couch. He was in the midst of undoing his buttons.


    Just as Bernard was about to undo his fourth button, Hera quickly ced a hand on top of his hands to stop him. "Have Dous take the selfies for you tomorrow." Her ears were starting to redden out of embarrassment. "No way. Not anyone gets to see my body, you know." Bernard turned that suggestion down immediately. Hera shot back, "Didn''t you shower with yourrades in amunal bathroom during your time in the army?" Also, Dous had been dropping by Skyview Heights over the past few nights to rub Bernard down, hadn''t he? "My time in the army is ancient history now. Besides, I was always thest one in the bathroom. It was often deserted."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera remembered seeing scars littering Bernard''s back and waist. Almost every single one of them signified a fatal attack delivered by his enemies. It was extremely difficult for him to survive till now.


    The thought of Bernard getting hurt in the past made Hera''s heart ache for him.


    "This wound must have hurt a lot, right?" she asked while gently caressing the scar on Bernard''s chest.


    "Not really. I''m already numb to it."


    Bernard''s response made Hera''s heartache worsen. Just how many times must a person get severely injured for him to get used to such horrible pain?


    If only Bernard had escaped from the Killian residence together with Hera and Catherine...


    Perhaps his destiny might turn out differently today.


    An icy glint crossed Hera''s eyes the moment she recalled the Killians.


    Having sensed the shift in Hera''s mood, Bernard said, "It''s gettingte now. I''ll tell you the stories behind the scars next time."


    Hera snapped out of her memories at that moment. Only then did she realize her current posture made her seem like a female gangster who was about to take advantage of another man. She quickly withdrew her hand before getting up to her feet. Then, she headed upstairs with reddened ears.


    Bernard''s voice drifted from behind her. "You should rest early. Let''s take the selfies you need this Sunday. I''ll prepare for the photoshoot."


    Hera didn''t say anything in response.


    What did he mean by "the selfies you need"?


    She was only doing this because she needed to trade the selfies for the medicinal ingredient just to cure his illness!


    Also, what sort of preparations did he have in mind for the so-called photoshoot?


    velbet


    After returning to her room, Hera washed up in the bathroom before plopping onto her bed. She


    managed to fall asleep after that and even had a dream.


    The following day, she jolted awake because of the dream.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    Hera got out of the car while yawning tiredly. The moment she walked through the school gate, she attracted countless students'' attention. Gossip began to break out among the crowd.


    "Hera Youngworth, you actually escaped from prison! To think you even have the guts toe to the academy!"


    Lily appeared out of nowhere and blocked Hera''s way.


    Ever since she made a fool out of herself in the auditoriumst Friday, she had applied for one week''s leave from the academy. She nned on returning to the academy only after everyone had forgotten about her humiliating incident.


    However, Lily had been seeing threads featuring rumors about Heramitting a crime and getting taken away by the police on the academy forum yesterday. Hence, she voided her official leave and resumed her sses at the academy just to listen to more juicy gossip.


    She didn''t expect to bump into Hera so soon.


    Meanwhile, Hera was jolted awake, thanks to the embarrassing dream she had. Because of that, she had quite a vtile temper. "Get lost."


    But Lily refused to step out of Hera''s way. "What makes you think you can order me to leave? You don''t own this path!"


    "Boss!" Katie had caught sight of Hera from far away. She wasted no time in rushing over to Hera''s side.


    When she noticed Lily standing in Hera''s way, she jeered, "Oh? It seems that you haven''t had your fill in performing the bunny dancest Friday, huh? Are you nning to perform it again?"


    "You!" Lily''s anger was stoked.


    "You should go ahead and dance in the sports field if that''s what you want to do. Don''t block my boss'' way, you hear?"


    Katie shoved Lily away roughly before saying to Hera, "This way please, Boss."


    Lily was so furious that she almost had an aneurysm on the spot.


    The reason why she resumed her sses at Cavenridge was that the gossip threads featuring Hera had overtaken the threads which primarily mocked her bunny dance. She didn''t expect Katie to bring up that stupid dance again.


    Lily gnashed her teeth together while ring at Hera''s silhouette. Finally, she decided to look for Zyler in ss A in the junior year''s ssroom block. While surfing the forum and reading the gossipst night, Lily found out that Zyler was tied to the reason behind Hera''s arrest. It turned out that Zyler had applied for leave today, so he wouldn''t be attending sses at all.


    Coincidentally, Christopher took charge of clearing Hera''s name on the forum around the same time. He told everyone not to make malicious spections about the incident.


    On the other hand, Katie started spamming custom-made stickers featuring Lily''s bunny dance as a warning for troublemakers who dared to voice out malicious spections on the forum.


    Lily was so pissed that she barely focused on her sses throughout the morning. During lunch break, she sought out her homeroom teacher and got pardoned from sses for the day before rushing to the Gaskell residence.


    Meanwhile, things at the Gaskell residence were a huge mess because of Queenie''s arrest.


    "I''ve bought the photos snapped by


    the paparazzi. Also, I''ve ced a lockdown on the mass media''s news regarding this incident. But this isn''t a long-term solution. We need to find a way to bail Mom out of prison," Amelia said. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Deputy Chief Hobbs has been taken away by the prosecutors. They won''t let me bail Queenie out," Terence said with a sigh.


    He and hiswyer had gone over to Norburgh Police Department early in the morning just to bail Queenie out, but Kane had rejected him on the spot. "Let''s go to Jedburgh and ask Aurora for help," Zyler suggested.


    The reason why Kane refused to let the Gaskells bail Queenie out was because of Shaun''s influence. Of course, the Gaskells were nothing before the Thompsons. But things would be different if the Killians were to act on the Gaskells behalf.


    Terence nodded in response. "That seems to be the only way."


    He summoned the family driver and told him to get the car ready.


    At that moment, a maid led Lily into the living room. "Sir, Ms. Lily is here to see you."


    Ever since Zyler witnessed Lily''s idiotic momentst Friday, he no longer liked being with her. He led her to the backyard before asking sullenly, "What are you doing here?"


    "Zyler, Hera went to school today. That''s why I came over to visit you."


    As Lily spoke, she noticed Zyler''s hand. "Is your hand alright?"


    Zyler was enraged when he heard Hera''s name being mentioned. It was all thanks to her that the Gaskells were in hot soup right now.


    How audacious of Hera to go to school as if nothing happened!


    "What are you trying to say?" he asked.


    "Hera really has gone over the line this time! Not only did she humiliate me in public, but she also treated you like this! Your hands are meant to y the piano!"


    Lily continued angrily, "As long as she doesn''t leave the academy, we won''t be able to enjoy our school lives in peace! Not to mention, you still need to take your SATS next year!"


    Zyler got even angrier at the mention of the SATS. His spot on Vardhar University''s guaranteed admission list was definitely a goner now.


    "You got a solution for that?" he asked suspiciously.


    "It''s the registration phase for the preliminary round of the national informaticspetition right now. We can draft her into thepetition.


    "The date of the preliminary round


    just so happens to coincide with the day of the academy anniversary celebration. We''ll only inform her on the day itself. Let''s see which event she choose to attend," Lily O suggested darkly.


    It didn''t matter which event Hera chose to attend on that day. As long as she missed out on the other event, she''d end up breaking the rules. That misconduct alone was enough for the academy to expel her permanently.

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    The thing was, Lily intended to make Hera skip out on both events.


    Meanwhile, Zyler felt that Lily''s n was quite childish and nonsensical. Besides, Hera might not get expelled by the academy for her absence because of Christopher, who was herpdog.


    Then again, the idea of pissing Hera off was enough to convince Zyler to join Lily''s n.


    That afternoon, Hera happened to be napping in ss K of the junior year ssroom block. Her phone, which was tucked away in her drawer, suddenly vibrated, which jolted her awake.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She grabbed her phone, clearly annoyed by the disruption. There, she saw a text message from a phone number that wasn''t saved in her contacts list.


    "Boss, hurry up and look at WhatsApp! I think your ID number got leaked!"


    Hera deleted the message before switching ounts on WhatsApp.


    Piglet: "Look at the image, boss! Did you register for the national informaticspetition for teens?"


    Piglet: "This can''t be, right? Boss, just how shameless are you to bully a group of teenagers? They are still na?ve and innocent!"


    Piglet: "Hold on, something''s not right. The phone number which had submitted your registration details isn''t yours! Did you really register for thepetition?"


    Piglet: "Your contact information must have gotten leaked, right?"


    Piglet: "Where are you?"


    Hera tapped on the image sent by Piglet and nced at it. Then, she typed out a message which only consisted of two words.


    Raven: "Got it."


    After that, Hera switched to another app, which divided the screen into halves. The top half was a ck backdrop, while the bottom half was an input interface. Her thumbs began dancing above her keypad swiftly. Soon, strings of white code fleeted across the top half of the screen in rows.


    Sometimeter, Hera stopped typing on her phone. As she gazed at the information being projected on the screen, she muttered coldly, "How childish."


    She tapped on her phone quickly for a short while before clicking it shut. Then, she tossed it back into her drawer and continued napping.


    ...


    Sunday came in the blink of an eye.


    The moment Hera descended the stairs after she was done washing up in the bathroom, she saw Dous ordering a bodyguard to drag a big piece of baggage Out of the apartment.


    Bernard, who was d in a white suit, sat on the couch while reading the news on his tablet. When he saw Hera, he said, "Ah, you''re awake."


    "Are you going out?" Hera nced at the baggage that the bodyguard was currently dragging. Then, she picked up Tiramisu, which was nuzzling her leg at the moment.


    "We are going out," Bernard corrected. "You did promise me that we''ll be taking photos today."


    He put down his tablet before rising to his feet. Then, he slowly made his way to the dining room.


    His injuries were healing well. Last night, Hera had removed his stitches, so he could cover short distances without any problems.


    Upon noticing Bernard heading to the dining room, Dous went to the kitchen to serve him and Hera breakfast.


    On the other hand, Hera was bbergasted.


    Was this Bernard''s so-called preparations? Wasn''t she supposed to take ten random photos of Bernard at home? "Where are you nning to have your photos taken?" Hera asked while walking into the dining room. "Lumiville," Bernard replied.


    For a moment, Hera thought she was hearing things. "That far?"


    ?


    Lumiville was a city located at the southernmost point of Humerton. It was always hot and humid there, making it the best vacation spot during winter.


    All Hera had to do was take ten photos of Bernard. Was it really necessary for them to travel that far?


    Bernard just smiled faintly. "It''s not far. This is your first time taking photos of me. I''d like to make it a special asion."

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    After breakfast, Hera dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "How many days are we spending in Lumiville? I need to pack myself a bag too." Bernard must have been bored out of his mind, seeing as he was confined at home during the past week just to recuperate. It was a good idea to spend the day traveling.


    "I''ve already packed a bag for you," Bernard replied. "We might return tomorrow night. If you want to spend a few extra days in Lumiville, we can always dy our return."


    Hera was quite surprised, to say the least. Did Bernard pack her underwear for her as well?


    When it was time for Hera and Bernard to leave, Tiramisu stood guard at the door. Once the front door opened, it shot out of the apartment happily. It slowed down to a stop at the elevator before turning around to look at Hera with its huge, dark eyes. At the same time, it kept wagging its curly tail as though it was begging her to take it along.


    Bernard strolled over to Tiramisu before picking it up with one hand. Then, he started walking back to the apartment.


    Having realized what Bernard was nning to do, Tiramisu wiggled out of his grasp while grunting angrily. Uponnding on the ground, it dashed back to Hera''s feet before snorting coquettishly at her.


    "If Tiramisu isn''t scared of the outside world, I suppose it cane with us." Hera picked Tiramisu up and stroked its head lovingly.


    Tiramisu narrowed its eyes joyfully. It then nestled in Hera''s arms while snorting in content.


    "Is Tiramisu getting lonely? Why else would it want to interrupt our private time together?"


    Bernard just shot Tiramisu a cold re.


    Hera didn''t know what to say in return.


    The group soon descended to the first floor. The bodyguard had already loaded the trunk with everyone''s baggage. Upon noticing their arrival, he opened the car door for them.


    Half an hourter, the group reached a huge airport. A ne was already waiting for them on the tarmac. All preparations were done, so it could take off anytime.


    Hera cradled Tiramisu in her arms as she scanned around her surroundings. The ne was parked extremely far from the terminal. Clearly, it was a private ne.


    The ne was actually a modified version of Boeing 474. The interior furnishings made it look like a portable hotel in air-a cluster of rooms such as the bedroom, dining room, living room, study, bathroom, as well as kitchen were fitted into the ne itself. Needless to say, the facilities were pretty well-rounded on the ne.


    As long as the ne had enough fuel, Hera had no doubt that they could live permanently in the sky.


    After taking a tour of the ne, Hera waspletely baffled by how luxurious the ne was. She sought out an air stewardess and entrusted Tiramisu to her.


    Once she was sure that Tiramisu wasfortable in its spot, Hera proceeded to go to the living room. She plopped down on the armchair next to Bernard''s couch.


    "Bernard, I thought you told me you led a difficult life in the Killian residence."


    Hera turned to look at Bernard. She wondered how he could exin his way out of this.


    Bernard replied coolly, "I rented this ne."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Hera shot a look at the logo stitched on the napkin before her. It belonged to XS Corporation.


    She vaguely remembered what XS Corporation was like.


    Two years ago, XS Corporation had


    stolen a major project from the Killians That was how it rose to sess in an instant. In just two years, it was able to join the ranks of the top ten corporations in Jadonia.


    The president of XS Corporation was Theo Smith. He was a self-made entrepreneur as well.


    Two years after XS Corporation was founded, Theo was able to purchase a customized private ne that cost at least 500 million Terranian dors to build. Clearly, the profits he made from the project he had stolen from the Killians were very lucrative.


    The head of the Killian family must hate XS Corporation''s guts a lot. In that case, how was it possible for Bernard to rent a ne from XS Corporation?


    Hera replied, "You really don''t care about the consequences, huh?"


    Bernard chose not to respond to Hera at all.


    ...


    Sometime after the ne took off, Hera took off her seatbelt once the ne was stabilized. She went to check on Tiramisu right away.


    It was Tiramisu''s first time on a


    ne. It must have been terrified by the loud roars of the ne''s engines during take-off, for it cowered in the corner of the cage while trembling in fright.


    Hera opened the cage door and began stroking Tiramisu. Her heart throbbed for the poor pig.


    "Is it okay?" Bernard strolled over with a camera at that moment.


    "It''s frightened." Hera gently scooped Tiramisu out of the cage.


    Bernard shot Tiramisu a nce. "If it does, we can always make a meal out of it," hemented casually.


    Tiramisu shuddered before grunting at Bernard unhappily, as though it was cursing at him.


    "See? It can still fight back. That means it won''t die, so don''t worry about it," Bernard said to Hera.


    Both Tiramisu and Hera fell silent.

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    It was unknown whether Hera''sforting embrace or Bernard''s aggravating words were the ones working wonders, for Tiramisu looked a lot better after a while. Not only did it stop shivering, but it also jumped to the floor and began sniffing around the ne, as though it was exploring a brand new territory.


    Bernard told Dous to keep an eye on Tiramisu before taking Hera back to the bedroom. "You can take a few photos of me here for now."


    Hera epted the camera mutely. She began to tinker with the camera to find out how to use it.


    The moment she raised her head, Bernard had already taken off his jacket and shirt, revealing his sculpted and scarred body.


    Needless to say, Hera was rendered speechless.


    Based on how quickly Bernard had stripped, it seemed that he was pretty used to stripping in front of others.


    Hera lifted the camera and took a photo of Bernard to gauge her skills. After navigating to the album and selecting the photo, she nced at it before quietly passing the camera to Bernard.


    "Should the photo look like this?"


    Bernard epted the camera and looked at the photo. He was so stunned that he couldn''t utter a word.


    "Um... I guess that''s a no?" Hera let out an awkward cough once she noticed how silent Bernard was. She knew the answer to her question, yet she still chose to ask it.


    Hera rarely took photos, let alone selfies. It was only natural for her to be bad at taking photos.


    Bernard was still stunned by the photo. There was a running joke on the Inte iming that the photos taken by boyfriends often depicted their girlfriends from the worst angle. It turned out that Hera somehow possessed the same talent.


    The only reason why the photo looked fine was all thanks to Bernard''s gorgeous looks.


    "You can take good photos after some practice," Bernard saidfortingly.


    Hera didn''t say anything in response.


    "I''ll teach you."


    Bernard moved to stand next to Hera before swapping the camera back to the photo-taking mode. He pointed the camera at various objects in the room and began exining the photo-taking techniques that weremonly used by photographers to her.


    Hera practiced diligently the whole time. She''d take photos of Bernard from time to time in order to hone her skill.


    Three hourster, the nended safely at Lumiville Airport. At that time, Hera was finally able to snap decent photos of Bernard.


    They got into a car outside the airport and went on a half-hour-long trip. After that, they took a yacht, which brought them to an ind.


    The ind was covered in a thick,


    lush forest. The scenery there was breathtakingly beautiful. There were a few vis spread out in the forest. Even the sea there was azure blue, though there was no one to be seen on the vast beach. Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "A filming crew has been filming on the ind over the past two days, so the entire ind was cleared out in advance," Dous exined.


    Hera wasn''t sure if she truly believed Dous'' excuse.


    Soon, the group arrived at a private vi. They rested right after having a nice lunch.


    5:00 pm was the time when the sun''s rays weren''t that strong anymore. That was when Hera decided to change into her swimsuit and have fun on the beach.


    But when she opened the baggage Bernard had prepared for her, she saw a colorful assortment of sundresses and underwear. There was even a wide-brimmed hat and extra pairs of sandals stowed away in the baggage. The swimsuit was the only thing missing from the pile.


    "I didn''t expect that the beach would be cleared out, so I didn''t prepare a swimsuit for you," Bernard exined from the doorway.


    By then, he had already changed into a white tank top and a pair of vibrant beach shorts.


    Hera didn''t know what to say.


    In other words, Bernard didn''t prepare swimwear for her on purpose.


    But she really wanted to go swimming...


    "I''ll definitely prepare swimwear for you the next time we visit a ce without anyone else around," Bernard added.


    The truth was that swimsuits were included in the apparel list provided by the branded outlets. Bernard had nced at the swimsuits, only to realize that they were too skimpy and revealing. He thought that there might be creeps lurking on the beach, so he decided not to bring any of them.


    Once again, Hera remained quiet.


    In the end, she dug out a pale yellow sundress with cute prints on it. Then, she closed the door and changed into it.


    The moment Hera reached the living room, she caught sight of Dous speaking with a young man with dyed silver-gray hair, who stood outside the front door.


    "We don''t have that. You''ll have to take him to the hospital."


    The young man looked rtively disappointed. He thanked Dous and was about to leave when he saw Hera, causing his eyes to sparkle happily.


    "Boss!"

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    "Boss!" the young man called out excitedly.


    Hera gazed at him in surprise. "Piglet?"


    "That''s me!" Piglet nodded happily. "Wow! You look prettier than your ID photo!"


    "Piglet" was the young man''s codename. His actual name was Leon Kirnd. Hera thought it was a huge coincidence for her to bump into Leon in this ce.


    Bernard, who was scrolling through his phone on the couch, could sense that something was off in the conversation. He turned around to look at Leon.


    Leon stood over five feet and seven inches tall. He was a looker, that was for sure. At first nce, Bernard could tell that Leon had just turned 20 years old. His dyed silver-gray hair was quite eye-catching.


    Piglet?


    Bernard rose to his feet, a slight frown gracing his features.


    At first, Dous wanted to chase Leon out of the premises. But since Hera and Leon knew each other, he decided not to do anything.


    "What''s the matter?" Hera asked.


    She remembered vaguely overhearing that Leon was searching for medicine.


    "My friend ingested spoiled food, causing his gastroenteritis to act up. But he didn''t bring medicine along, so I came here to ask if you guys have any medicine that can treat gut health," Leon exined with a frown.


    He knew Hera was skilled in treating illnesses, so he added, "Can you take a look at him? Our location''s quite close to yours. It''s barely 300 feet away."


    "Can''t you just call the emergency hotline and send your friend to the hospital?" Bernard asked coldly as he moved to stand in front of Hera.


    He made sure to angle himself so that he was blocking her from Leon''s line of sight. It was as though he was announcing to Leon that Hera was his. Leon made eye contact with Bernard at that moment. Suddenly, the former felt a strong and intimidating bearing shrouding him.


    What a domineering man.


    Based on how possessive Bernard was over Hera, Leon could tell that they shared an unusual rtionship.


    "He''s a celebrity, and he''s still in the midst of filming, so it''s inconvenient for him to go to the hospital," Leon exined.


    "Isn''t there a doctor in the filming crew?"


    "He happened to be on leave..."


    "What a coincidence." Bernard obviously didn''t believe Leon''s words.


    Leon didn''t know what to say.


    Meanwhile, Hera shot Bernard a look of surprise. It was rare for him to engage in a conversation with a stranger for that long.


    "I''ll go with you to take a look at him," Hera said to Leon.


    "Will this be a hassle for you?" Leon snuck a nce in Bernard''s direction.


    He had a feeling that Bernard was a man he should never offend no matter what.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Yes."


    "No."


    Both Bernard and Hera gave their answers at the same time. Then, they went eerily silent.


    Hera returned to her room to grab her acupuncture kit. After that, she took off the camera, which was slung around her neck, before passing it to Bernard.


    "Bernard, I''ll go take a look at the patient. You can go ahead and have fun without me. I''ll go find youter. Lead the way."


    Thest sentence was directed at Leon.


    Leon had a feeling that Bernard''s demeanor became icier the moment Hera''s words fell. Right now, Bernard was ring at Leon as though he wanted to skin him alive.


    "No way. I want to go with you," Bernard said immediately.


    Hera didn''t know what to say in response.


    "Thank you." Leon gulped nervously before leading the way.


    He and Hera walked in front of Bernard. The wound on Bernard''s thigh had just finished recovering, his pace was slower. Also, the ground was quite uneven, so it only made sense for him to be a couple of steps behind Hera and Leon.


    "Boss, I can''t believe you''re actually in a rtionship at such a young age! Your beau looks pretty scary,


    toon whispered to Hera after


    ncing behind him.


    "I''ll dock yourmission if you keep making ridiculous guesses," Hera shot back coldly.


    Leon widened his eyes in response. "How could you dock mymission? I''m only entitled to 1% right now! If you dock it, I won''t have anything left!"


    Hera just responded by ncing at Leon, who covered his mouth immediately.

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    "Call me Hera. Remember to abide by the NDA''s uses," Hera reminded Leon.


    Leon nodded in response.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Bernard, whogged behind the pair, watched as they spoke in hushed tones without bothering to wait for him. An icy expression could be seen on his face.


    He had just warned Christopher a few days ago. Now, another love rival came into the fray.


    Why did Hera have so many admirers?


    Bernard looked down at the stones on the path. He kicked one of the stones on purpose, causing it to smash into another stone loudly.


    Hera turned around to look at Bernard once she heard the odd sound. He could be seen standing in front of a bigger stone while gazing back at her. "Sweetie, my leg hurts."


    Hera was rendered speechless as a result.


    Bernard shouldn''t have followed her and Leon to the set location if his injury was acting up.


    The thing was, Hera had a feeling that Bernard did it on purpose. But she couldn''t just ignore his plight like a cold-blooded monster. So, she could only approach him and steady him as he walked.


    Now that his little n worked, Bernard shot another icy nce in Leon''s direction.


    Of course, Leon was bbergasted when he noticed the nce.


    Bernard was sly. Leon had to give him that.


    After traveling for another hundred feet, the group could see a group filming something on the beach from a distance away.


    Behind the set location, there was arge parasol in ce. Four assistants could be seen tending to a man who was reclining on a chaise lounge chair.


    They served him water, dabbed sweat off his face, and even fanned him continuously. It was as though they were serving a king instead of a movie star.


    Leon led Hera and Bernard to the assistants. One of them spotted him and quickly greeted him before making way for him.


    The man reclining on the chaise lounge chair had biracial roots. When he heard Leon''s name being called out, he opened his beautiful ocean-blue eyes immediately.


    Hera could recognize the man. It was Damian te, a famous movie star. Advertisements and billboards featuring him were stered everywhere in Norburgh.


    "Babe, where did you go just now?" Damian reached out to take Leon''s hand.


    "I found you a doctor." Leon shook Damian''s hand off before stepping to the side.


    Damian looked at the pair standing behind Leon. The man emitted a cold and regal-like bearing, whereas the girl looked like a cold and aloof fairy. Based on appearances alone, neither of them seemed like doctors.


    Bernard was sizing Damian up as well. He was secretly relieved that Hera wasn''t interested in celebrities and movie stars.


    But based on Leon and Damian''s interactions, Bernard had a feeling that those two weren''t just regr friends. He secretly heaved a sigh of relief at the discovery.


    Since Leon wasn''t Hera''s admirer, Bernard lowered his guard around him.


    Hera nced at Damian. The light makeup on his face did little to conceal the deep-rooted exhaustion.


    She took a step forward before saying, "Take off your shirt."


    It took Bernard a full second to realize what Hera had just said.


    "Hang on." A burly assistant stopped Hera immediately. "Do you have a medical license?"


    That girl was still a minor, right?


    Damian''s health was very precious. How could anyone just waltz in and offer to treat him? If something were to happen to Damian, no one in the crew could afford to take the responsibility.


    Leon mumbled something into Damian''s ear, who then said, "Weston, step aside."


    After that, Damian took off his shirt without caring about the people looking at him at the moment. His tanned and toned upper body was instantly revealed.


    Weston Allum, on the other hand, was a little hesitant. But since Damian had already issued his order, he could only do what he was told.


    Hera approached Damian before


    crouching down to spread out her acupuncture kit on the beach. She withdrew a silver needle and dug out a lighter before running the me under the needle for a few


    moments. After that, she inserted it into Damian''s diaphragm point.


    Weston frowned deeply when he saw the treatment.


    The beach was an insanely filthy ce; to think that the female doctor was bold enough to ce her kit on the ground right away.


    Also, didn''t she need to sanitize the needles with alcohol before issuing the treatment?


    What if the needle carried some sort of disease? After all, it was plunged right into Damian''s body without alcohol sterilization!


    Weston grew anxious as he watched the girl administering the treatment. However, he dared not say anything because he could feel a strong bearinging from the side.


    He snuck a nce in that particr direction. It turned out that the man who came along with the doctor was the one emitting such a powerful air.


    Bernard watched as Hera pressed


    down on Damian''s body multiple times to search for a suitable acupuncture point. After that, she plunged another needle into said point. The process was theno repeated a few times.


    The frown on his face was so deep that one might think he was born with it.


    No matter how displeased he was, he made no move to stop Hera.


    15 minutester, Hera removed the silver needles. By then, Damian looked a lot better than before.


    "Bo-Hera, thank you so much! Let me treat you guys to dinner tonight!" Leon gushed happily.


    "There''s no need for that," Bernard replied coldly.


    Then, he showed Damian his bank ount number. "That''ll be a million dors. Please pay up."

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    "Isn''t a million dors supposed to be chump change for you, Mr. Killian?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Right from the start, Damian felt that Bernard looked quite familiar. Now, he finally recalled thetter''s identity.


    Bernard was the seventh son of the Killian family. He was Albert''s favorite son.


    Unfortunately, his status as a bastard child was an eyesore to Chad, the current head of the Killian family, after Albert''s passing. Hence, he was dumped to the military army for training.


    Then again, the amount of stocks Bernard possessed was second to Chad''s, making him a rather important figure in the Killian family.


    "Don''t think you''ll get a freebie just because you know my name. There''s no such thing as a free treatment," Bernard said coldly.


    Both Hera and Leon fell silent at the weird conversation.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t take advantage of you." Damian picked up his phone and transferred two million dors to Bernard''s ount. "Here''s a million dors for the diagnosis, and another million dors for the treatment."


    Damian could clearly feel that his stomach didn''t hurt anymore. The relief came a lot faster than the times he got treated with injections and pills. Once again, Hera and Leon were bbergasted by how things were progressing.


    Bernard put away his phone while maintaining a cold expression. Then, he turned to leave.


    Meanwhile, Hera had Leon pass her a pen and a piece of paper so that she could scribble a list for Damian.


    "Get the medicinal ingredients on this list and brew them into a concoction. Take it three times per day for one week straight."


    After that, Hera packed up her kit and went after Bernard, who had already walked a considerable distance at that time.


    Didn''t he im that his leg hurt? How was he able to walk that quickly?


    Was he mad at her?


    Hera couldn''t really understand why Bernard was angry at her. She followed him all the way to the beach, where he stopped in his tracks. Finally, she was able to join him by his side.


    "Is your leg not hurting anymore?"


    Since Hera took such a long time to catch up to him, Bernard felt that she didn''t care much about him.


    "It hurts."


    "In that case, why did you walk so quickly?"


    Bernard didn''t want to respond to Hera anymore. Instead, he took his shirt off and tossed it to the ground, followed by his phone. Finally, he passed the camera to Hera.


    "Take some photos of me."


    After that, Bernard walked toward the sea and began swimming.


    l.n


    Hera wanted to go after him, but she happened to be wearing a long dress at the moment. It''d be inconvenient for her to dive into the sea in this attire. So, she could only stand on the shore.


    The wavespped at her feet, cooling her down.


    It was almost dusk. The sun hung low above the horizon, scattering a sheen of golden foil above the sea''s blue surface. The scenery was breathtaking, to say the least.


    Hera turned on the camera and took a few photos of the scenery. Then, she tried to locate Bernard while peering through the camera scope. He happened to be swimming in the sea. At times, his head would break out of the surface.


    Hera was a little puzzled. She didn''t know why Bernard wanted her to take photos of him swimming.


    At that moment, Dous led


    Tiramisu to the beach via a leash. Hera decided to ignore Bernard for the time being. She passed the camera to Dous before she started ying with Tiramisu.


    As for Bernard, he spent the next half hour or so swimming in the sea. Once he finally calmed down, he swam back to the shore. The first thing he saw was Hera and Tiramisu digging small pits together on the beach. Obviously, they were having a lot of fun together. Meanwhile, Dous was the one carrying the camera this time. He strolled around the beach while taking photos of different subjects. Bernard didn''t know what to feel. He justbed his wet hair backward before approaching Hera.


    Hera raised her head to see a pair of long, slender legs. Her vision slowly traveled upward. The water beads hanging off Bernard''s body emitted a soft golden glow thanks to the setting sun''s rays, making him look unusually attractive.


    Hera was definitely enthralled by the sight.


    Bernard and Hera just stared into each other''s eyes. Their shadows were cast into long strips by the setting sun''s glow.


    Dous aimed his camera at the pair before clicking the shutter button.


    "Whose figure is better? Mine or his?" Bernard asked all of a sudden.


    That question snapped Hera out of her trance. She wore a look of confusion as she asked, "What?"


    "Is that movie star''s figure better than mine? Or is my figure better than his?" Bernard crouched down before repeating his question.


    "I didn''t pay attention to that," Hera replied.


    Bernard frowned slightly at the answer. "But you were feeling him up and down!"


    "I was trying to insert my needles into his acupuncture points," Hera exined. "There''s no such thing as gender in front of a doctor."


    "Do you feel the same way whenever you treat me?" Bernard''s eyes continued to bore into Hera''s.


    Hera''s gaze subconsciously drifted to Bernard''s chest pecs, but she was able to regain her senses soon enough. She quickly shifted her gaze downward while saying, "Yes."

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    Bernard noticed Hera''s subconscious action. "Whenever you lied in the past, you''d never look someone in the eye. Instead, you''d look down at your feet."


    Hera didn''t know what to say. She felt a mixture of anger and embarrassment now that Bernard exposed her.


    "So? What are you trying to say?"


    "Haven''t you realized that I got jealous earlier?"


    This time, both Dous and Hera fell silent.


    Dous could only secretlyment. Why couldn''t Bernard be more tactful when he brought that issue up? Why must he be so blunt and straightforward?


    "You have to coax me," Bernard added.


    Honestly speaking, Hera didn''t know how to react. This was her first time seeing someone who would acknowledge his jealousy outright. Seriously, what should she do?


    She had never coaxed anyone in her entire life. Even when she was a child, she was always the one being coaxed.


    Besides, Hera felt that she didn''t do anything outrageous. All she did was follow the regr treatment process. Why was Bernard still jealous of her? "Why don''t you swim for another half an hour to calm down?" Hera pointed at the sea.


    Bernard fell silent at the answer.


    Hera was definitely a heartless girl.


    "Don''t you feel distressed for me? At least tell me what''s your actual rtionship with that silver-haired guy from earlier."


    Bernard plopped onto the beach this time. He began digging at the sand at irregr intervals.


    Hera nced at him. As expected, he did bring up her rtionship with Leon. It was a good thing she had alerted Leon earlier. "We''re just inte friends," she replied.


    "Would you send your own photo to an inte friend?"


    Was the passport-sized photo on the ID considered an actual photograph?


    Hera could predict what Bernard wanted to say next.


    "You never sent me any of your photos!"


    She knew it.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "It was a mistake." Hera came up with an excuse.


    She couldn''t just tell Bernard the truth, right? She gave Leon the photo back when they signed the NDA.


    Bernard fell silent at the excuse.


    "Leon likes men. In a way, we''re like sisters," Hera added.


    Bernard felt a lot better after hearing thetest answer. Still, his expression remained stony.


    Hera was his and his only.


    When Bernard noticed the size of


    the pit that could fit a basketball, he picked Tiramisu up with one hand and ced it in the pit. Then, he began shoving sand onto the pig, imagining it as Leon.


    Needless to say, Tiramisu was very confused.


    Hera, on the other hand, was just speechless.


    "Hera!" someone called out to Hera from far away at that moment.


    Hera turned around to see Samantha bounding over to her joyfully. The moment she got up to her feet, Samantha rushed over and enveloped her in a bear hug.


    "I missed you so much! I was filming just now when I saw you from far, far away! But when I said hi to you, you straight up ignored me!"


    "I didn''t see you just now."


    At that time, Hera was busy treating Damian''s illness.


    When Bernard saw the girls hugging each other, he couldn''t help but frown slightly.


    If Hera and Leon were as close as sisters, would they have hugged each other like this?


    Only after Samantha released Hera did she notice Bernard. Her breath was hitched in her throat. "He''s so hot!"


    Then, she dragged Hera to the side. Clearly, she was itching for gossip.


    "Is he the uncle that you men ne


    last time? Holy shit! He''s so


    gorgeous! Are you two dating right now? What''s the progress? Oh, no. Did I interrupt your private time?"


    "Stop!" Hera cut in hastily. "We''re not dating. Stop making stupid guesses."


    But Samantha just smiled mysteriously while nodding. "Yeah, yeah. I understand. You two are still figuring it out, right? Do you need my hel¡ª" "No! Stop guessing already!"


    Hera was worried that Bernard might overhear Samantha. If he did, there would be a huge misunderstanding. So, she chose to cover Samantha''s mouth immediately.


    "Samantha, stop fooling around! He''s still mad at me!"


    Samantha pried Hera''s hand away. "Oh, I know what to do. Men are very easy to appease, you know. Why don''t


    t you two join me at the


    barbecue party tonight? I''ll teach you what to do."

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    Hera was unsure if she should take Samantha''s offer. Then again, Samantha was better at dealing with the opposite sex than her, so Hera agreed to meetter.


    Night time soon came.


    The vi the filming crew had rented for Samantha and the rest of the cast was brightly illuminated. The outdoor decorations made it seem like a party was going on.


    Hera and a cold-faced Bernard soon arrived at the vi.


    Damian had a few scenes that needed to be shot at night. There was a small crowd gathering in the courtyard, including Leon, two female celebrities, and a few assistants. They were grilling various food items while chatting and drinking happily. The atmosphere was very lively and boisterous.


    "Hera! Over here!" Samantha waved at Hera from her spot at a grill. In fact, she had the grill all to herself.


    "Mr. Killian, since you''re not ustomed to grilling food, you can sit there and have a drink or two. Hera and I will bring the food over once we''re done grilling it," Samantha said thoughtfully when she saw Bernard trailing behind Hera.


    Bernard just shot an impassive look in the grill''s direction.


    Really? That was it?


    When Bernard went through special training in the past, he was thrown into the wilderness with one requirement-to survive for three days and three nights. Not only did he have to survive on his own, but he also had to avoid getting ambushed by others.


    The conditions in the wilderness were much worse than whatever this barbecue party offered. Miniscule tasks such as grilling meat were nothing to Bernard.


    Then again, he wanted to taste Hera''s cooking, so he sat at an unupied table and watched her from afar.


    Hera knew that Samantha had said all those things just to distract Bernard. After washing her hands at a sink, she picked a fewmb skewers before returning to the grill. There, she began grilling the meat.


    Back when Hera lived in the countryside, it was normal for her to go hunting with her neighbors'' children behind Catherine''s back. They used to grill the meat they hunted, so she was skilled at it.


    A short whileter, a mouth-watering scent filled the courtyard. Leon was deeply entranced by the scent.


    He ran over to join Hera. "Boss, this smells amazing! I wanna have some!"


    "Mr. Killian hasn''t eaten anything yet, you know. Do you have the guts to eat the skewers Hera prepared before him?" Samantha said jokingly. Suddenly, Leon felt like someone was ring daggers at him from behind. He shivered instinctively out of fright. "I think I''ll just grill the meat myself." After that, he walked away to grab some food for himself.


    "When you bring the food over to himter, don''t just p on that poker face of yours. You need to be friendlier and sweeter. It''s best if you can act all cute and coquettish in front of him."


    Samantha ced themb skewers that Hera had grilled on a te. She also used the opportunity to put some grilled corn on the te. After that, she drew a heart on the skewers with ketchup.


    "Are you sure this method will work?" Hera gazed down at the heart suspiciously.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Trust me. This will definitely work."


    Samantha patted her chest


    confidently, "Whenever men


    throw


    .n


    tantrums, they aren''t throwing tantrums for real. They just want your attention. They want to be the center of your world."


    Was that really what Bernard wanted?


    Hera still had her doubts, but she picked up the te obediently. As she made her way back to Bernard, she started pondering how to act friendlier and sweeter to him.


    At that moment, a figure in red moved to stand in front of Hera. She handed a te of grilled meat to Bernard immediately.


    Hera stopped in her tracks right away upon witnessing the figure.


    Meanwhile, Bernard was checking the messages on his phone. He was in the midst of replying to a text when he smelled a strong waft of perfume getting closer to him, No amount of grilled food could mask the scent. Content belongs


    sto


    The next thing he knew, he saw a te of grilled food being offered to him.


    Bernard raised his head to see an extremely beautiful woman in a short red dress with spaghetti straps. This elicited a frown from him as he despised strong perfume.


    "Sir, you seem lonely. Why don''t we eat together?"


    Maya Dixon tucked a lock behind her ear while winking at Bernard.


    When she had emerged from the bathroom earlier, she was pleased to see a man who was hotter and younger than Damian in the courtyard. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight, leading to hering over just to flirt with him.


    Maya was an actress who recently got her shot at fame. She was extremely confident in her looks and figure, thinking she could conquer every man in the entertainment industry.


    Bernard''s expression became icier at the sight of Maya. Before he could tell her to get lost, he caught sight of Hera, who stood behind Maya. Suddenly, he changed his mind.


    He just said, "Alright."


    Maya''s smile became even more seductive upon hearing Bernard''s answer. As expected, no man could resist her charms in this world.


    "I grilled everything on this te myself. Have a bite." She took a seat across from Bernard.


    Maya took off her high heels under the table. Just as she was about to start ying footsie with Bernard, Hera walked over to their table.


    She ced the te on the table before shing Bernard a smile. "Dad, here''s your food."


    Maya retracted her foot immediately. She was so shocked that she almost fell from her chair. Disbelief was evident in her eyes as they darted from Bernard to Hera repeatedly.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    Dad?


    That man looked like he was in his 20s! How could he have a daughter this old?


    Bernard turned to look at Hera lovingly. "Thank you, sweetie. Oh, there''s even a heart on the meat! You really are thoughtful, sweetie."


    Hera just smiled. "It''s good that you like it."


    Bernard picked up amb skewer and took a bite. He was so stunned that he couldn''t speak.


    The meat was so salty that he thought he was chewing on salt instead.


    Wasn''t the meat supposed to be delicious because of the mouth-watering smell filling the courtyard? Why did the texture seem so weird?


    "Is it delicious?" Hera asked while smiling sweetly.


    Bernard swallowed the meat, his expression still calm. "Yup."


    "In that case, you should have more." Hera pushed the te in Bernard''s direction.


    Then, she turned to look at Maya. "What about you, ma''am? Would you like some as well?"


    Hera''s sickly, sweet smile sent chills down Maya''s spine.


    Did that girl just call her "ma''am"?


    Did she look that old?


    When Maya turned her attention back to the te, she was horrified to see the mound of ketchup and hot sauce piling up on top of the skewers. This meal was supposedly made with love.


    She didn''t know what to say.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Were those two really father and daughter? They had got to be lying, right?


    "I-I''m sorry for disturbing you." Maya quickly wore her high heels and fled from the scene. She didn''t want the paparazzi to brand her as the third wheel of a rtionship.


    Once Maya was gone, Hera''s smile vanished instantly. She adopted her usual cold and aloof attitude.


    "Sorry about that. Did I scare your fling away?" she said coolly.


    "Yeah. What a shame." Bernard''s tone didn''t match with the things he said.


    Hera gazed at him calmly for a few seconds before turning to leave.


    Bernard seemed to be in a good mood just now. After all, he didn''t mind that prettydy''spany. He didn''t need coaxing at all. Hmph! Men were all big fat liars!


    On the other hand, Bernard could only watch as Hera left the courtyard.


    He cussed at himself-he overdid it this time.


    Meanwhile, Samantha had just


    stepped aside to take a call for a few minutes, Once she returned to the grill, she was surprised to see that the condiments were gone. Even the salt had vanished.


    "Huh? It makes sense if the ketchup and the hot sauce are gone, but why is the salt missing too?"


    After Hera left the courtyard, she finally realized that she had lost herposure. There weren''t any streetlights on the ind. As for the moon, it was covered by the clouds at the moment.


    As a result, there was nothing but darkness in front of Hera.


    The vi Hera and Bernard stayed in was located at least 100 feet away from this ce. Hera couldn''t see the vi''s lights because of the forest covering it.


    Soon, she slowed down to a crawl. She turned on her phone''s shlight app, feeling cold sweat beading on her forehead.


    Ever since Hera went through the life-changing incident when she was six years old, she had always thought that she could always maintain a cold and aloof fa?ade.


    That was until she met Bernard again after so many years. She realized that she couldn''t do that at all.


    She''d always get into all sorts of scenarios because of him. For example, she ran out into the darkness because of what had just happened.


    Hera was terrified of the dark. She


    could ovee darkness only for a short period. But once time dragged on, she''d start trembling


    Sive


    Qu


    uncontrobly. Her heart would start racing as well, and her breathing would quicken.


    She began walking forward briskly, only to trip over a stone and fall.


    Because of that, Hera ended up losing her phone. Once again, she was plunged into darkness.


    Hera could only remain slumped on the ground. The more anxious she became, the more difficult it was for her to see in the dark. In fact, she could even sense something approaching her.


    Terrified, she huddled backward. Suddenly, a cold hand shot out to grab her hand.

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    A startled gasp escaped Hera''s lips.


    With unexpected ferocity, Hera seized the intruding hand and yanked, following through with a sharp knee kick.


    Caught off guard by her sudden attack, Bernard managed to shield himself but was still thrown over her shoulder.


    "Sweetie, it''s me..." he groaned out the words.


    Seemingly deaf to his words, Hera scrambled up andunched another attack. Bernard relied on his night vision and narrowly dodged her kick. But as soon as he regained his footing, she charged again.


    After a brief exchange, Bernard''s curiosity was piqued. Hera''s fighting style was raw and untrained, yet her blows instinctively found their mark, targeting vulnerable areas.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Each time Hera fell, she rose again, seemingly impervious to pain. Her body moved with an instinctive, primal urge to protect itself.


    Bernard frowned, dodging her relentless attacks until he found an opportunity to restrain her. As he held her tightly, he noticed how icy her body was and how hard she was trembling.


    "Hera?" he called again, but she only struggled harder.


    Suddenly, he remembered her intense fear of the dark. This was far worse than he''d imagined. What could have caused such deep trauma? "Sweetie, don''t be afraid. It''s me," he murmured, pressing her head against his chest.


    Trapped and overwhelmed, Hera panicked, biting down hard on his chest. Bernard grunted but didn''t release her. Instead, he whispered her nickname soothingly in her ear.


    Just then, a gust of sea wind swept the clouds aside, revealing a bright full moon.


    "Hera..."


    At that moment, Samantha arrived with two shlights in hand.


    Panic had washed over Samantha when she realized both Hera and Bernard were gone. The untouched barbecue and the encroaching darkness fueled her worst fears, prompting her to grab shlights and search for them.


    The sight of them brought initial relief but was quickly reced by rm. Both were covered in sand, and Hera''s torn dress suggested a fight between them.


    "Hera!" Samantha cried out, hesitant to approach.


    She turned to Bernard and asked worriedly, "There are no lights here! How could you let her wander off


    alone? Her¨¤ is terrified of the darke


    When she was young, she was locked in a dark room and abused by traffickers. It left her traumatized. She bes extremely aggressive in darkness!"


    Samantha''s voice trembled with


    emotion as she spoke et


    heart ached, his grip on tightening involuntarily. belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    The shlight''s beam seemed to anchor Hera, her struggles subsiding as she released her bite.


    "Uncle Bernard..." she murmured, her voice soft as a kitten''s.


    Relieved by her returning sanity, Bernard gently patted her head. "I''m here. You''re safe now."


    The familiar voice and scent calmed her slightly, but the surrounding darkness still made her tremble.


    "I want to go home," she whispered.


    "Sure, I''ll take you. Can you walk?" Bernard released her and offered his hand.


    Hera shook her head.


    "I''ll carry you, then." Bernard lowered himself, his back toward her.


    Hera climbed onto Bernard''s back, and he effortlessly lifted her.


    Samantha was torn between anger and worry. She followed behind with the shlight beam cutting through the darkness.


    The moon painted streaks of silver on the inky canvas of the sea while the waves whispered secrets to the shore.


    Hera clung to Bernard, her face buried in his shoulder. She found sce in the familiar scent of tobo.

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Upon returning to the mansion, Bernard and others were met with darkness. The living room was illuminated only by the flickering glow of candles. Dous was on the phone.


    "What happened?" Bernard asked.


    "The electric transformer is out. I''m getting it fixed," Dous replied, surprised by their early return. His gaze fell on Hera, who was cradled in Bernard''s arms.


    Samantha started to offer them a ce to stay, but Bernard was already turning to leave.


    "No need, we''re going home," he said firmly.


    It was then that Dous noticed Hera''s unusual state. Normally radiant and aloof, she now seemed small and fragile as she clung to Bernard''s back. He pushed aside the troubling questions, quickly gathering Tiramisu and snuffing out the candles before heading to the car.


    Once aboard the ne, Bernard settled Hera into the bedroom.


    Her face was a canvas of pallor, her eyes vacant-a stark reminder of the fear that had consumed her.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    He summoned the flight attendant for a first aid kit, his deft fingers tending to the scrapes on her hands and knees with practiced care.


    "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" he asked, wiping away the lingering traces of sand with a damp cloth.


    Hera shook her head numbly.


    Her fragility pierced his heart, a bittersweet ache blooming within him. "Then rest well. We''ll be home before you know it."


    Hera obeyed and sank into the softness of the bed. As Bernard tucked a nket around her and turned to fetch her a ss of water, her stender fingers curled around his wrist.


    "Don''t leave me..." Her voice was a mere breath, her tear-filled eyes glistening like moonlit pools, reflecting her utter vulnerability.


    Bernard''s heart melted. "I won''t leave."


    The following morning, the gnawing pangs of hunger roused Hera from her slumber.


    She opened her eyes to find Bernard still asleep, one arm draped possessively across her waist and the other cradling her head. Hera''s mind went nk. What had happenedst night?


    A quick inspection confirmed their


    clothes were still intact, much to her


    relief. Gradually, fragments of the


    previous night''s events


    returned her panicked escape


    Bernard carrying her back, her


    1


    crippling fear of the dark...


    She carefully slipped out of bed, only to discover that they were still on the ne, though it hadnded. The closed window blinds obscured the time of day.


    Just as she was about to leave, a voice husky with sleep called out, "Sweetie, nning a morning-after escape?"


    Hera froze, her voice dropping to an icy whisper. "Last night never happened."


    Bernard watched her go, a wry smile ying on his lips. He found the vulnerable, frightened girl from the night before far more endearing.


    Hera freshened up and requested food from the flight attendant to quell her hunger. She then procured a first aid kit and returned to the room.


    Bernard emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair tousled. He had a loose ck bathrobe draped around his body.

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    "What''s wrong?" Bernard asked as he noticed Hera holding the first aid kit.


    "I''m going to clean your wound," she replied, moving to the bedside and opening the kit.


    "What wound?" Bernard asked nonchntly, toweling his wet hair.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera''s cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained herposure as she pointed to his corbone.


    A yful smirk tugged at Bernard''s lips as he met her gaze. He leaned back on the bed and propped up on one elbow, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement.


    He exuded a seductive charm, reminiscent of a siren luring sailors to their doom. This small disy of concern from Hera was a victory. Perhaps the bite hadn''t been in vain.


    Hera''s focus on cleaning and dressing the wound belied her inner turmoil. Bernard''s silence only served to intensify her guilt, solidifying her belief that she had indeed bitten him. But his unspoken forgiveness allowed her to put the incident behind her.


    ...


    Back in Skyview Heights, Hera discovered her phone was missing. In their haste, she had forgotten to retrieve her camera as well, but that could be easily remedied.


    Unfazed, she purchased a new phone and swiftly transferred her data from her desktop. With a few swift clicks, she wiped the old phone clean, ensuring her privacy remained intact.


    ...


    The new week ushered in the much-anticipated anniversary celebration of Cavenridge International Academy, a three-day event spanning Wednesday to Friday.


    The celebration held immense significance for the school, particrly for the junior and senior students, as it attracted delegations from prestigious universities worldwide seeking potential recruits.


    In preparation, Cavenridge instituted a pre-university examination. The university representatives would use this exam to identify exceptional students and extend valuable guaranteed admission offers.


    ...


    In Junior ss B, Kerry announced


    from the podium after delivering the school notice, "Anyone interested in signing up for the pre-university examination, please see me in the office after ss."


    Hera was momentarily distracted from her game and nced up at Kerry.


    Katie asked doubtfully, "Ms. Lane, do you seriously expect anyone from our ss to pass that exam and get in?"


    Another student chimed in, "We know our ce, Ms. Lane. We won''t waste anyone''s time."


    "Ms. Lane, you didn''t have toe all this way just for this announcement. Take care of yourself and your baby!"


    Hera remained quiet, observing the scene.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Kerry''s face as she remembered their recent midterm results. She replied, "I got it. This is just a standard procedure, and I''m just doing my job."


    Her words were met with another round ofughter. "Looks like Ms. Lane''s finally given up on us!"


    Kerry sighed internally, the students''


    apathy toward their studies a


    familiar sting. Cradling her growing belly, she retreated to her office and began outlining a supplementary lesson n. Moments after the bell signaled the end of ss, a knock echoed through the office.


    With the other teachers busy, Kerry was alone.


    "Come in," she called, ncing up to see Hera standing in the doorway.


    "Hera, are you here for another leave request?" Kerry asked, her words tinged with resignation.


    "No, I''d like to sign up for the pre-university examination," Hera replied calmly.


    Kerry''s surprise was evident as if she had misheard.


    Just then, Esme returned from her ss and overheared Hera''s words. She sneered, "Oh, how predictable. A ssic student of Kerry''s. Mediocre grades, yet overflowing witho confidence."

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    Kerry was about to tell Hera to forget it. Hera had barely attended sses since Independence Day, always skipping exams or turning in nk papers.


    But when Kerry heard Esme''s words, she got fired up. Talking about her was one thing, but insulting her students crossed a line.


    Kerry handed Hera a registration form. "Stepping up and taking part is how we grow. Here, Hera, fill this out."


    Esme scoffed. "Don''t get ahead of yourself. No one from my ss B dares to participate, so why are you, someone from ss K, making waves? Even if you register, you won''t pass the review. Focus on memorizing your speech for the anniversary instead. Don''t bring shame upon Cavenridge!" However, Hera ignored her. She filled out the form and left.


    After school, Christopher offered to help Hera practice her speech, but she declined as she imed to be busy.


    On the day of the academy''s anniversary celebration, Hera arrived at school three hours early. She effortlessly memorized the entire three-page speech after a single read-through.


    "Hera, how did you do that?" Christopher was astounded.


    Hera calmly replied, "Practice."


    "But how do you practice?" Christopher pressed, eager to learn her secret. It had taken him an entire day to memorize the speech while she had done it in minutes.


    "Forceful memorization, rey, and match. You should try it," Hera exined.


    Christopher was impressed. Hera had even mastered this technique while ying games!


    After rehearsal, Hera headed to the dressing room for makeup.


    While she was being prepped, Lily arrived.


    "Hera, I''m here to apologize for my earlier behavior," Lily said awkwardly, cing a bag on the makeup table. "You haven''t had breakfast, right? I brought some snacks. I hope you can forgive me."


    Hera nced at the snack bag but remained silent, allowing the makeup artist to continue her work.


    Lily was irritated by Hera''s indifference. But remembering that Hera would soon be out of Cavenridge, she felt a pang of satisfaction.


    "Well then, I''ll let you get ready. Don''t forget to eat," she said with feigned sweetness before leaving and giving a subtle signal to the makeup artist. The makeup artist nodded in response.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Momentster, she clutched her stomach and excused herself. She said, "I''m so sorry, but I suddenly feel unwell. I need to use the restroom."


    She hastily gathered her belongings


    and left, closing the door behind her. When Hera looked up, she heard the door click shut, followed by the distinct sound of a lock turning from the outside.


    Lily hurried backstage and found Zyler waiting for her in the campus'' bamboo grove.


    "How did it go? Did she notice? Will anyone else find out?" he asked eagerly.


    "No, the dressing room is the most secluded spot, and the signal there is the weakest. I alsoced the food with sleeping pills," Lily said, her eyes filled with determination.


    "By the time she wakes up, the opening ceremony of the anniversary.celebration and the national informaticspetition will be over. You handle the media and create as much chaos as possible. This way, even Christopher won''t be able to protect her." Content belongs


    to NovelDrama.Org


    "Alright," Zyler replied, his eyes glinting with malice as he made a phone call. Afterward, he returned to the ssroom to prepare for tomorrow''s pre- university examination.


    If he couldn''t secure the internal rmendation from Christopher, he''d have to pass the examination on his own.


    The opening ceremony of the academy''s anniversary celebrationmenced promptly at 10:00 am in the auditorium.


    Among the audience, the front rows


    were upied by the


    representatives of Cavenridge and other prestigious schools. The students and members of the media filled the rows behind them.


    Lily had arrived early, eager to witness Christopher''s solo performance.


    However, her anticipation turned to surprise when the host introduced not one but two individuals who then proceeded to take the stage.

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    "How is she here?" Lily''s voice trailed off, her eyes wide with disbelief as they fixed on the figure beside Christopher on stage.


    She wasn''t supposed to be here. Not now!


    The girl''s long ck hair flowed like a waterfall. Her delicate features were softened by subtle makeup, transforming her usual aloof demeanor into captivating grace.


    d in Cavenridge''s deep blue winter uniform, the pleated skirt showcased her long legs in ck boots, elevating the ordinary attire to high fashion. Christopher was equally polished with light makeup and styled hair. He looked effortlessly handsome in his fitted uniform. Together, they exuded a maic charm, drawing thunderous apuse and a shower of camera shes from the captivated audience.


    Lily''s blood boiled, her hands balling into fists. She knew she had locked that dressing room door!


    Taking advantage of themotion, she slipped backstage once more. The dressing room where Hera had been confined remained securely locked. How was this possible?


    "This is your doing, isn''t it?" a female voice used from the shadows.


    Lily whipped around, startled to find Cindy standing there with her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Having previously cautioned Hera about Lily, Cindy had unsurprisingly caught her red-handed.


    Lily felt a flicker of defensiveness but quickly reminded herself of the bustling backstage, the constant flow of people, and the carefully orchestrated surveince. As long as she maintained herposure, no one would suspect her involvement.


    Straightening her posture, she retorted, "Cindy, shouldn''t you be watching the opening ceremony? What are you doing here?"


    "I was waiting for you," Cindy replied, adjusting her thick ck-framed sses. Her gaze was unwavering, and Lily felt uneasy under Cindy''s piercing stare.


    "Is there something you need?" Lily asked, trying to maintain herposure.


    "Ms. Jenkins is looking for you. She wants to see you immediately."


    Relieved that Cindy didn''t mention the locked door, Lily nodded and quickly left the backstage area.


    The n hadn''t unfolded as


    smoothly as Lily had hoped, which


    frustrated her. Cindy must have been the one who freed Hera,


    swnovel


    allowing her to arrive at the opening ceremony on time and ruin Lily''s n.


    However, Lily had a backup n. Checking her watch, she realized the national informaticspetition was almost over. She had arranged for someone to register Hera for thepetition, expecting the media to expose her deliberate absence and tarnish her reputation.


    That would ultimately lead to her expulsion from the school.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Imagining Hera''s expulsion from Cavenridge filled Lily with a sense of triumph. She quickened her pace to the office and found Yuliana.


    "Ms. Jenkins, are you looking for me?" she inquired.


    Yuliana''s expression was stern. "Lily, what''s going on? Why did you register for apetition and not show up?"


    Confusion washed over Lily. "Whatpetition?"


    Yuliana tossed a tablet onto the desk. "Take a look at this!"


    Lily''s stomach churned with unease as she picked up the device.


    "Live Report! Cavenridge Junior Year ss B Student Skips the International Informatics Competition!"


    Scrolling down, she found a list of students who had failed to appear-Lily Bourne...


    Her mind reeled. How could this be? She hadn''t registered for anypetition!


    "Ms. Jenkins, this is aplete fabrication! I didn''t register!" Lily''s voice rose with indignation.


    "Fabrication? This list is from thepetition organizers!" Yuliana countered, swiping through the screen.


    The news outlet had indeed included the official list of absentees. Though partially censored, "Lily Bourn" from Cavenridge''s junior year ss B was undeniably her.

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    Lily''s mind raced.


    How could this happen? She had arranged for a professional hacker to register Hera and had personally confirmed the details. If Hera didn''t attend thepetition either, why was her name not on the absentee list? Why was it Lily''s name instead? Where had her meticulously crafted n gone awry?


    "If you couldn''t attend thepetition, you shouldn''t have registered for it! This news won''t just tarnish your own reputation but also Cavenridge''s century-old prestige!"


    Yuliana''s voice boomed with disapproval. "Call your parents and wait for the academy''s disciplinary action together!"


    Lily felt a cold dread wash over her, her legs turning to jelly.


    Meanwhile, Hera and Christopher''s speech had just concluded. Watching the constant barrage of camera shes, Hera couldn''t help but worry a little. If Bernard saw their photo together, would he start his usual nagging about not having a photo with her and demanding one?


    Following the opening ceremony, the afternoon was reserved for a meeting with representatives from various prestigious schools. The next day was the much-anticipated pre-university examination.


    That very afternoon, the school released the list of students who had sessfully passed the registration review and were eligible to take the examination. The majority were seniors, with only two exceptional sophomores making the cut-Cindy and Hera.


    As soon as the list was posted, the school forum erupted into a frenzy of spection and debate.


    "How did the Belle even pass the registration review for the pre-university examination?"


    "Her spokennguage is amazing, but her grades are abysmal, right?"


    "She''s been here for half a semester and hasn''t passed a single exam. She''s fluent innguage but can''t seem to write a word."


    "She must''ve pulled some strings."


    "Didn''t Christopher ditch Zyler for her? Of course, he''s using his influence to help her out."


    "Christopher doesn''t seem worried, though. Passing the review doesn''t mean much if she can''t actually perform well. They should just give her a direct rmendation."


    "The Belle''s gorgeous, but I wish she''d stop causing so much drama."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Agreed. The examination results are going to be shared with the representatives. Let''s not be an internationalughingstock."


    "To save the academy from embarrassment, I say they should just disqualify her from the examination."


    In ss K, Katie finished scrolling through the school forum. She turned and looked seriously at Hera.


    "Boss, if Kerry forced you to register for the pre-university examination, blink twice!"


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    Just then, Kerry rushed over, excitedly announcing, "Hera, you passed the school''s registration review!"


    I.ne


    She then earnestly advised Hera, "During tomorrow''s examination, please don''t leave your paper nk again. At least answer the multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. Remember this strategy for multiple-choice...


    "If three answer choices are long and one is short, go for the shortest. If three are short and one is long, choose the longest. If there are twe long and two short, pick B. If all the answers are the same length, go with A. If the answer lengths are all over the ce, choose D, And if it''s aplete mix, just pick C."


    Katie was taken aback. "Ms. Lane, didn''t you always say that strategy wasplete nonsense?"


    Kerry replied, "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Just don''t turn in a nk paper!"


    Hera looked at them helplessly.


    Katie observed the interaction and


    pieced together the situation. It wasn''t Kerry who forced Hera to participate; Hera had registered herself. Her boss was definitely up to something!

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    In ss A of senior year, Zyler scanned the news and muttered a curse under his breath about Lily''s ipetence for skipping the examination. Just then, his deskmate burst out, "Zyler, check the school forum! Hera actually got approved for the pre-university examination!"


    "What? Hera Youngworth?" Zyler scoffed, pulling up the forum and scrolling rapidly. Christopher had to bepletely smitten with that country bumpkin to greenlight Hera''s registration.


    Like many others, Zyler suspected Christopher had pulled strings to get her in.


    The pre-university examination results were a gold standard, scrutinized by prestigious schools. Only those who cleared the school''s rigorous review process were allowed to take the examination.


    Hera, a cheater who had waltzed into Cavenridge and bombed her midterms with nks, was about to face a brutal reality check.


    Zyler couldn''t contain his smirk. Although Lily''s n had backfired, Hera herself was walking right into a humiliating disaster.


    Tomorrow''s examination was her personal trap, and Zyler couldn''t wait to witness the spectacle.


    ...


    Hera scurried into the exam hall, and she was thest student to arrive. At the entrance, the invigtor confiscated her phone and scanned her with a security detector before allowing her in.


    She was directed to thest row, where she found Cindy on her left and Zyler on her right.


    Hera settled in empty-handed, which raised a suspicious glint in Zyler''s eyes. Was she truly here to take the exam?


    After Hear sat down, she caught Cindy stealing a nce and turned to face her.


    "Hope you don''t disappoint me," Cindy murmured.


    Hera offered a nonchnt hum.


    She then eyed Cindy''s pencil case. "Any chance of borrowing a pen?"


    Twote-night tasks had nearly made her miss the exam entirely. She was saved only by Bernard''s forceful extraction from the bed. In her haste, she left behind her pens.


    Cindy stared at her in disbelief. "Are you seriously here to take the exam?"


    Hera''s question hung in the dead silence, punctuated by a ripple ofughter.


    Zyler''s smug grin morphed into a sneer. "What are you gonna use a pen for when you''re just going to hand in nk papers anyway?"


    "You still need to write your name, even if you hand in a nk paper," another student chimed in.


    Hera remained silent at their taunts.


    Sensing the awkward tension, Cindy


    swiftly handed a pen into Hera''s hand. Shen then turned to Zyler and said, "Zyler, focus on yourself before worrying about others. Can your injured hand even hold a pen?"


    "That''s none of your business!" Zyler shot back.


    The invigtor rapped his knuckles on the desk and announced, "Quiet, we''re starting the exam now!"


    Papers rustled as they were distributed.


    Zyler scanned the questions, a triumphant grin splitting his face. Two of the major problems mirrored the materials he''d purchased. What a lucky guess!


    He breezed through one of the major questions, then stole a nce at Hera.


    She hadn''t even begun writing, her brows furrowed in concentration over the paper. Clearly, the questions were beyond her.


    The only thorn in Zyler''s side was Christopher. He had been admitted to Vardhar Universityst year, and he wouldn''t be there to witness Hera''s potential humiliation.


    Just the thought of Christopher missing this glorious moment fueled Zyler''s determination to crush Hera with his ster examination performance.


    Zyler buried his head back into the


    exam. As he tackled the final major problem and then returned to the multiple-choice questions, his


    peripheral vision caught Hera


    el


    standing up while clutching herC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    examination paper. Content belongs


    to NovelDrama.Org


    Was she leaving already? He nced at the clock and realized it had only been half an hour.


    Was she giving up?

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    Did Hera hand in a nk paper again?


    Disbelief contorted Cindy''s face. Was Hera truly serious about taking this examination?


    Two invigtors monitored the room-Josh Garner and Kyson Middleton from Cavenridge. They represented the prestigious schools. Neither anticipated a student turning in their paper after a mere half-hour.


    Josh recognized Hera and groaned.


    nk paper or random scribbles, it was always the same old story for Hera''s exam papers. He''d heard all about the school''s hotshot cheater who bombed the midterms.


    Why did Robert even let her take the test? ckers like her just messed with everyone else and wasted paper.


    However, Kyson saw Hera differently. He had spotted her at the opening ceremony and thought she was gorgeous. Now, seeing her ditch early, he wondered if she was some kind of genius who aced the test in record time!


    The pre-university examination was notoriously difficult due to the coboration between prestigious schools. They had never seen a student submit early before.


    Completing exams early wasn''t umon, but students would meticulously review answers to avoid mistakes. Yet, this enigmatic beauty surrendered her paper after a mere half hour!


    Finally, when the examination was over and the exam hall emptied, Kyson eagerly retrieved Hera''s paper.


    Meanwhile, the school forum erupted in a frenzy.


    "Hera submits paper early in a shocking move!"


    "Witnessed by peers, she even borrowed a pen for the exam!"


    "No doubt she either chickened out and handed in a nk paper or just went for random guesses."


    "ce your bets, folks! One-to-one odds! Did Hera turn in a nk sheet or blindly bubble in answers?" "A hundred bucks on she did it randomly!"


    The stakes escted quickly, with bets rising from five hundred on a nk paper to a thousand, then five thousand, and finally, a daring ten grand on her randomly answering.


    Gino was in Grade 1 of ss A at the elementary school. He was glued to his screen, seeing the forum post on Hera explode with over a thousandments. The vast majority, exceeding seven hundred, bet on a nk paper while the rest scattered their bets on her giving random answers. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    A few voices dared to defend Hera, but they were swiftly drowned out by the betting frenzy.


    Adding fuel to the fire was Gino''s arch-nemesis, Jefferson Becker. This infuriating individual had ced a hefty bet of fifty grand covering both options!


    To make matters worse, Jefferson sauntered over to Gino after cing his bets, a mocking glint in his eyes.


    "Why not ask your country bumpkin sister, Gino? See if she gave a nk paper or just guessed wildly? Maybe you could even ce a bet yourself and earn some pocket money."


    "Have you forgotten, Jefferson? The Everetts went under a while back. No pocket money for our friend here," Jefferson''s sidekick interjected with a smug grin.


    "Right, that slipped my mind for a moment." Jefferson chuckled unconvincingly.


    With a mocking flourish, he waved a hundred-dor bill in front of Gino, like a juicy bone tempting a hungry dog. Need a loan, country bumpkin? Win this bet, and it''s on the house."


    Gino''s expression darkened. "Get lost!"


    His anger red, threatening to boil over into a fight. Thankfully, X, his deskmate, reacted quickly and grabbed his arm before things escted. Still fuming, Gino snatched his phone and furiously typed out a new post.


    "One million dors on a third option! Hera aced the examination!"


    While Gino harbored doubts about Hera''s academic prowess, he couldn''t tolerate Jefferson''s taunts.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    It wasn''t about winning the bet; it was about pride. After all, who else would have his sister''s back if not him?

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    Gino nced at his dwindling PayPal bnce. Double digits stared back, a stark reminder of his impulsiveness. He then tapped out a quick WhatsApp message to Gideon: "Gideon, lend me a million dors."


    Across town, Gideon was caught in the throes of a workday. He received Gino''s message with furrowed brows.


    "What on earth does the kid need a million for?" he muttered, immediately dialing Gino''s number.


    Gino hastily exined the wager on the school forum.


    Gideon''s voice was cold. "How utterly childish."


    He ended the call and turned to his secretary. "Transfer two million dors from my personal ount to Gino."


    "Alright, Mr. Everett. What should I note on the transaction record?" his secretary asked.


    "Bet."


    The secretary was taken aback. Was Mr. Everett, a staunch opponent of gambling, now cing a bet? Wasn''t he the one who always preached about the perils of gambling?


    Gino had just been hung up on. He was fuming and pondered who else he could hit up for cash. Suddenly, a notification blinked on his screen: "200 million dors has been transferred to your ount."


    "Huh? Didn''t Gideon say this was childish? Why''s he sending money?" Mumbling to himself, Gino turned around and dumped two million dors into the forum bet on Hera acing her test.


    "Jefferson, Gino just bet two million dors on his sister doing well," an underling reported to Jefferson.


    Jefferson checked the forum, only to find Gino had outbid him. No way was he letting someone steal his spotlight.


    He upped his own bets, cing 1.5 million each on Hera turning in a nk test and on her randomly guessing answers. One of those had to be right; he couldn''t lose. And it would definitely piss off Gino.


    Seeing Jefferson''s counter-bet, Gino immediately dialed Gideon again.


    "Gideon, two million isn''t enough. I need another two."


    Gideon hung up, then called his secretary. "Transfer another two million to Gino."


    "Alright. As for the transaction record..."This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Bet."


    The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Everett, what''s the bet? Could it be... a scam?"


    "Stop babbling. Just do it."


    Ten minutester, Gideon called again.


    "Five million dors to Gino. For the bet."


    The secretary stared at Gideon with disbelief.


    "Mr. Everett, are you in a gambling ring? Mr. Everett..."


    "Just do it."


    "But your ount doesn''t have five million right now..."


    "How much is left?" Gideon asked.


    "Just a million dors."


    Gideon was utterly stunned. How had he be so broke so fast?


    Gino received the five million dors Gideon had transferred and went all in on the bet.


    He then fired off a WhatsApp message to Hera: "Ace that examination or you''ll be letting me down big time!"


    Hera was fresh out of the exam hall


    and was heading straight to the


    to


    whement with some h


    up.


    Hera stared at the message with confusion.


    ...


    Kyson and Josh gathered thepleted exam papers and rushed them to the faculty building.


    Fifty students had taken the


    el


    pre-university exam, and the teachers from the prestigious school delegationmittee worked diligently to grade them during the two-hour lunch break.


    When the results were posted on


    Jee''s internalwork, it


    the


    a wave of exis


    chatter among the representatives.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    Someone achieved an unprecedented perfect score and submitted their paper in just half an hour!


    The Vardhar University delegation immediately dered, "This exceptional student is undoubtedly joining Vardhar University."


    Not to be outdone, the Stanborough University delegation retorted, "We beg to differ. We''re equally eager to have this student."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The Comridge University delegation chimed in, "We are vying for this student''s enrollment."


    "This isn''t a fair process. The student should be allowed to choose their own path."


    A heated debate erupted among the delegations, each desperate to secure the prodigious talent. Finally, they agreed to invite the student and let her decide.


    Meanwhile, a massive crowd had amassed in front of the high school bulletin board. It wasn''t just the examination takers but also those who had wagered on the oue through the forum.


    From the elementary school to the senior year students, everyone was crammed together, barely able to breathe. The air crackled with anticipation as everyone awaited the examination results.


    "Someone actually achieved a perfect score!"


    "Unbelievable! I heard the top universities intentionally made this year''s examination harder, yet someone still aced it."


    "Not even Christopher managed a perfect scorest year. Who could it be?"


    "It might be Cindy from junior year, ss A. She''s very impressive."


    "It could also be Valerie Johnston from senior year, ss 1. She alwayses in second after Christopher in every exam."


    Zyler stood amidst the crowd and found himself subconsciously feeling that the person with the perfect score was himself. The exam had flowed effortlessly for him that morning, particrly those final challenging questions.


    He was certain he had secured the Vardhar University rmendation and a chance to prove his worth to Christopher.


    ncing around, he didn''t spot Christopher.


    Jefferson and Gino pushed their way to the front and were now exchanging heated res.


    Jefferson sneered, "Give it up, Gino. Your sister isn''t even here to face the result. She must not have done well. You''re out five million. I hope you can cover it."


    The realization that Hera was absent rippled through the crowd, fueling further whispers.


    "Worry about yourself!" Gino retorted despite being unsure of Hera''s whereabouts. She wasn''t answering her calls either.


    Suddenly, a shout rang out, "The teacher''s here!"


    The crowd parted, making way for the teacher carrying the results.


    "Teacher, who got the perfect score?" an eager student blurted out.


    With a sly smile, the teacher pinned the results to the bulletin board. "See for yourselves."


    A hush fell over the once boisterous crowd.


    Gino held his breath, his eyes darting to the bottom of the list.


    It was 101 points out of 200.


    He exhaled, relieved it wasn''t a zero. At least Hera hadn''t left the paper nk. But could she have just. guessed her way to 101 points? That seemed like incredibly lucky guessing.


    Wait... What? The name wasn''t Hera!


    Gino''s eyes scanned the list from bottom to top, but Hera''s name wasn''t among the bottom dozen or so.


    Suddenly, his eyes widened in disbelief as he searched for Hera''s name further up.


    The scene remained frozen for a full two minutes.


    Zyler stared at the name in the top spot


    He leaned closer to the boyeset Couldn''t believe his eyes


    on the name at the every top.


    "How is this possible?"


    Finally, the shockwave broke, and the crowd erupted in a frenzy of excitement.


    "Hera got first? That''s 200 points! A perfect score!"


    "No way! Is this for real?"


    "It''s right there! I see it too!"


    "Teacher, are you sure there''s no mistake on this list?"


    "Did Hera cheat? There''s no way she finished in half an hour and still got everything right! Did she copy


    el


    somehow?" Content belony go


    to

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    Seeing the mirrored shock on the students'' faces, the teacher felt a sense of satisfaction.


    The teacher exined, "The exam questions were meticulously crafted by the delegations of top universities just yesterday afternoon. The papers were printed under strict security measures and remained sealed until this morning.


    "Not even Dean Ludden had ess to them. The answer key was only released at noon today, so cheating was absolutely impossible!"


    Gino and Zyler were dumbfounded. Every single student present was in a state of utter disbelief.


    Even Christopher didn''t achieve a perfect scorest year, and this year''s exam was even more challenging. Yet, Hera finished it in half an hour and got every single answer right!


    Weren''t there rumors that Hera cheated on the entrance exam and left the midterms nk? How could she possibly achieve this level of academic excellence? And in such a short amount of time!


    It was simply mind-boggling.


    Whispers filled the air.


    "She''s the real deal! Is this why the cheating scandal during the entrance exam was dropped?"


    "I remember Christopher defended her on the forum, saying it was a misunderstanding."


    "Yeah, that rings a bell."


    "How is Hera so incredibly gifted? Didn''t shee from a small town?"


    "Did she intentionally turn in a nk paper to throw everyone off?"


    "That''s some serious under-the-radar genius!"


    "Well, there goes my allowance for the next three months."


    The crowd erupted in a cacophony of lively chatter.


    Jefferson stood frozen in disbelief. He had invested a total of three million dors on the bet. If his parents discovered he lost it all in one go, they would skin him alive.


    He shot a stiff nce at the still-stunned Gino, then abruptly turned and fled the scene.


    In his haste, he collided with Zyler, who was still reeling from the news. Zyler stumbled and fell to the ground.


    Snapping out of his daze, Gino saw Zyler''s pale face and couldn''t resist a sneer. "Bowing down in defeat, are we? Reality hitting hard?"


    This hypocrite-who had looked down on Hera for her rural background, broken off the engagement between their families, and indirectly caused the Everetts'' bankruptcy-was now getting a taste of his own medicine!


    Zyler''s expression went through a mix of emotions. He had only scored 150 and was a full 50 points behind Hera, ranking a measly 17th.


    His dream of getting a rmendation from Vardhar University was shattered.


    Just then, a broadcastMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    announcement echoed through the


    school''s speakers. "Respected teachers and students, please return


    to your ssrooms immediate


    and


    turn on the multimediaputers. Next, please witness a historic moment for Cavenridge.


    The students were still buzzing with


    the revtion of Hera''s perfect score and were intrigued by what could possibly be even more shocking. Everyone hurried back to their ssrooms, powering on the multimediaputers and O connecting the ssroom projectors to the school''s main


    tform.


    A live stream flickered to life on the screens, revealing a conference room filled with university deans and representatives from prestigious institutions.


    Was this a glimpse into the inner workings of the academic elite?


    The camera panned, focusing on a tall, elegant young woman standingposedly before the delegation.


    It was Hera.


    "Ms. Youngworth, you have excelled


    in the examination, achieving remarkable results that have deeply impressed us. We present to you this brochure and invitation from Vardhar University. We sincerely hope you will consider our offer."


    With utmost respect, the Vardhar University representative extended a formal invitation to Hera.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Hera barely gave the invitation a nce before another representative eagerly stepped forward.


    "We''re from Rutherford University, renowned for our excellence in mathematics, physics, medicine,w, and business. We''d like to invite you, Ms. Youngworth, to consider our institution."


    "We''re from Comridge University..."


    "Here is the invitation from the Marlborough Institute of Technology..."Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "We represent Stanborough University..."


    One after another, representatives from over a dozen internationally renowned universities extended their invitations to Hera, a scene that left the entire Cavenridge faculty and student body in awe. This was a moment many could only dream of, yet it was unfolding right before their very eyes!


    As the room held its breath, anticipating Hera''s choice, her beautiful face remained an enigmatic mask, revealing no hint of her thoughts. The esteemed invitations before her seemed to hold no more value than discarded notes.


    In the corner, Christopher watched with bated breath, silently pleading for her to choose Vardhar University, the gateway to their shared dream of studying abroad.


    Hera''s gaze swept over the pile of invitations before lifting to meet the eyes of those assembled.


    A hush fell over the room as she posed a question that stunned everyone, "Are there no universities from Jedburgh?"


    The representatives from the world-renowned institutions were momentarily speechless while the Cavenridge students exchanged bewildered nces. Was she truly rejecting these global powerhouses in favor of a local Jedburgh university?


    The representatives from Quantford and Bradbury, the two prestigious Jedburgh institutions, were caught off guard. A mixture of astonishment and delight washed over them.


    They yearned for this exceptional student, but the overwhelming presence of prestigious international institutions made their own offerings feel insignificant.


    To their utter surprise, Hera''s question turned the tables.


    "Yes, there are!" Representatives from Quantford and Bradbury eagerly extended their invitations.


    A silent understanding passed between them. Even if Hera chose the other, it was a win for Jedburgh as long as she remained in the country. After all, their campuses were mere steps apart, fostering a close-knit academicmunity.


    "Thank you," Hera replied, epting both invitations.


    The decision of which university to attend was still pending, but her priority was clear-Jedburgh was her first choice.


    The representatives from the global institutions were dumbfounded. They had been rejected!


    This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that countless students yearned for, yet she had dismissed it without hesitation!


    "Ms. Youngworth, could you


    enlighten us as to why you''re narrowing it down to these two universities? Our teaching resources and overall offerings are undeniably superior."


    Hera calmly replied, "I have no intention of studying abroad at this time. Should the need arise in the future, I''ll reapply."


    "There''s no need for that. Please keep our invitation. Vardhar University''s doors are always open to you."


    "As are Comridge University''s," another representative added.


    "And Stanborough University''s," echoed yet another.


    A chorus of simr sentiments filled the room. Oblivious to the fact that this scene was being broadcast live throughout Cavenridge Academy Hera responded with a firm tone, "Thank you, but I must decline. If there''s nothing else, I''ll be on my way."


    The Cavenridge students watching were awestruck.


    That was bold! Those were the world-renowned institutions they all dreamed of attending! Yet, she turned them down so effortlessly!


    But strangely, a sense of vicarious satisfaction rippled through them.


    As she reached the door, Hera paused, a thought crossing her mind.


    f you''re looking for other


    cates, you might consider


    Cindy Fry from junior year, ss A."


    She remembered how Cindy had helped her out of the locked dressing room the day before, a favor she feltpelled to return.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Cindy jolted upright as Hera called out her name unexpectedly during the live broadcast.


    Anticipation crackled in the air, but before Cindy could learn more about the delegations'' offers, the live stream abruptly cut out.


    The tension lingered, leaving her restless for a long time.


    Her own examination score, a decent 189 cing her fourth, wasn''t quite good enough for guaranteed admission to Comridge, her dream school.


    Despite their strained rtionship, the thought of Hera rmending her was a surprise.


    Meanwhile, Hera emerged from the meeting room, clutching two coveted invitation letters.


    Back in ss K, pandemonium erupted as she entered.


    "Boss, you sneaky genius! You pretended to be a cker!" Katie shrieked.


    "So, beauty and brains really do go hand-in-hand. Is it toote for me to start cramming now?"


    "Never thought I''d share a ss with a top student!"


    "Gotta hit the books harder, or I won''t even be worthy of being in her shadow!"


    The excited chatter attracted Kerry''s attention.


    Beaming with pride, she entered and congratted Hera, wiping away a tear of joy. She was a firm believer in every student''s potential and recognized Hera''s unique brilliance.


    "One question, though. Why were you always turning in nk papers?" Kerry asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Hera''s reply was nonchnt, bordering on smug. "The papers were too easy. I didn''t feel like doing them."


    The entire ss groaned in unison.


    Was this the gap between a genius and a cker? They''d never know for sure.


    The afternoon sses dragged by in a blur of excitement, the buzz only fading as the final bell echoed through the halls.


    Katie suggested a celebratory karaoke night for Hera. The ss president was thrilled at the prospect and immediately volunteered her family''s karaoke venue.


    Even Kerry was swept up in the festive mood and agreed to join the celebration. She even extended the invitation to Christopher and Cindy.


    Hera, a self-proimed loner, usually steered clear of ss gatherings. But as she watched the infectious excitement swirling around her, a tiny seed of doubt sprouted in Ker mind. Maybe, for the first time ever, she wouldn''t say no. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    The after-school buzz was electric as arge group formed. They headed toward the ss president''s family karaoke chain.


    At the school gate, Hera spotted Gino lingering purposefully.


    He caught wind of their ns and dered, "This one''s on me!"


    Hera raised an eyebrow, her gazeced with skepticism.


    "Are you sure you can swing it?" she asked, remembering the Everetts'' financial troubles and Gino''s probableck of funds.


    Gino puffed out his chest, a show of


    vel.nex


    exaggerated pride. "Money? No


    problem! My pockets areProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    overflowing. Tonight, everyone will


    feast like royalty! It''s all on me!"


    Hera''s lips remained sealed at his words.


    "Boss, haven''t you checked the forum today?" Katie chimed in, noticing Hera''s bewildered expression.


    While online forums held little appeal for Hera, she did recall her ssmates mentioning something about lost bets.


    "Apparently, your brother ced a


    five-million-dor bet on the forum on you doing well. Needless to say, you blew everyone away. The forum gamblers lost big, lining your


    brother''s pockets with their


    Lovel


    misfortune. The bookie even threw


    in another five million!" Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Katie sighed dramatically. "Such a genius move! Making money with zero effort. Why didn''t I think of that?"


    Gino said with pride, "I''m officially a millionaire now!"


    He then flourished a card in front of Hera. "Here you go. Spend it all!"


    Hera''s silence spoke volumes. There he stood, bragging about his newfound wealth,pletely unaware of who truly earned it.

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    News of Hera''s perfect score reached Gideon like a siren song.


    He promptly abandoned work early,den with goodies for a celebratory feast. The aroma of delicious food filled the air as Gideon tirelessly cooked, eager to surprise Hera when she returned from school.


    Just as he ted the final dish, a message buzzed on his phone.


    Gino: "We''re skipping dinner! I''m treating Hera and her ssmates to a celebration. Enjoy the feast!"


    Gideon''s eyes narrowed. He had specifically instructed Gino to bring Hera home for a surprise, but his good intentions were trampled by Gino''s bravado.


    Fury simmered within him, and he tapped out a swift reply: "Return my money."


    Momentster, a notification pinged, and five million hadnded in his ount.


    This was followed by another message from Gino: "Five million, repaid."


    However, Gideon wasn''t finished yet: "Principal repaid. What about the 50 percent interest?"


    Gino''s reply arrived promptly, punctuated with a string of exmation marks.


    Gideon was unfazed and countered: "Just clearing ounts between brothers, you know, the usual exorbitant interest rates for family emergencies. Gino''s response was a defeated silence, followed by a grumbling message: "You''re not my brother, you''re a high-interest loan shark!"


    Despite the slight sting of disappointment, Gideon refrained from interrupting Hera''s celebration.


    He settled down for a quiet dinner with his parents and grandmother, savoring the delicious food he''d prepared. Later, he retreated to his study, diving back into work.


    It was 9:30 pm.


    Gideon''s phone buzzed with a notification, and it was a location message from Hera.


    Hera asked, "Gideon, can youe pick us up?"


    The weight on his chest instantly lifted. He had instructed Hera to call him after 10:00 pm if she was still out, a promise she rarely kept.


    Yet, she remembered this time.


    A smile tugged at his lips.


    He replied swiftly: "I''ll be there soon."


    Then, he grabbed his coat and keys in a flurry of activity.


    Following the address, Gideon pulled into the karaoke chain''s parking lot. As he approached the entrance, a woman''s scream pierced the night. "Hey! Let go of me! If youe any closer, I''ll scream for help!"


    The voice was somewhat familiar.


    Gideon was drawn by the scream and found a harrowing scene unfolding in the dim alley beside the karaoke chain.


    Huddled in the meager light, several thugs encircled a woman, their coarse hands tearing at her clothes.


    The woman was Amelia. She was d in a tight leopard-print dress that offered little defense. Her short hair was disheveled, and her top hung precariously, a testament to their aggression.


    "Go ahead, scream louder," one of the thugs sneered, raising his hand to strike again.


    "Let the whole world know how the eldest daughter of the Gaskells ys her games!"


    The venom in his voice fueled Gideon''s rage as he silently stalked closer, the darkness concealing his approach.


    Swelling rose around a fresh bruise,


    and blood trickled from the corner of


    Amelia''s mouth. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. Her


    expression contained a flicker of innocence amidst the growing resentment.


    She mped down hard on her lower lip, fixing a fierce re on the thugs.


    Queenie was still in the detention center. Earlier, they had sought Aurora in Jedburgh, but she was with the Killians'' matriarch at a church, so they were turned away.


    Terence couldn''t think of a solution,


    ouldn''t


    so he told Amelia to seduce Shaun. He said that if she seeded, she would be a member of the Thompson family and Hera would be nothing. This could turn the Gaskells'' crisis around.


    At the time, Amelia felt very ufortable, but in the end, she softened and agreed. She was driven by her long-standing desire for Queenie''s attention. She believed that winning Shaun''s favor would earn Queenie''s recognition upon her release.


    However, Shaun''s brutality exceeded her expectations. She was delivered to thugs without even meeting him, and their aggression intensified despite her defiant stare.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Why y hard to get? You''re dressed this way to sleep with someone, right? Mr. Thompson isn''t interested, so entertain us instead."


    "Haha, scream again! Why did you stop?"


    Just as they were about to strip her, a man''s voice rang out. "Stop!"

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    The thugs turned, finding a tall, handsome man with a phone at the alley''s entrance.


    Amelia looked up, recognizing Gideon with a start. She quickly lowered her head again. The shame of being seen in such a vulnerable state by him was almost unbearable.


    "This doesn''t concern you, kid." The lead thug growled.


    Gideon raised his phone, his expression cold. "The police will be here in five minutes. If you don''t want to get caught, I suggest you leave."


    The thugs exchanged nces, and one whispered to the leader, "He''s the eldest son of the Everett family."


    Realizing who they were dealing with, the leader spat at Amelia and snarled. "You got lucky this time. Don''t let me see you again! Let''s go." With that, he and his men disappeared into the night.


    Gideon approached and saw Amelia on the ground, disheveled and distraught.


    She immediately turned away as she was afraid he would offer help. She quickly stood, clutching herself and shivering.


    She kept her head bowed, not wanting Gideon to see her face. Ever since the Gaskell and Everett families'' falling out, they had be enemies. Gideon must not have recognized her. That was the only reason he helped. She couldn''t bear the thought of him recognizing her and mocking her. "Has the Gaskell family fallen this far?" Gideon''s voice was cold.


    Amelia''s eyes widened. Had he known who she was all along? Was he deliberately here to humiliate her?


    The thought made her fists clench. Just as she was about to respond, a grey cashmere coat was thrown over her head.


    Hesitantly, she pulled it down, only to see Gideon''s tall figure receding into the night.


    She stood there, stunned. She held the coat that still carried the warmth of his body and the faint scent of his cologne. Aplex emotion welled up inside her as she stared at the coat in her hands.


    Gideon reached the karaoke room where Hera and her friends were. Seeing Kerry, who was pregnant, escorting each student out, he understood why Hera had called him.


    If Kerry hadn''t insisted on having the students guardians pick them up, Hera would likely have gone home alone. The realization brought a wave of emotion, nearly bringing him to tears.


    "Thank you, Ms. Lane. You should head home and rest," he told Kerry. After getting Hera and saying their goodbyes, the three headed outside.


    In the Norburgh winter, nights were colder than days. Their breath formed mist, and ice crystals lined the roadside flowerbeds.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Noticing Gideon was only wearing a cashmere sweater, Hera asked, "Gideon, why are you dressed so lightly?"


    Gideon felt a surge of warmth, knowing Hera still cared.


    "I left in a hurry and forgot my coat. It''s not too bad. The car''s heater is on," he replied, omitting his encounter with Amelia. At the parking lot, he opened the backseat door for them.


    "Trying to look cool, huh?" Gino teased as he got in.


    Gideon gritted his teeth and started the car. He then asked Hera, "Skyview Heights or home?"


    He knew Hera lived at Skyview


    Heights, presumably in a house Bernard had arranged. It was usually just her and Tiramisu, with asional visits from Bernard If not for Bernard''s clean reputation with women, Gideon would suspect he was treating Hera as a mistress.


    The thought enraged him, but he was worried that meddling too much would alienate Hera. So, he had to respect her choice.


    His dear Hera, whom he hadn''t even had a chance to treat properly, was already being snatched by that old Bernard.

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    Bernard had just finished an international virtual meeting when he suddenly sneezed. Dous immediately looked over.


    "Did you catch a cold? Do you want to meet Ms. Hera?" Dous asked.


    Bernard replied, "I''m fine. No need for that."


    Hera was having a reunion with her schoolmates. He didn''t want to disturb her. However, it was also almost time to pick her up as well.


    At this time, his phone screen lit up. There were notifications from WhatsApp.


    He unlocked the screen and saw that the message came from Hera: "I''m not going back tonight. I''m going to the Everett residence."


    Bernard was silent for a while, then he looked up at Dous. "Yes, I want to."


    Dous was confused. "You want to meet Ms. Hera?"


    "Yes."


    Dous was speechless. Didn''t Bernard just say that he was fine?


    At the Gaskell residence, the lights were all turned on in the living room. Terence was pacing back and forth in front of the floor-length windows. The news that Queenie was arrested had spread in the business circles via gossip. Gaskell Corporation''s eligibility for a bidding project was canceled, and even two big clients that were long-time partners stopped their partnership for two new products.


    Thepany''s stocks had not been looking good the past few days. Terence was incredibly frustrated and smoked cigar after cigar.


    At this time, Amelia returned, clothed in an ill-fitting sheepskin coat.


    The maids saw that her appearance was unkempt and quickly asked, "My goodness, miss. What happened to you? Should we call a doctor?" Terence immediately looked back and walked over, asking, "Amy, how did it go? Did Mr. Thompson say anything?"


    Amelia watched Terence. His


    expression was full of anxiety, but it seemed like he didn''t notice how terrible she looked. Even the maids were kind enough to ask about her well-being, but her own father only cared about whether she had done her job.


    She couldn''t help but feel a chill rise in her heart.


    "Say something! How did it go?" Seeing that she was silent, Terence urged hastily.


    Amelia shook her head. "Nothing happened. Before I could even meet Shaun, I was chased off by some gangsters."


    Terence''s eyebrows knitted together


    as his expression darkened. In


    n


    frustration, he blurted out, "Why are you so useless? You can''t even aplish a simple task. Your mother was right; you''re a


    A


    good-for-nothing brat! Raising you


    was a waste of effort!"


    Amelia stood rooted to the spot. Even though the heating in the living room was at afortable level, she still felt a chill spread through her body. "Dad, am I truly so worthless to you?" her eyes were red as she asked.


    el


    Since she was young, Queenie had always favored Zyler. Even Amelia''s favorite hobby, ying the piano, came about because Zyler had a fleeting interest in it. Queenie immediately hired famous pianists from Jascil as a private tutor for him. Only then did she have a chance to practice alongside him.


    However, because her talent was nowhere as good as Zyler''s, Queenie forced her to quit piano and made her learn ounting, which she wasn''t interested in.


    After learning ounting, Queenie still felt that she wasn''t good at it. Although Amelia was the finance director of thepany, Queenie wanted to watch over everything she did.


    In the beginning, Amelia thought that Queenie was only looking out for her. However, in the process of getting constantly nitpicked, she realized that Queenie was biased. In her eyes, Amelia was not as perfect as Zyler.


    Amelia evenforted herself by thinking that although her mother was hard on her, her father still loved her. However, she forgot that her father was obedient to her mother.


    At this moment, she realized that in this family, she was just theughingstock. Even their sworn enemy, the Everett family, would pity her and give her clothing. But her father would only care about Queenie''s matters.


    "It''s nothing, you''re overthinking things." Terence snapped out of his anger and realized that he had said something harsh due to his emotions.


    As if he just noticed Amelia''s wounds, he said, "Go back to your room and tidy up. Get a doctor for Amelia."


    Histter words seemed to be for the maids.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Amelia tightened her grip on the coat. Her heart turned cold as she went up the stairs.

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Hera stayed at the Everett residence for two nights and only returned to Skyview Heights on the weekend.


    Bernard was not there, so she took the time to sort out the photos she took on Monday.


    The camera was already delivered from Lumiville. She plugged it into theputer and looked through the photos. She realized that Bernard had also taken a lot of photos of her.


    One of them was a side profile photo of her sitting at the desk while Tiramisu was standing on it. Its head was tilted up, and they were nose to nose with each other. She liked it a lot, so she sent it to her phone to use it as her WhatsApp profile picture.


    Then, she chose ten private photos of Bernard and cropped his face out. Then, she logged onto her anonymous WhatsApp ount to send the photos to Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "These are the photos you wanted. Please review them. When will you deliver the gurdyroot?"


    On the other side of the screen, Bernard was sitting in Shuttle Venture''s CEO''s office. It was rare that he would review thepany''s emails himself. Shuttle Ventures was one of the smallerpanies under Killian Corporation. Two years ago, when he retired from the army, Chad assigned him to work in thispany.


    In those two years, one could count the number of times he physically went to the office on two hands. Usually, he would hand over his work to the vice president, Harold Greer. Only when Killian Corporation sent people over to audit thepany would he be present.


    At this time, his phone on the table lit up with notifications. He had new messages from WhatsApp. Bernard used hisputer to change ounts and saw the ten photos.


    These were all his private photos. No matter how bad the ratio was, his head had been cropped out awkwardly.


    Bernard was speechless. All of a sudden, he felt doubtful about Hera''s sense of aesthetics.


    Even so, he politely replied: "These photos are not bad."


    He thought about it for a while then sent her the timing and location: "2:00 pm at Room 808, level four, Imperial Hotel."


    Not long after he sent the message, theputer notified him that there was a hacking attempt.


    Bernard''s slender eyes narrowed. Someone actually broke through his firewall! This was interesting. It had been a while since he had met a worthy opponent.


    His fingers interlocked and balled into fists as he rxed the joints. He tilted his neck left and right. Then, his fingersnded on the keyboard, furiously tapping away.


    On the other side, Hera stared at the codes flitting across the screen. Suddenly, her typing stopped.


    She had just broken through the other person''s firewall, but her hacking attempt was halted.


    Then, an urgent notification popped out on the screen, notifying her that her firewall had suffered a breach and there was a virus attack. The other party even retaliated.


    Hera squinted slightly before her fingers flew across the keyboard again, stopping the invader''s attack.


    The two of them took turns attacking and defending. After several rounds, neither of them seeded in taking down each other''s system.


    It had been a long time since Hera


    met such a strong opponent. Thest person whom she


    acknowledged to be a really strong opponent was Mr. S. Now, she was even more curious about this Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    In the beginning, she felt doubtful about this deal and wanted to figure out this person''s identity. Because they had agreed to the deal too easily, Hera suspected that they knew about her true identity.


    When she recalled their interactions, she found the biggest point of suspicion. Although she changed her voice at Astral Nova, one could still tell whether her voice was male or female.


    On WhatsApp, she wrongly sent over Bernard''s photos, but the other person didn''t say anything about it. They even dly epted the photos.


    The gender difference was so obvious that any normal person would find it weird, but they didn''t. This was the crux of the issue.


    Hera never would have thought that the other person was also a hacker.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Keyboards cking, Hera and Bernard fought for dozens of rounds. The longer it took, the faster they attacked, and the more difficult it became.


    Hera''s eyes flitted back and forth on the screen, scanning the lines of codes that kept appearing. She felt cornered by the other person''s virus who had the advantage of surprise. She could feel that this person was better than her.


    She sharpened her focus, and her typing sped up.


    Suddenly, the other person stopped defending and attacking. Hera finally found an opening and immediately cleared the virus. Then, she quickly ramped up her attacks. Just as she was about to break through the other person''s defenses, the screen turned dark.


    Herptop was out of battery! She remembered that she had connected the power source before this. As her gaze followed the charger, she saw Tiramisu chewing on the cable merrily!


    Hera was speechless. She stood up and snatched away the cable, wagging her finger at Tiramisu''s nose. "Suddenly, I understand why your father always wanted to turn you into stew."


    Tiramisu looked shocked. Its master was being negatively influenced! It scampered away.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera sighed in exasperation.


    On the other side, Bernard was typing at top speed. He had the advantage of being first and was about to hack into the other person''s defenses to check their Inte Protocol address. Suddenly, there was amotion outside the office, and the door was pushed open. Two people barged in. The leading person was a young boy, around 15 or 16 years old. Right behind him was a man who looked around 25 years old.


    They were sent from Killian Corporation.


    The man was called Frederick Killian. He was Bernard''s fourth brother and Rhett Killian''s son. He was in charge of auditing for Killian Corporation''s subpanies.


    The young boy was Roman Killian, the adoptive son of Aurora, who was Bernard''s eldest brother''s daughter. He was smart and lively, good at being likable among the Killian family members. He was well-loved by Chad and Aurora.


    Bernard immediately stopped typing. He nced up at the two men walking in as a chill emanated from his gaze.


    Dous followed behind them and apologized, "I''m so sorry, I couldn''t stop them..."


    "Why do you need to stop us? Is it because Granduncle Bernard is cking off at work?"


    Roman skipped curiously to Bernard''s desk and peeked at theputer screen.


    Bernard swiftly used a hotkey to change windows. It changed to disy the private photos he hadn''t exited before this.


    Roman took a look and became


    shocked. Oh... Granduncle, why are


    you looking at such racy photos at work? What''s more, these are photos of a man! Don''t tell me you like men?"


    Hearing this, Frederick''s eyes lit up. The way he looked at Bernard also changed.


    "No wonder you aren''t married yet. It''s because you have different tastes," he teased.


    Dous was astonished. What was Bernard looking at? What a great misunderstanding!


    Bernard put on a stern poker face and said coldly, "As members of the Killian family, where have your manners gone? Get out and knock on the door again!"


    Frederick''s and Roman''s expressions froze. They didn''t expect Bernard to be so strict.


    If they were talking about ages,


    Frederick was older than Bernard by


    one year, but Bernard was


    technically still his uncle. Regarding


    this, Frederick had always felt ufortable about it.


    Especially since Bernard was a bastard child. Even though he had been epted into the Killian family and was officially registered in the family registrar, he was still an outsider.


    This time, the headquarters sent them to audit hispany, but Bernard wouldn''t even show them an ounce of respect.

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    "Gentlemen, if you will." Dous opened the door and gestured for the two men to go out.


    Although Frederick felt annoyed, he could feel the threatening pressure emanating from Bernard. It was a sign that he was about to get angry. After all, it was true that they were the ones in the wrong.


    He didn''t want to give Bernard a chance to reprimand them in the future, so he could only smile. "You''re right, Uncle Bernard. Roman, let''s go. We''d better wait for Bernard in the meeting room."


    Roman looked displeased, but he still understood what Frederick meant. They wouldply by going outside, but they wouldn''t do such a thing as knock and reenter the room.


    It was better for everyone to go to the meeting room and discuss any matters of business there. At the same time, Bernard had better make sure that they didn''t catch him with any dirty business.


    "Okay," Roman drawled and went out with Frederick.


    The moment the door closed, Bernard immediately returned to the coding page. However, the codes looked abnormal. The other person''sputer was turned off.


    With just a bit more time, he could have gotten the other person''s information, but they escaped. How interesting! If they met again, the other person would not get away so easily.


    He reopened WhatsApp and sent a message to Samson. Then, he logged out and turned off theputer before going out of the room.


    ...


    At Skyview Heights, Hera was eating takeout. She kept on thinking of the inte address that she failed to hack that afternoon and searched for it on her phone. It was Shuttle Ventures'' officialwork.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova was at Shuttle Ventures?


    If she recalled correctly, it was a small subsidiary under Killian Corporation. Now, it was under Bernard''s supervision. Grandmaster of Astral Nova invited her to meet at the Imperial Hotel at 2:00 pm, which was not far from Shuttle Ventures.


    Suddenly, her phone rang, disrupting her train of thought. It was from Leon.


    "Raven, I''m in Norburgh with Damian. He''s here to record a show. Are you avable to have lunch? We want to thank you for treating Damian, allowing him to recover fully."


    Leon followed Hera''s instructions


    and gave Damian the medicine for a week. Not only did his


    gastroenteritis heal, but his stomach problems were also treated. Leon was very impressed, so he wanted Hera''s help to treat his own ailments.


    "I''m upied this afternoon, so I''ll have to pass on lunch. If you want to repay me, I actually need a driver right now. You can y that part," Hera said.


    "Sure, send me the address," Leon agreed enthusiastically.


    Hera sent him an address. After tidying up the takeout boxes, she took her equipment and went out.


    ...


    At 1:30 pm, Leon arrived at the


    address that Hera sent him. He saw a person around five feet six inches, wearing a ck trench coat and a face mask. It was hard to telD whether it was a man or a woman.


    He was about to call Hera when that person opened the car door and sat in the backseat.


    Leon looked back and asked tentatively, "Boss?"


    Hera pulled down her mask. "Head to the Imperial Hotel."


    "Why are you dressed like this? Are you nning a robbery?" Leon teased.


    Hera thought about it for a while. "Something like that."


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova agreed to meet her so readily. It was possible that they had some tricks up their sleeve. If there really was some trickery, she would be ready to react ordingly. Hence, she needed a driver as an aplice.


    Leon was shocked. "No way, boss! I was just joking. Are you for real?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The shock made his hand jerk, and the steering wheel swerved to the side slightly. The car beside them immediately honked, and Leon quickly straightened the steering wheel.


    "Drive carefully. Don''t talk," Hera said.


    How could Leon stay quiet? "You dragged me into this. As your aplice, shouldn''t I understand more about the n?"

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    "Wait for me by the entrance," Hera said.


    After 20 minutes, Leon stopped the car at the entrance of the Imperial Hotel. Hera wore a mask and got out of the car.


    It was after lunch hour, so there were only a few people in the hotel. She went into the elevator and pressed the button to the fourth floor. There was a pub and entertainment center on the fourth floor. It was usually very lively at night, but right now, there weren''t a lot of customers. Hera walked out of the elevator and saw two men far ahead who were walking out from the bar. She quickly hid behind a pir. As the footsteps came closer, she heard them talking.


    "No wonder Granduncle is still single at 24 years old. It''s not that he doesn''t care about inheriting the shares from Great-grandpa but that he actually likes men."


    "Roman, we can talk about this after going home. Don''t speak of these things here."


    They stopped at the elevator, waiting for the doors to open.


    "Why can''t we talk about it?" Romanined, looking very displeased.


    He continued, "He acts indecently. He can''t even control himself and looks at those things in thepany. Who knows how wildly he acts in private? I feel disgusted just thinking about it.


    "How dare he point fingers at us and call us rude for disturbing him when he''s watching porn? He must have been a pervert since young!"


    As Frederick listened to him, his gaze darkened. "That''s enough. It''s the 21st century. Is that really so strange?"


    Roman looked at Frederick in surprise. He was a little taken aback that Frederick would speak up for Bernard.


    However, Roman also realized something. He nodded and replied, "That''s true. Granduncle likes men, and it''s impossible for him to get married legally in this country. If he doesn''t get married, then he can never inherit the shares that Great-grandpa left behind for him!


    "It''s just as well. We''ll have one lesspetitor."Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Frederick''s gaze remained dark, and he stayed silent as if he was contemting something.


    Seeing that he was quiet, Roman continued, "No wonder there was no progress when Chad tried to arrange for him to marry the daughter of the Chime family. After we return, I must tell Chad about Granduncle''s sexuality.


    "Instead of arranging a business marriage for him, they might as well introduce you to Camille..."


    Then, the elevator doors opened, and they entered. The doors closed as Hera came out from behind the pir. She recognized the two men.


    When she was still with the Killian family, she was around Frederick''s age, so she took him as a brother.


    Ever since she could remember, Frederick had always liked to bully her. When Bernard protected her, Frederick would simply point fingers at Bernard.


    At the time, Bernard was hot-headed and would fight Frederick. Frederick couldn''t win, so he wouldin to Chad. Then, Chad would always punish Bernard by making him kneel for hours and write essays.


    As for the other person called Roman, Hera had never met him After Hera left the Killians, Aurora couldn''t conceive naturally, so Roman was adopted. She heard that Aurora and Chad favored Roman.


    In that case, the man that Roman kept calling "Granduncle" was... Bernard.


    Bernard liked men?


    When she recalled their interactions, Bernard always flirted with her frivolously. Was it because he was


    gay, so he only treated her like a niece? Was that why he never did anything immoral?


    Suddenly, Hera felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment.


    A server walked up to Hera and asked, "May I help you, miss?"


    Hera came back to her senses. "How do I get to Room 808?"


    When the server heard the room number, he immediately said politely, "Pleasee with me."


    This room was not open to the general public, so if anyone was looking for this room, they had to be an important guest.


    Hera followed the server to the room. When she went in, there was a muscr man in a ck suit.


    Hera recognized him. He was the bodyguard who invited her to meet Grandmaster of Astral Novast time.


    "Your grandmaster is not here?" Hera looked around the room, but there was only the bodyguard.

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    "No, the grandmaster told me to give you this." Samson pushed a velvet box on the table toward Hera and watched her carefully.


    Previously, there were news articles that reported that Dr. Shadow was the daughter of the Chime family. He met Camille before at Astral Nova, but her presence felt different from when he actually met Dr. Shadow.


    The person in front of him was the real Dr. Shadow whom he metst time.


    If it weren''t for Bernard, who was watching them from a hiddenpartment in the room, Samson would have rushed forward and ripped off Dr. Shadow''s mask.


    He was dying to see what kind of person was hiding under that mask! How dare Dr. Shadow ignore protests from Astral Nova and give away the century-old gurdyroot!


    Hera looked at the velvet box and nced up at Samson again. Then, she opened the box.


    Inside the box, there was a century-old gurdyroot of premium quality. She held it up and examined it closely to determine if it truly was a rare gurdyroot that was around two hundred years old.


    Indeed, it was the real thing. By using around ten photos of Bernard''s naked body, she managed to obtain a priceless gurdyroot. This made Hera even more curious as to who Grandmaster of Astral Nova was.


    "I''ll take this gurdyroot. Thanks." Hera ced it back into the box.


    Samson said, "Please do."


    Hera took the velvet box while Samson stayed still. She turned around to leave, but when she ced her hand on the doorknob, she suddenly looked back and asked, "I''m sorry to ask this so suddenly, but is your grandmaster into men?"


    Samson was perplexed. How could this be?


    In thepartment room, Bernard was speechless as he watched them from the one-way mirror.


    Samson suddenly thought of something incredible. "Are you a woman crossdressing as a man?"


    Hera was taken aback. She never expected this to happen!


    Suddenly, she felt that Samson was ambushing her from behind. She sidestepped him and avoided his attack.


    Then, Samson''s hand reached


    toward her mask. Hera blocked his hand with the velvet box. In her other hand, with a twist of her wrist, two silver needles appeared between her fingers. She flicked the needles toward him.


    Samson immediately used his arra


    to shield himself. The needles prated his suit and pricked his armat wasn''t painful, but his arm immediately felt numb.


    Hera took the chance to open the door and run off with the velvet box.


    At the same time, the door to thepartment room behind Samson opened. Bernard came out with a stony expression.


    Samson immediately turned around and knelt on one knee in apology. "I''m sorry, Bernard. I couldn''t help myself and wanted to see her real face." "Get out of my sight! Run tenps around Norburgh right now!"


    Hera ran out of the room. There was no one in the corridor. She went through the safety exit to reach the first floor.


    At the entrance, Leon had barely


    been waiting for half an hour when he saw Hera rush out. She yanked open the door to the backseat and jumped in. Immediately, he started the car and joined the flow of traffic.


    Hera took off her mask and looked back. Seeing that no one was chasing after her, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Boss, did you justmit daylight robbery?"


    Leon drove as he nced in the rearview mirror at the velvet box beside Hera. He shivered.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She truly was God Raven, bringing a storm with her wherever she went.

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    Since Leon revealed the price that Raven demanded from Queenie to the other hackers, they had been calling Raven as "God Raven". She was even more ruthless than her master, Mr. S.


    Who knew that she was also so demanding in real life? She evenmitted a robbery!


    "Just drive properly." Hera gave him the address to a manor on the outskirts of the city. Then, she leaned back on the headrest and shut her eyes, reflecting on what happened just now.


    Just now, Samson was about to take off her mask. She wasn''t sure whether this was his own doing or instructions from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova. However, she heard that the rules in Astral Nova were very strict. The subordinates could never have gone against the Grandmaster''s will.


    If he really was instructed by the Grandmaster to take off her mask, then did that mean that he did not know her true identity? Did the deal also happen purely because he liked Bernard''s sexy photos?


    Besides that, he even thought of her as a cross-dressing woman.


    She suddenly recalled Roman calling Bernard gay. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Leon who was driving.


    "Piglet, I have a question."


    Leon was focused on the road. "Ask away."


    "What does it feel like for people like you to like the same sex?" Hera asked.


    Leon thought about it for a while. "I suppose you are either born with it or it developedter in life. For example, I was born like this. I was never interested in women. The feeling of liking men is probably the same as a heterosexual person liking the opposite sex.


    "As for those whose sexuality developedter in life, it feels like they are just in it for the excitement. I''m not very sure as well. Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"


    Hera did not answer but asked him again, "Would you keep sexy photos of men?"


    Leon choked on his own saliva. He didn''t expect Hera to be so bold and straightforward, asking him such a question without even a hint of a blush.


    "If it''s quite attractive, I would." After saying that, he quickly added, "You must not tell Damian."


    Hera was pensive. If that were true, then that would exin the Grandmaster of Astral Nova''s kinks.


    "Then what do you feel toward girls? Would you say very intimate things and even live together?" She continued to ask.


    "If we are very close, then yes.


    Previously, I lived with another girl for about five years. She saved my life. When she saved me, she was even pregnant. Later, when she gave birth, took care of her. Now, her son calls me ''dad''. But of course, I''m not his biological father. We stayed together just like a real family, and I treated her like a younger sister."


    When Leon said that, his tone seemed to be brighter. It was obvious that those moments were happy memories for him.


    Leon had a youthful face and looked to be in his early twenties. But actually, he was already thirty years old.


    Hera couldn''t help but match Bernard''s actions to Leon''s story. Her eyshes fluttered as she looked down at the velvet box beside her. She felt a jumble of emotions.


    She didn''t quite understand


    romantic love, no one ever taught


    her anything about it. The only person who spoke about romantic rtionships with her was her mentor, whom she had never met. He said that all men were pigs and warned her to stay away from romance.


    She didn''t think much about it at the time because she felt that romance was a distant, unfathomable thing.


    However, she felt confused on her feelings now. Whenever she thought of Bernard viewing her as his niece, her chest felt as if it was blocked by something. It was ufortable.


    Leon noticed that she stopped


    speaking. He nced in the rearview mirror and saw her odd expression. Combining all the questions about homosexuality, he realized with a shock. "Boss, did you meet some bastard fuckboy?"


    There was no way! Was she talking about Bernard?


    As a gay man, Leon was quite sure that Bernard was definitely straight.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The way he looked at Hera was full of doting love. Also, his possessiveness was obvious. If he wasn''t interested in Hera, even pigs could fly!


    "Let''s stop here." Hera snapped out of her thoughts. She saw that they already reached their destination.


    It was an area in the outskirts of the city with vis, clearly meant for rxation and recreation. There were few people around. Leon stopped the car, and Hera put on her mask and stepped out of the car.


    "Boss..." Leon still wanted to be nosy, but she already left.

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    Hera held the velvet box and entered one of the vis.


    Thest time she came here was when she went to Astral Nova for the auction. That was quite some time ago, but she hired someone to tidy up the ce regrly so that she could stay here anytime.


    She took off her mask and the cloak. Then, she picked up a pillow and slumped on the couch, staring nkly at the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.


    Hera began recalling her recent memories with Bernard. At some point in time, she started to get used to how well he was treating her. She almost forgot that he was from the Killian family. It was hard to say that he waspletely uninvolved in what happened in the past.


    Even if it was eventually proven that Bernard had nothing to do with her adoptive mother''s death and her adoptive father''s imprisonment, she should not be involved with Bernard. Because in the end, he was still from the Killian family.


    So, why was she so sad? Wasn''t it better this way?


    From the beginning, wasn''t their reunion just a transactional deal? When she cured him of his sickness and when she came of age the next year, she would head off to Jedburgh. They would no longer need to interact with each other.


    Whether Bernard was gay or straight, it was none of her business.


    As she came to terms with that, she let out a long sigh of relief. Still, she felt as if her chest was blocked by something, and it felt ufortable. Somehow, it was already evening.


    Hera got up and turned on the lights before taking out her phone. It was then she realized that Bernard had called her several times. Because she had put her phone on silent, she didn''t notice his calls. He also sent a few WhatsApp messages asking her where she was and why she wasn''t picking up his calls.


    She replied coldly: "I''m busy."


    It was better to let things die down slowly.


    Bernard immediately called her. Hera didn''t feel like taking the call, so she declined.


    He called again, so she declined again.


    When her phone lit up the third time with his iing call, Hera became annoyed. After declining, she noticed that it was an unknown number. She didn''t think much about it, but the unknown number called in again.


    This time, when Hera picked up the call, she shouted into the phone, "You''re so annoying! Do you know that?"


    The other person seemed taken


    aback before she said, "Ms. Youngworth, good day. I''m a


    salesperson from Jacob & Co. The cufflinks that you ordered are here. Will youe to the store to collect them, or should we deliver them to your doorstep?"


    Hera remembered that when she went to buy cufflinks for Gideon, she saw a poster promoting a pair of canary diamond square cufflinks.


    They were made of white gold.


    There was a diamond in the center, circled with white diamonds on the outer ring, cut in a trapezoid shape. They were dazzling, handsome, and luxurious. At the time, she felt that they suited Bernard, so she ordered a pair.


    "I don''t want them anymore," Hera was still frustrated, so she blurted that out.


    The salesperson immediately got a


    fright upon hearing that, and her


    blood pressure soared. When Hera bought the cufflinks, the


    salesperson confirmed the pu


    e


    with her again and again. This pair of cufflinks was their most famous product. It was worth 8.4 million dors!


    The deposit was around 20 percent of the price. After the purchase was made, there was no refunding it!


    She even signed the purchasing form. If Hera decided to refund, she still needed to pay the bnce or she would be sued.


    "Ms. Youngworth, at that time¡ª"


    "I''ll transfer the bnce." Hera knew what the salesperson was about to say, so she interrupted her.


    It was exactly because she ordered these cufflinks that she was tight on money right now and asked Leon to get missions for her.


    Now that she was determined not to get too close to Bernard, she didn''t feel the need to give them to him anymore.


    When the salesperson heard that Hera would still pay up, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, since you''ll pay the bnce, I''ll deliver the cufflinks to you anyway."


    "No need," Hera said before hanging up.


    The salesperson wondered about Hera''s cold tone. Did she fight with her partner, which was why she didn''t want the cufflinks anymore?This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    Were the wealthy all so capricious with their money? These cufflinks were worth 8.4 million dors!


    ...


    On the other end, at Shuttle Ventures'' CEO''s office, Bernard was feeling irritated. She declined his call twice, and the third time he called her, she was on another call. Not long after, Frederick came to make trouble for him again.


    Since the afternoon, Frederick kept nitpicking with small issues in their ounts, questioning Bernard aggressively.


    Bernard knew that he was doing this on purpose. Frederick was also going all out to trouble him. It was the weekend, but he was willing to work overtime to squabble with him in the office.


    As Frederick was also from the Killians, Bernard was willing to duke it out with him.


    If Frederick wanted him to work overtime, then he would let Frederick work overnight. If one night was not enough, he would be prepared to let him work overnight for a whole week.


    By the third day, Roman was ready to throw in the towel.


    "Frederick, I can''t do this anymore. I''m so tired."


    Bernard was out, and only Roman and Frederick were left in the office. Roman took this chance to slump on the table while he whined.


    Frederick was not doing any better. He had drunk countless cups of coffee, and the empty cups were still on the table. Even so, he was still tired. He kept yawning, and his eyelids were heavy.


    He couldn''t win against Bernard by brute force, so he wanted to find little mistakes in thepany ounts to make trouble for Bernard. This was to knock Bernard''s confidence down a peg.


    Instead, Frederick also shot himself in the foot.


    That night, he asked Bernard to provide all the information on an investment transaction. He thought that this would keep Bernard busy until dawn.


    However, just as he reached his hotel and was about to find some nightlife entertainment, he received a call from Shuttle Ventures'' vice president, Harold. Harold told him that the information was ready, but he wanted to check some things with him in person.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Of course, Frederick did not want to go to the office. "Let''s talk tomorrow. I''d like to rest first."


    "Mr. Bernard is waiting for you at the office," Harold said.


    Frederick was speechless. His instinct told him that Bernard was doing this on purpose!


    "It''s sote. Please tell Bernard to rest early. We can talk about it tomorrow," he said tactfully.


    "Mr. Bernard is surprised that you actually know that this is the weekend, which is a time for rest."


    Harold then conveyed Bernard''s


    words, "You''re in such a hurry to audit our ounts. Isn''t it because this is an urgent matter? Since it''s so urgent, we should all cooperate willingly, even if it means having to sacrifice our rest."


    Frederick could note up with a reply. He couldn''t possibly say that this was just a normal, yearly audit procedure, so it wasn''t urgent at all. He was just messing with Bernard by making him work overtime! That would be disastrous. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Hence, to prevent Bernard from using this to speak badly about him in the future, Frederick could only return to the office.


    Ever since then, he had been in the office for three days and three nights!


    All this while, people continuously


    came up to him with thick bundles of documents in their arms, just so they could check some things. Some of those issues were so inconsequential that he had the urge to smack the documents on their heads and call them out for doing this on purpose.


    However, Bernard, who was also sitting in the office, would pipe up nonchntly, "They''re newbies. Please show them some understanding for the good of thepany."


    Bernard was much better than Frederick at using his power to avenge his private grudges.


    "Let''s stop here for now and go back to rest!" Frederick clenched his fist as he stood up abruptly.


    They had been working overnight for three days. He was so tired that he was starting to hallucinate, but Bernard still looked fine! He could even go out and take calls.


    As the two of them were about to leave the meeting room, the door opened. Harold was holding a bunch of documents.


    Seeing that the two men were on their way out, Harold asked, "Mr. Frederick, Mr. Roman, are you leaving? I still have something to check with you..."


    Frederick could feel the vein on his forehead throbbing. He was taught proper manners since he was young, so he only said, "Roman isn''t feeling well, so I''m sending him back to rest. We''ll continue tomorrow."


    Then, the two of them left thepany with their tails between their legs.

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    In the CEO''s office, Bernard sat back in his office chair and closed his eyes to rest.


    Harold reported to Bernard, "Mr. Bernard, they''re gone." After messing with them like this, surely Frederick would not dare to trouble Bernard easily the next time, right?


    "You should go home and rest too. You deserve it." Bernard pinched his nose bridge.


    Previously, because of his illness, insomnia was a frequent urrence. It was nothing to have insomnia for a whole week. However, since Hera started treating him, he found long-lost bliss in sleeping soundly until the morning. He was unused to staying up all night again.


    "I''m just doing my job. Please rest early and take care." Harold left after saying that.


    When the door closed, Dous, who was scrolling on his phone, tucked it away. "Bernard, now that you''ve done this, I''m sure Mr. Frederick willin about you to Chad.


    "Let him be." Bernard couldn''t care less. After all, Frederick hadined about Bernard plenty of times to Chad.


    He nced at his phone. When he saw that Hera hadn''t replied to the message he sent this morning, his heart sank.


    Since she got the century-old gurdyroot, she had been acting distant. He would send a few messages, only for her to reply in one message. He would also call multiple times, but she would only take one call. She would say just a few sentences before hanging up.


    She was so busy that she didn''t even return to Skyview Heights. He let Dous go over regrly to feed and clean up after Tiramisu.


    "Look into what Hera is up to." His fingers tapped on the desk restlessly.


    "Yes," Dous replied and immediately made a call.


    In ten minutes, he got a reply and told Bernard, "Ms. Youngworth has been in theboratory of Cavenridge International Academy the past few days. She might be producing medicine."


    Bernard remembered that Hera mentioned that the gurdyroot was an ingredient to make the medicine that would save him.


    He stood up abruptly and took his suit. He walked out and was about to ask Dous to prepare the car to drive to Cavenridge when Johnson called him.


    "Bernard, I got the person you asked me to find."


    "Alright, give the address to Dous." Bernard nced at Dous. "Go make the arrangements."


    "Yes." Dous quickly called the driver.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ...


    At the receptionist''s desk on the first floor, the receptionist was trying to stop Terence. "Mr. Gaskell, I''m sorry, but you can''t meet the CEO without an appointment..."


    Before she could finish her words, she saw Bernard and Dous walk past the desk. Terence immediately went after them.


    "Bernard, we finally meet. Can we speak for a moment?" Terence asked meekly.


    Two days ago, he was told that the investment funds Shuttle Ventures should have provided to Gaskell Corporation next year were canceled.


    If it were one month ago, he


    wouldn''t have cared if the funds were canceled. This was because Gaskell Corporation''s profits were doing very well. If the investment were canceled, he would profit even more.


    However, after Queenie was imprisoned, thepany''s eligibility to bid for an international project was retracted. Instead, XS


    Corporation got the project. After et


    e


    that, two of thepany''s big clients suddenly stopped their partnership. Thepany''s stocks fell, and other clients started to waver.


    At this crucial time, Shuttle Ventures also canceled next year''s investment ns.


    Although Shuttle Ventures was just a smaller subsidiary under Killian Corporation, they still depended on the Killian family. It was because of Queenie that Shuttle Ventures and Gaskell Corporation''s partnership went along smoothly. This was


    public information. Content belongs


    to


    If word got out that Shuttle Ventures canceled their investment ns, that was equivalent to announcing that Gaskell Corporation was doomed!


    The wavering clients would ditch Gaskell Corporation immediately. By then, thepany would really fall apart!


    Hence, he had to retain Shuttle Venture''s investment. However, he couldn''t meet Bernard even once although he had tried many times to arrange an appointment.


    He even tried to meet Frederick and Roman, who came from the headquarters to audit thepany, but he failed to do that too. He could onlye to thepany physically and try his luck.


    Who knew that he really got to see Bernard!

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    "Who are you?" Bernard red at him icily.


    Dous promptly intercepted Terence and called for security.


    Seeing that, Terence''s expression became awkward.


    In fact, they had met before. Although Queenie was only from a coteral branch of the Killian family, she was of the same generation as Bernard. Terence had called Bernard by his first name in an attempt to be friendly. However, his efforts fell t, and he was almost thrown out by security. Hence, he quickly corrected himself, "Mr. Killian, I''m the CEO of Gaskell Corporation and would like to discuss the Shuttle Ventures investment with you..."


    The ground floor lobby was bustling with people. They were either there to seek investment or discuss coborations. The peopleing and going were all prominent figures from majorpanies. Seeing this scene left them all greatly surprised.


    No one expected that Terence, the renowned CEO of Gaskell Corporation, would disy such a submissive side.


    After all, the Gaskell family was ranked among the top ten prestigious families in Norburgh. Usually, others looked up to them, but now, Terence was acting so humbly toward Bernard.


    It appeared that the rumors about the Gaskell family''s downfall were true.


    "I''m busy," Bernard said coldly and walked away.


    Arge, ck Audi was parked outside the building. Dous opened the back door for Bernard and then got into the front passenger seat.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as the door closed, Bernard asked in a chilly tone, "Why hasn''t Gaskell Corporation gone bankrupt yet?"


    "It needs more time," Dous replied with a wry smile. He thought Bernard must have been reading too many novels.


    In fact, a corporation didn''t just go bankrupt overnight. It would take time to exert pressure and break it down gradually.


    "The time wasted will be deducted from your bonus," Bernard blurted out.


    Hearing that, Dous was rendered speechless. He immediately sent the same message thrice to the management chat: "Make Gaskell Corporation go bankrupt as soon as possible!"


    Since the day she made up her mind, Hera had been forcing herself not to think about Bernard anymore. She dedicated herself entirely to her pharmaceutical work, moved out of Skyview Heights, and went back to live at the Everett residence.


    She stayed there for a whole week. Lilith and Gino were very happy, but at the same time, they sensed something unusual about Hera.


    Ever since Hera moved out, she had


    never stayed home for this long. Her daily routine was just between school and home. Once home, she would eat and then head straight to her, room, locking herself in and avoiding all activities.


    "Gideon, have you been cutting Hera''s pocket money?" Gino asked as he watched Hera go upstairs after dinner.


    Since the Everett family''s bankruptcy, Gideon had been supporting the family financially. Now that Hera wasn''t living on her own anymore, Gino wondered if it was because she couldn''t afford the rent.


    "No way! I wouldn''t cut Hera''s pocket money even if I were to cut yours!" Gideon replied.


    Gino was left speechless.


    "Could Hera be having issues with her friends? She has been back for over a week and seems quite unhappy," Lilith said worriedly.


    "Stop worrying so much. Isn''t it normal for Hera toe back and stay here? This is her home!" Gideon responded.


    Hera returning home likely meant


    she had a fight with Bernard, that old man. Gideon thought it was good if they had broken up. That meant she wouldn''t be stuck with that old man all the time, unable toe home!


    "Is it that obvious?" A cold voice suddenly came from behind them.

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    The three of them suddenly felt a chill down their spines. When they turned around, they saw Hera, who hade downstairs at some point, staring at them emotionlessly.


    "Do I really look that unhappy?" Hera asked.


    Lilith and Gino nodded repeatedly. "No." Then, they realized what was wrong and shook their heads vigorously. "Yes."


    Both Gideon and Hera were rendered speechless.


    Hera smiled slightly. "You guys are overthinking it. I''m alright." After saying that, she poured herself a ss of water and went back upstairs.


    Gideon and Gino didn''t know how to respond for a moment.


    Lilith said, "It looks like things are pretty serious, right?"


    ...


    Upstairs, Hera went back to her room and looked at her WhatsApp message list. Bernard''s profile picture was at the top, and the red dot in the corner indicated that she had muted him.


    She tapped on it, and thetest message was from three days ago.


    "Sweetie, your new profile picture looks good, but it would be perfect if you changed it to this one."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The message included a photo of the two of them. She was squatting on the beach, looking up at Bernard, and they were staring into each other''s eyes. Dous was the one who took that photo of them.


    After sending that photo, Bernard didn''t send any more messages. He also hadn''t called her in the past two days.


    Hera thought Bernard must have sensed that she was deliberately distancing herself from him, so he stopped reaching out to her.


    She tapped on the photo of the two of them and gazed at it for a while before quietly saving it to her phone''s gallery. After locking her phone screen, she opened her data records from that week''s pharmaceutical work and started to summarize them.


    Not long after, Hera suddenly


    recalled that thest time Bernard vanished without a word and didn''t respond to her messages, he had gotten into trouble by the time she heard from him.


    She wondered if the same thing was happening again.


    Recalling thest time she saw Bernard lying in the operating room, pale and lifeless, her heart suddenly ached.


    Hera couldn''t hold back and picked up her phone, intending to call him directly However, she was worried it might be too abrupt. In the end, she clicked into their WhatsApp O conversation.


    She typed and deleted multiple times, unable to decide what to send that would simplye across as a normal greeting. After pondering for over ten minutes, she finally sent three words: "Are you asleep?"


    To her surprise, Bernard replied instantly: "Working overtime. What''s up? Miss me?"


    Seeing his reply, Hera was speechless. She immediately tossed her phone aside. It appeared she had been mistaken. Bernard just didn''t want to initiate contact with her anymore!


    ...


    The next day, Hera arrived at Cavenridge''sboratory and spent another day experimenting. Eventually, she managed to concoct the medication for Bernard.


    With the leftover medicinal ingredients, she also researched some special remedies and brought them back to the Everett family to distribute among her rtives for trials.


    That night happened to be Christmas Eve.


    Lilith hadn''t expected Hera to prepare Christmas gifts for everyone. It appeared she had been mistaken yesterday. She said, "Hera, thank you. I''ll make sure to take it."


    Holding the small bottle under the chandelier, Gideon admired the tiny ck pills inside. "This is the most special Christmas gift I''ve ever received. Thank you, Hera!"


    Mildred remarked, "I don''t know if these pills are poisonous or not." Yet, she turned and ced the velvet box containing the pills into the safe in her


    room.


    James put a pill straight into his mouth, swallowed it, and then said, "I feel a warm sensation in my stomach."


    Judy, the housekeeper, held the velvet box in her hands and felt pleasantly surprised. "Do I also have a share? Thank you, Ms. Hera."

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    Gino watched eagerly as Hera distributed gifts to everyone, even the maid Judy. He thought to himself that it must be his turn now! He walked up to Hera confidently and was ready to receive his grand gift. However, to his surprise, Hera''s hands were empty.


    "What about my gift?" he asked with hopeful eyes.


    Hera nced at him and said, "There''s none."


    "Why aren''t I getting one?" Gino eximed in frustration. "It''s Christmas Eve, and you gave everyone else a gift except me? Am I not your brother anymore?"


    Hera was at a loss for words.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In fact, those weren''t Christmas gifts at all!


    "Haha, looks like you have no ce in Hera''s heart. Even Judy is more important than you," Gideonughed and said mockingly.


    Gino was outraged. He turned to Hera and said, "I don''t care. You need to give me a share right now!"


    Hera declined. "No way. You''re still growing, so it''s not suitable for you to test the medicine."


    Hearing that, Gino was puzzled.


    Gideon suddenly stoppedughing. "T-Test the medicine?"


    James was shocked.


    Mildred questioned, "Are you using us as test subjects?"


    "I developed these special pills to target some of the minor issues you have. I adjusted the data to reduce the side effects of the medication. Make sure to give me feedback on your condition after taking them," Hera exined.


    Catherine had cardiovascr and cerebrovascr problems; Lilith''s issue was mainly due to poor cirction; Gideon''s concerny in gastrointestinal health; James suffered from stomach problems and hypertension; Judy had rheumatic joint issues.


    All these conditions were quitemon. While acupuncture could provide temporary relief from symptoms, a cure would require medication as well. However, every medicine had its side effects. Therefore, she optimized the side effects of those medicines based on everyone''s physical conditions to enhance absorption and metabolism.


    James and the others breathed a sigh of relief once they grasped the situation.


    Especially Mildred, who had seen Oscar praise Hera endlessly. He even offered her a million-dor sry.


    Unfortunately, Hera wasn''t interested.


    "Oh, this is a really thoughtful gift. Hera, you''ve put so much heart into it!" Gideon eximed.


    "Regardless, you didn''t prepare a gift for me!" Gino looked at Hera with a face full of resentment.


    Hera was somewhat speechless. She couldn''t understand why Gino still thought it was a gift after she exined it so clearly.


    She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a delicately wrapped pink gift. Unable to recall who gave it to her, she handed it to Gino casually.


    Gino''s eyes sparkled as he muttered, "See, I knew there was one." He then excitedly unwrapped the gift.


    Inside, he found a note that read, "Hera, Merry Christmas! From Christopher."


    Gino was rendered speechless.


    "You personally made Christmas gifts for them, yet you''re giving me a gift someone else gave you! Are you trying to humiliate me?" he grumbled as he angrily tore up the note.


    It made him feel much better.


    Seeing that, Hera was speechless.


    ...


    The next morning, Hera woke up to discover a pile of gift boxes on the table, not knowing when they had been set out. She hesitated for a moment before she walked over and picked up one of the gifts with a note attached.


    It read, "Hera, Merry Christmas!"


    The remaining five gifts didn''t have notes, but Hera knew everyone had quietly ced them while she was asleep. She suddenly remembered a fairy tale Daphne used to tell her on Christmas Eve, "Santa us sneaks in while you''re asleep and leaves gifts at your bedside. When you wake up the next day, you''ll find exactly what you wished for..."


    Thinking of that, she felt warmth in her heart.

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    After Hera finished washing up and came downstairs, she noticed a lively atmosphere outside the door, indicating that someone had visited them. She paid it little mind and joined Gideon at the dining table.


    Just as she was about to have breakfast, she heard James'' ingratiating voice from the living room. "I didn''t know you woulde, Mr. Killian. We''re honored by your presence."


    "Judy, hurry and brew some coffee," Mildred''s voice rang out.


    Hera turned around and saw Mildred and James respectfully leading Bernard toward the living room, with Dous and Lilith following behind.


    She hadn''t imagined Bernard would actually show up!


    Gideon caught wind of the voice as well. A brief hint of annoyance shed across his face as he pondered why the old man was here and if Bernard was trying to take Hera away once more.


    Meanwhile, in the living room, Bernard spoke up as he nced toward the dining area, "It''s fine. I''m here to pick up Hera." As soon as he entered the residence, he caught sight of Hera heading toward the dining room.


    Hera promptly turned around, deciding to fill her stomach first before anything else.


    Hearing that, Mildred was somewhat shocked.


    James and Lilith had already seen Bernard visit the Everett residence before. Though they were not as shocked as Mildred, they were still quite surprised.


    In fact, no one had expected Bernard to stoop so low as toe and pick up Hera himself! At the same time, they didn''t understand why Bernard would do that. They couldn''t help but wonder if Bernard had taken an interest in Hera. To them, he was like a super-rich son-inw who was hard to find!


    James quickly said, "Please wait a moment. Lilith, could you go and get Hera?"


    "There''s no rush. Let her finish breakfast first." Bernard raised his hand to stop them and waited on the couch.


    He despised sycophants like James and disliked everyone in the Everett residence. He knew full well everything they had done to Hera. If it weren''t for Hera stopping him from intervening, the Everett residence would have been long gone.


    Since Hera was willing to stay at the


    Everett residence for over a week, it meant the ce wasn''t too unbearable. Moreover, no matter how much he disliked it, James and Lilith were still his future inws, so he instinctively humbled himself and answered whatever they asked.


    In the dining room, Gideon noticed Hera calmly eating her breakfast, clearly uninterested in dealing with the people outside. He somehow grasped her feelings. "I''ll take care of him for you." With that, he put down his cutlery, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and stood up to head out.


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    Gideon walked to the living room and extended his right hand out of courtesy. "Bernard, no, I should call you Mr. Killian."


    After Albert passed away, the new


    family head and his brothers were all


    elevated to the title "Mr." However, Bernard was just over ten years old at the time, so calling him that


    el


    seemed overly mature. As a result,


    many


    outsiders continued to call


    him by his first name. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    However, at that moment, Gideon deliberately said so to emphasize Bernard''s age and status. It irritated him that the old man was interested in younger women and particrly aimed his attention at Hera.


    "Mr. Gideon." Bernard nced up at him and reached out for a handshake. After all, Gideon was going to be his brother-inw, so he had to show some respect.


    Gideon unintentionally caught sight of Bernard''s cufflink when he reached out his hand.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was a delicate canary diamond square cufflink, a signature piece from Jacob & Co. Each cufflink was priced at 4.2 million Terranian dors, totaling 8.4 million Terranian dors for the pair!


    Bernard truly lived up to his status as the heir of the Killian family, with even his smallest essories being the most expensive in the world.


    "Nice cufflinks," Gideon said admiringly.


    Bernard lightly rubbed the cufflink with his thumb as he smiled. He looked up and saw the sapphire cufflink on Gideon''s shirt cuff. Although it was less impressive than his, it was still tasteful.


    "Yours aren''t bad either," he replied casually, feeling quite pleased.

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    Gideon answered casually, "I think so too. They were a gift from my sister." The price wasn''t important. What mattered was that Hera had given them to him.


    "Interestingly, mine are from her as well," Bernard replied.


    Gideon was taken aback. There was no way Hera could afford to buy such an expensive gift! He refused to believe what Bernard had said!Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Well, Mr. Killian, you''vee at an inconvenient time. Our family is about to head to a hot spring resort, so we might not have time to entertain you." Gideon got straight to the point.


    The hot spring trip was Lilith''s idea fromst night. They were worried Hera might be feeling down and wanted to take her out to rx and have fun. "It''s fine. I..." James was about to suggest he could stay behind but then caught Gideon''s warning nce, signaling him to be quiet. He promptly shut his mouth.


    Anyone would recognize from the host''s words that that was a courteous way of dismissing a guest.


    However, Bernard seemed not to catch the implied message. He leisurely lifted his cup, took a sip of the coffee, and asked, "Is Hera going too?" Gideon replied, "Of course."


    "Alright, I''ll join you, then," Bernard said as he nodded in response.


    "Sorry, but that might not be convenient. We''ve already made our ns-" Gideon tried to decline.


    "It''s perfectly fine. I won''t go with you, then. Let Bernard join instead. You young people should have fun," Mildred interrupted Gideon hastily.


    She finally snapped out of her shock. The man before her was the head of the four major families, the seventh son of the Killian family! He held shares in Killian Corporation and was second only to the family head. In other words, if the head of the Killian family stepped down, he would be the next in line!


    If Hera could really marry him, she would be the madam of the Killian family.


    That was a position Mildred wouldn''t dare to imagine even in her dreams!


    By then, the Everett family would be able to rise to the top again and be listed among the prestigious families of Norburgh!


    Mildred was determined to make this marriage happen at all costs.


    After Hera finished breakfast and came out, she saw Mildred directing Judy to load their equipment into the car. Bernard was still sitting on the couch, sipping coffee and chatting casually with James.


    Later, they were seated in the car, on their way to the hot spring resort.


    Hera was seated in the passenger seat, and she looked through the rearview mirror to see Bernard in the back seat, typing a message. She then cast a skeptical nce at Gideon, who was driving.


    Gideon sensed her eyes on him and nced at her.


    Her exquisite countenance seemed to convey: "Didn''t you say you''d help get rid of him? Why is he here now?" Gideon whispered, "I didn''t expect this guy to be so shameless. I bet even bullets would bounce off him."


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    "Bullets fired will all rebound, but the


    force of the rebound varies with the material''s resilience." Just then a deep voice came from the back seat.


    UMS


    Both Gideon and Hera were rendered speechless.


    Throughout the journey, no one spoke again.


    Bernard seemed busy, constantly texting on his phone with his head down and asionally taking calls. Meanwhile, Hera rested with her eyes closed.


    "Mr. Killian, you seem upied. Maybe it''s best if you reconsider joining us," Gideon quipped. Bernard put away his phone and looked at Gideon. "You seem to dislike me being around Hera." Being a man himself, Gideon definitely knew what Bernard was up to.


    "Sweetie, haven''t you told them about our rtionship yet?" Bernard unexpectedly added.

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    Upon hearing that, Hera, who had been resting with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them wide.


    Gideon looked utterly shocked. He didn''t dare m on the brakes but slowed down instead. Only someone intimately connected would use such an affectionate term. He began to wonder if the old man had already made a move on Hera!


    Hera sensed the car slowing down. Afraid that Bernard might say something provocative again and distract Gideon from driving properly, she promptly responded, "We just have a doctor-patient rtionship. There''s nothing to say about it."


    Bernard was somewhat speechless.


    He was sure that Hera was intentionally giving him the cold shoulder.


    Ever since she got the gurdyroot, she had been avoiding him. He spected that Hera might have discovered he was Grandmaster of Astral Nova. She was angry with him because she thought he had been ying games with her by asking for the photos.


    Gideon nced at Hera. She didn''t seem to be lying. She had mentioned before that she would stay at Bernard''s house just for the convenience of treating him.


    However, Bernard calling her "sweetie" made Gideon suspicious that this scoundrel was pretending to need treatment to pursue Hera! Fortunately, Hera was smart and wouldn''t fall for such a trick easily.


    With their minds upied by different thoughts, the three arrived at the hot spring resort. James'' car arrived shortly after.


    That hot spring resort was a poprndmark. It was crowded with visitors to the hot spring every winter, and reservations were required in advance for entry.


    It was Christmas that day, and Gideon managed to get the passes through a friend. However, upon arrival, he saw that the parking lot was almost empty. The reception area had only the staff.


    "Why isn''t anyone else here?" Lilith murmured.


    "The other guests have yet to arrive," the receptionist exined and smiled.


    "Clearly, the ce has been cleared out," Gino said as he crossed his arms and raised his head with a look of disdain.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The receptionist could only smile politely in response. She hadn''t expected kids these days to be so sharp.


    "Cleared out?" James was surprised, but then he suddenly felt quite proud.


    He had always wanted to do something like this, but even at their peak, the Everett family could only afford to book a five-star hotel for a banquet. Clearing out a high-traffic resort was out of the question, especially now that he was bankrupt.


    Lilith, however, looked a bit worried. "Gideon, it''s really not necessary-"


    "Mom, this isn''t his doing. His wallet isn''t that deep," Gino said disdainfully as he gave Gideon a scornful nce.


    He was still holding a grudge from thest time Gideon charged him 50 percent interest. Besides, he didn''t believe Gideon had such capability. It must have been Bernard who` arranged it. As far as he knew, Killian Corporation owned this resort.


    "Are you happy now? Haven''t you noticed that your sister and that man are missing?" Gideon asked with a chilling tone.


    It was only then that Gino and the others noticed that Hera and Bernard, who had been waiting in the seating area, were nowhere to be seen.


    Meanwhile, at a gazebo in the hot


    spring resort, Hera turned around and questioned, "Why did you follow me? Her gaze was cold as she stared at Bernard.


    "Since you wouldn''te to me, I had toe to you," Bernard replied as he looked at her. "I received your gift. Thank you, sweetie."


    Hera was about to say something when she saw him roll up his suit sleeve, revealing a delicate canary diamond square cufflink on his shirt cuff. It was the exact pair she had returned!

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    Hera never expected that pair of cufflinks to end up in his hands.


    "I didn''t expect you to secretly prepare a Christmas gift for me. It made me very happy." Bernard smiled.


    Yesterday afternoon, when he returned to Skyview Heights, he ran into a Jacob & Co. salesperson who hade to deliver the cufflinks.


    Bernard learned from the salesperson that Hera had secretly ordered a gift a month ago. When he asked her about it back then, she had yed dumb. It turned out she had prepared this little surprise for him.


    However, some unpleasant events nearly ruined it.


    Watching his smiling face and considering his sexual orientation, Hera felt it was ironic to give him a gift since they had no rtionship. "Who said the cufflinks were for you? I prepared them for my brother. Take them off!" she said with mild anger as she stepped forward to retrieve them.


    Bernard dodged her reaching hand, grabbed her, and pulled her into his firm chest. As she tried to push him away, he quickly seized her hands. "You already gave your brother a pair of sapphire cufflinks. You wouldn''t give the same gift twice. This pair was custom-made for me, wasn''t it?" Bernard asked as he looked down at her intently, waiting for her to admit it.


    As he looked at her that way, Hera felt a surge of irritation. She thought he must find it amusing to tease her this way. She struggled to free her hands, but the disparity in their strength was too significant.


    "Let go of me!" she said coldly, her expression stern.


    Despite seeing Hera angry, Bernard still didn''t loosen his grip. "Answer me first. Were these cufflinks custom-made especially for me?" At that moment, Bernard was apletely different person from the one who often yed the victim.


    Hera was momentarily stunned. She suddenly realized that she might not understand Bernard at all and even wondered if the person she thought she knew had just been ying with her all along. The thought made her angry. "Does it really matter?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "It matters a lot! If they are, it means you have feelings for me!" Bernard gazed into her eyes. "Do you get it?" He couldn''t always yield to Her?. Otherwise, she wouldn''t realize her feelings for him.


    Hera stared at him without speaking, but her usually calm eyes showed traces of anger. It seemed she was really upset.


    Bernard had no choice but to let go of her hands. "Don''t be mad. I''ve prepared a gift for you too."


    As soon as he finished his sentence, an attendant approached with a tray holding a gift box tied with a champagne-colored ribbon.


    Hera wanted to leave, but Bernard handed her the gift. "Open it and take a look."


    Hera took a nce at it and eventually opened the gift box. Inside was a set of gold-colored needle kits. When she opened the kit, she found aplete set of needles made of pure gold.


    Hera was taken aback for a


    moment, and her anger instantly


    dissipated. Since childhood, she had


    been exposed to all kinds of ad


    and silver needles through her,


    grandma. She immediately


    recognized this set as the famous Webb''s Gold Needles from the previous century.


    Webb''s Gold Needles, made entirely by hand from pure gold, were renowned for their exceptional


    v


    craftsmanship. Despite the ne


    production cost, they were


    particrly popr in the alternative medicinemunity. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Nevertheless, when the needles were inherited by the fourth generation, the inheritor retreated into seclusion due to various disputes within themunity.


    Since then, Webb''s Gold Needles had be a legend in the alternative medicine field. Research indicated that there were now only threeplete sets left in the field.


    Hera recognized the kit immediately because Catherine owned one of the sets. She had always wanted to get a set for herself, but the Webb family''s descendants had stopped making the gold needles.


    However, this set of Webb''s Gold Needles was clearly new as Hera noticed her name delicately engraved on the needles.

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    It was a custom-made set of Webb''s Gold Needles just for her!


    "Do you like it?" Bernard asked.


    Hera nodded. "How did you make this happen?" She never imagined Bernard could get the descendant of the Webb family, who had ceased making needles, to craft a personalized set of gold needles for her.


    "I told him I wanted to personally craft a set of gold needles to gift to someone very important. I asked for his guidance, and he agreed right away," Bernard said.


    He spoke of it casually, but in reality, Johnson expended considerable manpower and time searching tirelessly for descendant of the Webb family. It took a lot of effort to persuade him to agree to provide guidance, and only then did the crafting of the gold needles begin.


    Bernard personally crafted the entire set of gold needles himself. He had never done such meticulous craftsmanship before, so it took a lot of raw materials to produce these 16 functional gold needles.


    Hera was skeptical that everything had been as simple as Bernard described.


    While she didn''t know what Bernard had been through, she understood that these gold needles must havee at a great cost.


    Compared to the canary diamond square cufflinks she had custom-made, the set of Webb''s Gold Needles was far more valuable and carried profound meaning.


    "Thank you!" She gently caressed the gold needles, her eyes filled with uncontainable delight.


    Noticing her happiness, Bernard couldn''t help but raise his hand and lightly pat her head. "Ate but perfect gift to celebrate your guaranteed admission."


    Hera lifted her head to look at him. She thought Bernard didn''t know about that. Little did she expect, he had known all along and quietly prepared such a gift for her. She began to wonder if Bernard hadn''t reached out to her in the past few days because he had been in the mountains.


    She suddenly felt that her previous deliberate avoidance of him seemed childish. Regardless of whether he liked men or women, she appreciated his gesture and thought that even being ordinary friends was quite nice.


    "The way you''re staring at me makes me want to do something to you," Bernard said as he gently lifted Hera''s chin.


    Hera hesitated for a moment, wondering what he was up to. The next moment, she saw Bernard''s sharply defined handsome face getting closer. "What are you two doing here?" Gino''s abrupt and stern voice interrupted Bernard just as he was about to get closer.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He released Hera and turned around,


    only to see Gino standing with hands on hips, ring fiercely at him. Behind Gino stood Gideon. His expression was tense and vignt as if he were guarding against Bernard.


    Both Bernard and Hera were at a loss for words.


    "Hera, we''ve got your room sorted. Here''s your key card." Gideon stepped forward and squeezed between Hera and Bernard, forcefully separating them.


    Bernard was somewhat speechless.


    Gino caught sight of the gift box in Hera''s hand. "If you want something, just tell me. Don''t ept gifts from strangers. What if they''re trying to deceive you?"


    Hera was instantly at a loss for words, thinking that Gino really didn''t get it.


    "Do I look like a scammer?" Bernard asked with a smile. He needed to stay calm while dealing with his future brother-inw.


    After sizing him up intently, Gino remarked, "Not really. You seem more like a bandit!" Before they knew it, he had whisked Hera away just like a bandit!


    Upon hearing that, Bernard didn''t know how to respond for a moment.


    Gideon sensed the chill emanating from Bernard and said to Hera, "Hera, it''s cold here. Let''s go back to the room to warm up before heading to the hot springs."


    Feeling puzzled by the tension between them, Hera nodded and followed him.


    The four of them headed to their rooms together.


    Gideon had obtained VIP passes through a friend, so they checked into a mansion. It had three bedrooms, two living rooms, and a backyard with a private outdoor hot spring pool.


    James and Lilith had already settled into one room, leaving the other two. Originally, Gideon and Gino were to share one while Hera and Mildred would take the other.

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    In his hurry to find Hera and Bernard, Gideon hadn''t noticed the room numbers given by the receptionist. It wasn''t until they arrived that he realized Mildred, who was supposed to share a room with Hera, hadn''te, and Bernard was here instead, which meant they would have to share a room!


    Hera stood at the door, looked at the key card in her hand, then at Bernard, and finally, at Gideon. She didn''t expect her brother to put her in such a predicament.


    Gideon was momentarily stunned.


    "What kind of arrangement is this? Why are you so stingy? Couldn''t you get another room?" Gino kicked Gideon.


    Bernard''s lips curled into a smile as he said, "Since there aren''t enough rooms, we''ll just have to make do for the night."


    "No way!" Gideon and Gino shouted together.


    Gideon continued, "You don''t look the least bit reluctant!"


    Gino added, "Not enough rooms? Didn''t you clear the whole ce out?"


    Hera was utterly speechless.


    In the end, after a round of swapping key cards, Hera and Lilith ended up in one room, James and Gino in another, and thest one was for Gideon and Bernard.


    Once everything was settled, Gideon smiled as he handed the key card to Bernard, saying, "Mr. Killian, you and I are sharing a room. If you mind, feel free to step outside and take any room you like."


    Gino nodded in rare approval, thinking Gideon''s strategy was spot on.


    Meanwhile, James wanted to curry favor with Bernard to revive thepany, so he hoped Bernard would stay. However, what Gideon said was practically an affront to Bernard''s pride.


    What a ridiculous idea! As the seventh son of the illustrious Killian family, there was no way he would condescend to share a room with a stranger, especially with so many empty rooms avable.


    To everyone''s surprise, Bernard took the room key, swiped it, and entered the room without a change in expression.


    James was astonished. "Well, you..."Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Both Gino and Gideon were rendered speechless.


    They had underestimated how shameless Bernard could be. Hera watched as Bernard and Gideon walked into the room together, and her brows furrowed slightly.


    Bernard had said before that not just anyone could see his body and even asked her to take photos. Tagging along to the hot springs was one thing, but he was even willing to share a room with Gideon.


    Thinking about that, Hera couldn''t help but wonder if Bernard might be interested in her brother.


    "Hera, what''s the matter? You..." Lilith saw Hera staring at Bernard''s room door and grew concerned.


    She wondered if Hera wanted to share a room with Bernard.


    Hera snapped out of it and replied, "It''s nothing."


    Once inside the room, Hera immediately ced the box with the gold needles into her bag.


    As Lilith took Hera''s swimsuit out of the suitcase, she noticed the item in Hera''s hand and was somewhat surprised.


    Hera always gave off an aloof and unapproachable vibe, making it hard for people to get close to her. She seemed indifferent to everything.


    It was the first time she had seen


    .n


    Hera cherish something so much, and it seemed like it was a gift from Bernard, Suddenly, a thought urred to her, and she hesitantly asked, "Hera, are you dating Mr. Kiftian?"


    Hera was taken aback. She didn''t understand why even Lilith thought they were dating.


    "No!" Hera blurted out.


    Hera''s quick and unequivocal denial made Lilith question whether Hera was angry because she had been too intrusive or if Hera was upset because she wasn''t sharing a room with Bernard.

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    Hera turned around and saw Lilith frowning, only then realizing that her tone was a bit harsh.


    She softened her voice and said, "Really! Nothing is going on between us. Don''t overthink it. We''re just..." After a brief pause, she continued, "...friends."


    Lilith stared at Hera in surprise as she didn''t expect her to exin. The next moment, her expression brightened with joy. "Is it the friend you mentioned living at his house before?"


    Hera responded with an affirmative hum.


    Lilith nodded with a knowing expression. "Did you two have a fight?"


    Her concern caught Hera off guard.


    "Aren''t you surprised?" Hera asked.


    Logically speaking, Lilith should have been quite surprised. Previously, when she sent Gideon to Skyview Heights to fetch the gift and he found out Hera was staying at Bernard''s ce, he was visibly taken aback and even appeared resistant.


    Therefore, even though Herater agreed to return to the Everett residence, she didn''t tell anyone else about it.


    Lilith nodded. ''I''m quite surprised. When Mr. Killian first visited our house, I didn''t expect you to know him. I was equally surprised this morning when he said he hade to pick you up himself.""


    Hearing that, Hera was somewhat speechless.


    She had the impression that Lilith''s surprise was about the person, not the matter. However, considering how early Giselle and Zyler got engaged, they shouldn''t be surprised about early romance anymore.


    Wait, she wasn''t into an early romance!


    Lilith continued shyly, "Your dad and I started secretly seeing each other during high school. We were more innocent back then. However, after we became wealthy, his temperament changed..."


    If possible, she wouldn''t want Hera to marry into a wealthy family, especially a prominent one. She knew well the difficulties of being a daughter-inw in such affluent households. There would always be a sense of being out of ce if one''s background doesn''t fit.


    However, if Hera truly desired it, she wouldn''t intervene. Instead, she''d respect her choice.


    "It''s okay. If you really love him, I support you, Lilith reassured. "In rtionships, there will always be disagreements. One of you will always have to make concessions for the other. You both need to give each other more room for things tost." Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    As Hera listened to her advice, she couldn''t help but feel that something was amiss. After all, she wasn''t even of legal age yet, and Lilith seemed to be thinking too far ahead.


    "Mom, you''ve got it wrong. It''s not what you think," she cut off Lilith.


    "Is it?" Lilith sounded unsure. "But I''ve noticed Mr. Killian treats you differently."


    Bernard exuded an inherent air of


    nobility. Even when he deliberately


    lowered his stance, there was


    always a pressure that made people hesitant to offend or get close.


    However, when he looked at Hera,


    others could sense that he


    unwittingly became gentle, with a tenderness that was uniquely for Hera.


    It was obvious that he loved her.


    Furthermore, Lilith also sensed that Hera''s mood had clearly changed since Bernard appeared.


    "No, you''re mistaken. Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about Gideon," Hera said.


    Before learning about Bernard''s sexual orientation, she had sensed he treated her differently. However, upon learning about it, she no longer thought that way.


    Bernard''s different treatment toward her might just be because they grew up together. Moreover, she knew about his undisclosed illness and had promised to treat him.


    "What''s wrong with Gideon? He doesn''t even have a girlfriend," Lilith asked in confusion.


    Hera responded, "That''s all the more reason for you to be worried."


    With two single men sleeping under one roof, she didn''t know if Bernard would do something out of line.


    Hearing that, Lilith was even more puzzled.


    There was only a king-size bed measuring five feet and seven inches and a small couch in the other room. Bernard came in and sat on the couch. With his legs crossed casually, he looked intently at his phone.


    Standing behind the door, Gideon gritted his teeth in frustration as he watched Bernard loungingfortably on the couch. He had thought he could provoke Bernard into leaving, but instead, he ended up getting himself into trouble.

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    There was no way Gideon could sleep with Bernard in the same bed. He believed Bernard would never ept it as well. It was a battle between men to determine who would stay in this room. If he lost, the damn Bernard might push his luck.


    For Hera''s sake, he had to hold on and stay here. He would make Bernard leave!


    Bernard had already seen through Gideon''s attempt to drive him away, but Gideon underestimated his perseverance. This was originally his and Hera''s room. Gideon was the one who should leave.


    Bernard nced at Gideon, who had been standing, and said, "You take the bed. I''ll sleep on the couch."


    Gideon was a little surprised by Bernard''s generosity. He teased, "Mr. Killian, are you trying to please me?"


    Even if Gideon did want to sleep on the bed, that wasn''t enough to win him over. He had to make Bernard leave.


    Bernard looked at him seriously and responded, "I always respect the elders."


    Gideon''s eyes widened as he gritted his teeth. "Elder? I''m only 25! If you think I''m old, then you''re not young either! You''re only one year younger than me!"


    Bernard adjusted his sses and said gently, "But you''re not far from reaching 30. You''re old enough to be an elder."


    Gideon was pissed off. He was still young and would never admit to being old. He said firmly, "I''m young! Put away your respect!"


    "Alright then. You sleep on the couch tonight." Bernard instantly got up.


    Gideon froze. Damn it, he fell into the trap. Bernard provoked him on purpose!


    After losing twice in a row, Gideon felt he had gotten off to a horrible start. He was facing a strong opponent. He had to find another way.


    Right then, the doorbell rang. Gideon turned around and opened the door, only to find Hera standing at the doorway.


    She wore her bathrobe loosely,


    revealing her delicate neck and sexy


    corbones. Despite being


    underage, her swimsuit couldn''tExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    conceal her good figure, which


    revealed her wless curves.


    Gideon hurried out and closed the door as he didn''t want Bernard to see her.


    "Are you alright?" Hera secretly observed him.


    Gideon felt moved, believing she came here to show her concern to him. Despite losing twice against Bernard, he had a look of delight on his face and smiled at Hera. C''m fine. What''s up?"


    She thought for a while before reminding him, "Stay away from him."


    Gideon''s smile slightly stiffened. "Huh?"


    He thought that what Hera said sounded strange. Could it be that she liked Bernard?


    At the same time, Bernard opened


    the ajar door from the inside. He et


    stepped out and asked, "Sweetie, are you here to invite me to the hot springs?"

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    Bernard leaned against the door with a charming smile.


    Hera could tell he was in a good mood. He seemed to be having a wonderful time with Gideon. She wondered if he truly had a crush on Gideon.


    She learned from Lilith that Gideon was straight. It would be disastrous if Bernard took a fancy to him.


    Gideon was nice to her, so she couldn''t let Bernard lead him astray. She had to figure out how to keep them apart.


    So, Hera responded, "Yes, I am."


    Gideon was surprised upon hearing that. He felt she was so bold and unaware of the danger lurking beside her. He had to stop her from taking a dip in the hot springs with Bernard.


    "Go first, Hera. We''ll change into our swimsuits." Gideon quickly pushed Bernard back into the room.


    Hera frowned as she looked at them return to the room.


    She had no idea when their rtionship got so good. She was much more concerned for Gideon''s safety now.


    The room had an independent bathroom, and the hotel attendant had prepared new swimming trunks for Bernard in advance. After he changed into them, he put on a bathrobe to conceal the scars on his body.


    When he came out, Gideon had already changed into swimming trunks and a bathrobe. He was waiting for him in the living room.


    Bernard could faintly hear Hera and Lilith talking in the backyard. He walked straight over. When Gideon saw that, he immediately gave chase. "Mr. Killian, let''s go to the hot springs outside."


    Bernard declined, saying, "I don''t like to be in the same pool as outsiders." He then looked at Hera.


    She was standing near the hot spring pool, helping Lilith in wrapping her hair in a towel so that she wouldn''t catch a coldter.


    The hem of her bathrobe went up a lot because she was raising her arms, leaving her straight legs exposed to the cold air.


    Gideon followed Bernard''s gaze and thought, "Hmph, you liar! Do you think I can''t see through you? I bet you won''t say no if Hera invites you!"


    As heined in his heart, he


    thought about how to separate Bernard and Hera. He suddenly spotted Gino, who had already changed into swimming trunks


    Kon &


    Vel


    passing by. He stretched his foot out slightly.


    Gino noticed it and immediately dodged it. Unexpectedly, he stepped on a puddle of water. He slipped and lost his bnce, falling into the hot spring pool.


    "Watch out!" James, who was following after, tried to pull Gino but failed. He immediately jumped into the pool and helped Gino out. "Are you alright?"


    Lilith was startled. She quickly stepped forward and squatted by the pool to check on Gino.


    Gino''s face flushed as he choked on the water. "Gideon! Are you trying to kill me?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The hot spring pool wasn''t deep. When he stood up, the water only reached his shoulders.


    "Ah, sorry, I didn''t see you," Gideon apologized, hinting at him with a wink.


    Gino nced at Bernard and instantly understood what Gideon meant. However, he suspected that his brother was teasing him in the name of resisting the enemy. He assumed Gideon intended to aplish two goals at once.


    He hummed andy on the edge of the pool, unwilling to leave.


    Seeing that, Gideon took advantage


    of the opportunity to tell Bene


    "Sorry, Mr. Killian. My brother already upying this pool. bet''s go to another one."


    Bernard and Hera were both rendered speechless. Gideon and Gino''s intentions were clear to all.


    Lilith and James exchanged nces. The next second, James scooped Gino up and handed him to Lilith. She then turned around and walked toward the living room.


    Gideon was likewise speechless when he saw that.


    "Let go of me! Where are you taking me?" Gino struggled.


    Lilith hugged him tightly. "Let me check if you''re hurt."


    "I''m fine! Put me back in the hot spring pool!"

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    Gino struggled hard and broke free from Lilith. When hended on his feet and was about to run back to the backyard, James, who was following him, scooped him up again and carried him on his shoulders.


    "This hot spring pool is too deep for you. Let''s go out. There are many public pools outside."


    Ginoined, "I don''t wanna!"


    However, his struggles proved to be in vain. James carried him directly out of the backyard.


    Gideon believed that his parents had taken Gino away on purpose.


    Now, there were only three of them left. He used Bernard''s prior statement to tell Hera, "Mr. Killian doesn''t like to be in the same pool as outsiders. Let''s go out and leave him alone."


    With that, he hugged her shoulders and led her out.


    Hera had intended to do so before he even mentioned it. Now that he did, she found it a bit strange.


    How much time had he and Bernard spent together? He appeared to have figured out Bernard''s preferences!


    She couldn''t help but imagine Bernard flirting with Gideon in the same way he did to her previously.


    Bernard squinted slightly. Then, he stepped forward and grabbed Hera''s wrist, preventing Gideon from taking her away. "She''s not an outsider," he said.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Gideon smiled and took Hera''s other hand, pulling her to him. "No, she is!"


    Bernard pulled Hera back to his side. "She''s not!"


    "She is!"


    "She''s not!"


    Hera was expressionless as she was pulled back and forth between them. Then, a guess suddenly popped into her mind.


    Could it be that they wanted to take a hot spring bath together but were too embarrassed to say it? Were they using her as an excuse? She imagined the scene of them sharing a pool. The next moment, she used some force to break free from their grip.


    "I''ll leave. You two stay here."


    Bernard and Gideon immediately stopped arguing. Right then, Gideon''s phone rang. It was a call from Lilith.


    Hera didn''t know what Lilith said. After picking it up and listening for a while, Gideon frowned and responded, "Okay, I''ll go over now."


    He then hung up the phone, turned to Hera, and reminded her, "Mom asked me to go over. You have to be careful when you stay with him." After saying that, he red at Bernard as if warning him not to behave inappropriately toward Hera.


    Hera frowned when she noticed


    1


    that. Gideon appeared to be unaware of Bernard''s sexual orientation. She patted his arm, reminding him instead, "Gideon you''re the one who needs to be careful." Content belongs NovelDrama.Org


    Bernard and Gideon were puzzled.


    won


    Gideon even thought, "What does Hera mean? Will Bernard kill me because I keep hindering him from pursuing her?"


    Seeing his confused look, Hera feltpelled to remind him more straightforwardly. She was about to leave with Gideon but was stopped by Bernard.


    "Sweetie, don''t you want to have a hot spring bath with me?"


    Hera was speechless. He was the one who wanted toe here. When did she agree to share the pool with him?


    But she had something to tell Bernard, so she stayed.


    He took off his bathrobe and stepped into the hot spring pool. She also did the same and entered the pool from the opposite side.


    ????


    The weather was cloudy, and it looked like it might snow. As the temperature difference was too great, the hot spring pool was filled with mist, blurring their vision.


    Hera looked at Bernard, who was surrounded by mist, and warned him, "Don''t get so close to my brother!"

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    Bernard was confused because he didn''t think he was close to Gideon. It was Gideon who kept approaching him.


    But Hera sounded unhappy, so he asked in confusion, "Why? Are you afraid that I''ll bully him?"


    "You know the reason well!" she remarked coldly.


    Bernard was bewildered. He scowled slightly when he recalled Gideon''s efforts in preventing him from approaching Hera. He looked at her, who was on the opposite side of the pool.


    The mist lingered around her face. Although he couldn''t see her expression clearly, he could tell she was annoyed with him.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She had been treating him like this since the morning. To be more specific, ever since she got the gurdyroot, she had been intentionally avoiding him. Could she have realized that he was Grandmaster of Astral Nova?


    Based on his understanding of Hera, that might not be the case. If she had discovered his identity and realized he had been teasing her, she would''ve thrown a tantrum rather than be angry silently.


    Or was it because she had previously stated that they would no longer have anything to do with each other after she cured his disease? But after such a long time, she should understand his affection for her.


    Bernard''s expression darkened slightly as he stood up and approached Hera.


    "You''ve been deliberately staying away from metely."


    She saw him walk over amidst the thick mist in the hot spring pool. His tall and straight figure, with water droplets rolling down his muscles, appeared so enticing that she felt her breath getting swept away.


    For a moment, Hera seemed to understand the perverted preferences of Grandmaster of Astral Nova. She wanted to have such a charming figure as well.


    "Did I do something wrong to make you angry?"


    Bernard came to a halt in front of Hera, and he could finally see her cold expression.


    She tried to dodge him because he was too close to her, but he wouldn''t let her. He leaned forward and ced his arms on the edge of the pool behind her, trapping her. He moved his handsome face closer.


    Bernard always made ambiguous advances toward her, which caused her to misunderstand. Did he believe he could do whatever he wanted to her just because he was gay? She felt irritated at this thought


    "Think about it yourself!" Hera said harshly.


    Bernard could see her getting furious. He thought for a moment before asking, "Is it because I deceived you?"


    "Oh?" Hera sneered and looked up at him.


    "Hmm?" He noticed that her tone was wrong.


    "So, it seems you''re deceiving me about something." Hera smiled meaningfully.


    Bernard was at a loss for words. She didn''t usually smile, but when she did, she appeared eerie.


    He believed that if she realized he was Grandmaster of Astral Nova, she would be more than just angry. She would probably end all rtionship with him.


    He had to keep the truth from her.


    "When you were looking for me, I was making gold needles in the vige. But I lied to you and said was working overtime." Bernard instantly found an excuse.


    Although it sounded touching, Hera suspected it wasn''t the deception he mentioned earlier.


    Seeing that she was keeping silent, Bernard asked back, "Speaking of which, didn''t you also deceive me? You''re a good learner, but you pretend to be an idiot."


    "I never pretended," Hera defended herself.


    She had already proven herself in the entrance exam, but nobody


    believed she was clever. So


    she


    stopped exining. She even did a favor for the Luddens at that time.


    "Shouldn''t you exin how you became such a good learner after spending 11 years in the vige?" Bernard asked again.


    He had long discovered that Hera was merely pretending to be an idiot, but he never exposed it and just waited for her to tell him.

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    It had been a while since she got a guaranteed admission, but she never took the initiative to mention it to him.


    Hera remained silent.


    Bernard noticed her avoiding his gaze and lowering her eyes. He could tell she was either avoiding answering or trying to lie again. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "By the way, please also exin where you got the money to buy me that pair of cufflinks."


    Hera looked at him for a long time before harrumphing.


    Bernard raised an eyebrow. "Not talking?"


    This matter involved a lot of things. Hera pursed her lips instead of speaking. Suddenly, she realized something was wrong-she should be the one questioning him!


    Bernard gazed at her slightly flushed cheeks. She was stubbornly pursing her lips, and the sight of her like this inexplicably increased his desire to conquer her. He wanted to kiss her and possess her as his own.


    Hera also noticed that he was looking at her differently this time. He appeared enthusiastic and perhaps lustful.


    She sensed something was off. Didn''t he like men?


    Her gazended on his lips as a bold idea came to her mind. She then abruptly leaned toward his lips.


    Bernard was stunned. He didn''t expect Hera to be so proactive all of a sudden. Despite his excitement, he immediately calmed down.


    She was still underage. He was worried that he would lose control and do something inappropriate to her.


    Thinking of that, he let go of her chin and grabbed her shoulders to stop her.


    Hera stared at him and froze as if she had been struck by thunder. He rejected her kiss! He really was gay!


    "Let go of Hera!" A shout suddenly came.


    Gideon, who had left and returned, saw their movements from a distance. He believed Bernard was nning to do something to Hera.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was a good thing that he returned on time. His guess was right. Bernard had evil intentions toward his sister!


    Gideon quickly stepped forward and jumped into the hot spring pool. He then forced them apart and squeezed between them.


    He red at Bernard before turning around to see if Hera had been taken advantage of, but she appeared disoriented. "Hera, are you okay?"


    Hera returned to her senses and responded, "I''m fine."


    "But you don''t look good." Gideon frowned.


    "Perhaps I''ve been in the hot spring pool for too long. I''ll go up first."


    After she finished speaking, she


    turned around and got out of the et


    pool. She even forgot to put on her


    bathrobe and went straight back to


    thon


    ¨¦n.swnovels


    Only then did Bernard realize how terrible she looked. Could it be that she misunderstood him because he had stopped her earlier?


    Gideon became even more worried as he watched Hera hurry away. Her face should have turned red after she soaked in the hot spring pool for a long time, but she looked pale.


    He warned Bernard through gritted teeth, "Bernard Killian, please stop being a jerk! My sister is still underage!"


    Bernard felt wronged. He had stopped Hera precisely because he knew she was still underage, but she appeared to have misunderstood him.


    ...


    Hera returned to her room and sobered up by washing her face in the bathroom.


    She didn''t know what was wrong with her. She had been aware of Bernard''s sexual orientation and had given up on her feelings for him. She should''ve just treated him like a friend. She shouldn''t have tested him.


    Sadly, she ended up embarrassing herself.


    UMS

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    During lunchtime, Bernard left after taking a phone call. Hera could finally avoid him.


    After lunch, she got a call from Nathan.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Queenie is out on bail."


    Hera squinted slightly. "Who bailed her?"


    They finally took action.


    "Terence came here this morning with Frederick, Roman, and Michelle. They just released her on bail," Nathan borated.


    Frederick was Rhett''s son, Roman was Aurora''s adopted son, and Michelle was Chad''s daughter.


    Chad and Rhett appeared to be Queenie''s backers in the Killian family.


    "Why did Shaun do nothing?" Hera thought of Shaun.


    He was the one who helped her hold down the Gaskells. She wondered if he let Queenie go for someone.


    "Have you not seen the news yet? Something happened to Mr. Thompson." Nathan was surprised.


    Hera instantly browsed the news. That was when she saw the headline, which stated that Shaun had suffered terrible injuries because of a love affair. She clicked in and read the article thoroughly.


    The incident happened when Shaun harassed an inte celebrity. He got into trouble because she was the beloved wife of the head of the Hubbard family.


    The Hubbards wielded significant power in the South. Alex, who had his principles, beat Shaun up after knowing it. He couldn''t tolerate his grandson harassing a married woman.


    ording to the news, Shaun was beaten so badly that he couldn''t even protect himself, so he didn''t have time to help Hera.


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    "Got it. Thank you for your efforts," Hera said.


    "It''s not a big deal. I didn''t help much. I''ll let you know if there''s any progress in the case."


    "Okay, thank you."


    Just as Hera hung up the call, an unknown email arrived in her mailbox. The email title was "Deskmate, You Must Read It."


    Deskmate? Was it Isabe? Wasn''t she already dead?


    Hera immediately clicked on the email.


    Isabe: "I didn''t mean not to contact you. Someone imprisoned me and my mother. We just escaped and are about to flee. Sorry, but I can''t exin anything about my father to you.


    "If something happens to me after you receive this email, please dig out a box under the fourth oak tree in Lensvale, Southburrow. Hand it over to the police."


    After reading the email, Hera searched for Isabe''s information in the ss group chat, proving that the sender''s email address was Isabe''s.


    She then forwarded Isabe''s email address to Leon.


    Raven: "Help me check the login address of this username from September to now."


    Piglet: "Got it. But are you in a hurry? I''m on a date."


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    Raven: "You can go on your date first."


    "Hera, do you want to go to the hot spring?" Right then, Lilith came over.


    "No, I have something else to do. Enjoy your time." Hera put away her phone and headed to reception to borrow aptop.


    Through the code, she discovered


    from the web version of the mailbox


    that Isabe''s email had been scheduled over a month earlier. The IP address was from Lensvale, Southburrow.


    Isabe and her mother, Madison rk, had already fled there. Did she send the scheduled email because she expected something to happen to her?


    Nathan contacted Hera shortly after she sent him a screenshot of the email''s content.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    "This email''s content is enough to prove that Isabe''s and Madison''s deaths weren''t idental! But the premise is that we must be sure this was a scheduled email set by Isabe herself," Nathan said with agitation.


    "Yes, I''ve asked someone to investigate the username''s login address. I''ll go to the address mentioned in the email," Hera said.


    "I''ll go with you. It''s too dangerous for you to go there alone. Give me your address. I''ll go pick you up right now."


    "Okay."


    Meanwhile, Queenie returned to the Gaskell residence. She got out of the car, appearing haggard without makeup.


    Standing in her yard, she took a deep breath, relieved to have finallye out.


    "Hurry inside, Mom. It''s cold here." Zyler came out of the house and supported Queenie obediently.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "There''s no hurry." She waved and walked toward the trees in the yard, shouting, "Come out!"


    Seeing that, the butler hurriedly stepped forward and dragged a paparazzo out from behind the tree. He was dressed in a ck down jacket, desperately protecting his camera.


    "If you want to take photos of me, please do it openly! Or I''ll sue you for portrait infringement!" Queenie said sternly.


    The paparazzo thought he had misheard as he couldn''t believe it. Nheless, he timidly picked up the camera and took a few photos of her before turning around and running away.


    "Mom, why did you let him take your photos?" Zyler was puzzled and wanted to chase after the paparazzo, but he had already gone.


    "It''s okay. I happen to need someone to spread the news," Queenie said.


    On her way back, Terence had informed her of the Gaskells'' situation. While outraged, she found a full sense of worth. It appeared that the Gaskells couldn''t do anything well without her.


    "But..." Zyler hesitated.


    Queenie soon ignored this matter. She returned to the house to take afortable bath and put on expensive clothes. Then, she ate delicacies and applied makeup, returning to her original image as a wealthydy.


    Queenie told Terence, "Prepare the car. I''ll go to Shuttle Ventures with you again."


    She had to personally take action regarding the Killian family''s affairs.


    However, Terence remained still. He hesitated for a while before responding, "Queenie, your movements are restricted."


    They could only temporarily bail her


    out since Hera didn''t withdraw her charges of false usation and bribery: Before the truth of Isabe''s and Madison''s deaths was revealed, Queenie could only stay at home.


    "What?" Queenie''s expression clouded over. "What does Aurora mean by this?"


    The only difference between bail and no bail was that she was imprisoned in a different ce!


    "Aurora said it was all she could do," Terence exined.


    Although it was temporary, releasing Queenie on bail could solve the public opinion surrounding the Gaskell family, helping the business. Queenie cursed, "Nonsense! They can''t stop me!"


    She didn''t believe it and stormed out, only to see two uniformed policemen guarding the vi courtyard gate.


    When they saw here out, they blocked the door and said, "You can''t leave, Mrs. Gaskell."


    Seeing that they were equipped with pistols, Queenie didn''t dare to act rashly, so she returned gloomily.


    She locked herself in the study and called Aurora, but nobody answered. She made five consecutive calls before thest one was answered. "What''s the matter, Aunt Queenie? Are you already out?"


    Queenie felt annoyed as she listened to Aurora''s leisurely voice, feeling that Aurora had deliberately kept her waiting before picking up the call.


    However, Aurora belonged to the


    Killians'' main branch. Even if sheet


    politely addressed Queenie as


    "Aunt", she was much noblerin terms of status.


    Thus, Queenie could only endure her anger.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    "Yes, I''m out. But Aury, there doesn''t seem to be much difference between me being released on bail and not," Queenie remarked sarcastically. Aurora gently advised, "You can''t be too greedy. At the very least, your release has weakened your family''s public opinion crisis."


    Queenie gritted her teeth as she thought of the two policemen guarding the vi. "They sent police to guard my house. Are you sure they''re trying to weaken public opinion rather than increase it?"


    "Is that so? I didn''t expect them to do that."


    Queenie grew outraged when she listened to Aurora''s lukewarm tone. Aurora remained calm simply because she didn''t get involved in the trouble. "Aury, don''t forget what I did for you back then. Do you think you''d be able to sit still if something were to happen to me?" Queenie said solemnly. "Queenie Killian, are you threatening me?"


    Queenie noticed that Aurora''s tone had shifted.


    Aurora was no longer as polite as before. She didn''t even address Queenie as "Aunt" but called her by her full name.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Queenie clenched her fists. She couldn''tin because she still needed Aurora''s help. So, she had no choice but to soften her tone.


    "I don''t dare to, but you can''t let me suffer so much humiliation, right? After all, I''m part of the Killians."


    "What do you want?"


    Queenie demanded unceremoniously, "I want the police to leave. I want my freedom back!"


    Aurora remained silent for a moment before responding, "That''s a bit difficult. It''s possible to pay bail for false usations and bribes, but it''s difficult to do so in murder cases.


    "Although the Killians have power as the head of the four influential families, we still have to abide by thews."


    Moreover, there was news from Southburrow that Cavenridge was pursuing Isabe''s case. The police concluded the case too hastily, so they requested a re-investigation. If she intervened at this time, she would be in serious trouble.


    Queenie thought angrily, "You''re spouting rubbish! You just don''t want to help me! You know that Isabe''s and Madison''s deaths have nothing to do with me!"


    Aurora said softly, "Yes, I know that, but the police want evidence. The only way is for them to find a new suspect. Then, your name will be cleared." Queenie squinted slightly, realizing what Aurora meant. She needed to find a scapegoat to confess as Isabe''s and Madison''s murderer so that she could get out of troublepletely.


    More significantly, she couldn''t find


    the scapegoat casually. It had to be someone who had a certain rtionship with the case. Besides, that person had to be trustworthy and controble. It had to be someone who wouldn''t betray her.


    She thought of several people before choosing a familiar face.


    It was already dark when Hera and Nathan arrived at Southburrow Airport. After getting off the ne, she felt dizzy as if she had a cold or a fever.


    She believed she had caught a cold after taking a hot spring bath In addition, she flew from north to south, and the temperature difference was significant.


    Hera informed Nathan before going


    to the restroom, where she jabbed herself with the gold needles Bernard had given her. Soon, she managed to suppress her fever She still had a headache, but it wouldn''t affect her condition.


    "Ms. Youngworth, are you feeling unwell? We can stay at the hotel tonight and start tomorrow morning."


    Nathan saw Heraing out of the restroom. Although she appeared better, she still looked ufortable.


    "I''m fine. Just stick to the original n. By the way, Captain Olson, you can just call me Hera."


    She didn''t want to dy everyone''s time because of her condition. She wanted to get the box Isabe had mentioned as soon as possible to avoid idents.


    Nathan was a little surprised. As the daughter of a wealthy family, Hera had always appeared cold and unapproachable. However, after getting along with her, he found that she wasn''t aloof and could endure hardships.

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    "Okay, Hera." Nathan smiled. "You can also just call me Nate."


    Although he was ten years older than Hera, it didn''t matter if he was addressed by his nickname.


    "Okay, Nate," Hera responded.


    Lensvale oak trees could be found in the countryside. There was still a long distance to go there from the airport. It was predicted that they would have to drive for around five hours.


    With such a long journey, Hera couldn''t imagine how Isabe and Madison escaped without using nes, high-speed rails, or trains all of which could capture their information.


    They soon left the airport and took a cab to a restaurant. After getting out of the cab, Nathan was still worried about Hera and asked, "Are you really alright?"


    "I''m fine. I just have a headache. I''ll rest in the car afterward." Hera shook her head.


    Nathan nodded. "Okay, let''s have a meal first and wait for my friend toe over."


    "Okay."


    Hera had no appetite and didn''t eat much. During their meal, Nathan answered a phone call. Soon, a ck SUV appeared outside.


    After paying the bill, Nathan told Hera, "Let''s go. My friend is here."


    His friend was Stephen Hall, who worked at the local police station.


    When Stephen saw Hera, his eyes brightened up. He whistled and yfully asked, "Nate, is this your girlfriend? You have a good eye." Hera was rendered speechless.


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" Nathan smacked Stephen''s shoulder and whispered, "Be serious. She''s rted to Mr. Killian!"


    Stephen immediately put away his yful smile and greeted Hera seriously, "Hello, I''m Stephen Hall."


    "I''m Hera Youngworth," Hera responded calmly as she got into the back seat.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "She''s so aloof," Stephen whispered to Nathan.


    Nathan smiled. "She''s not easy to get along with. Don''t try to take advantage of her."


    Stephen pouted as he got into the passenger seat. He asked Nathan to drive first. They would switch ces at the midway point.


    Just as they closed the car doors, Hera''s voice sounded from behind. "Nate, please turn on the lights."


    Nathan found it odd upon hearing her request, but he turned on the lights anyway.


    Hera leaned against the back seat and soon fell asleep. Five hourster, Nathan woke her up.


    "Wake up, Hera. We''re here."


    She opened her eyes. The car''s lights stayed on, but it was pitch-ck outside. The only lights outside were the car''s two high-beam headlights. They were near a forest.


    e


    It was cloudy tonight without the moon. When Hera got out of the car, she nced at the darkness around


    ft


    her and started to be nervous.


    WY


    Stephen took out three shlights and two shovels from the trunk. He joked, "We look like tomb raiders!"


    Nathan noticed something was


    wrong with Hera and warned


    Stephen, "Don''t scare Hera." He then


    asked her, "Hera, are you alright?


    You can wait in the car. We''ll go find the box."


    Through some details, he discovered that Hera seemed to be afraid of the dark.


    The brightness of the three shlights made her feel better, so she responded, "I''m fine. Besides, how are you two going to find the box?"

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    Hera looked around with a shlight. Their car was parked in the middle of the dirt road, which had no cement paving. No streetlights or surveince cameras were around.


    The forest was on both sides of the road. As there were many oak trees nted, it was dubbed an oak forest.


    The oak forest covered arge area. They weren''t sure if the fourth tree Isabe mentioned was from the left or right. If they didn''t have a n and looked for it aimlessly, they might not be able to find the box until dawn.


    "Let''s start from the right and check them one by one. Our current direction is the main road toward the vige. Logically speaking, the fourth tree is probably on the right side."


    Stephen used his shlight to scan the forest on the right. As a local, he was familiar with this area.


    Nathan spread out a map and showed it to Hera. He had asked Stephen to circle the location of the oak forest and mark several major roads on the map before boarding the ne.


    Hera nced at the markings. Even so, they were in the countryside, and this was just a map. The actual location and number of trees weren''t specified.


    "Is there another road at the end of the forest on both sides?" she asked.


    "Yes, but they''re all small roads. Most people won''t take them unless they''re vigers."


    Stephen took the pen, held the shlight with his mouth, and marked the locations of the small roads on the map.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Based on all the marked roads, Nathan calcted the spots they would have to search and discovered roughly 20 of them.


    There were only three of them. Even if they searched separately, they would need to cover around six or seven positions each, which would exhaust them.


    "We have no other way. Let''s just do it!" Stephen took the shlight and pointed at the map. "You two go together and search the area to the left. I''m familiar with the area, so I''ll go to the right side alone."


    As he spoke, he pulled out two walkie-talkies from the car and handed them to Nathan. "You two can take the car. Let''s stay in contact at all times." Hera, who was pondering, suddenly stated, "I have an idea, but I don''t know if it''s feasible."


    "What''s it?" the two men asked simultaneously.


    Seeing her point to the sky, Nathan and Stephen both looked up. On such a cloudy day, they couldn''t see the moon and only spotted a few stars. "What are we looking at?" Stephen turned back and looked at Hera in confusion.


    Hera exined, "I was referring to satellite monitoring."


    "Wow, pretty girl! Your idea is quite bold!" Stephen gave her a thumbs-up.


    Nathan felt amused. "It''ll be too slow if we go through the approval


    process with the correspondial


    departments. We might even finish digging this forest while we wait."


    Moreover, even if satellite


    monitoring was avable, it was difficult


    o find the video record


    from more than a month ago. It could only capture real-ti


    footage.


    Hera felt embarrassed to tell them her actual idea. She actually didn''t need to go through the official process and could try to hack into the system right away.


    Nathan and Stephen were both upright police, so it never urred to her that she would use illegal ways. They assumed she was joking and didn''t take it seriously.


    "You stay in the car first. We''ll go check out the nearby spots," Nathan said.


    Hera didn''t refuse. While they were


    gone, she returned to the back seat, took out theptop from her bag, and turned it on. Then, she connected to the mobile hotspot, plugged in the USB sh drive, and started typing quickly. Codes soon shed across the screen.


    Due to the time difference, it was daytime in Miridian. The staff on duty at a military air base spotted one of the satellites sending out a data anomaly alert.


    He immediately activated the rm. "Attention, someone has invaded UTA-224. Enter a defensive state!"


    All staff in the office immediately went on guard.

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    All the staff members spent more than half an hour typing on their keyboards.


    "The loopholes they invaded haven''t been repaired yet. Their approach and method are like the hacker, S! S is here again!" "No, it''s not S! Look, this is a raven icon. It''s Raven!"


    "I don''t care who the hell this person is! Intercept them! They''re trying to change the orbit of 224! Stop them now!"


    "I can''t stop them!"


    "I can''t do it either. The other party is a world-ss hacker."


    "The orbit of 224 has shifted. Record what this person wants to do!"


    "Track their position. We have to find out who Raven is!"


    "W-Wait a minute. Why did they transfer 224 to this ce?"


    A bearded man retrieved the video footage captured after UTA-224 changed its orbit.


    The ce was pitch-ck, but they could see it was a forest. Several beams of light shone through the trees as if someone was doing something. They then used the location coordinates to find the specific location. It was a rural vige in Lensvale, Southburrow, Jadonia.


    When they attempted to zoom in on the image to see who it was, Hera abruptly deleted the video footage. Then, she redirected UTA-224 back to its original orbit and exited the system.


    She left a message in Terranish on the screen: "Thanks for the satellite. I''ve fixed your loopholes in return."


    Someone promptly examined the existing loopholes and eximed, "The loopholes have been fixed!"


    The staff members exchanged


    nces. Finally, someone


    concluded, "It seems that they just


    borrowed UTA-224 and recorded a surveince video. Isn''t that overkill?"


    When everyone realized that it was probably the case, they fell silent.


    They wondered if Raven was an organization. Otherwise, how could one person invade and adjust the satellite''s orbit while also repairing the loopholes?


    This organization was so terrifying that their hackers managed to hack their military UTA-224. If it belonged to Jadonia''s army, there would be a war between the two countries!Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A burly man with blue eyes mmed the table fiercely and cursed, "Raven doesn''t take Miridian seriously at all! No matter what, we have to find Raven!"


    ...


    The leaves rustled in the oak forest as the night breeze blew.


    Hera felt a chill, and her headache worsened. She took out the gold needles, pricked herself several more times, and continued typing.


    She erged the images retrieved from the satellite one by one. With the fine-resolution images, she could see many details on the ground.


    Although the nighttime images weren''t very clear, she could distinguish the position of the trees by slightly adjusting the brightness of the images.


    She used Nathan''s marked spots to


    correspond to the trees in the


    el


    satellite images. Then, shepared the traces on the grasnd and finally found a trace of someone turning over thend.


    That location wasn''t on the main road but rather on a small road at the end of the forest on the left side.


    Hera looked out and vaguely saw Nathan''s and Stephen''s shlights. They had walked some distance into the forest.


    She picked up the walkie-talkie left by Nathan and said, "Nate, I found the location. I''ll go over and take a look."

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    Hera got into the driver''s seat and started the car. Nathan''s voice came through the walkie-talkie. "Wait, where is the location? How are you going to get there? I''ll go back and take you there now!"


    She told him the location and added, "I''ll drive there. You guys rest first. I''ll be back soon."


    As she had finally gotten a clue, she couldn''t wait anymore.


    "Okay. Be careful, then." Nathan then realized something and asked, "By the way, do you have a driver''s license?"


    Hera skillfully turned the car around and drove toward her destination. She held the steering wheel with one hand and the walkie-talkie in the other. "I''ll take the exam next year."


    "Holy shit! Are you driving without a license? Stop right now! I''ll take you there!" Nathan couldn''t help but curse.


    Hera listened to the rustling footstepsing from the walkie-talkie and said, "I''ve driven a tractor in the vige before. It''s simple."


    Tractor?


    Nathan subconsciously imagined Hera driving a tractor. The scene was so weird that he couldn''t continue imagining it.


    "Is a tractor anything like a car? Stop messing around! If my colleagues find out, they''ll scold me to death!"


    Hera thought he was stubborn.


    She stepped on the elerator and turned a corner. "It''s okay. We''re in the countryside. There''s no one on the road. Just treat it like I''m practicing driving in advance. Nobody will know if we keep it a secret!"


    "Ahem, pretty girl, have you forgotten about me? I''ve heard your secret." Right then, Stephen''s voice came from the walkie-talkie.


    Hera instantly went silent.


    As they spoke, she had already reached the destination. "I just arrived. I''ll go take a look."


    Nathan felt helpless. Hera was truly beyond his control, so he could only remind her, "Please be careful. I''ll go overter with Stephen."


    She responded, "I know, Nate. You''re a bigger nag than my brother."


    He was rendered speechless when he heard that.


    Hera pointed the car''s headlights at a specific location. Then, she brought a shlight and a shovel over.


    To avoid being afraid, she mustered her courage and went straight to her destination. She had a clear conscience, so she didn''t need to be afraid.


    As she approached the fourth tree,


    she noticed that the grass had been trampled. The area that had been trampled appeared to have beenMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    done by more than one pe Deen et


    Logically speaking, there shouldn''t be such obvious traces after a month.


    Hera sensed something was wrong. When she reached the fourth tree, the soil around its roots had been turned over.


    She chose arger stone, ced her shlight on it, and then used the shovel to dig along the area that had been turned over.


    The night breeze carried gusts of leaves, apanied by the sound of soil being shoveled. After digging for ten minutes, Hera didn''t see the box Isabe mentioned.


    Her bad premonition grew stronger. She wondered if someone arrived before her.


    But wasn''t Isabe''s email sent to her alone? Or had the email been discovered long ago?


    Suddenly, she heard the sound of branches being trodden from behind. It appeared that someone was approaching her.


    Hera abruptly turned back, but the high beam of the car lights hindered her from opening her eyes for a while.


    She squinted slightly. Shielding the light with her hand, she vaguely noticed two shlight-like beams approaching.


    She assumed it was Nathan and Stephen and thought they had arrived quickly. She then waved at them. "Nat¡ª"


    She suddenly felt pain in the back of her head. Someone seemed to have smacked her head severely. Despite her dizziness, she held on and turned around, only to see someone behind her.


    That person was holding a stick. He didn''t seem to expect that Hera would turn around, so he raised the stick again. When he was going to strike her a second time, she copsed to the ground.

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    On the other hand, Nathan and Stephen had just met at the designated location and were walking through the forest in Hera''s direction.


    The forest was sorge that it would take them more than 20 minutes to reach their destination.


    "Let''s race. The loser buys beer!" Nathan suggested.


    Stephen could tell Nathan was worried about Hera. But he was exhausted and didn''t want to run, so he responded nonchntly, "Don''t worry, this area is safe. Nothing will happen."


    "I think she''s afraid of the dark. We should get there soon," Nathan stated.


    Despite her fear, Hera persisted and pretended to be fine. It was most likely because she didn''t want others to know about her weakness.


    "Hey, you seem to pay extra close attention to her. Are you interested in her? Didn''t you warn me not to take advantage of her because she''s rted to Mr. Killian?" Stephen joked.


    Nathan said seriously, "Stop spouting rubbish! Since I brought her here, I have to be responsible for her safety. If something happens to her, I won''t be able to exin it to Mr. Killian."


    "You don''t need to worry-" Stephen was about to soothe Nathan when he noticed three faint lights sweeping through the forest ahead. He abruptly stopped speaking and became serious.


    Nathan and he exchanged nces, confirming that they had seen the lights.


    Stephen cursed, "Damn, you jinxed it!"


    They immediately dashed over.


    When they arrived, Hera was no longer there, and the shlights they had seen earlier were gone.


    "Shit!" Nathan panted and clenched his fists. Out of professional instinct, he first protected the scene before observing the traces.


    The car headlights were facing the direction of the fourth tree, and he saw that the roots had been turned over. He wondered if the box had been found. Hera''s shovel and shlight were on the grass. The grass showed traces of being trodden by many people.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''ll go to the car and take a look," Stephen said.


    The car had a dashcam, and its front was facing the crime scene. He hoped it captured the culprits.


    However, when Stephen got into the car, he discovered that the memory card of the dashcam had been taken away. Even Hera''s bag was missing from the back seat.


    He looked around again. It was so dark that he couldn''t see anything He didn''t know which direction the culprits had fled. However, the fact that he didn''t see the lights indicated that the culprits were still nearby.


    "How''s it going?" Nathan ran over and asked. He was unable to locate any useful clues due to the limited lights.


    Stephen lit a cigarette and said frustratedly, "They took the dashcam''s memory card! I believe they came prepared. Sorry, I shouldn''t have been so careless."


    "Find someone to check the surveince footage of nearby road sections, especially in the vige. We must locate Hera before they go far!"


    Nathan made a call after he finished speaking.


    ...


    Shaun was in the VIP ward at Jedburgh''s Reind Hospital. His legs were in a cast, and he was lying dejectedly on the hospital bed. He was now looking at Bernard pitifully.


    "Bernard, do you still have Hera''s life-saving pills? Ask her to give me two more."


    Previously, he didn''t believe that the pills Hera had given him were life-saving. He was even unwilling to take them. Bernard was the one who forced him to take them. Half an hourter, he found that they


    worked.


    "I don''t have any!" Bernard refused indifferently and looked at his watch. "Since you''re fine, I''ll leave."


    Shaun shouted, "I''m not fine at all!"


    Right then, Bernard''s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and saw that it was Nathan. He immediately picked up the call.


    "Mr. Killian, Ms. Youngworth is missing."

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    When Hera awoke, she felt like her head was about to explode and was ufortable.


    She tried to get up, only to find that her hands and feet were tied. There was straw beneath her, and the walls were made of the same mud bricks used to build buildings a century ago.


    It was already dawn, and the sunlight shone in through the grid windows. The wooden door was tightly closed, with evidence of being pried open.


    There was a pyre covered with cobwebs on her left and a straw bed on her right. The straw surface of the bed had been ttened, and a ckened quilt was piled in a corner. There were also two dirty tes next to the quilt.


    It appeared that someone had been living here for a while.


    Hera concluded that she was in a woodshed in the countryside. She struggled to sit up and found her head spinning. Her body temperature was so high that she suspected she had a fever.


    Recalling what happenedst night, she wondered what happened to Nathan and Stephen. The person she saw before fainting was a stranger.


    She had a severe headache and couldn''t figure out whether she had fallen into a trap from the moment she received the email or whether the culprit had arrived at the location before her.


    She had to get out of here first.


    Hera''s hands were tightly bound behind her back. She felt lucky to have watched a kidnapping drama before. She thought the techniques to tie the ropes were quite cool, so she learned a few.


    At that time, Catherine looked at her strangely and asked her if she was going to do something bad.


    The techniques she learned proved useful at this critical moment.


    It was just that she wasn''t in good condition, so it took her a while to untie the rope that bound her hands. When she was about to untie the rope around her feet, she heard movement outside.


    Someone was talking, and more than one person was approaching the woodshed.


    Hera immediately stopped moving.


    "Miss, she''s inside." It was a rough male voice.


    "Open the door." It was a female voice.


    Hera recognized this voice as one she had heard before. Then, she heard the door being unlocked.


    She instantlyy down, holding the untied rope and hiding her hands behind her back.


    Because she had a fever and was ufortable, she wasn''t suitable for a head-on conflict with them. So, she pretended to be still unconscious.


    Someone shoved the wooden door roughly. It hit the wall, sending up ayer of dust.


    Amelia covered her nose in disgust and used her other hand to fan away the dust. After a while, she walked in.


    She nced at Hera lying on the ground and asked the man, Eric Scott, "Why isn''t she moving? Is she dead?"


    There was a ferocious scar that went from his nose to the left side of his face, which looked a little frightening.


    "She''s still alive. I confirmed it this


    morning. After Eric finished


    Mool.neMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.


    speaking, he instructed the men behind him, "Go get water and wake her up."


    Hera, who was pretending to be dead, was rendered speechless.


    She already had a fever. It would only make her condition worse if they sshed cold water on her, especially since it was winter. She had no choice but to pretend she had just awoken and opened her eyes.


    Hera pretended to sit up with difficulty. She appeared frightened, and her voice was a little hoarse. "Why did you kidnap me?"


    "You woke up in time," Amelia sneered.


    She held the rope tightly behind her while carefully observing the situation outside the door.


    Aside from Amelia and Eric, there were three men outside. Judging from their appearances and outfits, they were most likely gangsters who always engaged in illegal activities.


    Her current condition didn''t allow her to force her way out, so she could only act ording to circumstances.

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    "Are you scared? Weren''t you arrogant when you caused trouble at my house? Why are you so timid now?"


    Amelia looked at Hera condescendingly.


    Hera had straws stuck in her messy hair, and her face and body were filthy. With a panicked expression, she appeared to have an egg on her face. Amelia thought, "I wonder how she can attract Shaun and win over the Everetts with such a look. I won''t lose to her again!"


    She was jealous of Hera. Both of them were daughters of wealthy families, but Amelia had been nobler since birth and had a better education. She was even gentler, better behaved, and more obedient than Hera.


    Nevertheless, Amelia wondered why Hera was prettier than her, could attract Shaun, and had higher grades than her. More than a dozen prestigious international universities were vying for Hera.


    Even though the Everetts only found Hera in a vige after she had grown up, she still won her family''s favor.


    On the other hand, as the daughter of the Gaskells, Amelia was a target for Queenie tosh out at, Zyler''s sparring partner, and Terence''s dispensable daughter.


    "Shouldn''t I pretend to be afraid? Otherwise, you won''t get a sense of aplishment in this kidnapping," Hera said lightly, subsiding her fake panic. Amelia felt that her provocation had no effect.


    "I know you''re pretending to be calm! Let''s see how long you can keep at it! We''re at a barren mountain. Even if Mr. Thompson wants to find you, he''ll take at least a year!"


    Hera captured the keyword "mountain".


    She remembered the map she had seen before. To the east of Lensvale''s reservoir was a wilderness of mountains and forests.


    She had a rough idea of where she was.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She responded calmly, "So, is this where you imprisoned Isabe and her mother?"


    Amelia frowned slightly, thinking Hera was truly here for Isabe and Madison.


    She didn''t admit it.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Let me guess."


    Hera continued, "You guys sent them overseas on the pretext of helping Madison treat her illness. You concealed their whereabouts and cut off their contact with the outside world. Then, you brought them here secretly and locked them up for a while.


    "You thought they would stay obediently and didn''t expect them to escape. But they failed to run away and were still caught by your people.


    "You weren''t sure whether they


    called the police, so you drowned them in the reservoir. Even if the


    police found you, you could say that they escaped on their own and drowned by ident. Is my guess correct?"


    Hera maintained a calm appearance as she looked at Amelia. In fact, she was already sweating profusely. Her mouth was dry, and the pain in her head had begun to blur her vision. Still, she held on.


    Amelia looked shocked because she didn''t know about Isabe and Madison''s deaths.


    Queenie only told her that they had escaped and that Eric caught the person who had helped them. Her mother then called her over to take a look.


    Amelia nced at Eric, wanting to ask him what was going on. However, she noticed him staring at Hera gloomily with a murderous intent.


    He appeared to wish to kill Hera to silence her after she revealed the truth.


    Amelia clenched her fists.


    Hera sneered at Amelia''s silence.


    "No wonder Queenie Killian fears nothing. It turns out that you''re the murderer."

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    Amelia''s eyes widened with a sudden sense of dread as Hera revealed that Queenie had concealed the truth about Isabe and Madison''s deaths. Queenie was intending to frame her for the crime.


    Amelia''s mind raced. This was a matter of life and death, and she, Queenie''s biological daughter, struggled toprehend such betrayal.


    Despite Queenie''s disdain for her, she couldn''t believe her own mother would stoop that low.


    "No, this couldn''t be true!" Amelia quickly dismissed the usation.


    She figured that Hera must have been trying to drive a wedge between them.


    Amelia quickly masked her shock and snapped, "Stop spreading lies just to stir up trouble! Keep an eye on her!"


    Hertter sentences were aimed at Eric as she clicked away in her high heels.


    Eric hurriedly shut the wooden door and locked it again.


    Hera let out a sigh of relief when the door closed before copsing weakly to the ground.


    After a while, she rummaged through her pocket and retrieved a small packet of ck pills. Hera quickly tore it open and poured the pills into her mouth. After swallowing them dry, she closed her eyes to rest.


    Eric caught up with Amelia outside the woodshed.


    "Ms. Gaskell, Mrs. Gaskell wants you to handle this," he said while making a throat-slitting gesture.


    Amelia was stunned. She wondered if he was saying that she should kill Hera.


    She had never even ughtered a chicken before, and yet Queenie wanted her to take a life.


    She silently questioned if Queenie was genuinely her mother. Amelia''s mind was in turmoil. She contemted how much Queenie had kept hidden from her.


    "Mrs. Gaskell said once you''ve handled this, she''ll promote you to chief financial officer. It''s such a good deal. Stop hesitating," Eric urged after lighting a cigarette.


    Amelia listened to his casual tone. It was as if he were asking her to take a few extra steps, notmit murder. She couldn''t help but wonder how many lives Eric had taken to be so indifferent.


    A chill ran down her spine as Amelia said, "I need to return and discuss this with my mom first."


    With that, she boarded her private jet.


    Three and a half hourster, Amelia arrived at the Gaskell residence.


    Queenie was enjoying an at-home spa treatment when suddenly, the door was flung open, startling her spa therapist.


    "Why are you back?"


    Queenie frowned at Amelia''s unexpected return.


    "Why did you lie to me?"


    Amelia''s eyes were red as she confronted Queenie.


    l


    During her journey back, she had spoken to several people and confirmed the deaths of Isabe and Madison. Queenie had concealed the truth from herpletely.


    "What are you talking about?" Queenie asked, dressed in a bathrobe.


    After sitting up, she gestured for her spa therapist to leave.


    Now left alone with Queenie, Amelia got straight to the point.


    "Isabe and Madison are dead. Yet, you lied and imed they had escaped. You made me deal with the person who helped them!" Queenie''s face darkened.


    "Who told you that?"


    Seeing Queenie''sck of denial, Amelia''s heart sank, and tears welled up in her eyes.


    Summoning all her courage, sheThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    pressed on, "That''s not the tota


    The point is, you wanted me


    the me for this, didn''t you o


    Amelia had repeatedly convinced herself


    attempts to sow discord, but gl


    couldn''t help but confront, Queenie.


    t to fall for Hera''s


    W


    If Queenie denied it, Amelia would fly straight back to that rundown woodshed and kill Hera. However, Queenie remained silent.

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    Amelia''s tears overflowed, and they streamed down her cheeks without restraint.


    "Amy," Queenie called softly after noticing Amelia''s tears.


    She got out of bed, walked over, and gently cupped Amelia''s face to wipe away the tears.


    With uncharacteristic patience, Queenie said, "I had no choice. For the sake of our family, you need to make a small sacrifice."


    "A small sacrifice."


    It was the same old authoritative tone, leaving no room for negotiation. However, this was a matter of life and death, not mere trivialities like giving up on piano for ounting.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    How could Queenie have said it so casually?


    Amelia couldn''t help but question her existence in the Gaskell family. She wondered if she was merely a pawn to them.


    Amelia tried to speak as she was filled with defiance. But faced with Queenie''s cold stare, words failed her.


    Tears flowed uncontrobly, soaking her clothes and chilling her heart.


    "Alright. Enough with the tears now. It''s not a big deal. Just go and do it. Aurora and I will side with you," Queenie coaxed gently as she patiently wiped away Amelia''s tears with a tissue.


    Amelia stared nkly at her.


    In this moment, Queenie appeared like a caring mother, offering the affection Amelia had always longed for to coax her forward. But beyond hery an abyss.


    A knock on the door interrupted them, and the butler''s voice came faintly from outside, "Mrs. Gaskell, Mr. Graham has arrived." "Let him in."


    Queenie patted Amelia''s shoulder, signaling her to rx.


    As the door opened, Amelia quickly turned her back as she didn''t want to be seen in her current state.


    "Mrs. Gaskell, I''ve cleared all the contents from the memory card," Alfred Graham said.


    Memory card? Amelia nced at Alfred as he handed Queenie a small white envelope. Inside was a memory card from an old phone.


    She vaguely remembered the


    el


    memory card. Last night, before


    Queenie sent her to Lensvale,


    someone had brought it, iming it had been found in some woods.


    "Great. Thank you. You may go," Queenie said after taking the memory card.


    After Alfred left, she briefly examined the card. With a cold chuckle, she tossed it into the trash can.


    Afterward, she called the spa therapist back to continue her treatment.


    Seeing that Amelia had stopped crying, Queenie said, "Amy, if you have no more questions, you should retum now. When youe home, we can have a spa day together."


    Amelia looked at Queenie, whoy on the bed, with a conflicted expression.


    After a long silence, she replied, "Alright."


    Before leaving, Amelia deliberately walked past the trash can. When she stepped outside, a memory card was hidden in her palm.


    Meanwhile, after taking the pill, Hera rested for two hours in the woodshed. Her headache eased, and her cold sweats and fever began to subside.


    However, she felt parched and exceptionally hungry. She needed water urgently.


    Suddenly, there was a noise outside


    the door, followed by the sound of a lock turning. Hera quickly resumed her position on the floor, pretending to be tied up.


    The door opened, revealing Joseph Allen, the sly-faced man who had knocked Hera out the night before.


    Joseph entered, leaving the door ajar. Carrying a tray, he approached Hera with a lecherous grin.


    "Hey babe, I''ve brought you some food."


    Hera almost gagged at the middle-aged man calling her "babe".


    Noticing the slightly opened door, Hera flirtatiously smiled at Joseph.


    She lowered her eyes and said softly, "But I can''t eat with my hands tied. Can you untie me?"

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    Joseph noticed Hera''s captivating smile, and his grin took on a more sinister edge.


    It had been a while since he''d been with a woman, and now that he had this innocent young woman in his grasp, he intended to make his move while Eric and the others were upied with dinner.


    Joseph swallowed hard and casually pushed the te aside. As he edged closer to Hera, his hands fidgeted nervously.


    "My babe, let me help you with those ropes..."


    As he unsuspectingly crouched down, Hera seized the moment. Her gaze turned icy, and in one swift motion, she grabbed his neck.


    Joseph was caught off guard. He wondered when she had freed herself.


    "Y-you..."


    Before he could utter another word, Hera''s grip tightened around his neck. Her fingers pressed into his acupuncture points, sending a sharp pain through his throat that silenced him.


    In the next instant, Hera''s other hand reached for a wooden stick hidden behind her. She struck him hard on the back of his head as retribution for the previous night''s attack.


    Joseph''s eyes widened in disbelief. Within seconds, his struggling hands fell limp, and his eyes closed.


    After putting him down, Hera checked his pulse, confirming he was still alive. She quickly took the rope to bind his hands and feet, then quietly cracked open the door to survey outside.


    Hera was held captive in an old mountain cabin. It was deserted, with faint sounds of conversation and clinking dishes drifting from the main house where everyone was gathered for dinner.


    Across from the woodshed, an old SUV was parked under a tree. Hera would have to walk past the main house to reach it and risk being spotted.


    ncing up at the overcast sky, she struggled to determine her bearings. Deciding to leave the area first, she slipped out and closed the woodshed door behind her.


    Hera slowly circled around to the back of the woodshed. Suddenly, she froze.


    Awas tied to a tree behind While gnawing on a b


    it


    its head at the sound. of her


    s.


    For a few seconds, their eyes locked. Then, the wolfdog erupted into a frenzy of barking.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Back in the main house, Eric paused over his meal to listen to themotion.


    "Why''s that wolfdog going nuts? Brian, go check it out."


    Ever since Isabe and Madison ran off, Eric had kept an oversized wolfdog for security.


    Brian promptly set down his cutlery and went outside.


    Just as he reached the door, Eric added, "And check out why Joseph hasn''t returned yet."


    Brian grumbled as he headed out.


    Momentster, his voice carried from outside, "Eric, this is bad! Joseph''s tied up, and the girl''s gone!"


    "Go after her!"


    Eric abandoned his meal, grabbed a weapon, and dashed out to search for Hera.


    Winter in Southburrow was nothing


    like Norburgh''s evergreen foliagez and rugged, untamed terrain. Running through these bumpy woods could easily lead to getting lost or injured.


    However, Hera had grown up in the mountains and knew the primal forest like the back of her hand.


    She quickened her pace, aware of the wolfdog and the SUV trailing behind her.


    "Stop right there! You better fucking stop, or I''ll shoot!"


    Eric leaned out from the passenger seat and aimed a long gun at Hera, though the bumpy ride made aiming


    difficult. o

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    Hera nced over her shoulder at the closing SUV and the oversized wolfdog. Without breaking her stride, she quickly scanned her surroundings and dashed toward the densest part of the forest.


    Suddenly, she spotted three or four fallen trees blocking the path ahead. Their trunks were crisscrossed with vines. After adjusting her breath, she sprinted toward them.


    Using one hand to vault herself over a tree trunk, she gracefully dodged the vines and wove through the scattered trees.


    The SUV screeched to a halt in front of the trunks. The men inside jumped out, but the wolfdog leaped over the trees before they could react and continued chasing Hera.


    "Eric, should we keep following her? She''s heading into the deep mountains!" Brian''s voice quivered with fear.


    Years ago, Brian had cut down those trees to mark the boundary. Beyond this pointy danger-wild, ferocious animals and an ancient, haunted graveyard that the vigers avoided at all costs.


    Brian had once dismissed these fears as superstition. But when he ventured into the mountains once before with Eric for a big hunt, they barely escaped with their lives.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Only four of the ten men returned, and Eric''s facial scar was a constant reminder of that nightmarish ordeal. It was terrifying. Eric seemed possessed at that moment and continuously shed his own face with a knife.


    Ultimately, the four of them stumbled and crawled their way back. After that, Brian never dared to return and deliberately cut down those trees to block the path.


    "Forget it!"


    Eric spat on the ground. His expression was grim.


    "Call the dog back. You two stay here and keep watch."


    He figured that Hera, alone and unarmed, wouldn''t survive the night in the mountains. It spared him the trouble of dealing with Hera himself.


    Deep in the forest, Hera finally stopped running when she was sure no one was following her-not even the wolfdog.


    Panting and exhausted, she removed her jacket and leaned against a tree, her legs trembling.


    Hera hadn''t eaten or drunk anything all day except for a few pills. Now, with a fever and after running so long, her body was reaching its limit.


    She nced around and spotted a


    bush with clusters of green and ckberries. She remembered et eating these wild berries as a child. The green ones were poisonous, but the ck ones were safe in small amounts.


    Hera picked some ckberries to soothe her dry throat and hungry


    stomach. Then, she found a corkwood tree with yellow fruits. She didn''t like the yellow fruit''s sou taste, but with limited resources, she forced herself to eat a few.


    However, instead of feeling full, Hera felt even hungrier.


    She longed for the perfectly seared steak that Bernard used to make.


    Hera let out a frustratedugh as her stomach grumbled in response.


    Hera looked up at the darkening sky and realized the night was approaching.


    While foraging, she gauged her


    location by the density of the trees


    and their moss patterns. Hera


    figured out that she was deep in the mountains, far from the vige.


    She knew she couldn''t make it out before nightfall and needed to find a way to survive the night. When she returned, she vowed to have Bernard cook that steak again.

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    Meanwhile, Eric drove back to the main house. He leaped out of the car and checked his phone, finding no signal connection.


    "This is strange," he muttered to himself.


    "Why isn''t there any signal here? I always get reception in this spot. Is the transmitter acting up again?"


    He urgently needed to call Queenie to inform her that Hera had escaped. Just as he looked up, he noticed movement inside the house. Before he could react, a booming voice echoed behind him.


    "Freeze! Put your hands up! You''re surrounded!"


    "Who the fuck are you?" Eric cursed.


    He turned around to find himself surrounded by a group of special forces from the police department, each aiming a gun at him.


    One wrong move and he could instantly be riddled with bullets.


    However, Eric was no stranger to this kind of situation. He was a regr at the police station, and his frequent visits had familiarized him with Stephen from the department, though the buzz-cut man beside him was new.


    "Mr. Hall, what''s with the grand entrance today?" Eric asked with a sly grin. He then pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to Stephen.


    Without hesitation, Stephen seized Eric''s arm, swiftly flipped him over, and pinned him to the ground in a single fluid motion. Eric''s face was mmed into the ground alongside his dropped cigarette.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Where did you hide her?" Stephen demanded sharply.


    Eric winced in pain but still yed dumb.


    "Who? I have no idea what you''re talking about!"


    Stephen twisted Eric''s arm even harder.


    "Hera Youngworth! Where is she?"


    Eric groaned but was still defiant.


    "I really don''t know what you''re talking about! This is police brutality! Let me go, or I''ll report you!"


    Nathan stepped forward and patted Stephen''s arm.


    Thinking Nathan was concerned about Eric''s threats, Stephen reassured him, "Don''t worry about him. This guy has a long rap sheet. He''s not going to talk without some rough persuasion."


    Nathan simply pointed to the sky and urged, "Hurry up. They''reing."


    Stephen heard it, too¡ªthe approaching helicopter. As it hovered above them, the rotor des swayed the surrounding trees.


    Eric''s heart leaped, hoping it was Amelia returning. But as thedder descended, two men emerged instead.


    The first was a baby-faced man in camouge, and the other was a strikingly handsome man in a tailored ck suit, exuding an intimidating presence.


    Eric gulped, and his earlier hope dissipated as cold sweat broke out on his forehead. These two looked like Bernard and Aaron.


    "Mr. Killian, Mr. Ludden," Nathan and Stephen greeted respectfully.


    "Have you found her?"


    Bernard''s sharp eyes locked onto Nathan.


    "No," Nathan replied with a shake of his head.


    "We''ve searched the house and the surrounding area, but there''s no sign of Hera. We only found someone tied up in the woodshed who ims Hera knocked him out and left."


    With a frown, Bernard''s gaze turned cold as he looked at Eric.


    "Has he told the truth yet?"


    "Not yet. He''s a tough nut to crack. Give me some time, and I''ll get him to talk," Stephen replied.


    "Aaron."


    Bernard turned to Aaron with a meaningful look.


    Aaron nodded, signaled to two special forces members, and then walked toward the back of the house. The soldiers quickly took Eric from Stephen, each gripping one of his arms as they followed Aaron.


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Eric struggled and shouted, "What are you doing? Let me go! You can''t threaten me like this!"


    Stephen and Nathan exchanged nces, then...

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    A chilling scream pierced the air behind the main house, startling the forest birds and sending shivers down Stephen and Nathan''s spines.


    The scream echoed for what felt like an eternity before abruptly ceasing. Soon after, Aaron emerged from behind the house and vigorously wiped his hands with a handkerchief, looking disgusted.


    Following closely behind him, two special forces dragged Eric out. Despite appearing unharmed, his expression was vacant, starkly contrasting his previously defiant demeanor just minutes earlier.


    Stephen swallowed hard, struggling toprehend how Aaron could have so thoroughly shattered Eric''s spirit in such a short span of time. "Bernard, he said Ms. Youngworth had fled into the deep mountains," Aaron reported to Bernard.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard checked his watch.


    "Five minutes. That''s progress."


    Aaron replied, "Still not as swift as your three-minute record, though."


    Bernard had once extracted crucial information from an FBI spy in just three minutes.


    Stephen''s eyes widened in disbelief. Three minutes? What sort of hellish interrogation technique could have achieved that?


    "Search the mountains. No matter what it takes, find her before nightfall!" Bernard ordered coldly.


    "Yes, sir!" the team chorused in response.


    Aaron then led a team of special forces, apanied by search dogs, into the depths of the mountains.


    Meanwhile, Bernard remained at the main house, clenching his fist. Hera feared the dark, and he was determined to bring her back before night descended.


    "Bernard, all signal jammers are in ce," Dous said through the earpiece.


    "Alright," Bernard replied and turned to board the awaiting helicopter.


    As it flew toward the mountains, Bernard activated twoptops. One disyed 12 surveince feeds from different angles. He inserted a USB drive on the otherptop and swiftly typedmands. Lines of code rapidly scrolled across the ck Screen.


    Meanwhile, an alert red across the screen in the satellite monitoring office at Meridian''s military aviation base, jolting the night shift into action.


    "UTA-224 is under attack again! Brace for impact!"


    "Is it Raven again? He was here yesterday, and now he''s back?"


    "Track his location!"


    "The intrusion point matched yesterday''s, but the method''s different. Looks like S''s work." "That doesn''t fucking matter right now! Just stop them! He''s altering the satellite''s trajectory!" "They must be a team!"


    "Seriously. Can''t they find someone else to mess with instead of hitting the same target?"


    While that happened, Hera gathered dry branches to set up a fire tost the night. As she was located deep in the mountains, she nned to leave at dawn.


    Suddenly, the roar of helicopters filled the air. It was not just one, but several, drawing closer.


    Unsure if they were friend or foe, she darted into the nearest bushes, only to lose her bnce and tumble down.

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    Hera reacted swiftly and clutched the vine. However, the branch tore through her sleeve and sent a sharp pain shooting up her arm.


    Just as her other hand scrambled for a foothold, the vine snapped unexpectedly, causing her to plummet. With a resounding crash, Heranded on bent knees to brace herself against the impact.


    Despite the fall, she managed to grab enough vines to avoid a worse fate, though both of her palms were now scraped raw and stinging.


    Ignoring the pain, Hera surveyed her surroundings. Above her, a narrow strip of sky marked the crevice she had fallen from, now hundreds of feet above and out of sight.


    Sunlight filtered through, casting an eerie glow downward, revealing what appeared to be a gaping maw in the mountain.


    Hera wouldn''t have noticed that there was such arge opening on the upper ground if she hadn''t identally stepped into thin air.


    The split in the mountain seemed almost naturally formed, opening into a vast, semi-oval space that looked partly excavated. It seemed bottomless and shadowy within.


    A small stream flowed with crystal-clear mountain water among the scattered rocks on the ground. Alongside the stream, a few plump, giant rats cautiously watched her.


    After ensuring it was safe, Hera went to the stream to wash her hands and face. She took a few refreshing sips of the ice-cold water that was almost painfully cold against her lips.


    Hera''s arm was still bleeding, so she ripped a strip from her torn sleeve to bandage the wound.


    Her jacket was left above ground, leaving her in just a thin sweater that was now torn at the sleeves. As time passed, the chill of the cave began to set in.


    With dusk approaching and the knowledge that it would only get colder after nightfall, Hera needed to leave the ce as soon as possible.


    Retracing her steps back up seemed impractical, so Hera followed the mountain water flow downstream. Her movement startled a few giant rats that scurried deeper into the darkness.


    Eventually, she reached a small pond where the stream converged. She observed that its flow was directed back toward the excavated space behind her.


    There seemed to be a secondyer beneath, but it appeared deep and foreboding. As it was shrouded in darkness, Hera was hesitant to proceed. With mountains blocking her escape, climbing was out of the question. Her only options were to press on into the unknown or face an uncertain fate. Left with not much of a choice, Hera steeled herself and cautiously advanced step by step.


    Suddenly, a faint "clink" echoed


    through the silent cave. Hera had kicked something-an old military shlight. Dusty and seemingly disused, it surprisingly flickered to life at a touch.


    With the newfound light, Hera spotted a worn-out backpack not far ahead. She kicked a stone toward it when she noticed something inside still moving.


    A rat the size of a cat darted out with a squeak, disappearing into the shadows.


    Tracking its escape with the shlight, Hera stumbled upon a bronze door hidden deep within the cave.


    She rummaged through the


    worn-out backpack and wrinkled herThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    nose at the stench of rat urine. After wavering her hand in front of her face in disgust at the smell, she continued searching.


    The bag''s surface was covered in dust and marks from being dragged across the ground, likely by rats from somewhere nearby. The zipper had been chewed through, and most of its contents had been lost along the way.


    After clearing the initial debris, she mainly found ruined contents a few crushed packs ofpressed biscuits, a water bottle, and a knife.


    Hera took the knife for protection and approached the bronze door.

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    The ground before the bronze door was paved with concrete and adorned with a mosaic of ck-and-white tiles forming the Wheel of the Year. They had excavated such an ample space within the mountain and even installed a bronze door. She considered if it could have been a tomb or something else entirely.


    Hera approached the ancient bronze door, its surface weathered with time. On either side, the guardians Michael and Gabriel were engraved, though their forms were obscured beneath ayer of dust.


    In the center, a lock shaped like the letter "H" was covered in dust.


    Below it, a T-shaped keyhole hinted that it could be unlocked with the correct key, though Hera knew it wouldn''t be so straightforward. Even with the correct key, abyrinth lock would require precise alignment of internal mechanisms.


    The challenge of deciphering such a secretive lock intrigued Hera, almost tempting her to attempt it then and there. But the timing wasn''t right. She needed to leave first.


    With her shlight, she scanned the area and spotted what seemed like a hidden passage to her right. As she moved closer, her foot suddenly caught on something.


    Moving her foot to the side and shining her shlight on the ground, Hera discovered a ck pearl earring nestled between two white ceramic tiles. It was about the size of a thumbnail.


    The earring seemed oddly familiar. She picked it up and noticed its rusty hook, suggesting it had been there for some time.


    Hera recalled crafting a pair of ck pearl earrings for Daphne when she was five. It was a Mother''s Day gift she had proudly shown to Lucius and Daphne.


    The memory stuck with Hera because she had pricked her finger while drilling the hole for the pearl and had bled quite a bit.


    She hadn''t dared to tell Daphne and Lucius, but Bernard hade to her rescue as he helped her handle the injury and even finish crafting the earrings.


    In the end, those earrings became their joint gift for Daphne.


    Hera remembered how Daphne used to wear those earrings with such joy. But after a business trip, Hera never saw her wearing them again. She once asked Daphne about them, and Daphne had regretfully admitted to losing one.


    Hera fiddled with the ck pearl earring and struggled to recall its original appearance fully.


    She considered the possibility that that Daphne had visited here years ago.


    ncing back at the bronze door,


    Hera resolved to return again. Next time, she''d be better prepared for further investigation. Then, she


    tucked the ck pearl earring


    her pocket and continued down the hidden passage.


    The passage ascended like a staircase but was unevenly constructed. Hera could glimpse a faint glimmer of light from above, apanied by a draft of wind, hinting at an exit.


    Without hesitation, Hera hurried


    upward. But midway, her shlight flickered twice and then died, engulfing her in night''s darkness. Hera felt her forehead grow cold with sweat.


    "It''s fine... Don''t panic... Keep climbing... Keep climbing..." Hera murmured to herself, pushing forward.


    She couldn''t afford to stop now. Daphne''s killer remained atrge, Lucius'' name needed clearing, and Bernard''s steak was still in her mind.


    With each step, Hera repeated these thoughts to herself. With her eyes tightly shut, she forced her trembling limbs to press onward.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    It felt like an eternity, but Hera finally


    reached the opening, drenched in cold sweat. As she copsed at the edge, she panted heavily, and her limbs trembled uncontrobly.


    Then, a low growl echoed in the darkness. Hera''s eyes snapped open to find dozens of eyes glowing with an eerie green light fixed upon her.

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    As evening approached, Bernard used satellite surveince to scan half the mountain. Eventually, he found Hera''s jacket deep in the forest. Bernard descended from the helicopter and notified Aaron of its location. The group then swiftly mobilized,bing the area surrounding where the jacket was found.


    As darkness fell, Bernard''s expression grew increasingly grim. He was clutching Hera''s jacket so tightly that his knuckles turned white.


    Aaron, who had been on more than a dozen S-ss missions with Bernard, had never seen him this tense.


    He tried reassuring Bernard, saying, "Don''t worry too much. Hera will be fine. She grew up in the mountains and knows how to handle herself out here."


    "Yeah," Bernard replied.


    He then instructed Dous through the earpiece, "Bring some searchlights," before returning to the helicopter to resume searching through the surveince.


    Night fell, and Nathan finally uncovered traces of Hera in a thicket half a mile away. There were freshly broken branches, snagged wool fibers, and bloodstains on the leaves.


    After pushing through the bushes, they found an opening with signs of something that slid down the grass.


    "Mr. Killian, Captain Ludden, over here!" Nathan called out to Bernard and the others.


    Bernard set aside hisptop and joined Aaron at the scene.


    Nathan exined the clues he found.


    "It looks like Hera fell in here. No wonder we couldn''t find her."


    Bernard still held onto Hera''s jacket with a stoic face, betraying none of the turmoil he felt. Yet, the tension around him was palpable.


    "Clear it," Bernard ordered after ncing at the bushes that were blocking the opening.


    Aaron quickly summoned a few men to clear away the obstructing foliage.


    Soon, the foliage revealed an


    opening about six feet wide and 50 feet long. As it was hidden by the bushes, it was hard to spot even from aerial surveince. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    The group approached the edge and shone their shlights down. However, the beam failed to reach the bottom.


    Despite the shlights'' powerful


    beams extending up to 1,500 feeret


    they still couldn''t prate


    depths, indicating the holele


    wasExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    deeper than expected.


    "It''s more than 1,500 feet deep. We have no idea what the situation is down there," Nathan said.


    Instantly, everyone''s expression turned grave. The prospect of Hera falling from such a height loomed ominously.


    "Mr. Killian, you''ll have to prepare yourself. Even if she survives, from this height..." Stephen''s voice trailed off. "Shut up!" Bernard snapped.


    Stephen, who had been trying to offer somefort, felt a suffocating pressure from Bernard''s outburst and shuddered. No one else dared to speak. Bernard gripped Hera''s jacket even tighter. He believed she would be okay. She had survived 11 years ago and would also make it alive now.


    His primary concern was Hera enduring the darkness as night fell. They needed to find her quickly.


    Seeing Bernard''s worsening expression, Aaron interjected, "Don''t be so pessimistic. Ms. Youngworth is resourceful. She''ll be fine."


    Aaron knew all too well that a fall


    from over 1,500 feet would likely be fatal, even for him. But as the team''s leader, he couldn''t afford to entertain negative thoughts.


    "I''m sorry. It''s all my fault. I''ll go down and check," Nathan said, feeling guilty.

 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Nathan was consumed with guilt. If only he had intervened sooner with Hera, perhaps she wouldn''t have been kidnapped or fled deeper into the mountains.


    The thought of such a vibrant soul suffering because of his mistake weighed heavily on him.


    Bernard shot him a nce before turning to Aaron.


    "Angle the lights down and send two men to check it out," he ordered briskly.


    As he spoke, a chorus of wolf howls echoed nearby, apanied by faint sounds ofbat.


    Bernard''s gaze darted beyond the cave''s entrance toward the source of themotion.


    A sudden realization gripped Bernard, and he dered abruptly, "I''ll go check it out."


    With that, he swiftly bypassed the cave and sprinted toward the noise.


    "I''ming too. You guys stay here," Aaron shouted as he chased after Bernard.


    Nathan and Stephen exchanged nces and quickly followed, leaving behind a group of bewildered special forces in uniform.


    As they approached, the sounds ofbat and wolf cries intensified, mingling with the metallic tang of blood in the air.


    Despite being in his tailored suit and polished shoes, Bernard moved swiftly and reached the scene first. However, what he saw before him made him freeze in his tracks.


    Aaron caught up just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision as Nathan and Stephen stumbled into him.


    "What''s going on?"


    Stephen managed to regain his bnce after falling backward.


    They then noticed that the fierce battle had ended, leaving only the lingering echoes of wolf cries.


    Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the night wind rustled through the leaves as a figure stood among the trees. The air was heavy with the scent of blood, creating an eerie atmosphere.


    Nathan directed his shlight at the figure. The figure had disheveled hair, torn clothes, and multiple wounds still oozing blood.


    Clenched in her left hand was a dagger whose tip gleamed ominously under the light, stained crimson. Surrounding her were a pack of wolves that copsed on the ground, barely alive.


    The sight left Nathan and the others speechless. They wondered how Hera had managed to defeat an entire pack of wolves.


    Wolves were known for their teamwork and prowess. Yet there she stood alone, victorious over them all.


    "Aren''t these wild wolves? They''re terrifying in battle!"


    Even Aaron doubted he could have escaped such a situation.


    As Aaron recalled Shaun''s reminder to not mess with Hera, Stephen thought, "Can I take back what I said earlier?"


    Nathan swallowed hard, torn between concern for Hera and the wolves lying at her feet.


    At the forefront, Bernard frowned as he watched Hera, who emanated a menacing air.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    He was toote. Hera was already gripped by her fear of the dark. She


    vel


    had snapped and unleashed violence without hesitation, even under the harsh re of the light.


    "Ms. Youngworth, are you alright?" Stephen called out.


    He wanted to approach, but Nathan soon held him back.


    Suddenly, Hera lifted her head. Her cold and blood-smeared face became visible to everyone.


    With her eyes zing red, Hera shed an eerie smile, sending a chill down Stephen''s spine. It was then that Stephen only realized the depth of her peculiarity, and he couldn''t help but shudder. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Hera''s hand twitched unexpectedly, and in the next instant, she lunged forward with the dagger.


    Bernard swiftly intercepted by grabbing her wrist that held the de.


    However, Hera anticipated his move. She released the dagger and caught it in her other hand, thrusting it straight toward Bernard''s vulnerable spots.


    With his other hand, Bernard swiftly seized hers.


    With both of her hands locked in a tense struggle, Hera used her feet to push against him, forcing Bernard to release her.


    Soon, they engaged in a swift exchange of fists amidst the trees.


    Bernard''s arm now bore a fresh cut from the dagger. Unlike the previous round, Hera''s attacks were fiercer and more relentless this time. She remained unresponsive as though she was possessed.

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Bernard may have held backst time and easily subdued Hera, but this time was different.


    Hera, now in full fight-or-flight mode, proved much stronger. Her relentless and deadly attacks didn''t allow him to hold back.


    Bernard quickly realized that the harder he fought, the more powerful and faster Hera''s attacks became. She seemed to enter a state of relentless aggression that grew fiercer with each passing moment.


    "This can''t go on. Such intense assault would eventually exhaust Hera''s body, potentially to the point of death," Bernard thought.


    He had to find a way to make her stop.


    With their shlights illuminating the fierce battle, Aaron, Nathan, and Stephen watched in shock. They hadn''t witnessed such an exhrating fight in ages.


    Bernard and Hera both disyed striking appearances and skills, making the fight more impressive than any movie stunt. They were captivating to watch.


    Aaron even pulled out his phone to record the scene, nning to show it to hisrades once he was back at their base.


    Aaron thought Bernard was already incredibly skilled, but seeing Hera match him blow for blow and grow fiercer with every strike was astonishing.


    Despite Hera''s abnormal state, her explosive power was undeniable. It was no wonder she had caught the attention of someone as discerning as Bernard.


    Together, they formed an unstoppable force. They were a duo not to be trifled with.


    As the three watched with rapt attention, Bernard''s attacks noticeably weakened.


    Seeing this, Stephen asked, "Is Mr. Killian getting tired?"


    "A man can never admit he''s tired," Aaron replied knowingly.


    "He''s doing it on purpose."


    Nathan grasped Bernard''s intention as he observed.


    Bernard had intentionally weakened his attacks and was even exposing his vulnerabilities.


    Meanwhile, Hera quickly seized


    these openings and lunged at him. Then, Bernard kicked off a tree trunk, flipped over, andnded behind Hera. Unexpectedly, he delivered a precise blow to the back of her neck.


    Hera''s movements instantly halted.


    Her bloodied knife dropped to the ground as she copsed into Bernard''s arms. He held her tightly, only then noticing her burning fever and twitching limbs from


    exhaustion.


    Bernard felt a pang of sorrow at Hera''s disheveled state of blood and sweat-matted hair and parched lips.


    As he wiped the blood from her face, his eyes darkened.


    "Sweetie, I''m sorry. I was toote. I should have been there when you needed me."


    The intense fight had ended, leaving the three spectators unsatisfied. They were almost ready to apud for an encore.


    Aaron saved the video recording. He was impressed by Bernard''s final flip, though the final blow seemed overly harsh.


    How could he have beat such a delicate... no, such a beautiful woman that hard?


    "Do you guys think I brought you here for entertainment?"


    Bernard''s chilling re swept through the air, jolting the trio back to reality.


    They quickly got to work to notify the others and clean up the scene.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Bernard, how should we handle the kidnappers?" Aaron asked.


    "Once we find the mastermind, leave them in the mountains with the wolves."


    With Hera in his arms, Bernard headed toward the helicopter. Despite his steady steps, his


    l


    expression exuded menace.

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


    In the mountains, the two special forces assigned to watch over Eric and the other three kidnappers had just received their orders and hadn''t even started their interrogation.


    However, Brian cracked when he heard that they were being taken deep into the mountains.


    "I''lle clean! I''ll tell you everything. Amelia from the Gaskell family hired us. I was just doing it for money.


    "I know I was wrong, and I''ll never do it again. Please, don''t take me into the mountains. I have a family to look after."


    "M-Me too! Ms. Gaskell was the one who ordered us. She even had us imprison a mother and daughter for over a month before.


    "It was all on her orders. Since I told the truth, can you please let me go?" another chimed in eagerly.


    They all worked under Eric and had no idea who the real mastermind was. They had only seen Amelia and naturally assumed she was behind everything.


    After all, Amelia did seem to have a deep hatred for Hera.


    Recalling Queenie''s previous instructions, Eric saw that his men had already implicated Amelia, so he followed the lead and confirmed her guilt. He angrily kicked each of them.


    "Cowards! How dare you guys betray our employer? Don''t expect to get a single cent of the money!"


    "Eric, I was wrong. I don''t want the money. I just want to go home."


    The four kidnappers started arguing among themselves while the two special forces exchanged nces, finding their story believable.


    After gathering enough information, the special forces swiftly knocked each of the kidnappers out with a quick chop to the neck. Then, they dragged them into the mountains, left them there, and returned to give their report.


    When Hera woke up three dayster, her head throbbed with a dull ache. As she moved, she realized it wasn''t just her head. Her whole body ached as if it had been dislocated and reassembled.


    The sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nose, and she saw an IV drip hanging by the bed.


    Feeling disoriented, she wondered, "Am I in a hospital? Am I still alive?"


    Hera stared at the white ceiling, trying to piece together the events before she passed out.


    She remembered struggling to climb out of a hole, only to be surrounded by wolves. Everything after that was a blur to her, though she vaguely remembered having a nightmare.


    In the dream, she was back in the small, dark room where human traffickers had locked her up as a child. No matter what she did, she couldn''t escape.


    "Sweetie, you''re awake. Are you feeling alright?"


    A deep, familiar, and maic male voice sounded beside her.


    Hera turned her head to see Bernard''s chiseled, handsome face. He was sitting by her bedside and looking at her with soft eyes.


    The moment she saw him, all the


    pain and fear she had bottled up burst out like a flood breaking


    through a dam. Tears filled her eyes, and she sat up abruptly, throwing


    herself into his arms. Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Bernard was caught off guard but soon felt the warm wetness soaking through where her face was buried against him. His heart softened instantly.


    It struck him then that despite Hera''s cool, aloof demeanor, she was just 17. Her independence and decisiveness often made people forget how young she was.


    Usually, young people her age still


    soughtfort in their parents'' arms. Yet, she had performed high-risk surgeries, outbid him for the Eclipse Stone at an auction received offers from top international universities, and created life-saving medicines.


    Her ability was impressive but heartbreaking.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Bernard gently soothed Hera by patting her back with hisrge hand. "There, there. Everything''s alright now."

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    Hera buried her face in Bernard''s neck. The faint tobo scent on him gave her a deep sense of security.


    She stayed like that for a while, letting the sudden wave of emotion subside before realizing she''d let her guard down.


    As she pulled away, she noticed a damp spot on his shirt cor and felt a twinge of embarrassment.


    "I''ve been missing the steak you make. I thought I''d never get to taste it again," Hera said, attempting to mask her feelings with a cough.


    Bernard saw right through her and smiled.


    "Just the steak I make?"


    He gently tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear as he spoke. The casual gesture left Hera''s mind in a whirl, and her skin felt warm where his fingers had touched.


    Hera avoided his gaze and replied firmly, "Yes."


    "Not the person who makes it?" Bernard asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes.


    Hera remained silent.


    Her silence made Bernard worry she was about to get angry again, but then she whispered, "Yes."


    Bernard''s heart soared.


    He couldn''t resist teasing her, "Who do you miss?"


    Hera was speechless. She suspected he was doing it on purpose.


    Her beautiful face returned to its usual cool demeanor as she looked at him seriously and said, "I miss you... your steak. I''m hungry."


    Bernard chuckled softly. Even for those first three words, he''d make her steaks for a lifetime.


    "I''ll cook it for you once you''re discharged. For now, you need to eat light."


    Hera was mesmerized by Bernard''s smile. He was already devastatingly handsome, but when he smiled, he was even more dazzling, like an angel. It was irresistible.


    Who was he trying to seduce?


    Hera turned her face away, determined not to fall for his charm.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Bernard called out, "Come in."


    Aaron and Johnson walked in carrying thermal containers. When they saw Hera awake, they greeted her. Johnson noticed the empty IV bag and helped remove the needle.


    Aaron''s eyes fell on the wet patch on Bernard''s cor and asked, "Why''s your shirt wet, Bernard?"


    He wondered if Bernard had been crying secretly.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His gaze shifted between Bernard and Hera, sensing something amiss. It didn''t seem likely either of them would have cried.


    Johnson nced at Bernard and asked, "Did you cry?"


    Hera stayed silent as her thoughts raced.


    Bernard nced at her and lied smoothly, "The heater was set too high. I got hot."


    Hera remained speechless, but her expression was unreadable.


    "What brings you here too, Mr. Ludden?" she quickly changed the subject.


    l.ne


    As she turned her head, a sharp pain shot through her neck, like a injury from a heavy blow. Hera rubbed it, wincing.


    "Bernard heard about your kidnapping and called me for backup," Aaron said.


    "Thanks."


    Hera continued rubbing her neck and asked Johnson, "Why does my neck hurt so much?"


    She didn''t remember injuring her neck.


    Johnson frowned slightly. He hadn''t


    been


    of the rescue but had


    hear Aaron about Bernard


    and Hera''s intense battle. Content


    belongs to


    Because of that, Bernard had specifically asked him to monitor Hera''s symptoms.

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    "Don''t you remember what happened that night?" Aaron asked, surprised.


    He nced at Bernard and recalled his decisive move.


    "Bernard is really ruthless. He even treated his own woman so harshly. Did he hit her so hard that she lost her memory?" he thought.


    Bernard remained silent.


    "What happened?"


    Hera followed Aaron''s gaze to Bernard and noticed the bulge under his shirt sleeve. It looked like a bandage on his left arm. She frowned slightly.


    Johnson saw Hera''s confused reaction and realized she genuinely had no memory of that night.


    Her symptoms seemed more severe than Bernard''s past episodes. At least Bernard regained some fragmented memories after taking his medication. But Hera remembered nothing.


    "Let''s eat something first. Weren''t you hungry?"


    Bernard unpacked the thermos Aaron had brought, revealing a light, nutritious chicken soup.


    Hera sensed something was off in their expressions. She instinctively knew that something else had happened while she was unconscious. However, she chose not to push further since they refused to discuss it.


    She decided to fill her stomach first, as she hadn''t eaten for days and was starving.


    Hera reached out for the bowl in Bernard''s hand, but he held it back, saying, "Since you''re not feeling well, I''ll feed you."


    Hera remained silent, refusing the idea.


    Bernard scooped a spoonful of soup, blew on it gently, and brought it to Hera''s lips.


    "Here. Open wide."


    Hera hesitated.


    Sensing her hesitation, Bernard nced between her lips and the spoon.


    "Is the spoon too big? Should I find another way to feed you?"


    Hera was caught off guard. Her intuition screamed that Bernard''s alternative method was something she didn''t want to experience, so she quickly opened her mouth.


    Bernard smiled.


    "Great job."


    Aaron and Johnson watched their exchange in surprise and mentally noted Bernard''s method.


    Hera felt much better after filling her


    stomach As Bernard finished the remaining soup, Johnson started changing the bandages on the former''s arm on the adjacent hospital bed. Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Hera nced over and observed that the wound appeared to have been caused by a sharp de.


    Just then, she remembered the dagger she found in the cave and the bite mark on Bernard''s corbone from their trip back from Lumiville.


    Her suspicions deepened. Something must have happened during her ckouts, but Bernard obviously wasn''t going to reveal anything.


    Thus, Hera decided she needed a thorough check-up once things settled down.


    Turning to Aaron, she asked, "Are Nate and Stephen okay? And what about the kidnappers?"


    "They''re fine. But the kidnappers confessed that Amelia was behind it. The police are searching for her now. Nathan is handling the case so that he has all the information," Aaron replied.


    Hera narrowed her eyes at the mention of Amelia. That didn''t seem right to her.


    Although Hera hadn''t interacted much with Amelia, she had tested her once in the woodshed.


    Amelia''s shocked reaction made it clear that she didn''t know the specifics. Later, when pressed, Amelia seemed eager to verify something and left in a hurry.


    Compared to Amelia, Queenie


    seemed more suspect. She had been uncooperative throughout the investigation, and her reaction when asked about Isabe''s family was far more telling than Amelia''s surprise.


    "Where''s my phone?" Hera asked, remembering that she hadn''t had it since being held hostage in the woodshed.


    She was about to ask Aaron to borrow his phone since she wasn''t sure if hers was lost in the car or taken by the kidnappers.


    "Here," Aaron said as he handed her phone from the table.


    Hera also noticed aptop and an acupuncture kit on the table items she thought she''d lost.


    She sighed in relief. Losing the phone andputer was one thing, but she would have been very upset if she had lost the gold needles Bernard had given her.


    She turned on her phone to see ten missed calls and over 99 unread WhatsApp messages. Ignoring them for now, she searched for Nathan''s number.

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    It was already 10:00 pm. Hera wondered if Nathan was still awake. So, instead of calling, she decided to send a text.


    Hera: "Nate, I think Amelia might just be a scapegoat."


    To her surprise, Nathan replied almost instantly.


    Nathan: "Hera, you''re awake? I suspected that, too. I just found a new lead. I''m on a mission right now, but I''lle see you when it''s over. We need to talk in person. Get some rest."


    Hera stared at the words "new lead" momentarily before reaching for her pocket, only to realize she was wearing a hospital gown.


    "Who changed my clothes? Where are the ones I was wearing?" she asked, looking up.


    "Bernard?"


    Aaron looked puzzled. Bernard had brought her to the hospital, so he wasn''t sure about the details. He nced at Bernard.


    "They''ve probably been thrown away, right?"


    Hera''s face flushed at the thought of Bernard changing her clothes. She wondered if that meant that he saw everything. She felt a mix of embarrassment and anger.


    But she quickly shook it off. So what if he saw her? She figured that for Bernard, seeing a woman''s body was likely as ordinary as it was for her to see another woman''s body.


    "It was the nurse who helped change you. The clothes were discarded," Bernard said, unaware of her inner turmoil.


    As Johnson had just finished bandaging his wound, Bernard walked over and handed Hera a small bag from his pocket. "Is this what you were looking for?"


    Hera was speechless. She had been internally conflicted, only to be told it was the nurse who had changed her.


    A hint of frustration crept in. She''d never been like this before, but ever since she ran into Bernard again, he had a way of stirring up her emotions.


    She pondered if she was starting to fall for Bernard. The idea startled her.


    She nced at him. She wondered why, of all the people she could fall for, did it have to be a gay man.


    Bernard noticed her sympathetic look and nced at the small bag in his hand.


    "Isn''t this what you were looking for?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Yes," Hera said, pulling herself back to the present. She reached out and took the bag from him.


    Sensing their tension, Johnson said, "It''s gettingte now. We''ll leave you to rest. Goodbye, Bernard, Ms. Youngworth."


    He nudged Aaron with his elbow, signaling him to leave.


    "Good night. Sweet dreams," Aaron said. He waved as he left and even closed the door behind him.


    Now


    Hera checked her


    misss. Four were from Leon


    and the rest were from the


    probably trying to reach felon


    her.


    belongs to


    She opened her WhatsApp and sent a message to the Everett family''s group chat, saying she had been out with friends for a few days and missed their messages due to poor signal.


    Gideon called immediately.


    "Hera, where are you? Are you okay?"


    Hera checked her location using her phone.


    "I''m in Southburrow. I''m fine."


    "That''s good to hear."


    Gideon sighed with relief.


    "Amelia came to see me the day before yesterday. She said something weird and left. I got worried when I couldn''t reach you."


    Amelia had seen Gideon?


    She did not want him to worry, so she said, "I went hiking with my


    l


    the mountains. What did she


    3s, and the signal was bad in


    say?"


    "Sweetie. Here, drink some water," Bernard interrupted, handing her a ss of water and some pills.


    Gideon heard Bernard''s voice over the phone and frowned.


    "Are you with Bernard?"


    Hera nced at Bernard, suspecting he did it intentionally.


    She obediently took the pills and replied, "Yes."

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    Even though Gideon had his differences with Bernard, he believed that Hera would be safe as long as Bernard was with her. This made Amelia''s concerns seem unfounded.


    "Do you want to talk to him?" Hera asked Bernard when she noticed him eyeing the phone.


    "Yes," Gideon responded, thinking she was addressing him.


    Hera was speechless for a second.


    She handed the phone to Bernard. At the same time, she wondered if these two men were secretly conspiring right under her nose.


    Bernard was slightly puzzled but took the phone.


    "Yes?"


    "Mr. Killian, if you dare do anything indecent to my sister, I''ll make sure you pay dearly," Gideon threatened through gritted teeth.


    "Oh," Bernard replied nonchntly.


    Gideon was infuriated by Bernard''s indifferent response. Then, he realized the call had been disconnected.


    He considered calling back to confront Bernard but decided against it. He thought it would be childish and only make Bernard think the Everetts were easy to bully. So, he let it slide.


    Noticing how quickly Bernard ended the call, Hera gave him a curious look. She wondered what the two men had secretly discussed.


    "Gideon asked me to take good care of you," Bernard exined, seemingly aware of her curiosity as he returned her phone to her.


    "Oh."


    Hera mimicked his earlier nonchnt tone.


    No wonder his response seemed so reluctant.


    Bernard was left speechless by her mimicry.


    Hera scrolled through her unread WhatsApp messages to pass the time. She was actually waiting for Bernard to leave so she could contact Leon. However, Bernard showed no signs of leaving.


    Just as she was about to hint at him to go, she noticed Bernard staring intently at the small pouch in her hand containing the ck pearl earrings. "Do they look familiar to you?" Hera asked.


    "Those are the Mother''s Day gifts you made for Ms. Daphne when you were five," Bernard replied after snapping out of his trance. Hera was taken aback.


    "You remember?"


    "Of course. You pricked your finger making them and cried your eyes out," Bernard recounted.


    He then gently took her left index finger and rubbed his thumb over the pad.


    "Right here."


    His touch sent a tingle through her, making her heart flutter. She pulled her hand back and took the earrings out of the clear pouch.


    Waving them before him, she asked, "These are just ordinary ck pearls. How can you be so sure they''re the same ones?"


    "You can check the sp''s backing to see if there''s a small hole from when you pierced it wrong back then," Bernard said confidently.


    Hera immediately pried open the


    rusty backing, and as he had said,


    there was indeed a small hole


    underneath. This really was


    el


    Daphne''s earring. Content belongs


    to


    Daphne had been to that cave. Hera wondered what could be inside there.


    Queenie had imprisoned her in the mountains of Lensvale, not far from that cave. Hera wondered if there wasa connection or if it was simply a coincidence.


    "Where did you find these?"Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard noticed her eagerness to verify the earrings. It seemed like they weren''t something she carried around but had recently acquired. "Grandma gave them to me."


    Hera didn''t want to mention the cave. She reattached the backing and returned the earrings back in the pouch.


    Bernard didn''t press further. Just then, his phone rang, so he stood up and went to the bathroom.


    Hera took the opportunity to switch to her Raven ount on WhatsApp and found Piglet.


    They had agreed to message in an emergency and call in a dire


    emergency. He had called four


    times, indicating that something was very wrong.


    As she had anticipated, thetest message in their chat read, "Boss, you''re wanted by International Police!"

 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    Hera replied, "What''s going on?"


    "Boss, you''re finally online! I was starting to think you got caught."


    Leon''s reply came quickly.


    He then sent over a link to a post on Cyber Web titled, "Satellite UTA-224 Hacked, Miridian Seeks Hacker ''Raven'' Through International Police".


    "Why did you hack a satellite out of the blue?" Leon asked.


    Hera nced at the post''s content and then replied to Leon.


    Raven: "Oh, that. It was an emergency. I just borrowed their satellite to take a picture."


    Piglet: "Why didn''t you just fly up and shake hands with the sun while you''re at it? But seriously, ording to sources, another hacker also hacked UTA-224.


    "They got lucky and escaped identification, unlike you. Maybe you should learn a thing or two from them. You should probably stay offline for a while and lie low."


    Raven: "Okay. Logging off then."


    Hera felt a bit stressed when she saw the post''s high view andment count. Since that post was trending, she wondered if S had seen it. She considered apologizing in advance.


    She exited her chat with Piglet and found her chat with S. Theirst conversation was when S had sent her Queenie''s information. They hadn''t been in contact since.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She sent a kneeling sticker but got no reply. She figured that S was probably not online yet and was unaware of the situation.


    Just then, Leon messaged again.


    "Wait, one more thing. Remember Amelia Gaskell, the Gaskell family''s heiress? She needs help recovering data from a phone memory card. Interested?"


    Hera thought for a second. Recovering memory card data was a basic task. She wondered why Amelia was asking her for help.


    Raven: "Why don''t you do it yourself? Don''t you like money in your pocket?"


    Piglet: "I do. And I''ve already had her


    insert the memory card into theputer. I tried remotely, but it can''t be recovered. The memory card has been encrypted and set to be permanently unrecoverable.


    "She seemed really desperate. She asked you to name your price. She''s tried others, but no one could help her. It''s been three days, and she hasn''t posted the job on the mission board, so the data must be even more sensitive than thest hack on the Gaskells."


    Raven: "When did she contact you?"


    Piglet: "Let me check... December 26th, 7:00 pm."


    Seeing the date and time, Hera


    recalled that Amelia had stormed off


    after


    ting her that morning. I


    7:00 pm, she had fled to the


    ??


    mountains. Instead of returning to the mountains, Amelia was seeking data recovery help.


    Hera remembered Isabe''s email about something buried under a tree. Her eyes narrowed as she typed, "I''ll ept the job, but no remote work. Have her send the card to you. I''lle to you."


    "Got it," Leon replied.


    While Leon was still typing, the bathroom door suddenly opened. Hera quickly switched her WhatsApp back to her personal ount.


    Standing at the bathroom door, Bernard unfastened his cufflinks with one hand. He slowly rolled up his sleeves, revealing his long, slender arms. "Do you want a bath or just a rubdown?" he asked.


    The question, paired with his actions, made Hera feel like a child about to be bathed by a parent.


    She had been bedridden for three days and was eager to move around.


    "A bath."


    As she started to get up, Bernard swiftly crossed the room and scooped her up.


    Hera gave a small gasp and struggled.


    "What are you doing? Put me down."


    Holding her securely, Bernard headed to the bathroom.


    "You''re still recovering. I''ll carry you."

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    "My foot is fine. I can walk by myself," Hera said.


    Bernard retorted, "Stay still. When I was injured before, you took care of me. Now it''s my turn to take care of you."


    "But you didn''t ask me to help you bathe."


    Bernard paused in his steps as he looked deeply at Hera in his arms.


    Only then did Hera realize she had spoken too impulsively. When she gave it more thought, she recalled that he didn''t ask for her help then.


    However, she was getting the sense that he may have hinted at it before.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing her furrowed brow, Bernard spoke in a low voice, "I see you care a lot about that."


    He remembered the time they had been in the hot spring. Hera had suddenly approached him, and he pushed her away. She might have misunderstood. Although she didn''t say anything then, she still remembered that incident.


    He wondered if she had ignored the fact that he was a normal man and couldn''t stand her teasing. He figured that if he refused again, Hera would probably ignore him in the future.


    After some thought, Bernard asked, "Do you want to help me take a bath?"


    Hera was utterly shocked.


    "Pervert!"


    Her ears turned red as she pushed him away forcefully. Escaping from his arms, she hurried into the bathroom and mmed the door shut. Bernard looked at the closed door, feeling speechless.


    Was that not it? He found it harder and harder to understand Hera''s thoughts.


    In a rundown hotel tucked away in small alley in Norburgh, the curtains of the single room were tightly drawn. An old light bulb cast a yellowish glow across the room. The 70-inch bed had washed-out sheets and covers, and the bedding carried a damp smell.


    Amelia curled up in one corner of the bed, holding her phone. Her eyes were hollow, with dried tears in the corners of her eyes.


    Just then, the screen in her hand lit up. It was a WhatsApp notification. She immediately opened it.


    It was a message from Piglet.


    "Raven has agreed. Send the memory card to this address first."


    Amelia''s initially empty eyes suddenly brightened slightly.


    Noticing that the address sent was in Norburgh, she immediately asked, "Can I hand it to you in person? I''d like to check out your workce while at it."


    "No," Piglet replied.


    Amelia hesitated for a long time. The police were looking for her now. Queenie said she would protect her, but Amelia didn''t believe her.


    This memory card was herst straw. She didn''t know its contents but knew that it must be important if Queenie went through the trouble of deleting and tampering with the data.


    Amelia figured she''d have to take the fall for Queenie if she gave the memory card away and couldn''t get it back. She would be doomed, then.


    But if she didn''t give it away, there was no hope. If she got caught by the police, the oue would be the same.


    Amelia couldn''t keep running


    forever. In just three days of hiding,


    she couldn''t take it anymore. She didn''t want to live her whole life as she was at that moment, hiding in cheap hotels where no ID was required.


    Amelia: "Alright. But you must keep this confidential. It''s absolutely necessary. Only the three of us can know about this. No matter who asks, you can''t reveal anything. Especially not to the Gaskells."


    Piglet: "We have a nondisclosure agreement."


    Amelia made up her mind.


    "Okay."

 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    Hera had slept for three days straight, so she couldn''t sleep anymore that night. She decided to give herself acupuncture. Her body was feeling much better that day.


    She got out of bed and prepared to stretch her body. As she passed by Bernard, who was sleeping in the next bed, she inexplicably walked over to him.


    His facial features were chiseled and rugged, exuding an air of restrained allure.


    His eyes were shut, and his brows were rxed-signs that he was sleeping soundly.


    If he could sleep so deeply now, it meant his condition had improved significantly from before. Hera figured that everything would be fine once he finished his final treatment and got his health back on track with the medication.


    At that time, they wouldn''t have any sort of rtionship anymore, and they wouldn''t be living together either. Even meeting casually would require finding an excuse.


    At this thought, Hera felt a faint difort in her heart. She stared at his wless face, lost in thought.


    Suddenly, she had an idea. She took out her phone,unched the camera app, and discreetly snapped a photo of him.


    As she turned to leave, her coat was suddenly grabbed from behind. She turned back to see Bernard, who had woken up at some point, staring at her.


    Caught in the act of taking his photo, Hera awkwardly hid her phone behind her back as she tried to maintain a calm facade.


    "When did you wake up?"


    Bernard was always alert and had heightened senses. He would wake up immediately at the slightest movement. When Hera got out of bed earlier, he was already awake but hadn''t moved because he could sense that she was approaching him.


    He propped himself up and reached for his phone on the bedside table.


    "I just woke up. Do you want to take a picture?"


    His voice was slightly hoarse from just waking up. It sounded low and even more pleasant.


    Hera didn''t know what to say. She felt like he was doing it on purpose.


    Before she could say "no", Bernard grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the bed with a strong grip. He leaned in from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.


    Lifting his hand, he said, "Come. Look at the camera."


    When Hera felt his firm chest against her back, she suddenly hesitated to move.


    She raised her eyes to look at the phone. On the screen, it appeared as if Bernard was embracing her from behind. Their intimacy resembled that of a couple deeply in love.


    Hera''s eyes flickered. The previous embarrassment waspletely gone. Something else seemed to be quietly budding in her heart.


    After taking a few selfies together, Hera leaned in to look at the photos on his phone.


    "Let me see. Select a few good ones and send them to me."


    "Choose whichever you like and send them straight away. I''ll go wash up first."


    Bernard handed her his phone.


    Hera was stunned for a moment while holding his phone.


    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll look at your texts?"


    Bernard squeezed toothpaste in the bathroom.


    "Go ahead if you want to look through them."


    Hera took


    phone and looked at


    their intimate photos on the s A faint smile crept onto her


    a


    feeling of bliss welled insigge


    W9%


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    When Hera opened the door, she was met with a young man whose face was more beautiful than a woman''s, adorned with smoky makeup.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Who are you? What are you doing in Mr. Killian''s ward?"


    The young man hadn''t expected the


    vel.


    person who opened the door to be such a prettydy. Her cold, unfriendly expression suggested that she shouldn''t be crossed.


    el.n


    The person who had him instructed him to go there had said that Bernard liked men. The young man wondered why there was ady dressed in a hospital gown in Bernard''s room if that were the case.


    AQUMS


    Before Hera could speak, Bernard emerged from the bathroom.


    "Who''s that?"


    "Mr. Killian, I''m Shay. Don''t you remember me from that night on the fourth floor of Imperial Hotel?" the young man said coyly.


    Hera knew about Imperial Hotel''s fourth floor. There was a bar there where it was said people of all types would gather.


    She nced at Bernard. His lover hade knocking on the door, revealing his rather wild private life.


    Bernard shot Shay a cold re, clearly irritated by this uninvited romantic entanglement.


    Every year, dozens of men and women would boldly approach him in various ways to climb into his bed. They all eyed the position of his spouse.

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    These uninvited romantic entanglements were usually handled by Dous. Bernard reckoned that Dous must have gone out to get breakfast. The bodyguards at the door were also absent.


    "Go in first."


    Bernard pushed Hera back into the room and closed the door behind her. What was about to happen was too gruesome for her to see.


    Back in the room, Hera was speechless.


    She suddenly felt that the bliss she had just felt had turned into jealousy.


    The next day, Hera received a message from Leon just as she stepped off the ne from Southburrow to Norburgh.


    "Boss, I have Amelia''s memory card. I''ll be waiting for you at this caf¨¦."


    Hera nced at the location he sent and replied, "Got it."


    She put away her phone and noticed the restroom sign ahead.


    Turning to Bernard, she said, "I need to use the restroom. You can head back first. Don''t wait for me. I''m meeting a friendter."


    Bernard stopped in his tracks.


    "Which friend?"


    Seeing that he wouldn''t leave without an answer, Hera said, "Leon."


    "Okay," Bernard responded, though a flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes.


    Hera was oblivious to his reaction and went into the restroom. She deliberately stayed inside longer to wait until she was sure Bernard had left.


    But as soon as she stepped out, she saw Bernard standing at the door, on the phone.


    When he caught sight of her, he said into the phone, "Let''s talkter."


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    Bernard nced at his watch and asked, "Upset stomach? You were inside for so long."


    She remained silent.


    They exited the airport through the VIP passage, where Dous and the driver were already waiting.


    Bernard opened the back door for Hera.


    "Where are you meeting Leon? I''ll drop you off."


    Hearing that, Dous quietly reminded, "Bernard, the meeting with Mr. Barry is about to..."


    One icy look from Bernard, and Dous fell silent.


    Hera hadn''t wanted to tell him, butExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ultimately got into his car when she long queue at the


    stand.


    "Bean Bliss."


    She gave the address.


    During the drive, Bernard sat in the. back, working on hisptop


    phone. He seemed very det


    switching between that and his


    Hera didn''t quite understand his feelings toward her. He was clearly busy, yet he insisted on staying with her. Despite supposedly being gay, he constantly sent her mixed signals with his actions, only to push her away when she tried to get closer.


    40 minutester, the driver stopped at Bean Bliss in the city center.


    Hera got out of the car and turned to see Bernard also getting out.


    "I''ll go with you, or Dous will. You choose," he said.


    Hera frowned. She wondered his reason for sticking to her thest two days.


    Noticing her hesitation, Bernard added, "If you don''t choose, we''ll both go with you."


    His tone was domineering, leaving no room for argument.


    Hera frowned deeper.


    "Are you afraid I''ll run off and not treat you?"

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    Aside from thinking that Bernard feared she''d run away to leave him untreated, Hera couldn''te up with any other reason for Bernard shadowing her like a prisoner for thest few days.


    Bernard gazed at her intently. He wasn''t afraid that she might run away but was afraid she might disappear again.


    "Yes," he said, confirming her assumption.


    Hera was momentarily speechless.


    "You can rest assured. I have medical ethics. I''ll take responsibility for you," she said, then turned and entered the caf¨¦.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Dous."


    Bernard looked at the driver''s seat, and Dous immediately understood.


    Led by the waiter, Hera was taken to a private room reserved by Leon. She knocked and entered.


    Inside the room, only Leon was present. He was engrossed in a discussion on Cyber Web''s forum.


    Discussions have been rampant recently about the UTA-224 hacking incident and the International Police''s bounty of 100 thousand dors for Raven''s capture.


    Everyone on the forum spected about Raven''s true identity and whereabouts, while another hotly debated topic was the identity of the person who hacked the satellite.


    "Boss, take a look at this. Someone on the forum is specting that S might have been your partner in the UTA-224 hacking. Is that true?" Leon turned theputer screen toward Hera upon her arrival.


    Hera immediately nced at the post''s contents but realized it was mere gossip. Most people were just specting about S and Vulcan.


    Both were legends in the hacking world and bitter rivals. Their fans, who typically didn''t get along, were now engaged in heated exchanges on the forum.


    They were ming the opposing side for the trouble brewing, as though they were afraid that their idols were wanted criminals.


    Vulcan''s fans imed, "Raven is wanted, so obviously his mentor, S, must be involved."


    S'' fans countered, "Vulcan is just copying S to shift the me. How despicable!"


    Onlookersmented, "Truly top-tier hackers. They can even hack into Miridian''s military satellite. Impressive!"


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    She was curious about this gossip herself. She wondered if it was true and who the other person might be. S hadn''t responded to her yet. But now wasn''t the time to indulge in gossip.


    "Where is it?" she asked.


    Leon extracted a small ck memory card from hisputer and gave it to Hera.


    It was


    256MB microSD card, a relic


    from the era when phones had. buttons. It had been a while:


    those days. Content belop


    "Do you have the card reader?" she asked.


    "Here."


    to


    Leon took out a card reader from his bag and handed it to her.


    Hera


    herptop over and sat


    Cim. She inserted the S theputer. Content thenie


    the reader and then


    to


    Leon immediately got up and went over to Hera''s side to watch.


    Hera clicked on the card''s icon on herputer and realized it was empty.


    At that moment, a waiter brought in


    a cup


    of coffee and asked, "Miss, is


    the gentleman outside your friend?"


    Hera peeked through the door crack and saw Dous standing outside the private room.


    Leon also spotted Dous and knew he was Bernard''s personal assistant.


    He asked, "Should we invite him in?"


    "No," Hera refused.


    She wasn''t ready for Bernard to know her true identity.


    She told the waiter, "Get him a cup oftte and ask him to wait outside."


    "Sure," the waiter replied and left, not forgetting to close the door.


    Leon caught her meaning.


    "Hey, aren''t you nning to tell him your real identity?"


    Hera raised an eyebrow.


    "Tell him, and then wait for him to turn me in for the 100-thousand-dor bounty?"

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    Leon''s mouth twitched.


    "Will he be that ruthless? If he finds out you''re Raven, he''ll probably want to recruit you into Killian Corporation.


    "Then, the Killian family would be your backer, and you could use their influence to smooth things over with Miridian. You could maybe get them to stop chasing you."


    "Forget it," Hera replied casually.


    "He''s told me before that he''s not doing well with the Killian family and wants to make it on his own."


    Leon didn''t know what to say.


    He wondered what "not doing well" meant, given that he could marry, inherit, and be the next head of the family.


    Hera drank half of her coffee as they talked. She then pulled out a silver USB drive from her pocket and inserted it into theputer. Shortly after, her fingers danced swiftly across the keyboard.


    Leon knew Hera was skilled, but this was the first time he had witnessed her prowess firsthand.


    Her fingers moved like graceful reeds, leaving only faint traces on the keyboard. The screen filled with rapidly scrolling white text on a ck background before he could decipher any of the code.


    Ten minutester, several documents appeared on the previously empty SD card.


    They were named in the default style of old Nokia phone systems. There were albums, recordings, and so on.


    However, someone had maliciously shredded the original data, and the recovery was iplete. The photo albums contained pictures that could no longer be disyed.


    Hera listened to an audio file in the recordings.


    It was recorded 11 years ago, but the exact date couldn''t be determined due to iplete data recovery.


    "Is this it? Boss, you''re truly amazing!" Leon eximed excitedly as he pulled out his phone.


    "I''ll text Amelia."


    "Wait."


    Hera raised her hand to stop him. She double-clicked the audio file and yed it.


    Leon widened his eyes.


    "Boss! I have a confidentiality agreement with her "Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Hush! Quiet," Hera cut him off.


    The audio yed. Initially, there was only the sound of rustling, possibly due to poor recording or damaged audio quality.


    This continued for over five minutes until another voice emerged.


    "...If this goes wrong, people could die!"


    It was a man''s rough voice, deliberately kept low. He sounded nervous.


    Hera''s eyes lit up. She was listening intently when the rustling sound returned.


    Six minutes passed before another voice, a woman''s, spoke up.


    "I''ll give you 500 thousand dors. Do as I say. Once it''s done, regardless of the oue, I''ll look after your wife and daughter..." After that came the rustling sound.


    Hera found the voice somewhat familiar. Upon closer thought, she concluded it was Queenie''s voice.


    The recording ended there, followed by three minutes of rustling, then silence.


    Hera considered the information


    from the recording-"11 years ago", "people could die", "500 thousand


    dors", and "looking after


    lov


    someone''s wife and daughter".


    She connected this information to


    §Ö


    Daphne''s car ident from 11 years ago. She wondered if it was Queenie who instructed Robin to cause the ident that killed Daphne.


    Unfortunately, the crucial evidence in this recording was missing.


    She attempted to recover the data again, but the result was the same.


    Unwilling to give up, she tried using software to repair the recording, but it still didn''t work. It seemed like something had interfered during the recording process.


    Hera clenched her fists at the thought of Queenie''s cunning face.


    Seeing her unsettling expression, Leon cautiously touched her shoulder.


    "Boss, are you okay? This recording sounds like a contract killing. Could it be rted to Madison and Isabe? You asked me to keep an eye on them."

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    "Do you think this sounds like a contract killing?"


    Hera looked up at Leon.


    "Even if it''s not, it''s definitely some shady business," Leon asserted confidently.


    Hera remained silent, mentally reying the entire situation.


    It all started with Isabe''s timed email. Hera had double-checked the email''s code and sender-it was sent only to her. Judging from the email''s contents, whatever was in the box mentioned by Isabe was crucial to the safety of her and her mother.


    But when Hera rushed to Lensvale, she was toote. The item had already been taken. There were traces indicating it was removed shortly before her arrival.


    This meant that the person who took it knew about it shortly after she received the email. Considering she had only sent it to Nathan, and Nathan had involved Stephen, there had to be a leak between them or perhaps a mole.


    Secondly, if this memory card was in the box in the woods, Isabe must have known its contents. Yet now, the recording was iplete.


    At best, the recording suggested Queenie had some shady dealings with someone. But without the parties involved to verify, its exact nature remained elusive.


    Hera felt that at least the current situation wasn''t a dead end.


    She snapped back to reality and called Nathan, only to find his phone switched off. She hung up with a frown.


    She almost overlooked something crucial. Nathan worked for Bernard.


    The thought of Dous waiting outside and Bernard''s constant monitoring over the past few days sparked a troubling idea in her mind.


    What if this whole incident was connected to Bernard? Had she fallen into his honey trap from the very beginning?


    Bernard, who clearly favored men, had persistently flirted with her and seduced her to make her fall for him. He dulled her sense of caution toward him.


    The possibility sent a chill down Hera''s spine.


    "Do you need to call the police or hire a detective? Damian has some connections. I can call him," Leon offered when he noticed her troubled expression.


    "Thanks. I''ll keep that in mind."


    After making a copy of the memory card''s contents, Hera handed it to him.


    "Personally return this to her address."


    Leon took the memory card.


    "And then?"


    Hera gestured with her finger for him to lean closer. She then whispered something in his ear. Leon nodded. "Got it."


    Meanwhile, Queenie emerged from a private room in the caf¨¦ with several reporters.


    With a smile, she said, "I''ll be counting on you."


    They were reporters from major


    media outlets who were always searching for headlines. They never expected the recently popr Gaskell family to reach out to them for help with news coverage.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Even though the Gaskells provided the article and they only needed to publish it, it was still a highly profitable deal for them.


    "Sure thing. Thank you, Mrs. Gaskell."


    The reporters nodded, looking happy.


    After Queenie bid them farewell, her smile turned even more confident.


    Since Amelia was wanted by the police, Queenie had been cleared of being a suspect, and the restraining order was lifted. Now, she aimed to restore the Gaskell family.


    Just then, she spotted Dous sitting in the lobby, sipping coffee. Her eyes lit up at once.


    "It''s been so long, Mr. Copley," she greeted him.


    "Mrs. Gaskell."


    Dous acknowledged her with a nod.


    1.ne


    Queenie felt a flicker of displeasure at the sight of him sitting there calmly, unflinching. Most people


    would bow upon seeing her, and yet Dous remained unfazed.

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    If it weren''t for Dous'' loyalty to Bernard, Queenie wouldn''t have greeted him with such a smile.


    Queenie nced at the empty coffee cup on the table and then toward the door of the nearby private room where Dous was seated.


    "Mr. Killian is also here, isn''t he?"


    Dous frowned.


    "Is there something I can help you with, Mrs. Gaskell?"


    "I was just looking for Mr. Killian. I hope he can attend Gaskell Corporation''s annual banquet," Queenie said as she turned around.


    Her assistant immediately pulled out an invitation from her bag.


    "Is this the room? I''ll go in to see Mr. Killian."


    She was about to knock on the door, but Dous stopped her.


    "You can''t go in, Mrs. Gaskell."


    At that moment, the door to the private room opened.


    Hera stepped out and caught sight of Queenie and Dous. Her beautiful brows immediately furrowed.


    Likewise, when Queenie saw Hera, her smile vanished instantly. She nced inside before the door closed again and saw another person, but it was clearly not Bernard.


    She wondered why Hera was there.


    The message she received said Hera had fled deep into the mountains but was promptly discovered by the police, narrowly saving her life. Hera was supposed to be receiving treatment at Lensvale Hospital.


    However, Hera didn''t look like she was narrowly saved. She lookedpletely fine.


    Queenie also thought that Shaun was injured. She wondered why he would still care for Hera if that were true.


    Queenie didn''t believe that Hera, a country bumpkin, had any special talents, so she nced at Dous. Zyler had told her before that Hera had hooked up with Dous.


    It would be possible if it were Dous.


    She had heard before that Bernard wasn''t very good at managing thepany, so he gave his subordinates considerable authority.


    Hera''s gaze shifted between Queenie and Dous, and then she chuckled.


    "Mrs. Gaskell, did youe all this way for some fresh air? It must have been stifling being cooped up for so long, huh?"


    Hera''s remark hit Queenie where it hurt, causing thetter to wish she could crush Hera to dust.


    Through gritted teeth, she said, "I came to see if you were still alive."


    "Don''t worry. When the Grim Reaperes for someone, they''ll take the person who will die first. If you''ve got the time, you''d better run around a bit more," Hera said coldly and left the caf¨¦.


    Dous immediately caught up with her.


    Queenie suddenly realized that Hera was mocking her age. She gritted her teeth and red viciously at the backs of the departing pair.


    She thought, "Does Hera think she


    can seduce people and strut around Norburgh like she owns it? Does she really believe Dous can protect her? She has no idea how things could end for her."


    ...


    Once outside the caf¨¦, Dous quickly hailed a cab.


    After they got in, he asked, "Ms. Youngworth, are you heading back to Skyview Heights or the Everett residence?"


    "Where''s Bernard?" Hera countered without answering.


    Dous was stunned for a second. He was unsure if it was his imagination, but Hera seemed slightly different that day than usual.


    "He''s at the office."


    "Take me there," Hera said.


    Dous was taken aback. Bernard was indeed at the office but at XS Corporation, not Shuttle Ventures. Directly taking her there would expose Bernard''s identity.


    "Bernard is currently in a meeting, so


    he might not be able to see you. And he has to attend an event after the meeting. How about we go back to Skyview Heights first? Tiramis must be missing you," he suggested tactfully. Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera frowned lightly. The more Dous tried to keep her away, the more suspicious it seemed.

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    Hera insisted, "Take me to the office."


    Sensing that he couldn''t dissuade her, Dous reluctantly agreed. He quickly informed the driver of Shuttle Ventures'' address and promptly texted Bernard.


    Hera sat in the back seat and observed his actions. Her gaze turned increasingly icy.


    ...


    In the CEO''s office at XS Corporation, Bernard sat behind his desk, staring at the article Samson had sent him.


    The headline read, "International Police Offers 100 Thousand Dors Bounty Reward for Wanted Hacker ''Raven''."


    Bernard hadn''t logged onto Cyber Web in a while, only to find major news upon his return.


    He was surprised as he was the one who had hacked into the satellite.


    He scrolled through the article. His mouse paused mid-scroll when he saw Raven''s logo embedded in the middle of the content.


    The logo looked familiar. The person who had hacked into hisputerst time also had this icon in their code.


    Bernard narrowed his eyes. He wondered if there could be such a coincidence.


    The Gaskell family''s previous uproar with Raven made headlines in Norburgh, and then Raven attempted to hack hisputer. After that, Raven hacked into UTA-224 before him. He considered if his actions were secretly aiding the Gaskells.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    He quickly messaged Samson.


    "Look into Raven''s background."


    "Bernard, the meeting is about to start," Theo reminded him as he entered the room.


    Bernard acknowledged with a grunt. He closed the article tab and cleared his browsing history before getting up.


    In the conference room, five top executives were already waiting.


    The atmosphere was solemn as each person took turns reporting on the annual financial summary and their ns for the next year.


    "This year''s total profit is¡ª"


    Suddenly, several notification sounds interrupted the meeting.


    Theo''s expression turned serious as he nced around at everyone.


    "Whose phone isn''t on silent?"


    Phones should be silenced during meetings. Failure to follow this basic


    thette makes one unfit to attend


    this top-level meeting.


    W


    After the five executives nervously checked their own phones, t exchanged nces. Finally,


    turned to Bernard. Coet


    to


    Bernard calmly picked up his phone from the desk. He abruptly stood up when he saw Dous'' text.


    "Put the meeting on hold," he announced before heading for the door.


    Theo was rendered speechless. He hurriedly followed after Bernard.


    "Bernard, what happened?"


    "Hera is going to Shuttle to see me."


    "Huh?"


    Theo couldn''t believe his ears.


    "Just to see you?"


    "Yeah," Bernard confirmed.


    Hera had never been this proactive about seeking him out before. He needed to get back quickly.


    Theo''s face was filled with mixed feelings as he pressed the button to open the CEO''s private elevator doors for Bernard.


    He wondered if Bernard had


    forgotten his tough CEO persona et


    and how thetter could abandon such an important meeting simply because Hera wanted to see him.


    "Haven''t you told Ms. Youngworth about your current identity?" Theo asked.


    While Bernard kept his identity hidden from the public, a few trusted and close individuals were aware of it.

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    Hera''s pretty face popped up in Bernard''s mind.


    He said, "No. She''s rather timid and quite frail. I''m worried that she won''t be able to handle the truth about my identity." Meanwhile, Theo was rendered speechless after watching Aaron''s video of Hera and Bernard engaging inbat.


    Finally, the elevator reached the first floor of the underground parking lot.


    Theo took out his car keys and asked, "Want me to send you there?"


    "No thanks," declined Bernard while getting into the driver''s seat.


    "Something came up at the Gaskell residence. You have to hurry up and take care of it."


    On the other side of town, the taxi driver parked the car just outside Shuttle Ventures. Hera and Dous got out of the car.


    Dous checked his phone. Bernard was on his way from XS Corporation but was stuck in traffic, so he needed Dous to buy him some time.


    Dous quickly messaged Bernard.


    "We''re here," his message read.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, he led Hera into thepany.


    "Ms. Youngworth," he said.


    "Bernard''s still in a meeting. Let me show you to his office."


    When the receptionist saw Dous leading a beautiful woman-Hera-into the building, her eyes lit up. She smiled politely as she greeted them. After swiping the ess card for Dous and Hera to take the elevator, the receptionist rushed back to the counter, opened a WhatsApp group chat that was specially created for gossiping, and texted away.


    Receptionist Cutie: "Oh my! Mr. Copley just brought an attractivedy back with him. She''s so pretty! Her skin''s perfect!"


    Admin Angel: "Mr. Copley''s here? Mr. Killian wouldn''t be far off, yes?"


    Finance Fairy: "Mr. Killian and Mr. Greer are the cream of the crop in doing business. Have you guys not noticed before that every time Mr. Killianes here, Mr. Greer seems to smile a bit more?"


    Admin Angel: "Wait a minute! An attractivedy?"


    Receptionist Cutie: "Yes! They''re heading to the top floor-Mr. Killian''s office."


    Admin Angel: "Oh my! Is my Dounard ship going to sink soon?"


    Secretary Sean: "Mr. Greer''s office is on the top floor, too."


    Finance Fairy: "Is my Berold ship going to sink too?"


    Receptionist Cutie: "Whatever. We won''t lose anything if we start a new ship anyway. The thing is, thedy''s simply too pretty! She''s like a


    goddess She and Mr. Killian look like a match made in heaven. shipping them! It''s a pity that didn''t I get to take any pictures of her just now. You''d know what I mean if you


    guys had seen her face. Mr. Copley and Mr. Greer would immediately be removed from the picture."


    Admin Angel: "Is she really that pretty? Sean, go and take a look if it''s true."


    Finance Fairy: "I''m so curious! Sean, hurry up and help us see thedy''s face."


    Secretary Sean: "I''m on it."


    The elevator reached the top floor in no time.


    As she exited the elevator, Hera said, "Take me to the meeting room. I''ll just observe him from outside. I won''t interrupt their meeting."


    Dous was surprised. He wondered if Hera had sensed something off about Bernard.


    "The walls of the meeting room aren''t see-through. You won''t be able to see him," Dous said tactfully.


    Hera nced at him silently,


    dubious. She simply wanted to see


    Bernard and check if he truly was working at thepany the Killians had arranged for him. She also


    wanted to ascertain the truthin his words.


    If he had really lied to her...


    It made Hera upset just by thinking about it, and her eyes turned slightly cold at the thought.


    Dous led her to Bernard''s office Fortunately, the cleaner woulde to the office every day to tidy up, so


    it looked like it was reqy un


    upied.


    "Hold on. Let me get you some water," said Dous.


    He checked his phone again.


    Bernard still hadn''t replied. Dous was anxious, so he quickly called Bernard.


    Meanwhile, in the office, Hera nced around the room. The interior design was decent.


    Her gaze fell on theputer on the table. She started to get up and approach theputer. Just then, there was a knock at the door, and a man in a suit walked into the office.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    The man who entered Bernard''s office was one of the secretaries of the vice president.


    He was, in fact, "Secretary Sean" in the gossip group chat. After receiving the news in the group chat, he deliberately showed up to see what Hera looked like.


    When he saw Hera, he froze. It was just like the receptionist had described-Hera was beautiful.


    She was so beautiful that he was jealous of her beauty somehow. Two years ago, when Sean joined Shuttle Ventures, Bernard just so happened to take over thepany.


    Sean had only caught a glimpse of Bernard''s face from afar, but he''d been attracted to Bernard''s good looks ever since.


    He heardter that Bernard was single and never got close or intimate with women. Bernard would rather let go of the chance to inherit the Killian family''s shares than marry just any woman.


    At that time, Sean was secretly d that he was a man because he could get on Bernard''s good side. That was why Sean made himself look presentable every day, hoping to get close to Bernard at thepany.


    Not only was Bernard attractive, but he was also rich and had a good figure. Sean would be content for the rest of his life if he could enter into a "rtionship" with Bernard, even if it meant not being able to marry him.


    Bringing his attention back to the present, Sean felt that it didn''t matter if the woman in the office looked pretty. He was sure that Bernard wouldn''t spare her a nce.


    "I''ve brought you coffee," said Sean as he ced a cup of coffee on the table.


    His renewed confidence was apparent in his voice.


    "Thanks. Are you Mr. Killian''s secretary?" Hera asked, ncing at him.


    Sean wasn''t that dashingpared to others, but his facial features were prominent enough.


    His hair was slightly permed, and he looked smart in his clothes. He even smelled of cologne.


    If someone were to look closely, they would see that he''d put on some light makeup that was barely noticeable.


    Sean clucked his tongue, slightly annoyed. He thought about how wonderful it''d be if he truly were Bernard''s secretary and could always stay by Bernard''s side.


    Unfortunately, Bernard rarely came to thepany. Even if he did, he''d give Dous instructions.


    Sean had no opportunity to offer his assistance. At most, he could admire Bernard''s handsomeness when he brought drinks into the office.


    "Yes. I can help pass on your message to Mr. Killian if you need me," said Sean.


    Bernard showed up to thepany no more than five times in a year. And since Dous left without even telling anyone about Hera after bringing her here, it could only mean that she wasn''t that significant of a person.


    As the vice president''s secretary, Sean could do whatever he wished to someone insignificant at thepany.


    "Are Mr. Killian''s secretaries all men?" Hera asked.


    Sean was displeased. He didn''t like how conceited Hera seemed when she asked him that.


    Gruffly, he said, "Yes. So if you''re trying to get close to him by seducing him, just give up. He doesn''t like women." Hera was bbergasted.


    She wondered if this was a "secret"monly acknowledged and known throughout thepany.


    "If you have nothing else to do here, please leave," Sean told her.


    "Mr. Killian won''t see you. He isn''t here at the moment."


    Hera''s gaze turned cold.


    "He isn''t here, you say?"


    All the staff there were supposed to keep the fact that Bernard rarely appeared at thepany a secret.


    Realizing that he''d made a slip of the


    Sean quickly added, "


    has to meet a client so he isn''t here." Content


    so he isn''t here." Content b


    to


    The moment he finished speProperty ? N?velDrama.Org.


    n


    the door to the office abruptly opened. Bernard strode in, looking as cold and unapproachablecas usual.


    QUMS


    "Swee-" Bernard started to say but shut up when he saw that he and Hera weren''t the only ones in the office.


    "M-Mr. Killian!" Sean stuttered, surprised to see Bernard there.


    He looked as if he''d seen a ghost.


    He pondered why Bernard was present.


    No one informed him that Bernard would be at thepany that day.


    Hera smiled softly when she saw Bernard.


    "Didn''t you say Mr. Killian wouldn''t be here today?"


    Bernard''s expression turned cold when he heard that. He nced at Sean, who shuddered in fear.


    Dous, who had been following


    from behind, walked i


    Be office only to be appalled into et


    the


    scene unfolding before him.


    Had he just been thrown under the bus by an awful teammate after having to rush all the way here?

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    "Which department are you from? Why are you here? Do you have nothing to do?" Dous purposely raised his voice at Sean.


    "I..."


    Sean realized that he''d made a big mistake. He didn''t know how to exin himself.


    In the end, Dous forcefully dragged Sean out of the office to the finance department.


    When they reached the finance department, Dous said, "Give him his pay. He doesn''t need toe into work anymore after this."


    "Tell HR that Mr. Killian doesn''t want to see his face ever again."


    Shock and fear rattled Sean like a thunderp in the dark of the night.


    He grabbed Dous'' hand and pleaded, "Mr. Copley, I was wrong. I won''t do it again. Please don''t fire me "


    Dous yanked his hand away from Sean and turned to leave, leaving the finance department staff staring at each other in confusion.


    Back in the office on the top floor, Bernard approached Hera and lightly tugged the hem of her sleeve.


    "Sweetie, why did youe here all of a sudden? You didn''t even tell me beforehand. I could''ve picked you up."


    His deep, attractive voice was gentle to the ears.


    The cold, domineering aura he had before this was gone. He pouted like a puppy yearning for its master''s attention. He didn''t look like the person he was when he just entered the office a moment ago.


    Hera had seen his demeanor change drastically several times before. She should''ve been used to it by now, but this change in his attitude was overwhelming that day.


    Taking a step backward to distance herself from him, she tried to sound calm as she said, "If I told you that I wasing here, how would I know if you were telling the truth or just lying to me."


    When Bernard saw Hera keeping her distance from him, his expression turned cold again.


    He knitted his brows as he ran through the possibilities in his mind. From what Dous had told him, Hera had gone out to meet Leon.


    She had bumped into Queenie at the coffee shop. After that, Hera insisted on going over to thepany to see Bernard.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Bernard wondered if Queenie had said something to Hera.


    "I was indeed in a meeting just now," Bernard said.


    "It wasn''t in thispany, though. It was at my friend''spany."


    He moved closer to Hera while looking into her enchanting eyes and continued exining, "I don''t get along well with my rtives at home, so I take on some side gigs. It''s not bad to make some extra money, right?"


    Hera stared back at him, her gaze cold.


    "This isn''t the only thing you''re hiding from me, right?"


    Bernard frowned slightly. Did she perhaps discover his true identity?


    "Such as what?" he asked.


    "Such as..." she said.


    "You don''t like women."


    Bernard was at a loss for words.


    "Who told you that?"


    "Everyone in thispany knows about this, right?" Hera asked, puzzled.


    Bernard''s reaction was so intense that she couldn''t decide if he was embarrassed because she had found out about it or simply mad because he had been used of it.


    Bernard fell silent.


    He suddenly remembered the time Frederick and Roman discussed his sexual orientation here in thepany.


    His face fell. So, the "discussion" had spread in thepany like wildfire. And now, even Hera learned of it.


    Still, he questioned how she could believe in a rumor like that so easily.


    Bernard cursed himself for screwing himself up.


    "Is that why you''re deliberately staying away from me?" he said, wearing an exasperated smile.


    "Why are you always so cute? You have a high IQ, and yet you still believe in a rumor like this?"


    He raised his hand to ruffle Hera''s hair, but she dodged his touch.


    "A rumor?" Hera repeated.


    She was skeptical.


    "You said you aren''t getting along well with your family at home,


    why aren''t you considering some


    getting


    married to inherit Grandpa''s shares?"


    If Bernard inherited the shares, the other Killian family members would at least fear him a little, even if they disliked him.


    Hera figured that if she could think. of it,


    t believe it for a


    ard should too. She


    never urred to

 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    Once again, Bernard found himself at a loss for words.


    The shares that Albert left for him meant nothing to him. He hated Albert.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Did Albert really think that by giving Bernard the shares after his death, he''d be able to make up for the suffering Bernard''s mother endured for so many years after finding out that he cheated on her?


    It could never change the fact that the Killian family had cornered her and caused her to die.


    Bernard didn''t need those shares.


    Returning to the matter at hand, he couldn''t believe that Hera would make assumptions about his sexual orientation simply because of that rumor.


    "The legal minimum age of marriage here is 20," he said.


    That single sentence hit Hera like a bomb.


    He continued, "So, it''s not like I don''t want to get married. It''s just that the woman I like isn''t 20 yet."


    Hera was stunned. This was way too much information for her to digest, and she was speechless.


    "Aren''t you ga-"


    "No!" Bernard cut her short.


    "Well then, why were you watching..." Hera''s voice faltered as she realized that that wasn''t the point.


    She eximed, "There''s actually someone you like?"


    She wondered who the woman was and what kind of person she was.


    Bernard looked into her eyes and said, "Yes."


    Hera met his eyes.


    Bitterness washed over her for no apparent reason, and she said, "Then why did you...''


    ...seduce me?


    She didn''t voice thest two words.


    That''s not right! The Bernard she knew was a capricious man. Who knew if he was speaking the truth or just lying to her? She mustn''t be fooled by him again.


    At that moment, it urred to her that she didn''t know much about him.


    Sensing her hesitation to speak, Bernard gently put his hand behind Hera''s head and asked, "What did I do?"


    "You didn''t prove to me that what you said was true!" she snapped, wary of him.


    The look of alert on her face made him frown slightly.


    "What should I do to prove that to you?"


    Hera was speechless. How would she know?


    Frustrated, she said, "You-"


    Her eyes widened as Bernard''s face closed in. They were so close that he could see his reflection in her eyes.


    Then, he pressed his lips softly against hers, and her mind turnedpletely nk.


    It was her first kiss.


    She pushed him away. Furious, she raised her hand to p him, but he grabbed her wrist to stop her.


    "Does this prove it?" he asked,


    pressing his other hand against the back of her head as he rested his forehead against hers and stared into her eyes as if in a daze. Content


    belongs to


    Hera''s eyshes fluttered in shock. She had one hand pressed against his chest to stop him from kissing her again.


    Hera had always thought she was a


    smart woman, but at that moment, her mind seemed to have ceased


    working. Her thoughts were a mess, and she couldn''t even speako


    properly.


    She stuttered, "H-How could you? Y-You already like someone else."


    Bernard thought she looked especially cute when she panicked. He felt the strong urge to pull her into his arms so that she would belong to him and him only. Ble didn''t want anyone else to see her.


    There was a ze in his eyes when he asked, "Do you still not understand?"


    His gaze burned, making Hera''s ears turn red from embarrassment. She quickly looked down at her shoes, refusing to meet his gaze.


    She didn''t dare to look into those fiery eyes of his for fear of losing thest ounce of rationality she had in her.


    "Let me calm down for a bit," she muttered, wringing her wrist free from his grasp so she could push him away with both hands.


    "I''ll keep youpany then," Bernard told her as he stood in front of the door.


    He wouldn''t let her leave.


    He realized that he mustn''t repeat his mistake. He couldn''t take his time to let her slowly make her guesses and discover his feelings for her. He''d learned that he should just be frank by directly telling her about it. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble he''d fall into in the future? Hera said, "I can''t tell if what you''re saying is true."

 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    "What did I say that made you question my honesty?" Bernard asked.


    Hera remembered the awkward moment she and Bernard shared at the hot spring resort and said, "You pushed me away at the hot spring resort back then!"


    Bernard fell silent. It was as he expected. She''d misunderstood him.


    With a flick of his hand, he locked the office door. Then, he slowly approached her.


    "Sweetie, have you forgotten how old you are?"


    Hera moved backward, but the heavy rosewood table blocked her path, and she had nowhere to go.


    Meanwhile, Bernard continued advancing on her.


    He leaned down close to the side of her face, then whispered into her ear, "Your brother looks at me as if I were his rival. If I didn''t push you away, he would''ve stabbed me to death."


    His warm breath fanned her ear. It was tingling, and it stirred her heart.


    She instantly grabbed a hold of herself. Wasn''t she the one who should be questioning him right now?


    Hera leaned back and gripped the edge of the table with her hands. She stared at Bernard warily.


    She managed to say, "But you even left with your lover just two days ago!"


    Bernard couldn''t decide if he should be annoyed or amused by that.


    Eventually, he said, "Do you know how many people want to get close to me daily? Men and women-there is no exception. Theye up with lots of strange excuses every time. Surely they can''t all be my lovers, right?"


    Hera was bbergasted. She pondered why he sounded as though he were proud of that fact.


    "Don''t worry. I''ve always been waiting for you," said Bernard, tilting her chin upward.


    With his gaze locked on her lips, he gently brushed his thumb over them as if trying to remember what the kiss just now felt like.


    Hera wavered.


    "Really?" she asked, still slightly suspicious.


    Her response rendered Bernard speechless.


    A momentter, he said, "Are you sure you want to discuss this?"


    Hera paused briefly before telling him, "Then why don''t you let go of me first?"


    The corner of Bernard''s mouth tilted upward into a smile. Suddenly, he leaned in closer to her.


    Thinking that he was going to kiss her again, Hera ced her hands on his chest to push him away. But before she could do so, she felt the warm touch of his lips against her forehead.


    She froze,pletely forgetting that she''d just tried to struggle away for him just a second ago.


    After that, Bernard released her and took a step back from her.


    "Do you have any other questions, my dear?" he asked.


    Hastily, Hera turned around so that her back faced him.


    She hurriedly took a sip from the cup of coffee that was on the table and snapped, "Nonsense. I haven''t agreed to anything!"


    "Sooner orter, you will," said Bernard with a shrug.


    Hera let out a bark of sardonicughter.


    "Why, aren''t you quite full of yourself?"


    She put on a fake smile.


    "I don''t even trust youpletely."


    Just then, Bernard''s phone started ringing.


    After ncing at the screen, he said, "It''s fine. We have plenty of time that. Meanwhile, I think you''ll


    more interested in this matte fo


    regarding Queenie."


    Hera''s eyes lit up at those words. She nced at his phone and urged him to answer the call.


    Bernard chuckled and answered it.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "I''m at Shuttle Ventures," he said into the phone.


    "Tell me about it in person here."


    Meanwhile, Amelia took a bite from a tasteless piece of bread in her hands in a shabby motel. Her phone screen lit up abruptly, and she quickly tapped the notification to open the message. "The parcel''s arrived. Don''t forget to take it.-Piglet"


    Amelia stuffed the bread into her mouth and texted back, "Okay."


    Then, she put on her cap and mask. After altering her appearance slightly to prevent someone else from recognizing her, she gingerly opened the door, ready to leave. Content


    belongs to


    She was about to walk out into the corridor when several men barged into the room and pinned her onto the ground.


    "Police! Don''t move!" one of them ordered.


    "You''re under arrest. You''reing back with us for an investigation."

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    Over at the Gaskell residence, Jake rushed into the living room.


    "Mr. Gaskell, Mrs. Gaskell, this is horrible!" he eximed, still panting.


    "What is it? Calm down!" Queenie hissed, angry at him for being so panicky.


    "Ms. Gaskell has been arrested by the police," said Jake.


    "Our men at the police station said that she confessed to everything and is waiting for the court to deliver the death sentence."


    Terence''s face fell upon hearing the news, whereas the annoyance on Queenie''s face faded away.


    "Got it," she said.


    "You may leave."


    "Aren''t we going to bail her out?" Jake asked weakly.


    "Shut up! Don''t tell us what to do!" Queenie roared.


    "Also, don''t tell Zyler about this."


    Nothing needed to be said further. They wouldn''t be bailing Amelia out.


    "Okay," Jake mumbled as he bent over in a bow and left.


    He''d been a butler at the Gaskell residence for over 20 years and had looked after Amelia as she grew up.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He knew that Queenie had always favored Zyler over Amelia. Nevertheless, Amelia was still Queenie''s daughter.


    Even animals wouldn''t kill their young so simply. As someone who had watched Amelia grow up, Jake, even as a butler, felt some attachment to her.


    He wondered how could Queenie, Amelia''s biological mother, be so ruthless and cold-hearted.


    "Do we really have to sacrifice Amelia?" Terence asked miserably as he lit the cigar in his mouth.


    "Is there really no other way out of this?"


    He knew about Queenie''s n.


    "What''s wrong? Can''t let her go, can you?" Queenie asked, ncing sideways at him.


    In a firm and forceful tone, she said, "I''m doing this for our family! If we don''t sacrifice something, we won''t be able to achieve our goal!"


    She added, "Amelia is sacrificing herself for the sake of our family. We should just be grateful and remember her sacrifices in the future." Terence wanted to tell Queenie that it wasn''t right, but the words were stuck in his throat. He didn''t dare say them aloud.


    In the eyes of the public, he was the honorable and respectable Mr. Gaskell In truth, Queenie had always had a hold on him like an iron fist. He always had to listen to her and do whatever she wanted him to.


    Moreover, there was no denying that things at thepany improved greatly after Queenie was released from detainment and started working.


    "It''s pretty much what I expected. Tell the media they can publish the drafts prepared beforehand," Queenie told him.


    "Our next step is to take advantage of the Everett family''s situation during the annual meeting to rise from the ashes!"


    Queenie was full of confidence when she said that. She regretted not wiping out the Everett family back then, as it gave Hera the chance to create trouble for Queenie.


    That was why, this time, Queenie would make the entire Everett family pay for what Hera had done.


    That night, news regarding the involvement of the Gaskell family''s daughter in a murder made the headlines on all the major news broadcasting channels.


    ...


    The news about Isabe and her mother''s disappearance resurfaced. Even the lesser-known channels in Southburrow reported the news and concluded that the perpetrator was none other than Amelia.


    At the same time, many social media ounts appeared to help Queenie rid herself of the


    usations of being the suspect Some evenmented that she was too kind of a mother to have pampered her children, which led to Ameliamitting the sin.


    Some posts exined that Queenie became a suspect only because she wanted to give Amelia a chance to redeem herself.


    In the Everett family''s car, Hera sat in the backseat. She was on her phone, scrolling through the news regarding Amelia.


    Just then, she received a call from Stephen from the police department.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Nate''snded himself into some trouble," Stephen informed her.


    "The cases he was in charge of were all transferred and assigned to a colleague. The colleague arrested Amelia, and she confessed to abducting you and also the murder of Isabe and her mother. The case is now closed, and Amelia''s waiting for the court to sentence her."


    "I saw it on the news," said Hera calmly.


    "What happened to Nate?"


    "He got injured during a drug bust. The drug dealers even injected him with some drugs," Stephen exined, his tone weary and upset.


    "He''s not doing well and is receiving treatment in istion."


    Hera narrowed her eyes. A shadow fell over her face, making it hard to discern her expression.

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    "Got it. I''ll visit Nate when he''s better," said Hera.


    Sensing herck of interest in the case, Stephen tried tofort her.


    "Don''t worry. Nate''s always been in tip-top condition. He''ll recover very quickly," he said.


    Hera hummed in response.


    If Stephen hadn''t met Hera in person before this and felt how cold and distant she was as a person, he''d assumed that she was way too indifferent and calm after receiving such news.


    However, since she had no questions about the case, Stephen said nothing more after that.


    Before hanging up, he simply told her, "That''s all. Bye."


    Hera stared at her phone screen, which showed her the news page about Amelia. A mischievous glint formed in her eyes.


    "Ms. Youngworth, we''re here," said the chauffeur as he parked the car in front of the gates of the Everett residence.


    After thanking the chauffeur, Hera exited the car and pressed the doorbell. As she waited for the gates to open, she received several WhatsApp messages from Bernard.


    "Are you home?


    "What should I do? We''ve only just parted, and yet I''m starting to miss you again. When will youe to Skyview Heights again? I''m so pitiable." The corners of Hera''s mouth lifted into a smile.


    She responded to his messages with two simple words: "We''ll see."


    "Did you win a jackpot? Why are you so happy?" Gino asked jokingly as he stood in the doorway after opening the door.


    Hera appeared to be in a pretty good mood, which didn''t happen every day.


    Hera pocketed her phone. ncing up, she noticed that Gino hadn''t even put on his jacket before leaving the house to wee her. "You must miss me a lot," she said.


    The moment she finished saying that, she realized that it must''ve been Bernard''s influence that prompted her to say something like that. The door at the Everett residence was automatic. Yet, Gino rushed over to open the door when he knew that she had returned.


    At her words, he suddenly thought that he was too childish for running out to open the door for her.


    "You think? Well, then, I''ll admit that I miss you a little bit," said Gino with his head held high.


    Hera was speechless.


    Later, when they entered the house, she saw Lilith and Mildred having dinner in the dining room. Gideon and James weren''t there.


    The Everetts would usually have dinner at around seven. They don''t usually have supper.


    It was already ten o''clock, and yet Lilith and Mildred were only having their dinner at this time. Hera found it strange.


    "You''re back, Hera. Are you hungry?" Lilith asked.


    "Do you want to eat some more?"


    Setting her fork and spoon down, Lilith stood up to go to the kitchen and grab Hera a set of cutlery.


    Hera didn''t feel like eating, so she asked, "Why are you having dinner thiste today?"


    "We wanted to wait for your dad and Gideon, but they still haven''t returned home," exined Lilith.


    "That''s why we''re having dinner now."


    Hera sensed something behind Lilith''s words.


    "Did something happen at Gideon''spany?"Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Not wanting to let Hera worry, Lilith tried to devise an excuse. But


    she could speak, Mildred''s Defore voice filled the air. Content belongs


    to


    "It''s all because of the Gaskells!" she seethed.


    "That bitch called Queenie... Why didn''t she get a death sentence?"


    She continued, "After she was released, she started giving us trouble. Not only did she have someone stop a new, important client from signing a contract with Gideon, but she also robbed us of the venue he reserved for the annual meeting. She even set her meeting date so it falls on the same day as ours!


    "So what if the Gaskells are wealthier than us? They think they''re the supreme lords here in Norburgh They''re a bunch of conceited fools who look down on our family. I''m so pissed! Hera, hurry up and catt Bernard. Ask him to teach them a lesson!"

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    Chapter 283


    The longer Mildred spoke, the more furious she became. She pped the cutlery onto the table with a resounding thud.


    "Calm down, Mom," Lilith told her.


    "You''ll fall sick if you get too angry."


    But Mildred wasn''t going to calm down just like that.


    She shoved Lilith''s hand away and huffed, "I''m still pretty solid, okay? Judy, bring me some water. I still have the energy to curse the Gaskells for another half an hour!"


    Hera was speechless at Mildred''s behavior.


    Soon, Judy returned with a warm ss of water.


    "Don''t worry, madam," she said.


    Then, she told Lilith, "Ever since the madam took the pills Ms. Hera gave her, she started feeling much better than before."


    "Speaking of which, I feel much better after taking the pills you gave me, too," said Lilith, changing the topic.


    "James'' stomach problem seems to have improved a lot too. He didn''tin to me about any difort for the past few days." "That''s great," said Hera.


    Just then, they heard a ruckus from the yard. It was most likely James and Gideon returning home.


    Judy headed outside to check if the two men were back. A momentter, Gideon and his assistant walked through the door.


    The two of them supported James as he stumbled into the house in his drunken stupor.


    "Why did he drink so much? Quick, bring him upstairs. We don''t want him to catch a cold," Mildred said.


    "Judy, go and prepare something for his hangover."


    Then, Gideon and his assistant took James back to his bedroom. Lilith hurriedly followed them from behind.


    When Gideon came downstairs sometimeter, he asked his assistant to return home before sinking into the couch.


    He reeked of alcohol. Although Mildred pestered him about what happened before he and James returned, Gideon wouldn''t say a single word.


    After all, he didn''t want to bring work-rted problems home. He just didn''t want anyone in the family to worry.


    Meanwhile, Hera followed the assistant out of the house.


    "What''s wrong?" she asked him.


    Since she was a part of the Everett family, and the assistant was still pissed off about what happened earlier, he told her everything about it.


    Apparently, Gideon was about to sign a contract with a public limitedpany, but Queenie found thepany''s general manager before the contract was set in stone.


    She proposed to earn less so that thepany would earn more and even had someone spread false information about the Everett family. The contract between Gideon''spany and the public limitedpany was put on hold.


    Gideon initially nned to tell all his staff about the good news after signing the contract. But now, his n was ruined.


    Later on, the Imperial Hotel''s staff informed Gideon that the site he''d booked for thepany''s annual meeting at the Imperial Hotel was canceled because the Gaskell family paid more to rent the ce. The staff asked him to look for another venue to rent for the event. Content


    belongs to


    Imperial Hotel was one of the many hotels Killian Corporation owned. It was well-known in Norburgh and was popr with the affluent.


    It was usually challenging to make a reservation there. After much effort, Gideon finally made one.


    Logically speaking, a luxury hotel like Imperial Hotel would value its honor and credibility. Hotels like these held the concept of firste, first served in high regard.


    They wouldn''t cancel a reservation simply because another party was willing to pay a higher price since doing so would ruin their reputation and undermine their authority as a premium hotel.


    But the current manager of Imperial Hotel was a distant rtive of Queenie''s. Queenie also had quite some influence among the Killians. With the power in her hands, she could order others around rather easily.


    The most concerning thing was that the reservation was canceled when the annual meeting was just around the corner To make things worse for Gideon, it was the end of the year, making it extremely difficult to make a reservation at any other hotel since most luxury hotels were fully booked at this time of the year. It''d be humiliating to book a venue at the veryst minute. Content


    belongs to


    The Gaskell family had provoked James before this, and he''d been miserable for quite some time. After so long, he''d finally gotten back on his feet, but Queenie appeared and wreaked all this trouble for him and Gideon.


    Naturally, James wasn''t pleased with it. He met with Imperial Hotel''s manager, thinking of using persuasion to handle this problem.


    Who knew that he''d end up so drunk that he was almost unconscious? Still, the manager refused to change his mind.


    "There''s nothing Mr. Gideon can do now," said Gideon''s assistant with a sigh.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Does the hotel''s manager have the final say in this?" Hera asked.


    "Yes. We can''t do anything unless the managing director interferes," said the assistant.


    "But the managing director is also a member of the Killian family."


    He sighed again, helpless at how power can influence just about anything in this world.


    Hera understood it all now.


    "I see. Drive safe," she said.


    Gino wiped Gideon''s face with a towel in the living room while Mildred stood beside them, ranting incessantly.


    When she saw Hera return to the house, she said, "Have you called Bernard? Queenie''s not even that significant of a person in the Killian family, and yet she''s so full of herself! Our Bernard will be


    Killian family heir in the fut the


    but


    you don''t see us being that proud of ourselves!"


    Hera fell silent.


    A momentter, Gino broke the silence.


    "Since when was he a part of our family?"


    Gino never agreed to it!

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    Chapter 284


    "He''ll be a part of our family sooner orter! Don''t interrupt me. I''m talking to Hera, not you, Gino," Mildred chided.


    She turned to Hera and asked, "Do you hear me?"


    Hera kept her silence.


    After a while, Gideon said, "Alright. Stop nagging, Grandma. I''ll find a way to resolve this, so stop worrying about it. Go and get some rest." He didn''t want his family to worry about anything rted to thepany, and he wasn''t fond of the idea of having Hera ask Bernard for help.


    If there really was no other way to solve this dilemma, Gideon could simply change the venue for the annual meeting.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Queenie wouldn''t be able to reserve all the rooms and event sites at every luxury hotel in Norburgh, anyway.


    Finally, Hera broke her silence.


    "Leave the problem of finding a venue to me," she told him.


    Before this, she''d been waiting for a chance to repay Queenie''s "kindness" for abducting her.


    Now that the chance had arisen, Hera wouldn''t let it slip past her fingers.


    Gideon straightened his back when he heard that.


    He objected without hesitation, "No way. Don''t meddle in this. Just focus on your studies."


    Hera then asked, "Am I not considered a part of this family?"


    Gideon froze when he heard that.


    "Of course you are!"


    "Well then, as a family member, it''s only natural that I contribute to the family, right?" she questioned.


    Gideon felt warm inside upon hearing her words. He''d been trying really hard to make her feel included at home, but things weren''t that easy since they''d stayed apart for 17 years.


    Even though they were biologically rted, they were like distant strangers who knew little about each other. It was impossible for Hera to be close to and intimate with all the Everetts so suddenly.


    Therefore, there was still an unseen gap between Hera and the Everetts in their subconscious.


    But now, after hearing what Hera said, Gideon felt as if the gap had suddenly be smaller.


    Even Mildred herself was startled.


    After snapping out of her daze, she


    urged, "Then hurry up and call Bernard! Ask him to help us teach them a lesson. I want those Gaskells broke so that they''ll never rise up again!"


    Once again, Hera was at a loss for words. She wanted to tell Mildred to stop reading all those clich¨¦ novels.


    "Don''t force yourself into doing it if you don''t like him, okay? It''s always hard to repay someone for their kindness," said Gideon.


    Once again, Hera fell silent. Who said she was going to find Bernard for help?


    "I have a way to deal with it. You should get some rest. I''m going back to my room," she told him and headed upstairs.


    After having breakfast the next day, Hera asked Gideon for a ride to Imperial Hotel.


    Gideon didn''t know what she was


    going to do. But since she asked him to send her to the hotel, it could only


    for


    that she wouldn''t ask Bernard .


    The hotel was lively and merry when they arrived. People milled about. Even finding an empty parking space to park their car was hard.


    So, Hera simply told Gideon to drop her off at the entrance. She''d enter the hotel alone.


    She''d only just gotten out of the car when she bumped into Queenie, who was leaving the hotel.


    Queenie naturally saw Hera and Gideon. She purposely walked over to them.


    With a sneer, she said, "Mr. Gideon, you''re still not giving up, huh? The manager has signed a contract with me already. You two should leave and find yourselves another Spot for your event."


    Gideon''s face fell when he caught a glimpse of a corner of the contract sticking out of her bag.


    "Don''t listen to her," Hera told him.


    "Wait for me."


    That said, she walked past Queenie and entered the building.

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    Chapter 285


    "You''re a good-for-nothing who fails at everything!" Queenie hissed as she watched Hera walk past her.


    Gideon himself couldn''t even change the manager''s mind. What made Hera think she could get him to sign a contract with the Everetts?


    Queenie thought Hera was too full of herself. Even if she asked Dous for help, she couldn''t change anything at all.


    An ugly smile crept onto Queenie''s face as she said, "The manager''s a righteous person. He wouldn''t change his mind even if Hera stood before him naked."


    "Watch your tongue!" Gideon warned, his face dark.


    He was fine with Queenie insulting him but would not let anyone insult Hera.


    Smiling nonchntly, Queenie clucked her tongue and said, "Hera''s got a sharper tongue than me, you know. Do as you please if you feel like wasting your time here."


    After all, she was sure that neither Gideon nor Hera could make the hotel manager change his mind.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, Queenie extracted an invitation card from her bag and tossed it into Gideon''s car through the open window.


    She said haughtily and conceitedly, "Don''t forget to attend the Gaskell family''s annual banquet."


    Gideon''s grip on the steering wheel tightened as he watched her walk away with her head held high.


    Back then, when Giselle was still Zyler''s fianc¨¦e, the Gaskells would invite the Everetts to their banquet yearly. This year, though, the two families were at odds.


    Queenie wasn''t sincere in inviting Gideon to attend the banquet. She intentionally did so to embarrass him and his family.


    She was unting the fact that the event hall was hers now. It was a provocation, and she did nothing to hide it.


    It was a shame that Gideon wasn''t powerful enough to go against the Gaskell family yet. And although he had no idea what Hera would do, he believed she wouldn''t give up her chastity like what Queenie had said.


    Gideon turned the steering wheel and continued to find a ce to park his car. After securing a spot to park, he contacted some other hotels to ask about their event halls as he waited for Hera toe out of the hotel.


    Half an hourter, Hera found him in the parking lot.


    She opened the passenger side door, got into the seat, and said, "It''s settled."


    "It''s settled?"


    Gideon was taken by surprise. He checked the time. She''d only been gone for just half an hour.


    "Yeah. Hall 5, at ten in the morning," she said.


    "The time and ce remains unchanged."


    Gideon couldn''t help but ask, "How did you do it?"


    He wondered if she had more influence over others here in Norburgh than he did.


    "I yed a trick," she said.


    "You didn''t seduce the manager, right?" Gideon asked, Queenie''s words suddenly appearing in his mind.


    A speechless Hera stared at him for some time before responding, "He''s bald."


    Gideon was even more confused now. He''d seen the manager before.


    The man was about 30 years old, yet he suffered from severe hair loss Working at Killian Corporation. probably stressed him out too much. He was almostpletely bald at his young age.


    "I''m shallow. I don''t like bald men," said Hera.


    Gideon was dumbstruck. So what if she didn''t like men who were bald? There was no connection between bald men and solving the problem regarding the venue.


    When Gideon saw the hotel manager sometimeter, the manager''s head was no longer bald. He now had thick, glossy hair. Only then did it dawn on Gideon what Hera did to secure the venue for him.


    QUMS


    "But you must keep this a secret for now," Hera reminded him.


    "There''ll be an excellent show on the day of the meeting."


    "Okay," said Gideon.


    He still had no clue what she was nning, but he was happy enough to listen to her since she''d significantly helped him.


    On the other side of the city, the Gaskells and theirpany''s staff were busy handing out their invitation cards.


    The Gaskell family''spany had been in trouble for some time, so Terence wanted to make aeback at the banquet with Queenie''s help.


    He even went to the extent of personally handing the invitation card to the Ludden family.

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    Chapter 286


    The eldest son of the Luddens was not in Norburgh. Only Andrew, his wife, their other son, Christopher, and Andrew''s mother stayed there. Terence shamelessly said, "Dean Ludden, Mrs. Ludden, Christopher, you must attend the Gaskells'' annual banquet at Imperial Hotel on the fifth." They would send an invitation to the Luddens each year, but only Christopher, who had a good rtionship with Zyler, would attend. However, things were different this year. Christopher had a falling out with Zyler, so they were worried that even Christopher wouldn''t show up.


    Queenie had found out about Bernard''s whereabouts. She heard that he was going to an event that day, so she followed closely behind him as soon as he arrived.


    "Bernard... Mr. Killian."


    She remembered how Terence had told her about Bernard publicly not acknowledging him, so she quickly changed her address.


    "The Gaskells'' annual banquet is on the fifth and will be held at Imperial Hotel. We''re looking forward to your presence."


    Queenie offered the invitation with both hands as she spoke.


    She had always been wary of Bernard in the past, especially when she knew of the Killians'' shares he was set to inherit. So, no matter how arrogant she usually was, she would humble herself before him.


    Bernard nced sideways at her and the invitation. However, he did not ept it. He simply strode away, bypassing her.


    "Mr. Killian will decide whether to attend based on his schedule," Dous said as he took the invitation and hurried after Bernard.


    Queenie stood frozen, her smile stiff.


    Bernard had never attended the Gaskells'' annual banquet before. She used to think it was because she hadn''t delivered the invitation personally and hadn''t been sincere enough. Now, she realized it wasn''t about that at all. He simply disliked the Gaskells.


    In the elevator, Dous said while looking at the invitation, "The Gaskells'' annual banquet is at the same time and ce as the Everetts. Did Queenie do this on purpose?"


    Bernard narrowed his eyes as a mocking smile appeared on his face.


    "Really? Then let''s prepare a big gift for the Everetts."


    Hearing this, Dous could only silently pray for the Gaskells.


    Soon, it was the day of the banquet.


    Light music yed in the background in the banquet hall on the Imperial Hotel''s third floor, where distinguished guests mingled around avish feast. Queenie and Terence moved through the bustling scene with champagne in hand, greeting guests. Their faces were glowing with happiness.


    At that moment, their assistant approached and reminded them, "Mr. and Mrs. Gaskell, Dean Ludden''s family of three has arrived."


    They wondered if Andrew and his family were representing the Luddens since all three of them showed up.


    It was a significant honor for the Gaskells that the Luddens, one of the four influential families, attended the annual banquet.


    Terence and Queenie hurried to the elevator to personally greet them, not forgetting to call the media for photos.


    When the elevator door opened, a


    waiter held it as Andrew and his wife stepped out, arm in arm. Christopher followed behind them. The family of three was dressed elegantly and carried themselves with grace.


    "Dean Ludden, Mrs. Ludden, Christopher, what an honor to have you here."


    Terence stepped forward with a smile.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Mrs. Ludden seems to be getting younger, and Christopher is also growing more handsome. Come Let''s head inside." Queenie said with a smile as she led them into the banquet hall.


    Other guests soon noticed themotion.


    "It''s impressive that they could invite the second son of the Luddens."


    "Indeed. The Luddens only appear at important events and rarely attend private banquets."


    "I''m d I came today. I must chat with themter."


    These murmurs reached Queenie


    and Terence leaving them with a sense of pride. The arrival of Andrew''s family of three had


    l


    ensured the banquet''s sess. The Gaskells'' status in Norburgh was secured.


    "Didn''t you say this was the Everetts'' banquet?" Andrew turned to ask Christopher.

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    Chapter 287


    Andrew came solely because Christopher said it was the Everetts'' annual banquet and that Hera had invited them.


    But when they saw Terence and Queenie with such an attitude and speaking like the hosts, they figured that they must have gotten the wrong venue.


    Christopher was also confused. Heunched his WhatsApp to check the invitation Hera had sent him earlier. The indicated time and ce were correct.


    This was the first time Hera invited him to a banquet, yet he somehow got it wrong. He had even asked his parents to apany him. He wondered why the Gaskells were the ones greeting them.


    He considered if they were there to curry favor with Zyler''s father, seeing that he had a falling out with Zyler.


    "Chris, I knew you''de! We''re still brothers, right?" Zyler said happily as he approached.


    Christopher''s face briefly showed his displeasure before solemnly saying, "Sorry, but we''ve already broken off our friendship. Please don''t make me repeat this again."


    Zyler''s expression instantly froze. He pondered why Christopher was present if it wasn''t to see him.


    Queenie and Terence also felt a little embarrassed. They hadn''t expected Christopher to be so blunt and inconsiderate of the asion.


    On the contrary, the guests'' and media reporters'' eyes lit up. They found it to be significant news.


    Everyone in Norburgh knew that Zyler and Christopher were best friends, and the Gaskells often boasted about this rtionship. Now, with their friendship broken, could the rumors from Cavenridge be true? Had they fallen out over a woman?


    "So, that''s why we haven''t seen Zyler with you recently. You''ve broken off your friendship," Alice York, Andrew''s wife, said gracefully.


    Then, she turned to Christopher and asked, "Then why did you ask us toe to this banquet? You even made it so mysterious and said you wanted to introduce someone to me."


    "Oh, Mrs. Ludden, young people''s friendship can have their ups and downs They must have had some misunderstanding and are currently at odds. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, everything will be fine.


    "Come. Let''s head in," Queenie said smilingly, cleverly downying the situation as a minor tiff between friends.


    Christopher didn''t like her hypocrisy.


    Although she knew perfectly well that he and Zyler had severed their friendship, she clung to him like a leech that was impossible to shake off


    "Isn''t this supposed to be the Everetts'' annual banquet?" he asked sullenly.


    Queenie and Terence''s expressions changed at the mention of the Everetts.


    Were they here for the Everetts'' annual banquet? How could that be?


    ????


    At its peak, the Everetts were no more than social climbers. They were far from being a prestigious family. How could they possibly invite Andrew and his family?


    Queenie and Terence figured that the Luddens must have made a mistake.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After all, Queenie had stolen the venue from Gideon. She reckoned that the previous information from the Everetts hadn''t been updated.


    "The Everetts tried to book this venue but couldn''t afford it and switched locations. I rented it afterward," Queenie exined.


    "Oh, is that so? Then we''re in the wrong ce," Christopher said, turning to leave.


    He wondered why Hera didn''t inform him about the changes.


    Queenie and Terence were rendered speechless.

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    Chapter 288


    Had the Luddens shown up at the wrong venue? Were they really here to attend the Everetts'' annual banquet?


    The guests looked at each other in confusion. Queenie''s confidence made everyone question whether they were attending the right event.


    The elevator door opened once again. This time, Hera and her family of six stepped out.


    Christopher, who was about to leave with his parents, spotted Hera. His eyes immediately lit up, and he went to greet her.


    "Hi, Ms. Youngworth."


    At the sight of Christopher beaming at Hera, Alice instantly understood who Christopher wanted to introduce them to. She then looked at Hera. Hera had a delicate face with a cold expression, fair skin, and braided dark hair. She wore a pale gold base-color evening gown that made her look tall and slender. The fluffy white fur cor made her skin look even fairer, and her demeanor exuded elegance and sophistication.


    Her appearance and temperament were both excellent, meeting Alice''s standard for a daughter-inw. Just as she was about to see how Andrew would react, she saw him step forward, politely greeting Hera before shaking hands with James and Gideon.


    "Mr. Everett, Mr. Gideon, I''ve heard so much about you."


    "You''re too kind, Dean Ludden. It''s my pleasure to meet you," James replied, feeling ttered.


    Gideon was also surprised. He didn''t expect the Luddens to show up here, and from their attitude, it seemed they were invited by Hera. He thought that Hera''s influence was indeed impressive.


    But when Gideon gave it another thought, he concluded that it was impossible for Andrew to dislike Hera. After all, she was a top student that dozens of world-renowned colleges coveted. She was Cavenridge''s star. With this in mind, Gideon''s face beamed with pride.


    "Mrs. Everett, Madam Barker, this must be Mr. Gino. He''s adorable," Alice said smilingly as she greeted Lilith and the others.Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, she turned to Hera.


    "Ms. Everett?"


    She then looked at Christopher teasingly.


    "Is this the mysterious person you want to introduce to me?"


    Christopher didn''t expect his mother to see through him in an instant. He blushed slightly and nodded shyly.


    "Yes. Her name is Hera Youngworth. Hera, this is my mother."


    Hearing that introduction, Alice eximed softly, "Hera Youngworth? You are Cavenridge''s top student and the school belle!" "Hello, Mrs. Ludden."


    Hera politely extended her right hand.


    "Hello, Hera. Christopher often talks about you. You''re even more beautiful than I expected. There''s no need to call me Mrs. Ludden-that''s too formal. Just call me Alice," Alice said Jiking Hera even more for her politeness.


    Alice found Hera to be beautiful, academically outstanding, and well-mannered. She thought Hera was truly a rare gem for a


    daughter-inw. The implications of Alice''s words were clear. They were hinting at an alliance between the families through marriage. Content


    belongs to


    Reporters who followed the gossip were overjoyed with the unexpected scoop.


    The Gaskells had called off the


    engagement with the Everetts


    because they thought Hera, who just returned from the countryside, was a country bumpkin. But it turned out that not only was Hera a beautiful youngdy who excelled academically, but she was also sought after by dozens of top


    no


    universities.


    Even the Luddens were eager to form an alliance through marriage.


    This was a huge p in the face for the Gaskells.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Ludden. I''ll visit you when I have time. Let''s go in and chat," Lilith said pridefully.


    As everyone chatted away joyfully, the Gaskells, who tried to persuade the Luddens to stay but were ignored, appeared very awkward.


    Just a moment ago, they didn''t believe that Christopher''s family was there to attend the Everetts'' banquet. Now, they had to. Queenie''s face darkened. Reporters were nearby, and the guests were watching. How could they let the Everetts steal the limelight?


    With a forced smile, she quickly stepped forward and said, "Mr. Gideon brought his whole family." "Everyone present is our guest. Since they''re here, just have the waiter add more seats."


    Terence immediately understood the meaning behind Queenie''s words and chimed in.

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    Chapter 289


    Attending such grand banquets was all about business and mutual benefit.


    Invited guests would usually send a representative unless they were from a prestigious family like the Luddens. With the family of three present, it signified respect and honor for the host.


    Looking at the Everetts, whose status in Norburgh was far lower than that of the Gaskells, the whole family, including the elders and children, had shown up at the banquet.


    If people hadn''t known better, they would have thought that the Everetts must have gone bankrupt and couldn''t afford to eat, forcing them to freeload at other people''s banquets.


    People thought the Everetts didn''t understand the basic etiquette and manners required to attend someone else''s banquet. They felt that the Everetts didn''t deserve to cozy up to the Luddens. They figured that the Everetts were just waiting to be the entire city''sughingstock.


    "The number of people attending the Everetts'' annual banquet has nothing to do with the Gaskells, right? Mrs. Gaskell, aren''t you overstepping your boundaries?" Hera asked while wearing a faint smile.


    Queenie sneered at the mention of the Everett''s annual banquet.


    "Are you still half asleep and confused? This is the Gaskells'' annual banquet!"


    "I think you''re the one confused, Mrs. Gaskell," Hera said, ncing at the sign at the hall entrance.


    "If you can''t read the words clearly, you might want to wear your reading sses and take a good look."


    Everyone turned to look at the sign with "Sedna''s Annual Banquet" written inrge characters.


    Sedna was Gideon''s subsidiarypany in the country.


    Queenie and Terence''s expressions changed dramatically. They had been busy greeting guests and hadn''t noticed the sign. At this point, they couldn''t tell if the sign had been swapped or if it had always been there.


    If the sign had been there all along and everyone present saw it...


    Queenie''s face darkened. Making such a basic mistake was incredibly embarrassing.


    "Oh dear, the words are sorge. Can''t you see them, Mrs. Gaskell? Even an olddy like me can clearly see the words ''Sedna''s Annual Banquet'' from here. Are you sure your eyes are okay? Do you need to see a doctor?" Mildred asked exaggeratedly.


    "Grandma, my teacher says pointing out others'' shorings in public is rude. It will make them feel embarrassed. It''s enough that we know she has poor eyesight, there''s no need to say it out loud," Gino earnestly reminded.


    "Good. You learned well from your teacher. I''ll give you extra pocket money this month," Gideon said, rubbing Gino''s head and praising him.


    Hera thought, "This is just a little bit of fun. Why are you all so happy?"


    Christopher felt slightly pleased


    dout


    when he saw the sign. It turned that


    Withera didn''t change the venue


    without informing him.


    "Didn''t you say this venue was booked by the Gaskells?"


    He red coldly at Queenie, speaking bluntly. He had to speak up for Hera.


    "So, we didn''t get the venue wrong. How could Mrs. Gaskell say that?"


    Alice also supported her son.


    After that, she gave Hera a reassuring look, implying that they had her back.


    "This is ridiculous!"


    Even Andrew spoke up.


    Hera suddenly found them endearing.


    "I was just wondering why the Gaskells were behaving like hosts at the Everetts'' banquet."


    "I thought the Gaskells had fallen so low they had to be the Everetts'' servants."


    "Queenie had just said that the venue was hers. This is so embarrassing."


    "I heard Queenie and Mr. Gideon werepeting for this venue.


    When she couldn''t get it, she fel


    took over." Content belongs


    "How arrogant."


    to


    "She''s been overbearing in Norburgh for a long time. It''s a pity that the Everetts had to deal with her."


    "Isn''t there anyone to put her in her ce?"


    Guests in the banquet hall whispered and discussed among themselves.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    This public embarrassment made Terence wish he could find a hole to crawl into. He couldn''t understand how Queenie, who usually did things perfectly, could make such a basic mistake.

 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    "What have you done?"


    Terence couldn''t help but me Queenie.


    Her face darkened visibly. Even Terence was questioning her capabilities. This made her furious.


    She snapped, "What the hell is going on here? Who switched the sign? Was it a prank?"


    Seeing her grow angry, her assistant was also bewildered and immediately called the lobby manager to inquire about the situation.


    "This... The sign was here all along, right? There''s no mistake. This is the Everetts'' annual banquet. Is there a problem, Mrs. Gaskell?"


    The lobby manager looked equally confused.


    The notice he received had indicated it was the Everetts'' annual banquet.


    "There definitely is a huge problem! I had booked this venue with your manager. Are you all idiots? How do you work without knowing that the main client has changed?" Queenie raged on.


    "Get your manager down here!"


    She couldn''t let her perfectly nned annual gathering be ruined.


    "I''m sorry, but the manager is currently entertaining important guests and cannot see you," the lobby manager replied.


    Queenie''s face grew even darker.


    "I dare you to say that again!"


    Sensing that the timing was right, Hera finally spoke up.


    "Saying it multiple times won''t change the fact that you didn''t secure the venue."


    She then gave Gideon a look, who understood her meaning.


    He walked into the banquet hall, saying, "Sorry for keeping everyone waiting.


    "This performance by the Gaskell family was the opening act to our annual banquet. Everyone, please be seated. Sedna''s Annual Banquet is officially starting "


    "How can it start when not everyone has arrived?"


    A low, maic voice suddenly interrupted Gideon.


    Hera''s eyshes fluttered slightly at the familiar voice.


    It came from the elevator. Everyone turned to look and saw that the elevator door had opened again.


    A handsome man with an air of nobility walked out with steady steps.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera watched him approach, a faint smile yed on his lips.


    Several female guests gasped, "It''s Mr. Killian!"


    "Even Mr. Killian is here."


    "Was he invited?"


    "What a significant honor!"


    Queenie saw Bernand''s arrival as a lifeline. And that lifeline was apanied by Imperial Hotel''s manager, Benjamin Burton.


    Instinctively, she felt that Bernard was there to support her.


    She happily stepped forward.


    "Mr. Killian, Mr. Burton..."


    "Stop!"


    Before she could get close, a group of uniformed police officers suddenly rushed out from the


    stairwell, quickly apprehending Queenie. They pressed her to the ground and handcuffed her.


    "What are you doing? Let go of me!" Queenie said as she struggled.


    "Queenie Killian, you are suspected of inciting others tomit murder, kidnapping, and attempting to barm someone''s life. Pleasee with us, the lead officer said.


    "Terence Gaskell, the annual report disclosed by Gaskell Corporation contains false and misleading information: Gaskell Corporation''s stock has been forcibly delisted by the exchange securities, with a permanent ban from re-listing in the stock market. Pleasee with us to the station and cooperate with the investigation." Content belongs


    to


    Another officer showed Terence his badge and waved his hand as a signal to two other police officers to handcuff Terence immediately.

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    Everyone present was speechless at the announcement by the police officer.


    Apany''s stock being forcibly delisted from the stock market with no chance of relisting was worse than bankruptcy. It meant that thepany was beingpletely cklisted. Gaskell Corporation was finished.


    Terence''s mind went nk. He knew there were problems with thepany''s financial statements.


    It was caused by Queenie''s deal with Raven, which transferred 1.05 billion dors from thepany''s ount. This budget overrun was significant, and since Queenie didn''t finalize the cooperation with Raven, he knew that the major shareholders wouldn''t ept this loss.


    Thus, he had to create the falsified financial statements. He never expected this to be discovered, though.


    That night''s banquet was supposed to be the Gaskells''eback to reim their status in Norburgh. Instead, they fell into a deep abyss before reaching the peak.


    "That''s impossible! How could it happen? Gaskell Corporation''s finances can''t be having problems! Let me go! I need to see the stock market securities in person," Queenie angrily shouted while struggling.


    The police continued to hold her down.


    "Don''t move! We will show you the evidence of your crime."


    The implication was clear. The falsified financial statements were just a minor issue. She had much more severe crimes to answer to.


    Everyone''s interest was piqued.


    The news of Amelia going to prison a couple of days ago was still fresh in everyone''s mind. Now, with the trouble at Gaskell Corporation and Queenie possibly being the main culprit, many who had been bullied by her started to anticipate her downfall.


    It seemed like the universe was finally done with Queenie and the Gaskells.


    "What evidence do you have? You have no right to touch me without a warrant!"


    Queenie continued to struggle when a familiar voice, amplified by the speakers, interrupted her.


    "I was ordered by Queenie Killian."


    Therge screen in the banquet hall, which had been ying Gaskell Corporation''s promotional video, suddenly switched to show Amelia.


    Everyone turned over to look at the screen after hearing the voice.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    On the screen, Amelia was sitting behind bars in a prison uniform, looking haggard with a reddened nose and eyes.


    "When Isabe and her mom came


    to my house looking for my mom, she told me to send them away. I arranged for them to go abroad on her orders. I didn''t know that they were imprisonedter. I just found out that they were dead only recently.


    "It was Queenie who told me they had escaped and asked me to check the ce where they were being imprisoned. That was when b realized I had been deceived..."


    Queenie stared at the screen in disbelief. She had even forgotten to struggle against the police. She


    wondered how there could be amet


    interrogation video of Amelia. The authorities never mentioned this to her.


    "Who made this? It''s a fake video! Turn it off now!" she shouted.


    However, no one paid attention to her except for those reporters who were livestreaming the event. They were still aiming their cameras at her. The video continued to y.


    "Later, when I went back to question her, she told me not to worry and just to proceed. She and..."


    Amelia''s voice faltered at that point.


    "She and who?"


    The interrogator''s voice could be heard asking in the video.


    Amelia seemed reluctant to reveal the identity of the other person. She then changed her response.


    "She said she would bail me out."


    Queenie''s eyes widened in shock. Amelia was revealing everything!


    She would be doomed if this continued.

 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    "What evidence do you have to prove that what you''re saying is true?" the interrogating officer asked Amelia again.


    "I have an audio recording recovered from a phone''s memory card..."


    Queenie became speechless.


    She suddenly broke free from the officers holding her and rushed toward the control panel, trying to stop the video from ying. However, with her hands bound behind her back, she was clumsy and stepped on the hem of her long dress.


    She fell to the ground, knocking over a pyramid of wine sses.


    The guests quickly moved away as the wine sses toppled onto Queenie with a loud crash.


    "Mom!"


    Zyler wanted to rush over but was stopped by a police officer.


    Amidst the broken ss and spilled wine, Queenie seemed oblivious to the pain as she continued to crawl toward the control panel.


    Her hair was disheveled, wet, and clinging to her face. Meanwhile, her dress was soaked in wine. The broken sses cut her exposed skin, and one of her heels had gone missing, making her limp. She looked nothing like her usual arrogant self.


    Before she could reach the control panel, two police officers grabbed her again and dragged her away. Many guests recorded her pitiful state and uploaded it online as the media continued with their live broadcasts.


    "Shocking! Queenie Killian was arrested again at Gaskell Corporation''s annual banquet, and the scene looked like a mess." "ording to insiders, this isn''t Gaskell Corporation''s banquet but the annual banquet of Sedna, Gideon Everett''spany."


    "The tide has turned. Not long ago, Queenie Killian bankrupted the Everetts, now the Gaskell Corporation''s stocks have been forcibly delisted."


    "Karma is real! This is so satisfying! Someone finally put Queenie Killian in her ce."


    "Queenie Killian is too disgusting. She used her daughter''s imprisonment to promote her image as a loving mother, and now she''s being exposed." "Thank goodness I sold my Gaskell Corporation''s stocks early."


    ...


    That night, the top news headlines were all about what happened at the banquet.


    "Sedna''s Annual Banquet: The Gaskell''s Forced Delisting."


    "Gaskell Corporation Forcibly Delisted."


    "Gaskell Corporation Permanently Banned from the Stock Market."


    "Are Your Gaskell Corporation''s Stocks Frozen?"


    "Queenie Killian Arrested Again."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Want to Know All of Queenie Killian''s Crimes?"


    Meanwhile, at Imperial Hotel, Zyler could only watch helplessly as his parents were taken away by the police.


    Queenie kept shouting, "Zyler, you have to avenge us!"


    het


    He clenched his fists and red at Hera and her family, eyes red anger. He red at them


    to


    murderous intent. Confet


    "Mr. Zyler, something terrible happened! Mr. Gaskell Senior saw the live broadcast and fainted. He''s in the emergency room now. The doctor says he''s in critical O condition," Jake reported hurriedly.


    "What? Grandpa!"


    Zyler rushed into the elevator and descended to the lobby.


    When he ran out of Imperial Hotel''s lobby, hepletely missed the oing traffic.


    Arge truck hit him with a loud bang. The truck couldn''t stop in time. Its heavy wheels ran over Zyler''s arm.


    The scene was gruesome, with blood everywhere and his arm crushed into a pulp.


    Queenie, who was being put into the police car, witnessed the ident andpletely broke down. "Zyler!"


    She struggled desperately, but the officers did not let her seed in escaping. They pushed her into the police car, locked the doors, and drove away.


    That night, there was another headline on the Gaskells.


    "The Gaskells are Ruined."

 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    Some people were happy and some were sad over the events.


    The waiters at the Imperial Hotel''s banquet hall cleaned up the broken sses and spilled wine.


    The guests'' spirit, which was already lifted with Bernard''s arrival, soared even higher after witnessing the Gaskells'' drama unfold.


    Everyone realized that the Everetts were no longer what they used to be. They had climbed to a higher status. Many guests tried to strengthen their ties with the Everetts.


    Gideon and James mingled with the crowd, busily greeting everyone.


    "Mr. Gideon, may I have a word?"


    Ethan Lynch, an executive in a government-ownedpany who had previously dyed their coboration, approached Gideon with a ss of wine in hand.


    "Mr. Lynch."


    Gideon clinked sses with him and took a sip before saying, "What do you want to discuss?"


    After what had just happened, many of those present discreetly inquired about the rtionship between the Everetts and Bernard. They were hoping to coborate with thetter as well. Gideon understood Ethan''s intentions perfectly.


    Ethan realized that Gideon was ying dumb. He had believed Queenie''s words previously and stopped the coboration with Gideon. His superiors wanted him to approach Gideon for another discussion.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    So, he could only smile and say, "I''ve reviewed the new contract you sent over. When can we find the time to sign it?"


    "Well..."


    Gideon pretended to ponder.


    Seeing this, Ethan added, "I''ve managed to secure an additional 5% profit for you from my superiors."


    Ethan''s superiors initiated this extra profit to secure the coboration with the Everetts. Acknowledging the generous offer, Gideon decided to ept it.


    "Since you are so sincere, Mr. Lynch, let''s find some time tomorrow to sign the contract."


    After chatting for a bit more, Gideon


    excused himself to find Bernard. His


    presence had significantly


    contributed to the sess of the banquet. Gideon knew Bernard was there because of Hera. Nevertheless, he felt the need to thank him personally.


    However, after looking through the entire hall, he couldn''t find Bernard or Hera, so he asked his assistant.


    "Mr. Gideon, Mr. Killian and Ms. Hera left about half an hour ago."


    If they left 30 minutes ago, it meant that they left just as the banquet was starting.


    Gideon was at a loss for words.


    ??


    He knew Bernard had shown up because of Hera and had done them a huge favor, but felt that his actions crossed a line. Each time, he would just appear and take Hera away.


    At that moment, he received a message on his phone.


    He nced at it and saw that it was from an unknown number.


    "Are you satisfied with the opening act of the banquet?"


    Gideon wondered who it was when another message came through.


    "My brother-inw."


    He immediately knew who it was from.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at the police station, Hera and Bernard were watching Queenie''s police interrogation from the surveince room.


    After two hours, the news of Zyler''s ident crushed Queenie''s spirit, making the interrogation much smoother than before. She confessed to almost everything.


    The cause of Isabe and her mom''s death was almost the same as Hera had suspected.


    Queenie had imprisoned them, and


    e


    they were killed by Eric during an escape attempt. After that, their bodies were thrown into a reservoir to make it look like an ident.

 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    As for the memory card, Queenie imed she had no knowledge of it.


    Someone sent it to her on Christmas, saying it was the evidence that Isabe had buried in the oak forest. She immediately listened to the recording and discovered that Robin had indeed recorded their conversation back then.


    However, the crucial parts of the recording had been deliberately damaged, leaving only the iplete conversation between the two of them. Listening to this fragment alone, one would undoubtedly suspect Queenie.


    But in reality, another person was at the scene back then, even though that person''s voice was removed from the recording.


    "Who was it?" the interrogating officer asked.


    Queenie suddenly fell silent. She seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes losing focus.


    After a long pause, she snapped out of her reverie and said, "I was the one who told Robin to do it. I asked him to kill Daphne Jones and make it look like an ident."


    Daphne Jones was Hera''s adoptive mother.


    Hera watched Queenie coldly through the one-way ss. She knew that Queenie was lying to protect the real culprit.


    "Why did you want to kill Daphne?" the officer continued to ask.


    "Because I couldn''t stand her," Queenie replied.


    This flimsy excuse seemed consistent with her past arrogant and domineering behavior.


    However, 11 years ago, she was a nobody in the Killians and couldn''t pose a threat to anyone in Albert''s family.


    Moreover, Queenie was a perfectionist who cared about her image. Therefore, she wouldn''t easily involve herself in a murder unless absolutely necessary or if it benefited her.


    Even so, she was likely just a pawn. Even if she were arrested and sentenced, the true culprit would remain free.


    No matter how much the police interrogated Queenie after that, she refused to reveal the real mastermind behind everything.


    In the surveince room, Hera turned to Bernard and called out to him.


    "Bernard."


    He looked into her dark, clear eyes gazing at him and suddenly felt dry in his throat.


    "Hmm?"


    "Did you learn any effective interrogation techniques in the military?" Hera asked.


    Bernard understood her meaning and raised an eyebrow.


    "And?"


    She pointed at the interrogation room through the ss and said, "They''re being inefficient. If you have any tricks up your sleeve, could you show them?"


    She had finally found evidence and captured someone. Just as the name of her adoptive mother''s killer was about to be revealed, Queenie mmed up. She was running out of patience and wanted to get Queenie to talk quickly.


    Seeing her anxious and troubled, Bernard decided to tease her.


    "Beg me."


    Kane, who was also in the surveince room, almost spat out his water.


    He could have epted it if the words had been from Shaun. He had thought that Bernard was supposed to be indifferent to women. He wondered what Bernard was doing by flirting in public now.


    "Please."


    Hera could only beg.


    Her voice was cold and different from her usual tone. It was mixed with a touch of obedience and sounded softer, which made Bernard''s throat feel even drier.


    "Alright. I''ll show you some tricks."


    Bernard ruffled her hair and turned to leave.


    However, as soon as he left the surveince room, there was a suddenmotion in the interrogation room.


    Pushed to the brink, QueenieContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    realized that even if she confessed to everything, she would still face the death penalty. She was


    l


    desperate to find out about Zyler, so she bit her tongue in an attempt tomit suicide.


    The two interrogating officers immediately stood up to stop her.


    By the time Hera arrived in the interrogation room, Queenie was already bleeding from her mouth. The police were escorting her out of the interrogation room to send her to the hospital for treatment.

 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    Hera wanted to follow them to the hospital, but Bernard suddenly pulled her back when she reached the main entrance.


    A bullet swiftly came from the rooftop of the opposite building, hitting Queenie right in the forehead. The gunshot resulted in an instant kill, with brain matter sttered everywhere.


    People who were gathered in the lobby to report cases screamed in terror. They ducked and ran in all directions, creating a scene of chaos.


    Bernard raised his hand to shield Hera''s eyes, not wanting her to witness the gruesome scene. Then, he looked in the direction from which the bullet had been fired.


    Hera pushed his hand away and looked in the same direction. A shadow could be seen on the rooftop of the opposite building, but it quickly disappeared.


    The police swiftly responded, sealing off the opposite building and conducting a thorough search for the sniper.


    Firearms were banned in the country, so using a gun and brazenly killing someone at the entrance of the police station was a tant provocation against the judicial system.


    Queeniey t in the lobby, unmoving. Her eyes were wide open in a state of shock, and her pupils were dted.


    Hera approached and checked the pulse on Queenie''s neck but couldn''t find it.


    If Bernard hadn''t pulled Hera back that time, the bullet might have hit her instead.


    She wondered if someone was trying to assassinate her or if they intended to silence Queenie instead.


    With the name of the real mastermind on the verge of being revealed, Queenie''s death seemed more like an effort to stop any further investigation. Hera clenched her fists, her gaze cold and determined.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    A moment of grim determination shed across Bernard''s eyes as well. He signaled to Dous, who immediately understood his meaning and stepped out to make a phone call.


    "Let''s go back and wait for the police''s findings," Bernard said, taking Hera''s hand and wiping it with a wet tissue.


    He was removing the traces of blood from her contact with Queenie.


    The police station was in chaos. So, Hera could only nod and leave with him.


    As soon as they stepped outside, reporters swarmed them, and cameras clicked away, making Hera frown in displeasure.


    "Dous," Bernard called out.


    Dous, who had just ended his call, immediately approached and demanded the reporters to delete the photos. He warned them not to report anything about Bernard and Hera.


    This was why the media covered the


    Everetts'' annual banquet and the


    downfall of the Gaskells but did not mention Bernard and Hera''s


    UT


    presence. Manyizens believed it was the Everetts who retaliated against the Gaskells.


    Hera went to Skyview Heights. She hadn''t returned there for a while now. Tiramisu approached her and rubbed itself against her legs while grunting.


    She sat on the couch, holding Tiramisu in herp with one hand while checking her phone with the other.


    Piglet sent her a photo with the caption, "Is this trending enough?"


    The photo showed the top ten trending news that night, eight of which were rted to the Gaskells This was all thanks to Leon, who got Damian to use some entertainment media ounts to spread the news of the Gaskells'' downfall nationwide.


    Hera replied using Raven''s ount.


    "Not bad, thanks."


    "No problem. The fee will be deducted from the task list."


    Piglet added a grinning emoji at the back of his sentence.


    "How''s the surveince footage from the Twin Towers?" Hera asked.


    The Twin Towers were the buildings opposite the police station. On the way back to Skyview, Hera couldn''t check the footage herself because Bernard was with her. So, she asked Leon to handle it.


    "It''s been checked. But the surveince was turned off from noon, iming system maintenance, and resumed only at four. I found nothing unusual." Leon''s text reply came quickly.


    Hera''s eyes narrowed slightly. She wondered if this was a coincidence.


    "However, when I was hacking their system, I encountered someone from Astral Nova-Aries."


    Aries was ranked in the top 20 of the


    country''s hackers and was part of Astral Nova. It was rumored that Astral Nova had an organization that consisted of 12 members named after the zodiac signs. Each member worked for Astral Nova using different skills.


    Hera stared at the words Astral Nova and wondered if they were also involved.

 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    Hera recalled thest time she tried to hack a website. It was for Shuttle Ventures, a small subsidiary under Killian Corporation. She had to find time to uncover the true identity of Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    There was another iing message from Leon.


    "Aries also hacked into the Twin Towers'' surveince system, but I didn''t have time to trace him before he got away."


    Hera replied, "Are you sure you couldn''t trace him not because of yourck of skill?"


    "You hurt me!"


    Meanwhile, Bernard was about to cook steak in the kitchen when his phone rang. It was Samson.


    He answered the call and said in a deep voice, "Speak."


    "Bernard, the Twin Towers''s surveince was down for maintenance from noon, so we couldn''t identify any suspicious individuals," Samson reported.


    "However, Aries encountered Piglet while hacking into the system. He seemed to be checking the surveince footage as well."


    It was well-known in the hacking world that Piglet was Raven''s assistant. He helped Raven in all the missions.


    Raven''s personal information was kept very confidential. It was so secretive that when Bernard tried to investigate him previously, he turned up empty.


    "Got it. Continue tracking Raven''s location," Bernard instructed.


    Raven appeared when Hera had an identst time, and now his assistant appeared. He didn''t think it was a coincidence.


    "Understood," Samson replied.


    After that, Bernard hung up and resumed his cooking.


    Five minutester, he walked into the living room and saw Hera ying with Tiramisu absentmindedly on the couch.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Sweetie, I made steak for you. Come and eat."


    Hera got up and went to the kitchen


    to wash her hands. She was


    distracted by thoughts of what had happened at the police station,. which caused her to lose her appetite despite the delicious-looking steak. Content


    novel.


    belongs to


    Bernard noticed that and asked, "Are you still thinking about the incident at the police station?"


    "Yeah."


    "Don''t worry. They''ll notify us as soon as they have the results," he reassured her.


    "Okay."


    Seeing her still distracted, he added, "Do you want me to feed you?"


    "Yeah."


    Hera replied absentmindedly, but she soon snapped out of her reverie. She did a double-take on Bernard''s suggestion. Bernard''s lips curved into a helpless smile. He cut a piece of the steak and brought it to her mouth.


    "Open your mouth."


    Early in the morning the next day, Hera received an update from the police.


    They only found the rifle marks left by the sniper on the rooftop, along with some ash. The bullet casing and cigarette butt had been cleaned up. The police had also checked everyone in the building but found no suspects.  S


    The appearance of the sniper was


    way


    to be considered a


    coin They were cleare


    well-prepared to silence Queenie.


    Her enemies were well-hidden. Each time there was a breakthrough, the trail would go cold, which frustrated Hera. However, the mastermind''s desperation to silence Queenie showed they were feeling the pressure-a positive sign. Thus, Hera needed to stay calm.


    As for Terence''s interrogation, he firmly denied any knowledge when asked about Queenie and Isabe''s family''s matters.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    As for Amelia, she was Queenie''s aplice.


    Previously, when Amelia had just been imprisoned, Queenie couldn''t wait to announce it to the world and med everything on her. Thispletely broke her heart, leading her to reveal the truth.


    This time, the police offered her a reduced sentence, incentivizing her to confess about the other person Queenie mentioned. She cooperated, but the information she provided was of little to no use.


    "ording to Amelia''s statement, Queenie was close to Aurora Killian but had no concrete evidence of her involvement. It was only Amelia''s suspicions. That''s all we managed to gather from the interrogation in the past two days," the person on the other end of the call said.


    "Okay. Thank you," Hera replied and hung up.


    Then, she softly repeated the name, "Aurora Killian."


    She turned and sat in front of herputer, essing a website. This was a private storage space she had developed herself. She searched and pulled up information on Aurora.


    When Hera was still with the Killians, Aurora was studying abroad, so they didn''t interact much.


    Hera remembered her as a well-mannered youngdy of the house. The information showed that Aurora fell in love with a poor artist after returning from abroad and brought him back to the Killians as a live-in son-inw.


    They were married for ten years but had no children. Eventually, they adopted a son and named him Roman Killian.


    Rumor had it that Aurora couldn''t have children, but she desperately wanted one of her own. So, she sought help from various doctors.


    Hera''s eyes narrowed slightly. It turned out that Aurora was consulting doctors, which Hera was one.


    She thought it was time to reim the identity that Camille had stolen from her.


    She logged into Divine Forum and wrote an academic paper on specialized drugs for various diseases based on the data from the drug test she conducted on her familyst night. Then, she immediately published the paper.


    Within a minute of publication, the paper had thousands of views and over five thousand shares.


    "This is so exciting! Dr. Shadow has finally published a paper!"


    "I''m saving this immediately. Will read it thoroughly today!"


    "Oh my goodness! I thought I was seeing things until I saw everyone in the group sharing this. This is legit."


    "Dr. Shadow, my goddess, I''ll always love you!"


    "Does this specialized drug use the Eclipse Stone? Where can I get it? I want to buy it!"


    "I want it too!"


    "Me too! This is my ID."


    ...


    Within three minutes of publication, the paper was reported by major media outlets and became the number one trending topic.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door, followed by Bernard''s voice.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Sweetie, it''s time to get up, or you''ll bete."


    Hera nced at the time. It was already seven forty. She almost forgot she was still a student who had to attend school.


    She didn''t know what to say at that realization.


    She closed the website and cleared the browsing history before turning off theputer. Then, she walked over and opened the door.


    Bernard was wearing a fitted white shirt and ck trousers. He had a gray apron tied in the front. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well-toned arms. His whole appearance gave off a mix of efficiency and a homely vibe.


    "Have you washed up? I made you a sandwich," Bernard said as he leaned on the doorframe and looked at Hera.


    Hera sometimes thought that


    Bernard was quite suited to be a house-husband. He had definitely won over her stomach with all the food he made. But what was going on now?


    He was blocking her way, and the mischievous look in his eyes behind the gold-rimmed sses clearly implied that he was up to something. "Did you just make it for me but not intend to let me eat it?"


    Hera looked up at him.


    "Good morning. At this moment, shouldn''t you give me a morning kiss?" Bernard said while tilting his face slightly.


    His eyes were full of anticipation.


    Hera looked at the handsome face before her. Ever since she left the Killians, she had be somewhat aloof. So, sometimes, she couldn''t understand how Bernard could be so shameless.


    It was one thing to ask for gifts, but how could he ask for a kiss so naturally?


    Hera wondered if it was because of the sses.

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    Hera stood on her tiptoes and slowly leaned toward Bernard.


    As their breaths mingled, Bernard watched her beautiful face grow closer. Just when he thought she was going to kiss him, she removed his sses.


    "It''s just as I thought. These are just in sses," Hera said as she examined the sses and put them on herself.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "You''ve learned to trick me," he said, rubbing her hair.


    Hera smiled and said, "Well, I learned that from you!"


    Bernard chuckled. Then, he held her head and kissed her forehead.


    Hera immediately pushed him away and said, "I''m still a minor!"


    Her words and tone sounded familiar to him. It was precisely what he had said to her when he was worried about her getting close to Christopher. He suddenly felt like he had shot himself in the foot.


    Hera was pleased to see him finally at a loss. She sidestepped him, still wearing his sses, and headed downstairs.


    She reminded him, "You look more handsome without them."


    Bernard smiled helplessly before going downstairs as well.


    Meanwhile, Camille was in herb in a suburban area of Norburgh, following the instructions in Lucifuge''s Acupuncture Manual for the hundredth time on her assistant.


    During a medical exchange conference, Oscar had asked her about the Lucifuge''s Manual. But she had excused herself then by saying she had something urgent and that they could discuss it another time.


    Upon returning from the conference, she hurriedly searched through various medical history books before she finally found the manual.


    After inserting needles into several acupoints, she waited for a while before removing them.


    Then, she asked, "How do you feel?"


    Her assistant moved her neck and nodded.


    "It feels much better! The pain is gone. Camille, you''re amazing!"


    "That''s good."


    Camille smiled and turned to record the acupoints she had just used.


    She had attempted this 21 times and finally seeded in solving the neck problem.


    However, she still had a long way to gopared to Dr. Shadow, who could solve such issues with a single treatment.


    She pulled out some papers she had


    printed from Divine Forum. These were the papers published by Dr.


    Shadow on the Lucifuge''s


    Acupuncture Manual. She reach


    repeatedly while correcting her own mistakes.


    ?


    "Ms. Camille, Ms. Amelia Gaskell is here to see you," ab assistant reported after knocking on the door.


    Camille frowned slightly.


    "Why is she here?"


    Wasn''t Amelia arrested by the police?


    The media had been reporting on the downfall of the Gaskells, and she had seen the news. Camille wondered why Amelia would show up before her now. She considered if it was because Amelia wanted to ask her to save Zyler now that Lennon was dead.


    "She''s been released. The Gaskells assets have been confiscated, so she probably has nowhere else to go and is seeking refuge with you," theb assistant exined. Content


    belongs to


    Camille remembered that Queenie had promised to help her get closer to Bernard, but she had failed and had died. Disdain shed in her eyes briefly.


    She smiled and said, "I''m busy with my studies now and not seeing anyone."


    "Understood."


    Theb assistant turned and left.


    Camille continued to study the papers when her assistant eximed while looking at her phone.


    "Camille, was your Dr. Shadow ount hacked? The media is reporting that you just published a new paper!"

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Camille immediately took her assistant''s phone and nced at it.


    The number one trending topic was "Dr. Shadow published a new academic paper".


    She felt a bit guilty but maintained a gentle smile on her face.


    "No," she said before calmly returning the phone to her assistant.


    Her assistant, Cory, was puzzled.


    "Your ount''s not hacked? Did you publish it? I thought someone maliciously used your ount to publish some random academic papers since you''ve been concentrating on Lucifuge''s Manualtely."


    Camille had indeed been so engrossed in studying the Lucifuge''s Manual that she barely had time for anything else. She had even started to lose hair from working day and night.


    But no one knew she wasn''t Dr. Shadow, not even her parents. So, she couldn''t let it slip.


    "I researched the medicines at night."


    Camille smiled.


    "You''re so amazing!"


    Cory''s face was full of admiration.


    "You could rely on your looks but choose to rely on your skills. And even though you''ve be a miracle doctor, you still work so hard. You''re truly an angel."


    Camille could only reply with a smile.


    "Alright now. We''re done for today. Go rest."


    "Thank you, Camille. You should rest, too."


    Once Cory left, Camille quickly logged into Divine Forum to check the new paper published by Dr. Shadow. She printed it out and read everything carefully.


    She considered herself a genius in the medical field, but she felt inferior whenpared to Dr. Shadow.


    Dr. Shadow was skilled in both modern and alternative medicine, and she could make such rare and effective drugs. Camille was still far behind her.


    After reading the paper, Camille


    fn


    immediately cross-referenced the mentioned medicinal materials and sent someone to find them. She nned to research medicine at night and acupuncture during the day. Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    UMS


    She believed that with enough effort, she would one day be on par with Dr. Shadow or even surpass her.


    Dous stopped the car at Cavenridge''s school gate and addressed the person in the back seat.


    "Ms. Youngworth, we''ve arrived at school."


    Hera put her phone away and was about to open the car door when Bernard pressed her shoulder.


    She turned back and saw his handsome face suddenly approaching her. She froze for a moment, thinking he would kiss her again. So, she instinctively lowered her head slightly.


    But the expected kiss didn''te. Instead, his long, slender fingers removed the sses she had put on in the morning and hadn''t taken off. Bernard saw her slightly disappointed expression and gently brushed his lips against her forehead as if to satisfy her.


    "Good luck with your exam. I''ll pick you up after school," he said maically.


    Hera thought he was doing this on purpose to get back at her for teasing him that morning. Unwitting to back down, she grabbed his cor and pulled him toward her. Then, she nted a kiss on his cheek.


    Bernard was stunned for a moment. Then, a fire seemed to ignite within him when he looked into her eyes. One of hisrge hands gripped her slender waist, preventing her from escaping. He lifted her chin with his other hand and gently brushed her rosy lips.


    "You''re not allowed to date, right?"


    Dous witnessed this scene through the rearview mirror and immediately looked away. He felt he could skip lunch since he was full from watching their interactions.


    Hera felt his warm breath on her face, causing her to blush hard. His gaze was so intense it seemed like he would devour her the next moment.

 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    Hera suddenly remembered what Bernard said earlier and quickly pushed him away.


    "Yes. It''s not right to start dating at my age! Professor Killian, you should be a role model."


    After saying that, Hera opened the car door and quickly got out. She knew she couldn''t win this game. If she continued, she would only get herself burned.


    Bernard could only watch her retreating figure in the car, a smile ying on his lips.


    As soon as Hera entered the ssroom, Katie pulled her aside toin, "Boss, you''re finally in school! I thought you wouldn''te anymore. Since you got that admission, you''ve changed. You don''t even attend school anymore.


    "You''re just like those scumbags who show their true colors after winning over their target."


    Hera was speechless.


    "I still need to take the final exam, graduate, andplete the paperwork for next year''s enrollment," Hera said as she sat down at the desk. The New Year''s holiday was approaching. The school curriculum had beenpleted, so it was also time for the final exams.


    In shock, Katie followed her and asked, "You''re doing that now? Are you not returning to school after the New Year?"


    Hera hummed in confirmation.


    "No! Does this mean that this is thest time I''ll see you? I''ll never see you again after this?" Katie cried as she realized the implications. "I''m going to miss you so much. What will I do without you?"


    Hera pushed Katie''s face away with one hand.


    "If you choose either Bradbury or Quantford for your college entrance exams, we might still have a chance to attend the same university." Katie immediately stopped crying.


    "I guess I better start getting used to not having you around."


    Then, she turned around and sat properly at her own desk.


    Hera could only look at her silently.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Three minutester, Katie turned to look at Hera expectantly and said, "Boss, can you give me a gift? I''d like something that I can look at when I miss you."


    Hera, who had been asked for gifts countless times, was stunned.


    "Why do you all like to ask me for gifts? Do my things have some kind of magic?" she asked.


    Speaking of gifts, Hera had been


    quite broke recently and was evene


    wanted


    the International Police. It


    had been hard for her to take on


    jobs through Leon too.


    "Because if I don''t ask, you won''t give me anything yourself!" Katie said.


    "Hey, wait a minute. You just said ''you all''? Who else is asking for gifts shamelessly?"


    There were quite a few of them.


    Just then, Hera saw the High School Entrance Exam Simtion book in her drawer.


    She handed it to Katie casually and


    said, "Take this. You''re wee. If you need more, I''llpile a set of key materials for the college


    entrance exam tonight and send it to your email."


    "Thanks, I guess."


    Katie suddenly thought of something and said, "I think this is more suitable for Christopher. After the exam, let''s have lunch with him and give it to him.


    "He''s been pretending to pass by a lottely, checking if you''vee to school. It seems like he wants to talk to you about something."


    "I''ll look for him."


    Hera didn''t mind about it much. However, she recalled that Andrew had previously wanted her to treat his mother. At that time, she had to leave quickly because of Bernard''s incident, and she hadn''t heard anything about it since.


    She wondered if the olddy''s illness had been cured.


    "Now? But the exam is about to start!"


    Just as Katie finished speaking, the ss bell rang.


    Then, she remembered a harsh reality. After being in ss K for so long, she almost forgot that Hera was a genius.


    Hera had meant what she said. Ten minutes into the exam, before Katie even finished reading the questions, Hera had already handed in her paper and left.


    Although that didn''t affect Katie, the implied insult was immense.

 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    After leaving her ssroom, Hera headed to Pineview Hospital instead of meeting Christopher.


    She stopped at a nearby fruit vendor to pick up a basket before continuing to the fifth floor of the inpatient department.


    Nathan, d in a hospital gown, sat up in surprise upon seeing Hera.


    "Ms. Youngworth? What brings you here?"


    "Just checking in. How''s that wound healing?" Hera replied, locking the door behind her and cing the fruit basket on the table.


    Nathan lifted his shirt to reveal the bandaged side. "Nothing serious, just a scratch. Any updates on the investigation?"


    Hera pulled up a chair and settled in.


    "There''s a mole in the department," she said in a neutral tone.


    Nathan''s fists clenched. "Is it really him?"


    Hera shook her head. "I''m not sure."


    The truth was, Nathan''s injury wasn''t as severe as Stephen had made it out to be during their phone call.


    Hera''s suspicions about a mole began to fester ever since the items from the oak forest vanished.


    However, the identity of the mole remained a mystery. Later on, Nathan sustained a minor injury while on a mission during the Queenie bribery scandal at Shuttle Ventures.


    It was the perfect opportunity, so Hera and Nathan hatched a n.


    Nathan would exaggerate the severity of his injury, iming it rendered him incapable of handling his current case. This would prompt him to temporarily hand it off, revealing Amelia''s location in the process.


    Just as expected, the new case officer swiftly apprehended Amelia and closed the case. The swiftness only solidified Hera''s suspicions.


    The threat wasn''t over with the disgraced Brandon.


    Queenie''s associates, the mole within the department, or even abination of both, were still at y. The possibility of multiple traitors couldn''t be ruled out.


    The moment Amelia''s arrest


    became public knowledge, Queenie''s


    pre-orchestrated media blitz went live, apanied by a flurry of activity behind the scenes. However, her meticulously crafted ns crumbled spectacrly when Amelia exposed her, leading to Queenie''s swift return to prison.


    The whirlwind unfolded in a shockingly short timeframe. From her arrest and interrogation to the


    desperate attempt at suicide by


    biting her tongue, Queenie''s demise at the hands of a sniper outside the potice station all transpired in less than half a day.


    The swiftness of the sniper''s actions pointed toward a leak within the department-someone had tipped them off, ensuring a clean elimination.


    No one could have predictedExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Queenie''s drastic move. Perhaps even she recognized its inefficiency Suicide by self-muttion wouldn''t guarantee a quick death. The police


    would rush her to the hospitefore


    blood loss could im her,


    n


    potentially offering an opportunity to escape or even visit Zyler.


    Whatever her true intentions, they were buried with her.


    However, Queenie''s death served as a stark confirmation for Hera. The department was riddled with moles, not just in Norburgh but likely in Southburrow as well.


    "He" as Nathan referred to Stephen, remained a question mark.


    While Hera expressed uncertainty, Nathan saw things differently. He had only shared the screenshot of Isabe''s email with Stephen, yet the evidence vanished and Hera herself was abducted.


    Stephen''s involvement seemed increasingly probable.


    A wave of anger washed over Nathan as he contemted the possibility of his friend''s betrayal.


    "Stephen has only contacted me once since you were injured. He just mentioned your situation and Amelia''s case being closed, nothing more," Hera said.


    Nathan remained silent, his face an unreadable mask. However, the clenched fists by his side spoke volumes about the simmering rage within him. Hera reached into her bag and pulled out a small box.


    "Here," she said, offering it to him.


    "This is an immune booster I made. Get well soon. You''re far more experienced at catching moles than I am."


    Queenie''s death served as a brutal lesson in patience for Hera. She had naively believed that ruthlessness and speed were the keys to uncovering Daphne''s true killer. But she had underestimated how cunning the mastermind was.

 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    Hera knew she had to y it cool. Launching a full-blown investigation for a mole within the department now would only alert the mastermind behind the scenes.


    Queenie''s brazen elimination sent a chilling message. There was likely nothing beyond the mastermind''s reach.


    "Understood," Nathan replied.


    He grasped Hera''s n. First, expose the mole. Then, follow the trail to the mastermind. Finally, eradicate all internal corruption and restore the department''s honor!


    Hera''s visit was brief. After reminding Nathan to take his medication, she left with a final instruction, "Don''t breathe a word of this to Bernard." After all, she was supposed to be taking an exam at school.


    As Hera approached the elevator, a voice called out. "Ms. Everett? We''ve been trying to reach you! Our director has been eager to connect." Hera recognized the approaching figure-n, Mildred''s former attending physician.


    n was visibly excited. He had witnessed her disy of the 13 Needles of Death, a feat that even the director praised.


    However, when they attempted to ess the video for further study, the security footage inexplicably vanished, rendering the recording unavable. Since then, Oscar had been keen to speak with Hera again.


    "What can I do for you?" Hera inquired.


    "Dr. Bloom has been searching for you for quite some time. Are you avable to meet? He''s currently in his office, and coincidentally, Dr. Shadow is also present. Would you like to meet them both? Just wait a moment, I''ll be right back," n stammered with excitement.


    He couldn''t wait for the elevator and bolted toward the stairs, rushing to the director''s office to fetch them.


    Inside the director''s office, Camille had finally grasped the situation.To solidify her current role, she decided to answer Oscar''s previous questions regarding the 13 Needles of Death.


    Their conversation was in full swing when n burst in.


    "Dr. Bloom, it''s Ms. Everett! Ms. Everett is here! The Ms. Everett who used the 13 Needles of Death!"


    Unaware of Hera''s name but knowing she was Mildred''s granddaughter, n instinctively addressed her as Ms. Everett. Oscar, about to reprimand n for his rudeness, froze upon hearing the address "Ms. Everett".Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He rose abruptly. "Where is she? Take me to her immediately."


    "Ms. Chime, I apologize. I''ll be back shortly," Oscar informed Camille before following a hurried n out of the office.


    Left alone, Camille couldn''t help but


    feel slighted. Had shee all this way to answer Oscar''s questions about the 13 Needles of Death only to be disregarded? Was this MS. Everett they spoke of even more formidable than Dr. Shadow?


    Intrigued, them.


    201 ille decided to follow


    Ms.


    was curious about this


    the one who


    led the


    13 Needles of Death with


    ease.


    However, when the three reached the fifth floor of the inpatient department, there was no sign of Hera at the elevator doors.


    "Where is she?" Oscar demanded.


    "She was just here!" n insisted, fearing disbelief. "I''ll have someone check the security footage. Ms. Everett really came here." "Forget about that. She probably had something to do and left." Oscar sighed in disappointment.


    Even if they reviewed the footage, it wouldn''t change the fact that she was gone.


    "I have a feeling our paths will cross again someday," Oscar said.

 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    With 15 minutes left, Hera slipped back into ss just before the morning exam ended.


    She breezed through the remaining questions, finishing the test in a mere ten minutes right as the dismissal bell rang.


    "Boss, where''d you disappear to? You cut it close! Even though you''re a genius and these exams are a breeze for you, have some mercy on us ordinary folks, alright? You don''t have to show off quite so much," Katie grumbled yfully. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and turned around.


    Hera reached into her drawer and pulled out a small gift box.


    She offered it to Katie. "I left to snag this for you."


    Katie''s eyes sparkled as she eagerly unwrapped the package, revealing a delicate pink crystal bracelet.


    "Boss, did you really get this especially for me? I love it so much!"


    Seeing Katie''s genuine joy, Hera couldn''t admit the truth. She had spotted the bracelet disyed in a boutique window on her way back and bought it on a whim.


    Katie slipped on the bracelet, snapping a few photos to share on social media. "Thanks, boss! My treat for coffee? I made ns to meet Cindy and Christopher at the food street."


    The mention of the food street piqued Hera''s interest. With the semester almost over, she hadn''t even had a chance to visit.


    They gathered their things and headed off to meet up with Christopher and Cindy at the food street.


    The moment they spotted Christopher, Katie promptly presented him with the "High School Entrance Exam Simtion" textbook she''d brought along. "Christopher, here''s a gift from my boss."


    Christopher''s eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"


    His idol was giving him a gift! And such a practical one at that¡ªa ssic study guide.


    Hera was rendered speechless at his reaction.


    "Absolutely! Such a timeless textbook is a perfect match for a top student like you," Katie dered confidently. Of course, she wouldn''t say it was actually a cast-off from her own collection!


    "Thank you! I''ll definitely put it to good use," Christopher beamed, cradling the book protectively.


    While he''d alreadypleted the practice problems, the fact that Hera had gifted it to him made it special. He could picture himself framing it as a cherished memento.


    Hera was speechless again.


    "What about me?" Cindy chimed in, her eyes sparkling with yful expectation as she looked at Hera.


    "You got Katie a bracelet and Christopher a study guide. What about me?"


    Just then, Katie realized her blunder.


    The gift-giving wasn''t part of Hera''s original n. It was all Katie''s doing, and in her enthusiasm, she''d given the practice book to Christopher whilepletely forgetting about Cindy. This could easily be


    ¦¯


    misconstrued as favoritism!


    "Actually..." Katie began to exin, but Hera cut her off.


    Reaching into her bag, she retrieved another small gift box and handed it to Cindy.


    Huh? Why did this box look so familiar?


    Katie was puzzled upon seeing it.


    el


    "Thanks a bunch!" Cindy eximed, epting the gift with delight. She hadn''t meant anything serious by herment, just a bit of lighthearted teasing. But Hera''s gesture filled her with unexpected warmth.


    Cindy opened the box to reveal another pink crystal bracelet that was identical to Katie''s.


    Hera said, "You''re wee. It was a buy-one-get-one deal."


    Cindy and Katie exchanged an unspoken nce, silent embarrassment hanging in the air.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    On the other hand, Christopher couldn''t help but feel a smug satisfaction. His gift truly was one-of-a-kind.


    The awkward moment passed quickly, and Katie led the way to a bustling coffee shop. The line snaked out the door, a mix of students and working professionals. It spoke volumes about the shop''s poprity.


    "This ce has the most amazing coffee, especially their signature coffee. You gotta try it before you leave Cavenridge, boss," Katie said, ushering them toward the back of the line.


    "Sounds good," Hera agreed.


    However, Christopher couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness at her words.


    "Hera, are you noting back next semester?" he asked.


    Hera replied calmly, "No, I won''t be."


    While Katie had mentioned this earlier that day, hearing it confirmed from Hera hit Christopher differently. In fact, ever since she received early eptances from both Quantford University and Bradbury University, he''d been itching for an opportunity to talk to her.


    He wanted to convince her to reconsider going to a school in Jedburgh. After all, with her exceptional academic achievements, staying in the country seemed like a waste of her potential.

 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    If Christopher had his way, he wanted Hera to go abroad with him.


    Just as he readied himself to speak, a jarring ring shattered the forming silence.


    Hera retrieved her phone, a flicker of recognition crossing her face when she saw Bernard''s name on the screen. She excused herself and stepped away to answer the call, "Hello?"


    "There you are! School''s been out for ages. What''s keeping you busy?" Bernard''s voice washed over the phone, a smooth baritone that could charm the birds from the trees.


    "You mean the afternoon dismissal?" Hera rified, remembering their earlier conversation.


    Unlike most schools, Cavenridge functioned primarily as a boarding institution, with few students electing to return home for the midday break. The academy provided a cafeteria and dorms for them to rx during these hours.


    There was a beat of surprised silence from Bernard.


    "Honestly, I just miss you," he finally admitted.


    Hera remained silent, her thoughts churning.


    "Where are you? I can swing by, and we can grab lunch together," Bernard said.


    Hera recalled Bernard''s refined tastes and the bustling food street atmosphere.


    She countered, "Actually, I''m waiting in line for coffee with some ssmates. Lunch and shopping are on the agenda afterward. Not exactly the ideal ce for you. How about dinner instead?"


    Bernard asked suddenly, "How many ssmates are you with?"


    "Three," Hera replied.


    "All girls?" His question held a subtle edge.


    Suddenly, Hera felt a click in her head. If she made it known that there was a malepanion, Bernard might just appear in the next breath.


    Hesitation flickered across her face before she answered, "All girls."


    "Alright. Have fun, then," Bernard conceded, his tone shifting slightly.


    Hera reached for the end call button, but before her finger could tap the screen, his maic voice sounded again.


    "Do you miss me?"


    The silence stretched, thick with unspoken understanding. Hera knew Bernard well enough to recognize the unspoken pressure.


    An answer that didn''t appease him would likely keep the call going.


    With a resigned sigh, she mumbled, "...I do."


    "I feel the same," Bernard replied, finally severing the connection.


    Hera stared at the phone, a small, involuntary smile ying on her lips. Perhaps a tiny part of her did miss him.


    "Hey, boss. It''s our turn!" Katie''s voice cut in. The line had finally shuffled forward.


    Hera tucked her phone away and rejoined the group. Following Katie''s suggestion, she ordered the shop''s signature coffee and some local snacks As she reached for her wallet to pay, amotion erupted behind her.


    "He''s so handsome!"


    "Hey, he''sing this way! Do you think he''s here for coffee too?"


    "I''d love to get his contact number!"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "Is there a hottie?" Katie swiveled around, her eyes widening. "Look at him, boss! He seems familiar... isn''t that Professor Killian?"


    Hera whipped around at the name, her breath catching in her throat.


    There, amidst the throng, stood a figure of breathtaking handsomeness. He was tall and impably dressed.


    Under the winter sun, Bernard


    radiated an air of nobility as he strode confidently toward them. The crowd parted instinctively before him.


    BUMS


    Hera found herself mesmerized, his dazzling presence causing her heart to skip a beat.


    By the time he reached their spot, she finally managed to stammer out a question, "Bernard? What are you doing here?"


    His gaze met hers, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.


    "Didn''t you say you missed me?" His


    voice, usually maically


    seductive, now held a touch of ner


    sweetness as he delivered the yful line.


    In essence, it was a yful reminder. She missed him, so here he was.

 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    Hera suddenly realized that she had been tricked, but for some reason, she felt quite happy about it.


    "He''s absolutely charming!"


    "It''s a shame that all the cutest guys are taken."


    "Wow, power couple alert! They''re both stunning."


    "That''s our Cavenridge''s top student and Belle! I can''t believe it!"


    "I''m a little jealous, not gonna lie, but they are a gorgeous couple!"Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The scene behind them was a whirlwind of emotions. The onlookers were smitten by the attractive couple and felt a pang of envy.


    Katie and Cindy exchanged knowingughs, feeling like they''d stumbled upon a secret romance.


    However, Christopher found no humor in the situation. Witnessing Hera with Bernard after seeing their living situation at Bernard''s ce left him with a bitter chill in his heart.


    "I''ll have the same as her," Bernard said to the cashier.


    "You''re joining us?" Hera looked surprised.


    Bernard did seem a bit disced in the casual atmosphere of the food street.


    "Yes, I''ll join you all," Bernard replied.


    After cing and paying for the orders, he turned to Katie and the others. "Would you mind if I sat with you?"


    "Of course not!" Katie''s vigorous head shake made it clear-who could say no to such a handsome guy?


    Bernard raised an eyebrow at Hera. "Aren''t you going to introduce your ssmates?"


    Hera yfully clicked her tongue. "Honestly, Bernard, with that line, you sound more like a wealthy benefactor offering college sponsorships than someone just joining friends for a snack."


    Bernard was speechless. Seriously, what was going on in her head?


    He reached out, hisrge hand gently ruffling her hair. "So, future college student, do you need my sponsor?"


    Hera was speechless.


    The coffee shop suddenly had six seats open up. The staff swiftly cleaned the table and invited them to sit. As the five of them settled, the ambiance of the shop seemed to elevate, reflecting their collective charm. Bernard cast a nce at Christopher and saw the "High School Entrance Exam Simtion" book he held. He then turned to Hera with a yful smile. "All girls, huh?"


    Hera was caught off guard and averted her eyes as a blush crept onto her cheeks.


    She couldn''t lie, not to Bernard.


    Observing their exchange, Christopher raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry.


    On the other hand, Cindy instantly grasped the dynamic between the two. This attractive couple was a fascinating spectacle she couldn''t look away from.


    Katie was intrigued and leaned forward. She asked, "Professor Killian, you and our boss are...?"


    Bernard ced a finger to his lips. "This is our little secret."


    His gesture was filled with enigmatic charm that caused Katie''s cheeks to flush. She was utterly captivated.


    Witnessing her friends'' reactions,


    Hera jealousy. Bernard''s


    sgt help but feel a pang of


    Bernard''s efforties ont


    was undeniable,


    wr


    belongs to


    The coffee in her cup suddenly lost its sweetness.


    Just then, warm hand reached out under the table and enveloped hers. Hera looked down to see Bernard''s long slender fingers intecing with her own.


    A smile returned to her lips, and the coffee tasted sweet once more.

 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    Bernard''s phone buzzed before he could finish his coffee. He excused himself, but not before beckoning Christopher. "Walk me out. I seem to have forgotten where I parked."


    Christopher was confused. Didn''t Bernard just park the car himself? How would he know where it is?


    But Bernard''s tone left no room for argument, and Christopher reluctantlyplied.


    They didn''t walk far before Christopher spotted the Maserati parked by the roadside. He suddenly understood Bernard''s intention. It wasn''t about finding the car; it was about separating him from Hera.


    "You have feelings for Hera, don''t you?" Bernard''s voice cut through the air.


    Christopher hesitated, unsure how to articte his feelings for Hera. He had never been in love before, and the intensity of his emotions was both exciting and confusing.


    He was undeniably drawn to her intelligence, her quiet strength, and her ethereal beauty. His father''s not-so-subtle hints about a future together with Hera only fueled his internal conflict.


    "You care deeply for Hera but sense it''s not reciprocated," Bernard said.


    Christopher''s heart ached with the truth of Bernard''s words.


    Bernard asked, "Want to know why?"


    Christopher nodded eagerly, desperate for any insight that could bridge the gap between them. If only matters of the heart were as easily solved as a mathematical equation.


    "She''s into sh fiction," Bernard dered.


    "sh fiction?" Christopher furrowed his brows in confusion.


    Bernard rified, "Yeah. She''s into stories and fantasies about romantic rtionships between men."


    Christopher''s eyes widened in disbelief. Hera, his aloof idol, was a fan of such things? The revtion shattered his preconceived notions about her.


    Christopher was familiar with the


    concept of Boys'' Love or BL. Back when he was friends with Zyler, girls often gossiped about them, which made him ufortable. The idea of being shipped with another guy was both perplexing and repulsive to him.


    "Think back to when you and Hera were closest," Bernard prompted.


    A memory shed in Christopher''s mind. Hera had been most attentive during the time he and Zyler were inseparable. Since their friendship dissolved, so did his interactions with Hera.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Could she really be interested in that sort of thing?


    "She even mistook me for being into men at one point," Bernard added with a sly grin.


    Christopher''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously?"


    "You''re wee to ask her yourself," Bernard replied, enjoying Christopher''s bewildered expression.


    Despite his skepticism, Christopher couldn''t deny that Hera treated Bernard differently. Perhaps there was truth to Bernard''s im.


    Could it be that a misunderstanding about Bernard''s preferences had brought them closer?


    Bernard said with a touch of camaraderie "We''re both vying for her affection, Christopher. But for Aaron''s sake, I can only offer you this friendly advice. As for winning Hera''s heart, that''s entirely


    you."


    With a knowing smirk, Bernard climbed into his Maserati and drove off. A final thought echoed in his mind, "Hera is mine, and not just anyone can have her."


    Christopher watched the sleek car


    disappear and felt a newfound


    determination rising within him. If Bernard was willing to go to such lengths for Hera, then perhaps he should reconsider his own approach.


    Could embracing Boy''s Love be the key to unlocking Hera''s heart?

 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    Meanwhile, Hera was at the bustling food street and had no idea that the little white lie she told Bernard had almost turned Christopher''s life upside down.


    Upon leaving the coffee shop with Katie and Cindy, they made their way to a nearby barbecue restaurant. Hera stepped away to use the restroom, only to be drawn toward amotion at a street corner.


    "Oh no, someone''s copsed!"


    "Looks like an elderly woman."


    "Careful, it might be a scam. They prey on students."


    "Don''t get involved unless you''re loaded."


    "Just leave her. It''s too risky."


    A crowd of students had gathered around an elderly woman lying on the ground, murmuring about potential scams and the risks of helping strangers.


    The elderly woman was dressed in rags, looking like a beggar. A kind-hearted student tried to help her but was stopped by a boy nearby.


    A clear voice cut through the murmurs. "Move aside!"


    Hera stepped forward, her expression impassive.


    "Belle, be careful! She might be faking it to get money from you," a boy who recognized Hera cautioned.


    Hera bypassed the boy and headed straight for the old woman. The woman''s white hair, like her own grandmother''s back home, sparked an immediate concern in Hera.


    "Belle..."


    "Shut up if you don''t want to help!"


    The boy tried to speak again, but Hera coldly shut him down.


    "Ma''am, can you move your legs?" Hera crouched down, supporting the woman''s arm and helping her sit up. Then her delicate fingers gently pressed a few acupuncture points on the woman''s knee.


    "Ouch..." The elderly woman let out a groan of pain.


    "Madam! Madam! Wait... Who are you? What have you done to her?"


    A woman in her 50s, nked by two imposing bodyguards, barged through the crowd. Her voice boomed as she pointed usatorially at Hera.


    The crowd''s suspicions were confirmed the elderly woman was running a scam. The moment Hera offered aid, the aplices emerged, feigning concern and demandingpensation.


    Pitying nces fell upon Hera, especially from the boy who had warned her earlier. With a smug air, he said to the onlookers, "See told her not to help, and now, she''s in trouble..."


    But the scene took a sudden turn, leaving everyone bewildered.


    As the irate woman continued to berate Hera and barked orders for the bodyguards to apprehend her, Hera remained remarkablyposed.


    She calmly began checking the old woman''s pulse. The two bodyguards, eyes narrowed, advanced toward Hera with menacing intent.


    Just then, a blur of motion emerged from the crowd. A tall, muscr man d in a ck tracksuit and mask appeared before them, blocking their path.


    In a sh, the masked man was a whirlwind of action. With impressive agility, he disarmed and subdued both bodyguards!


    Then, like a phantom, he melted


    back into the crowd, leaving


    everyone questioning if they''d. hallucinated. Only the groaning bodyguards sprawled on the ground attested to his presence. ContentContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    belongs to


    Cheers erupted from the stunned onlookers. Hera''s gaze followed the masked figure''s vanishing point, a sense of familiarity tugging at her memory.


    His swift intervention suggested more than a random act of kindness. It felt like he''d been watching over her all along.


    A thought sparked in her mind-could it be Bernard?

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    Ever since the kidnapping, Bernard had be Hera''s constant shadow, or he''d have Dous keep an eye out for her safety.


    "You! You!" The woman was furious and reached for her phone, but the elderly woman intervened.


    "Pansy, don''t worry. This youngdy isn''t a bad person. I fell on my own, and she helped me. My leg feels much better now," the elderly woman reassured the woman named Pansy Harper.


    The elderly woman had stopped groaning, and thanks to Hera''s massage of a few acupoints, the pain in her leg had subsided significantly. With Hera''s support, she was able to stand up again.


    Witnessing this, Pansy immediately rushed to her side, and after confirming the elderly woman''s story, she quickly apologized to Hera. "I''m so sorry for the misunderstanding. Thank you for helping our madam."


    Then, she noticed the elderly woman''s tattered clothes and she questioned, "Madam, why are you dressed like this? If the master discovers you''ve sneaked out, he''ll be very upset."


    The elderly woman waved her off dismissively, cheerfully holding Hera''s hand. "Youngdy, thank you for saving me. Your name is Hera, isn''t it? I can''t repay you for such kindness, but our family, the Luddens, has two very eligible bachelors. Perhaps you might consider one of them for marriage?"


    Hera was speechless.


    The onlookers were shocked. The Luddens! Could this be Mrs. Ludden Senior herself?


    "Grandma, what are you doing here?"


    Christopher, who had just returned, spotted Hera in the crowd from afar. As he approached, he was surprised to find his grandmother there as well! The onlookers gasped. They might not have recognized Mrs. Ludden Senior, but they certainly knew the renowned top student, Christopher.


    This confirmed their suspicions the elderly woman was indeed Mrs. Ludden Senior herself!


    Was this not a scam but rather a test of character orchestrated by a wealthy individual disguised as a pauper?


    The crowd quickly scattered, fearing their actions were being observed.


    However, Mary remained calm. Upon seeing Christopher, she beckoned him over to Hera and introduced them, "This is my grandson. You two already know each other. What do you think of him?"


    Christopher was bewildered, and Hera was speechless. In the 21st century, were there still people arranging marriages on a whim?


    Hera hadn''t expected to encounter Mary here. During her previous visit to the Ludden residence, she hadn''t had the chance to meet her.


    She had intended to inquire about Mary''s health with Andrew in theing days, but it seemed Camille''s medical skills werecking.


    Judging by Mary''s pulse, her rheumatoid arthritis hadn''t improved, and Camille had resorted to hormonal medication, which provided temporary relief but posed significant risks.


    "You''re too kind, but I don''t need a husband. If you insist on repaying me, you could pay me instead," Hera replied.


    Mary looked disappointed. "Did you save me just for money?"


    The previous night, Mary''s youngest daughter-inw had attended the Everetts'' annual party and told her about Hera, the Everetts'' daughter She described Hera as beautiful, intelligent, kind, and most


    importantly, someone Christopher genuinely liked. Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She wanted to gauge Mary''s opinion.


    Mary''s greatest wish was to see her great-grandchild before her time came. Much to her dismay, however, her eldest grandson was devoted to the military and constantly following the Killians'' young sir. He seemed to have no interest in women. Content


    belongs to


    When she heard about her younger grandson''s sess, she became eager to meet the girl he was involved with.


    After discovering Hera was


    frequenting this pedestrian street she disguised herself and went to catch a glimpse. Unfortunately, her rheumatoid arthritis red up, causing her to stumble and fall.

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    Mary had snuck out of the Ludden residence unattended, opting for worn clothes to blend in with the crowd. Unfortunately, this disguise backfired. Passersby mistook her for a scammer as shey on the ground, clutching her aching leg in pain.


    Just as hope dwindled, Hera emerged and offered assistance.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Mary''s heart swelled with gratitude. She instantly identified Hera as the ideal granddaughter-inw.


    However, her hopes were dashed when Hera bluntly stated that she had only helped Mary out of a desire for money.


    Mary''s initial delight turned into disappointment. She disliked women who were driven by greed, and she believed there were plenty of such women around.


    "I''m a bit short on cashtely. If you insist on repaying me, I''ll ept money. And while I''m at it, I can also help you cure your rheumatoid arthritis," Hera exined nonchntly.


    "So, it''s all about the money..." Mary realized with a sigh. It seemed that Hera''s motivation was purely financial, not a greed for wealth or status. This revtion brought a bitter smile to Mary''s face. "Well, the Luddens are very wealthy. Just marry into our family, and you''ll have ess to all of Christopher''s money. And if you give birth to a son, half of the Ludden fortune will be yours."


    Hera was rendered speechless, and Christopher was left reeling by her words.


    "Grandma, please..."


    Christopher attempted to interject, but a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. How would Hera respond?


    "He''s not exactly my cup of tea, and I''m not interested in any long-term arrangements," Hera replied coolly. Her words struck a chord with Christopher. She hadn''t even given him a second nce, leaving him feeling dejected.


    Fueled by Bernard''s earlier words, a daring thought flickered in Christopher''s mind. Maybe showing his interest in sh fiction would pique Hera''s interest?


    On the other hand, Hera''s response left Pansy dumbfounded. A woman unfazed by the Ludden fortune?


    Countless women dreamed of marrying into the family, yet Hera dered Christopher wasn''t her type!


    In contrast, Mary felt a surge of satisfaction. This confirmed her belief that Hera wasn''t after money or status. She simply needed some financial help.


    "There''s no need to rush to a decision. Love can blossom over time..."


    Mary''s matchmaking attempt was cut short by Christopher''s sudden outburst, "Grandma, please! I like men."


    His words hung heavy in the air, silencing everyone.


    Mary and Pansy gaped at him in disbelief while Hera raised an eyebrow, in surprise. Christopher''s heart pounded in his chest. Finally, he had her attention, even if the tactic was unconventional


    "Mr. Christopher, what did you just say?" Pansy stammered, her voiceced with disbelief.


    Mary, reeling from Christopher''s unexpected confession, could only manage a stutter, "You... You shameless boy!" The next moment, she fainted.


    "Grandma!"


    "Mrs. Ludden Senior!"


    Hera quickly checked Mary''s pulse.


    "Lay her down t," she instructed calmly.


    However, Pansy rejected, "No, the ground is too cold! We need to find Dr. Shadow immediately."


    She hurriedly ordered the


    bodyguards to fetch the car


    and


    ???? A


    take Mary to the hospital. After all,


    Dr.


    Madow was their only hope for


    Mary''s recovery.


    Hera''s voice turned icy as she delivered a chilling warning. "If you don''t want to save her, then take her away."

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    Pansy recoiled at the sudden coldness radiating from Hera. The sharp glint in her normally gentle eyes sent a shiver down Pansy''s spine. It was a powerfulmand that left no room for argument.


    "Do what she says," Christopher instructed.


    Having witnessed his father seek Hera''s medical expertise for his grandmother before, Christopher trusted her capabilities.


    Unwilling butpliant, Pansy lowered Mary to the ground. Hera swiftly unfurled an acupuncture kit, revealing a row of gleaming gold needles.


    With practiced ease, she selected one, located the appropriate pressure point, and expertly inserted it. She inserted more into specific locations on Mary''s head and hands.


    Momentster, Mary stirred and slowly regained consciousness.


    Relief washed over Pansy. "Mrs. Ludden Senior, how are you feeling?"


    "Grandma..."


    Mary mumbled weakly. Her eyesnded on Christopher, and Mary''s blood pressure threatened to spike again. "You shameless boy! Are you trying to kill me from shock?!"


    Hera reassured Mary, "There''s no need to get upset. While sexual orientation may be unchangeable, your health can certainly be improved." Christopher remained silent.


    Mary, on the brink of another outburst, resorted to childish petnce. "What''s the point of living this long if I can''t hold my great-grandchildren in my arms? I might as well be dead!"


    Hera''sposure faltered for a moment, leaving her speechless.


    Christopher quickly stepped in to console her.


    Hera''s instruction cut through Mary''s outburst, "Stop taking the medication for your rheumatoid arthritis when you return home."


    She instructed Pansy while handing


    her a small, ornate box. "It contains hydrocortisone, which treats the symptoms but not the root cause After a week off the medication, start giving her these pills-two a day, one small one at a time."


    Pansy''s brows were furrowed together. "How did you know Mrs. Ludden Senior has rheumatoid arthritis?"


    Mary momentarily forgot her tantrum and stared in surprise at the box. Not only had Hera diagnosed her condition, but she also identified the key ingredient in her medication!


    The acupuncture treatment had demonstrably improved Mary''s condition, a stark contrast to the limited effect of Camille''s previous efforts. "We''ll assess the results after a week. However, future treatments won''t be free," Hera said, packing away her needles.


    The moment Hera left, Jane received news from Pansy and rushed to the scene with her entourage.


    Disapproving that someone had performed acupuncture on Mary, Jane chastised Christopher and Pansy. Unconvinced of Mary''s recovery, she ordered her transfer to Pineview Hospital for a full check-up and contacted Camille.


    Camille happened to be at the hospital as she was discussing the 13 Needles of Death with Oscar. She rushed to Mary''s ward upon receiving the


    news.


    A thorough examination by the doctors revealed a surprising turn of events. Not only was Mary in good health overall, but her rheumatoid arthritis had also shown unexpected improvement.


    Relieved but mistaking the reason,


    Jane attributed this progress to


    Camille''s recent treatment. She ushered Camille to Mary''s bedside and said, "Mary, thanks to Camille''s excellent care, your rheumatoid arthritis is improving!" Content


    belongs to


    Seizing the opportunity to sing Camille''s praises, Jane continued, "Camille, you truly embody the title of a miracle doctor. Your medical skills are phenomenal. You practically save people from serious illnesses."


    Surprised by the exceptional oue of her standard medication regimen, Camille could only offer a smile and a modest reply. "You''re too kind, Mrs. Ludden."


    The head doctor who received Jane was eager to curry favor and chimed in, "Indeed. Ms. Chime is the one and only miracle doctor! She has a cure for all ailments! There''s no illness she can''t conquer!"


    His words further inted Camille''s ego.


    Convinced of their dedication, Jane saw Mary''s recovery as a testament to her branch''s care. It seemed only natural that the position of the head of the Luddens and Mary''s shares would rightfully fall to them.


    However, Mary''s voice cut through the air, "Actually, the improvement wasn''t thanks to Camille. The medication she gave me did help with the pain, but the real difference came after my


    Lov


    granddaughter-inw''s acupuncture treatment." Content ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    Mary''s slow, resolute voice stopped the doctor mid-praise. His words hung heavy in the sudden silence.


    Her derationnded like a silent p, stinging everyone present.


    Camille felt a flush creep up her neck. This public denial was akin to leading the entire ward to question her reputation as a miracle doctor.


    With ordinary patients, she might have politely withdrawn her services. However, the Ludden family, particrly the formidable Mrs. Ludden Senior, was a different story.


    She was equal to the head of the Chime family, so Camille couldn''t simply do that.


    "Mary, are you mistaken? You don''t have a granddaughter-inw," Jane interjected, attempting to lighten the mood. "Perhaps you''d like Camille to fill that role? Aaron is certainly of marrying age, and they seem perfectly suited."


    Camille''s lips pursed as she contemted a reply. Her heart belonged solely to Bernard, and she wouldn''t consider anyone else.


    "Absolutely not!" Mary interrupted before Camille could speak.


    If Aaron wanted to marry, he had to prioritize Hera. Christopher, that good-for-nothing, would not be able to step up to the te, so Aaron would have to take his ce.


    "I''ve already identified a potential candidate. Once I gather more information, I''ll arrange a meeting," Mary dered.


    First, Camille''s medical expertise was challenged, and now, she was rejected. Her smile faltered.


    Despite her unwavering devotion to Bernard, she was the eldest daughter of the prestigious Chime family, one of the four influential families, and Norburgh''s premier socialite. Why couldn''t she gain Mary''s approval?


    This realization sparked a flicker of jealousy within Camille.


    "Who in Norburgh could possibly be a better match than Camille?" Jane inquired. She genuinely liked Camille. The two families were well-matched, and an alliance with the Chimes would solidify her branch family''s position in the family.


    However, she still had to respect Mary as long as she remained in the Ludden family.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Let''s keep it under wraps for now," Mary said cryptically.


    She knew Jane very well. Any hint of information would inevitably lead to an investigation, followed by disapproval and potential


    intimidation. Thus, she shrouded her


    ns in secrecy.


    Since Mary wouldn''t borate, Jane couldn''t press the issue. She would simply have someone discreetly investigateter.


    "I''m feeling much better now. Thank you, Ms. Chime, for your recent treatment and care. But I won''t be needing your services any longer," Mary said to Camille.


    "Mary, are you sure? You wouldn''t want that woman treating you instead, would you? You must be confused! Camille is a renowned miracle doctor!" Jane eximed.


    "No worries about that. If Mrs.


    Ludden Senior has a better option,


    won''t intrude. Wishing you a full


    recovery, Mrs. Ludden Senio


    Camille replied with a tight smile.


    Without waiting for a response, Camille turned and left. She wanted it to be known that she was upset. After all, she wasn''t someone others could push around at will.


    Anyway, rheumatoid arthritis was a condition that even a genuine miracle doctor couldn''t definitively cure.


    Mary''s dismissal was a blessing in disguise in a way.


    If Mary would rather have her "granddaughter-inw" treat her, then so be it. That way, Camille wouldn''t shoulder the me ifplications arose.


    Jane pretended to chase after Camille, but in fact, it was so she could get someone to investigate the person who performed acupuncture on Mary. Mary''s health wasn''t Jane''s primary concern. It was the identity of the woman Mary intended for Aaron.


    A wicked thought slithered into


    Jane''s mind. Perhaps she could manipte the situation so that woman would inadvertently kill Mary, paving the way for a potential rtionship between Aaron and Camille.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    Hera and Katie were just leaving school when a sleek white Maserati pulled up beside them.


    The window slid down, revealing the face of a man so handsome it could stop even the prettiest woman in her tracks.


    "Professor Killian!" Katie squealed, barely containing herself. Noticing the curious stares from ssmates, she quickly mped a hand over her mouth.


    "Well, I won''t disturb your date, then. See you, boss," she said with a grin. With a wave goodbye, she walked away.


    As she walked, she kept looking back and even took a few sneaky photos with her phone. She then shared them with her various groups of close friends.


    News of Bernard''s visit to look for Hera instantly became the hottest topic in all the school''s gossip groups,pletely eclipsing the recent drama surrounding Gaskell Corporation''s downfall.


    The strange thing was that no photos of Bernard and Hera could be posted on the school forum, and any gossip threads about them were mysteriously blocked. Rumors swirled that the school''s tech department had gged their names as "sensitive keywords".


    Hera couldn''t help but chuckle at Katie''s excitement.


    "Need a ride?" Bernard asked from the driver''s seat, a yful smirk on his lips.


    Hera hopped into the passenger seat, returning the yful jab, "Mr. Killian, are you working as a driver on the side now?"


    Bernard yed along. "That''s right. The boss pays peanuts, barely enough to raise a college student. Gotta hustle for some extra cash, you know?" "Well, unfortunately, I''m fresh out of cash for a proper fare," Hera teased.


    "No problem, there are other ways to pay," Bernard said, leaning closer with a suggestive grin. He pointed to his lips. "Care to recharge your driver?" Hera was unfazed and swatted his face yfully. "Eyes on the road, Mr. Killian."


    Chuckling, Bernard took her hand and ced a gentle kiss on the back of it.


    "What''s for dinner tonight?" he asked.


    "Let''s go back to the Everett residence to eat," Hera replied as she checked a message from Gideon on her phone.


    It was perfect timing as she needed to retrieve Bernard''s medicine and administer his final treatment.


    "Sounds good," Bernard said, turning the car around smoothly.


    Hera sent a quick reply to Gideon and then noticed they wer enot headed in the direction of the Everett residence.


    "Where are we going?"Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "We''re picking up a few things first," Bernard exined.


    An hourter, Hera and Bernard emerged from the mall, followed by Dous and a bodyguard in a suit and sunsses. Both men wereden with shopping bags. The haul ranged from supplements for the elderly to children''s game consoles. It was enough gifts for the whole family.


    "We can''t visit empty-handed," Bernard said, noticing Hera''s raised eyebrow.


    She couldn''t help but smile. "It''s not exactly your first visit, you know."


    "Exactly. Gotta make a good impression on your family this time," Bernard said.


    "A good impression, you say? Barging in with a gun the first time and then shamelessly tagging along on a family vacation the second? Sounds like a winning strategy."


    "Tsk, no wonder you said my brother keeps his guard up around you, treating you like a wolf. It''s because he doesn''t like you," Hera gave


    another jab as she got into the


    passenger seat.


    Bernard slid into the driver''s seat and reached out to ruffle Hera''s hair. "Your brother''s opinion doesn''t matter. As long as you have mine, that''s all that counts."

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    "You smooth talker! Does your charm work on all the girls?"


    Hera swatted Bernard''s hand away from her head. His yful gesture felt condescending, like he was treating her like a kid.


    Bernard responded by taking her hand instead. "I''m only like this with you."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera recalled how he had coaxed Katie and the others at noon. "What about when you asked me to introduce my ssmates to you at noon?"


    Her words held a subtle edge.


    Bernard could sense the spark of jealousy underneath her tone and exined, "I just wanted to make a good impression on your ssmates so that they would approve of my rtionship with you."


    Honestly, with her personality, anyone who could hang out with her had to be more than just an ordinary ssmate.


    Hera pulled her hand free.


    "We''re not in any rtionship yet," she corrected him.


    Bernard''s gaze lingered on her face. "Don''t you like me?"


    Hera hesitated, the silence stretching between them.


    "Hmm?" Bernard leaned closer, tilting her chin up with a gentle touch. His thumb brushed over her lips, and there was a spark of danger in his eyes. Finally, she replied, "Fine, I like you."


    A flicker of surprise crossed Bernard''s face. His voice dropped, bing low and seductive. "Suddenly, I don''t feel like going to your house anymore."


    "Where, then?" Hera asked.


    "Somewhere just for us," he replied, a smile ying on his lips.


    The air inside the car crackled with ambiguity, their breaths mingling in the intimate space.


    Hera''s eyshes fluttered as she agreed, "Fine, but we need to swing by the Everett residence first for your medicine. We can hang out tomorrow." Bernard''s gaze intensified. The subtle fragrance of her perfume further fueled his desire. "You agreed so easily. Do you know what that implies?" Hera met his eyes, her expression unwavering. "I do."


    Unable to resist, he leaned forward and captured her lips in a fleeting kiss.


    The next moment, he produced a heart-shaped ne from his palm with a magician''s flourish.


    Hera''s heart skipped a beat as she reached for the ne. Though it was a ssic design, the canary diamonds encrusting the hollow heart made it dazzle.


    "I saw it at the counter and thought it


    would look beautiful on you. Let me put it on," Bernard offered,


    jel.


    unsping the ne and gently fastening it around her neck.


    His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Hera''s heart pounded in her chest, the anticipation almost unbearable.


    After he fastened the ne on her, her eyes drifted to the canary diamond cufflinks on his shirt.


    A sudden realization struck her.


    Bernard was sly, indeed. Both the ne and cufflinks featured canary diamonds. Did that make them an unintentional couple''s set?


    The Everett residence was a whirlwind of activity upon receiving word that Bernard and Hera were returning. Lilith and James bustled about the kitchen while Mildred instructed Judy to tidy Hera''s room.


    Meanwhile, Gideon and Gino sat in the living room, locked in a silent staring contest.


    "We''ll have to count on you to make Hera stay," Gideon dered.


    "Why me?" Gino retorted.


    "You''re younger and adorable. Just pretend to be sick or act cute and she''ll soften up and stay," Gideon advised.


    Imagining Hera''s reaction if she discovered his ruse, Gino countered, "Why don''t you do it?"


    "I need to keep an eye on Bernard. We can''t let him stay the night," Gideon exined.


    As a fellow male, Gino understood Gideon''s ulterior motives.


    "Fine," Gino conceded, sharing Gideon''s dislike of Bernard for monopolizing Hera''s time.


    "But for the record, I''m handsome, not cute!" Gino said.


    "Sure, you''re the most handsome. Our family''s genes are impable, after all," Gideon replied.

 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    As Gideon and Gino were talking, they heard a car pull up in the driveway.


    Judy, who had just helped Mildred downstairs, went outside and returned with a happy announcement. "Madam, Ms. Hera and Mr. Killian are back."


    Just as she finished speaking, Bernard entered with Hera, armsden with bags.


    "Grandma, we''re back," he greeted, subtly positioning himself as Mildred''s future grandson-inw.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Hera shot him a warning look, urging him not to speak out of turn.


    Mildred beamed. "Wonderful! Wee back! Why did you buy so many expensive things?"


    Her eyes were glued to the bags Bernard carried. She recognized that all of them were from high-end luxury brands.


    "It''s a small token of appreciation from Hera and me," Bernard replied.


    Hera remained silent.


    "Bernard certainly isn''t being shy." Gideon stepped forward to take the bags from Bernard.


    Bernard''s constant use of "we" and "Hera and I" firmly linked the two of them together.


    "We''ll be family soon," Bernard added.


    Gideon was speechless. He said that Bernard wasn''t being shy, and he really wasn''t!


    If it weren''t for the favor he owed Bernard from thepany''s annual meeting, he wouldn''t want to show him any respect.


    He gave Gino a look, signaling him to step in. Gino understood and clutched his stomach, ready to feign illness.


    Right then, Bernard said, "The game console is for my little brother."


    Gino''s eyes lit up at the sight of the game console''s packaging. It was the globally limited edition one he had been dreaming of! There were only ten in the world, and they were incredibly hard to find!


    "Thank you!" He took the game console and excitedly started unwrapping it. He hadpletely forgotten about his n.


    Gideon couldn''t help but curse inwardly, "How useless!"


    "There''s a draft investment contract from Shuttle Ventures inside. Gideon, you might want to take a look," Bernard added.


    Gideon froze, then quickly found a document among the gifts. He opened it to find two investment contracts.


    One was for investing in Sedna, and


    1


    the other was for investing in the Everetts''pany. The investment amount was a hundred million dors, aimed at reviving the Everetts. Shuttle Ventures would only take a 30% stake, leaving 70% for the Everetts. They would also send professionals to assist in the initial stages.


    It was like a piece of pie falling from the sky.


    James came out of the kitchen, saw the investment contracts, and was so moved he almost knelt down to sing Bernard''s praises. "Bernard, you''re the savior of the Everetts! I''|| definitely manage the Everetts well!" he eximed.


    Gideon didn''t immediately agree, but he didn''t let go of the contracts either. He couldn''t deny that with these two investments from Shuttle Ventures, the Everetts'' position in Norburgh would rise, and they would eventually be a prominent family.


    Bernard had gone to such lengths that it seemed he was serious about Hera.


    Gideon was changing his opinion of Bernard.


    Just like that, Bernard secured the Everetts'' favor with two investment contracts and a limited edition game console.


    After dinner, Mildred insisted, "The forecast says there''s a blizzard tonight. You two shouldn''t go back. Stay here, the rooms are all ready."


    Hera was taken aback while Gideon and Gino exchanged surprised nces. They had anticipated their grandmother''s eagerness but not her outright bluntness.

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    As Gideon looked out the window, he noticed the unusual stillness of the night. Typically, the wind would be howling, but there wasn''t even a snowke in sight tonight.


    Where was this supposed blizzard? Mildred''s lie was tantly obvious.


    "Grandma, our humble abode is too lowly for the likes of the noble Mr. Killian. It''s best not to insist he stays. It might only put him in an awkward position," Gideon said.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He was willing to reconsider his opinion of Bernard, but letting him spend the night was too soon. At the very least, they should wait until Hera came of age.


    Logically, Bernard should have agreed and dropped the idea of staying the night after hearing Gideon''s words.


    However, he merely offered a sideways nce at Gideon before rising to select a bottle of whisky from the living room''s wine rack. He poured himself a ss, taking a sip with an air of quiet refinement.


    Mildred, seemingly realizing her faux pas, quickly eximed, "You''re absolutely right, Gideon! How thoughtless of me. James, please check if there''s a presidential suite avable at the Imperial Hotel for Mr. Killian."


    James immediately made the call and soon confirmed the reservation.


    Mildred ryed the room number to Hera and said, "Go and see Mr. Killian off."


    "Alright," Hera agreed, heading upstairs to retrieve Bernard''s medicine.


    She returned downstairs and said, "I won''t be staying here tonight."


    This was precisely Mildred''s intention. She smiled and said, "Of course. Keep Mr. Killianpany."


    Gideon was internally exasperated


    "Hera,


    some restraint. What''s


    the dice between this and him


    staying here? Oh, right, now we''ve lost on both fronts."


    With a sly grin, Bernard turned to


    whisheve had a bit too much to drive. Would you m


    gus a lift, Gideon?" Cop


    belongs to


    Gideon was taken aback, suspecting Bernard''s intentions.


    "Is he always this bold?" he whispered to Hera.


    Hera nced at Bernard and simply replied, "Yes."


    Gideon, bound by the lucrative investment deals, reluctantly agreed to chauffeur them to the Imperial Hotel.


    En route, he made a quick stop at a pharmacy before dropping them off.


    arrived, Gideon pulled


    Once


    Hera


    concern.


    his voice filled with


    l


    "Have you truly thought this


    through?"


    Hera looked at him, confused.


    "You''re a grown woman now, and I''ll support your choices, but please prioritize your safety."


    Gideon then handed her a ck stic bag, which left her even more bewildered.

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    Hera took the ck stic bag, and she could feel a square-ish box inside it. Did Gideon specifically go to the drugstore to buy this thing? Hera was speechless.


    "Gideon, you must be misunderstanding something. I''m just here to treat his illness." Hera pushed the stic bag back to him.


    "Really?" Gideon was still doubtful. "Then why didn''t you say so? You could still treat him at home. There''s no need to go to a hotel."


    This was just great. Now, they would be together by themselves in one room...


    He trusted Hera, but he still had some reservations about Bernard.


    Hera repeated what he said, "Our humble abode is too lowly for the likes of the noble Mr. Killian."


    Gideon gave her a look. "You''re making me look stupid here."Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Hera chuckled. "Grandma is being generous for once. We should take advantage of it while we can."


    Although she said that, the Everett residence wasn''t a good ce to treat Bernard''s illness. He had always hidden the truth about his illness. Also, he shouldn''t be disturbed while he was undergoing treatment.


    The best solution was to return to Skyview Heights, but there was a water bed in the presidential suite in the penthouse at the Imperial Hotel. That was good for his treatment.


    Gideon was taken aback. Why did he feel as if Hera was being led astray by Bernard?


    "About the contracts, you should consider them carefully with Dad before signing them. You don''t need to be troubled about it because of me," Hera continued.


    She was also quite surprised that Bernard would bring the investment contract papers here tonight. She had skimmed through the contracts before. They were purely


    investments. Hispany would only hold a small stake and wouldn''t have any say in the Everetts''


    management of Everett Group.


    In the past, Hera would have never epted this lucrative offer. Previously, Andrew had also proposed to invest in Everett Group, but she immediately rejected the offer and never told the Everetts about it.


    But now, she would let them make the choice.


    "Alright, we will." After saying so, Gideon passed the bag in his hands back to Hera. "You should hold on to this in case anything happens. When you can''t resist it, you should protect yourself."


    Hera couldn''t find the words to reply


    to him. She wanted to return it to him, but Gideon wouldn''t let her and entered his car. Bernard seemed to have grown impatient as he immediately walked over upon seeing Gideon leave. Content


    belongs to


    e


    Fearing that Bernard would see it, Hera quickly stuffed the ck bag into her jacket.


    The two of them walked into the hotel. Knowing that Bernard would being back, the hotel manager had been waiting for them at the front desk. As Bernard walked up to him, he handed over the room card reverently.


    Bernard took the room card and brought Hera to the presidential suite in the penthouse via a dedicated elevator.


    Hera opened the door and took the card from his hands to ce it into the card holder. The lights in the room immediately turned on.


    The heating system made the room warm immediately. She took off her jacket and hung it on a clothes hanger by the door.


    Suddenly, a thud sounded throughout the room. A box fell from her jacket and onto the carpet,nding neatly between the two of them. Hera became flustered. Shepletely forgot about this thing in her pocket!


    Gideon, that bastard!

 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    "If I said I''m just here to treat you, would you believe me?"


    Hera looked at the handsome face that was right in front of her, hearing the sound of a heart thumping loudly. She couldn''t tell whether it wasing from her or Bernard.


    His hot breath tickled her face as if it would melt her.


    "I wouldn''t." Bernard''s maic voice was a little hoarse, sending shivers up her spine.


    Hera was speechless. Gideon really did a number on her this time! She would never be able to exin herself. The more she tried to exin, the more it would look like she was trying to cover up, so she gave up.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard also didn''t probe further. He just went to shower.


    After 20 minutes, the sound of running water stopped, and the door to the bathroom opened. Bernard was wearing a loose, white bathrobe and came out emanating cold air.


    Hera could feel the cool air on him. She realized that he had been showering for 20 minutes with cold water.


    She didn''t dare to push his limits any further, so she said, "Let''s stop messing around. Blow dry your hair and lie on the bed. I''ll administer acupuncture on you."


    However, he didn''t move.


    Hera raised an eyebrow. "You don''t want the treatment anymore?" She


    the


    d her set of gold needlet


    . Content belong


    to


    on


    "Take this medicine first." Hera handed him a ss of warm water and a ck pill.


    Bernard didn''t ask any questions. He took the pill from her hand and swallowed it.


    Hera teased, "Aren''t you worried that I''m feeding you poison?"


    "No. If I die by your hands, it''ll be worth it," Bernard replied.


    Hera clicked her tongue and retorted, "How cringe."


    Since Bernard didn''t ask anything, Hera didn''t need to exin either The pill was made mainly using the Eclipse Stone. If she were to exin further, she would be exposing a lot of information about herself.


    After swallowing the pill, Bernard felt a warmth in his belly. Then, he felt a wave of drowsiness crash over him.


    "How long will the treatment take?" Hey down on the bed and began sending messages on his phone.


    "I''ll take half an hour to administer acupuncture. After that, you should fall into a deep sleep. As for when you will wake up, it depends on your body and mind''s recovery. I estimate it to be around 12 to 42 hours.


    "During this time, you can''t be disturbed. I suggest you put your phone on silent mode or turn it off."

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    As Hera spoke, she deftly tied up her long hair in a braid that hung down her back.


    "Alright," Bernard replied as he finished sending his messages. Then, he switched off his phone andy down.


    Hera rolled up her sleeves, exposing her fair, slender arm. She nced at Bernard''s loose, baggy bathrobe, then went into the bathroom beforeing out and tossing him a towel. "Take off your bathrobe."


    Hera picked up a gold needle and wiped it with alcohol. Under the light, the needle glinted with a cold sh.


    She turned to look at him. "Do you want to know how it feels to be half-paralyzed?"


    Bernard just stared at her. He realized that he shouldn''t be flirting with a woman who was focused on her work.


    He took off his bathrobe and used the towel to cover hisher regions. Like a fair maiden awaiting her prince, hey on the water bed expectantly.


    Hera just rolled her eyes. She fixed the water bed''s temperature before starting the acupuncture. She was already familiar with his pressure points, and the way she administered the needles was smooth and practiced.


    In a short while, Bernard was covered from head to toe in needles. All 16 of the main gold needles were custom-made by Bernard. The rest were silver needles.


    Hera observed Bernard''s expression. His expression was rxed, and his breathing was steady. It seemed like the effects had kicked in, and he had fallen asleep.


    Half an hourter, she removed all the needles and stored them. Then, she justy on the bedside and started admiring his features.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was probably exposed to the elements daily when he was in the army. How did he manage to have such tender and smooth skin despite being in the army for so long?


    Her gaze moved downward and stopped at the heart-wrenching scars on his chest. His face was probably the only intact area on his body. There was no other patch of skin that was unmarred.


    She got up and took out two ck bottles from her bag. One contained an almond-colored powder, and the other contained a transparent liquid. She mixed them and gently applied the ointment to the scars on his body.


    UMS


    She treated the scars on his chest and waist. Then, her gazended on the towel. Her slender fingers pinched the corner of the towel and tugged it to the side, exposing the scar on his left thigh.


    Hera''s face started getting hot. She nced at Bernard furtively to make sure that he was still fast asleep. Then, she knelt on one knee of the side of the bed and bent over him to spread the ointment on his thigh.


    She had no idea why she was so nervous. After all, she was just treating his wounds.


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang.


    Hera jolted, and the knee that was precariously bnced on the bedside slipped. The water bed was too soft, and she didn''t dare to let go of the gintment in her hand. Her other hand couldn''t find any support, so her body lost its bnce.

 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    Hera''s face flushed red as her heart drummed against her chest.


    She scrambled to get up. Looking at Bernard, she made sure that he was still sleeping soundly before breathing a sigh of relief. She quickly ced the towel and nket on him, ensuring that he was properly covered up.


    The doorbell was still ringing. Hera put down the ointment and went to the bathroom to ssh some cold water on her face. She wanted to cool down her hot cheeks before opening the door.


    When she did open the door, she saw Leon, who was wearing a baseball cap and a face mask. He looked just like a suspicious person. He eximed, "Boss!"


    He checked to make sure no one was around before slipping into the presidential suite.


    "Boss, this is what you asked for. I brought it here." He set down his backpack and took out aptop. Just now, when Bernard was taking a shower, Hera asked Leon to bring it over.


    "Why are you dressed like this?" Hera took theptop and turned it on after cing it on the table.


    Leon took off the cap and face mask whileining, "You have no idea how exhausting it is to date a superstar! I have to be careful not to be seen by reporters, tabloid journalists, or rabid fans. If I''m caught on camera, I would have to exin to him that you''re not my lover!"


    "Be quiet," Hera reminded him.


    Leon looked around, only to see that the bedroom door was closed. "Is your man in there?"


    He looked back at her and noticed the lingering blush on Hera''s face. "Why are your cheeks so red?"


    Hera was reminded of how awkward it was in the bedroom just now. She cursed Leon in her heart, ming him for her current situation.


    "Surely, you weren''t doing the deed?" Leon leaned forward with a sly expression.


    "You can scram now," Hera said coldly.


    Leon pretended to sob, putting on a pitiful expression. "You''re so heartless, asking me to leave after using me. You don''t even care about me! I''m getting targeted by them because of you."


    Hera red at him. "Go on, then."


    "They couldn''t find any information on you, so they started digging on my end. Especially Aries from Astral Nova! Ever since I encountered him, I realized that he has started keeping tabs on my movements in Cyber Web. It''s making me so paranoid that I don''t dare to go online too often."


    Leon was referring to the group that was involved in taking down Raven. In their eyes, Raven was now a walking money bag. Whoever caught Raven first would get the reward.


    "I see." Hera hummed lightly as if this matter had nothing to do with her.


    When Leon saw how little she cared


    sawThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    about it, he couldn''t help but nag,


    "You should be more careful! Even Astral Nova''s people are involved and those devils can''t be


    underestimated. Don''t go online for a while; wait for things to die down.


    "I have a feeling that Astral Nova has hidden motives, so you must not get caught by them!"


    "I got it. Now buzz off!" Hera waved her hand impatiently.


    Leon pouted and put on his cap and face mask again. When he was about to leave, Hera called out to him, "Wait, take this medicine and use it. It''s specially formted for the heart."


    As Hera spoke, she tossed a small vial to him. Leon caught it and read the dosage instructions on the vial. He was a bit surprised.


    "How did you know that I wanted you to help treat someone with a heart disease?"


    After asking that, Leon realized that it wasn''t so surprising for her to know that. It wasn''t a secret that his godson had a congenital heart defect. With Hera''s capabilities, she could get that information with a snap of her fingers.


    All this while, he felt that Hera was a


    St


    cold, distant person. He even felt that their rtionship was a purely transactional one. No matter how warmly he approached her, she would only act coldly. After he


    his purpose, she would ask


    him to leave.


    However, at this moment, Leon was truly touched.

 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    Leon hadn''t even found the right time to ask Hera to help treat his godson, but she already developed a special medicine for him.


    She was incredibly considerate! He would never call Hera cold and heartless anymore.


    "Boss, thank you so much! I love you!" Leon gripped the vial tightly and rushed back into the living room to hug Hera. However, she shoved him away with one hand.


    "One million dors. Remember to transfer it to me," Hera said.


    Leon was speechless. Indeed, the boss was still as authoritative as ever.


    After Leon left, Hera deleted the surveince footage in the hotel. Then, she logged in to an anonymous WhatsApp ount and sent Grandmaster of Astral Nova a message.


    "There''s a batch of special medicine made from leftover material from the Eclipse Stone. It''s limited stock. What do you say we put it up for auction in Astral Nova?"


    Hera tapped her fingers on the table while waiting for Grandmaster of Astral Nova to reply. She wanted to continue probing into his background. Nevertheless, Grandmaster of Astral Nova had yet to reply after ten minutes.


    She looked at the time. It was currently 1:00 am. Was he asleep?


    She took out a USB drive from her bag and plugged it into theptop. Immediately, lines of code appeared on the screen.


    If Leon were here, he would have thrown a fit. He just reminded her not to log on, but not a few minutester, she was online as a hacker again.


    On the other end, in the office of the main control tower at Astral Nova, Taurus was holding a big tub of popcorn. When he walked past the main screen, he saw the notifications from the firewall and data interception alert.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Taurus eximed, "Someone''s attacking the firewall!"


    Aries was crouching in his chair while ying aputer game. He drawled with a lollipop between his teeth, "Let them attack. After all, the grandmaster designed this firewall himself. I''ve never seen anyone hack it sessfully in my entire time here."


    "That''s true." Taurus sat back in his seat and started looking through the data from the intercepted hacking attempts while eating his popcorn. Halfway through his popcorn, Taurus sprang up and shouted, "Fuck!" Even his popcorn spilled over the keyboard.


    Aries jumped as well. His cursor went haywire, and his in-game character died. Angrily, he scolded, "What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you do that?"


    Taurus quickly unplugged the keyboard, not even bothering to clean up the popcorn. His face was almost pressed against the screen like he wanted to dive into it.


    "I think the hacker is Raven!"


    Aries immediately logged out of his game and opened up the data from the firewall, The more he analyzed it, the more excited he became. "After all this time chasing after Raven, he''s appeared right in front of us! Are we about to get our big break?"


    After saying that, he changed his sitting posture, and his fingers flew all over the keyboard as he tried to catch Raven.


    "Quick, let''s get him!" Taurus changed the keyboard set and joined in the fight.


    At the Imperial Hotel, Hera smiled when she saw the notifications on the screen. She connected theptop to a power source. Then, she flexed her fingers and started typing furiously as well.


    This was going to be an extraordinary night.


    When dawn broke, Taurus and Aries felt like their fingers were cramping. They could barely lift their fingers! However, they didn''t get any useful information from the hacker.


    Even until now, the hacker was still attacking their firewall while defending against their attacks simultaneously. Was this a person or a machine?

 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    A red warning shed on the big screen, indicating that the firewall had been breached.


    "Fuck!" Taurus and Aries couldn''t help but curse.


    For the past six hours or so, they just wanted to try going up against Raven to test their skills, so they didn''t report it immediately. Now, they finally realized that they had taken things too far!


    "What''s wrong? Why is the firewall giving out alerts?" Leo, who had just received the firewall alert, hurried over.


    "Raven breached the firewall that the grandmaster created!" Taurus eximed.


    Leo was astonished. He couldn''t believe that there was someone who could get past the grandmaster''s firewall system!


    Leo barked, "Quickly, report to Samson! Activate the first-grade defense alert! Get the other members ready at their stations as fast as you can!"


    It was still early in the morning, but the office in the main control tower of Astral Nova was already in a chaotic mess.


    At the Imperial Hotel, Hera drank some water and massaged her tired wrists.


    Astral Nova''s firewall was much more difficult to prate than she imagined. After more than six hours, she finally breached it. It didn''t even take that long when she hacked Miridian''s satellite.


    Still, she was lucky that the grandmaster wasn''t in Astral Nova right now, and only two of hisckeys were holding the fort.


    However, ording to thest time she went up against the grandmaster, she would not be that lucky.


    She stretched her stiff neck to the sides and was about to continue her invasion when suddenly, 12 alerts popped up on her screen. Someone was invading her firewall!


    Her eyes narrowed as she muttered, "Are these the 12 zodiac signs of Astral Nova?"


    She clicked her tongue in


    annoyance. She could ovee twockeys, and even if there were 12 of them, she could still hold her own. However, it would be a tough fight, and she would have to be in optimal condition. In this situation, she was no match for their


    combined assault.


    Sometimes, cowardice was the better part of valor. Hera unplugged the USB drive and turned off herptop.


    Over at Astral Nova, red error codes shed on the 12puters. Even the breach alert on the big screen disappeared. "Raven got away!" Leo sighed.


    "Compile all the useful data for me. I''ll show it to the grandmaster when he''s back," Samson ordered.


    "Yes, sir!" the rest replied.


    At the Killian residence in Jedburgh, the aged and haggard Anthony was kneeling in front of Chad, weeping inconsbly. "Chad, you must bring justice. Queenie didn''t deserve to die! I know that she made mistakes, but she shouldn''t have died for it!" "Anthony, please get up." Chad helped Anthony stand up.


    Anthony stood up with Chad''s support and continued toment" only have one daughter, and that''s Queenie! She lost her mother when she was young, and we depended on each other ever since. Content


    belongs to Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "Yes, I spoiled her, and she could be a little demanding and unreasonable, but she didn''t have bad intentions.


    "We''re all from the Killian family, but


    Bernard pushed Queenie to her


    death for a woman! Why are we


    hurting our own flesh and blood? Chad, you must bring justice for me, or die with regrets!" Content


    belongs to


    Queenie had just been buried. Anthony did not even host a memorial service and immediately came to Chad to bemoan his sorrows.


    There were widespread reports that the Gaskell family was heading toward their downfall. Naturally, Chad knew something about it, especially when this matter was rted to Bernard.

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    Bernard was such a troublesome stepbrother, but Chad had no way to get rid of him.


    Chad put on a serious expression and said, "I''ll investigate this matter thoroughly. If it really is Bernard''s fault, I''ll ensure that he repays you for his sins."


    Anthony wiped his tears and said, "I don''t need his repayment. Queenie sacrificed so much for the Killian family, so I just want him to prove her innocence! He can''t stain Queenie''s legacy by branding her as a murderer!"


    Chad''s sharp eyebrows furrowed slightly as his expression darkened. "Everything happens for a reason. Surely, Queenie''s end shouldn''t be a surprise to you."


    Anthony almost choked, his lips pping like he wanted to say more. However, he sensed that Chad''s patience was at its limit. Anthony did not want to anger Chad and walk away with nothing, so he could only clench his fists and fight back his stubbornness.


    "Chad, please bring justice to Queenie."


    "I will get back to you on this after New Year''s," Chad replied and waved his hand, dismissing Anthony.


    Once Anthony left, Chad rubbed his throbbing temples. Every time Bernard was mentioned, he would have a headache.


    "Dad, I made chicken noodle soup for you. The weather is cold, so this will warm you up."


    Aurora walked out from behind a room divider with a bowl of soup. Seeing that Chad was rubbing his temples, she knew that he was feeling annoyed with Bernard''s issues. She had heard everything that Anthony said from behind the room divider.


    Chad hummed and drank the soup.


    Aurora offered to help, "Let me settle Queenie''s matter. I had a good rtionship with her, so I can appease Uncle Anthony."


    Chad finished the soup and set down the bowl. Nodding, he said, "I''ll leave this up to you."


    "Also, Uncle Bernard probably doesn''t have bad intentions. He''s still young and distracted by temptations. He''s just lost his way! After he gets married, he''ll be alright," Aurora continued, trying to seem empathetic.


    "At his age, it''s true that he should get married, or else he won''t be able to settle in the future. Are there any suitable women among your circle of socialites? It''s better if she''s easy to control," Chad said with a serious expression.


    If she wasn''t, then when they got married and Bernard inherited the shares, it would be difficult to control them.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Aurora said, "I think Camille Chime, the daughter of the Chime family, is quite decent. She''s well-educated and attractive too. She''s even rumored to be Dr. Shadow."


    Chad nodded, "Camille is not bad. Previously, Queenie also introduced her to me. Meave this in your hands. I''get Bernard toe over, and you''ll arrange for a meeting between them. If there are no major issues, we can settle on her ''ll take Bernard to the Chime family to ask for her hand in marriage."


    "Alright." Aurora smiled.


    At the Imperial Hotel, Bernard slept for a full 48 hours before waking up.


    The moment he opened his eyes, he felt like his mind was fully refreshed and rxed. He sat up and


    figure huddled up on the cold?


    His


    gaze couldn''t help but soften.


    When he got out of bed, his movements paused. Somehow, his lower body was aching slightly, which made him furrow his brows. But he didn''t care too much about it. He put on a bathrobe and walked toward the couch.


    Hera''s back faced the bed. She was huddled into a ball, and her eyebrows were lightly scrunched up as if her sleep was fitful and ufortable.


    Bernard gently carried her to the water bed. He had just ced her on the bed when Hera was startled awake.


    "Bernard? You''re awake!" When she saw his familiar face, her instinctual defensiveness rxed.


    "Yes, it''s all thanks to you. I feel much better," Bernard said.


    "That''s good." Hera got up from the bed. "Let''s clean up and go downstairs to eat something. I''m starving!"


    "Okay," Bernard replied. He was about to enter the shower when he turned back to look at her. "Sweetie, did you do anything to me when I was asleep?"


    Hera stared at him. When she recalled the awkward memory of that night, her cheeks burned. She quickly turned away. "No!"


    Hearing her answer, Bernard wondered aloud, "Is it an after-effect, then?"

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    Hera continued to stay silent.


    Bernard asked again, "Is it really an after-effect?"


    Hera picked up the pillow on the bed to throw it at him.


    Bernard caught the pillow and chuckled. He decided to stop messing with her and threw the pillow back to the bed. He then got ready to take a shower.


    When he took off his clothes, he noticed in the mirror that the scars on his chest seemed to have be lighter.


    Bernard looked all over his body and noticed that the grisly scars had really faded. Even the old scar on his waist and the newly acquired one on his thigh were lighter, especially the new scar.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He turned around, his back facing the mirror. The big scars on his back had also faded.


    His gaze flickered as his heart warmed and the corners of his lips lifted unconsciously.


    He quickly showered and went out. Hera had already worn her jacket and was ying with her phone on the couch.


    "Sweetie, did you really not do anything when I was asleep? I noticed that my scars look much lighter," Bernard asked as he got dressed.


    Hera didn''t even look at him. "They looked really ugly, so I put on some ointment. There''s still a bit left. Take it and use it every night consistently for 21 days."


    "No one will care about that. You''re the only one who can see them," Bernard said.


    Hera clicked her tongue. "Won''t you feel burdened when you see them yourself?"


    Surely he would be reminded of all the times he got injured whenever he saw them. Removing the scars would also help him to forget the unpleasant memories.


    "Some scars should be remembered forever."


    When Bernard said that, his gaze became cold. Even Hera felt the temperature in the room drop. She watched him, and for a moment, she realized that this was the real Bernard-cold, scheming, and vengeful.


    "But if you don''t like them, I can remove all of them." Bernard grinned mischievously.


    The cold air emanating from him disappeared immediately, as if what happened just now was just her imagination.


    Hera was speechless. Until now, she still hadn''t seen every side of him.


    "Let''s go and get food. I''m so hungry." Hera took her phone and walked out.


    When they went out, Bernard


    nced at the silverptop on the


    couch that was blocked by Hera just Hera.just


    now. He remembered that when


    they came, he didn''t see her bring aptop.


    They went to a private room on the second floor. At this hour, the chefs at the Imperial Hotel were already off work. However, the manager still called them back.


    After Hera and Bernard ordered their food, they sat opposite each other at the long table. Neither of them spoke as they were on their phones.


    Bernard had slept for an entire 48 hours. When he turned on his phone, it almost exploded with a flood of notifications.


    First, he read Samson''s updates on how Raven breached Astral Nova''s firewall. His eyes narrowed.


    Raven actually broke through his


    carefully designed firewall system.


    l.n


    he even made an appearance to stir trouble when he was the most famous hacker on the capture list. Suddenly, Bernard felt an increasing interest in Raven.


    Bernard sent a message to Samson: "There''s no need to fix the breached hole."


    Samson: "Why? If we don''t fix it, we''ll be easy prey when Raven attacks again."


    Bernard: "We''ll be waiting for Raven to fall into our hands."


    Samson: "Amazing!"


    Bernard logged into another WhatsApp ount, which showed Grandmaster of Astral Nova''s profile. At the top of his unread contacts was a message from Shadow.


    "There''s a batch of special medicine made from leftover material from the Eclipse Stone. It''s limited stock. What do you say we put it up for auction at Astral Nova?"


    Bernard looked up at Hera sitting opposite him. He smiled and replied: "Yes."


    Hera was looking through the Divine


    Forum. Since she published the research on manufacturing


    medicine, many drug-manufacturingpanies had contacted her to mass-produce the special drug.


    Just then, she received a WhatsApp message.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "Yes."


    Hera''s gaze flickered when she received another message.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "I''m free now, shall we meet up to discuss?"


    Suddenly, Hera sensed someone''s eyes on her. She looked up and met Bernard''s gaze.


    "Sweetie, who are you talking to? You look so engrossed," Bernard asked.


    "A patient." Hera kept her phone.


    Bernard was speechless. Coincidentally, their food was served right then.


    They didn''t speak anymore. While Hera ate, she thought of how she should approach the grandmaster again.


    She could not ept missions on her Raven ount anymore. She had to use a different method to earn money. It would be easier to have some pocket money when she went to Jedburgh.


    She still had some leftovers from her special medicine. Auctioning it at Astral Nova was the quickest way to earn money.


    At the same time, she could try to figure out the grandmaster''s background. Was he affiliated with the Killian family? Was he involved in Queenie''s death?


    All the dishes were served when Bernard''s phone rang. He saw that it was from Chad, so he put it on silent mode and continued eating.


    When he finished eating, he picked up his phone again. He had two missed calls from Chad and one message. When he read the message, his gaze darkened.


    "We''re going back to Skyview Heights."


    "I''ll send you back to the Everett residence."


    They spoke at the same time. Hera was surprised and asked, "Where are you going?"


    If he wasn''t returning to Skyview Heights and wanted to send her back to the Everetts'', did that mean that he wouldn''t be staying at Skyview Heights for a while?


    "It''s the end of the year. I need to return to the Killian residence, and I''ll only be back after New Year''s," Bernard exined.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    This meant that they couldn''t celebrate New Year''s together.


    "Oh, then let''s go. I''ll go back to Skyview Heights first. I want to take Tiramisu back to the Everett residence."


    Hera''s thick eyshes fluttered. She felt rather displeased.


    Bernard noticed this and patted her head. "Good girl."


    Then, they returned to the


    presidential suite and packed up et


    their belongings. Hera gave Bemard the remaining medicine and gave him dosage instructions.


    When they went out of the Imperial Hotel, Dous was waiting by the entrance in a car. Tiramisu''s pet


    carrier was ced on the passenger seat.


    UMS


    Seeing this, Hera became even more annoyed. Was he going to drive back to Jedburgh overnight?


    The entire car ride was silent until they stopped outside the Everett residence. Dous said, "Bernard, Ms. Youngworth, we''re here."


    Bernard and Hera got out of the car. They stood at the entrance and looked at each other. Overhead, snow started falling from the sky. In the glow of the streetlights, the snow settled on their heads gently.


    "I''ll miss you." Bernard kissed her forehead.


    "Alright," Hera replied.


    "Is there anything you want to say to me?


    "Remember to take your medicine."


    Bernard arched an eyebrow. "That''s it?"


    Hera kept quiet. Seeing this, Bernard could only say, "Then I''ll be off."


    He had just turned around when he felt something pulling the hem of his shirt.


    He paused and turned back, only for a soft and petite figure to leap into his arms. She tightly wrapped her arms around his neck.

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    Hera''s light fragrance filled Bernard''s nose. He couldn''t help butugh and wrap his arms around her.


    "After the New Year''s, let''s make things official." Hera buried her face in his neck.


    Her birthday was on the first of January. After New Year''s, she would be of age and they could be together.


    Bernard''s heart melted. "Suddenly, I don''t feel like going back."


    Hera didn''t want him to leave either, but he was from the Killian family, after all.


    "Will the Everetts ept me if I marry into your family?" Bernard teased.


    Hera let go of him. "Scram."Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Bernard looked like a pleading puppy. "I''m really leaving now," he said reluctantly.


    "Goodbye." Hera held the pet carrier and entered the house.


    The living room lights were still on when Hera entered and saw Gideon. Gideon asked in surprise, "Why are you back so suddenly?"


    Hera randomly returned home in the middle of the night while holding a luggage bag... No, was that a pet carrier?


    "Did you fight with Bernard?" he asked.


    "No. He has to go back to the Killian residence to spend New Year''s. I''m just back for a while," Hera replied.


    "Oh..." Gideon replied. He looked disappointed, and Hera felt exasperated looking at him.


    Bernard stood at the entrance and watched her enter the house before leaving in the car.


    "Go back to Skyview Heights," Bernard told Dous.


    Dous said hesitantly, "But Chad..."


    "Ignore him," Bernard said bluntly.


    Dous could only keep his mouth shut and drive toward Skyview Heights.


    Upon arriving at Skyview Heights, Bernard took off his jacket and went into the study. In his study were four monitors on the desk. He turned on theputer, and all four monitors lit up.


    He opened up the data from Raven''s attack on Astral Nova''s firewall that was sent from Samson. His fingers typed swiftly on two separate keyboards as rows of code quickly shed across the four screens.


    On the other end, Camille had stayed up for three days and three nights. She followed the dosage and methodology from Dr. Shadow''s research paper. Finally, she created a few samples.


    She called Florence over and gave her a pill. "Florence, this pill is specially formted to strengthen the bones. You can try it."


    "Thank you, Ms. Camille!" Florence was delighted.


    She knew that Camille was Dr. Shadow. Besides that, her recently published research paper on a §Ö§ä


    specially made medicine was rather popr. Netizens shared the


    Evele


    article''s findings like crazy, saying this couldpletely eradicate the root of the disease. Content belongs


    to


    Florence had been gued by bone spurs on her lower back for many years. Hence, she couldn''t wait to try this amazing medicine.


    She took the pill and immediately poured a ss of water for herself so that she could take the medicine.


    Camille stayed in the living room, observing Florence as she did chores. After an hour, she didn''t see anything out of the ordinary and asked, "Florence, how do you feel?"


    Florence twisted her waist from side


    to side. "My waist feels warm. When I mop the floor, my waist would usually be in so much pain. Now, I feel nothing. Ms. Camille, your medicine is amazing!"


    Camille was very pleased with the effects. She had seeded!

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    For Camille, making medicine was much easier than acupuncture.


    "Here are six more pills. Take one each day, and a full coursests seven days," she said as she handed Florence a small bottle.


    "Thank you so much, Ms. Chime. You''re really kind. I''ll make sure to take them on time!" Florence eximed joyfully.


    Camille smiled and said nothing more. After returning to her study, she wrote down the form and preparation method of the medicine. She also recorded Florence''s condition after taking the medication for further observation.


    As soon as she was done, her phone rang. She nced at the caller ID and answered the call.


    "Ms. Chime, the patent for your special medication and the marketing authorization have both been approved. When will we begin production?" the person on the other end of the line asked.


    That person was Wilson Ziegler, the general manager of a pharmaceuticalpany under Chime Corporation.


    As soon as Dr. Shadow''s paper was published, he immediately registered the drug''s patent. His efficiency was impressive.


    With the patent now approved, they just needed to obtain the form, begin production, and submit the drug for testing by various departments before it could be marketed.


    Camille was somewhat reluctant at first, but after seeing how effective the medicine was on Florence, she was convinced that the form was reliable.


    Given that the form was developed by Dr. Shadow and contained only beneficial medicinal ingredients, the pills would not be harmful even if they didn''t work as a cure.


    With that thought in mind, she decided to start small-scale production to gain a foothold in the market.


    "I''ll send you the form. Produce a small batch first. Remember, we need to keep it limited. Something rare is always more valuable," Camille exined.


    "Understood. This is your patent, Ms. Chime. No one else in the world can develop such a special medication. It''ll be an honor that goes down in history for the Chime family," Wilson remarked.


    Camille was delighted by his ttering words. Since being mistaken for Dr. Shadow, she had received much more praise and recognition than ever. Moreover, the real Dr. Shadow had note forward to expose her even after such a long time. That made her increasingly addicted to the feeling of being ttered.


    After a few more ttering remarks from Wilson, Camille ended the call with a bright smile. Just then, she received a message from an unknown number. Upon opening it, her smile froze.


    The message contained several candid photos of a handsome man and a beautiful woman entering and leaving a hotel. The man was also seen affectionately kissing the woman''s forehead under the night sky.


    The people in the photos were Bernard and Hera.


    Camille''s expression turned grim. She had been striving to improve herself and be more outstanding to catch Bernard''s attention. Yet, his eyes were only on that seductress!


    Another message from the same unfamiliar number came through.


    "Ms. Chime, would you like to have a chat about my uncle? -Aurora."


    Camille: "Time and location."


    ...


    Hera still didn''t know that her form had been preemptively patented by someone connected to Camille.


    Early in the morning, after settling


    Tiramisu she changed into a more


    neutral outfit, put on a bucket hat and mask, and packed herptop and the remaining pills. She took a cab to Astral Nova.


    Last night, right before going to sleep, she scheduled a meeting with the grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    Upon learning that she had an appointment with the grandmaster, the usher directed her to the front desk. The receptionist then led her through a winding path to a building located behind the auction tower named Skyscraper.


    "Dr. Shadow?" Samson waited in the main hall. He called out to Hera when he saw her in a different attire.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Upon seeing Samson alone, Hera frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "It has been a while. I hope you''re doing well."


    She discreetly nced around her surroundings and spotted a figure seated on a chair behind a folding screen.


    Recognizing her voice, Samson couldn''t help but take another good look at Hera.


    She lookedpletely different from when she was covered in a cloak before. Her casual outfit distinctly revealed her femininity, and he found her figure somewhat familiar!


    He was eager to see the face beneath the mask, but learning from past experiences, he restrained himself and asked, "Did you bring what we need?" Hera retrieved a red velvet box from her bag and tossed it to him.


    Samson opened it, took a look, sniffed, and said, "Dr. Shadow, are you sincerely looking to coborate? As far as I know, your medicine has already gone into production."

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    The items auctioned at Astral Nova were all rare treasures. Mass-produced items that could be manufactured on a production line would never appear at the auction.


    As soon as Samson finished his words, the figure behind the folding screen stood up, seemingly about to walk away.


    Hera calmly remarked, "Does this mean that the items auctioned at Astral Novack quality assurance? The Eclipse Stone and century-old gurdyroot used in this pill were both obtained from Astral Nova."


    She knew that once her paper was published, someone would try to grab themercial patent, particrly Camille, who had been using her name to treat patients indiscriminately.


    The fraudster would now be anxious.


    This was the oue Hera aimed for, to make her opponent stumble first.


    Samson hesitated at Hera''s words. He had indeed discovered that the patent was registered by a pharmaceuticalpany under Chime Corporation. However, he was instructed to say so.


    ncing at the reflection on the screen, he said, "All items auctioned by Astral Novae with assurances."


    Hera nced at the silhouette on the screen and said, "In that case, this medicine can''t be mass-produced unless Astral Nova can provide me with the Eclipse Stone."


    Samson found it amusing. The Eclipse Stone was a rare treasure that couldn''t be easily obtained. The most recent discovery in nearly a century had already fallen into Hera''s hands.


    "Since the grandmaster isn''t serious about the deal, I''ll have to find another buyer," Hera said as she gestured to Samson to return the item. That left Samson thoroughly perplexed.


    "Samson, the weather is hot. Get Dr. Shadow some water to cool down." A deep male voice came from behind the screen.


    Hera was somewhat speechless.


    Hearing that, Samson immediately went to fetch water. Soon after, he brought a ss over. "Dr. Shadow, please have some." Hera was at a loss for words.


    She suspected that he was not only mocking her impatience but also wanted her to remove her mask!


    "Leave the medicine. I''ll only charge you a nominal venue fee, 2% of the final sale price. How does this offer sound?" the man behind the screen offered in a deep voice.


    Astral Nova usually took amission of 5% to 10% of the transaction price. A 2%mission would save her a considerable amount of money.


    "What are the terms?" Hera asked.


    "Naturally, I want a long-term coboration. Whenever you have items to auction, Astral Nova must be your first choice," he said.


    "Alright!" Hera agreed immediately.


    Hera then took out several velvet boxes of different colors from her bag and ced them on the table. "Each color of pill targets a different ailment. The instructions are underneath the boxes," she exined.


    Behind the screen, Bernard suddenly pped his hands. Five neatly dressed appraisers entered the hall with toolboxes.


    Once they confirmed that there were no issues with the pills, they handed Hera two copies of the contract. Hera signed the contracts after reading them.


    After Hera signed the contracts, someone handed them over to Bernard. He flipped open the settlement terms to check the details Hera had provided.


    To his surprise, the payment method she chose was cash on pickup.


    Bernard was rendered speechless.


    ---


    After leaving Astral Nova, Hera didn''t rush to leave. Instead, she entered a nearby caf¨¦.


    She found a spot at the corner,


    ordered a cup of coffee, and openedThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    el


    herptop. At this spot, she could still pick up Astral Nova''s Wi-Fi, though the signal was weak. However, this weak signal was


    adequate for her.


    After connecting to the power, she inserted a USB drive, cracked the wireless password, connected to Astral Nova''s Wi-Fi, and started hacking.


    ...


    In the control office of Astral Nova, Taurus looked at the firewall alert on therge screen and eximed, "Raven is here again!"

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    "Take your positions. Raven got awayst time, but we must catch him this time," Leomanded.


    With that, all 12 members swiftly got into position.


    An intense showdown that was one versus 12menced.


    Hera''s eyes quickly scanned over the stacked windows on the screen where codes flickered rapidly like an emotionless robot. At the same time, her fingers rapidly tapped away on the keyboard.


    As time passed, the 12 people in the control office began to sweat nervously.


    "This speed is unbelievable! Is he really alone over there?" Aries quipped.


    The sound of everyone''s voices filled the air.


    "My Blue Screen Virus was prated in seconds. Is Raven really human?"


    "Crap. We''re losing control!"


    "Damn it. How careless! He actually used a virus! We''ve been hit!"


    One of their screens suddenly disyed arge red error alert, and the next second, it went blue.


    "Aquarius, how did your Blue Screen Special Attack end up on myputer?" Gemini looked up and asked.


    Aquarius'' screen had also gone blue. She mmed her mouse down hard. "No! Not only was my special attack instantly broken, but the other party also learned it!"


    Just as she finished her words, the remaining tenputer screens turned blue and froze one by one, with only therge screen on the wall still functioning.


    A message then appeared on it: "This Blue Screen Virus is pretty handy."


    Aquarius was so enraged she nearly fainted. Her ultimate skill, which she had perfected over ten years, was one of the best in the hacking world. Not only was it instantly broken but also instantly learned. She felt utterly embarrassed.


    The other members were stunned too. Just as they saw the firewall was about to be breached by Raven again, it was suddenly intercepted. "The grandmaster is here!" Aries said excitedly.


    At the caf¨¦, Hera imnted a virus into 12puters at once, causing the enemy team to bepletely wiped out. Just as she was about to continge attacking Astral Nova''s firewall, a dialogue box suddenly popped up on the screen. Content


    belongs to


    Recognizing the familiar data, she smirked. The grandmaster of Astral Nova had finally appeared.


    He had been hiding behind the screen all along, giving her no chance to approach. She had no choice but to use this method.


    In the next second, codes shed rapidly across her screen, and the windows appeared to ovep as if herptop was freezing. Having learned fromst time, Hera''s defense was noticeably stronger this time.


    She was adept at learning and applying new skills immediately. After confronting the 12 zodiac signs, she turned their ultimate attacks against them. However, being the grandmaster of Astral Nova, Bernard possessed skills far superior to the 12 zodiac signs. He was able to counter Hera''s attacks instantly.


    ...


    In the control office, everyone


    gathered in front of therge screen to watch this epic battle. The lines of coding raced across the screen. It was so rapid that a blink of an eye would miss crucial data.


    "What a disy of skill. Just watching it strains my eyes. How are they doing it?"


    "Damn, I think I just saw my ultimate attack."


    "Me too!"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "Me too!"


    "Why do I feel like our ultimate attacks have all been copy-pasted by the other side?"


    "Is Raven even human? Are we really not dealing with a machine?"


    "I suddenly feel resigned. With this level of skill, it''s no wonder we got wiped out."


    The two engaged in countless exchanges over tens of thousands of rounds. As time went on, what started as an even match began to show disparities.


    Hera realized she wasn''t cut out for a prolonged struggle against here opponent. She cleverly exposed a vulnerability to him while gaining ess to an icon from the other side.


    Swn

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    It was a golden bonfire symbol.


    Hera was stunned for a moment and murmured, "Vulcan?"


    In that moment of distraction, a red alert shed on her screen, indicating a breach in the firewall.


    Hera quickly regained herposure and checked the code alert. She then promptly removed the USB sh drive, kept herptop, and left ten dors on the table before leaving.


    In Astral Nova''s Skyscraper, Bernard sessfully pinpointed the opponent''s location and swiftly browsed through his files. Just as he was about to copy them, all the stacked windows on the screen suddenly turned gray.


    The next second, that person disconnected.


    "Next door caf¨¦," he said to Samson.


    Samson promptly brought his people to the caf¨¦. As expected, they didn''t find anyone suspicious.


    After Samson reported the situation to Bernard, he nned to find the caf¨¦ manager to check the surveince.


    Just then, Bernard''s voice came through the phone. "Don''t bother checking. Someone has already tampered with it."


    It wasn''t just the caf¨¦''s surveince that had been tampered with. Even the street cameras that had a view of the caf¨¦ had been turned off beforehand.


    Bernard''s fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. He smiled as his eyes gleamed with excitement.


    He had sessfully infiltrated Raven''sputer, but the other party had clearly anticipated that. Hence, there was no information to be found. He found the whole scenario growing more intriguing.


    Raven had been persistently taunting and testing him. However, Bernard didn''t want to catch him too soon, or it would ruin the fun.


    Meanwhile, Hera had already hopped into a cab. Her gaze was calm, but in her mind, she kept reying the bonfire symbol she had just seen and the discussion about another person hacking on Cyber Web earlier.


    She began to harbor a series of suspicions. Could that person be Vulcan? Was the grandmaster of Astral Nova Vulcan? Was Queenie''s death also rted to him?


    It was no wonder Hera couldn''t beat him in both attempts to infiltrate. After all, he was a formidable opponent, just like S.


    Just then, her phone screen lit up with a WhatsApp message.


    Hera snapped back to reality and clicked on it. She was somewhat surprised to find it was from her mentor, S.


    S: "Stop digging deeper into the Killian family''s affairs."


    Hera slightly squinted her eyes. It was a simple sentence, yet it sent a shiver down her spine.


    She wondered how S knew she was investigating the Killian family. She began to suspect that S had been monitoring her all along. Raven: "Why?"


    S: "That''s not something you should get involved in."


    Raven: "Why isn''t it something I should get involved in? It was my foster mother who died back then..." Just after Hera finished typing those words, she deleted them. Content


    belongs to


    When the clues went cold back then, it was S who sent her Queenie''s information.


    Now that she was close to


    uncovering the mastermind behind it


    all, S suddenly stopped her from


    investigating further. This left her


    feeling extremely frustrated. Content


    belongs to


    Hera kept typing and deleting repeatedly.


    The person on the other end, however, seemedpletely indifferent to her current turmoil. He sent her another message.


    S: "You''ve vited the rules. Your ount will be suspended for six months."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera paused her typing, her gaze


    flickering as she read the message. She knew he was referring to her hacking of the Miridian satellite, which led to her being wanted.


    The punishment might be dyed, but it would never be absent.


    Hera felt reluctant, but S was someone she had known for eight years. Although they had never met in person, without S, she wouldn''t be who she was today.


    With a reluctant heart, she replied: "Okay."


    S: "Good."


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    She navigated back to the message list and found Piglet.


    Raven: "Help me get a new ount on Cyber Web."

 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    Piglet: "Why do you need a new ount?"


    Raven: "To work on an alternate ount."


    Piglet: "Why are you suddenly working on an alternate ount?"


    In fact, it wasmon to work on an alternate ount. Many people on the leaderboards had alternate ounts, but Hera had always scorned this practice. Instead, she focused solely on getting Raven to the top of the Cyber Web rankings in the country.


    Raven: "My main ount got banned by my mentor."


    Piglet: "Serves you right!"


    Piglet: "Only S can keep you in check."


    Piglet: "Don''t think I don''t know you''ve logged in behind my back several times."


    Raven: ".


    Raven: "Can''t youfort me a bit?"


    Piglet: "S did it for your own good. He didn''t sever your mentorship but just banned your ount."


    Piglet: "Otherwise, with your attitude, you''ll be caught sooner orter."


    Piglet: "You have no idea. Every time I see you, it''s like looking at a hundred grand. I''m always torn inside. Why should I let others earn this money when I can earn it myself?"


    Raven: "Farewell, I''m cutting ties with you."


    Piglet: "T.T, my bad."


    Piglet: "Don''t be too upset. Damian''s new movie premieres on New Year''s. I''ll arrange a private screening for you. You should go on a date with Mr. Killian to cheer up."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing the message, Hera was somewhat speechless.


    Bernard had gone back to Jedburgh for the holidays. Instead of feelingforted, Hera felt even sadder.


    The cab finally arrived at the entrance of the Everett residence, and Hera got out of it after paying the fare.


    Lilith was in the living room, chatting with Mildred. Seeing Hera walk in looking troubled, she couldn''t help but ask, "Hera, are you alright?"


    "It''s nothing. I''m just a bit tired. I''m going up to take a nap. Don''t disturb me," Hera said as she headed upstairs.


    Lilith and Mildred exchanged nces.


    "Did Hera have another quarrel with Mr. Killian?" Lilith mumbled to herself.


    It was the same thest time she quarreled with Bernard, but she didn''t look this troubled.


    Lilith suddenly thought of something and looked at Mildred. "Mom, could Hera have broken up with Mr. Killian?"


    "Don''t panic. Let''s figure out the situation first," Mildred said with a look of exasperation. "If something really did happen, then..."


    Mildred leaned in and whispered something to Lilith.


    Lilith eximed, "I-I don''t think it''s appropriate."


    Mildred shot her a nce. "Cut the nonsense. Just do as I say when the timees."


    Just as Hera entered her room,


    Tiramisu immediately jumped off the bed and rubbed against her legs. Afterward, it stood at the door looking up as if expecting someone else toe in.


    Seeing that, Hera felt a twinge of


    sadness. She closed the door toet


    off


    her coat, and hung it on the rack. "Stop looking. He didn''te."


    Tiramisu let out two soft grumbles as if expressing its dissatisfaction.


    Hera threw herself onto the bed, wanting to express her frustration. Just then, her phone rang. She reached for it and saw that it was Bernard calling. She answered the call, absentmindedly saying, "Hello?"


    "Sweetie, I miss you." Bernard''s deep voice echoed in her ear.


    Maybe it was theforting tone of Bernard''s voice or perhaps his words, but Hera''s gloomy mood lifted slightly. "Hm," she responded softly.


    Bernard noticed her unusual tone. "You don''t sound very happy. What''s wrong?"


    "I miss you," Hera replied.


    Bernard was stunned for a moment. "Say that again. I''m going to record it."


    Hera was rendered speechless.

 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    "If I say it again, will you appear in front of me right away?" Hera asked. She wished he would show up suddenly like he didst time at the food street.


    Bernard listened to her words and wished to rush to the Everett residence immediately. However, before he could say anything, Samson knocked and walked into his room.


    "Bernard, there''s news from Dous that the driver your brother sent is nearing Shuttle Ventures," Samson said in a low voice.


    Bernard frowned slightly and nodded in acknowledgment.


    Chad wanted him back, and since he didn''t return, he had sent someone to personally escort him back.


    "I wish I could, but I can''t leave right now," Bernard told Hera on the phone.


    "I see..." Hera responded.


    "I have something to deal with. Talk to youter," Bernard said.


    "Alright." Hera hung up,y back on the bed, and looked at the ceiling, feeling a sense of emptiness.


    Tiramisu seemed to sense her sadness. It nudged her face with its little head.


    Tickled by the nudging, Hera raised her hand to hold its head and began to stroke it. She found it rather stress-relieving.


    Just then, a message came in. Hera clicked to view it and found a selfie from Bernard.


    Bernard''s chiseled, perfectly handsome face was slightly smiling at the screen. His expression was a blend of coldness and seductive charm. The background showed the back seat of a car, suggesting the photo was just taken.


    Bernard: "If you miss me, just take a few more looks."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera smiled faintly as she saved the photo to her phone. She then took a photo of Tiramisu and sent it to him.


    Meanwhile, in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce, Bernard received two messages from Hera.


    Hera: "Tiramisu misses you too."


    Attached was a photo. Without even opening it, he could see a close-up of a pig''s nose.


    It was obviously taken with the camera pressed against the snout, devoid of any sense ofposition or beauty. Bernard couldn''t help but smile.


    Indeed, God treated all his creatures equally. He bestowed upon Hera a wless face and excellent medical skills but also gifted her with hands that were clumsy at taking photos.


    Despite all the effort Bernard put into teaching her, she would revert to square one if she didn''t take photos for a while.


    ...


    Three days after Mary stopped taking her medication, her knees and legs started hurting. Unable to walk, she could only rely on a wheelchair.


    Seeing her condition, Pansy felt


    deeply sorry. She called for the


    family''s doctor, Zaid Gomez,


    hoping he could examine Mary. However, Mary refused to see him.


    Six days after stopping her medication, Mary''s knees swelled up, and she couldn''t move. She also had a fever.


    Zaid waited outside her room, but


    Mary still refused to be examined


    She intended to hold out until the seventh day and then take the medicine Hera had given her.


    Upon learning of Mary''s worsening condition and her refusal to see a doctor, Ralph Ludden rushed back to Norburgh from Jedburgh. "What''s going on?" he asked when he arrived at Mary''s door.


    Andrew and his family of three, Jane, and Zaid were all kept outside the room in the hallway, with only Pansy inside taking care of Mary.

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    Chapter 332


    "Mr. Ludden, Mrs. Ludden Senior has been off her medication for six days. Her leg condition is getting worse, but she refuses treatment and medication," Zaid exined.


    As the Ludden family''s appointed doctor for over ten years, he knew Mary''s rheumatoid arthritis very well.


    Mary couldn''t stop taking her medication. If she did, her leg condition would worsen.


    Not long ago, her legs had shown significant improvement under Camille''s care. However, six days ago, she suddenly believed someone else''s advice and stopped Camille''s treatment, discontinuing the medication on her own.


    The moment she went off the medication, her condition deteriorated rapidly. If this continued, she would lose her legs as they would require an amputation.


    "Who told Mom to stop her medication?" Ralph asked with a stern expression.


    Being a few years older than Andrew and the current head of the Ludden family, Ralph''s presence was more authoritative and intimidating. His serious demeanor caused the surrounding atmosphere to grow tense.


    Christopher remained silent as he feared Hera would be implicated. However, just because he remained silent didn''t mean everyone else would. Jane said, "It''s that girl the Everett family brought back from the mountains. Andrew even brought her home one time, wanting her to treat Mary, but I stopped him. I didn''t expect her to be so persistent. She treated Mary without permission and even persuaded her to stop taking her medication."


    She then added, "Mary is really out of her mind. Not only does she believe that girl''s words, but she also wants to bring her into the Ludden family. I have no idea who''s been brainwashing her."


    "Jane, what do you mean by that?" Andrew''s wife, Alice York, asked unhappily.


    She liked Hera very much, and both she and Andrew hoped Hera would be their future daughter-inw. It was due to her bringing up the idea of a marriage alliance to Mary that Mary sought out Hera and got in touch with her.


    She hadn''t anticipated things would turn out like this. However, Jane''s remarks clearly sought to put all the me on Andrew and her.


    "I mean exactly what I said," Jane replied.


    "Jane, Hera isn''t as worthless as you im. She does know medicine!" Andrew said with a serious expression.


    Jane retorted, "Is she a registered doctor? If she really knew medicine, how could Mary''s legs be in this condition? And don''t forget. The fast time you brought her here, she ran off in a panic at the mention of Dr. Shadow."


    Hearing that, Andrew was rendered speechless.


    He didn''t know if Hera was a


    registered doctor. However, he had witnessed her administering


    acupuncture, and Hera''s


    l


    grandmother was a highly respected


    doctor in the mountains, though he


    couldn''t confirm these details.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "She''s ipetent, yet she encouraged Mary to stop her medication and drove Dr. Shadow away. Why did you bring such a girl to Mary? If something happens to Mary, can you bear the consequences?" Jane berated.


    "Grandma is not without


    discernment. She stopped her


    medication because she chose to trust Hera. Hera also gave Grandma some medicine, and she can start taking it tomorrow. Whether it Works or not, we''ll find out tomorrow," Christopher couldn''t help but speak up. He wouldn''t tolerate anyone defaming his idol.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the door swung open, and Pansy emerged with a worried expression. "This is bad. Mrs. Ludden Senior has fainted from the pain."


    Upon hearing that, everyone''s hearts sank.


    Jane seized the opportunity she had been waiting for. Raising her voice, she eximed, "Now that she has fainted, do you still want her to wait until tomorrow?"


    Christopher was taken aback, and his heart raced. He believed in Hera, but with Mary''s life at stake, he hesitated.


    Ralph said sternly, "Enough! No more arguing. Zaid, go check on my mom immediately."


    "Yes," Zaid responded.


    As he was about to enter Mary''s room, Christopher stopped him. "Let''s wait until tomorrow, the seventh day, when Grandma can take the medicine," Christopher said, standing at the door.


    He had faith in Hera''s ability to cure Mary.


    "Mr. Christopher, Mrs. Ludden Senior''s legs can''t wait any longer. If we don''t treat her now, she''ll lose her legs, and it could even threaten her life," Zaid urged.

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    "Move aside. If anything happens to Mary, that girl from the Everett family won''t get away with it! I''ll pursue criminal charges against her," Jane said sternly. She perfectly embodied the image of a devoted daughter-inw of the Ludden family.


    Upon hearing that, Christopher froze. However, he still blocked the door with his body and refused to move.


    "Get him out of here!" Ralph ordered the butler.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Sorry, Mr. Christopher, but I have to do this," the butler said as he signaled two bodyguards to drag Christopher away.


    At that moment, Andrew suddenly raised his hand to halt them. "Step aside."


    Christopher was overjoyed, believing that Andrew was on his side. He thought that if Andrew also trusted Hera, then Mary could hold on until tomorrow to take the medicine.


    Ralph furrowed his brows.


    Seeing this, Jane asked fearlessly, "Andrew, are you going to interfere too?"


    Andrew did believe in Hera, but in such a situation, mere belief wasn''t enough.


    "I said, step aside. Didn''t you hear me?" he said to Christopher.


    "Dad?" Christopher was puzzled.


    With a serious look, Andrew forcibly pulled him aside.


    Just as Christopher was about to protest, he heard Andrew whisper, "Go bring Hera here."


    Christopher was momentarily stunned before he finally grasped Andrew''s intent.


    If Christopher were to be dragged away by the bodyguards, he would have certainly been kept under watch. However, with Andrew intervening, he wouldn''t end up detained.


    Christopher nodded and took the opportunity to slip away while everyone wasn''t paying attention.


    Meanwhile, Zaid entered the room to examine Mary. After a while, he shook his head. "It''s toote. The fluid haspressed the blood vessels for too long. Many cells in her legs have necrosed, and the only option left is amputation.


    "But Mrs. Ludden Senior is too old, and the surgery carries high risks. I suggest bringing Dr. Shadow back to see if there are any other options." Those words were undoubtedly a death sentence for Mary.


    Ralph''s expression instantly turned grim.


    "Camille isn''t in Norburgh. Even if she were here, she might not agree to treat Mary again, but I''ll do my best to convince her toe." Jane let out a sigh. After a brief pause, d his wife


    she reproached Andrew and his with a harsh expression, "Are you happy now?"


    Andrew remained silent. Alice''s lips quivered, but she couldn''t find words to defend herself.


    "Let''s solve the problem first. It''s not the time to point fingers right now," Ralph said grimly.


    He always upheld family rules with fairness and justice. Even if it were his son''s mistake today, he would still say the same thing.


    Upon hearing that, a fleeting look of malice shed in Jane''s eyes. If Andrew''s family were med for causing Mary''s death, they would never rise again. The Ludden residence would then belong to Ralph and her for good.


    The medical facilities at the Ludden residence were limited. Zaid contacted hospital personnel to prepare for transporting Mary to the hospital for observation and treatment.


    As the medical team arrived and was about to transport Mary, Andrew noticed Christopher was still not back yet. He intervened, "Wait a moment." "What are we waiting for?" Ralph asked.


    "Hera is on her way," Andrew said.


    "Mary''s condition has gotten this bad because of her, and you still trust her? Will you only ept reality when Mary draws herst breath?" Jane questioned harshly.


    "I offer all the Ludden family''s shares I hold as a guarantee and ask you to grant Hera one more chance. If it doesn''t work, my family and I will voluntarily leave the Ludden residence with nothing," Andrew stated solemnly.


    Alice was startled and tugged at his sleeve. She liked Hera, but offering such a huge guarantee for her was too much.


    Jane had been waiting for this moment. There was a bit of excitement in her heart, but she didn''t forget to keep up her facade.


    "Do you take Mary''s life as a joke?" she questioned.


    Ralph was equally puzzled. Andrew


    was always deliberate in his actions. He couldn''t fathom what sort of person could prompt Andrew to wager Mary''s life like this. At the same time, he was aware of Mary''s current dangerous condition.


    Zaid had a high reputation in the medicalmunity. His diagnosis was almost always urate. Sending Mary to the hospital now meant they would wait for Camille toe back and treat her, or perhaps they needed to find a more capable miracle doctor.

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    After careful consideration, Ralph said, "If she''s not here in half an hour, take her to the hospital and call Ms. Chime."


    Hearing that, Zaid and the rest of the medical team also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Given Mary''s current condition, whether they proceeded with surgery or not, the result would be the same. Her time was running out, and her condition was untreatable.


    Sending her to the hospital was just a futile attempt to tidy up after the fact. A slight misstep could also offend the Ludden family, risking their livelihoods.


    This mess was created by Hera in the first ce, so having her clean it up was probably the best option.


    Meanwhile, Jane was eagerly looking forward to Heraing soon. If she ended up causing Mary to die, Andrew''s family would be out for good, leaving Ralph and her with the entire Ludden residence. It was a triple win.


    Everyone had their own thoughts as they awaited Hera''s arrival.


    When Zaid saw Hera, he instantly lost hope. He didn''t expect her to be such a young girl. At that moment, he felt it was more practical to ask for Camille''s help.


    Hera appeared indifferent as she followed Christopher into Mary''s room.


    After examining Mary''s swollen legs, her slender fingers gently rested on Mary''s wrist. Her brows furrowed slightly.


    Mary''s body''s response was not what she had anticipated.


    "How could this happen?" she asked Pansy.


    With that question, despair filled the hearts of all the medical staff.


    It seemed everyone had been waiting in vain. She didn''t even know how Mary''s condition had gotten so bad, so how could they expect her to save Mary? In the end, they would have to handle the aftermath themselves.


    "How dare you ask? If it weren''t for you persuading Mary to stop her medication, would she be in this situation?" Jane said. "Shut up. I wasn''t asking you." Hera shot her a re.


    All the medical staff were taken aback. They hadn''t expected Hera to not only fail to cure the patient but also to be so audacious!


    Seeing that, Alice couldn''t help but silently apud Hera. In the Ludden family, she had to adhere to the rules and respect her elders, so she always avoided contradicting Jane to prevent any repercussions.


    However, Hera wasn''t part of the Ludden family, so she didn''t have to follow those rules.


    "You" Jane tried to retort.


    "Jane, can you please quiet down and let Hera do her work?" Andrew interjected before she could continue.


    Jane, as the eldest daughter-inw


    of the Ludden family, had never suffered such humiliation. She wanted to confront Hera right then


    and there, but with interests at stake, she held her tongue.


    "Go on." Hera looked at Pansy beside her.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mrs. Ludden Senior stopped taking all medication as you requested, and this is what happened," Pansy recounted the whole incident.


    "Are you sure all the medication has been stopped?" Hera asked.


    "Yes. Mrs. Ludden Senior has only been taking medication prescribed by Ms. Chime recently. All other medications have been stopped," Pansy affirmed.


    Hera nodded and said to Ralph, "You can start investigating who has been poisoning Mrs. Ludden Senior."

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    Chapter 335


    As soon as Hera said that, everyone present was shocked.


    The Ludden family was known for their schrly background, strict rules, and upright family values, setting an example for the other influential families. It was unimaginable that anyone would dare to openlymit such a serious offense as poisoning Mary.


    "If you don''t know how to diagnose, just say so. Don''t try to sow discord here. Just inciting Mary to stop taking her medication is enough to hold you criminally responsible." Jane chuckled.


    "Shut up." Ralph red at Jane.


    Jane was taken aback. She didn''t think Ralph would actually believe it! However, on second thought, Ralph''s deep bond with Mary meant he wouldn''t tolerate anyone harming her in the slightest.


    Thus, Hera''s words instantly captured Ralph''s attention.


    "What do you mean by that?" Ralph looked at Hera sternly, clearly implying that if she didn''t exin herself properly, she wouldn''t be leaving the Ludden residence unscathed.


    "I had Mrs. Ludden Senior stop her medication for a week to allow her body to metabolize the steroids she had been taking and to reduce the strain on her organs.


    "Although the steroid medication has been discontinued, the steroids in her body have increased rather than decreased. This suggests that someone has secretly injected Mrs. Ludden Senior with steroids.


    "The overdose of steroids has caused deep vein inmmation in her knees, leading to joint effusion and swelling. This has nothing to do with stopping the medication."


    "Is that really the case?" Ralph turned to Zaid.


    Zaid found Hera''s words somewhat amusing. In his over 30 years of medical practice, he had never encountered a medication for rheumatoid arthritis that didn''t contain steroids.


    He remarked, "Steroid medication isn''t the enemy. The condition of Mrs. Ludden Senior''s legs necessitates the use of steroids. If the dosage is properly managed, it won''t be harmful to her body. On the contrary, it can control the inmmation from rheumatoid arthritis."


    After a brief pause, he added, "Mrs. Ludden Senior has always relied on medication to prevent inmmation. Her current issue is that after stopping the medication, the inmmation returned. It wasn''t promptly treated, so it became infected.


    "The effusion and swellingpressed the blood vessels, causing necrosis in her leg."


    Their diagnoses werepletely contradictory, and even their approaches to medication were different.


    Ralph''s brows furrowed deeply. On


    one side was a family doctor he had worked with for over a decade, and on the other, a young girl who was not yet of age. Obviously, Zaid


    seemed more credible. Content


    belongs to


    Seeing the doubt on Ralph''s face, Andrew quickly said, "Ralph, you promised to give Hera a chance."


    Hera looked at Andrew in surprise.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    His words made her realize that the


    situation was more serious than


    Qu


    what Christopher had told on the way.


    Since Andrew and his family ced so much trust in her, she couldn''t let them down. Most importantly, she couldn''t allow anyone to frame her!


    "Mr. Andrew, pardon my bluntness,


    but is she even a registered doctor?


    Does she have any clinical


    experience with rheumatoid


    arthritis? You''re gambling with Mrs.


    Ludden Senior''s life! Content


    belongs to


    "Mrs. Ludden Senior has already driven Dr. Shadow away because of her. Are you trying to drive me away too?" Zaid brought up the miracle doctor.


    In fact, it was a major taboo for a patient to consult two doctors simultaneously.


    If they insisted on having Hera treat Mary, he definitely wouldn''t clean up the mess!


    As expected, as soon as he said so, Ralph made his decision. He turned to Jane and asked, "Haven''t you contacted Ms. Chime yet?"


    Andrew eximed, "Ralph!"


    "I''ll call her now," Jane said as she turned to leave and make the call.


    "Have none of you noticed the needle marks on Mrs. Ludden Senior''s arm?" Hera suddenly asked.


    "What?" someone blurted out.

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    Chapter 336


    Everyone was shocked when they heard that.


    Pansy and the medical staff stepped forward to check and found that there were indeed a few hidden needle marks in Mary''s arm joints. Some needle marks had scabbed over, so they were difficult to notice if they didn''t look closely.


    Pansy eximed, "H-How could this happen? Mrs. Ludden Senior hasn''t taken any medications or epted any treatment during this period! Why are there needle marks?"


    She was Mary''s maid. Except for eating and sleeping, she spent all of her time with Mary. How did the needle marks appear on Mary''s arm?


    "The injection technique is professional, so they don''t leave behind bruises. Without close observation, you wouldn''t have noticed it," Hera exined. When the Luddens heard the word "professional", they subconsciously turned to Zaid. Aside from Pansy, he was the second most frequent visitor to Mary''s room.


    Jane paused just as she was about to leave. She turned her gaze to Hera meaningfully, surprised that this girl truly had medical skills.


    Zaid couldn''t help but shiver when he noticed everyone staring at him. "I¡ª"


    He was going to defend himself when Jane interjected, "Dr. Gomez, we''ve always been kind to you. How dare you harm Mary!"


    Zaid found it difficult to defend himself. "Mrs. Ludden, I didn''t¡ª"


    "Apart from Pansy, you spent the most time alone with Mary! Only you had the chance to harm her. Get him and investigate it!" Janemanded. As soon as she said that, the bodyguards immediately captured Zaid.


    Jane''s change of attitude appeared like she was eager to cover up something. Alice deliberately said, "Jane, why are you in such a hurry? You should let Dr. Gomez finish his words."


    Jane acted to be upright. "I won''t allow anyone to hurt Mary, even if he has worked with us for over ten years!"


    Hera wasn''t interested in the


    Luddens internal squabbles and interrupted them coldly, "If you still want Mrs. Ludden Senior to stay alive, go argue outside. Don''t disturb


    me"


    "Let''s go out," Ralph said to Jane solemnly. He then looked at Hera and asked, "How sure are you of curing my mother?"


    Hera was calm in dealing with


    issues. Despite her distinct


    personality, she looked as if she hadContent ? N?velDrama.Org.


    complete control over everything. He thought she had the potential to be a big shot.


    No wonder Andrew believed her. Ralph was willing to give Hera a chance too.


    He emphasized, "You must think carefully. If something happens to my mother, I won''t let you off!"


    Hera was speechless at his threat. Did he mean he would kill her?


    "I''m always sure of myself when treating patients."


    "Alright then." Ralph admired her confidence.


    It was best if her abilities could match her arrogance, or she wouldn''t be able to leave the Ludden residence safely.


    Ralph led everyone out of Mary''s


    room, leaving only Hera and two medical staff. They said they were staying to help her, but Hera could tell they were monitoring her.


    She didn''t care about being monitored. She soon spread out the acupuncture kit and started treatment on Mary.


    Three hourster, Hera packed up the acupuncture kit. Ignoring the two shocked medical staff, she turned and left Mary''s room.


    As soon as she went out, the butler standing guard outside said, "Thank you for your efforts, Ms. Youngworth. Please stay here tonight."

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    Chapter 337


    Hera nced at the six bodyguards d in ck who were guarding outside the corridor. She knew her only choice was to agree. The Luddens intended to restrain her before Mary awoke. If something happened to Mary, they would promptly bring her to justice. "Get me clean clothes," she said.


    She had just finished surgery and was a little tired. She wanted to take a bath.


    "Yes, miss. Please follow me." The butler respectfully led Hera the way.


    Ralph and others soon received the news. Aside from Zaid, everyone went to Mary''s room.


    They then noticed that Mary''s swelling knees had receded and her legs were as intact as before. Although she hadn''t woken up yet, she looked much better than before. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    Zaid previously stated that nobody could treat Mary''s legs.


    If he were present, he would im it a miracle. He would even put aside his arrogance and apologize to Hera before asking how she did it. It was unfortunate that he was locked up currently and unable to do so.


    "What did Hera say?" Ralph asked the two medical staff.


    "Ms. Youngworth said Mrs. Ludden Senior will wake up tomorrow. Don''t disturb her rest tonight," one of the medical staff replied.


    Ralph nodded. "Okay, we''ll go out. You two stay with Pansy to take care of my mother."


    Before leaving, Jane peeked at Mary''s sleeping face gloomily. She didn''t expect Hera to have such excellent medical skills.


    Camille had treated Mary, but her treatment hadn''t been particrly effective. Hera, on the other hand, took only three hours to improve Mary''s condition.


    Alice also didn''t expect Hera to know medical skills and was increasingly favoring her.


    Andrew was wise to have previously vouched for Hera. She had to find a way to make Hera her daughter-inw.


    At the Everett residence, Judy hung


    up the phone and reported to Mildred in the living room, "Madam, it was a call from the Luddens was a


    butler. He said Ms. Hera will stay at the Ludden residence tonight."


    Mildred couldn''t help but frown upon hearing that.


    When Christopher came to find Hera in the afternoon, she saw them go out together.


    Last time, Hera returned unhappily at midnight. And now, she would stay overnight at the Ludden residence. Did she break up with Bernard to be with Christopher?


    Mildred didn''t understand. Hera seemed smart, but she was stupid when it came to rtionships. Why would she date Christopher rather than Bernard?


    Ralph was the current head of the Luddens of she married Andrew''s son, she would have to keep a low profile. Christopher was simply iparable to the Killians future heit, Bernard.


    Before Mildred could speak, Gino, who was ying games on the couch, muttered, "Is she unaware of the rumors or something? How could she spend the night at the Ludden residence?"


    Judy was rendered speechless. When Hera often stayed at Bernard''s house, she never heard Ginoin about anything.


    Gino had just lost the game. He angrily threw aside the global limited edition game console while grumbling, "Doesn''t she know people on the school forum are gossiping about her marrying Christopher?


    "She shouldn''t stay at the Ludden residence. Why isn''t Bernard doing anything? Why is he allowing her to hang out with other men?"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Mildred nodded. "You think Mr. Killian is a better match for your sister too, right?"

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    Chapter 338


    "Not at all!" Gino didn''t want to admit it. "But Bernard is rich!"


    Mildred ced the game console he had thrown aside in front of him. "Look at this first before you say that."


    Bernard had previously given him a priceless and unmarketable global limited edition game console.


    Gino was at a loss for words. Because he had profited from Bernard, he unwillingly stated, "He''s only a little better than that fake academic, Christopher."


    He had heard that Christopher was a fake academic, so he had a negative impression of him. If he had to choose between Bernard and Christopher to be his brother-inw, he would choose Bernard.


    At least Bernard was more attractive and wealthy.


    Mildred analyzed it for him, "Mr. Killian is far superior to Christopher. He''ll be the Killians'' heir, but Christopher may not be the Luddens'' heir. If Mr. Killian bes your brother-inw, he can buy you anything. Everything in the Killians may belong to your sister one day."


    Gino thought it made sense. So, he returned to his room to message Bernard.


    ...


    Hera was taking a shower in the guest room''s bathroom. Despite her phone continuously ringing outside, she took her time finishing her bath. Then, she wrapped herself in a bath towel and went out.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The iing call had stopped, indicating ten missed calls from Bernard.


    She was about to call back when her phone rang again. She immediately answered the call and asked, "Hello, Bernie. What''s the matter?"


    The other end of the phone was quiet for a while before he said, "You finally answered my call."


    "I just took a shower." When Hera wiped her wet hair with a towel, she didn''t hear his response. ncing at the phone, she saw that the call had been hung up.


    Immediately afterward, Bernard sent her a video call invitation.


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    "Let me see where you are."


    As soon as she connected the video, she saw Bernard''s handsome face. His background was an antique corridor with redmps. Hera was impressed by the view. That was the promenade in the courtyard of the Kiffian residence.


    When she was little, Daphne often took her to the promenade and told her stories about the carved images on the walls.


    Hera fell into a daze as she recalled her distant memories.


    Bernard saw her unfamiliar background and said, "You don''t seem to be at home."


    She responded, "Yes, I''m at the


    Ludden residence. I just performed minor surgery on Mrs. Ludden Senior. I felt dirty, so I took ao shower."


    He asked, "Are you going to stay there tonight?"


    a


    Hera was stunned for a moment before wondering how he guessed it.


    But she wasn''t going to tell him the whole truth, so she only responded lightly, Yes, Mrs. Ludden Senior has juste out of danger. I''m going to wait until she wakes up. I''Dreturn after I make sure she''s fine"


    "Show me the interior of the guest room," Bernard suddenly requested.


    Despite her confusion, Hera switched the camera to the rear and showed him the guest room.


    He was relieved to find that there was only her in the room with no men.


    "I''m ready, Bernie. Let''s go."


    Suddenly, Hera heard a gentle female voiceing from Bernard''s side.

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    Chapter 339


    Seeing Camille approach him, Bernard decisively hung up the video call and put away his phone.


    She smiled. "Bernie, who were you video chatting with?"


    She wore a Chanel ssic ck and white tweed suit, with her long hair cascading down her back. At the top of her head was a ck beret. She appeared elegant and exuded a gentle and charming temperament.


    "It''s none of your business," Bernard replied coldly. Then, he turned around and walked in the opposite direction of the corridor.


    Sensing his coldness, Camille felt a hint of bitterness.


    When he was video chatting just now, his eyes were filled with tenderness. But as soon as she came over, he instantly became indifferent.


    She wished Bernard could look at her with such tender eyes as well.


    "Wait for me, Bernie." Camille wanted to catch up with Bernard. However, she was wearing high heels and couldn''t walk quickly. He had no intention of waiting for her either.


    Suddenly, one of her high heels tilted, and she almost fell. She held onto the pir in time, feeling a stinging pain in her foot.


    "Bernie, wait for me! I sprained my ankle!"


    She tried to stop Bernard, but he didn''t slow down. He soon walked out of the corridor, disappearing behind the rockery.


    Camille had no choice but to take some time to massage her foot.


    After a while, she heard footsteps from the other end of the corridor. She thought Bernard had returned and looked up excitedly, but it turned out to be Dous.


    Although it wasn''t Bernard, Camille was still happy because she assumed Dous hade to her at Bernard''s instruction. It proved that Bernard wasn''t so heartless toward her.


    "Ms. Chime, Mr. Killian asked you to hurry up and not to waste his time," Dous said.


    Bernard was already dissatisfied when he was asked back for a blind date. He''d be angry if Camille wasted more time.


    Frowning, Camille d stated, "I identally sprained my foot. It hurts."


    "Really?" Dous asked. He thought it was her trick to attract Bernard.


    Camille was speechless for a moment.


    "It hurts, and it seems to be swollen," she exined as she took off one of her high heels.


    If she were not wearing pantyhose, which made it inconvenient, she would have removed her socks to show him that she wasn''t lying.


    As Camille appeared to be serious, Dous nodded and responded, "Got it."


    He stroked his chin and thought for a while before saying, "Aren''t you a doctor? You can cure it yourself. You can''t just sit here and wait for it to recover, right? Everyone is waiting for you."


    Camille wondered if Dous was gay. Or did he say that on purpose? Couldn''t he lend her a hand?


    Meanwhile, Hera was staring atThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard''s chat box. She heard the


    woman''s voice just now. It was get


    gentle, ambiguous, and somewhat familiar, like Camille''s. Content


    belongs to


    Bernard didn''t say anything at that time. He directly hung up the video call and texted her: "I have something to do. I''ll talk to youter."


    Hera pondered for a long time before asking, "Who''s that woman?"


    Right then, someone knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    "Hera, it''s me." Alice''s voice came from outside.


    Hera changed into her clothes and went to open the door. "Hello, Alice. What''s the matter?"


    "Are you hungry? I asked the chef to make you some food," Alice said as she turned sideways.


    Christopher was behind her. When


    he


    he pushed the dining trolley over noticed Hera had just taken a shower. Her hair was wet, and her ears were slightly flushed.


    "Hello, Hera," he greeted shyly.

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    Chapter 340


    "Thank you." Hera happened to be hungry, so she stepped back and let Christopher push the dining trolley into the room.


    "You''re wee. Please don''t take Mary''s matter to heart. We didn''t mean anything else. Jane has always been snobbish and caused a misunderstanding this afternoon. I apologize for the offense."


    Alice stepped into the room and ced the dishes on the table.


    Hera didn''t mind what she said and casually tied up her wet hair with a towel.


    Christopher''s cheeks heated up when he saw her slender neck exposed. It was the first time he saw her right after she took a bath. He felt nervous.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "Mom, let''s not disturb Hera. Let''s go," he said to Alice.


    After that, he took the initiative to push the dining trolley out.


    Alice noticed his ears had reddened and was pleased. Her bookworm son had finally be interested in love and stopped focusing so much on his studies.


    She wanted to stay with Hera, so she asked Christopher to go out first.


    Hera had no idea what they were thinking. After washing her hands, she sat down to eat.


    She wasn''t used to talking while eating, so her manners made her appear elegant. The longer Alice looked at her, the more she liked her.


    After Hera finished eating, Alice asked, "Hera, what do you think of Chris?"


    Hera wiped her mouth with a napkin and remarked, "He''s good, but sexual orientation isn''t a disease. I can''t cure him."


    Alice was confused. She couldn''t understand what Hera meant.


    Right then, someone knocked on the door again.


    Hera went to open the door and saw Jane outside, followed by a maid pushing a dining trolley.


    "Ms. Youngworth, I brought you some snacks." Jane smiled.


    After witnessing Mary being cured by Hera and realizing she was a capable person, she changed her view of Hera. If she couldn''t get rid


    of this talent, she could el?


    friends and keep a positive rtionship with Hera. Content


    belongs to


    During dinner, Jane heard that Alice had delivered a meal to Hera, so she prepared snacks instead. She wouldn''t let Alice win over Hera. "Thanks, but I-"


    Hera didn''t need snacks. But before


    she finished speaking, Jane


    he


    interjected, "You''re wee. Please don''t take Mary''s matter to heart. We didn''t mean anything else. Alice was to me for finding the wrong doctor, which caused a


    misunderstanding this afternoon. I apologize for the offense." Content


    belongs to


    Hera was quite speechless. She wondered what Jane''s and Alice''s intentions were. Had they discussed things beforeing to her?


    "Ms. Youngworth, this is my son, Aaron. What do you think of him?"


    Jane showed Hera a photo of Aaron on her phone.


    Hera didn''t answer butpletely opened the door, allowing Jane to discover Alice in the room.


    "How about you two go out and discuss it first beforeing to me?"


    Jane and Alice exchanged nces embarrassedly.


    After Hera invited them out, the room finally became quiet. Looking at her WhatsApp, she wondered what Bernard was doing because he hadn''t answered her message yet.


    She felt ufortable when she thought he might still be with another woman at this hour.


    So, she sent Bernard an emoji of a peeking kitten as a reminder to respond to her message. As a result, he still didn''t reply after she dried her hair.


    Hera directly called him, and the call


    her was a female voice. "Hello,


    went through, but what a de


    Bernie is taking a shower. Is there anything you need from him?"

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    Hera was stunned for a moment, but she remained calm. She asked, "Who are you?"


    The other end of the phone abruptly went silent. Looking at the screen, she found that the call had been hung up.


    She stared at the screen and appeared surprisingly calm, but the atmosphere in the room became frigid.


    On the other hand, Camille heard the sound of running water in the bathroom stop, followed by the sound of the door opening. She instantly ended the call.


    "How dare you touch my phone!"


    Sensing the cold pressure, she turned around to see Bernard in a bathrobe. His hair was wet, and he exuded an appalling chill.


    Different from usual, his cheeks and ears were flushed abnormally, indicating that he had been drugged.


    "Bernie"


    "Get out!" Bernard grabbed the phone back and distanced himself from Camille. He appeared fierce as if he would kill her if she took one step closer. She swallowed involuntarily, nced at the door, and pretended to be innocent. "Someone has locked the door from outside."


    Bernard''s expression darkened when he heard that. The atmosphere reached an impasse.


    Chad had asked Aurora to organize tonight''s dinner. Because Ember was present, he couldn''t reject it.


    Bernard thought it was only a meal, and he never expected someone to put drugs in his food.


    It was obvious that they intended to get the two of them to have sex by locking Camille in his room. If the deed was done, he wouldn''t be able to escape from marrying her.


    As the top of the four influential families, the Killians were so shameless to use such a despicable method!


    "Sorry, I didn''t know they would do that."


    Camille frowned and continued to act innocent. "Although I like you, I don''t want to force you. They''ve gone too far."


    After saying that, she swiftly added, "But please don''t me them. They meant well."


    Bernard ignored her words and checked themunication records. Thetest call was from "Sweetie". He frowned slightly, appearing gloomier.


    Seeing that he was ignoring her, Camille stated, "I can detoxify the drug in your body. Do you need my help?"


    As she spoke, she stepped closer to Bernard. She didn''t like the idea of forcing him. Her mother had taught her since childhood that girls should be reserved.


    But what had she gotten in return after being reserved for six years? Bernard went to a hotel with another woman instead!


    Since she had such a wonderful chance right now, she no longer wanted to remain reserved!


    Even if Bernard disliked her, she would be the Killians'' future heiress if she became pregnant with his child. As long as she became his wife, she was confident to win over him one day.


    Camille''s scent caused Bernard''s heat to surge wildly. He warned her fiercely, "Don''te near me!"


    Holding his phone tightly, he turned around and returned to the bathroom, not forgetting to lock the door.


    Camille became pale and froze in ce as she heard the door being locked.


    Bernard would rather take a cold shower than touch her. Did he hate her so much?


    In the bathroom, Bernard turned on the shower and poured ice-cold water over himself. It relieved some of his heat, but it couldn''t extinguish his desire.


    After a half-hour shower, Bernard turned off the shower, took his phone, and opened WhatsApp.


    Hera was lying on the bed. She had


    been staring at the ceiling in a for half an hour without an


    vel


    expression on her face. Soom, she received a video call invitation.


    She looked at her phone and found that it was Bernard.


    While sitting up, she connected the call. His wet and handsome face soon appeared on her screen.


    He looked more attractive with his face flushed.


    Hera was stunned. But when she thought of what had happened half an hour ago, she returned to coldness.


    Looking at the expressionless girl with cold eyes on the screen, Bernard knew that she must have misunderstood. "Sweetie, I was plotted against..."


    His voice was hoarse, mixed with a bit of trembling caused by the cold.


    Hera raised an eyebrow slightly. She said nothing as she looked at Bernard on the screen.


    "Can you help me? That woman is still outside."


    She teased, "Wouldn''t you be disgracing that woman?"


    "It''s none of my business!" Bernard said hoarsely.


    Camille was simply a woman who wanted to climb into his bed. If his subordinates had been present, she wouldn''t be in his room.


    Hera finally believed him after hearing his heartless tone.


    If she had been there, she might


    have


    able to help him, but


    nearly 180 miles


    bet


    toote for her to rushe


    It


    Bernard was silent for a while before saying, "Forget it. I''ll figure it out myself."


    Early the next morning, Hera awoke when she heard someone knock on the door, only to realize that she had fallen asleep at some pointst night. ,Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Swn


    She had left her phone beside the bed. It had run out of battery and shut down automatically.


    She wondered how Bernard got overst night''s problem.


    The person outside was still knocking on the door, so Hera put aside her emotions and went to open it.


    It was Pansy. She said excitedly, "Ms. Youngworth, Mrs. Ludden Senior is awake. Please go over and take a look!"


    Hera yawnedzily and nced outside the door.


    The bodyguards who had been guarding herst night had gone. It seemed that the Luddens had released her from house arrest.


    "Got it." Hera took her time washing up and changing her clothes before following Pansy to Mary''s room.


    In the room, Alice and Jane were already serving Mary,peting to be the best daughter-inw.


    As soon as Hera entered, Jane stood up and approached her, greeting her with a smile, "Ms. Youngworth, did you sleep wellst night?"


    She frowned slightly at Jane''s attitude. She could tell Jane was approaching her with intent.

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    "Hera, you haven''t had breakfast, right?"


    Alice also smiled and stepped forward, pushing Jane away and handing Hera a te of snacks. "I brought you some snacks. You can eat some first to fill your stomach."


    "What are you doing, Alice? I was the one who came here first!" Jane grumbled sullenly, pushing Alice away and refusing to be outdone.


    Alice refused to give in. Forcing a smile, she gritted her teeth and said, "You''re wrong, Jane. Chris and Hera met first."


    They were pushing each other as if vying to take Hera as their own.


    Ralph had contacted several authoritative foreign rheumatoid arthritis doctors in advancest night. When Mary awoke at 5:00 am, they immediately examined her.


    They then found that her original severe rheumatoid arthritis had been relieved and turned into early symptoms. That was simply a miracle.


    Only then did everyone confirm that Hera had superb medical skills. She was even better than Camille!


    Thus, Jane wanted Hera to be her ally.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera didn''t know what they were thinking, so she stepped away and walked past them.


    Pansy cleared her throat, trying to remind Jane and Alice to pay attention to their images.


    "Hello, Hera. Come here. I apologize for their disrespect. They''re vying for you to be their daughter-inw." Mary, who was leaning on the bedside, smiled as she waved to Hera.


    Hera was rendered speechless, thinking that they were wasting their efforts.


    "Don''t be rude here! Get out!" Ralph, who came in from behind, scolded.


    Alice red at Jane and walked out angrily. She felt that Jane was deliberately trying to grab Hera from her.


    Jane smiled triumphantly. Indeed, she was hindering Alice on purpose.


    el


    After Hera took Mary''s pulse, she said, "It''s no longer a big problem Take the medicine on time and take good care for three months. Your condition will gradually improve."


    "You''re more capable than Ms. Chime." Mary smiled as she held Hera''s hand. "My legs feel much morefortable than before."


    "Do you still have the medicine Camille prescribed for you?" Hera asked.


    "Yes, I do." Mary then ordered Pansy, "Go get it."


    Pansy nodded and walked into another room before bringing over arge bag of medicine.


    Hera took it and looked through it. They were only regr medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, nothing special.


    When she was about to give the bag back, she spotted a white bottle with nobel. She took it out, opened it, and poured out a few ck pills.


    "This is the special medication that


    Ms. Chime gave before. She asked Mrs. Ludden Senior to take it for a week. Mrs. Ludden Senior only took it for two days before you advised her to stop, so she didn''t take the rest," Pansy exined.


    Hera raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Camille had imitated her special medication.


    She remembered Samson saying that someone had put her special medication on the production line. Before they had time to find out who it was, the culprit showed herself up.


    She crushed a pill with her fingertips and sniffed it, frowning slightly.


    "The effect of this medicine is incredible. After I took it, the pain in my knees immediately stopped," Mary said.


    Hera was speechless.


    That was natural. Although most of the medicinal ingredients used in this imitation were the same as those she used, one of the most important ingredients was different.


    Camille reced the Eclipse Stone with poppy juice!

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    Poppy fruit could be used as medicine. Its juice had anesthetic, analgesic, hypnotic, and antispasmodic effects, but excessive use could lead to addiction. It was the main element in opium production.


    Camille was so bold to use such a harmful substance in suchrge quantities. She even asked Mary to eat it for a week. She was causing more harm than good to her patient!


    Was this how she treated patients under the name Dr. Shadow?


    Hera was angry. Her bottom line was to save people and not harm them.


    "What''s wrong with this medicine?"


    Ralph noticed Hera''s expression change and focused on the pills in her hand.


    She returned to her senses and put the pills back into the bottle. "It''s nothing. I''ll take this away. Don''t take medicine randomly in the future."


    Mary also noticed Hera''s anger. She realized something but didn''t say a word. Instead, she showed a cheerful smile. "I won''t take anything else from here on out. I''ll only take the medicine you prescribe."


    After she finished speaking, she turned to Ralph and said seriously, "I heard that you made things difficult for Hera when I was in aa. Apologize to her. Also, pay her the medical bills."


    Ralph was straightforward and immediately apologized to Hera, "I apologize for the offense, Ms. Youngworth. You''re my mother''s great savior. If you face any difficulties in the future, you cane to me¡ª"


    "Stop talking nonsense ande up with something practical! Just give her a few million!" Mary interrupted him.


    Hera had mentioned that she was short of money, so this sum of money should be enough to satisfy her.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Hera and Ralph were quite speechless.


    "Mom, don''t be so vulgar." After saying that, Ralph took a check from his assistant and handed it to Hera. "Here is our sincerity, Ms. Youngworth. Please ept it."


    Hera looked at the check, which was worth 30 million. She felt satisfied and epted it with ease.


    "I''ll deliver the rest of the medicine when the timees," she said.


    "Thank you, Ms. Youngworth," Ralph responded.


    Afterward, he asked the maid to bring breakfast. Hera stayed in Mary''s room, chatting and having breakfast with her.


    Mary was kind and reminded Hera of Catherine.


    Catherine hadn''t taken the initiative to contact Hera since she took Giselle back to the vige.


    Although Hera asionally called


    her, they never talked much.


    Catherine always imed she


    busy and would hang up the call shortly.


    After finishing breakfast, Mary sighed heavily.


    "What''s wrong, Mrs. Ludden Senior?" Hera asked.


    Mary looked at Hera and sighed again. "It''s a pity that Chris likes men. Otherwise, you might be my granddaughter-inw." Hera said helplessly, "I already have a boyfriend."


    "You have a boyfriend?" Mary was shocked and asked, "Who is he? Is he good to you? Does he have. money? If not, break up with him. If Chris is out of the question, you may consider Aaron."


    Hera remained silent for a moment before gently stating the name, "It''s Bernard Killian."


    The sound of a vase falling on the floor behind the screen interrupted their conversation.


    Pansy immediately went out. She then saw the person outside the screen and eximed in surprise, "Mr. Christopher, Mr. Everett!"


    Christopher had brought Gideon in


    and they happened to overhear the


    conversation. As he was too


    vel


    stunned, he identally knocked over the vase on the side.


    Content


    belongs to

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Christopher was surprised to learn that Hera and Bernard were a couple.


    His mind went nk. To cover up his panic, he instinctively squatted down to collect the fragments of the vase.


    "Oh, Mr. Chirstopher, don''t touch the broken fragments or you may prick your hand! I''ll have someonee over and clean the mess up." Pansy immediately stopped him.


    Gideon nced at the flustered Christopher in surprise, thinking that there were quite a few guys who had a crush on Hera!


    Mary was a little surprised when she heard Bernard''s name, but she instantly responded happily, "Bernard is lucky! He''s an excellent man. If he bullies you, you must break up with him. I wee you to be my family at any time."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    At this time, Christopher and Gideon came in.


    "Mrs. Ludden Senior, I''m here to take my sister home," Gideon said.


    Hera looked at him, a little surprised.


    "Going back now? Hera, you can stay for two more days," Mary said reluctantly, holding Hera''s hand.


    "Mrs. Ludden Senior, it''s New Year''s Eve the day after tomorrow. Ms. Youngworth has to return to reunite with her family," Pansy reminded. Hearing this, Mary reluctantly let go of Hera''s hand. "You must visit me during the holiday season. I''ll prepare a big gift for you."


    "Sure." Hera stood up.


    When she saw Christopher, she remembered something and turned to Mary. "By the way, it''s normal for men to like men. Look, I have a friend who also likes men. This is congenital. Sexual orientation isn''t a disease. You may let it take its course."


    When sheforted Mary, she noticed that her phone had already been charged. So, she searched Instagram for a photo of Leon showing affection and showed it to Mary.


    "This is my friend and his boyfriend."


    Mary put on her reading sses and


    took a look Immediately, she


    snatched the phone and eximed,


    "Huh, isn''t he that biracial star? heard before that he debuted for his boyfriend. Oh, so this is his O boyfriend? He''s handsome


    Christopher''s eyes widened.


    He remembered Bernard telling him that


    With the scene in front of him, he realized he ein had been duped by Bernard!


    Soked sh fiction.


    Would it be toote for him to exin now?


    "It turns out that love can exist between men!" Mary eximed as she epted Hera''s viewpoint.


    Christopher didn''t know how to exin it. He didn''t want that kind of love at all!


    ...


    It was the Killian residence at Jedburgh.


    "I heard that Ms. Chime came out of Mr. Killian''s room intact this morning."


    "I heard about it too. She didn''t look good when she came out. When the maids went in to clean the room, Mr. Killian''s sheets were neat and clean. It seems like nothing happened to themst night."


    "Are you sure? I heard Mr. Killian was druggedst night. Did nothing happen between them? There were only the two of them in the room!" "Mr. Killian is so good at enduring."


    As soon as Camille approached Aurora''s courtyard, she heard several maids gossiping in the corner of the corridor.


    Turning gloomy, she stepped forward and scolded, "How dare you guys openly speak ill of your employer! Do you still remember the rules?"


    When the maids saw Camille, they immediately dispersed. Someone then muttered, "But you''re not our employer."

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    Camille clenched her fists, thinking that the maids only had the audacity to be rude to her because they were working under Aurora. "Good morning, Ms. Chime. It''s cold out here. Pleasee inside." Aurora''s maid, Talia Byrd, heard themotion and came out. Camille took a deep breath to calm herself down. Then, she turned around and smiled. "Good morning. Has Aurora gotten up?"


    "She''s up and waiting to have breakfast with you." Talia smiled.


    When they entered the living room, Roman sneered as he came out from behind the wall.


    Was Bernard good at enduring? It was evident that he preferred men. Even when he was drugged, he showed no interest in women.


    Roman believed Camille was dumb for having a crush on Bernard.


    "Mom, I''m here to have breakfast with you." He turned around and entered the living room.


    Aurora was entertaining Camille at the dining table. Seeing Roman''s arrival, she greeted happily, "Good morning, Roman."


    Then, she asked Talia to prepare a set of cutlery for Roman.


    "When I passed by the flower shop, I saw the beautiful carnations in bloom, so I brought you a bouquet."


    Roman took out the pink carnations hidden behind his back and gave them to Aurora.


    His way of making people happy worked well for her. Carnations were often given as gifts to mothers, and they satisfied Aurora greatly too. "Thank you, my good boy. Go wash your hands before having breakfast." Aurora smiled as she received the flowers and handed them to Talia. Roman went into the kitchen to wash his hands beforeing out. He sat next to Aurora, opposite to Camille.


    He smiled at Camille and suddenly said, "Ms. Chime, you didn''t get along well with Granduncle Bernardst night, right?"


    Camille had just pushed this issue out of her thoughts. When Roman brought it up again, she appeared unhappy.


    "Don''t be rude, Roman." Aurora pretended to be angry with Roman before asking Camille, "Did Uncle Bernard do anything to you?"


    When Camille recalledst night''s embarrassment, she forced a smile and said, "Mr. Killian is a gentleman. We didn''t reach that point. He understands and respects my wishes."


    "You don''t have to make excuses. Granduncle Bernard doesn''t like women at all. He likes men!" Roman said bluntly.


    Camille''s smile instantly stiffened.


    If Bernard really liked men, she wouldn''t be so embarrassed. But that wasn''t the truth!


    As the daughter of the Chime family, she was a genius who had been admired by others since she was little. She had never experienced such humiliation.


    "Shut up, Roman. You know nothing!"


    Aurora pretended to reprimand


    Roman and then told Camille, "Please don''t take Roman''s


    ignorance to heart. If my uncle really


    liked men, he wouldn''t be having affairs with other women in O Norburgh."


    Not only was Camille notforted, but she was even more distressed.


    "We acted a little too hastilyst night. I was negligent in that regard. I''ll try a different approach next time. Don''t worry. My dad, grandmother, and I like you. You''ll be Uncle Bernard''s wife for sure," Aurora


    promised.


    e


    Camille''splexion improved a little. "I''m aware. Thank you. I''ll give you a body examinationter."Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Aurora was overjoyed. She had gone to great lengths to win Camille over so that she would treat her. That was the most important thing.


    She was finally going to have a biological child of her own!

 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    Meanwhile, Bernard and Chad were in the living room of Chad''s main house.


    They were facing each other coldly and sullenly. The atmosphere was in a stalemate.


    "Don''t make such arrangements for me again!" Bernard said coldly.


    "What''s wrong with Ms. Chime? She''s the only marriageable daughter who can match the Killians. She is well-educated and has medical skills. She can help you a lot once you marry her. What else are you dissatisfied with?" Chad said sternly.


    "If she''s so good, why don''t you marry her?" Bernard sneered.


    He was half a head taller than Chad, making him appear more frivolous and haughtier as he nced at Chad.


    "Nonsense!" Chad mmed a cup on the ground.


    It was one of his favorite antique tea sets. He usually took good care of it, but he smashed it at this moment, showing his anger.


    Neil, the butler, was so frightened that he rushed forward to help Chad sit down and coaxed him, "Mr. Chad, please don''t get angry."


    He then said to Bernard, "Mr. Bernard, Mr. Chad is in poor health. Don''t deliberately make him angry."


    Of course, Bernard was doing it on purpose. Chad was old enough to be Camille''s grandfather, and his wife was still alive.


    Bernard''s return always irritated Chad. They always concluded their conversations poorly.


    "You''ve gone wild in thest two years! Have you forgotten your upbringing? I should''ve made you stay in the army for the rest of your life!" Chad mmed the coffee table.


    "You should''ve killed me a long time ago! Isn''t it toote to regret it now?" Bernard red at Chad.


    Back then, Chad was the one who caused his mother to die. It was Albert who took him back to the Killians.


    After Albert''s death, Lucius was imprisoned while Daphne died in a car ident. So, Chad naturally became his guardian.


    He had to obey Chad''s arrangements because he was young at that time.


    Chad''s desire to control him now was merely nothing more than a pipe dream.


    "You! You..." Chad was so furious that he started coughing violently.


    "Mr. Chad, take the medicine!" Neil promptly took out the medicine and poured water for Chad to take it.


    After taking the medicine and calming down, Chad looked up, only to find Bernard staring at him indifferently.


    His chilly gaze and undisguised hatred made it look as if he were staring at the enemy.


    Chad''s expression darkened as he


    said seriously, "Do you think I can''t control you after you''ve grown up? If you want the two investment


    contracts you gave the Everettel.ne


    be signed smoothly,


    me


    must obey


    UMS


    Bernard raised an eyebrow, asking coldly, "What do you want?"


    Chad thought Bernard was scared and said sternly, "I don''t care how you fool around outside, but your future wife can only be Ms. Chime!"


    "I won''t marry her. If you like her, you can marry her. My affairs have nothing to do with you! If you arrange such things for me again, I won''t hold back anymore."


    Following the warning, Bernard turned to leave.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "You presumptuous brat! Do you think I can''t control you?" Chad picked up another cup and flung it toward Bernard''s back.


    The teacup fell and smashed on the threshold, shattering into pieces. The fragments bounced toward the back of Bernard''s head from behind. He tilted his head slightly and dodged with ease.


    "Calm down, Mr. Chad. Don''t let your anger hurt your body. Mr. Bernard is inherently arrogant. The more you force him, the more stubborn he''ll be. It be counterproductive Neil hurriedly consoled him.


    Chad said sinisterly, "Do you mean I should let him do whatever he wants? I won''t let him! Otherwise, he''ll believe nobody can control him!"


    Neil wanted to persuade Chad more. But in the end, he didn''t say anything and only sighed helplessly.

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    Outside the yard, Bernard smiled meaningfully.


    As he had expected, the Killians had been keeping an eye on him. It was exactly what he wanted.


    He took out his phone and made a call. "He has his eyes on the prey. Switch to n B."


    "Yes, sir," Theo responded.


    He felt that Bernard was going to great lengths for Hera.


    Bernard knew the Killians would eventually target the Everetts, so he nned ahead of time. The two previous Shuttle Ventures investment contracts given to the Everetts were only the start of things.


    Next, Theo would put on an act. He would find James and Gideon, provide a big investment, and bring the Everetts under the protection of XS Corporation. That was Bernard''s true purpose.


    Otherwise, Hera and the Everetts would be suspicious if XS Corporation suddenly offered to invest in the bankrupt Everetts.


    He just didn''t expect the Killians to notice the Everetts so quickly. Now, the n would flow more smoothly when they took action.


    Theo no longer needed to put on an act. By then, Bernard could invest in the Everetts with the excuse of going against the Killians.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, it was New Year''s Eve.


    "Hera, Happy New Year''s Eve! Did you mute me on WhatsApp? I keep sending you video invitations, but you never answered me. Let''s hop on a video call! I''d like to see if anyone else is on your bed!"


    Hera was in a foul mood from being woken up early by Samantha''s call. She irritably put the phone away from her ear and turned on the loudspeaker mode. "I want to block you right now."


    "Don''t do that, my dear. I''m bad at math and miscalcted the time difference. Don''t be so angry."


    "Go straight to the point."


    "Listening to your tone, I can tell your Bernie isn''t around-"


    "If you keep talking nonsense, I''ll hang up."


    "I just want to tell you that I sent you aing-of-age gift. It''ll reach your hometer. Remember to take it and put it to good use with Bernie!" Hera opened her eyes, her sleepiness disappearing instantly. "What did you send?"


    "It''s a secret, hehe!"


    Hera could tell from her yfulughter that it couldn''t be something good.


    They chatted a few words. After hanging up, Hera opened WhatsApp. Thest chat recorded between her and Bernard was when he wished her a good night after their video callst night.


    He had been saying that he was looking forward to her 18th birthday, but he hadn''t said anything about her birthday being tomorrow Could it be that he had forgotten the date?


    She put down her phone. Turning around, she hugged Tiramisu, who was sleeping, in her arms. She fell asleep again and didn''t get up until 10:30


    am.


    She reopened WhatsApp and took another look. She received several New Year''s Eve wishes, but Bernard still hadn''t reached out to her.


    Hera put the phone away unhappily. She soon washed up and went downstairs to have breakfast.


    Judy had gone home for the holidays. In the living room, Gino was helping Lilith and Mildred decorate the house. The two other men were missing.


    After having a simple breakfast, Hera went to offer help. "Where are Gideon and Dad?"


    "Something''s going on in the


    company Mr. Smith, the CEO of XSContent provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Corporation, suddenly extended an invitation to them. It seems that he wants to invest in ourpany," Lilith exined.


    "Oh?" Hera raised an eyebrow.

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    Why did XS Corporation suddenly want to invest in Everett Group?


    Hera was a little suspicious. However, she could only know the situation after James and Gideon returned.


    It took the four of them a long time to decorate their home.


    After lunch, Hera went to the mall with Lilith to buy groceries for dinner.


    Ginoined, "You can order online and have the groceries delivered to our home. You don''t have to run the errands yourself." Despite hisints, he kept up with them.


    "But we can enjoy the lively atmosphere. Am I right, Hera?" Lilith looked at Hera.


    Hera nodded in agreement. When she was in the vige, Catherine also enjoyed going shopping a few days before New Year''s Eve, which wasmonly known as stockpiling goods.


    On the way there, she checked WhatsApp again and discovered that Bernard still hadn''t contacted her. She wondered what he was busy with. She sent him a New Year''s Eve wish that she had copied at random from others. Five minutester, he still didn''t reply to her.


    When they arrived at the entrance of the mall, Gino confidently said to Hera, "Just pick something you like. It''ll be my New Year''s gift to you!" She raised an eyebrow. Then, she took out a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to him.


    Gino realized that she had prepared beforeing out.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Opening the paper, he found it full of words. "There are so many! Aren''t you going too far? You''ll break my bank!"


    After carefully reading the list, he discovered that there were essories for aptop.


    Gino eximed, "Are you going to assemble aptop by yourself? That''s amazing!"


    "Why do you have to assemble it yourself? Wouldn''t it be better to buy a ready-made one? I''ll buy it for you." Lilith was puzzled.


    "You don''t understand. There''s no ready-made device with such good configurations." Gino shook the list.


    Hera could tell he yed games a lot because he was familiar with those essories. She pointed to aputer store across the street.


    "Go to thatputer store. After you buy them, ask the owner to deliver them to our home. We''ll wait for you in front of the supermarket." Gino nodded. "No problem."


    Max Thatcher, the owner of theputer store, saw no customers all morning and was about to go home to celebrate New Year''s. Right then, someone opened the door of the store. A little boy came in.


    Seeing the little boy''s expensive clothes, Max believed he might profit from this customer. He immediately smiled and asked, "Wee! Do you want to buy aputer or a game console?"


    Then, he pointed to a game console on the shelf. "Thistest game console is popr among elementary school students. Do you want to try it?"


    Gino snorted as he looked at it. "That''sst year''s inventory. I wouldn''t want it even if it''s free."


    He threw the list on the table and said, "Pack up the items on this list and send them to this address."


    Max didn''t expect this kid to be difficult to decisive. He took up the list and nced over it. Instantly, his eyes lit up. "Did you make this list?"


    "It''s none of your business. Just take out the items."


    The way Max looked at Gino immediately changed. This wasn''t only a knowledgeable kid but also a genius!


    He turned around, took out his


    phone, and was about to take a photo of the list. Suddenly, a small hand blocked the camera. He raised his eyes and saw Gino looking at him arrogantly.


    "Want this list?" Gino asked with a raised eyebrow.


    Max nodded instinctively.


    "If you give me two sets of the configurations on this list for free, I''ll give you this list."

 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Ordinary people wouldn''t be able to figure out Hera''s configuration, but Gino couldn''t give the list to Max for free, so he had to at least get an extra set for his use.


    "Okay! Just write the address here. I''ll send them to you soon," Max agreed immediately.


    The equipment on this list cost about 15 grand for one set and about 30 grand for two sets.


    But if he posted this list to the Cyber Web forum, his store would experience a significant increase in sales. The profit he could make would considerably outweigh the expenditure of 30 grand.


    Gino was pleased with his business acumen at first. However, Max agreed too quickly, making him feel as if he suffered a loss.


    He left his address and returned to the mall to find Hera and Lilith.


    The three of them returned home after purchasing the groceries. At the same time, Max also delivered the essories to the Everett residence. Hera verified and discovered that everything was correct andplete but in duplicate.


    "Did you make a mistake? There''s an extra set," she reminded Max.


    "No, I didn''t. Thank you for your patronage. Please don''t hesitate to call me if you need anything else. Here''s my business card. The delivery is free," Max said, handing out his business card.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera frowned slightly. Thinking of something, she nced at Gino.


    "Okay, you may leave." Gino epted the business card haughtily, then turned to Hera with a smile. "The other set is mine. Just treat it as your New Year''s gift to me. If you need to run errands again, you cane to me."


    Hera was quite speechless. Her younger brother had a talent for making money.


    In the evening, when Hera was learning from Lilith how to make ravioli, James and Gideon came back with good news.


    "XS Corporation doubled the investment and invested 200 million in Everett Group. The investment terms that Mr. Killian gave us remain unchanged," James said excitedly.


    "Why did XS Corporation do that?" Hera felt that things weren''t that simple.


    Gideon said, "We''re also surprised


    n¨¦t


    but Mr. Smith said that he just wants to go against the Killians. This is the first time in my life that I''ve seen such an eager investor."


    That was quite in line with XS Corporation''s style. After all, XS Corporation previously seized a significant transaction order from Killian Corporation and ascended to prominence.


    Hera asked, "So, did you sign the contract?"


    "I did. I asked the attorney to look through the contract. There''s nothing disadvantageous to us won''t let go of an investment that can benefit us," Gideon remarked.


    The most crucial point was that Theo didn''t have a crush on Hera, but Bernard''s investment was for her.


    If they received his help, it would be difficult for them to defend Hera if she had any conflict with Bernard in the future. Here merely gave a hum in response.


    That was quite good since she had been concerned that her revenge against the Killians would involve the Everetts. "What about Mr. Killian?" Mildred suddenly asked.


    "He offered less, so we were just choosing the best option," Gideon said bluntly.


    After washing his hands, he rolled up his sleeves and joined the ravioli-making. "I''m here to help too. Hera, did you used to make ravioli for New Year''s?"


    "When I was in the south, the locals didn''t eat ravioli butsagna."


    While chatting, they finished making the ravioli. They happily sat around the dining table, set the camera to take a family photo, and started their dinner.


    After eating, Mildred, James, and Lilith gave gifts to the children respectively. Then, Mildred said she was going back to her room to rest.


    Gideon and James went to the study to discuss the restart of Everett Group while Gino went out with the neighbors to set off fireworks. Lilith went into the kitchen to clean up, leaving Hera alone in the living room.

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    Hera had thought everyone would stay upte and gather in the living room to watch TV together on New Year''s Eve. After midnight, everyone would bless each other.


    That was because Catherine used to do that to her every year.


    But now, the living room was empty. Hera checked her WhatsApp and found that Bernard hadn''t reached her yet.


    She couldn''t help but send another peeking emoji. However, he still didn''t reply to her.


    In her memory, the Killians were always busy on New Year''s Eve but not too busy that they didn''t have time to check their phones.


    Hera was a little unhappy, so she returned to her room and began assembling herptop.


    Three hourster, a brand new high-endptop was born.


    She connected to the inte, hid her IP address, and swiftly entered Jadonia Cyber Web''s URL into her browser. After entering, she logged in to the newly registered ount Leon had given her.


    Username: Not Alternate ount


    Level: Newbie


    Hera was speechless when she saw that.


    Everyone could tell this was her alternate ount as soon as they saw her username.


    Cyber Web''s registered username couldn''t be modified. So, Hera had no choice but to browse the forum with that username to see if there were any tasks to take on and raise her level on the website.


    There weren''t many new posts on the forum, probably because of New Year''s Eve. The most popr post was "You Will Want This Ultra-High-End, Portable Laptop".


    Hera clicked on it and was curious about the model''s configuration.


    However, what she saw was a configuration list with elegant handwriting. It was the list she gave Gino.


    Hera was at a loss for words.


    Just then, Tiramisu jumped onto the table with a mobile phone in its mouth and put it in her hand.


    Picking up the phone, Hera noticed a new WhatsApp message disyed on the screen.


    Bernard, who had been missing for a day, finally texted her back.


    Bernie: "Happy New Year''s Eve, sweetie."


    The message was followed by a transfer titled "Pocket Money".


    Hera squinted at it. When she clicked to receive the transfer, Bernard called her right away.


    She answered the phone and said, "You''re so busy. Are you finally done?"


    Bernard listened to her discontented tone


    I


    See and said dotingly, "We haven''t


    other for only 24 hours.


    Do you miss me that much


    "It''s been 24 hours and 59 minutes. It''ll be 25 hours soon."


    Hera nced at the time on theputer screen.


    Bernard chuckled.


    "You even calcted it?"


    Hera said nothing.


    "Say it."


    "Say what?"


    "Say that you miss me. I want to hear it."


    Hera thought, "Even if I say that, you wouldn''t show up. I''d just be torturing myself."


    Still, she said, "I miss you, Bernie."


    Right then, the time on theputer screen changed to midnight.


    Fireworks exploded all over the sky outside the window. They were color


    Tand lit up the entire n


    sky. It was beautiful.


    When Hera stepped out of the balcony,Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    her view became wider at


    Mocking. The sky was filled with dazzling, colorful fireworks.

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Hera had seen fireworks before, but never at such a grand scale. It felt as if the entire night sky was on the verge of exploding, with the show continuing uninterrupted for a full ten minutes.


    "Happy birthday, Hera..." Bernard said on the other end of the line.


    The fireworks were so loud that Hera couldn''t hear him clearly.


    "What did you say? I couldn''t hear you."


    As the fireworks gradually quieted, the sky, once filled with vibrant colors, darkened again, and everything fell silent.


    "Open the door."


    A deep, maic voice came through the phone.


    Hera blinked. She wondered if Bernard could really be there.


    She quickly turned around to open the door, but no one was there.


    Her emotions, which had soared like a roller coaster, plummeted instantly. After all, it was New Year''s Eve. She didn''t think the Killians would possibly let him leave.


    "You tricked me..."


    Hera trailed off. She looked down in disappointment, only to notice two rows of red rose petals on the carpet that hadn''t been there before.


    The petals led from her door down the hallway to the stairs. Following the trail, she went to the living room, where at the end of the petals was a pair of white leather shoes.


    Hera lifted her gaze to see Bernard standing there with arge bouquet of red roses. His handsome face was soft, and he wore a gentle smile. "Happy birthday," Bernard said, handing her the flowers.


    "Did you think that I forgot your birthday?"


    "You did it on purpose!"


    Hera''s heart swelled with emotion as she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.


    Bernard held her with one arm and buried his head in her hair, breathing in its light fragrance to fill the void of his days away from her.


    "The New Year''s feast was filling enough. Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey?" Gino interrupted them.


    Hera snapped back to reality and released Bernard, only then noticing that the Everetts surrounded her.


    Unbeknownst to Hera, the living room had been transformed into a birthday party.


    "Hera, happy birthday."


    Lilith wheeled in a delicate cake tower from the kitchen that had 18 candles on the top.


    "Happy birthday to you..."


    Gideon led the singing and ced a birthday crown on Hera''s head.


    A warm feeling washed over her as Hera looked at everyone, melting her heart. It was only then that she realized they had done it on purpose. They had pretended to ignore Ker, only to prepare this surprise secretly.


    With her hands sped together, Hera made a wish and blew out the candles.


    "Here''s your birthday present."


    Gino was the first to hand her a gift box.


    Then, Gideon and James each


    presented her with a share


    J


    certificate. Both certificates were for


    10% of their respectivepanies'' shares, Sedna and Everett Group.


    Meanwhile, Lilith handed her a property deed.


    "Since you''re going to study in Jedburgh next year, this is for you. This apartment might be small, but it''s better than a dorm room."


    Hera was baffled by Lilith''s indifference, especially since real estate in Jedburgh wasn''t cheap.


    "You''re 18 now-a young adult. Focus on your studies. It''s okay to date, but just be careful," Mildred advised earnestly.


    She then took out a red cloth bag, revealing a silver bracelet inside. It was a ssic round silver bracelet.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    It didn''t seem particrly valuable


    but James and Lilith knew it was the


    token of love Simon Everett had given Mildred years ago. Mildred had always treasured it.


    Mildred slipped the bracelet on Hera''s right wrist, then took Bernard''s left hand and ced it on top of Hera''s. "Bernard is a decent young man. We''re all pleased with him. As you youngsters say, just get married already."


    Hera was speechless.


    "Grandma, Hera just turned 18! She''s not even legally able to marry!" Gideon reminded her.


    Mildred replied, "Back then, 18-year-olds would already have two kids."


    Gideon was at a loss for words.


    After receiving all her family''s gifts, Hera turned to Bernard and asked, "Where''s yours?"

 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    "Let''s go."


    Bernard extended his hand.


    Hera nced at his broad palm and asked, "Where to?"


    "To show you your gift," Bernard replied.


    Hera raised an eyebrow. She was intrigued about a gift she had to see for herself.


    "Go on. The sooner you go, the sooner you''ll be back," Lilith said, handing Hera her coat.


    Hera took Bernard''s hand. Their fingers intertwined as they left under the watchful eyes of the Everetts.


    A helicopter was already waiting for them in the yard. They boarded it, and the night sky exploded with fireworks again.


    As the helicopter flew through the bursts of color, Hera leaned against the window. Her eyes sparkled as she watched the disy up close.


    "Do you like it?" Bernard asked softly in her ear.


    Hera turned back to face him. The multicolored sparks reflected off his face, highlighting his chiseled features.


    At that moment, her heart was on the verge of bursting. It pounded as loudly as the fireworks outside. Unable to resist, she leaned in and kissed him.


    Bernard immediately raised his hand to hold her head in ce as he deepened the kiss.


    Outside the helicopter, the sky was a riot of colors. Meanwhile, they were wrapped in tender affection inside the vehicle.


    Two hourster, the helicopternded in an ancient courtyard house in Jedburgh.


    Hera watched as the fireworks finally ceased.


    "No more", she thought.


    Fireworks were banned in Jedburgh. If the fireworks disy continued, they would end up at the police station until dawn. "Close your eyes," Bernard instructed.


    He took Hera''s hand as he led her out of the helicopter. After closing her eyes, Hera felt Bernard letting go.


    A momentter, Bernard''s voice came again, "Alright. Open them."


    Hera slowly opened her eyes to see Bernard handing her a lit sparkler.


    "This is thest one," he said.


    It reminded her of when they were kids, and Bernard would give her sparklers.


    "Thank you."


    Hera epted the sparkler, and her face lit up with a captivating smile.


    Bernard''s eyes softened as he looked at her. He was reminded of the young girl with the radiant grin from his memories. It had been months since he''d seen her this happy.


    He


    cheerful. She wouldn''t have changed if it weren''t for


    d when she used to be sq


    and


    Daphne''s incident. Content Belongs


    to


    "You look so stunning when you smile. You should smile more and not look gloomy all the time," Bernard said.


    Unable to resist, he reached out and pinched Hera''s soft cheek.


    Hera pushed his hand away.


    "I don''t make a living by smiling."


    Bernard chuckled, grabbed her hand, and intertwined their fingers.


    "Come see your gift."


    With a flourish, he produced a set of keys.


    "There''s more?"


    Hera was surprised. Wasn''t the two-hour fireworks disy enough?


    Bernard I


    intoUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    the spent sparkler


    gesturerash can by the door a toward the red door det


    brass lock.


    "Open it and see."

 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    Hera stared at the brass lock and found a key among the others on the ring. She couldn''t help but wonder if Bernard had bought an entire courtyard house for her.


    The lock opened with a click. Bernard swung the door open wide and flicked on the lights, revealing a Victorian-carved wooden screen directly ahead.


    Stepping around the screen, Hera was surprised to see a renovated space for medicinal herb storage and an alchemyb. Intrigued, she moved forward to check it out.


    The herb storage was neatly organized and stocked with various traditional medicinal herbs.


    Meanwhile, the alchemyb boasted various furnaces, gold and silver acupuncture needles, and all necessary tools neatly arranged. Clearly, everything had been meticulously prepared for her.


    Previously, Hera had considered setting up an herb storage in her suburban vi but dismissed the idea due to its inconvenient location. Moreover, she had grown ustomed to theb in Cavenridge and hadn''t bothered with relocating.


    Given her impending enrollment at Jedburgh for college, returning to Cavenridge wasn''t practical. Bernard''s thoughtful gesture of preparing this ce for her in Jedburgh took Hera by surprise.


    "The other three rooms include a bedroom, a consultation room, and a chemistryb."


    Bernard led Hera into the courtyard and introduced each room.


    "This ce is close to Quantford University and Bradbury University. You could open a medical clinic here, create pills, and treat patients." Hera nced at Bernard, suddenly realizing he seemed to know her thoughts. She wondered how he had learned about her ns for Jedburgh. She pondered for a moment before asking, "How did you know I could create pills?"


    She had only ever given him pills without exining how they were made.


    Bernard''s eyes flickered momentarily. He had almost given himself away.


    Indeed, Hera had never disclosed to him that she personally crafted the pills, having only referenced it under her alias, Dr. Shadow.


    "Weren''t the pills you gave me made by you?" he countered.


    "By the way, didn''t you say only the Eclipse Stone could cure my illness? Yet, I''ve recovered. Did you use the Eclipse Stone? Isn''t it still with Dr. Shadow?"


    Bernard raised an eyebrow and fixed Hera with a skeptical look while waiting for her exnation.


    Hera was caught off guard. She sensed that he might have discovered her secret identity as


    Shadow. She wondered how he


    would''ve learned that. After a


    everyone else believed Dr. Shadow


    was Camille.


    Camille had been recklessly using Hera''s name to practice medicine, which infuriated Hera. She needed to stop Camille, but the timing wasn''t right yet.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera had overlooked one crucial detail the money she used to set up Queenie had been directly transferred to Astral Nova.


    If someone exploited this and infiltrated the Astral Nova system to investigate, they would uncover that the payment from "Raven" was linked to Dr. Shadow.


    Therefore, exposing Camille now as


    an impostor and iming her own


    identity as Dr. Shadow would


    wanted figure with a


    100-thousand-dor bounty head.


    reveal Hera as only


    Hera needed to wait for the right moment when the Grandmaster of Astral Nova wasn''t present to hack into the system and erase the transaction records.


    "That just proves how exceptional my medical skills are!"


    Hera dodged the question and pointed to the west wing to change the subject.


    "Is that the bedroom? It''s almost 3:00 am now, and I''m exhausted. Let''s sleep here tonight."


    Bernard watched her retreat and smiled resignedly. It seemed that Hera wasn''t ready to reveal her true identity to him yet.


    Using the key, Hera unlocked the door to the west wing.


    The lights flickered on automatically, revealing a traditional main hall with a bedroom on the left and a study on the right. Despite the antique decer, the living amenities were modern andplete.


    She opened the wardrobe in the bedroom and found neatly arranged men''s and women''s pajamas, underwear, and outerwear all in one closet. Startled, she turned around.


    Bernard leaned casually against the bathroom door with a mischievous smile.


    "Sweetie, would you like to join me for a bath?"

 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    Hera''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she grabbed a pillow from the bed and hurled it at him.


    "You pervert!"


    Bernard chuckled softly. He effortlessly caught the pillow and tossed it back onto the bed before disappearing into the bathroom.


    Having already showered earlier at home, Hera simply changed into her pajamas and settled into bed. The sound of running water from the bathroom made her inexplicably nervous.


    She idly yed with her phone, trying to distract herself, but her attention was drawn to a WhatsApp message from Samantha.


    Samantha: "Hey! Hera, have you used the gift yet?


    "Don''t forget to share your feedback!"


    Thinking of the unopened package in her room, Hera replied, "Why? Did you finally get paid for your endorsement?"


    Samantha: "Wait, isn''t it past 3:00 am there? And you''re still awake!"


    Hera: "Mind your own business."


    Just then, Samantha sent a WhatsApp video call invite, which Hera promptly declined. Deciding to avoid further conversation with Samantha, she switched to another chat.


    As she switched to Raven''s ount, Hera suddenly remembered S'' advice and switched to Shadow''s ount instead.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Shadow''s ount had few friends, and the first message was from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    She suddenly remembered that Camille had alreadyunched the assembly line for special medication and that her own batch was scheduled for auction on the 15th.


    Hera had an idea and quickly messaged the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    Shadow: "Let''s reschedule the auction of that batch of special medication."


    As she sent the message, Bernard''s phone on the bedside table lit up with a WhatsApp notification.


    Hera nced at the phone on the table and then at the conversation box with the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, who had not replied.


    Unbothered, she sent another message.


    Shadow: "Let me know when the new date is confirmed."


    Just as she sent it, a WhatsApp notification popped up on Bernard''s phone screen that had just gone dark.


    Hera was caught off guard. She wondered if it was a coincidence.


    She sent, "Are you there?" to the


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova, andet pp message


    new


    vel


    notification appeared on Bernard''s phone again.


    She stared at the phone on the desk, bewildered.


    Once or twice could have been considered a coincidence, but three times Row? She seriously


    vel?


    considered if Bernard was actually the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    Hera reached for the phone, but before she could grab it, arge hand covered hers and took the phone away.


    "Do you know the passcode? I''ll unlock it for you."


    Bernard''s maic voice came from above.


    Hera lifted her gaze. He was still in his bathrobe, warm and damp.


    With a quick swipe of his thumb, Bernard unlocked the phone and handed it to her.


    "The passcode is your birthday."


    Hera took the phone and


    immediately opened his WhatsApp ount, only to find three unread messages from Shaun, all of which contained inappropriate words.


    Hera''s cheeks flushed bright red. She contemted if it was indeed purely a coincidence.

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    "What are you looking at?" Bernard asked as he sat beside the bed.


    He leaned in to snatch the phone just as he noticed the chat with Shaun.


    "Don''t read that."


    Hera deftly evaded his grasp and hurriedly scanned the message list. Dous'' avatar showed seven unread messages, with several group chats marked as 99+.


    Before she could read the details, Bernard snatched the phone back.


    "Let me see it again."


    Hera lunged to reim the phone, but Bernard held firm.


    And so, beneath the enchanting moonlight, the two spent a carefree night together.


    In the living room of the Killian residence in Jedburgh, Chad''s grip tightened on the newspaper as he eximed, "XS Corporation strikes again!" The front page boldly proimed, "XS Corporation Invests 200 Million in Everett Group."


    "XS Corporation seems to have it out for Killian Corporation. I wonder if this is sheer coincidence or if they have insider knowledge," mused Karen White, the matriarch of the Killian family, standing beside Chad.


    Chad had been gearing up to threaten Bernard with the investment contract. However, when he learned that the Everetts had epted XS Corporation''s investment, he felt like he was punching cotton.


    Karen''s words reminded Chad that if XS Corporation was solely targeting Killian Corporation, it was simply unfortunate. But if it was thetter, it signaled something grave-a spy within Killian Corporation!


    "Who''s the party pooper stirring up your mood during the New Year, Chad?" boomed a deep voice from outside the door.


    Then entered a tall, thin man with a high forehead and sharp features. It was Rhett, the fourth son of the Killian family. Following him was avishly dressed woman, Linda Atkins, and Frederick.


    "Uncle Chad, Aunt Karen, we''vee to wish you a Happy New Year," Frederick said respectfully.


    "Rhett, Linda, Frederick, you guys are here. Come in and have a seat."


    Karen smiled as she signaled the housekeepers to prepare tea.


    "Uncle Chad, is Uncle Bernard still not back yet?" Frederick suddenly asked.


    Mentioning Bernard was like igniting a fuse for Chad. Bernard barely touched his New Year''s Eve dinner the previous night before leaving and hadn''t returned since. Seeing this news early in the morning had only added to Chad''s frustration.


    "Why are you bringing him up?" Chad snapped.


    Rhett nced at the newspaper Chad had put aside. He had read it and heard about Chad and Bernard''s recent falling out.


    That was precisely why he hade today.


    "Chad, Bernard has always been like


    this.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Os not worth getting worked up Look who I''ve broked up


    along," Rhett said.


    He turned toward the door.


    "Come in."


    A figure dressed in a gray cloak with a hood stepped inside as he spoke.


    The hood was lifted to reveal an 18-year-old girl. It was Giselle.


    Chad sized Giselle up and sensed a hint of familiarity in her features.


    Turning to Rhett, he asked, "Who is she?"


    el


    Frederick chimed in, "Uncle Chad, she''s Uncle Lucius'' daughter. The one mistakenly switched at birth 18 years ago at the hospital. She''s Cecily''s younger sister."

 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    Chad frowned deeply.


    "Do you have any proof?"


    Rhett extracted a document from Linda''s LV bag and handed it over.


    "Here are the results of the DNA test."


    ncing at the final column, Chad saw the paternity blood rtion was over 99.99%, confirming the father-daughter bond.


    "Well..."


    Chad''s gaze shifted from the document to Giselle.


    Karen circled Giselle, examining her critically.


    "Her features resemble Daphne''s."


    "Are you sure this result is urate?" Chad asked seriously.


    "I had Lucius'' blood sent out from prison. There''s no mistake," Rhett confirmed.


    Under their scrutiny, Giselle felt her heart race nervously. The atmosphere in the Killian household was far more daunting than that of the Everetts''.


    But this was her home now. Despite her biological mother, Daphne, having passed away and Lucius being imprisoned, Rhett had assured her that as long as she obeyed and pleased Chad, she could firmly establish herself within the Killian family.


    "Uncle Chad, Aunt Karen, it''s a relief to meet you finally. My journey here hasn''t been easy."


    Giselle kneeled before Chad with tears streaming down her face.


    "Over the years, I''ve been with the Everetts in Norburgh, used as a pawn in their alliances with the Gaskell family. I''ve lived in turmoil, but after they reimed their daughterst year, they not only expelled me but also ruined the Gaskell family.


    "Even worse, their newfound daughter knowingly concealed my true identity and left me in the mountains. It was a harsh ce, and I almost didn''t survive.


    "Although I didn''t grow up in the Killian family, I carry the family''s blood in my veins. Their treatment of me is as though they don''t respect the Killian family at all..."


    "Poor child. Please stand," Karen said, helping Giselle to her feet.


    "The Everetts in Norburgh? Managed by James Everett?" Chad asked.


    Giselle sobbed softly.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes."


    Chad''s expression darkened, and his eyes were filled with an unreadable malice.


    "What''s your name?"


    "I used to be called Giselle," Giselle replied.


    Her choice of words was deliberate. By saying "used to be", Giselle implied that since she had returned to the Killian family, she should reim her heritage and be given a new name.


    Karen saw right through Giselle''s


    petty schemes. Despite her Killian blood, Giselle''s humble upbringing had left her greedy and unfit for refined society. Karen couldn''t help but acknowledge it.


    "It''s good to have you back," Chad said, then turned to Karen.


    "Karen, take her downstairs and get her settled properly." "Okay."


    Karen nodded, then said to Giselle, "Alright. Come with me."


    Giselle felt immense relief as the Killian family epted her.


    "Thank you, Uncle Chad, Aunt Karen."


    Rhett exchanged a nce with Linda, and she left with Frederick.


    In the living room, only the two brothers remained.


    "No wonder we never found the bodies of Dr. Miracle and Cecily. They were never dead to begin with. What a perfectly staged death!" Rhett eximed.


    Chad smoked his cigar in silence. His thoughts seemed veiled in the swirling smoke.


    "So, Bernard might have known


    about this all along but stayed silent.


    And he got close to the real heiress of the Everetts. Could they have had hidden intentions? After all, back then, that girl-"


    Chad understood his meaning and cut him off.


    "Let''s keep today''s events from Bernard."


    They lost their leverage of the


    Everetts'' investment contract against Bernard, but Giselle, the Everetts former adopted daughter, had returned to the Killians.


    Sometimes, a setback could lead to unexpected fortunes.


    "Got it. I''ll go check on Mom," Rhett said.


    As he left, a fleeting calction shed in his eyes.

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    Giselle limped slightly as she followed Karen through the courtyard of the Killian residence.


    Aaron''s gunshot had left her with a noticeable limp, and it drew curious nces from the housekeepers. Usually, Giselle would adjust her gait to appear more graceful, but she was too excited to care that day.


    She felt like a country girl visiting a grand mansion for the first time, her eyes darting left and right in awe. The Killian residence was even more magnificent than she had heard. It resembled a pce.


    She felt that this was her true home. She was a direct descendant of the prestigious Killian family, the head of the four influential families.


    She thought any of these homes was far grander and more valuable than the Everetts'' shabby vi.


    Giselle seethed at the thought of Hera calling her a fake Everett heiress when it was she who had stolen her rightful life and med her for everything.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Giselle vowed to repay this grudge tenfold.


    ...


    Hera woke up at 4:00 pm, roused by hunger. She reached out to find the bed beside her empty. She was alone in the room.


    Hera grabbed her phone and saw a WhatsApp message from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova from 11:00 am saying, "Okay."


    Recalling Bernard''s message list from the night before, she wondered if it was just a coincidence.


    After switching back to her personal ount, Hera ignored all other messages and went directly to Bernard''s chat. There were no new messages. She took a long drink from the cup of water on the bedside table before heading out.


    The hall and study were empty, but the door to the east wing stood ajar. Hera made her way over and found that it had been transformed into a chemistryb.


    Inside, she counted 118 transparent sspartments lining the wall furthest to her. Some of the sspartments were filled, but most were empty.


    Recognizing it immediately as a


    periodic table of elements, Hera


    approached Bernard, who stood


    absorbed by the disy with his back turned.


    "Is this your collection of elements?" she asked.


    "Sweetie, you''re awake. Are you hungry? I''ll have someone bring you something to eat," Bernard said.


    When he turned around, he noticed Hera


    Swifth only a thin nightgown. He et


    removed his coat and draped


    it over her shoulders.


    W


    Hera replied, "I''m hungry. I want to eat the steak you make."


    "Okay. I''ll have Dous send over the ingredients," Bernard said and texted Dous on his phone.


    Hera examined the wall, noticing


    that all 22 non-metal elements were , while the metal elements


    were mostly empty.


    "When did you start collecting these? Is this all you''ve gathered?" she asked.


    "About 12 years ago," Bernard answered without hesitation.


    "12 years, and you''ve only collected these 22 non-metal elements?"


    Hera raised an eyebrow, her tone tinged with disdain.


    Over a few days, around 90mon metal elements, including gold, silver, copper, and iron, could be collected.


    "Yes, I collect two elements for every year."


    "Is there a reason for this particr selection?" Hera inquired.


    Bernard gazed at her intensely.


    "Yes..."

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    "Everyone thought you were dead back then, but I refused to believe it. I searched for you tirelessly, but I never found you.


    "To keep myself from giving up, I created this periodic table," Bernard exined while looking at the meticulously maintained chart on the wall.


    Hera gazed at the periodic table, noting the pristine ss. It was obviously maintained daily.


    "I''ve been collecting two elements each year in my search for you. And I vowed to continue until the table wasplete or until I couldn''t find you," Bernard continued.


    Hera turned her gaze to Bernard. His chiseled profile caused her heart to pound heavily.


    There were 118 elements in the periodic table, and collecting two yearly would take him 59 years.


    12 years ago, Bernard was just a 13-year-old boy when he made that stubborn promise to find Hera.


    Throughout that time, Hera med Bernard for not apanying her to Catherine''s house and deliberately avoided him.


    "Why didn''t youe to the station to meet me back then?" Hera asked.


    After Lucius was imprisoned, Daphne spent months investigating the incident to clear his name.


    When she had finally found some leads, she received death threats from an unknown source. To protect Hera and Bernard, Daphne nned to take them to Catherine''s house.


    But on the day they were supposed to leave, Bernard changed his mind at thest minute and decided not to go.


    That same day, after Daphne had taken Hera to Catherine''s house, she died in a car ident on her way back to the Killian residence.


    When Hera heard about Daphne''s ident, she cried and wanted to return to the Killian residence to find Daphne, but Catherine stopped her.


    Catherine warned Hera that returning could mean risking her life, as the Killian family might silence them both.


    Refusing to believe Catherine, Hera secretly called Bernard and begged him to take her back to the Killian residence.


    She sneaked out of Catherine''s house and waited for him at the station all day, but he never showed. Instead, she was abducted by traffickers.


    Hera couldn''t recall much after the kidnapping. She only remembered that two dayster, Catherine found her. They were on the run for six months before they settled in the mountains near the border Content


    belongs to


    They might not have been separated for so many years if Bernard had gone with her to Catherine''s house.


    "I did go to the station to meet you. But Chad''s men caught me en route," Bernard said grimly.


    Even though his gaze was fixed on the periodic table, he was lost in somber memories.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "By the time I escaped and reached the station, you were gone. Mrs. Jones'' house was also burned down."


    Hera recalled how Catherine had


    indeed set fire to her house and


    faked their deaths before they went on the run. Looking at Bernard and then at the periodic table, she suddenly felt a sense of calm.


    She moved to speak, wanting tofort Bernard, but couldn''t find the words. Instead, she changed the subject.


    "So, you searched for me all these years just because I''m your niece?"


    "It wasn''t just because of that," Bernard replied cryptically.


    Realizing something, Hera leaned closer.


    "Oh?"


    Bernard hesitated to find the right words as he met her inquisitive gaze. He wondered if she would find it strange to know he''d harbored feelings for her since they were children.


    He raised an eyebrow and mimicked her tone, saying, "Oh?"


    Since he didn''t borate, Hera tried a different approach, "When did you start liking me?"


    "Figure it out yourself," Bernard responded.


    Hera felt a mix of frustration and amusement. He hadn''t been this mysterious when he was pursuing her before.

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Hera felt flustered. Bernard''s true colors were starting to show now that they were together. "Stop mimicking me!" Hera snapped.


    Just then, the sound of the front gate opening echoed across the yard.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard seized the opportunity and said, "Dous is here. I''ll go make you some steak."


    He turned to leave.


    But the more he evaded her questions, the more curious Hera became. So, she trailed after him.


    "You didn''t start having feelings for me when you were young, did you?" she prodded.


    Bernard froze at being exposed.


    "You''re such a perv. I was practically your niece back then!" Hera teased.


    Bernard remained silent. Suddenly, he stopped and turned, causing Hera to bump into him.


    With a mischievous grin, he lifted her chin.


    "So, are you scared of falling into a pervert''s hands? Hmm?"


    Hera was speechless.


    Dous, who hade to deliver some items, witnessed their intimate moment. He quietly ced the items in the kitchen and left, feeling like a third wheel.


    The kitchen and dining room were behind the west wing''s main hall. Bernard retrieved a box of cake from the items Dous brought and handed it to Hera.


    "Have some cake to tide you over, but don''t eat too much. Save some room for the steak."


    "Okay."


    Hera sat at the dining table. She opened the cake box to find her favorite tiramisu inside.


    As Hera enjoyed the cake, she watched Bernard bustling in the kitchen. She suddenly felt a warm wave of happiness wash over her.


    She had never considered what kind of life she wanted beyond avenging Daphne and clearing Lucius'' name. But now, she had.


    "Bernie," Hera called out suddenly.


    Preupied with marinating the steaks, Bernard responded with a hum.


    "Let''s continue collecting elements from the periodic table. One each year until we finish," Hera said.


    Bernard paused and looked at Hera, wearing a faint smile.


    "Alright. But I can''t promise we''llplete all 96 remaining elements," he replied.


    96 years was nearly a century.


    "If we can''t finish, our kids can take over," Hera suggested.


    Bernard looked at her with deep affection.


    "Deal!"


    Hera took another bite of the tiramisu, its sweetness spreading from her mouth to her heart.


    And just like that, they made a romantic pact tost a century.


    After


    Hera reminded Leon of


    e to give her ener


    nned to watch a movie together.


    At the theater, while buying popcorn and drinks, Bernard''s phone rang.


    Having already bought the popcorn, Hera turned to ask Bernard what drink he wanted, only to see him frowning as he listened to the call.


    She recalled the New Year


    celebrations at the Killians'', with theirplex rituals and strict etiquette. Bernard had been absent since yesterday, and she was certain the Killians weren''t pleased.


    Knowing how difficult things were with the Killians, she didn''t want him facing more trouble because of her.


    Just as she was about to suggest he


    with an


    go back, her phone vibrated iing call. It was from She quickly answered the call.


    Ellerine.


    "Grandma..."


    But the voice on the other end wasn''t Catherine''s. It was a young girl speaking urgently.


    "Hello, is this Hera? Mrs. Jones is in trouble!"

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Hera took a redeye to the border airport and then rushed to Evergreen Hospital. She arrived by midday the next day.


    At Catherine''s bedside, Everly Pierce, her neighbor, watched over her.


    Catheriney unconscious with her head swathed in white bandages. She was wearing an oxygen mask over her face and with an IV drip bag hanging beside her.


    "What happened?"


    Hera entered the room, concern etched on her face.


    "Hera, you''re back," Everly said with relief.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She clutched Hera''s hand eagerly.


    "Hurry. Come check on Mrs. Jones. She still hasn''t regained consciousness."


    Hera nodded. Her heart sank as she examined Catherine. There was a blood clot in her head-a vicious blow to an elderly woman.


    "Who did this?"


    Hera''s voice tightened with anger.


    "Yesterday, loan sharks barged in with an IOU bearing Mrs. Jones'' thumbprint. They demanded repayment, but Mrs. Jones had nothing to give. So, they knocked her out cold," Everly exined.


    "Loan sharks?"


    Hera frowned.


    She wondered how Catherine could have gotten involved with loan sharks. After all, Catherine received tens of thousands of dors in allowance every month.


    Hera had also given Catherine a card with two million dors when she brought Giselle back from the Everett residence. That should have been more than enough to cover their necessities up in the mountains.


    "Yes! They threatened to return in three days. And they said that if we don''te up with five million, they will start cutting off Mrs. Jones'' limbs.


    "Wayne went to report it, but the local police brushed it off as a matter of debt. But Mrs. Jones was always so careful with her money. How could she owe such a huge amount?"


    Everly''s voice trembled with fear.


    "It must be that woman! Ever since Mrs. Jones brought her back, it''s been one disaster after another," dered a deep, resonant voice from the doorway.


    Hera turned to see Wayne Pierce, a tall, strong man with a weatheredplexion. He was holding a bag of takeout, his face etched with fury. He was Everly''s elder brother.


    Wayne and Everly had lost their


    parents when they were young and had lived in the most isted part of Willowbrook Vige. When Catherine and Hera fled to Willowbrook Vige years ago, they were shunned by the locals.


    At that time, only this kind-hearted sibling duo had taken them in. Afterward, Catherine''s exceptional medical skills eventually won over the vigers, and they allowed Hera and Catherine to settle down.


    "Was it Giselle Everett?" Hera said the name aloud.


    "Yes, she''s the one. I can''t fathom why Mrs. Jones brought her back. Giselle received free medical care, food, and everything.


    "But she demanded importedtex mattresses and branded clothes and insisted on drinking only mountain spring water. Shepletely refused to touch the water from the tap or well," Wayne ranted.


    His straightforward nature and strong build made it clear that Giselle''s antics had worn his patience thin.


    Hera nodded as she grasped the situation.


    As expected, Giselle couldn''t adjust to vige dife after living in luxury with the Everett family for 17 years. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have elung so desperately to the Everett family in the first ce.


    "Where is she now?" Hera asked.


    "No idea. She started sneaking out once she could walk. I haven''t seen her in a week," Everly replied.


    Hera nced at Catherine, whoy unconscious on the bed, and concluded that Giselle had likely fled.


    "I borrowed this money from the vigers and took out my savings. The total is only 35 thousand dors in total, but you can take it first.


    "I''ll figure out the rest in a few days," Wayne said, handing Hera a bundle of bills wrapped in a ck stic bag from his coat pocket.

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    Wayne earned a living by helping vigers with transportation using an old truck, and he had selflessly financed Everly''s education.


    Wayne and Everly lived modestly, so Hera was deeply moved when they offered their hard-earned savings.


    She gently rejected the money.


    "Thank you, but there''s no need. Don''t worry about the money. I can handle it. You two should head back and rest."


    They both knew about Hera being taken away by wealthy city dwellersst year. But five million dors was beyond their grasp. They couldn''t fathom a family wealthy enough to casuallye up with such a sum.


    However, Hera was so resolute that Wayne had no choice but to pocket the money again.


    After a sleepless night at the hospital and a morning of borrowing money, Wayne decided to return home to rest, while Everly insisted on staying to help.


    Everly and Hera were of the same age. Everly had studied medicine with Catherine since childhood. Although less adept in medical skills, she excelled in preparing medicinal meals.


    After Hera administered acupuncture to Catherine to disperse the blood clot, she prescribed an herbal form and sent Everly to the pharmacy to purchase the necessary herbs.


    Afterward, Everly borrowed the kitchen to brew the medicine.


    By evening, Catherine woke up, looking much better after drinking the herbal concoction Hera had prescribed.


    However, Hera was still worried and insisted Catherine stay in the hospital for observation another day before allowing her to return home the following day.


    Early the next morning, Wayne drove over to pick them up.


    Upon arriving home, Catherine asked before Hera could exit the vehicle, "Wayne, could you take Hera to the airport?"


    The deadline set by loan sharks was that day, and Catherine didn''t want Hera involved in this matter.


    Those loan sharks were clearly sent by someone, and their true aim was not money but Catherine''s life.


    Hera''s face immediately fell when she understood Catherine''s intention.


    But Wayne was oblivious to their tense exchange.


    "Oh? Is it that urgent? Can''t we have lunch together before you go?"


    "Yeah, it''s New Year''s. Let''s have a meal together. I''ll start cooking now," Everly chimed in.


    Everly understood Catherine''s


    motives, but she thought it would be


    best for Hera to stay. She had. always admired Hera''s wisdom since she was young and believed she could handle the situation.


    "I''m not leaving!"


    Hera got out of the car and walked straight into the yard. She casually retrieved the key hidden under the flowerpot by the gate and unlocked the door.


    Inside, the living room was still a


    mess from the loan sharks'' recent visit in attempting to collect the


    debts. Catherine hadn''t had


    a


    chance to tidy up. Content belongs


    to


    Catherine couldn''t stop Hera in time, so she said sternly, "What are you staying here for? This isn''t the ce for you. Go back to the Everetts!"


    "Where''s Giselle?"


    Hera turned sharply. Her expression was cold as she looked at Catherine.


    Catherine pursed her lips, and the two locked gazes tensely.


    "That''s none of your concern," Catherine replied, righting an overturned chair and sitting on it with her back to Hera.


    At the sight of Catherine''s weathered figure, Hera suddenly felt a mix of bitterness and affection.


    When Hera was young and upset


    with Catherine, Catherine could never bring herself to scold her. She would always turn away as she was doing at that moment and be angry with herself.


    Hera walked up and hugged her from behind.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Giselle''s life may not be my business, but she hurt you, and I can''t ignore that!"


    Catherine shivered, and her eyes grew slightly moist.


    "Hera, you never listen!"


    Suddenly, a loud noise reverberated from outside, and several men in ck rushed into the yard, brandishing knives.


    Catherine quickly pushed Hera away when she spotted them.


    "Quick! Hide!"


    A burly man entered the living room.


    "And where do you think you''re going to hide?"

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    Six burly thugs, armed with long machetes and baseball bats, blocked the entrance to the hall. They wore menacing expressions. "Bruce, it looks like we''ve got a beauty here," one of the goons said as he eyed Hera.


    "I don''t need you to state the obvious! I''m not blind!" Bruce Wace, the leader, snapped while his gaze remained fixed on Hera.


    He spat.


    "I''m here for the money. Her looks won''t change that."


    Bruce''s eyes lingered on Hera''s smooth, wless skin, but his focus remained on his mission. He was here to collect a debt. It would be a miserable New Year for everyone if he didn''t.


    "Hey, old hag, are you even listening? Stop wasting our time. Do you have the money or not?" growled a scruffy man who was gesturing aggressively toward Catherine with his baseball bat.


    Hera stepped forward to shield Catherine. With a swift kick, she knocked the bat aside.


    "Don''t point that thing at her!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Caught off guard by Hera''s audacity, the scruffy man fumbled his bat and eventually dropped it.


    Meanwhile, the other thugs quickly surrounded Hera, brandishing their weapons. One pressed a gleaming machete against her neck.


    Catherine was intimidated by the sight of the de and pleaded nervously, "Let her go. This has nothing to do with her."


    Bruce couldn''t help but admire Hera''s calm demeanor amidst the danger. Nevertheless, letting her go wasn''t an option.


    "Where''s the money?" Bruce demanded.


    "Show me the IOU first," Hera replied.


    She subtly twitched her fingers to retrieve a silver needle.


    When she noticed Hera''s gesture, Catherine grabbed Hera''s arm tightly to silently warn her against making any rash moves.


    Bruce took out an IOU for a three-million-dor loan with two million dors in interest. The borrower''s ID information was indeed Catherine''s. However, the signature was forged, though the fingerprint matched hers.


    Catherine realized that Giselle had borrowed the money using her ID and had taken her fingerprint as she slept.


    "Hands off!"


    Wayne barged in, wielding a kitchen knife, with Everly close behind, gripping a frying pan.


    Upon seeing the machete at Hera''s neck, Wayne''s anger dissipated.


    Worried for her safety, hea''s


    pulled a wad of cash from


    ine


    pocket. nove


    "Don''t hurt them! Here''s the money!"


    He tossed the cash to Bruce.


    Bruce caught it, weighed it, and threw it back at Wayne.


    "I need five million dors, not this fucking pocket change! Don''t y a hero if you can''t pay up. Get lost!"


    The cash was scattered across the


    floor.


    e''s veins bulged with e at Bruce. Content


    he gripped the knife,


    to


    With no hope of police assistance in this remote location, fighting seemed inevitable.


    Everly shrieked as a thug seized her by the neck.


    "Move, and she dies!"


    Wayne halted immediately. With his eyes bloodshot in anger, he held the knife and stood in front of them.


    Hera was dumbfounded. She couldn''t help but wonder if Everly and Wayne were there to offer themselves as sacrifices.


    Tension escted. Hera initially


    with Catherine, but now, with Everly to protect and Wayne outnumbered, brute force wouldn''t suffice.


    might have handled things alone et


    She needed toe up with a strategy.


    "Wayne, stay calm," Hera cautioned as she kept the silver needle.


    She pulled a bank card from her pocket, pressed it against the machete, and handed it to Bruce.


    "Give me the IOU. There''s five million on this card."

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    Bruce nced at the bank card and scoffed.


    "How do I know if this card has five million? I want cash!"


    Hera replied, "You guys can go check."


    "It takes at least an hour to get to town and another hour back. By the time we return, who knows where you''ll have run off to?" sneered one of the thugs, a rat-faced man.


    Hera stayed silent.


    "Can''t you send one person while the rest wait here?" Everly suggested.


    "No way. Besides Bruce, none of us have a driver''s license."


    Hera silently questioned why they suddenly cared about obeying thew.


    "What do you want?" Hera asked coldly, her eyes locked on Bruce.


    She knew they were just stalling.


    "The deadline''s passed, and you haven''t got the cash. I''ll have to take something from her to settle the score."


    Bruce pointed his machete threateningly at Catherine. The de glinted menacingly.


    "You!"


    Wayne tightened his grip on his kitchen knife.


    Hera''s gaze darkened.


    "So, you''re not here to collect a debt. You''re here to kill somebody, aren''t you?"


    "Enough bullshit. Hand over that old hag!" Bruce bellowed.


    He swung his machete, turning the standoff into a direct confrontation.


    Suddenly, a hole appeared in the ceiling with a loud crash, and a ck-d figure dropped from above. In an instant, he pinned Bruce to the ground.


    At the same time, a group of bodyguards in ck suits and sunsses burst in, swiftly subduing the remaining thugs.


    Hera shielded Catherine and moved her to the side. With his kitchen knife at the ready, Wayne stood guard in front of Everly, who was now free.


    He watched with wary eyes as the bodyguards took control of the situation.


    "Ms. Youngworth, we apologize for beingte."


    The lead bodyguard approached Hera and removed his sunsses as he addressed her respectfully. Hera recognized him as one of Bernard''s bodyguards.


    She nodded and nced at the subdued thugs.


    "Take them away and find out who''s behind this."


    "Yes, Ms. Youngworth."


    The thugs were swiftly taken away, leaving the living room in peace. Everly and Wayne began tidying up the room while Hera helped


    Catherine, who was shaken up, back to her room to rest. Content belongs


    to


    The room was in disarray, so Hera cleared the bed and helped Catheriney down. She then boiled some herbal supplements and brought them to her.


    Catherine felt much better after drinking it.


    She said, "I''m fine now. You should go."


    "You''reing with me," Hera insisted.


    When Catherine opened her mouth to protest, Hera interrupted, "Hear me out. I''m nning to open a medicinal clinic in Jedburgh, and I need your help."


    Catherine''s initial refusal got caught in her throat.


    Hera knew Catherine well and


    understood that a simple request to move to Jedburgh would be met with resistance. However, framing it as a request for help would make it harder for Catherine to refuse. Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Catherine didn''t agree to it immediately.


    Instead, she asked, "You''re still not going to give up, are you?"


    Hera nodded.


    "Yes."


    "Oh, you''re such a stubborn child."


    Catherine sighed helplessly.


    Through tears and sweat, she had raised Hera. Their bond was unbreakable. Catherine would have agreed to go if Hera was merely opening a clinic. But if it was for revenge...


    "I won''t go with you!"


    Catherine sat up and resolutely said, "Forget about all this. Stay with the Everetts, and embrace your role as a heiress. Stop meddling in their affairs. You have nothing to do with the Killian family anymore!

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    "I''ll never forget that!"


    Hera''s gaze was cold and resolute.


    Catherine knew Hera was stubborn. Once her mind was set, there was no changing it.


    Hera lowered her eyes and continued, "And it''s not just that. I''m in a rtionship with Bernard now."


    "What?"


    Catherine was first shocked, then furious.


    "Why on earth would you get involved with him?"


    Although Catherine hadn''t interacted much with Bernard, she knew enough about him. When he first returned to the Killian family, he had stabbed four housekeepers within a month.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He was filled with hostility and suspicion, but his menacing presence still evoked sympathy. Thest time she saw him was at the Everett residence.


    He was grown up, but his cold, intimidating air remained. With his powerful position and ruthless nature, a person like him was dangerous to provoke. "He seduced me first," Hera said.


    Catherine was bewildered. She pictured Bernard''s icy face. She couldn''t deny that Hera was stunningly beautiful, like a fairy descended to earth. She also couldn''t deny her own age, but she wasn''t senile.


    That cold, unapproachable man had seduced someone first? Impossible.


    "You see, without you by my side, I couldn''t resist the temptation," Hera added.


    "Don''t try to fool me!" Catherine snapped, not believing a word.


    She was sure Hera was making up stories just to get her to travel to Jedburgh.


    Hera remained silent.


    "I''m not going anywhere. I will stay here, so stop trying to persuade me."


    Hera said, unfazed, "Giselle betrayed you this time. What about next time? How many lives do you have to lose?"


    After a long silence, Catherine replied, "There won''t be a next time. She now knows her father is the sixth son of the Killian family."


    Hera dwelled on her thoughts. She knew Catherine couldn''t keep this secret from Giselle forever. She just hadn''t expected Giselle to find out so soon.


    Recalling the loan sharks, Hera


    understood that it wasn''t just debt they were after but blood. She felt it was impossible for her to leave Catherine alone now.


    "Since Giselle now knows the truth


    the Killian family will soon kuth


    you''re still alive. Whether you want to leave or not, you have to unless you want to die!"


    Hera continued, "You have two choices. You can pack up ande with me, or I''ll pack for you and take you back."


    In other words, Hera would force her if necessary.


    Catherine knew Hera wouldn''t harm her, but she also knew Hera was serious about taking her back if left with no other option. She understood Hera''s point. Giselle had been digging for information about her parents and was bound to go to the Killian family to im kinship.


    Whether she seeded or not, their being alive would be exposed. Hera and Catherine had been hiding for over a decade, but they couldn''t hide forever.


    Reluctantly, Catherine agreed.


    "Fine. I''ll go back with you. But you must promise me that no matter what happens, you won''t confront the Killian family directly."


    The Killian family was immensely influential. With Daphne dead and Lucius wrongfully imprisoned, she didn''t want anything to happen to Hera. Hera breathed a sigh of relief when Catherine agreed.


    "Okay."


    Hera then helped Catheriney to rest and left her to straighten out the living room.


    Everly brought in the prepared meal, and everyone gathered for dinner as usual. After dinner, the bodyguards reported their findings.

 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    "Giselle borrowed the money using Mrs. Jones'' ID, but the one who ordered the attack was their boss, Logan Knight. He''s the local thug in Glintshire, dealing in loan sharking and other shady activities," a bodyguard reported.


    "Alright. Release them, but keep an eye on them," Hera said, nodding.


    She figured that Giselle wouldn''t have the power tomand a thug like Logan unless she had already reunited with the Killian family.


    "Understood," the bodyguard replied, then asked, "Ms. Youngworth, when are you nning to return? I''ll get the car ready."


    Hera knew this was Bernard''s idea.


    "Prepare the car. We''ll leave once we''ve finished packing."


    "Yes."


    Just then, a faint noise came from inside the house.


    Hera immediately followed the sound to Catherine''s room. She found Catherine frantically searching through drawers and cupboards.


    The mattress was flipped, and a small hiddenpartment under the wooden bed frame was open but empty.


    "What''s wrong?" Hera asked.


    "The things I kept in the hiddenpartment are gone!" Catherine eximed.


    "What things?"


    "Some jewelry that Daphne gave me, old documents, and some photos," Catherine replied.


    This hiddenpartment was so discreet that even the loan sharks didn''t find it. Catherine had never told Hera about it-only she knew about its existence. However, she had opened it once when Giselle pestered her about her parents.


    Catherine''s face fell at the thought of Giselle. She figured it had to be Giselle, as a thief wouldn''t take documents and photos.


    Hera had already guessed the culprit but was more concerned about the contents.


    "What kind of documents?"


    Catherine tried to recall.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m not sure. There are some design drafts and an unfinished ne. It was something Daphne left behind when she brought you back." Daphne was a jewelry designer, so it could have been her unfinished work.


    Hera said, "We''ll ask her for it next time."


    With the valuables gone, there


    wasn''t much left for Catherine to pack. She quickly packed a few sets of clothes. When they stepped outside, the bodyguard had the car ready.


    Everly and Wayne were waiting in the yard.


    Seeing them emerge, Everly asked reluctantly, "Mrs. Jones, Hera, are you leaving?"


    "Yes. Hera''s opening a medical clinic at Jedburgh, so I''m going to help out," Catherine said while holding Everly''s hand.


    She was also reluctant to leave them.


    Everly and Wayne had lost their parents at a young age, and they had be orphans in the vige. Catherine had taken care of them, and they had long considered her their grandmother.


    Everly looked at Wayne, her lips trembling.


    Wayne was heartbroken, too. Out of everyone in the vige, the Pierce siblings had the deepest bond with Catherine. Her departure left them with no one else to care for.


    Moreover, Everly was only 18 and struggled with her studies. If she didn''t leave the mountains, her future would likely involve early marriage and childbirth.


    Wayne didn''t want himself and Everly to be stuck in the mountains for life, so he mustered the courage to ask Hera, "Hera, could you take us with you?


    "Everly has knowledge about herbal


    medicine and can help you, and I can be your driver. Just give usza ce to stay for a while, and we''ll live


    off our own abilitiester."


    Worried that Hera wouldn''t agree, Everly quickly added, "We can eat less, share a room, and do more work..."


    Hera had also been considering this. Once the clinic opened, she would need help, and she thought the Pierce siblings could be very useful.


    She had been worried they would not want to leave their hometown, but their decision resolved her concern.


    "Alright," Hera agreed.


    The Pierce siblings beamed with joy. Fearing that she might change her mind, they rushed home to fetch their packed belongings.

 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    Hera arrived in Jedburgh with Catherine and the Pierce siblingste that night, so they checked into a hotel first.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The next day, she called Leon to ask for help finding a rental near the courtyard house.


    After hearing her request, Leon said, "I actually have a ce near Jedburgh''s suburbs. It''s been empty for over a year. I''ll send you the address and gate code. Check it out and see if it works for you."


    "Okay," Hera replied.


    She then casually asked, "Why do you have a ce in Jedburgh?"


    She remembered that Leon was from the south.


    "Don''t be jealous. Damian insisted I take it when he was pursuing me," Leon boasted, then teased, "You''re already moving to Jedburgh. Didn''t Mr. Killian find a ce for you?"


    "I''m not jealous at all. I received a courtyard house recently," Hera said.


    Leon was speechless. He inwardly cursed. She didn''t miss the chance to boast.


    He asked, "Then why are you looking for a rental?"


    "I''m nning to open a medical clinic in the courtyard house and need another ce for my grandma and my friends to stay," Hera exined briefly.


    At the mention of the clinic, Leon recalled the medicine Hera had given himst time.


    "By the way, boss, the medicine you gave me really helped my godson. It greatly reduced his post-surgery rejection. His doctor was amazed and asked about the miracle doctor who made it."


    "Oh," Hera responded nonchntly.


    She was used to such reactions.


    "My godson''s dad wanted to ask if you have a reward in mind," Leon said.


    "Don''t be shy. He''s the head of the Hubbard family. You can ask for anything."


    Hera found that title familiar. Wasn''t he the one who had Shaun beaten by his grandfather?


    When she had looked into Leon''s godson''s condition, she hadn''t paid attention to the child''s father.


    "Just have him leave a good review and send patients my way when my clinic opens," Hera replied.


    "Got it!" Leon agreed.


    After hanging up, Hera took Catherine and the Pierce siblings for breakfast, then called a cab and headed to the address Leon had sent.


    The house was perfect. It was


    located in a neighborhood next to


    the courtyard house, about a


    half-mile walk away. The


    l


    neighborhood had good greenery, and the house had four bedrooms, a living room, and a dining room.


    1.n


    Hera rented it from Leon right away. That same day, she paid extra for a cleaning service to tidy the house She also converted the original. study and small home theater into bedrooms and added new furniture and essentials.


    Three dayster, Hera moved everyone from the hotel to the house once it was ready.


    Four bedrooms were just enough for everyone to have their own room.


    "It''s so pretty. Is this my room?"


    Everly stood at the door of a pink-decorated bedroom as she looked at Hera with gratitude.


    Hera nodded.


    "Time was tight, so the renovation was slightly simple. Make do for now. You can add more things gradually as needed."


    Everly quickly shook her head.


    "It''s perfect. You didn''t have to spend so much on us. Wayne and I could have shared a room with bunk beds."


    Wayne agreed, "Yeah, Jedburgh''s real estate is expensive. Renting such a big ce is too much. You''ve done enough for us already."


    They had seen the prices in the area.


    Even the cheapest ones are over tens of thousands of dors per square foot. Renting such arge floor n would cost over one thousand dors a month. Content


    belongs to


    They didn''t want to separate from Catherine initially, so they came to the city to make a living with her. However, they had overlooked the high living costs.


    Hera raised her hand to stop them.


    "Enough of that. If you feel bad, just work hard and take good care of Grandma."


    Although she had kept a room for herself here, she wouldn''t always stay there. Knowing the Pierce siblings would take care of Catherine reassured her.


    "Sure. We will."


    Everly nodded.


    She knew Hera didn''t like unnecessary fuss, so she decided to repay her with actions rather than words.


    Once they were settled, Hera assigned tasks to the Pierce siblings.


    Everly was to buy equipment for making medicinal meals, while Wayne was asked to familiarize himself with Jedburgh''s transportation routes. With that, they started preparing for the clinic''s opening.

 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    During this period, Hera returned to Norburgh to bring Tiramisu over.


    After a busy day, shey in bed at night, cuddling Tiramisu while video-calling Bernard.


    In the video call, Bernard sat in the back seat of a car. His face showed a hint of weariness, indicating he had just finished a busy day and was on his way back.


    "I brought your son over. Do you want to see him? Tiramisu, say hi to your dad," Hera said as she switched to the rear camera.


    Tiramisu had been neglected for a few days at the Everett residence. Finally brought back to Hera''s side, it was now snuggling on her and making cute noises,pletely ignoring Bernard.


    Bernard replied, "I don''t want to see a pig. I want to see you."


    Just as Hera switched back to the front camera, Tiramisu immediately raised its head and climbed onto Hera''s arm. It almost stuck its pig nose into the camera, blocking Hera''s face.


    Hera couldn''t help butugh at its antics.


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Wayne''s voice could be heard from outside.


    "Hera, can you open the door?"


    Frowning, he asked in a somewhat displeased tone, "Who is it?"


    Hera got up, saying, "It''s Wayne. Let me open the door. I''ll call you¡ª"


    "Don''t you dare hang up," Bernard interrupted her abruptly.


    He knew Hera hadn''t just brought Catherine back from the mountains this time but also a pair of siblings. She said they had grown up together since childhood.


    He wasn''t concerned about the woman. He silently questioned if that man was considered to have known Hera longer than him.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn''t think a man knocking on the door in the middle of the night could have anything good in mind.


    Hera was rendered speechless. She ced her phone on the desk and went to open the door.


    "Hera."


    Wayne stood at the door, holding a stack of cash. When Hera opened the door, he scratched the back of his head shyly and handed her the money.


    "Expenses at home are high. I can''t let you pay for everything. This iszall my savings. Although it''s not much, please take it and use it. When earn more in the future, I''ll support everyone."


    Hera nced at the cash in his hand, estimating it to be around one thousand dors. She then looked


    behind him at Everly, who was


    wearing pajamas and looking at her


    intently.


    She sighed softly.


    It seemed like she had to ept the money to put the Pierce siblings at ease.


    "Okay."


    Hera took the money.


    The Pierce siblings smiled in relief.


    "Sorry to disturb your rest. Good night," Wayne said.


    "Good night."


    After closing the door, Hera picked up her phone and saw that Bernard had ended the video call.


    Suddenly, her notification bar was flooded with PayPal alerts.


    "You''ve received 520.00 dors.


    "You''ve received 666.66 dors.


    "You''ve received 888.88 dors.


    "You''ve received 999.99 dors.


    "You''ve received 1314.00 dors."


    Hera waspletely stunned.

 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    The PayPal alert continued.


    "You''ve received 11111.11 dors.


    "You''ve received 22222.22 dors.


    "You''ve received 33333.33 dors."


    Hera texted Bernard, "Has your PayPal been hacked?"


    The transfers kepting in, and the amounts were growing more significant.


    She immediately called him.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Are you short on cash?" Bernard asked nonchntly.


    "Not really."


    Hera didn''t detect the hidden meaning in his words.


    She used to be quite short on cash, but she wasn''t worried about money now since she received a 30-million-dor check from the Ludden family before the New Year and over five million dors of pocket money from Bernard.


    "Then why did you take money from another man?"


    There was a hint of jealousy in Bernard''s voice.


    Hera nced at the stack of cash on the table and finally caught on.


    It turned out that Bernard was jealous.


    "Hah! He''ll earn money to support all of you? Are you with me just because you think I''m hot?"


    As she listened to his sarcastic words, Hera suddenly wondered if Bernard had been a drama queen in a past life.


    She considered his looks and physique and thought that he was indeed tempting for a looks-oriented woman like her. ying along with him, she asked, "What kind of exnation do you want?"


    "I want to know why you''re not using the card I gave you but are instead spending other men''s money."


    Hera had noeback.


    She didn''t expect Bernard to hold a grudge for so long. She had refused the limitless gold card he had given her earlier.


    She wondered if using his card would mean letting him know where she spent the money.


    "Do you know what you sound like right now?" she suddenly asked.


    "What?"


    "Like a jealous drama queen causing a scene for no reason."


    Bernard was speechless for a moment.


    "So, how will you make it up to me?"


    Hera ended the call, opened WhatsApp, and sent him a string of numbers and a location.


    "I''ve sent you the address and gate code."


    Bernard''s jealousy instantly dissipated. He chuckled softly.


    "Wait for me."


    ...


    The next day, Bernard emerged from Hera''s room just as Catherine and Everly returned from grocery shopping.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Stunned, Catherine assessed him instinctively.


    He wore a tailored white shirt and ck trousers, with his shirt cor open. Despite wearing slippers, he exuded an air of refinement mixed with casualness. It didn''t seem like he had just arrived.


    S


    Suddenly, Catherine remembered Hera mentioning she was dating Bernard. Her whole body tensed.


    Everly was also started by the sudden presence of a stranger in the house.


    "W-Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    l


    She was about to use him of being a thief, but he was so outrageously good-looking and had


    that


    such an extraordinary pred


    he


    didn''t look like a thief at all.


    Bernard gave Everly a cool nce, which caused her to shiver. She immediately lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.


    It was a primal fear in the face of strength.


    Bernard''s gaze finally settled on Catherine. He nodded in greeting then walked straight toward kitchen fridge as if he owned the ce.


    "Mrs. Jones, who..."


    BUMS


    Everly''s voice brought Catherine back to her senses.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    "Go back to your room," Catherine told Everly.


    After setting down the items she was carrying, Catherine headed straight for the master bedroom.


    Everly couldn''t help but sneak another nce at Bernard in the kitchen. She thought he was truly good-looking-hotter than any TV star. Yet, he exuded a dangerous vibe that kept people at bay.


    She wondered what his rtionship with Hera was.


    Not daring to linger in the living room, Everly obediently returned to her own room.


    Inside the master bedroom, Hera had just finished showering when she heard a knock on the door.


    Thinking it was Bernard, she casually called out, "Come in."


    Unexpectedly, Catherine entered.


    "Hera, what is he doing here?" she asked with widened eyes.


    She found the entire situation to be wild.


    Hera went over to help her sit in a chair.


    "Do you believe me now? He was the one who approached me first."


    Catherine stared at Hera in disbelief. She was too shocked to find words immediately.


    Finally gathering her thoughts, she asked seriously, "You''re not doing this on purpose to seek revenge for Daphne, are you?"


    She had seen plenty of secret escorts before.


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    She asked wryly, "Grandma, do you really think I''m that kind of person?"


    "No," Catherine immediately denied.


    When she rescued Hera from traffickers years ago, Hera had fallen seriously ill. Upon recovering, Hera''s personality had changed.


    From a lively, cheerfuldy who loved tough, she became quiet, reserved, and no longer easily trusting.


    At first, Catherine thought Hera''s hardships and experience of being on the run had affected her, butter, she realized that the death of Daphne had deeply scarred her.


    Since then, Hera seemed to have


    grown overnight. She diligently


    el.ne


    studied alternative medicine,puters,nguages, and everything else. She even showed


    remarkable intelligence. Content


    belongs to


    Hera was smart, independent, and disciplined. Except for asional stubbornness, there was nothing to fault with her.


    It was Catherine herself who seemed to be growing senile forparing her brilliant granddaughter to escorts.


    "I simply fear you might act hastily and make a mistake," Catherine exined.


    "A man like Bernard isn''t easy to disentangle yourself from. And behind him is the superficial Killian family. You really need to think this through."


    "I know. I''m serious about him," Hera said.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    At least for the moment.


    Catherine truly hoped Hera wouldn''t be entangled with the Killian family again, but she also knew she couldn''t dissuade Hera, so she stopped trying.


    She figured it was fine as long as Hera wasn''t with Bernard out of revenge and wasn''t selling her body.


    Despite Bernard''s questionable past reputation, Catherine considered that if he truly loved Hera, he could protect her.


    Her only fear was that Bernard might have ulterior motives for being with Hera.


    At that moment, there were two knocks on the door before the door was pushed open from the outside.


    "Sweetie, breakfast''s ready. Come out and eat," Bernard said.


    Upon hearing this, Catherine was astonished. The men of the Killian family were known to keep their distance from the kitchen, and yet here was this man, making O breakfast for Hera!


    She quickly got up to see.


    Hera emerged after changing, only to find two tes of pancakes the table. One was in front of


    el?


    Bernard, and one was ced beside


    him, obviously for her. Content


    belongs to


    Catherine also noticed that no breakfast had been prepared for her. Feeling awkward, she returned to her room.


    "Why did you only make two servings? Grandma and Everly haven''t eaten yet," Hera said.


    Bernard replied, "A man of the Killian family only cooks for one person."


    Hera didn''t know what to say.


    Just as she was about to go to the kitchen to make pancakes for Catherine and the others, the doorbell rang.


    When she opened the door, a chef and maid stood before her.

 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    After the long holiday, Hera gradually resumed work.


    With Catherine''s approval, she registered a business name under her identity as Dr. Miracle, calling it Youngworth Miracle Clinic. She then began handling the clinic''s opening procedures.


    Catherine had dedicated her life to alternative medicine. Back in the day, her title as Dr. Miracle was renowned.


    If not for the upheaval by the Killian family that forced her into mountain seclusion, she would have opened her own clinic long ago and be a respected figure in alternative medicine.


    Hera not only realized Catherine''s unfulfilled wish but also directly challenged the Killian family by using Catherine''s name to register the clinic. The most dangerous ce was often the safest.


    If they continued hiding like this, the Killians could assassinate them without anyone knowing. At least by being in the open now, the Killians would have to consider their reputation before taking action.


    A monthter, Youngworth Miracle Clinic had its grand opening.


    Hera had initially nned for a low-keyunch. After all, the clinic wasn''t about making a quick buck but about providing intensive care.


    She didn''t want Catherine to overexert herself, so she stipted only ten patients a day by appointment only.


    However, on opening day, prominent figures from the four influential families-Bernard, Ralph, Shaun, and Johnson-gathered, along with the head of the Hubbard family, Damian, and Samantha. This gave the clinic instant media attention.


    At the Chime residence, Prisci peered at the article on her tablet through her reading sses and eximed in surprise, "Dr. Youngworth is actually alive!"


    Augustus, sipping on the tea delivered by Camille, immediately set down his teacup at the mention of Dr. Youngworth.


    "What? Let me see."


    He hurriedly got up, not setting the cup down properly. The moment he got up, it fell and shattered.


    It was a set of ceramic cups gifted by his eldest grandson, Daryl Chime. Each of them was engraved with a word from the phrase "joyful life, evesting happiness". Prisci cherished them dearly.


    Now, the cup with the word "life" was broken. Prisci''s face immediately darkened.


    "What''s with all this excitement? Can''t you be calmer at your age?"


    Augustus felt displeased at being reprimanded before Camille.


    He said sharply, "It''s just a cup. If one breaks, we''ll buy another. Why make such a fuss?"


    "If it weren''t for your excitement over hearing the name of your old lover, would this cup be broken?"


    "Old lover again! It has been so long since I''ve seen her, yet you keep going on about it."


    Sensing that her grandparents were about to argue, Camille quickly intervened to soothe them.


    "Grandma, I''ll have Daryl order you another set of teacups. Don''t be upset."


    Then she gently advised Augustus, "Grandpa, maybe speak less. Grandma''s just upset about the teacup."


    Augustus turned and walked away.


    Seeing this, Prisci became even more furious.


    "You get mad every time we talk about this. Fine. If you leave, don''t evere back!"


    "Grandma, Grandpa just doesn''t want to argue with you," Camille softly reasoned.


    She then nced at the article on the tablet and saw a photo of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Youngworth Miracle Clinic''s entrance.


    Camille caught sight of Hera in the photo and said, "It''s her."


    She grabbed the tablet at once. After reading the article, she


    Hera was Catherine''s inter


    since they bore the same surname.


    "Do you know her?" Prisci asked when she noticed Camille''s reaction.


    Camille nodded.


    "I''ve met her before. She said she was Bernie''s secretary. Bernie hasn''t been seeing metely because of her."


    Prisci immediately understood.


    .n


    She knew about Camille''s affection for Bernard. Most importantly, the Chime and Killian families were considering a union. They were simply waiting for sparks between Bernard and Camille. Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She held Camille''s hand andforted her, "Silly, you should take the initiative if he doesn''t look for you. If you don''t look for him won''t you be giving that bitch a chance?


    "Don''t worry. Back then, her grandmother couldn''tpete with me. She surely can''tpete with you now. Don''t forget. You''re Dr. Shadow."


    Camille parted her lips as if to exin but ultimately remained silent.

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    Camille had tried looking for Bernard, but he was avoiding herpletely.


    He blocked her number and ignored her on WhatsApp. She even pretended to have urgent matters and to look for him at the Killian residence, but he refused to meet her.


    "Oh, by the way, Camille, where''s your Eclipse Stone? When are you going to show it to me?" Prisci asked.


    Camille hadn''t expected Prisci to bring up the Eclipse Stone suddenly.


    She hesitated, "I..."


    "It''s also our family''s treasure now. The Killian family is curious, too. Why not bring it out and show everyone to showcase the pinnacle of our family''s medical skills?"


    Camille suddenly had an idea.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Grandma, I want to show you, but I''ve already used it."


    "To make a special medicine?" Prisci asked.


    "I''ve seen manyizens discussing your published papers. They specte that your special medication is formted using the Eclipse Stone, hence its miraculous effects."


    Camille went along.


    "That''s right."


    Wilson arrived with the first batch of the newly produced special medication just then.


    Prisci looked at the pills in delicate transparent ss bottles and praised, "Excellent, excellent! Send these for testing quickly and get them on the market soon. We can''t let Youngworth Miracle Clinic steal our limelight in Jedburgh!"


    Wilson nodded.


    "Yes, ma''am."


    Night fell.


    Hera returned to the Youngworth Miracle Clinic after seeing off all the guests.


    In the study of the west wing, she tested the function of the clinic''s new online application. Just then, a WhatsApp message came through.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "The Chimes'' first batch of special medication is out. Have you confirmed the auction time?"


    Hera had been busy during the day


    with the clinic and practicing her alternate ount in the evenings. She had little time to deal with Camille''s affairs.


    She nced at her calendar. There would be an auction at Astral Nova the following night.


    Shadow: "Are you up for something thrilling?"


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "What do you mean?"


    Shadow: "Aren''t you tired of seeing my photos? I''ll show you my true self tomorrow night at Astral Nova."


    Bernard stepped into the courtyard house and smiled as he nced at the conversation on his phone.


    He wondered if Hera would finally reveal her true identity to him.


    Grandmaster of Astral Nova: "Okay."


    In the study, after Hera received the reply, she heard a noise in the courtyard. She immediately exited WhatsApp and headed out to inspect the noise, only to see Bernard.


    "Bernard, are you free tomorrow night?"


    She approached him.


    Bernard pocketed his phone.


    "Why?"


    "There''s something I need to tell you."


    After saying that, Hera cleared her throat awkwardly.


    "Remember those photos I asked from you before?"


    Bernard suddenly had a bad feeling.


    "What about them?"


    "I used those photos to exchange for some precious medicinal


    ingredients for you. Now that person wants to meet you in person. Will youe with me tomorrow night to meet him?" Hera asked.


    Bernard was rendered speechless.

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    Bernard had no idea what Hera was up to this time but figured that if she wanted to y, he''d y along.


    The next day, Bernard left early, stating he had business in Norburgh. He arranged to meet Hera that night at the Astral Nova Auction.


    At 7:00 pm, Hera saw herst patient and sent Catherine and Everly back home. Then she asked Wayne to drive her to Astral Nova. When they were almost approaching Astral Nova, Wayne saw that the area was jammed with luxury cars, and the parking lot was some distance from the auction entrance.


    He told Hera in the back seat, "I''ll wait for you in the parking lot. Call me when the auction ends, and I''ll bring the car around."


    At the sight of the cars moving slowly around the roundabout ahead, Hera said, "Just drop me off here. No need to wait for me. You can head back."


    "Alright. Call me if you need anything."


    Wayne parked the car.


    Hera acknowledged him and got out. She walked toward the entrance.


    As usual, a security guard checked her invitation card at the door, and then a female staff member in a Jadonish dress escorted Hera inside.


    While waiting for the elevator, a familiar female voice sounded behind her.


    "Ms. Youngworth? It really is you. Why are you alone? Isn''t Bernie with you?"


    Hera recognized the voice. When she turned around, she saw another staff member leading Camille over, followed by an assistant.


    "Are we that well-acquainted?"


    Hera''s expression was cool, and her tone was indifferent.


    "Who wants to be well-acquainted with you? Camille was simply asking how you can be here if Mr. Killian isn''t with you. The Everetts don''t qualify to attend the Astral Nova Auction," Camille''s assistant remarked sharply.


    Then, with a hint of usation, she added, "Did you sneak in with Mr. Killian''s invitation card? Even if you did, can you afford anything here? Last I heard, the Everett family went bankrupt."


    "Julia, don''t speak nonsense," Camille chided.


    Smiling at Hera, she said, "Ms. Youngworth, I''m sorry. My assistant spoke out of turn. She was just curious about the reason you''re here."


    Hera''s public identity didn''t qualify her for an Astral Nova Auction invitation, so she borrowed Samantha''s. She inwardly questioned how it was relevant to Camille.


    "You actually hired an idiot as an assistant? Those who know you might think you''re kind-hearted, but those who don''t could assume you have ulterior motives."


    Camille was stunned by her words but maintained her smile.


    "You-"


    Julia wanted to retort, but Camille held her back. She didn''t think causing a scene here among the wealthy would be good.


    Just then, the elevator doors opened. As Hera stepped inside, she nced at Camille and smirked.


    "Why aren''t you dressed as Dr. Shadow today, Ms. Chime?"


    Camille froze at her words and stared at Hera with wide eyes.


    Hera''s cool, teasing gaze seemed to pierce right through her. Even when Camille was still in a daze. Content belongs


    the elevator doors closed, whest


    to


    "Camille, you''re too kind. You let women like that walk all over you," Julia said indignantly.


    When Camille didn''t respond, Julia turned back and saw Camille looking distracted, so she nudged her.


    "Camille, what''s wrong?"


    Only then did Camille snap out of her daze.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    "Nothing."


    She entered another elevator absentmindedly.


    Julia was puzzled. She sensed something off about Camille but was unable to pinpoint it.


    Hera''s sudden remark might seem ordinary to others, but to Camille, with her guilty conscience, it was a lightning strike. "Why aren''t you dressed as Dr. Shadow?"


    Hera used the word "dressed". Camille wondered if Hera knew something.


    However, she quickly dismissed the thought. She had impersonated Dr. Shadow for so long without being exposed. How could Hera know? She convinced herself that she must be overthinking.


    After calming herself, she reached the sixth floor.


    As she passed Room 666-the Killian family''s private room-she didn''t see either Bernard or Hera.


    She told the staff member, "The


    Astral Nova Auction has strict rules.


    Please ensure you thoroughly verify


    guests'' identities to avoid any troublemakers."

 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    When warning the Astral Nova Auction staff member about "troublemakers", Camille naturally referred to Hera.


    "Understood."


    With Samantha''s invitation card, Hera could only ess the fourth-floor balcony. Once the staff left, she sent a WhatsApp message to the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    "I''lle to the seventh floor at 8:30 pm."


    Then she called Bernard.


    "Bernard, are you here yet?"


    At that moment, Bernard was sitting in the grandmaster''s office. He held his phone and looked at the WhatsApp conversation with Shadow on hisputer screen.


    "Where are you? I''lle find you," he said.


    "In auction room 404," Hera replied.


    Ten minutester, there was a knock on the door of room 404. When she opened the door, Hera saw Bernard and quickly let him in.


    "What''s with all the secrecy? Who are we meeting?" Bernard asked despite already knowing the answer.


    "Someone on the seventh floor."


    Hera pointed upward.


    Bernard feigned surprise.


    "The grandmaster? How do you know him?"


    "We met by chance," Hera answered vaguely.


    "He''s quite interested in you. You should have a good chat with him. Astral Nova has considerable influence. You can use this opportunity to make friends with him."


    Bernard was rendered speechless. He wondered if he was meant to hang out with himself.


    Still, he replied, "Alright."


    Just then, the auction officially began.


    Hera nced toward the seventh floor but saw no movement. It seemed the Grandmaster of Astral Nova hadn''t arrived yet.


    She checked her WhatsApp behind Bernard''s back and saw his reply.


    "Come to my office."


    Hera recalled Skyscraper from herst visit. She felt that he was indeed a peculiar person.


    After pocketing her phone, she


    turned around and sized up Bernard''s physique. She contemted if Bernard could handle it if the grandmaster acted out of line.


    "Thanks for this, Bernard."


    Bernard was confused by her sudden gratitude.


    "Let''s go. We need to meet him now."


    Hera handed Bernard a mask and put one on herself.


    1


    They left the auction and headed toward Skyscraper. They didn''t encounter any staff on their way, most likely because of the ongoing


    auction.


    They walked through the corridor and reached Skyscraper. The main door was closed, but lights were on inside. No one was around.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera suddenly stopped, clutching her stomach.


    Bernard asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "My stomach hurts. You go on in


    first. Jus


    tell them that we arranget


    this meeting on WhatsApp. I''ll be right back after using the restroom."


    Before Bernard could refuse, she ran off in the other direction.


    She trusted that he could handle whatever came next and would exin her identity to himter.


    Hera couldn''t care less about how the Grandmaster of Astral Nova might react to her changed gender and physique since theirst encounter.


    Her goal was to have Bernard stall the Grandmaster to buy her some time. She had something important to take care of.

 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    Hera rushed toward the restroom in the administrative block, following Astral Nova''s floor n she had investigated.


    She then called Leon''s mobile.


    "How''s it going on your end?"


    On the other end of the line came the cking of a mechanical keyboard and Leon''s anxious voice.


    "The surveince in the administrative block has been shut down, but they''ve also spotted me. I can''t hold out much longer. Hurry."


    Given his abilities, breaking through Astral Nova''s firewall was out of the question. Hera had sent him the code and instructions on a USB earlier that morning.


    "Got it."


    Hera emerged from the restroom and nced around. When she didn''t see anyone, she casually approached the door of a dark office. The door was secured with an electronic lock. Hera pulled out her phone, quickly pulled up a coding page, and applied it to the electronic lock. The door opened with a click.


    The office was pitch ck, momentarily disorienting Hera. She quickly turned on her phone''s shlight.


    It seemed to be a standard data room. Fortunately, there was aputer.


    Hera didn''t turn on the lights. After closing the office door, she powered up theputer and pulled over a chair to sit.


    Theputer powered on and asked for a password. Hera extracted a USB stick from her pocket and plugged it into the mainframe. Soon, the password was cracked.


    Her fingers danced across the keyboard. Having breached Astral Nova''s firewall before and now infiltrating through their internalputer, her ess to the financial system was as swift as ever.


    Astral Nova''s financial data was extensive and heavily guarded with additional firewalls. It was double-secured and meticulously safe. Cracking it now would take some time.


    But giving up wasn''t an option for Hera after havinge this far and risking so much.


    Hera picked up her phone and sent Bernard a WhatsApp message. She rubbed her fingers, hoping Bernard could buy her more time, and then got down to business.


    Meanwhile, Bernard sat in the executive chair in Skyscraper, reading Hera''s message.


    "I have diarrhea."


    She ended her text with a tearful emoji.


    Samson sat across from Bernard, wearing a demon mask and looking restless.


    He nced at his watch several times and couldn''t help but ask, "Bernard, where''s Dr. Shadow?"


    "In the restroom."


    Samson didn''t know what to say.


    He couldn''t understand the game Bernard was ying. He inwardly questioned if Bernard realized the consequences of him wearing that demon mask.


    If Astral Nova members found out he was impersonating the grandmaster, he''d surely be denounced.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door.


    "Who is it?" Samson immediately asked warily.


    From outside came Scorpio''s voice.


    "Samson, Code Red."


    Thest Code Red was when Raven breached the firewall.


    It seemed that worrying about things that might happen increased their chances of happening.


    Samson looked straight at Bernard, silently asking what they should do now.


    Bernard suddenly stood up and walked behind the screen.


    Samson quickly removed the mask and said, "Come in."


    Scorpio entered and noticed Samson dressed entirely in ck, mirroring the Grandmaster''s attire His slightly disheveled hair


    suggested that he had just removed a mask. This raised Scorpio''s suspicion.


    The grandmaster''s identity was shrouded in mystery. Even the 12 zodiac signs of Astral Nova had never seen the grandmaster in person. Most of the time, Samson would manage them.


    Scorpio wondered if Samson was the grandmaster.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    "What happened?" Samson asked.


    Scorpio snapped out of it and reported, "Raven seems to be back."

 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    "What do you mean ''seems''?" Samson asked.


    "The firewall was just breached. The intrusion method and location match Raven''s, but it was quickly intercepted this time. Raven was much smarter, so I''m not sure," Scorpio exined.


    All 12 of Astral Nova''s zodiac signs couldn''t stop Raven thest time, and theirputers even turned into blue screens. It was only when the grandmaster personally intervened that they managed to intercept it.


    Scorpio continued, "But there''s something strange. This time, they only breached the surveince system. They shut down the administrative block and perimeter surveince. I suspect there might be two groups-one distracting us with surface attacks while the other sneaks inside."


    Bernard, behind the screen, frowned lightly. Since escaping thest time, there had been no sign of Raven for a while.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Two monthster, he reappeared on auction day, where crowds mingled. It would be quite possible for them to infiltrate.


    Coincidentally, Samson had also received feedback from the Guest Services Department''s manager, saying Camille had advised verifying guests'' information. Her hint suggested that someone might be up to no good.


    The study''s rm abruptly sounded, indicating a system breach.


    Alerts from Astral Nova''s financial system firewall were directly transmitted to the grandmaster''sputer. The sudden rm confirmed Scorpio''s suspicions.


    "Tell them to investigate suspicious individuals now!" Samson ordered promptly.


    "Roger that," Scorpio replied.


    Bernard immediately emerged from behind the screen as the door closed. He entered the study.


    Meanwhile, Hera swiftly scanned through the newly extracted billing data. Leon''s voice sounded from her phone on the desk.


    "Boss, I''ve been intercepted. They''ve pinpointed my location. If I continue, my information will be exposed. I''m pulling out. Be careful."


    "Okay. Stay safe," Hera whispered.


    The call ended abruptly.


    Hera finally pulled up the financial records from the Eclipse Stone auction based on the dates. She quickly scanned through them three times but couldn''t find any traces of Queenie''s payment record.


    She found it strange.


    If the payment hadn''t been received at that time, she wouldn''t have been able to walk away with the Eclipse Stone.


    Hera pulled up another batch of code. Suddenly, she paused and stared at the screen in disbelief.


    That transaction record had been deleted!


    She wondered who could have done that.


    Just then, a red dialogue box popped up on the screen, snapping Hera back to reality.


    s, she''d been discovered.


    She immediately unplugged the USB stick and shut down theputer She was about to get up when she heard footsteps outside.


    Several shlight beams swept through the window, prompting Hera to crouch under theputer desk.


    "Search each room thoroughly. Don''t let any suspicious person slip through!"


    A man''smanding voice came from outside.


    "Yes, sir."


    Immediately after, the electronic lock of the office sounded when someone entered the password.


    The door opened with a click, and the office lights flickered on as someone entered the room.


    Under the desk, Hera''s heart raced as she listened to the approaching footsteps.


    The footsteps suddenly stopped near the desk. As Hera cautiously watched the shadow on the floor, she moved her finger and revealed a silver needle.


    At that moment, the shadow receded with the fading sound of footsteps. The lights clicked off as well.


    Just as Hera was about to breathe a sigh of relief, her phone buzzed with a sudden vibration.


    It was Bernard calling.


    Hera immediately rejected the call.


    The footsteps outside, which were


    about


    Met


    leave, suddenly halted. A


    strong beam of shlight shone


    Sough the doorway. Conte


    belongs to


    "Who''s there?"

 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    "Quick! Stop that person!"


    A suddenmotion erupted outside. Hera held her breath and listened as the office door mmed shut with a bang.


    She immediately breathed a sigh of relief. It was now dark all around. She pinched the webbing between her thumb and index finger, using the pain to stay alert.


    The footsteps outside grew fainter, eventually bing silent as everyone left.


    Hera immediately turned on the shlight on her phone, crawled from under the table, and moved to the window behind the desk. She lifted the curtain and saw the trees outside, budding with fresh leaves.


    It was the backyard, and no one was around.


    She opened the window and climbed out while cautiously looking around. She sighed with relief when she saw that there were no cameras.


    She emerged from the bushes and brushed off the dirt on her clothes before walking along a pebbled path. Suddenly, a figure appeared ahead of her. That person, dressed in a champagne-colored suit, leanedzily against amppost.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He looked up, revealing a pretty face under slightly curly short hair. He had fair skin, and his lips had curled into a wicked smile. A deep brown mole under the right side of his eyes made him look especially alluring under themplight.


    "What were you doing hiding in there?"


    The man''s maic voice carried a hint of teasing as if he had been waiting for her there.


    Hera frowned. It seemed he had deliberately led the others away.


    Uncertain if he was friend or foe, she feigned ignorance and said, "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    When Hera yed dumb, the man gazed at her with his enchanting eyes and said, "Your body is quite flexible. That window frame is about one foot wide, but you managed to crawl through it. You must have practiced a lot.


    "But crawling out like a dog at the end wasn''t graceful. You might want to try a different pose next time."


    Hera held her breath, watching him warily.


    This meant he had been observing her the whole time as she struggled to climb out.


    "So, what exactly were you doing in there?"


    The man stared into Hera''s eyes.


    Since she had been caught, she dropped the pretense and replied indifferently, "It''s none of your business."


    The man raised an eyebrow and clicked his tongue.


    "Why are you so cold? I did help you just now, you know. Is this how you treat your savior?"


    Hera thought she could have gotten out even without his help. It would only be slightly more troublesome.


    But still, she owed him a favor.


    Moreover,


    the sounds of continued searching made her worry


    Content belongs et


    attracting unwanted att about


    So, she softened her tone and asked, "What do you want?"


    Seeing that, the man introduced himself with interest, "I''m Tyler Presgrave. What''s your name?"


    His name meant he was from the Presgraves, the number one family in Jedburgh''s top ten prestigious families.


    The top ten families under the four


    influential families of Jedburgh were all high society figures. It


    not to make them enemitent belongs to


    "Hera Youngworth."


    Tyler softly repeated her name twice before giving her a devilish smile.


    "I saved you. How do you n to repay me?"


    Hera asked, "How do you want me to repay you?"


    Tyler stepped forward and yfully lifted her delicate chin.


    "Why don''t you repay me with your body? I happen to like your appearance. So, be my girlfriend."


    Hera was dumbfounded.


    She pped his hand away and said, "I refuse."


    As if he had anticipated here


    Tyler showed no sign of


    disappointment. Instead, he


    W


    remained unreasonable.


    "Then, you''ll have to tell me what you were doing there just now if you refuse."

 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    Tyler had asked Hera three times what she was doing in the office. He was clearly extraordinarily curious and determined to find out. Her phone vibrated in her pocket again. She figured it was probably Bernard.


    She had been out for quite a while now. Hera didn''t want to waste time with him, so she gave a random excuse.


    "I was looking for some information."


    "What information?" Tyler pressed.


    "What are you doing here?" Hera dodged the question and asked in return.


    Astral Nova''s staff always wore uniforms with the winged dragon emblem, which was their logo. But Tyler didn''t have one.


    Moreover, this was Astral Nova''s administration building. Most paparazzi were at the auction, not here.


    "I''m here to save you, of course."


    "How do I know you''re not the suspicious person they''re searching for?" Hera eyed him.


    Tyler tried a different approach when he sensed she wasn''t as easy to fool as he had thought.


    "Since you''re disobedient, I''ll just have to turn you over to them."


    Tyler grabbed Hera''s hand as he spoke and started dragging her toward the administration building.


    Hera was startled and tried to break free, but he was too strong for her.


    Suddenly, a stone flew toward them. Tyler quickly released Hera to avoid it. The stone flew past them and hit a wooden bench with a bang, leaving a dent.


    In that brief moment when he let go, Hera noticed an amethyst ring on his left thumb, though she couldn''t make out the patterns on the ring.


    She paused and recalled thest time she saw Astral Nova''s grandmaster. He was also wearing a ring then.


    "Catch him!"


    A stern shout came from behind.


    Hera turned to see several men in Astral Nova''s security uniforms rushing toward them. Bernard was walking steadily behind them.


    Hera''s eyshes fluttered as she obediently stayed where she was, ready to adapt to the situation.


    However, the security guards sprint past her. She realized that Tyler had somehow managed to slip away.


    Only one guard stayed behind,


    perhaps it was because they noticed


    that Hera was a woman. He had a stun baton in his hand as he conducted a routine check ContentC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    belongs to


    "Which floor are you from? What are you doing here? Show me your invitation card."


    "Fourth floor. I came out to use the restroom and got lost."


    Hera lowered her gaze and handed over her invitation card.


    After verifying the card, the guard


    returned it to her and then asked et Sard, who was walking


    the one you''re look


    she the one you''re looking for?"


    "Yes," Bernard replied before he shifted his gaze to Hera.


    "Are you alright?"


    Hera nced between Bernard and the guard. Then she shook her head like a frightened young girl before approaching Bernard. He found her clever act somewhat endearing.


    "Don''t wander around. Please return to the auction hall," the security guard warned her before joining the others in pursuit.


    Once they were gone, Hera breathed a sigh of relief and looked up.


    "Bernard, why are you here?"


    "I waited for you for a long time, and you didn''t answer my calls. So, I got worried and came to check."


    He nced in the direction where the guards had gone and asked, "Why were you with him?"


    Hera started walking in the direction Bernard hade from.


    "I left the restroom and got lost.


    When I heard amotion over et


    here, I came to take a look. That''s when I bumped into him. I was just asking him for directions."


    Bernard followed behind her.


    "Oh? Why was he pulling you?"


    Hera only kept quiet.


    Seeing her like that, Bernard suddenly stopped and looked at her.


    "Sweetie, are you hiding something from me?"

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    Hera stopped in her tracks, feeling the intense gaze of the man behind her. As she had just done something shady behind his back, she could only straighten her back guiltily.


    Bernard stared at her back while wearing aplex expression.


    He had just found the person who hacked into the financial system''s firewall to the data room on the first floor of the administration building.


    On his way there, he coincidentally encountered the security guards when they found someone suspicious. When he reached them, he saw Tyler and Hera pulling at each other.


    The data room on the first floor of the administration room wasn''t far from there.


    Given Scorpio''s analysis of the intrusion, Hera''s presence there seemed too coincidental. Moreover, she was with that crazy Tyler.


    Tyler, like Bernard, was also an illegitimate child. However, unlike Bernard, who found out that his father had a family and his mother was the mistress when he was eight years old, Tyler had been raised outside by the head of the Presgraves from a young age.


    When the Presgraves'' only son had a car ident at 15 and became disabled, the Presgraves were left without a legitimate heir. It was then that Tyler was brought back to be groomed as the sessor.


    However, Tyler had picked up many bad habits after living as an illegitimate child outside. The head of the Presgraves, Victor, was displeased with Tyler. When he saw Chad sending Bernard to the military for training, he decided to do the same.


    Thus, Bernard and Tyler ended up as recruits in the same batch and became rivals.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Tylerpeted with Bernard in everything, from who could do more push-ups to who led more sessful missions. When Bernard was selected by the technology department to teach hacking, Tyler insisted on learning as well.


    However, not long after mastering it, the Presgraves called him back. Bernard rarely saw him after that.


    Hera had no idea who deleted the transaction information. Nevertheless, she was confident it wouldn''t be traced back to her anytime soon as long as she covered her tracks well. So, she turned around, suppressing her guilt.


    "Why are you jealous of everyone?"


    Bernard narrowed his eyes slightly.


    "Could there be something going on between the two of you?"


    Hera pouted as she faced his gaze.


    "What kind of boyfriend are you? I was just harassed by a pervert, and you''re using me of having an affair with him! I''m mad, and ''m not forgiving you!"


    After that, she pretended to be angry and turned to leave.


    Bernard was speechless.


    Looking at Hera''s angry back, he started to doubt himself. He wondered if he was overthinking things.


    He took out his phone and sent a message to Samson.


    "Keep an eye on Tyler Presgrave."


    Then, he walked up to Hera.


    She pretended to be angry all the way to Astra Nova''s parking lot, feeling slightly regretful at her earlier outburst. After all, she was the guilty party, and it wasn''t Bernard''s fault. She was the one who dragged him into this.


    Hera''s gaze darkened at the thought of Tyler''s pretty face and the ring on his hand. She wondered if Bernard had met with Astal Nova''s grandmaster before.


    She wanted to ask, but she was still


    pretending to be angry. She


    contemted her next steps on how she could ease the tension. She considered pretending to sprain her ankle.


    But they were on t ground, and she was wearing t shoes. Spraining her ankle would be too fake.


    Bernard had been following behind Hera. He was thinking about putting the matter aside andforting her first.


    Hera seldom got angry, but when she did, her temper was not something anyone could withstand. He had to keep her happy after finally winning her


    over.


    He wondered how he could get her to stop walking. He yed with the idea of pretending to sprain his ankle to get her attention.


    He was still pondering when he saw Hera stop walking suddenly.

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    "I''m tired. Give me a piggyback ride!"


    Hera turned around with an air of haughtiness.


    Bernard''s lips curved slightly as he stepped forward and bent down. Hera jumped onto his back, wrapped her arms around his neck, and buried her face into his back.


    The auction was still ongoing, so the parking lot was mostly empty. Bernard walked toward his car with Hera on his back.


    Neither of them spoke, but the mood seemed to ease up naturally.


    Listening to his steady footsteps, Hera hesitated momentarily before speaking softly, "Actually, I''ve been hiding something from you."


    Bernard responded gently, "I''m sorry for doubting you earlier. You don''t have to say anything if you don''t want to. I trust that you''ll tell me when you''re ready."


    Hera felt that there was more to his words, but she was unsure if he was referring to the suspicious person in Astral Nova or the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    "Actually, I..."


    She was gathering her thoughts on how to exin.


    They had reached the car. Bernard put her down and opened the passenger door for her as he casually dropped a bombshell.


    "Are you trying to tell me that you''re Dr. Shadow?"


    Hera was just about to sit in the passenger seat when she heard that and jolted up.


    Fortunately, Bernard''s hand protected her head from hitting the car roof.


    "How did you know!"


    She suddenly thought of something.


    "Have you met the Grandmaster of Astral Nova?"


    He guided her into the passenger seat and answered, "No. Astral Nova''s staff seems to be looking for a suspicious person."


    His deep eyes bore into her as if he was searching her face for clues.


    Hera thought again about Tyler and the ring. If he was the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, it made sense that Bernard hadn''t met him.


    She then asked, "How did you know I was Dr. Shadow?"


    She hadn''t even told the Everetts about this. In addition to that, Camille was impersonating her identity as Dr. Shadow. She wondered how Bernard knew.


    He didn''t respond but instead took her left hand in his.


    Hera was slightly confused until she saw the bracelet on her wrist. The pink pearls and white diamonds shone brightly under the car light, highlighting her fair skin.


    She suddenly realized something.


    "You were at the auction that day, too?"


    "Yes."


    "But you said you were at home."


    "And you hung up my call after telling me you were at the Everetts, taking a bath."


    Thinking back, Hera felt it made sense for him to be at the auction since the Eclipse Stone could save his life. But on that day, she had disguised herself. Those who had been near her were the grandmaster and his bodyguards. Content


    belongs to


    She pondered how Bernard noticed her bracelet and remembered it so clearly. She only wore this bracelet that day and thest time she was at Astral Nova.


    "Camille is moving around under the name of Dr. Shadow. You concluded I''m the real one just because of this bracelet?"


    The disguise she had worked so hard to maintain was discovered so easily!


    "Yes, because this bracelet is unique."


    Bernard fastened her seatbelt before walking to the driver''s side. Soon, he started the car.


    Hera nodded in agreement.


    "Indeed, the pink conches are rare.


    This is my lucky bracelet left by my


    foster mother. I found it while sorting through her belongings. It


    should have been a gift for my


    fourth birthday." Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard watched as she lovingly stroked the bracelet on her wrist. He swallowed the words he was about to say.

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    It was inexplicably silent in the car on their way back.


    When Hera and Bernard reached the entrance of the courtyard house, they seemed to have reached an unspoken agreement. Hera didn''t ask Bernard to stay. He said he had some matters to attend to back at the Killians.


    Ten minutester, Hera went inside, changed her clothes, and called Samantha.


    "Are you done with work? Want to go out for a drink?"


    "Yeah, I''m done. Weren''t you at the auction with your dear Bernard? Back so soon?"


    "Let''s find a ce to talk."


    "Alright. Let''s meet at Nightless Haven."


    Hera hung up and headed to Nightless Haven in a taxi.


    Meanwhile, Bernard took a different turn at the junction that was in the direction of the Killians before calling Shaun.


    "Come out for a drink at the old ce."


    Nightless Haven was thergest bar in Jedburgh. All sorts of people frequented the bar.


    When Hera arrived, she was stopped by a security guard at the door.


    "Missy, no minors are allowed in here."


    Hera was speechless.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She was about to show her ID when she heard Samantha''s voice from behind her.


    "Hera..."


    The security guard saw Samantha, who was wearing a mask, and immediately smiled.


    "Ms. Samantha, long time no see."


    Samantha casually tossed her car keys to him before hooking her arm around Hera''s shoulder and leading her inside.


    Samantha was a regr, so the manager promptly arranged a private room for them on the second floor.


    Then, he had drinks sent over and asked cheerfully, "Ms. Samantha, is this your friend? We just got some newbies in. Do you want me to call a few of them to join you?"


    She was tempted by the mention of newbies, but Hera''s cold gaze made her refuse immediately.


    "No."


    After the manager left, the room finally quieted down.


    "What''s wrong? Did you have a fight with your dear Bernard?"


    Samantha poured Hera a ss of red wine even though she knew Hera wasn''t much of a drinker despite asking her out for drinks.


    "No."


    Hera took a sip of the wine.


    "I feel like he''s hiding something from me."


    She had noticed Bernard''s intention in the parking lot but pretended to be unaware.


    "What? Is he cheating on you, or is he terminally ill?"


    Samantha looked shocked.


    Hera was taken aback.


    "Can''t you think of anything positive?"


    Samantha poured herself a ss of brandy to calm her nerves.


    "What could it be if it''s not cheating or an illness?"


    Hera briefly recounted the events at Astral Nova and Bernard''s probing questions.


    He oftenined about his


    struggles with the Killians, but his actions suggested otherwise. Hera saw through it but chose not to expose him.


    Since she also kept many things from him, they were evenly matched in keeping secrets.


    But now, they were dating. She wondered if it was really okay for them to keep hiding things from each other.


    "Oh, that''s no big deal."


    Samantha set down her ss and


    said, "If you''re just ying with him, it doesn''t matter if you tell him or


    not. But you want to spend the et


    rest of your life with him, I suggest not hiding anything. Bepletely honest and let him see how amazing you are."


    "No way."


    Her identity as Raven was still on the wanted list, so she couldn''t reveal that.


    "Are you afraid of scaring him?"


    Samantha misinterpreted her meaning.


    Then, she continued, "On second thought, maybe it''s better not to tell him. Your dear Bernard has been in the military for ten years. He hasn''t seen much of the world and might get frightened."


    "That won''t do either."


    Hera realized that keeping secrets long-term was not a solution.

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    Samantha asked again, "You can''t do this and that. Then, what do you want?"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Hera took another sip of the wine gloomily.


    "That''s why I called you out. Help me think of a solution."


    Samantha kept silent.


    "Great. It''s a dead end," Hera sarcastically thought.


    Meanwhile, in a VIP room on the third floor of Nightless Haven, Bernard sat in a corner, drinking sullenly.


    Shaun wanted to call some hostess in for some fun, but a single look from Bernard made him drop the idea. He exchanged nces with Theo, who was also invited since he was on a business trip in Jedburgh.


    Ever since Bernard started dating Hera, he had stoppeding out for drinks with them. He seemed to be deeply in love and was dedicated to the rtionship. Now that he suddenly asked them out, they figured something must have happened.


    "Bernard, it''s rare for you to ask us out for drinks. Are we really just drinking? You can do that at my family''s winery, you know. We have all the vintages."


    Shaun couldn''t help but ask.


    Bernard simply replied, "Too far. Not going."


    Shaun didn''t know what to say in response.


    He then lit a cigar.


    "So, did you have a fight with your girlfriend?"


    "No."


    Shaun was losing his patience.


    "Then, why are you looking so gloomy?"


    Bernard only kept drinking in silence.


    Theo, who was sitting nearby, poured him another drink and asked, "Bernard, is it about your identity?"


    As expected of the strategist Bernard favored, Theo''s guess hit the nail on the head.


    Hera confessed her identity as Dr. Shadow to him that night, which made him happy but also guilty. He felt guilty because not only was he hiding his identity from her, but he had also been lying to her.


    "Do you have any good advice?"


    Bernard looked up at Theo.


    Theo had previously advised him to reveal his identity to Hera as that could help their rtionship develop. But doing so would require Hera to swear on her life to never reveal his identity as Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    swn?


    The organization within Astral Nova was veryplex. Besides the grandmaster, there were ten elders whose identities remained secret to maintain the bnce of power and for the development of Astra Nova''s business.


    Since Bernard took over, only a few knew his true identity.


    Thus, knowing that identity wasn''t necessarily a good thing.


    Theo adjusted his sses.


    "For now, I think you can only continue to hide it until a suitable opportunity arises."


    Bernard kept drinking in frustration. This was the only option at the moment.


    In the private room on the second floor, Hera hadn''te up with a good solution either, but she had managed to get herself drunk. Samantha quickly took the wine ss from her.


    "Hera, stop drinking. You''re drunk. What''s your dear Bernard''s number? I''ll call him to pick you up."


    "Not drunk... Don''t call him..." Hera said with a hup as she wobbled out of the room.


    Samantha Suddenly realized that if


    Bernard were around, he wouldn''t


    have here to the bar. She


    figured that Hera must have sneaked out.


    So, Samantha hurriedly gathered her things and chased after Hera.


    "Hey, don''t just run off like this. The elevator''s this way. Where are you going?"


    Hera drunkenly said, "There''s a handsome guy over there..."


    "My dear, this is so not you."


    Samantha quickly supported Hera and dragged her toward the elevator.


    She really regretted bringing Hera out for drinks. When sober, Hera was an angel, but when she was drunk, she would be a total flirt.


    Samantha finally managed to take Hera to the elevator. The elevator doors opened, and Samantha instantly froze when she saw the person inside.


    At that time, only six words shed through her mind.


    "My dear Hera, you''re done for!"

 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    There were three men and an elevator attendant inside.


    The three men were Bernard and his two friends. When the elevator door opened, Bernard was momentarily stunned to see Hera and Samantha standing there.


    His first thought was, "What is she doing here?"


    His second thought was his guilt. He had told Hera he was going back to the Killians.


    Shaun, on the other hand, looked like he was enjoying a show.


    He thought, "Oh boy, Bernard, your girlfriend is here to check on you."Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    But soon, they realized something was off. Samantha was supporting Hera, who looked drunk and dazed.


    Samantha discreetly nudged Hera with her elbow, trying her best to get Hera to sober up.


    However, Hera was unaware of the situation. She pushed Samantha aside and staggered into the elevator. When she almost fell, Bernard reached out to steady her.


    Hera clung to his hand to stand properly. When she looked up, a dazzlingly handsome face came into view.


    She giggled and said, "Hello, handsome. You''re pretty good-looking. Can you give me a smile?"


    As she spoke, she reached out to touch Bernard''s face.


    The elevator attendant was horrified.


    "Where did this youngdye from? How dare she flirt with Bernard Killian like this?"


    Shaun was surprised to find out what sort of girlfriend Bernard had.


    Theo had his own thoughts as well. He didn''t think he''d ever live to see the day Bernard would be teased like that.


    Meanwhile, Samantha thought about how her dear friend would regret this the following day.


    "Your skin is so nice," Hera said as she pinched and poked Bernard''s face.


    "But still, you''re not as handsome as my boyfriend."


    Hera giggled as she spoke.


    Bernard was speechless. He pondered how much Hera had to drink.


    The elevator attendant''s scalp started tingling. He wondered how Hera could flirt with Bernard despite having a boyfriend. He felt that she was indeed looking for trouble.


    So, he quickly turned and said, "I''m sorry, Mr. Killian. I''ll get her out of here immediately."


    He was about to push Hera out when Bernard directly pulled her into his arms.


    The elevator attendant became dumbfounded.


    They were told that Bernard Killian didn''t like women and that he was a hypochondriac.


    "Get out," Bernard coldly ordered.


    The temperature in the elevator seemed to drop a few degrees.


    The elevator attendant shivered and left with shaky legs.


    "Alright. I''ll leave Hera to you then," Samantha said, quickly slipping away.


    Theo and Shaun nced at each other and simultaneously said, "I have another appointment. I''ll leave now."


    Then they hurriedly left too.


    Right after exiting the elevator, Theo called Dous to pick Bernard and Hera up.


    The elevator then continued its


    descent to the first floor. Bernard


    took off his coat and put it over


    Hera''s head. When the elevator door opened, he carried her out of the


    elevator.


    Hera felt the sudden darkness and her body being lifted.


    So, she struggled and said, "Put me down! Where are you taking me? I have a boyfriend! If you don''t let go, I''ll get him to beat you up!"


    Hermotion drew a lot of attention.


    "Mr. Killian is carrying a woman!"


    "And that woman has a boyfriend! Is Mr. Killian trying to steal someone''s girlfriend?"


    "So, Mr. Killian has a kink."

 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    "How could the daughter of the Chimes not be better than some woman in a nightclub?"


    Bernard kept silent.


    The onlookers murmured among themselves, pulling out their phones to take photos and videos.


    Bernard held Hera tighter, pressing her face against his chest as he quickly left, his expression cold.


    Bernard carried Hera to the room in the west wing of Youngworth Miracle Clinic. She had caused amotion the entire way but finally fell asleep from exhaustion.


    Bernard used a warm towel to wipe her face and hands before changing her clothes.


    He suddenly felt tempted as he looked at her unguarded and charming sleeping face. He didn''t expect her to transformpletely when drunk. It would have been disastrous if she fell into someone else''s hands.


    Bernard decided that he must never let Hera go out drinking alone again.


    At that moment, a knock came from the door. Dous was standing outside, hesitant to enter.


    He asked through the door, "Bernard, do you want me to handle the news?"


    If what happened that night wasn''t dealt with immediately, the following day''s headlines would certainly be about him trying to interfere in someone else''s rtionship.


    Dous was prepared to contact major media outlets and the bar owner. When his boss gave the order, he wouldpletely suppress the news. However, he heard Bernard''s deep voice from inside the room saying, "No need."


    If he didn''t have to do it, it meant someone else would handle it.


    The video from the bar quickly made its way to Chad.


    His stern old face darkened as he said, "What a disgrace!"


    The Killians and Chimes were in the midst of forming an alliance through marriage. Chad reckoned that Bernard must have done something like this deliberately.


    Chad immediately had the news suppressed. If it got out, the alliance would be in jeopardy, and the Killians'' reputation would also be tarnished. This piece of news could never be published.


    Although the video from that night was not officially published by the media, it circted in the social circles of high society.


    The video was shared in a socialite


    group in Jedburgh, of which Camille


    was a member. She was in her car after having just left Astral Nova. She watched the video, which only showed Bernard carrying a struggling woman out. The woman''s head was covered by a coat, so her face wasn''t seen. Content belongs


    to C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    But Camille didn''t think it was Hera since she had seen her at the auction earlier that evening.


    Camille''s jealousy dissipated instantly as she thought about how Bernard was only ying around with Hera.


    She closed the video and checked what her group of socialite friends were discussing.


    "I had always thought that Bernard wasn''t into women. So, he just hadn''t met the right woman."


    "I''m really curious about her. She has a boyfriend but still caught Bernard''s eyes."


    "She must be a seductress. Men are really driven by the lower half of their body." "Isn''t Ms. Chime supposed to marry him? What''s the meaning of this video?"


    "I don''t know what he''s thinking, but Ms.


    Ss beautiful and t


    She''s also Dr. Shadow. Why would he go looking for a tramp?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? Bernard would rather find a tramp than marry Ms. Chime."


    "Rumor has it that this marriage is being pushed by the heads of both families, and Bernard isn''t pleased. So, he deliberately found some woman to spite them."


    ?


    "Is there something weird about Ms. Chime that makes Bernard prefer a tramp over her?"


    The texts in the group became increasingly harsh. Camille''s expression darkened. Julia was startled at that.


    "Camille, are you okay?"


    Camille took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and smiled.


    "I''m fine. Have someone investigate the woman Bernard carried at Nightless Haven."


    Julia looked at Camille''s smile and felt a chill down her spine.


    "O-Okay."

 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    Hera slept in untilte morning the next day. She woke up with a pounding headache.


    She vaguely remembered going to a bar with Samantha the night before. She seemed to have met a handsome guy, and then it seemed like she went home with that guy.


    She sat up abruptly and looked around, confirming that she was in her room at the courtyard house. She immediately let out a sigh of relief, but then she realized something was off.


    She wondered how she got back and if she had brought that guy home with her.


    Looking down at herself, she saw that she was in her pajamas. She questioned if she really did bring him back.


    She immediately found her phone and called Samantha. The phone rang for a long time. When it was about to disconnect, a man answered.


    "Who''s this? Speak up or hang up. I''m still sleeping!"


    The man''s voice was groggy and annoyed at being woken up by the call.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera recognized the voice.


    "Shaun?"


    On the other end of the call, Shaun didn''t realize he had picked up the wrong phone.


    "Hera? Do you need something?"


    Hera didn''t know what to say. She wondered if Shaun and Samantha had gotten together.


    Hera calmly reminded Shaun.


    "I called Samantha''s phone."


    He was stunned momentarily, looked at the phone, and realized his mistake. So, he tossed the phone to the woman whoy beside him. "It''s for you."


    Samantha was jolted awake by the phone''s impact. She looked at the screen showing "Hera," and was immediately alert.


    "Hera, let me exin-"


    Hera didn''t want to hear her exnations and cut her off.


    "How did I get backst night?"


    "Mr. Killian took you back."


    Hera had a bad feeling.


    "Did you call him to pick me up?"


    "No..."


    Samantha recounted all the embarrassing things Hera had done the previous night.


    After that, Hera hung up the phone coldly and covered her face with her hands. She concluded that drinking would only cause trouble and that it made people stupid.


    After washing up, Hera administered an acupuncture treatment to herself, instantly relieving her headache. Then, she changed her clothes and went to have breakfast.


    "Hera, a young boy in the front hall is looking for you. He says he''s your brother," Everly said as she entered.


    Hera put down her fork and wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin.


    "Bring him in."


    "Okay."


    Everly soon returned with Gino, who was carrying a heavy backpack.


    "Hera, I brought yourputer. How did you assemble it? Why can''t le make it work?" Gino asked as he ced the backpack on the coffee table. Then, he pulled out aptop and a half-assembled one. Content


    belongs to


    As Hera sat down to check on the half-assembledputer, Bernard happened toe out of the study. He saw theputer parts on the table and couldn''t help but look closer.


    "Did you choose this configuration?"


    He looked at Hera.


    She suddenly felt like the half-assembledptop was getting warmer. That''s because she hadn''t figured out a solution the previous night before she passed out and it hurt her pride.


    "That''s right, isn''t it impressive?" Gino said proudly.


    "I even got theseputer parts by exchanging the list Hera wrote for me with the shop owner¡ª"


    Hera interrupted Gino, "I simply copied the list off a hacker''s forum."


    Gino was dumbfounded.


    He questioned whether he really heard Hera say she copied the list. He wondered how could such a list be worth two sets ofputer hardware and


    if the shop owner as dumb.


    "A hacker''s forum? Are you trying to learn hacking?"


    Bernard caught the keyword.

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    Hera was about to say no, but then she changed her mind.


    Keeping her identity a secret wasn''t a long-term solution.


    Ever since she and Bernard had coupled up, they had spent so much time together that she hardly had any personal space.


    Previously, even though they lived together, they each had their own room. Once the door was closed, no one knew what the other was doing.


    Now, they shared the same room. So, she had to be on guard to keep her messages from him constantly. That was why she thought that instead of struggling to keep the secret, it might be better to use this opportunity to pretend she had just started learning to hack.


    After all, S was punishing her and preventing her from using her ount, so she might as well practice by using another ount.


    With this in mind, Hera responded, "Yes."


    "Then, you need to learn programming first. You can start with Python, which is a good programmingnguage for beginners," Bernard said.


    Hera looked at him in surprise.


    "You know about this?"


    Bernard paused, realizing that he had spoken too smoothly.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I had thought about learning it before and researched more about it."


    "Oh? Did you end up learning it?"


    "No."


    "Why not?"


    "I was afraid of going bald."


    Hera nced at his thick, short hair.


    Bernard already felt quite guilty about not being honest with Hera about his identityst night. Now, he felt even worse for lying again.


    He thought he might use the opportunity to pretend to learn the hacking skill with Hera to make up for his guilt since she wanted to learn it. He could pretend to be an expert identally and then help her out.


    With that in mind, he said, "If you want to learn, I can learn it with you."


    Hera wanted to say, "Thanks, but no thanks." She simply wanted to pretend!


    So, she said, "Aren''t you afraid of going bald? I''m all about looks, you know. I don''t like bald guys."


    Bernard was rendered speechless.


    He thought she was not being smart at that moment. After all, going bald was simply an excuse.


    "Of course not. As long as you''re with me."


    Hera couldn''t say anything.


    Since her boyfriend wanted to learn, work hard, and progress with her, she figured she should just go along with it.


    The worst she had to endure was


    relearning the basics. After that, she


    could pretend to be a genius who learned quickly and helped her boyfriend avoid pitfalls.


    So, the two expert hackers, each thinking of apanying the other, happily decided to study the trade together.


    "I want to learn too!"


    Gino raised his hand.


    He thought hacking was cool, so he


    wanted to learn, too. Once he


    mastered it, he wanted to surpass his siblings and be a new legend for the Everetts in Norburgh.


    So, the three of them immediately went to the bookstore to buy three books.


    In the afternoon, with the spring sunlight shining through the window, each of them studied in the west wing with aptop and programming book.


    Gino thought that there would be a teacher who could teach them.


    So, after a while, he couldn''t help but ask, "Are we self-studying?"


    "Why not?" Bernard replied to him.


    "Shouldn''t we hire a hacker to teach us?"


    He knew every work in the book, but together, they made no sense to him. So, he thought they should have someone to guide them.


    "You can stop if you can''t keep up," Bernard teased.


    They were only at the basics, which were too easy for him, so he didn''t think it was necessary to have a teacher.


    Gino became quiet.


    Then, he turned to Hera, thinking that although his sister was a


    genius, this particr field was


    different. He thought that she perhaps needed a teacher, too.


    But then he saw Hera seriously inputting code into theputer per the book''s instructions.


    This made him question if he was the one with problems.

 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    Back in the Chimes'' study, Camille was reading a medical book when there was a knock on the door.


    Florence entered and asked, "Ms. Camille, when will our special medication be officially released?"


    Camille looked up and was startled by Florence''s appearance. She had high cheekbones and was already thin, but after not seeing her for half a month, she had be haggard with dark circles under her eyes. Her hair was noticeably thinner, making her look quite frightening.


    "The medicine has been sent to the Food and Drug Administration Department for approval. Once approved, it will be marketed and sold to the public," Camille said, smiling.


    Ever since Wilson announced the imminent release of the special medication, Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock had skyrocketed.


    Countless people went to the hospital and pharmaceuticalpany daily seeking the medication. Even Florence, who was on vacation, couldn''t resist it. This showed the high expectations the special medication had.


    "Ms. Camille, do you still have any samples of the special medication? Could you give me some?" Florence pleaded.


    She had been feeling a little offtely. If she didn''t take the special medication given by Camille for a day, she would feel extremely ufortable and couldn''t even work properly. She had taken half a month off to rest, but it didn''t alleviate her condition at all. She was constantly craving Camille''s medication.


    Seeing the plea in Florence''s eyes, Camille opened a drawer and took out a bottle.


    Then, she tossed the bottle to Florence, who caught it with excitement and eximed, "Thank you, Ms. Camille! Thank you!"


    She immediately opened the bottle. Her hands trembled violently, perhaps from the excitement, causing the pills to scatter all over the floor. She quickly crouched to pick one up. She looked like a beggar who had finally gotten a meal after days of hunger.


    Camille frowned at that and said, "You may go."


    "Yes, yes," Florence said, sweeping up the remaining pills with both hands before hurrying out.


    She almost collided with Julia, who was entering.


    Julia was startled by Florence''s appearance as well.


    After walking into the study, she asked, "Camille, what happened to Florence? Is she on drugs?"


    Hearing this, Camille frowned even more. Her thoughts seemed to have wandered off, and her gaze became unfocused.


    "Camille?" Julia called again when she didn''t respond.


    Camille snapped out of her reverie and asked, "What is it?"


    Julia thought Camille had been acting strangetely. She often zoned out for no reason or smiled eerily to herself.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Then, Julia ced an invitation card on Camille''s desk.


    "Camille, this is an invitation from Dr. Bloom. The Alternative Medicine Association is organizing a seminar on Lucifuge''s Manual at the end of this month. It will be held at


    vel


    §Ý§å


    Jedburgh, and you''re invited to be the keynote speaker.


    "I epted the invitation on your behalf and have added it to your schedule."


    "Who told you to ept it?"


    Camille''s sudden high-pitched voice startled Julia.


    Then, Julia exined, "The


    Alternative Medicine Association is


    highly respected within the medical


    community in the country. The. Chimes has always been involved in modern medicine and has little contact with alternative medicine.


    "Since the special medication is about to beunched, I figured it''s a good opportunity to meet with some alternative medicine practitioners and promote the special medication to theirmunity."


    "Decline it for me. I have personal matters to attend to that day," Camille said.


    Camille had only grasped the basics of Lucifuge''s Manual. Asking her to be a keynote speaker in front of numerous alternative medicine experts would surely expose herck of knowledge.


    "But I heard they will invite Dr. Youngworth if you don''t go. They said she''s familiar with Lucifuge''s Manual as well."


    Julia continued persuading.


    "Youngworth Miracle Clinic has taken away many of our VIP patients since its opening. If this continues, it will overshadow the Chimes'' reputation in Jedburgh."


    "My family has a century-long reputation as a prestigious medical family. How could a newly opened clinic bepared to us? This is just temporary." Camille''s retort rendered Julia speechless. She realized that she couldn''t understand Camille anymore.


    She wondered why Camille would pass up such a good opportunity and hand it over to apetitor for no reason.

 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    "Anyway, Mr. Killian went to Youngworth Miracle Clinic with the woman he took from Nightless Haven. So, that woman might be Hera Youngworth," Julia reported.


    Camille''s hand clenched tightly under the table. Her nails dug into her hand, but she didn''t seem to feel any pain.


    She maintained herposed smile and said, "I got it."


    "Also, Dr. Youngworth is a senior in the field of alternative medicine. Her medical research should be used to benefit society. Don''t mention anything aboutpetition or stealing the spotlight in the future.


    "As fellow physicians, we could learn from her if she could cure the patients that we can''t," Camille exined gently.


    Julia couldn''t help but admire her after hearing that.


    "Camille, you''re truly a kind person, like an angel."


    Camille smiled.


    "If there''s nothing else, you can go now. I''ll continue with my reading."


    "Okay."


    The smile on Camille''s face vanished once Julia left. She didn''t finish her words just now.


    If a doctor could cure a patient, they would be consideredpetent. But, if they couldn''t, it would be the patient''s fault for seeking the wrong treatment, and the doctor would be deemed ipetent.


    Gino stayed in Jedburgh for two days. On Sunday evening, a driver took him back to Norburgh as he had school on Monday.


    Hera would only start in the fall. She originally thought she would just pretend to study over the weekend and stop once Bernard went to work on Monday.


    However, he was very enthusiastic, saying that morning was the best time for memory retention. He woke her up at six.


    Hera was not a morning person, but his passionate kisses lightened her mood. If she didn''t get up, things might escte, so she had no choice but to get up and study with him for an hour.


    Dous arrived at half past seven to deliver breakfast. He was surprised to see his boss and Hera studying seriously. He wondered if Bernard was trying to learn another new skill.


    He put the breakfast down and saw that they were studying programmingnguage basics.


    Dous was dumbfounded. His boss was a top hacker. Why would he read that book?


    Bernard went to work after breakfast.


    Hera was about to go to the south wing to open the clinic when she received a call from Everly. She told Hera that Catherine had caught a cold and was feeling unwell.


    So, Hera told her to let Catherine rest at home and that she would take over the clinic that day.


    The clinic only epted ten patients


    a day. Moreover, she had hired two nurses with some knowledge of alternative medicine, a cleaner, and Everly and Wayne. Thus, the workload wasn''t too heavy Content


    belongs to Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The first scheduled patient arrived at ten o''clock. She was a well-dressed upper-ss woman in her 50s, wearing a mink coat and pearls. She was holding a dog.


    This woman had been rmended to the clinic after hearing that Dr. Youngworth had excellent skills and would only see ten patients a day. After much effort, she managed to secure an appointment and came to see for herself.


    The woman scoffed and wondered if the clinic was truly for medical treatment or simply a scam with a pretty nurse.


    She walked arrogantly to the consultation desk.


    When she saw no one there, she shouted, "Where''s the doctor? Why isn''t anyone here?"

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    Hera was reading the messages on her phone.


    The first one was from Nathan. He had sent her the test results of the pills she confiscated from Mary, asking him to test it for poppy. The results showed that it exceeded the limits allowed.


    The next message was from Leon, saying that Camille''s special medication had passed the Food and Drug Administration''s review. This showed the close rtionship between the Chimes and the Food and Drug Administration Department.


    "Where''s the doctor? Why isn''t anyone here?"


    A woman''s high-pitched voice pulled Hera back from her thoughts.


    Hera put away her phone and sat at the consultation desk.


    "I am the doctor."


    The woman was surprised.


    "Dr. Youngworth is just a young girl like you?"


    "My grandma isn''t feeling well today, so I''m taking her ce," Hera exined.


    "You? Can you even treat patients? If Dr. Youngworth isn''t here, why is the clinic even open? Who will be responsible if something goes wrong?" the woman continued in her high-pitched voice.


    At that time, other patients with appointments started arriving at the lobby. Looking at the situation, some patients began to grumble andin. "Is Dr. Youngworth not here today? Why didn''t anyone notify us? We just wasted our time."


    "It''s so hard to get appointments, and the fees are high. I specifically booked to see Dr. Youngworth, but now you''re giving us a young girl instead?" "Do you want us to report you to the Health Department?"


    Hera kept silent.


    Everly quickly calm the patients.


    "Everyone, please don''t be upset. Hera is our boss. She has been learning alternative medicine from her grandma since she was young and is excellent at it. She will be responsible for your conditions. If you insist on seeing Dr. Youngworth, you can reschedule for tomorrow."


    Hearing this, some patients quieted down while others left. However, the high-pitched woman continued to be difficult.


    "So what if she''s the boss? Anyone.


    with money can open a clinic. D


    you even have a medical license? I


    came here for Dr. Youngworth-"


    Hera found her annoying and interrupted, "Are you done? Are you here for your stomach issues or gout?"


    The woman stopped abruptly, looking surprised.


    "How do you know I have these issues?"Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She had grown quite plump due to her issues. However, most doctors didn''t believe she had stomach


    issues since those with simr. since


    1


    symptoms would usually appear


    thin and haggard. But she couldn''t


    lose weight no matter what. Content


    belongs to


    "If you want treatment, sit down and stop making noise. You''re disturbing other patients," Hera said coldly.


    The woman handed her dog to her assistant and sat. Then, she extended her hand for Hera to take her pulse, not fully trusting her. After checking her pulse, Hera said, "You have a peptic ulcer, hyperuricemia-which leads to gout-and obesity."


    The woman was stunned. It was exactly the same diagnosis she had received from Reind Hospital.


    She had been taking medication for it for months, but her condition kept recurring. It was driving her to the brink of copse.


    "Do you have a way to cure it?" she asked humbly, in stark contrast to her earlier arrogance.


    "It''s not about whether there''s a way. It''s about whether I want to treat you," Hera said coldly.


    The woman was sharp and immediately understood that Hera was displeased with her behavior earlier.


    Thinking that apologizing was a small price to pay if she could be cured, she smiled apologetically.


    "I''m sorry. I tend to speak without thinking. Please don''t take it to heart.


    "If you can cure me, I''ll help promote your clinic!"

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    Hera slowly put on her gloves and said, "Go behind the curtain andy down. Then remove your clothes."


    Half an hourter, the woman''s face was noticeably rosier than before when she emerged from the consultation room.


    The other patients saw her and asked, "How did it go?"


    The woman gave a thumbs up and said, "I wrongly used the youngdy earlier. Her medical skills are indeed superb! It''s way better than the treatments at Reind. The pain in my stomach was gone after just a few needles insertion."


    The other patients felt much more reassured when they heard this.


    "Mrs. Abbot, your medicine''s being prepared. You may have a walk in the nearby streets and return an hourter to take it. You may also wait here if you want," a nurse reminded the woman.


    "Can I bring it home and prepare it myself?" the woman, known as Mrs. Abbot asked.


    "Sorry. In order to prevent our prescriptions from being leaked and misused, and to ensure patients'' quick recovery, our clinic doesn''t allow that. We''ll prepare it for you, and you cane to take it on time," the nurse exined.


    Although she found it inconvenient, the woman had topromise since she had witnessed the effectiveness of Hera''s treatment.


    "Alright. I''ll wait here."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    At noon, Hera was about to take a lunch break after finishing with thest patient of the morning when there was a suddenmotion outside. Several men forced their way into the clinic, ignoring Wayne''s attempts to stop them.


    Leading the group was a man with short, wine-red curly hair with a lip piercing and ears full of earrings. His ck leather jacket looked expensive, indicating that he was a brash man from a rich family.


    One of the nurses recognized him as Nichs Sanderson, the son of the prominent Sandersons in Jedburgh. So, she quietly informed Hera. "Mr. Sanderson, do you have an appointment? If you don''t, please leave," Hera said expressionlessly.


    When Nichs saw Hera, his eyes lit up immediately. She was just his type. Still, he didn''t forget his purpose and kicked over a chair.


    "Appointment my ass! Where''s Dr. Youngworth? Get her out here!"


    Everyone in the clinic was startled.


    Hera''s eyes darkened.


    "Dr. Youngworth is not here today. What do you need? You can tell me."


    Nichs kicked the chair again.


    "Is she hiding because she made a mistake in her treatment?"


    "Just talk properly. Stop damaging the furniture!"


    Wayne started feeling distressed, looking at the overturned mahogany chair.


    Hera raised her hand and said, "It''s just a mahogany chair. Mr. Sanderson can afford to pay for it. Let him finish."


    Her calm and collected demeanor


    made Nichs feel like he was


    punching a pillow. But the morel


    calm she was, the more he wanted to break herposure.


    Hera looked at Everly, who quickly pulled up the patient''s medical records.


    Three days ago, Geoffrey Sanderson came in for treatment with


    symptoms of cervical spondylosis It was impossible for her grandma to make a mistake with such a


    ver


    common issue, given her medical skills.


    "How is Mr. Sanderson Senior now?" Hera asked.


    "He''s paralyzed in bed!"


    Nichs pointed at Hera.


    "You''lle with me now to see him and give me an exnation."


    It was clear that he wanted to take Hera back to the Sandersons. But who knew what would happen once she was there?

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    Everly immediately pulled Hera back and shook her head.


    Wayne also moved to stand in front of Hera and said, "Our doctors don''t make house calls. If the patient needs treatment, I can pick him up and bring him here."


    "Damn it. Are all of you deaf? Smash this damn clinic!"


    Nichs kicked another chair over and waved his hand, prompting his men to thrash the ce.


    The other patients and children in the clinic were terrified and started crying loudly.


    "I''ll go with you," Hera said.


    Wayne and Everly tried to dissuade her, but Hera stopped them. She reassured them and asked them to calm the patients. Then, she told them she would return soon.


    Impressed by Hera''s courage, Nichs licked his lip piercing and signaled his men to retreat. Then, he took Hera to the car and drove home.


    He had shown up at the clinic to cause trouble and to defy his father, who had inexplicably decided to ditch the famous Dr. Shadow and insisted on seeing Dr. Youngworth.


    Even when something went wrong, he still insisted, and that infuriated Nichs.


    More importantly, Nichs was following Camille''s instructions to go and hold someone ountable.


    He didn''t expect to encounter the beautiful Hera, which made him change his mind.


    40 minutester, they finally reached the Sandersons'' residence.


    Hera followed Nichs inside, noticing theck of people in therge vi. They eventually reached Geoffrey''s room and saw a caretaker there. Geoffreyy in bed with his eyes closed.


    Hera nced at him and asked the caretaker, "How is he doing?"


    The caretaker, a woman in her 40s, looked down at the floor and said, "Mr. Sanderson will tell you."


    "Oh? So, Mr. Sanderson is also a doctor?"


    Hera looked at Nichs.


    Her calm and prating gaze made Nichs uneasy.


    He raised his voice and said, "Are you blind? Can''t you see he''s paralyzed? Tell me, how will you resolve this?"


    "And how would you like me to resolve this?" Hera asked unblinkingly.


    Nichs licked his lip piercing and


    and


    said, "Here''s the deal. My father''s biggest wish is to have a grandchild. If you sleep with me and give him a grandson, we''ll forget about this."


    Hera chuckled.


    "And that will wake him up?"


    Nichs cleared his throat awkwardly.


    "That''s not your concern. Anyway, your clinic can''t cure my father, so you need topensate in another way."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera sneered and put her bag on the table. Then, she took out a set of silver needles and chose the thickest one before looking over at Geoffrey. Seeing this, Nichs felt a chill and immediately shouted, "What are you trying to do?"


    "I''m showing you if our clinic can cure people or not," Hera said coldly.


    "This ten-inch silver needle is perfect for paralyzed people. Once inserted into the sole of the foot, even a person who''s in aa for ten years will wake up."


    As soon as she finished, Geoffrey opened his eyes, gasping.


    Then, he scolded, "You brat! Are you trying to get me killed so you can inherit my money?"


    Hera pretended to be surprised.


    "Oh, so Mr. Sanderson Senior is not really paralyzed?"


    Nichs was speechless.


    Afraid of being pierced with the long silver needle, Geoffrey quickly said, "No, I''m not. It''s just that I can''t move my lower body!"


    Meanwhile, Nichs insisted on stopping him from seeing Dr. Youngworth and called for Dr. Shadow instead.


    She even gave him the special medication recently. But it made him feel nauseous and dizzy and made him vomit. So, he stopped taking it. Geoffrey immediately booked an appointment when he saw that Dr. Youngworth, who had treated his wife before, had reopened her clinic.

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    Geoffrey had been fine two days ago but couldn''t move at all that day.


    While Geoffrey had faith in Catherine''s medical skills, Nichs harbored a grudge against her after what happened to his mother.


    As such, Nichs sought Camille''s help. She promised to treat Geoffrey on one condition-that it was agreed that she did not cause Geoffrey''s condition and that they should pin the liability on Catherine instead.


    Nichs then used thepany as leverage against Geoffrey, who had no choice but to y along with his son''s act.


    Hera frowned after taking Geoffrey''s pulse.


    "Has Camille Chime treated you before?"


    "How did you know?"


    Nichs was shocked. He never told Hera about Camille.


    Geoffrey looked at Nichs questioningly.


    "Didn''t you tell her?"


    "No!" Nichs answered.


    Both father and son turned their gaze to Hera.


    "Did you look into our history?"


    Hera was momentarily speechless before she exined, "I can tell from your condition."


    Geoffrey''s body was exhibiting signs of having undergone Camille''s treatment. Camille''s go-to treatment was using steroids to suppress the patient''s symptoms with little to no regard for the side effects.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Geoffrey stared at Hera with admiration after she deciphered his medical history from a simple pulse reading. At this point, he wouldn''t be surprised if she were a miracle doctor.


    "Did she give you pills?" Hera asked.


    "Did my pulse tell you that, too?"


    Geoffrey looked even more impressed as he nodded.


    "I only took those pills once. I stopped when I realized I felt even worse after taking them."


    Hera narrowed her eyes slightly. It seemed her guess was correct.


    When she did not respond, Nichs probed, "What''s the problem here? Camille is Dr. Shadow. There''s no way she made a mistake. Dr. Miracle is the quack responsible for my dad''s condition."


    "Camille is not Dr. Shadow. Get your facts straight," Hera bit out coldly.


    Nichs caught her icy gaze, and his arrogance went ck.


    "What do you mean?"


    Geoffrey was the first to take in Hera''s words.


    "Ms. Chime isn''t Dr. Shadow?"


    "Yeah, right!"


    Nichs was disbelieving.


    "You''re telling me that she''s been going around treating patients under a false alias? Spare me that bullshit! What are you going to do about my father''s condition?"


    Hera''s face was grave as she ordered, "Take off your father''s shirt and flip him over."


    Nichs bristled at hermanding tone and pointed at himself.


    "Don''t you fucking dare boss me around!"


    "Stop whining and do as she says!" Geoffrey barked.


    "Fine!"


    Nichs pointed at Hera.


    "I''ll let you go this once."


    He begrudgingly did as he was told and eased Geoffrey''s shirt off before flipping him over.


    While being flipped, Geoffrey asked hesitatingly, "You''re not going to prick the soles of my feet with that ten-inch needle, are you?"


    "Keep quiet, Dad. It''s embarrassing for a grown man like you to be afraid of needles," Nichs pointed out gruffly.


    "Shut it! You''re not the one whose feet are getting stabbed!" Geoffrey snapped.


    Rendered speechless by their


    banter, Hera took a small needle and ran her finger down Geoffrey''s spine in search of the correct pressure point. When she found it, sheshoved the needle in.

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    Nichs stared at Hera''s stunning side profile as she treated Geoffrey. He had always had a thing for women like her-cold and distant types that brought out a man''spetitive side.


    He had dated many women who were aloof like Hera, but none of them were as beautiful as her.


    Hera was alwaysposed and wore her arrogance like a second skin. Nothing could ruffle her feathers or diminish her confidence. It was as if the sky could be falling, and she would only find it a minor inconvenience.


    The more she looked down her nose at Nichs, the more intrigued he was. He licked his lips and tried to picture her writhing and begging under him in bed.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sensing his gaze, Hera red at him as she pulled a needle from Geoffrey''s back.


    Nichs felt a chill race down his spine when he caught the icy look in her eyes that matched the gleaming point of the silver needle.


    Half an hourter, Hera extracted all the needles from Geoffrey''s back. Nichs was surprised to see Geoffrey flipping onto his side without assistance.


    Geoffrey''s movements did not stop there.


    He was delighted when he eased himself upright in bed and eximed, "I can finally move again! Thank you, youngdy! How should we address you? Are you and Dr. Miracle rted, by any chance?"


    "I''m Hera. Dr. Miracle is my grandmother," Hera said.


    "I see. Thank you so much for doing this. I''ll have someone pay my medical bill at the clinicter," Geoffrey said pleasantly, smiling.


    "As repayment for saving my life, you cane to me for anything you need help with in the future."


    Hera disinfected every silver needle she had used on Geoffrey before storing them in the pouch.


    She said tly, "I didn''t save your life. The wrong treatment and medication aggravated the bone spurs along your spine.


    "The bone spurs ended uppressing your nerves and hindered your ability to move your limbs.


    "My grandmother had already done half the work by performing acupuncture on you. If you had continued going to the clinic and taking your medication as instructed, you wouldn''t have ended up like this."


    The tips of Geoffrey''s ears turned red when he heard this.


    l


    He had felt better after receiving Catherine''s treatment, but in hisziness, he failed to take his medication as prescribed in the following two days. He didn''t think the consequences would be this serious.


    "Yes, I understand. I''ll take my medication on time from now on," he conceded, shamefaced as he nodded.


    He then snapped at his son, "See? I told you Dr. Miracle is better than Dr. Sha-I mean, Camille! Apologize to Ms. Youngworth right now!"


    He was more cautious after Hera had berated them earlier for confusing Camille with Dr. Shadow.


    He also knew Hera had specifically mentioned this for a reason. She wanted him to investigate Camille''s impersonation of Dr. Shadow.


    Nichs scoffed as he said arrogantly, "I suppose you''re worth your salt, but I''m not in the wrong here! This is her job, and curing you is the bare minimum."


    "You punk! How dare you speak to her this way after she saved my life?" Geoffrey barked, picking up a pillow and hurling it at Nichs. Nichs dodged the pillow. He hadn''t seen his father so lively for a while, and this alone spoke enough about Hera''s medical prowess. "Okay, okay. I''m sorry," Nichs drawled, not at all sincere about it.


    He licked his lips and added, "I was nning to fool around with you before, maybe knock you up so that you could be entitled to part of the Sandersons'' family fortune.


    "But seeing as you saved my dad''s life, I could consider making an honest woman out of you. What do you say? Pretty moving proposal, huh?" Hera was quiet as she kept her pouch.


    She shot Nichs a deadly look and asked dryly, "Do you know what happened to thest man who talked down to me like that?" "Oh, feisty! I dig that," Nichs said with a grin.


    He had already looked into Hera''s background before he caused a scene at Catherine''s clinic. While Catherine was not exactly influential, many important guests showed up when her clinic opened for business.


    The news reached the front page and circted through the upper-crust society. Everyone


    believed Catherine was either vervet


    well-connected to have such


    eli


    influential people as her patients or that these people only dropped by her clinic to get on Bernard''s good side.


    There were also rumors that Bernard often visited Catherine''s clinic atte hours. This brought on spection that he had gone to meet a secret lover instead of getting his health checked out.

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    After seeing Hera, Nichs thought the answer was pretty obvious.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He saidzily, "I''m assuming you don''t know that Mr. Killian is engaged to Ms. Chime. Even if you got together with him, you''d be his side chick at best.


    "If you were with me, you could at least be the mistress of the Sanderson household. We might not be as rich as the Killians, but you could do worse


    Geoffrey got out of bed and made to kick Nichs, cutting him off.


    "Shut up, you buffoon!"


    Nichs dodged the kick.


    "It''s true. Everyone knows the Killians and the Chimes are allied through an engagement. Besides, Bernard isn''t exactly a saint. He stormed a bar in the middle of the night to steal someone else''s girlfriend. A friend of mine sent me the video!"


    As he said this, he pulled up the video on his phone and showed it to Hera. The moment he hit "y", an angry woman slurred, "Let go of me, you prick! Where are you taking me? I have a boyfriend¡ª"


    Hera clicked out of the video before it was done ying, cringing.


    Nichs did not notice Hera''s grimace and said, "Trust me. You''re better off hooking up with me than with him-hey! Where are you going?"


    Hera ignored him and turned to leave after getting Geoffrey''s number.


    Nichs caught up to her and growled, "Where are you rushing off to?"


    "My grandmother told me stupidity is catching," Hera replied curtly.


    He gaped at her speechlessly.


    Upon returning to the clinic, Hera saw that everything had been put back in its ce. Catherine was consulting patients as usual, and Everly was in the north wing preparing medicine.


    "Hera, you''re finally back. Are you all right? Did they hurt you?" Wayne asked anxiously when he spotted Hera.


    "I''m all right. I sorted it out," Hera answered.


    When he gave her a skeptical look, she added, "Remember to add the mahogany chairs to the bill when the Sandersons make their payment." Only then did Wayne believe she was okay.


    He looked at her admiringly and said, "Got it."


    He had panicked when Hera was taken from the clinic. He med himself for being too weak to defend her or do anything to help her. He''d considered calling Bernard but didn''t have the man''s number.


    In the end, he resorted to asking Catherine for help.


    "Grandma, are you feeling better?" Hera asked as she entered the consultation room.


    Catherine had just wrapped up the consultation and asked the nurse to see the patient out. She took Hera by the arm and assessed thetter from head to toe. When she was sure Hera was unhurt, she heaved a sigh of relief.


    "I''m all right. I was down with a cold, but a few pricks here and there, and I''m right as rain again," Catherine said.


    "As for you, how could you do something so reckless? Call the cops the next time something like this happens!"


    "I doubt the cops could do anything about it," Hera countered.


    Catherine was about to dive into a lecture when Hera cut her off.


    "Okay. I promise I''ll be more careful next time."


    "You''d better..."


    Catherine was exasperated.


    "Have you eaten? I made youmb stew. Eat up."


    "Okay."


    Hera brought her lunch box to the west wing. After her meal, she


    logged onto Shadow''s ount


    clicked on her conversation with the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    She was about to text him when I Carter, the nurse, popped in and said, "Hera, there''s a man outside who wants to see you."

 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    The moment Hera clicked on her conversation with the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, she found herself picturing Tyler''s pretty face.


    Tyler was waiting for her outside the clinic.


    He was dressed in a champagne-colored suit and carried a massive bouquet of blue roses. Passersby couldn''t help ncing his way as he leanedzily against the blue Bugatti parked in front of the clinic entrance.


    "Hey, baby. Long time no see. Did you miss me?" Tyler asked, winking at Hera as soon as he spotted her.


    Hera hadn''t expected him to show up just as she was about to text him.


    "Let''s go somewhere we can talk," she said as she approached the car.


    She opened the passenger side door and got into the vehicle.


    Tyler was surprised that she was being so cooperative. He opened the door on the driver''s side and handed her the bouquet of roses. When she didn''t take it, he shrugged and put the bouquet in the backseat.


    He closed the door and locked it, asking, "You''re just going to get in my car like that, no questions asked? Aren''t you worried that I might spirit you away?"


    Tyler reached past the driver''s seat and eyed Hera with amusement. However, his hand froze in midair before touching her, and he slowly withdrew it. Hera was holding a needle to his jaw in a silent warning. If he came any closer to her, she would stab him. She certainly moved fast.


    "Mr. Presgrave, you''ll have to make an appointment if you want us to treat your hyperactivity," Hera pointed out wryly as she kept the needle.


    In other words, she wouldn''t hesitate to stab him to the point of paralysis if he tried to touch her again.


    Tyler smiled at this prickly side of her and wisely left her alone.


    He prompted, "Put on your seatbelt."


    After that, he started the car and stepped on the gas. The car zipped down the road and whooshed past the other vehicles.


    20 minutester, the Bugatti Veyron pulled up outside a bar that featured grunge-inspired elements. Hera noted it was a quiet drinking joint as she watched Tyler open shop and make himself a drink at the bar.


    "Here you go, a Bloody Mary for your ruthless, bloodthirsty soul," Tyler drawled as he ced the red cocktail before Hera.


    She thought about her embarrassing behavior thest time she got drunk and pushed the cocktail away.


    "I''d like a juice, please."


    "What? Are you worried I spiked your drink?"


    Tyler raised his eyebrows. As if to prove his innocence, he raised the ss and sipped the cocktail.


    Hera gave him a withering look and lied, "I''m allergic to alcohol."


    "Fine," he said eptingly.


    He grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator and poured her a ss.


    Hera''s fingers wrapped around the ss, but did not drink the juice. She wondered how she should broach the topic of Astral Nova when Tyler brought it up first.


    "You could stand to be a little more grateful after I lured security away that night," Tyler said.


    "But you didn''t even try to help me. They chased me down about a few dozen blocks. I could have copsed!"


    She nced at his left hand and


    noticed that the thumb ring he hat


    worn the other night was gone An odd feeling rose in her chest.


    She wondered why the security guards would go after him if he were the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    She then questioned why he would have the thumb ring if he were not the grandmaster. She pondered if it was purely a coincidence.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Thankfully, I shook them off with my stamina and speed," Tyler continued.


    He raised a brow.


    "Pretty impressive, huh?"


    Hera eyed him dubiously before humoring him, "Sure."


    "d you agree. Are you going to start hanging out with me, then?" Tyler asked, grinning.


    He had a


    a pretty face and bedroom


    eyes, his gaze dark and fathomless.


    33s something dangero


    about his disarming smile, too.


    "By ''hanging out'', do you mean joining Astral Nova?" Hera inquired.

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    Tyler answered, "Yeah."


    Hera narrowed her eyes.


    "You''re the Grandmaster of Astral Nova?"


    He put a finger to his lips to shush her and said cryptically, "That''s a dangerous question to ask. It could get us into deadly trouble."


    She frowned. She knew Astral Nova was a powerful and mysterious organization, but she never thought it would be so dangerous that she would run into deadly trouble if she asked about it.


    Then again, Tyler might not be lying if Astral Nova was so powerful that even the four influential families would bow to it.


    And to think, Hera had unknowingly flirted with death when she repeatedly attacked Astral Nova''s firewall thest time.


    "The organization''s inner workings can be highly political at times, but you can dig up any information you want through itswork within minutes. So, how about it?" Tyler probed.


    He was still smiling, his gaze beguiling and full of lethal charm. With a face like his, he could make anyone say yes.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Hera stared at him and asked, "So this is the third condition?"


    Confusion briefly shed across Tyler''s eyes, but Hera saw it anyway. She knew at once that he was not the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    However, he might be a member of the organization if he had so tantly invited her to join it. He could also be ying her for a fool and trying to trick her into giving up personal information.


    Thankfully, her wits came in the nick of time.


    Tyler was not as simple as his personal file had made him out to be. He was more than an illegitimate son who had been adopted by the Presgrave family to be trained and appointed as heir.


    "No, thanks. You said it yourself, I could get killed just for asking the wrong questions," Hera said flippantly.


    "How will a weak and helpless damsel like me fend for myself if I were to join such a dangerous organization? It''s too much for a coward like me to handle."


    The corner of Tyler''s lips twitched at the mention of her being weak and helpless. He had been threatened at needlepoint by her not hours ago. And no coward would infiltrate Astral Nova''s system and wreak havoc.


    He was starting to think she might need a lesson on vocabry.


    "Don''t turn down the offer just yet. Go home and sleep on it," Tyler said.


    He took out his phone.


    "Here. Give me your number, and we''ll talk on WhatsApp."


    Hera was about to double down on her rejection when he added, sides, you should have a backup n in case Bernard has been lying to you."


    She stiffened and looked up at the roguish man before her. She wondered about his identity and how he knew so much about her. When Tyler''s phone screen dimmed from inactivity, he tapped on it.


    As it lit up he grinned at Hera and prompted, "Come on, give me your number. Maybe one of these days, you''ll learn that Bernard has been lying to you. You''re wee to join me if that happens."


    Hera unlocked her phone and exchanged numbers with Tyler.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at Celestial Gardens, Bernard was reviewing the worksheet on hisputer in his study room at Ursa Major.


    At that moment, Samson knocked on the door and entered.0


    "Bernard, we just got word that Tyler


    sought out Ms. Youngworth at the


    clinic They went to his bar


    stayed there for about an hour."


    Bernard''s eyes narrowed as his gaze darkened.


    "Got it. Keep an eye on them."


    "Yes, sir."


    After Samson left, Bernard picked up his phone and made a call.


    He warned icily, "Stay away from her."

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    Tyler''s car was idling outside Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    He watched Hera enter the clinic, his phone pressed to his ear as Bernard''s icy voice sounded from the other line, "Stay away from her!"


    "And what if I don''t want to? What are you going to do about it?"


    Tyler smirked as he said defiantly, "She''s not your property. Besides, she never belonged to you in the first ce. You just got a head start, that''s all." "You''ll regret this!" Bernard growled.


    "Oh, my, I''m shaking-" Tyler was cut off by a beeping sound when Bernard hung up on him.


    He stared at the dimmed phone screen, his smile slipping. He was just as good as Bernard. Thetter had no right to act superior.


    Snorting, Tyler steered the car away from the clinic and drove back to the Presgrave residence. He was halfway there when he received a call from his assistant.


    "Mr. Presgrave, the grandmaster wants you to leave for the mission in Astenia by today."


    "Wasn''t that mission assigned to the Tenth Elder?" Tyler asked, frowning.


    No one in their right mind would volunteer for a mission in Astenia. Only the Tenth Elder, who rankedst among the Elders, would have no choice but to take up a mission in that godforsaken ce.


    "I heard one of the Elders rmended you for the mission, so the grandmaster changed his mind and assigned it to you instead," Tyler''s assistant exined.


    Tyler swore under his breath. Bernard was behind this. He knew Bernard was one of the Ten Elders, but he wasn''t sure of thetter''s ranking.


    He cursed Bernard for his pettiness. He vowed to uncover Bernard''s true identity in Astral Nova when he returned from Astenia.


    That night, Hera sat at the desk while Bernard sat in the armchair. They were each reading a book onputer programming, but that was only on the surface. In truth, they had their phones propped up between the pages. Content belongs


    to


    Hera had only just gone through the information on Camille''s special medication, which was about to hit the market. She logged onto Shadow''s ount and clicked on her conversation with the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    She typed, "What are the requirements for joining Astral Nova?"


    Bernard saw Shadow''s message a second after he exited the news feed. He nced in Hera''s direction curiously, wondering why she was asking such a random question and whether Tyler had anything to do with it.


    As the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, he replied, "The organization isn''t looking to recruit anyone for now."


    An odd look flickered across Hera''s


    face when she read the


    grandmaster''s brutal rejection. Was Astral Nova so secretive that she couldn''t even know the joining criteria? Did she not meet the recruitment threshold despite her identity as Dr. Shadow?


    But if that were the case, why would Astral Nova pay her to secure the auction rights for the special medication previously?


    Judging by the organization''s contradictory response, Hera was inclined to believe that they wanted her.


    However, she thought about what Tyler had said at the bar. He wanted her to sleep on her decision, and he had sounded like he meant it.


    She couldn''t help feeling that Tyler and Astral Nova were connected, but the organization had always been mysterious.


    Hera was not interested in analyzing


    these details right now. She had only


    wanted to ascertain whether Astral


    Nova was on the Killians'' side. At


    this rate, she would have to set


    e''Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    aside these questions. Her current priority was punishing Camille for ruining her reputation by giving out the wrong medications to their patients.


    She typed, "Oh, well, then. Shall we talk about the dates for the auction of the special medication?"

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    Hera was still typing when she felt, rather than saw, Bernard approaching her and surreptitiously hid her phone. "You look so serious. What''s on your mind?"


    Bernard stopped next to her and kissed her on the forehead.


    "Nothing," she lied.


    "I''m reading."


    "You''re holding the book upside down," he pointed out with faint amusement.


    She nced at the book and realized he was right. Sheer pride kept her lying through her teeth.


    "I was practicing reading upside down!"This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard raised a brow.


    He took the book from her and asked, "So, did anything interesting happen today that I should know about?"


    Hera was suddenly reminded of what Tyler had told her earlier that day.


    Indeed, how would she know if Bernard wasn''t lying to her? Even without Tyler''s prompting, she had already sensed that Bernard was keeping secrets from her. Then again, she kept secrets from him, too, so they were even.


    However, she had no idea what secrets Bernard kept from her. Because of that, she agreed to exchange numbers with Tyler but archived his contact information. From there, she would let nature take its course.


    "Nothing I couldn''t handle," Hera answered breezily.


    A sudden thought crossed her mind.


    She shed Bernard a bemused smile as she asked, "I dide across an interesting piece of information, though. Word on the street is that your engagement with Ms. Chime has be viral news in the upper-crust society.


    "How would you feel if I revealed Ms. Chime''s true colors to the public? Would you feel sad or guilty?"


    The Chime family started the rumor of Bernard''s alleged engagement to Camille. They did not put it in the papers, but thedies of leisure had taken it upon themselves to spread the word. There was nothing Bernard could do to suppress the rumor.


    He held Hera''s hand and squeezed itfortingly.


    "How are you nning to reveal her true colors? I could do it for you so you won''t have to get your hands dirty."


    Heraughed.


    "Nah, I''d like to be hands-on with something like this."


    The next day, Bernard woke Hera and made her read for a whole hour. After he left for work, she burrowed back under the covers to catch up on sleep, only to be woken up by themotion in the clinic.


    She put on a change of clothes and checked out themotion.


    The patients stood in scattered huddles in the yard, and the south wing was in a mess. Leon was pinning a maniacal patient on the ground at the moment. One of the nurses sported a bump on the forehead, and Everly held a pack of ice to soothe it while another nurse hid in the corner.


    The patient''s family was a burly young man who was currently pointing a finger at Catherine and snapping, "You call yourself a miracle doctor when you can''t even cure her?"


    Catherine argued patiently, "There''s nothing I can do about her condition. She needs to go to a rehabilitation facility."


    The young man snarled, "She''s not on drugs! She''s just sick! If you call her a drug addict one more time, I''ll punch your teeth out!"


    As he said this, he wielded his fist and made to punch Catherine''s face. He was stopped by a slender hand that wrapped around his wrist.


    His gaze trailed from the hand to the person''s face, only to see a pretty youngdy standing before him.


    "Who are you? Let go of me!" he barked, raising his other fist.


    Seeing this, Hera quickly jabbed the pressure point on his wrist. His arm went numb at once, and he could not summon any strength to it. Hera dropped his arm and nced at the woman Leon had pinned on the ground. She was pale, and there were dark shadows under her eyes. Her gaze was hollow as she mumbled, "Give me pills... Pills..."


    She indeed looked like a drug addict.


    Hera asked I, "Does she have an appointment?"


    "No," I replied with a shake of her head.


    Hera nodded and cast a frigid gaze at the young man.


    He shifted his feet but feigned bravado as he said, "What''s wrong with not having an appointment? Can''t I just take a number?"


    "You can either leave now or be escorted off the premises by the cops," Hera said.


    The young man swallowed at the


    mention of the cops. He was paid to


    cause a ruckus here, and things


    would get messy for him if he were


    detained by the cops. As such, he scurried off with the woman who was still moaning about pills.


    After themotion died down, the nursesforted the other patients. Catherine returned to consulting her patients as usual, and the janitors straightened out the trashed lobby.


    "What''s going on today? We''ve already gotten a few patients who didn''t have an appointment," Everly said.


    Hera yawned and perched on the armchair.


    "Yeah, don''t worry about it. I have a feeling we''ll have more of them."

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    Everly asked worriedly, "You mean, these incidents are nned?"


    Hera hummed in response.


    "Then what do we do?" Everly pressed anxiously.


    "The best thing we can do is nothing, which will drive our enemy crazy," Hera said reassuringly.


    "As long as we have things under control, the authorities won''t be alerted. Don''t worry. I know what to do."


    Everly nodded. She trusted Hera. After that, she returned to cooking medicine for the patients.


    Leon was cleaning up when Hera asked, "Leon, has Nichs paid the bill yet?"


    Nichs'' haughty drawl sounded from the entrance at that moment, "Miss me already? We just saw each other yesterday!"


    He swaggered into the clinic in his leather boots and jacket. His shades perched atop his nose bridge.


    Anticipating another scuffle, Leon frowned and blocked Nichs'' way before he could approach Hera.


    "We just didn''t want to write you off as a bad debt, Mr. Sanderson. Since you''re here, would you mind settling your father''s bill first?" "That kind of money is nothing to me!"


    Nichs scoffed, took a check made out for 50 thousand dors, and pped it on the table.


    "Here you go! Keep the change."


    Leon verified that it was not a false check and pointed out, "You still owe us the damages for those two mahogany chairs."


    Nichs stared at Leon grimly.


    "It''s fine," Hera interjected.


    "Call your ruffian buddies over and have them guard the clinic entrance, and we''ll call it even."


    "You want me to y guard dog even though all I did was trash two chairs?" Nichs snapped. Hera shrugged.


    "Far be it from me to stop you from achieving your dreams of bing a canine, Nichs."


    Leon couldn''t help sputtering.


    "Shut up! What are youughing at? You''re the dog here, not me!"


    Nichs red at Leon. He would have kicked another chair out of anger if Leon hadn''t stopped him.


    "Kick that chair, and you''ll find yourself ying guard dog for a few extra hours, Mr. Sanderson."


    Nichs was about to swear when Hera asked, "So, will you help me out or not?"


    He froze.


    "Are you actually asking for my help?"


    He licked his lips as he considered this.


    "I''ll say yes, but on one condition."


    "Name it," Hera said.


    "You''ll have to buy me a meal," Nichs said.


    That didn''t sound like much.


    Hera agreed, "Deal."


    "I get to choose the time and ce," he added.


    "All right," she acquiesced.


    Only then did Nichs call his ruffian buddies over.


    Within moments, a few young men with dyed hair and ear studs gathered in front of the clinic. When the troublemakers who had been paid to cause a scene at the clinic saw Nichs and his crew of ruffians standing guard outside, they abandoned their ns and turned around to leave.


    However, Nichs wouldn''t let them get away that easily. He and his men went up to these troublemakers, slinging their arms over the


    troublemakers'' shoulders and


    interrogating them.


    Only hooligans could put these troublemakers in their ces.


    Camille was wearing a whiteb coat as she helped Aurora out of the obstetrics examination room at Reind Hospital.


    "Good news, Aurora. The ultrasound


    shows that the stocyst is doing


    well in the uterus. Your baby is growing just fine," Camille exined, smilingly.


    ¨¦n.swnovels


    Aurora beamed as she gripped Camille''s hands tightly.


    "They don''t call you Dr. Shadow for nothing, Camille! Thank you for helping me be a mother."Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Don''t mention it," Camille said warmly.


    "I''m just doing my job."

 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    Camille took out a small bottle from her coat pocket and handed it to Aurora.


    "This is a new special medication I formted. A pill a day could help keep your baby healthy."


    Aurora hesitated at the words "special medication". Word had it that Camille''s special medication was dangerously addictive. It would have turned into a massive scandal had the Chimes not paid to cover up the rumors.


    However, Aurora also heard that the rumors were started by someone jealous of Camille''s sess just before the special medication hit the market. There was no confirmation on either rumor just yet.


    Aurora thought about her sessful conception following Camille''s treatment. To that end, Camille''s medical skills spoke for themselves.


    "Thank you, Camille. Once the baby is born, I want you to be its godmother," Aurora said after she snapped out of her daze.


    "I think I''d prefer to be the baby''s aunt," Camille countered jokingly, implying her desire to marry Bernard.


    Auroraughed.


    "I''ll keep my promise. Don''t worry."


    Camille took out an invitation from her other pocket and handed it to Aurora.


    "Before I forget, I''m throwing a party this Sunday, and I''d love for you to attend. It''d be great if you could convince Mr. Killian toe, too." "Of course," Aurora said.


    After seeing Aurora out, Camille returned to her office to find Julia and Wilson waiting for her.


    "Camille, the patients have been directed to Youngworth Miracle Clinic," Julia informed.


    "Good."


    Camille added, "From now on, refer any patient with simr symptoms to Dr. Miracle''s clinic. She''s a respectable senior of mine, and I bet her newly opened clinic could use the business.


    "Arge space like that muste with a hefty rental, and I wouldn''t want a fellow doctor to struggle with paying it. I should help her in whatever way I can."


    Julia gave Camille a look of admiration.


    "I understand, Camille. You''re a kind person.


    Wilson agreed, "Despite being rivals, you''ve never seen Dr. Miracle and Hera as yourpetitors. Instead, you choose to help them by directing business to their establishment. You''re practically a saint!"


    "It''s too bad they don''t appreciate your good deeds. Hera even tried to seduce Mr. Killian even though she knew you two were engaged!" Julia grumbled.


    Camille smiled.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "All right. That''s enough. We''re all doctors and aim to help the sick and injured. There''s no need to antagonize her for matters outside of our profession."


    Julia nodded. She knew she had made the right choice in working for Camille.


    Wilson nodded as well. He was determined to stay on Camille''s good side, knowing that the Chime family would prosper with her at the helm. "So, are we inviting the Youngworths to the party this Sunday?" Julia asked.


    Camille nodded.


    "Of course."


    She nned to announce theunch


    of the special medication at the


    party on Sunday as well as her engagement to Bernard. She wanted Hera there to show thetter just how different they were.


    Meanwhile, Hera was gaming in the armchair at Youngworth Miracle Clinic. She had been waiting for Camille''sckeys to show up the entire day, and they finally did in the evening.


    "Is Dr. Miracle around?" Julia asked as soon as she stepped into the hall.


    "Oh, you''re here. Just put the invitation down and leave," Hera said inly without looking up from her video game.


    Julia had felt odd from the moment she spotted Nichs and his ruffians outside the clinic. Now, she felt even more uneasy after hearing Hera''s words.


    She wondered how Hera knew she hade to deliver the invitation.


    She dismissed all her doubts when she noticed the empty waiting hall. Camille was right. Youngworth e Miracle Clinic peaked during its first few weeks of opening, but business was slow now that the public had stopped raving about it.


    At any rate, they must be waiting for Camille to step in and help them.


    Julia sneered, "I bet this ratty clinic would have closed down if Camille hadn''t referred all those patients here."


    Hera looked up at her.


    "Oh, so you admit that you referred those problematic patients here?"


    "Be grateful that we did," Julia said scornfully, tossing the invitation card on the table and leaving.


    Hera nced at the invitation card and smirked. Camille had made her bed, and it was time to make her lie in it.

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    Sunday came in the blink of an eye. At ten in the morning, Leon drove out of the residential area and dropped Hera and Catherine off at Imperial Hotel. Hera was d in an ivory satin gown, while Catherine wore a simple teal dress.


    The opulent banquet hall was teemed with a crowd dressed to the nines. Everyone was mingling, as refined society did at events like this one. When Hera and Catherine showed up, they immediately earned questioning looks from the other guests.


    The party guests hailed from affluent backgrounds. They had pulled up to the hotel in style, with their shy rides, designer clothes, and fancy jewelry. As such, they were stunned when Hera and Catherine arrived in a modest car. While their dresses were of fine make and cutting, theck of designer tags drew criticism from the high-balling crowd.


    They were subjected to the nouveau riche''s scorn when they stepped out of the modest sedan.


    "Please tell me those two hobos came to the wrong ce," one of them remarked.


    "Isn''t that Dr. Miracle? Her clinic was all anyone could talk about when it opened not too long ago. I heard many important people showed up for the opening," someone else mentioned.


    "You''d expect her to dress a little better for an asion like this."


    "They''ve probably never attended an event like this. I bet they didn''t get the memo to dress up for fine society."


    "They were sequestered in the mountains before this and only recently set up business in the city. They''ve probably never been to a party."


    The guests chattered among themselves, judging Hera and Catherine''s less-than-impressive entrance.


    Hera and Catherine ignored the event hosts and did not bother mingling with the crowd. Instead, they made a beeline for the food and began indulging themselves. At the sight of this, the condescending discussion around them grew louder.


    "You''d think they''d been starved before this!"


    "I mean, they might as well eat while they''re here. It''s not like they can have food prepared by Imperial Hotel anytime they fancy."


    "I doubt they would ever make it through the doors of Imperial Hotel if Ms. Chime hadn''t invited them."


    "True. Riff-raff isn''t allowed inside Imperial Hotel. The Killians would never allow an unseemly crowd to besmirch their hotel chain''s good name."


    Camille wore a figure-hugging red


    lThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    dress with a matching cape. Her long dark hair cascaded past one shoulder. She was holding a champagne flute while exchanging pleasantries with the guests she passed by.


    Contempt shed in her eyes when she noticed the crowd pointing andmenting on Hera, who was helping herself to the buffet.


    Such was the difference between them. Where Camille wasuded by refined society, Hera was condemned by them.


    Snorting, Camille kept her chin up and squared her shoulders as she greeted the guests who filed into the hall. She basked in their praises, glowing with everypliment.


    At that moment, Julia entered and informed her that the honored guests had arrived. Camille beamed and immediately went to usher them in.


    "Wee to the party, Mr. Killian, Aurora, Mr. Winston, Mr. Dane, Mr. Bloom, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Jacobs."


    Once again, Camille became the center of attention when the honored guests arrived.


    Rhett and Aurora hailed from two of


    the most influential families in Jedburgh. They were apanied by the mayor of Jedburgh, Eddy Winston, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Vincent Dane, the president of the Alternative Medicine Association, Oscar Bloom, the president of the Modern Medicine Association, Carl Peterson, and the head of the Health Department, Francis Jacobs.


    These guests were esteemed in their own right. They held influential positions and were the authority of the country''s medical world.


    Behind them were well-dressed


    female attendants holding up


    l


    banners on which were written things like "An angel who brings light into the medical world", "A. healer whose kindness and altru have be a legacy", "A saint who watches over the sick and injured", and "With every silver needle, she weaves miracles into the lives of many".


    Each praise was an affirmation of Camille''s medical skills. With each banner that passed, the party guests grew even more excited.

 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    "Splendid! Remarkable medical skills! I expect nothing less from Dr. Shadow!"


    "Dr. Shadow, you''re the pride of Jadonia! The legend of alternative medicine!"


    "You''re the greatest of all, Dr. Shadow!"


    "The special miraculous drug by Dr. Shadow might win the Nobbell prize, won''t it?"


    Camille broke into a smile at the shower ofpliments. "Thank you for the acknowledgment and support. I''ll continue to work hard in the future."


    The host reminded everyone to take their seats as the banquet wouldmence soon.


    Camille nced at the entrance, and there was no sign of Bernard. She softly asked Aurora, "Aurora, is Mr. Killian..."


    Aurora patted her hand, assuring her in a low voice, "He''lle today. Don''t you worry."


    Camille sighed in relief before turning around to go onstage, followed by a line of ceremonialdies who were holding a banner.


    She held the microphone. "Thank you foring. I''d like to express my gratitude to the mayor, the chiefs, and the deans for the acknowledgment. I''d also like to take this opportunity to make two announcements.


    "Firstly, I am proud to announce that the special medication I''ve been painstakingly researching to treat variousplex diseases has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. I shall name it "Divine Medicine," and it''s officially avable starting today!"


    As soon as she dropped the great news, the audience surged in thunderous apuse, and the media''s cameras shed incessantly.


    At that moment, a foreign doctor, who seemed to be in his 50s, walked up the stage. A ceremonialdy behind him was holding a golden angel trophy. Camille gasped, surprised to see the iing person. "Dr. Quinnell!"


    Graden Quinnell, the chairman of the International Medical Informatics Conference, had won numerous prestigious medical awards like the Nobbell Prize. Not only was he a prominent figure in the medical field all over the world, but he was also her idol!


    "Shadow, I''ve finally found you. The evaluation results of the special medication for difficult diseases you sent to the foundation are out. Congrattions, you''ve won the sker Medical Award of the year," he spoke in perfect Terranish.


    The apuse grew louder at that announcement.


    The sker Medical Award was often seen as a forerunner of the Nobbell Prize in the medical world because the winner of the said prize would normally be a recipient of the Nobbell Prize in the following year!


    Camille found it weird at first as she didn''t send the special medication to the foundation for evaluation. However, her emotions gave way to astonishment the moment she heard the sker Medical Award.


    She won the sker Medical Award! That was the second most prestigious award in the medical world just behind the Nobbell Prize!


    No one in her family history had ever received such high honor before!


    She had created a miracle!


    Camille gazed at the apuding crowd, a surge of emotions and pride overwhelming her. She had moved on to a whole new level of prime in her life! Not only her, but the entire Chime family, the mayor, the deans, and the media were swept away by the excitement.


    Every year, the sker Medical Award would be given out to not more than three winners.


    Among those outstanding medical professionals over the globe, only the top achievers would have the chance to receive such an honor.


    On top of that, the honor wouldn''t


    belong only to the recipient but also? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    to their family,munity, country, and even the entire medical profession!


    Driven by excitement, the audience got all teary.


    Camille was truly the pride of Jadonia!


    "Graden, why do you always get the wrong person again and again?"


    Suddenly, a cold female voice spoiled the exhrating moment.


    Graden, who was about to bestow the trophy to Camille, halted at that.


    The audience sunk into silence, looking around to find out who the woman was.


    Then, a woman at a corner near the food area rose from her seat.


    She strode to the stage gracefully in her snug dress.

 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    "Who is she?"


    "She came with Dr. Youngworth. She''s been eating since she came. I wonder if she''s looking for trouble now that she''s full."


    "What does this have to do with her?"


    "Didn''t you say that they''re from Clearfog? They spoke perfect Terranish, though?"


    "The point is, didn''t you hear what the youngdy said? Did Graden get the wrong person?"? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "I don''t think so. The award is for Dr. Shadow. Isn''t that Ms. Chime?"


    A heated discussion started among the guests.


    Camille was surprised to see Hera, and ecstasy gave way to hatred.


    How did Hera know Graden?


    As Camille heard the ongoing discussion, something urred to her. Color drained from her face. She wanted to take the award and finish the ceremony, but Graden withdrew his hands!


    Camille had a bad feeling about this.


    "You are..." Graden recognized Hera''s voice. His baffled eyes alternated between Hera and Camille.


    He sensed something wrong when he heard Camille''s voice a moment ago. He had met Dr. Shadow a few times. Although she had always worn a red cloak and a golden mask, he could recognize her voice. His hearing skills made up for his face blindness.


    He came here based on the address given by Dr. Shadow. The people here imed that Camille was Dr. Shadow. In addition to that, she was wearing a red cloak! That was why he got the wrong person.


    "I said that I''d be here, but I never said that I was the host of the banquet," Hera deliberately lowered her voice.


    Hearing that tone and voice, Graden was certain that Hera was Dr. Shadow!


    "I''m sorry, I got the wrong person. This award is not for you," he said to Camille.


    Hearing that, her body went stiff.


    The guests and the media were confused.


    How could he got the wrong recipient for such an important award?


    They doubted that the man was affiliated to the sker Foundation


    for a moment. Most important


    skar Medical Award winner


    the


    wasn''t Camille?


    That would mean...


    Everyone''s eyesnded on Hera as they shared the same notion-Camille wasn''t the winner of the sker Medical Award but Hera!


    The guests, who were filled with excitement to the brim a moment ago, were now bewildered.


    Someone shouted, "The Astral Nova Auction has released an auction announcement about Dr. Shadow''s special medication."


    The guests came back to their senses and checked the news through their phones.


    "That''s right! It happened not long ago, when Ms. Chime announced the special medication."


    "It happened at the same time? Are they referring to the same special medication?"


    "I don''t think so. The Astral Nova Auction only auctions rare collections. Mass-produced goods won''t catch their eyes."


    "The auction house will never make


    a mistake in their evaluation. That means the special medication the


    auction house is referring to isn''t the by Ms. Chime!"


    §à§â§í§Û


    ...


    Hearing the discussions, Camille began to panic. She quickly gave the host a look.


    The host was equally confused as well, but she calmed herself and reminded the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm."


    She then turned to Hera. "Miss, it''s not yet time for questions. Please return to your seat and refrain from disrupting the procedures."


    Graden, who couldn''t understand


    Jadonish, requested an


    interpretation from the ceremonialdy. He then waved his hand. "NO, no, no She mustn''t leave. This award belongs to her. She''s the real Dr. Shadow."


    The host''s eyes widened.

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    The guests and Camille were shell-shocked.


    Hera was supposed to be Killian''s secretary. When did she be Dr. Shadow?


    Graden solemnly handed the sker Medical Award to Hera, and the crowd surged into amotion.


    Someone pinched himself. "Ouch! I''m not dreaming!"


    "S-She''s Dr. Shadow? Can I take back everything that I had said?"


    "Did they get the right person? Camille is not Dr. Shadow?"


    "Well, the truth is just right before your eyes. The chairman of the International Medical Informatics Conference and the Astral Nova Auction pledged for it."


    "She''s so humble. How could she let someone else take her ce for half a year?"


    "The Chime family is supposed to be a prestigious family. How could one of them steal someone else''s title?"


    "It''s no wonder Ms. Chime kept postponing the event to show the Eclipse Stone. She''s an imposter!"


    "If she''s an imposter, is her medicine fake?"


    "An imposter! How could the Chime family do this?"? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "She should apologize to Dr. Shadow!"


    Standing on the stage, Camille watched the guests go from showering her with praise to pointing fingers at her. Her face went pale.


    She even noticed that Rhett, the mayor, and her family had left the auction without hesitation! She became frantic.


    Her gaze was fixed on Hera again, who was below the stage holding the trophy. Hera''s eyes were so cold, seemingly mocking Camille.


    Furious yet terrified, Camille balled her fists together. Her nails dug into her skin as she tried her best to stay calm.


    "I''ve never said that I was Dr. Shadow. You guys were the ones who made the assumption. I wanted to exin, but no one cared," she put on a scared expression, trying to defend herself.


    Tears pooled in her eyes, and her voice choked. It was as if she were the victim. The guests couldn''t bring themselves to me her.


    Hera snorted coldly. "Oh, really? What about your medicine? Did the people make it for you?"


    Camille hadn''t tried to take the Dr. Shadow title on purpose, but she did sell the special medication to the public when it was supposed to be Dr. Shadow''s invention.


    She imed that it wasn''t intentional, but her actions told otherwise.


    Camille gulped, hoping that someone could step in and shut Hera''s mouth.


    She then said as if there was a lump in her throat, developed Divine Medicine myself. I''ve been bearing the idea of it and started my research years ago. I didn''t giarize or imitate anyone''s product!"


    S


    vel.n


    Instead of exposing her, Hera yed along. "I see, so the Chime family has been formting this harmful drug since a long time ago."


    Camille''s heart sank, and she raised her voice. "Nonsense! The Food and Drug Administration has approved it! It''s safe for consumption!" "Is that so?" Hera narrowed her eyes skeptically.


    Vincent had a bad feeling about this. He inwardly cursed Camille for being an idiot.


    Many of the guests had actually taken Divine Medicine. Right now they were staring at Camille, who was on the stage, as if they would pounce on her and skin her alive if the medicine was harmful. Content


    belongs to


    Their stares gave her goosebumps, but she remained firm with her stance. "It''s safe. There''s nothing wrong with Divine Medicine."


    Hera sneered mockingly, "So much


    for the so-called Chime family who


    ims to have a hundred years of history in the medical field. You can''t even distinguish poison andO medicine. This is the basics."


    Camille frowned, unable toprehend the meaning behind those words.


    But she would know soon.


    "Medicine! Give me the medicine!" A hysteric woman barged into the banquet hall abruptly, bulldozing her way to the stage toward Camille. "Ms. Chime, give me the medicine!"


    "Where did this crazy womane from? Security! Get her offstage!" Julia stepped forward to stop the crazy woman.


    When she finally recognized the woman''s face, she was surprised. "Florence? What happened to you?"


    As if possessed, Florence pushed Julia away and threw herself at Camille. "Ms. Chime, give me the medicine. The special medication. I want the special medication!"

 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    Camille screamed in surprise. She couldn''t believe that this skinny and crazy woman was Florence.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She did sense that something was wrong when shest met Florence, but she didn''t expect Florence to turn into this!


    She couldn''t believe that it was Divine Medicine that had turned Florence into a deranged woman. When Camille gave her the medication for trial, Florence had said that it was effective!


    Furthermore, Camille made it ording to Dr. Shadow''s form. The ingredients used were nutritious herbs. There shouldn''t be problem.


    Camille concluded that it was because of Florence''s body condition.


    "You must''ve mistaken me for the wrong person." Camille feigned innocence.


    She couldn''t admit that Florence''s symptoms had something to do with her. Otherwise, the guests might misunderstand the situation!


    "Ms. Chime, it''s me, Florence. Please, give me the special medication. I want the special medication!" Florence suddenly knelt before Camille, banging her head on the ground.


    Camille took two steps backward in a panic. "I don''t know you. You got the wrong person."


    Then, she gave Julia a look to look to get the security guards over.


    "Mom!" At that moment, ady suddenly rushed to the stage to stop Florence from hurting herself. "Mom, stop it!"


    She then red at Camille with teary eyes. "How cruel of you, Ms. Chime! My mom has worked as a maid at your ce for over a decade. Forget about pretending not to know her. How could you take her as an experiment?


    "Ever since she took your special medication, she lost her mind. First, she got overly excited, then lethargic. She very quickly got addicted to it, and now, she''s gone insane! What did you feed her?"


    Hearing that, the guests drew in sharp breaths. Was that the repercussions of taking Camille''s special medication?


    "This is a drug!"


    "What a serious addiction! This has to be a drug!"


    "Camille Chime, how dare you feed us drugs!"


    "Just what did you feed me? Don''t think of leaving this ce without exining yourself!"


    As the angry shouts jarred into her ears, Camille was at her wit''s end. She looked at Hera again and gritted her teeth.


    Hera was just enjoying the show! This had to be her doing!


    Already exposed, Camille knew that she couldn''t let Hera get the upper hand.


    Suppressing the rage and frantic in her, Camille exined, "First of all my medicine is made of herbs, which wouldn''t bring any harm to the human body. Such symptoms will never happen.


    "Secondly, I don''t know these people at all. I have never treated her. I don''t understand why they''re framing me like this."


    Florence''s daughter gaped at Camille in disbelief. It was only then did she know Camille''s true colors.


    At that moment, Julia happened to return with the security guards. Before Florence''s daughter could exin for themselves, they were dragged away by the security guards.


    The turn of events put the guests in an inner conflict. They didn''t know who to believe at this moment.


    Noticing that the guests were wavering, Camille seized the chance to take control of the situation so that she could get out of this scandal.


    Holding the microphone tightly, she


    dered, "Please rest assured. Divine Medicine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It''s a safe medicine that will never cause any issues. It''s safe to be taken. Next, the second announcement is"


    S


    "Averting the topic without solving the issue. What are you feeling guilty about, Ms. Chime?" Smiling, Hera walked to a corner.


    "Just what does she want?" thought Camille, her fists tightening.


    "Medicine! I want medicine!"


    "Ms. Chime, quick, give me the medicine!"


    "I want the special medication! Hurry! Give me the special medication."


    A group of lunatics barged into the banquet hall all of a sudden, swarming Camille on stage. Pale-faced, Camille quickly retreated backward, bumping into the ceremonialdy behind her.

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    Surprised by the sudden emergence of crazy people, the ceremonialdies threw the banners away and left the stage. Julia and the security guards were bewildered. After they drove away two, more appeared!


    Julia recognized those faces. They were the patients Camille had asked her to introduce to Catherine''s hospital.


    What happened during the past week that they had turned into this mess?


    "Medicine! I want medicine! I want the medicine!"


    The sea of crazy people flooded Camille, pulling her by her clothes in an attempt to look for medicine.


    The huge number of crazy people filled the stage to the brim, bumping the Divine Medicine sample onto the floor. One of them noticed that it was the special medication.


    "It''s the special medication! I got it!" He burst intoughter of triumph. He ripped the packaging off and opened the bottle, pouring the bottle of pills into his mouth.


    Others noticed and threw themselves at him, trying to get one for themselves.


    It was as if mad dogs fighting over food.


    The guests were shocked to their core by what they were witnessing a group of drug addicts were on a frenzy right before their eyes!


    If the mother and daughter, who were dragged away, were framing Camille, how should they exin this scene?


    The guests who had taken the special medication tightened their fists.


    "Dr. Shadow, you''re useless! How dare you make such an announcement right here?" Following behind the lunatics was Nichs, who showed up with confident strides.


    Behind him were two redheads with masks carrying a steel basin together.


    No one knew what was in that basin, but not even its lid could contain the strange smell.


    "My father almost ended up paralyzed because of you! And what''s with them? They''re your patients. How did they end up this way? Fortunately, my dad was smart enough not to take your bullshit special medication.


    "But you almost made him go paralyzed and persuaded him into causing Dr. Youngworth trouble. I must settle this score with you right here right now."


    Nichs waved his hand, signalling the redheads to carry the basin to the stage.


    Camille, who was saved by Julia


    from


    emadmen, was disheveled


    Her cloak


    hai


    x was ripped way, and her was tangled.


    The moment she lifted her head, she weed a ssh of dog excrement.


    Julia and the guests covered their noses and stayed away from the stage in disdain.


    Camille''s mind went nk.


    She was the daughter of the prestigious Chime family and yet, she was sshed with dog excrement in public!


    However, this was merely a start.


    Cecily touched her belly, thinking


    about the special medication sheet randen only recently. She


    had


    vel


    randomly grabbed a wine ss from the table and sshed it at Camille.


    With Cecily taking the lead, the


    ms who had taken the speciaxe


    medication, began hurling things from the table at Camille, Wontent


    belongs to


    A while ago, she was the dazzling star; but now, she was an utter disgrace and humiliation.


    "How''s that? Did I look cool?" Nichs arched his brow proudly at Hera.


    "Nope," she answered.


    He frowned. "Can''t you just praise me for once? I helped you take it out on her, didn''t I?"


    "You scolded me," she said indifferently.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "When did I?" he couldn''t follow.


    She remained silent, and he became more confused.


    What happened? He merely asked someone to collect dog excrement.


    "Mr. Sanderson, she''s Dr. Shadow. Camille is an imposter," someone reminded him.


    Nichs'' eyes widened. Now, he realized that he shouldn''t have only collected dog excrement for Camille.

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    "Stop it!"


    Suddenly, a man''s brisk voice echoed in the room.


    Everyone looked in his direction. It was a man in a suit, wearing frameless sses. His eyes were simr to Camille''s.


    He was Marcus Chime, the eldest son as well as the heir of the family.


    The guests stopped throwing things at Camille.


    Despair almost swallowed her whole, but she saw hope when she noticed him. "Marcus!"


    Marcus looked at his disheveled sister on stage and frowned in disapproval. The eldest daughter of the family shouldn''t be looking like this.


    If only she wasn''t his biological sister, he wouldn''t have toe forward to protect her. He was doing this merely for the family''s sake.


    "I guess all of you are taking my family lightly," he stated solemnly. His gaze scanned the guests. Those with little power shuddered at that. Seconds ago, rage got the best of them, so they forgot about the Chime family''s powerful background for a moment.


    Marcus'' gaze finallynded on Hera. He marched up to her confidently. "Did you set this up?"


    Nichs chuckled. "Camille had iting. She took someone else''s title! Is she seeking backup from her family now that she''s exposed?" He instinctively stood before Hera, but she stopped him from doing so.


    "Your job here is done," she said softly to him.


    Although he was considerably influential in Jedburgh, his social position was nothingpared to the Chime family, who was one of the four influential families.


    There was no need for him to get in their bad books because of her. Well, actually, it was toote to say that the bad blood was already formed. Nichs was stunned momentarily. For the first time in forever, a woman was standing before him, protecting him.


    He licked his lip ring, realizing that he was falling deeper for Hera.


    Meanwhile, Marcus was impressed that she stood up without fear. "Do you know who the head of our family is?" "I do," she answered.


    "So how dare youy a hand on her! You may disappear in thin air at this instant because of this," he threatened.


    The Chime family had been in the


    medical field for more than a


    century, perching high up in the


    medical world. On top of that, thet


    head of the Chime family had


    e


    authority over all hospitals within theC0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    country.


    A word from him would be enough to shut down a top-tier hospital within seconds, let alone ruin a doctor''s career.


    That was why many medical professionals dared not offend the Chime family.


    "I''ve met Dr. Chime before, but I didn''t expect Camille to be his biological daughter," Hera stated indifferently. "What do you mean by that?" Marcus frowned.


    ???


    "Dr. Chime is a kind doctor who helps everyone in need. Once, he risked his life to test poisons for experiments just to save the kids suffering from a strange poison in the poor mountains. Then, he developed a vine for it, bing anexemry model in the medical world."


    She continued, "How could such a kindhearted and empathetic doctor give birth to such a despicable and ill-hearted daughter? Will the people forgive her after she tried to drug her patients? Could Dr. Chime tolerate this? I''m just trying to teach her a small lesson."


    The guests nced at the forlorn Camille. Was this a small lesson?


    But it was quite a refreshing show.


    Camille became speechless, wondering if she should even thank Hera for her "thoughtfulness".


    Hera had a way with her words, and Marcus didn''t know how to respond to that.


    If heid a finger on Hera, that would mean disagreeing with his father''s honor in public.


    When that happened, Camille wouldn''t be the only problem to solve. The honor of the whole family would be jeopardized.


    For the sake of the bigger picture, Marcus decided to stomach this matter.


    He turned around and chided Camille, "Apologize to her. Hurry!"


    Camille was baffled.


    Sitting on the stage, she was covered with excrement, wine, and fruits from head to toe. She reeked!


    Her eyes shifted toward Hera, who was standing among the crowd, admired and respected.


    What a huge contrast.

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    Camille''s and Hera''s positions took a 180 change within an hour.


    Camille was filled with rage and frustration; she couldn''t admit her defeat.


    She had nned this stage for herself and yet, someone else took the honor. It ultimately became her stage of humiliation.


    As someone who had grown up in a family of doctors and was called a medical genius, she had her pride and ego.


    However, even the educated socialites sshed dog excrement and wine on her and threw fruit at her. She had turned into a failure.


    Resentment stemmed in her.


    She hated those people who mistook her for Dr. Shadow, ming them for showering her with praise that fanned her ego. She med Hera for not exposing her at the beginning. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have ended up this way.


    Also, she resented Hera for not using her real identity from the start. Why did Hera act so mysterious, making people misunderstand things? As an afterthought, Camille concluded that Hera was the cause of everything.


    She would never apologize because it was all Hera''s fault!


    If it weren''t for Hera, things wouldn''t have gotten this far!


    "Apologize?" Camille got back to her feet, forcing a decent smile on her face. But it was creepy to others. She slowly walked down the stage, heading toward Hera.


    Due to the repulsive smell, people avoided her in disgust. Even Nichs and Marcus covered their noses and retreated.


    Only Hera didn''t budge from her spot.


    Everyone was charmed by her character.


    They expected nothing less from Shadow; she was different from average people.


    "Fine, I apologize." The glint in her eyes turned cold, and she paced up. Without anyone realizing, a scalpel was already in her hand as she aimed it at Hera.


    Hera stood there expressionlessly. A stone flew from her back, hitting Camille right in her knee.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She flopped onto the ground, kneeling before Hera. The scalpelnded before Hera''s feet.


    "This is the way to apologize properly." A low yet authoritative voice resounded behind Camille.


    The guests looked back, only to


    witness an


    army of body


    marching into the banquet hall They


    splitanto two lines and began


    spraying air freshener everywhere.


    Then, they made way for thest man.


    Bernard strode into the scene. The sophisticated air around him put an invisible pressure on others.


    Some of the youngdies gasped, "It''s Mr. Killian!"


    "Was your second announcement about your marriage alliance with the Killian family?" Hera looked at the kneeling woman as though she were anobody. "Look at yourself, Ms, Chime. Do you think he''d be interested in you?"


    Camille''s head snapped upward. When she noticed Bernard''s presence, embarrassment and anger made her cheeks flush. Cecily didn''t lie to her. Bernard was back!


    Unfortunately for her, he came at the worst possible moment.


    She had been doing her best to develop herself, hoping that she could marry the man she liked during the prime of her life.


    However, the second she reached the peak, she fell so badly into the pit.


    And the man she liked was standing at the side, witnessing her at her most disgraceful.


    "I will never like her no matter what


    el.n


    she bes. Stay away from her. She stinks." Bernard stepped forward, hugging Hera into his embrace to stay away from Camille, treating her like the gue

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    "Does she smell?" Hera pulled down Bernard''s hand that was covering her nose.


    Bernard and the guests went speechless for a moment.


    How could she not smell it when it was this bad?


    She proceeded to remove a silver needle behind her ear. No one noticed it until now!


    As soon as the needle was removed, the strange smell wafted her nose. Almost instantly, she poked the needle back again so that she couldn''t smell anything.


    The corner of Bernard''s lips twitched. The others, including Nichs, widened their eyes at her cheating move.


    Camille, who was kneeling, suddenly burst intoughter.


    The man before her eyes was the man she swore she would marry. Yet, he was hugging another woman and looking at her in disgust.


    Camille spent so much time enhancing herself the past few years just to draw his attention. She even went as far as bing an imposter to earn respect from the public.


    Yet, Bernard didn''t even spare a nce in her direction.


    Her effort was futile; she even dug her own grave. She was on the verge of going berserk, but reality wouldn''t let that happen.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Camille Chime, you''re suspected of developing drugs and trafficking. Pleasee with us for further investigation." A group of armed police appeared on the scene.


    They quickly arrested Camille, Julia, Wilson, and the patients, who were still consuming drugs like crazy. A few of the leftover medicine samples were taken away as well.


    The scene was a chaos. Vincent and other rted individuals, who had yet to escape, were arrested as well.


    "The Chime family should deal with


    this since it''s their family matter. But I don''t think that''ll work anymore." Hera walked toward Marcus. Her words of choice seemed to convey empathy, but her tone said otherwise.


    Marcus gritted his teeth. "Why, thank you."


    "My pleasure. Please make thepensation payment to Youngworth Miracle Clinic for the damage to my reputation caused by Camille impersonating Dr. Shadow."


    Marcus couldn''t believe his ears, wondering if she knew that he was being sarcastic.


    He thought, "How shameless! You bullied my family, and I have to pay you too? Should I thank you for the lesson taught?"


    "I believe that he can find a way to contact Youngworth Miracle Clinic himself. Let''s go." Bernard approached in their direction.


    Marcus suddenly felt a sense of cold chill. He admitted his misfortune, knowing that it was his sister who was at fault.


    Considering his family''s reputation,


    he wondered how much the


    compensation would suffice. Plus, in order to protect his family''s name, they might need to disown Camille for good.


    ...


    "Ms. Chime Impersonates Dr. Shadow, Selling Drugs as Divine Medicine."


    That day, the incident reached the headlines and the international news.


    Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock price met a continuous decline for two weeks, and the factories that produced Divine Medicine were shut down.


    The senior executives of rted


    departments, who approved Divine Medicine, were fired and involved in the investigation. Many patients protested at the hospitals and offices of Chime Pharmaceutical to demand a thorough examination of afPtheir medicine.

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    Although the Chime family wielded considerable influence and had control over the hospitals in the country, they couldn''t escape from legal responsibilities after a disgraceful incident like this happened.


    Medical mishap cases would alwayse with serious repercussions. Even if the Chime family proved that their medicine and equipment were safe, they couldn''t cover up the blot left by Camille.


    The atmosphere in the Chime residence was dark.


    "Honey, think of something. Save Camille. She''s only 24! If she goes to prison, her life will be ruined!" Jessica cried while holding Philip''s hand.


    He wore a long face, frowning and not saying a word.


    "Bailing her out means ruining our family''s reputation that we have been building up for more than a century," Augustus blurted.


    He disagreed with the idea of bailing Camille out. He even thought of disowning her so that they could protect their family name.


    Jessica was dumbfounded. When Camille was said to be Dr. Shadow back then, he had treated her well and kept mentioning that she was the pride of the family.


    Now that trouble arose, he turned his back on her so quickly!


    "Camille didn''t mean anything bad. She was just trying to bring the family honor." Jessica tried to put in a good word for Camille.


    She continued, "She said it herself. She didn''t impersonate Dr. Shadow on purpose. It was the people who mistook her for Dr. Shadow. She knows that she''s wrong now. Please give her another chance. Please save her."


    "It wasn''t on purpose, you say? Well, why didn''t she rify it at the beginning? This wouldn''t have happened if she had done that," Augustus raised his voice.


    "Why are you yelling at me? Camille is your granddaughter, not Hera!" Prisci reminded him sternly.


    Camille''s matter was already infuriating enough. To think that Catherine was involved in this as well made Prisci angrier.


    Back then, Catherine lost to her. Now, she couldn''t ept that Catherine''s granddaughter was better than hers.


    Augustus frowned in displeasure. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    "Camille ended up this way because of that old wretch''s granddaughter! She''s a sly fox! She should''ve rified at the beginning. She waited for so long to expose Camille. Catherine and Hera are doing this to us on purpose. Are you still trying to take their side?" Prisci barked.


    "Enough already! When did I take


    their side? Camille did something wrong this time. How can we me others for it? If we protect Camille, our family''s long-standing reputation will be ruined." He didn''t back down.


    Jessica kept her mouth shut, not expecting the old couple to fight again because of this matter.


    Marcus, who was there as well, quickly put on his earphones in frustration.


    "Enough!" Philip finally said something as he mmed the table. "Dad''s right. We can''t let our reputation go down because of Camille alone." Hearing that, Jessica looked at him in despair. "What about Camille? Making drugs and trafficking are serious crimes. She''ll be sentenced to death!"


    "I''m surprised that you know the


    solemnity of her deeds. Bailing her out will only bring us trouble. We should cut ties with her at this kind of time She''s a grown-up. She should learn to take responsibility for her actions," he said harshly.


    Jessica''s eyes reddened as she bit her lip.


    He patted her shoulder,forting her, "Don''t worry. I won''t let this slide that easily. Those who put our family name on stake will never get away with this."


    On the other hand, Camille was waiting for her family to bail her out from the detention center only to perceive a Disimer Agreement from her very own father. She was told to sign it.


    ording to the agreement, everything she did was solely done of her own ord and had nothing to do with Chime Pharmaceutical.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    She was utterly devastated. Not only did she lose her dignity and love, but she also lost her family.


    She was born with a silver spoon


    with a bright future ahead of her. Yet, everything was gone because of one wrong choice she made. In the end, she became an infamous drug trafficker sentenced to life o imprisonment.


    As soon as her sentence was announced, Chime Pharmaceutical released the Disimer Agreement.


    Nichs saw the news at Youngworth Miracle Clinic and clicked his tongue. "The Chime family sure cares a lot about their reputation. They abandoned her without hesitation."


    Hera was sitting on a chair, petting Tiramisu and ignoring him.


    He dragged a chair in her direction to take a seat next to her. "You''d better watch out. The Chimes will surely find a chance to take revenge on you after suffering a loss because of you."

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410


    "Oh," responded Hera indifferently while petting Tiramisu.


    What was the point of being afraid? She had never thought of causing them trouble, but they picked on her first.


    Her unbothered attitude made Nichs fall for her deeper. He licked his lip ring. "Are you not afraid? The Chime family is one of the four influential families."


    She nced at him and questioned back, "Why are you still here? Are you trying to get a job as a security guard?"


    Now, even Nichs himself questioned his actions as he thought, "I think I''m getting used to being a security guard at this point. Guess I have nothing else better to do."


    He retorted, "I''m waiting for you to treat me to a meal. Have you forgotten about your promise after using me?"


    "I haven''t. You should suggest a time and a ce," she said.


    Her initial n was to have him watch the ce for a day to drive away the patients sent by Camille to cause her trouble.


    Then, Hera realized that those patients wouldn''t stoping, so she asked him to stay for a few more days.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    He even managed to win over the patients, which resulted in the frenzied crowd at the banquet. It was solid evidence to prove that something was wrong with Camille''s medicine.


    Hera had to return the favor.


    "No can do. I guarded the ce for a week for you. I even prepared dog excrement. I helped you big time. Treating me to one meal won''t be enough. Free up some time and hang out with me for a few days." Nichs suddenly changed his mind.


    After spending some time with her, he realized that his feelings for her were growing more and more. Even though he was aware that she was Bernard''s woman, he couldn''t stop himself from wanting her. On top of that, he was confident that he could win any woman over as long as he did his best. Meanwhile, Hera was speechless because the dog excrement was his own idea. She didn''t ask for that!


    "How long? Where would you like to go?" she asked.


    The fact that she didn''t refuse


    meant he had a chance! He quickly answered, "Since I guarded the ce for a week, you have to hang out with me for a week too. As for the location..."


    He showed her a travel n with his phone. "The Pinecoast Route. We''ll drive around. If you''re down for it, we can hit the road right away."


    He had everything prepared


    including the car, tents, and camping tools. Just one word from her was all that he needed. Then, they could have a romantic road trip together!


    The sheer thought of it made him excited.


    "I''m down for it."


    The photos of the scenery were beautiful. The weather in May would be just nice. Besides, she didn''t have anything scheduled at the moment. She forwarded the travel n to Bernard.


    Nichs got so excited. "Great! I''ll book the flight tickets now. We''ll fly to Avalon tomorrow first. You don''t have to prepare anything as I have everything prepared."


    Hera paused momentarily. They were seriously going on a trip so suddenly.


    "Hera." Right then, Samantha''s brisk voice could be heard from outside the door.


    She didn''t cover herself up at all, not


    even with her sunsses. There was a teen in the lobby who was a fan of her. He asked her if he could have a photo together and her signature.


    After entertaining her fan, Samantha walked up to Hera and hugged her. "I missed you!" Then, she kissed Hera on the cheek, leaving a lipstick mark. "Where are you traveling to? I wanna tag along! I''ve been shooting for the past month. I seriously need some fresh air."


    "Is the shooting over?" Hera wiped the mark off her cheek.


    "Yup. I''m free for the next month," Samantha said.

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411


    Nichs recognized Samantha too, and he could tell she was Hera''s best friend from their interactions. He said, "Hera and I n to go on a week- long road trip down the Pinecoast Route. We''re leaving tomorrow. If you have the time, you''re wee to join us."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    As much as he wanted to go on a road trip alone with Hera, he knew the way to a woman''s heart was to win over her best friend.


    Samantha looked at Nichs incredulously. "Just the two of you?"


    Leaving aside the fact that Hera was seeing someone, Nichs sported a mop of auburn curls and a myriad of piercings. Samantha doubted the alternative, lip stud-wearing man before her was Hera''s type at all.


    Knowing Hera, Nichs did not stand a chance at all. He was lucky Hera hadn''t ripped his heart out and stomped on it yet.


    "That''s right," Nichs confirmed. He then introduced himself, "I''m Nichs Sanderson."


    "Well, Mr. Sanderson, I would hate to turn down your enthusiasm. Count me in for the road trip!" Samantha beamed. She paused for a second before she mused, "I''m guessing you don''t know Hera is seeing someone. You''re rather bold for pursuing her with such gusto."


    "Hey, she''s fair game as long as she doesn''t have a ring on that finger. Besides, if I had beaten Bernard to Hera, he wouldn''t have stood a chance. The first person to marry her wins," Nichs pointed out.


    Hera raised a brow. She didn''t remember agreeing to this nonsense.


    Samantha gave Nichs a thumbs-up for his baseless confidence. "If you don''t mind me asking, Mr. Sanderson, how old are you?"


    Nichs was baffled by her question but answered frankly, "I''m 23. I''m younger than Bernard." He emphasized thetter part.


    Samantha crooned, "What a pity. You''re destined to lose."


    Mathematically speaking, how could Nichs beat Bernard when it came to knowing Hera first if he was born two yearster than Bernard? He might stand a chance in his dreams.


    Nichs did not understand what Samantha meant by that and merely gave her a confused look.


    In the spacious CEO''s office at Shuttle Ventures, Chad threw the newspaper he had been reading onto Bernard''s desk. There was a thud as he demanded, "Why the hell did you interfere that day?"


    Bernard nced at the newspaper. It was dated a month ago, and Camille''s true colors being exposed headlined the news.


    Chad had just so happened to be


    attending an international


    conference abroad, and he learned about the incident on the day itself. However, the conference was too important for him to deal with Camille''s incident right away.


    Upon returning to the country today, he immediately rushed to Shuttle Ventures to confront Bernard.


    Bernard leaned into his chair and crossed his legs. He cast Chad azy, assessing look and drawled, "You wanted me to marry Dr. Shadow, right? I agreed to it, so I went."


    Chad was rendered speechless. He never thought Camille had been impersonating Dr. Shadow. "I told you to marry Camille, so don''t argue about semantics!" he snapped.


    However, he softened his tone as he


    ????


    added, "I admit I was blindsided by Camille''s antics. You''re free to choose a different bride before change my mind about my previous decision. You can marry whoever you like except the real Dr. Shadow."


    Bernard straightened up and leveled an icy stare at Chad. "Who are you to decide who I can and cannot marry? Not even Dad could make me do something I didn''t want to while he was around, so what makes you think I''d listen to you?" Content


    belongs to


    "Because I''m your older brother!" Chad thundered. "Don''t forget you owe me a life debt, Bernard!"


    Bernard snorted. "Should I get on my knees and thank you for sparing me all those years ago?"


    A dark look flickered across Chad''s face. He didn''t want to argue with Bernard anymore, so he changed the subject. "Do you even know who Dr. Shadow is?"


    Bernard kept his expression icy and neutral as he stared at Chad mutely. As the two locked gazes, they each knew the other was perfectly aware of Hera''s identity.

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412


    The next day, Nichs got up before the break of dawn and washed up. He took care in picking out his wardrobe for the day and spritzed himself with cologne. He then grabbed his car keys and drove to the florist.


    After picking up the roses he had orderedst night, he went straight to Youngworth Miracle Clinic to see Hera.


    Today was the first day of their romantic holiday, and he was determined to use every second of the trip to win Hera over.


    He had already nned the itinerary. Now, all he had to do was wait for Hera to get out of bed so that they could grab breakfast together. Then, they could head to the airport where Samantha was waiting.


    Nichs was whistling a lighthearted tune as he pulled up in front of the clinic, only to realize it was closed.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    He nced at his watch. It was nearly seven in the morning. He wondered if Hera was sleeping in.


    With that in mind, he called her number. The first call went unanswered, and so did the second. The third one finally went through, and Hera demanded huskily on the other line, "What is it?"


    Nichs groused, "Don''t tell me you''re still in bed! This is our first date. At least show some enthusiasm¡ª"


    He was cut off by a beeping sound, indicating Hera had hung up. He couldn''t believe her audacity. Normally, he was the one who ended the call first. Then again, he liked Hera for her feistiness. He called her again.


    "The person you called is unavable..." A mechanical female voice sounded on the other line.


    Nichs pursed his lips. Was he


    getting stood up? None of his calls went through after that, and no one answered the door when he rang the bell For the first time in his 23 years of life, things did not go his way.


    He sat in the car and sulked as he sent Hera a voice note, "You should be ttered that I''m even interested in you. Get up and open the door right now! If you don''t open the door in three minutes, I''ll kick it down!"


    Three minutes passed, but the door remained tightly shut, and his message was unanswered.


    Nichs gritted his teeth and sent another voice note, "I know you women like to preen and doll up or whatever. You have ten minutes to open the door, or I really will kick it down!"


    When ten minutes passed, the door remained shut, and his messages still went unanswered.


    Nichs had dated a dozen women before, yet he was never as patient with any of them as he was now.


    "You have half an hour left before I kick that door down!" he warned.


    Half an hourter, Nichs stood before the clinic entrance and wondered how he should kick the door down. It would be embarrassing if he did not make good on his threat.


    At that moment, Catherine, Wayne,


    and Everly showed up to open shop. They stopped when they saw a young man with a mop of auburn curls bending over to inspect every inch of the clinic door.


    "Nic-"


    "Burr!"


    No sooner had Everly opened her mouth to greet Nichs did Wayne bolt toward the clinic entrance and kick Nichs on his butt.

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413


    Nichs toppled forward and hit his head on the door. He let out a grunt of pain before pping a hand to his throbbing forehead, cursing, "What the hell?"


    "Sorry, Mr. Sanderson! I didn''t get a proper look at you. I thought you were a burr!" Wayne confessed apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck as he shed Nichs a sheepish grin.


    "Burr? Have you ever seen a burr as handsome as me, you nitwit?" Nichs snapped. He was about to raise his leg to return Wayne''s kick when Wayne dodged.


    Upon seeing the red bump on Nichs'' forehead, Catherine quickly opened shop and brought him an ice pack to bring down the swelling.


    After that, Everly applied a soothing ointment on the bump. The swelling went down within moments, leaving only a faint, greenish bruise to heal on its own.


    The entire ordealsted for about an hour before Hera finally deigned to emerge from the western wing, yawning. She cut a withering look at Nichs and drawled, "Isn''t our flight at noon? What are you doing here so early? Do you crave a beating that badly?"


    "All you do is sleep! Are you in hibernation or something? Don''t you know how much time one wastes on sleeping? You can sleep all you want after you''re dead!" Nichs barked.


    He rubbed his throbbing forehead begrudgingly. The curls he had spent a better part of the morning blow-drying and setting were ruined after the ice pack. He wouldn''t be in such a pathetic state had a certain youngdy bothered to wake up sooner.


    "I suggest you keep your mouth shut, Mr. Sanderson. Hera usually workste into the night and wakes upter in the morning. Also, she''s not a morning person, and she hates getting woken up," Everly pointed out.


    Nichs grumbled, "Whatever. Go wash up and have your breakfast, Hera. We''ll leave for the airport after that."


    "Mr. Sanderson, you just hit your head and might be a little disoriented. It isn''t safe for you to drive. How about Ie with you? I can drive," Wayne offered.


    Nichs cast Wayne a sidelong nce. He was starting to think Wayne had kicked him on purpose. He ground out, "No need! I''m perfectly fine!" "Oh, just let Wayne drive you guys. Herie doesn''t have a driver''s license, and Samantha isn''t the best driver.


    "You''ll be exhausted from driving the entire week. If Wayne goes with you, you could tap out any time and have him drive," Catherine suggested gently.


    She was Hera''s grandmother, and Nichs wanted to get on her good side. As such, he had no choice but to agree to her suggestion even if he didn''t want to.


    He was even more certain now that the kick from Wayne had been intentional.


    After breakfast, the three headed to the airport, where Samantha was waiting for them. They boarded the ne following that.


    Hera brought only a backpack while Samantha had tworge suitcases in tow.


    n


    Nichs watched as Wayne helped Samantha with her baggage and sat with her during the flight. He began to see the bright side of having Wayne tag along on the trip; he could keep Samanthapany while Nichs spent some quality time with Hera.


    He had two tents readied for the trip. If Wayne had note along, Hera and Samantha might have gotten spooked while camping by the sea at night and burrowed into Nichs'' tent instead.


    But now that Wayne was in the picture, Nichs might just convince him to share a tent with Samantha while Hera bunked in his.


    He mentally approved the n. The romance aspect of the trip was back on track. As he rubbed his bottom, he began to think Wayne''s kick had been worth it.


    The four of them disembarked the ne at three in the afternoon and gathered by the airport exit.


    "We''ll be heading toward our first


    destination


    after our car


    arrives-Greecia Lakeside. We''ll


    watch the sunset and set up camp on the beach. We can stargazezat night and watch the sunrise "


    Nichs listed out the activities he had nned.


    "Wow, how romantic!" Samantha said in a sing-song voice. She asked Hera, "What do you think about the ns, Hera?"


    Hera was busy scrolling her phone. She answered absentmindedly, "I''m fine with anything."


    Nichs licked his studded lip when he heard this. He was looking forward to spending the night with Hera in his tent. At the thought of that, he quickly made a call and urged his friend to bring the car around.


    At that moment, a ck BMW X7 pulled up in front of them just as Nichs heard his friend say on the other line, "I''m here!"


    "Get in," Nichs said, hanging up. He opened the door to the backseat, only to find Bernard sitting inside.


    "What are you doing here?" Nichs demanded loudly. He immediately opened the door to the driver''s side, but to his eternal dismay, his friend was not behind the wheel. Shaun was. He cursed under his breath, "This is the wrong car..." ContentContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    belongs to


    He turned around to see Samantha happily climbing into the passenger seat while Hera made herselffortable in the middle seat with Bernard. Wayne heaved the baggage into the trunk and slid into the back seat.


    Nichs was the only one left standing outside.


    "Are you getting in or not? If not, we''ll leave without you," Shaun prompted coolly.

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414


    Nichs scooted into thest row and glowered at the two pairs of passengers in front of him. He then nced at his seatmate.


    He wouldn''t have minded as much if the person next to him was a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, he was saddled with Wayne, a bumpkin who was taking in every part of the luxurious car in wonder.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    This was nothing like the romantic holiday he had in mind!


    "Is this your idea of repaying my favor?" Nichs groused as he leaned forward and propped his chin on the back of Hera''s seat, looking dejected.


    "You asked me out on a week-long trip, and here I am. Why are youining?" Hera countered.


    "I''m happy you agreed to go out with me for a week, but what about the rest of them?" Nichs asked pointedly, casting a meaningful look at Bernard and Shaun.


    "You didn''t say I couldn''t bring friends," Hera said.


    Nichs fell silent. He wanted to swear.


    How more obvious could he have been? Had the borate nning not been enough to demonstrate his intentions to Hera? Did he have to spell them out for her?


    "You got a problem?" Bernard asked from up front as he cut Nichs a sharp look.


    Nichs shuddered when he caught the icy gleam in Bernard''s eyes. But Nichs had never been one to cower, or he wouldn''t have thought about pursuing Hera in the first ce.


    So, he snapped, "Why don''t you try putting yourself in my shoes and see if you''d have a problem with this?"


    "You can either put up with this or get out of the car. It''s up to you," Bernard bit out coldly. He would never have agreed to let the pissant into the car if Hera hadn''t said he coulde along on the trip.


    Bernard was no fool, and he had seen through Nichs'' filthy thoughts the moment he heard about the road trip.


    He thought it was rather bold of Nichs to pursue Hera. It seemed the punk needed someone to teach him a lesson about boundaries, and Bernard was happy to sign up for the task.


    "This was my trip to begin with! Why should I get out of the car?" Nichs seethed as he leaned back into his seat, refusing to give in to Bernard and disembark.


    Samanthaughed from the front and attempted peacemaking. "Now, now, the more the merrier, right? I asked Shaun to tag along.


    "Besides, it''ll do your reputation wonders to hang out with the scions of two of the four influential families. You could brag about it to your friends after the trip!"


    She had a point.


    Nichs kney Shaun from the


    times they ran into each other at nightclubs. They had even had drinks together a few times. Shaun''s moods were unpredictable, and everyone, even Nichs, dared not cross him.


    As for Bernard, Nichs had never hung out with him before he met Hera. Rumor had it that he was not the easiest person to get along with, and his former career in the special forces meant Nichs would never beat him in a fight.


    Nichs could stand to be the bigger person in this scenario.


    l


    It was just a trip. Bernard was just a soldier grunt from the special forces, so he was probably a loser in the romance department. In other words, he wouldn''t stand a chance against someone as experienced in the dating field as Nichs. Content


    belongs to


    Nichs would bet good money that by the end of this trip, Hera would forget all about Bernard and be putty in his hands!


    The thought of the triumph that awaited him gave him a thrill. When it came to a battle between men, business acuity andbative skills were nothing in the face of refined emotional intelligence!


    "What are you grinning about, Mr. Sanderson?" Wayne asked, giving Nichs a curious look.


    Nichs'' smile faded at once. "That''s none of your business! I wasn''t grinning! You''re the one who''s grinning, you buffoon!"


    Wayne simply raised a brow at him.


    Nichs continued grumbling as he stared out the window. He inadvertently caught the sign at the fork of the road. They were going in a different direction instead of heading toward Greecia Lakeside.


    "Wait, you went the wrong way! I want to see the sunset at Greecia Lakeside!" he wailed. He would have climbed over the middle row to take over the wheel from Shaun if Wayne hadn''t stopped him.


    "Shut it! Another word from you and I''m tossing you out of the car!" Bernard barked warningly.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415


    Nichs nced out the window again and noted the busy highway they were on. It was aplex structure that stood above rushing rapids. At the sight of this, he immediately shut up.


    He was the only son of the Sanderson family. Not once in his entire privileged life had he been made to endure such indignation. Nothing had gone ording to his n today, and he wondered why the world was out to get him.


    This was supposed to be his trip, for heaven''s sake. He was supposed to be the main character.


    An hour and a halfter, they pulled up at a beautiful farm. The boulevard leading up to the farm was paved with vibrant flowers, and a wide meadowy behind the farm. Thendscape was bordered by a distant mountain range, offering a breathtaking view.


    Hera and Samantha made a beeline for the meadow the moment they got out of the car.


    Hera had learned to ride a horse during her time with the Killians, but she had not seen a meadow since she went to live with Catherine in the mountains.


    Samantha, on the other hand, had dabbled in horseback riding while she was abroad, but she doubted the royal equestrian club covered even a third of this meadow.


    Bernard, Shaun, and Nichs followed thedies out to the meadow. Wayne, having parked the car in the designated area, went to check them into their rooms.


    "Want to ride?" Bernard asked when he stopped next to Hera.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Horse groomers were leading horses across the meadow while the tourists on horseback drank in the view around them.


    Hera nodded. "It''s been a while since I rode on horseback."


    "Let''s go! Maybe we could go a few rounds before nightfall," Samantha said as she led the group toward the stables.


    Nichs'' eyes lit up when he heard that they were going horseback riding. He was brilliant at this sport, if his track record at Jedburgh''s equestrian club was any indication. Having been silenced and made to feel small the entire journey here, he was itching to show off now.


    When the five of them arrived at the stables, Nichs suggested, "If we''re all well-versed in riding, what do you say we have a friendly race?" "Will the winner get a prize?" Samantha asked eagerly.


    "The first one to cross the finish line will be themander of this trip. Whatever he or she says goes!" Nichs dered.


    "You''re on!" Samantha agreed. "But we must go easy on Hera. She hasn''t ridden on horseback for a while."


    "It''s fine. I''m here just for the fun of it. You guys can race all you want," Hera said dismissively.


    Bernard shrugged. "Sounds good to me."


    Shaun piped up, "It''s a little juvenile, but I''m in if everyone''s up for it."


    Following that, each of them selected their mount.


    Samantha chose an elegantly built Asterian Horse; Nichs chose a ck Thoroughbred; Shaun''s mount was a white Quarter Horse; Hera settled on a silvery-white Heavenly Horse, and Bernard''s horse was a chestnut-colored twin to Hera''s.


    They led their horses to the meadow, where a horse racing section had been marked with gs.


    Nichs pointed at the g pping in the distance, marking the first thousandth yard of the racecourse. "The first person to reach that red g wins." Everyone nodded in agreement.


    "Ready...and go!"


    At the sound of the attendant''s whistle, Nichs and Samantha took off flying. Shaun, despite having called the race "juvenile", could not help hispetitiveness as he chased after them.


    Hera couldn''t care less about who got to bemander of the trip. All she wanted was to ride her horse in peace. She turned and saw Bernard pulling the reins, steering his mount toward her.


    Up ahead, Nichs and Shaun were


    neck-to-neck as they charged


    toward the red g. They were closing in on thest hundred yards when@silvery-white Heavenly Horse whizzed past them in a blur, beating them to the finish line.


    The horse elegantly slowed to a trot after it passed the red g.


    There was no one riding it.


    l


    Shaun and Nichs gaped at the riderless horse. Samantha, the fourth to cross the finish line, eximed as she stared at the silvery-white Heavenly Horse ahead. "What? Isn''t that Hera''s horse? Where''s Hera?"


    The three looked around panic, wondering if something had happened to Hera. They turned around, only to see a chestnut-colored Heavenly Horse running freely across the meadow with a couple on its back.

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416


    Hera''s back was pressed against Bernard''s sculpted torso as they rode through the borderless meadow, the horse under them galloping through the wind that kissed their faces. There was something idyllic and romantic about the scene that made everyone stop and stare.


    Nichs was wide-eyed as he did a double-take. Bernard had cheated! He had said he would participate in the race alongside Hera, but he took her off her horse and pulled her onto his mount instead.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Wow, that looks fun! I want to try that too!" Samantha''s eyes were bright as she dismounted with an easy grace and jogged over to Shaun, only to mount his horse.


    Shaun wrapped his arms tightly around her and held the reins. With a firm shout, he steered his horse toward Bernard and Hera, leaving Nichs behind with three horses.


    Nichs ground his teeth. This was ridiculous. Surely, he deserved more respect than this!


    It had been a long time since Hera rode on horseback. She allowed Bernard to guide her for ap until she adjusted to the sensation and muscle memory kicked in. After that, she took over the reins and sent the horse galloping across the meadow.


    When Shaun and Samantha caught up to them, they galloped a few moreps across the meadow before Hera decided to return to Nichs'' side. When she saw Nichs sullenly leading the horses back to the stables, she leaped off Bernard''s mount and asked, "So, who won?"


    "You did, Hera! You''re officially themander of this trip!" Samantha said happily.


    "No dice! Her horse crossed the finish line without her. That''s cheating!" Nichs snapped.


    Bernard remained atop his horse and looked down his nose at Nichs. "You said the first one to cross the finish line wins, but you didn''t state that the horse must have a rider. It''s a bad look to be a sore loser, you know."


    He then looked at Hera and prompted, "Go ahead, sweetie. You''remander now, so make him back out of the trip."


    Hera eyed Bernard witheringly. Could these men be any more childish?


    Nichs'' eyes widened as he raised his heckles and barked, "That''s considered cheating! I might not be a straight-A student, but even I know horses run faster without a rider. You''re exploiting a real tiny loophole!"


    "Well done, you know what a loophole is. I didn''t think you would!" Samantha gave Nichs a look of mock amazement. She prodded Shaun and said, "You should''ve let me ride on your horse too."


    Nichs couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    Hera was equally speechless.


    "Babe, you know we''re not cut out for yingmander. We''ll leave that sort of work to someone else," Shaun said, holding Samantha around the waist.


    "You have a point." Samantha gave


    him a peck on the cheek, not at all caring that everyone was subjected to their public disy of affection Hera, thankfully, had grown immune to it after Shaun picked up her call on Samantha''s behalf thest time.


    "I refuse to be themander. If the race was unfair, we''ll just have to race again," Hera suggested. All she wanted was to ride. She had no intention of dictating how the rest of their trip should go.


    Nichs'' eyes twinkled at the hope of aeback. He licked his lips and said excitedly, "Fine by me! I''m ready to race!"


    As he said this, he shot Bernard a taunting look. The first thing he would do asmander was kick Bernard out of their group.


    Bernard knew what Nichs was thinking. He scoffed. He didn''t recall permitting Nichs to win.


    Samantha and Shaun didn''t care about beingmander, but they participated in the race for the fun of it.


    The two men did not care about anything else as they raced for the finish line. It was only when they were halfway there that they noticed the other horses and riders catching up to them.


    Bernard fell silent at the results. Nichs, on the other hand, was incredulous.

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417


    Nichs had gone from second ce tost in the second race, and he wasn''t sure he could recover from it.


    He took the horse for ap around the meadow and grumbled angrily, "Don''t want to be themander, huh? It''s been a while since you rode on horseback? You could at least pretend to be rusty! Women are liars!"


    He thenshed out at Shaun and Samantha, "And don''t even get me started on you two! You went on and on about how you didn''t want to be themander, but oh, you two were sly! You didn''t have to make me put my guard down. If you wanted to bemander so badly, just say so!"


    Hera tried to exin, "Would you believe me if I said muscle memory kicked in after I took the horse for a couple of rounds?"


    Samantha piped up, "For the record, I really don''t want to be themander of the trip. I was only trying to catch up to Hera and didn''t realize how fast I was going."


    "Curse mypetitiveness," Shaun mused, clicking his tongue. He cast a thoughtful look at Bernard and drawled, "What happened back there, Bernard? It isn''t like you to be slower than Samantha."


    He was definitely amused by Bernard''s loss.


    Bernard fell silent. He had been careless and too focused on beating Nichs. But he didn''t mind how the race turned out. He steered the horse toward Hera and said, "I figured I''d cut you guys some ck for going easy on Hera."


    Shaun rolled his eyes. He had noeback for that.


    Nichs, on the other hand, was stumped. Despite his effort, he was made the butt of the joke.


    Night gradually fell, and the five of them led the horses back to the stables before they returned to their lodging house.


    "Well, as the rules stipte, Hera is now officially ourmander for the trip. We''ll go along with whatever ns you have, Hera," Nichs said.


    Hera truly didn''t want to be appointed asmander, which was just another way of addressing an over-glorified tour leader. She would have to n the itinerary, book the group''s lodgings, make meal arrangements, and do all that misceneous work.


    She could have kicked back and let someone else do it instead.


    When she spotted Wayne approaching them, a bright idea crossed her mind. She announced, "In that case, we''ll leave the nning to Wayne! Whatever he says goes!"


    Wayne gaped at her, unable to wrap his head around the duties suddenly ced on him.


    After a long day, the six of them had a humble farmer''s fare for dinner before retiring to their rooms for the night.


    Nichs tossed and turned in bed, but sleep would note to him. If things had gone ording to his ns, he should be sharing a tent with Hera by thekeside now. But Bernard just had toe along and ruin everything!


    Why was Bernard different from what he had expected?


    If this went on, the trip would be a honeymoon trial for Hera and Bernard.


    Nichs refused to let that happen. It was time he pulled out the big guns.


    He pondered his next move and bolted upright in bed, grabbing his phone to call Hera.


    Meanwhile, Hera was in a separate


    room, leaning against the headboard


    and scrolling through her phone.


    When the sound of running watering from the bathroom stopped, she quickly set her phone aside and picked up the book about


    programming on the nightstand.


    She might be on holiday, but her acting skills were not. She had to look like she was serious about improving her programming.


    Bernard emerged from the


    bathroom in a set of ck pajamas.


    When he saw Hera reading on


    Bu


    bed, he drank a ss of water before burrowing under the covers. He snaked his arms around her and read with her under the lights.


    Just then, Hera''s phone rang. She picked it up, and Bernard frowned when he saw Nichs'' name shing on the screen. He reached out to answer the call and put it on speaker.


    "Hera, I don''t feel so good. Can youe over and take a look?" Nichs groaned on the other line.


    "Can you describe your symptoms?" Hera asked coolly.


    "I''m lightheaded and nauseous. I''ve been retching and having palpitations. I''m just sick all over. I think I''m dying," Nichs whined.


    "Do you think it''s because of the altitude?" Hera asked.


    Nichs answered immediately, "Yes! I think so. Could youe here and take a look?"


    Hera relented. "Fine. Give me a second."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.

 Cbapter 418

    Cbapter 418


    The moment Nichs ended the call, he turned down the temperature to 60 degrees and hurtled into the bathroom. He stripped himself bare and jumped into a cold shower.


    Nights in the region were cold in May. Nichs was shivering when he came out of the bathroom, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. He theny in bed like an invalid and let the cool air blow over him.


    Just then, he heard knocksing from the door.


    Nichs touched his forehead. His skin was cool, just like he hoped it would be. Turning off the air conditioner, he mumbled, "Come in. The door''s unlocked."


    When he heard the door opening, he hurriedlyy sprawled on the bed and groaned, "I feel sick and weak and cold. Maybe a hot bath will warm me up. Could you help me to the bathroom?"


    The first thing Wayne saw when he opened the door to Nichs'' room was Wayne writhing in bed in nothing but his boxers. No wonder Bernard had sent him in Hera''s ce. Even he found Nichs'' current state to be rather obscene.


    He reached out to grab Nichs by the arms to hold him upright.


    Nichs finally opened his eyes to take a proper look, hoping to see Hera. However, when he met Wayne''s gaze, both men went still.


    "What the fuck? What''s wrong with you?" Nichs yelled as he rolled off the bed and fell to the floor. "What are you doing here?"


    Wayne scrambled to get off the bed as well and snapped, "Who else did you think woulde in? Mr. Killian said you were unwell and asked me to check on you. You look perfectly fine to me!"


    Nichs swore under his breath. He should have been more careful not to let Bernard screw with his ns again. When he caught the amused look on Wayne''s face, he snapped, "Don''t just stand there gawking! Help me up!"


    Wayne didn''t like Nichs at all, but he gave Nichs a hand anyway on ount of his friendship with Hera.


    Nichs gripped Wayne''s hand and


    hoisted himself up. A sudden thought crossed his mind as his fingers tightened around Wayne''s He blurted, "You have to do m favor now that you''ve seen naked." Content belongs


    to


    Wayne blinked at him. "I don''t owe you anything. I didn''t force you to strip, you know."


    He immediately tried to pull away, but Nichs refused to let go. He might look skinnier than Wayne, but he was strong.


    A terrible foreboding filled Wayne when he noted Nichs'' hesitation and stubborn grip. He jumped and forcefully broke away, putting a healthy distance between them as he regarded Nichs warily.


    Nichs shot him a withering look.


    e


    f.n


    He snapped, "What are you doing over there? I won''t bite!" He closed the distance between them, but Wayne took a step back, then. another when Nichs stepped forward again.


    Wayne was frightened out of his mind. "Use your words!"


    "Now that Hera has delegated the role ofmander to you, I want you to kick Bernard out of the group tomorrow when you get the chance!" Nichs said.


    Wayne stared at him incredulously. "I-Is that all?"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "What else is there?" Nichs snapped. "What did you think I''d do to you? Did you even hear what I said just now?"


    "Screw you! Get the hell out of my room, you ass!" Nichs seethed.


    Wayne didn''t want to stay with a naked pervert in the room any longer either, but he had felt how cold Nichs'' skin was earlier. He asked worriedly, "Are you sure you''re alright?"

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419


    "What are you going to do about it if I''m not? Get out of here and tell Hera toe see me!" Nichs snapped as he chased Wayne out of the room and mmed the door shut.


    Wayne was speechless. He was about to turn and leave when the door behind him creaked open. Nichs warned through the gap, "Get back here. Don''t you dare tell anyone what happened just now, or I''ll give you hell when we go back to Jedburgh!"


    The threat might have left a bigger impact had Wayne not turned around and seen Nichs poking his head through the gap in the door. He looked so ridiculous with his auburn curls that Wayne told Bernard about the incident immediately upon returning.


    Outside another hotel room, Bernard snorted after hearing Wayne''s report. He had expected a more borate n from Nichs, only to be disappointed.


    "Got it. Keep an eye on him," Bernard said as he handed Wayne a bank card.


    The image of Nichs lying in bed naked, save for his boxers, made Wayne''s stomach churn. He would have refused to do Bernard''s bidding had Bernard not given him a bank card.


    With his limited academic qualifications and work capabilities, Wayne would never make enough money in Jedburgh to cover his and Everly''s costs of living. While Hera had been kind enough to provide him with free lodging, his male pride did not allow him to depend on Hera''s generosity.


    As such, he made up his mind to do whatever Bernard tasked him with. At least the money was good. He took the bank card and promised, "Alright, I''ll keep an eye on him. I won''t let him bother you and Hera."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    When Bernard returned to the room, Hera asked, "What happened?"


    "I won the bet. Nichs was only pretending to be ill," Bernard dered triumphantly as he closed the door behind him. He locked it and crossed the room to the bed in a few long strides. "Guess we''re doing it my way tonight."


    Hera fell silent. She had wanted to swing by Nichs'' room to check up on him earlier, but Bernard did not permit her to leave. He even made a bet with her that Nichs was pretending to be ill to get her attention.


    To prove that his hunch was right, Bernard sent Wayne to check up on Nichs.


    "How did you know he was faking it?" Hera asked, pressing a hand to Bernard''s chest to keep him from inching closer.


    "Because I''m a man and I know how he thinks," Bernard said.


    "Oh?" Hera eyed him with faint amusement. "I''m guessing you''ve pulled the same trick before."


    Bernard gave her a withering look. "Stop talking and kiss me," he murmured as he dipped his head to kiss her on the lips.


    After a long and lingering kiss, he covered Hera''s eyes with his hand. Her heart careened from beat to beat when she sensed what he was about to do next. Panic flooded her as she clutched the front of his pajamas.


    "Do you have to?" Hera asked, her soft voice strained and without its usualposure.


    Bernard nced down at the fingers clutching the front of his shirt and knew she was terrified.


    Hera''s heart thumped wildly as she thought about what would happen next. Her breathing grewbored, and she instinctively shook her head.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be right here. I''m not going anywhere," Bernard promised softly as he kissed her lips. He reached past her and turned off the lights in the room.


    Hera stiffened as the lights went out with a click.

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420


    Hera closed her eyes. When she felt Bernard shifting and rolling away from her, she immediately reached out to grab him.


    "Don''t be scared. I''m right here. I''m not going anywhere," Bernard promised gently. He could feel her body stiffening and hear her breathing up short.


    His heart broke to see her panicking like this. He nearly caved and turned on the lights for her, but he stopped himself when he remembered how herst nyctophobic episode had turned out.


    Hera''s nyctophobia was too critical for her not to learn to ovee it. He could leave all the lights on at home every night, but he could not keep the night''s darkness from the rest of the world.


    Bernard didn''t want Hera''s system to go into overdrive the next time her nyctophobia acted up and he was not with her.


    "The room isn''tpletely dark. You can open your eyes and look around when you''re ready," he murmured. He was lying on his side with his arm under Hera''s head. He slowly syed his fingers while keeping his hand over her eyes.


    Hera took several deep breaths, mustering her courage as her eyes fluttered open.


    She peered through the gaps in Bernard''s fingers. When she saw the glittering swirls of the gxy and its countless stars ying over the dark ceiling, her breath hitched. It was beautiful.


    Back when she was living in the mountains, she did not go out after nightfall for fear of the dark. She stayed indoors and read books instead. After she arrived in the city, her nyctophobia did not act up as much because the city was always well-lit even at night. Still, she did not go out after dark unless absolutely necessary and preferred to stay indoors.


    Hera never thought the pitch-ck and seemingly abysmal night sky could make her feel anything but fear. But at that moment, she was stunned by the breathtaking view of the gxy projected above her.


    She was surprised, and a little scared. Her heart was skipping several beats at once, and she could hear her pulse in her ears.


    Bernard felt hershes brush against the underside of his fingers, tickling him. He asked softly, "The gxy might be dark, but countless stars are shining in it. It''s beautiful, don''t you think? Would you like to see more of it?"


    Hera nodded slightly as the hand covering her eyes slowly pulled away.


    Darkness enveloped her at once. Her body trembled uncontrobly as she reached out to grab Bernard''s shirt, her knuckles turning white.


    "Don''t be scared. Rx," BernardOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    said as he pried her fingers apart


    and slipped his fingers through the gaps between them. Once their hands were intertwined, he reached for the remote and switched the image projected on the ceiling. "tere, look at this one. This is the Milky Way."


    Hera listened as he exined the workings of the universe to her, his low and husky voice like a soft


    luby. She felt the warmth of him et


    hand and breathed in his familiar scent. Slowly, but surely, the fear and panic in her ebbed.


    She tried to ignore the darkness around her and focus on the image above.


    Gradually, her body loosened with relief. When Bernard sensed the change in her body, he turned to look at her face, which was mere inches away.


    Hera''s side profile was delicately chiseled, and he could see the gxy reflected in her eyes. She was mesmerizing.


    "There''s a meteor shower tomorrow night. We''ll be camping by thekeside, so why don''t we do some stargazing while lying on the grassy fields?" Bernard asked in a voice barely above a whisper.


    Hera looked away from the ceiling and fixed her gaze on Bernard. The darkness around her made her head spin.


    She took a moment to regainposure. Focusing on the light from the projection, she got used to the dimness and said, "Okay."


    "Let''s turn off the projector and try again, alright?" Bernard suggested. He had to strike while the iron was hot.


    Hera''s breath hitched. He could tell she was nervous and encouraged patiently, "You''re doing so well adjusting to the dimness. Let''s try total darkness for a bit, alright?"


    She gulped and tightened her grip on his hand. She encouraged herself. She was with Bernard, and there was nothing for her to be afraid of. "Okay. Just for a bit," she said meekly, nodding once.


    "Alright. Don''t be afraid. We''ll leave the lights on if it gets too much for you," Bernard promised, coaxing her as one would a skittish animal. After she mentally braced herself, he turned off the projector.

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421


    It had taken Bernard some time to calm Hera down, but he could sense her breaths bing erratic once more. He said softly, "Sweetie? Is everything alright?"


    She didn''t answer.


    Bernard sensed that something was wrong and quickly used his hands to cover her eyes before turning on the lights.


    Her paleplexion immediately came into sight. She seemed to be heaving, and her forehead was covered in sweat.


    Bernard waited for her to adjust to the brightness before taking his hands away, but he immediately noticed that her gaze was slightly dazed. She looked pitiful and fragile.


    "It''s alright. Don''t be scared." Bernard used a piece of tissue to wipe away the sweat on her forehead as he soothed her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    It took some time for Hera to return to her senses, and her gaze slowly began to focus. She saw Bernard and reached out to wrap her arms around his neck.


    She was somewhat lying on him as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent.


    His scent had a mysterious power. His scent would always give her peace and calm all the anxiousness she was feeling.


    In the past, she would alwaysy on him whenever she was feeling sad, just like now. She would always cry on him until she fell asleep.


    Bernard hugged her and gently patted her back. His eyes shed with emotion, and he felt a slight sense of guilt.


    He should not have been so eager to seed at the start.


    Those people who had harmed her to such a state better not run into him. Otherwise, he''d make their lives a living hell.


    Hera''s emotions had already returned to normal after waking up the next day.


    She could still remember a few things as a few blurry images shed across her mind. Normally, she would not remember anything once her fear of the dark kicked in.


    But something felt off. She remembered her grandmother telling her that her nyctophobia was a result of her times with the human traffickers. However, there didn''t seem to be any human traffickers in her hazy memory. Instead, she could somewhat remember that there was a little boy. She tried her best to recall what had happened, but she couldn''t remember a thing, causing her to give up.


    The five of them had already eaten their breakfast and were getting ready to leave when Nichs came out of his room.


    He saw Hera and immediately said angrily, "How could you be so cruel? I waited for you for the whole night, but you didn''t evene over to check in on me! I could''ve died in my room!"


    After his rant, he immediately sneezed. His cold was all thanks to that cold shower he tookst night.


    Wayne quickly stepped between them, offering a bottle of water, a sandwich, and some medication. "Here''s your breakfast and some meds," he said, pushing them toward Nichs.


    "We''re about to head off now. Do you want to stay here and rest if you''re feeling sick? You can always head back to Jedburgh once you''re feeling better?" Wayne added.


    Nichs immediately red at him and said, "You''ve got a lot of nerve!"


    He had asked Wayne to chase Bernard away yesterday, but Wayne was now chasing him away!


    Bernard must have done something behind his back.


    Nichs turned to look at Bernard and realized he had already gotten into the car with Hera.


    He would be damned if they


    damn


    managed to make him back down so easily. So, he huffed and walked toward the car. He wanted to sit with Hera but soon realized that only the driver''s seat and the front passenger seat were left empty.


    Nichs was exasperated.


    At around two in the afternoon, the six of them arrived at Greecia Lakeside. They chose a good spot for their campsite and began setting up their tents. Once they were done, they went ahead to y by the water.


    n


    Nichs felt like things were going much worse for him todaypared to yesterday. Whenever he walked closer to Hera, Wayne would swoop in and stop him.


    If things happened once or twice


    then it would be fine. But after things went on repeatedly, he could not help but suspect that Bernard had bought Wayne over. It was either that or Wayne had feelings for him!


    To prove his suspicions, he pulled Wayne to the side and handed him a credit card.


    "How much did Bernard give you? I''ll double it!"


    Wayne did not take the card. Instead, he said solemnly, "I won''t be bought off."


    Nichs immediately cursed in his heart. Fuck!

 Chapter 422

    ?Chapter 422


    Hera was currently taking selfies with Samantha by thekeside while Bernard and Shaun were sitting by the grassy fields, chatting. The atmosphere was warm and rxed.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera looked into the distance and saw Nichs dragging Wayne aside. She couldn''t help but wonder what they were talking about.


    If she remembered correctly, Wayne did not like Nichs. But for some reason, he seemed particrly attentive toward Nichs today.


    "I think I know what''s happening. They must have grown closer throughout these two days together and formed some sort of brotherhood between them," Samantha said.


    Hera was skeptical. Why did she feel that Wayne was either being bought over or being threatened now?


    At that moment, Nichs marched over angrily. "Hera, help me take a few photos," he said while handing Hera the camera.


    Samantha watched them and quickly moved away.


    Nichs immediately took a liking to Samantha for giving them some space.


    Then, he proceeded to do all kinds of poses, wanting to show off his masculinity to Hera. Seeing that Bernard and Wayne were noting forward to stop him, he continued to pose gleefully.


    Although he wasn''t as tall as Bernard, he had four-pack abs.


    The sound of the camera''s shutter echoed through the air.


    Nichs posed for about half an hour before happily running back to Hera. He flipped his hair coquettishly. "What do you think? Aren''t I handsome?"


    "Why don''t you take a look at the photos yourself?" She handed the camera back to him.


    He took the camera happily but was immediately dumbfounded by the contents.


    "Who on earth are these people?"


    Hera replied, "They''re you."


    She had always been a bad photographer, but her skills had improved greatly after Bernard offered to teach herst year.


    Bernard had never once called her a bad photographer!


    She said unhappily, "I just took them based on how you look."


    "I''m six feet tall, yet I look like I''m five feet two in your photos! How can you think that I look like that?" Nichs was furious.


    Hera was speechless. She took a look at Nichs before looking at the photos on the screen again.


    Oh, it did seem...


    Bernard just so happened to be walking toward them. Hera handed him the camera so that he could also have a look at the photos she took.


    Bernard looked at the photos taken and said, "You took quite good shots. He''s just


    nitpicking. There''s no need for you to bother with such an ungrateful person. Come and help me take a few photos instead."


    With that said, he took Hera''s hand and left with her.


    Nichs was bbergasted. Was he nitpicking? Was he acting ungrateful? Motherfucker, was Bernard blind or was he the blind one here?


    But he finally understood why Samantha had given them space and ran away. It was also no wonder that no one had stopped him even while he was posing.


    It was because Hera was a terrible photographer!


    Well then, he would wait and see how well a terrible photographer like Hera would take photos of Bernard.


    Bernard did not rush or immediately ask Hera to start taking photos of him. Instead, he patiently taught Hera how to frame a shot before handing her the camera.


    Hera nodded after listening to Bernard''s exnation. Her mind understood what he was saying, but her hands just couldn''t do it.


    Even so, the results were somewhat normal.


    Nichs went over to take a look and immediately eximed, "Holy shit! I just realized your bad photography skills vary depending on the person!"


    "Her photography skills aren''t the problem here. It''s the model," Bernard said firmly.


    Hera looked at the two sets of photos and nodded in agreement. "You''re right! I knew my photography skills had improved significantly!"


    Nichs was left at a loss for words.


    They set up a grill by thekeside for dinner while Wayne went to a supermarket nearby to buy some tools and groceries.


    Having learned from previous experience, Bernard didn''t dare to let Hera on the grill once again. He decided to take things into his own hands.


    Seeing Bernard preparing to cook by the grill, Nichs immediately followed and stood beside him. He grilled everything that Bernard grilled. Wayne, who had returned, stood by the side to help.

 Chapter 423

    ?Chapter 423


    Shaun had gone to the side to answer a call. Meanwhile, Hera and Samantha sat by the bench, focused on eating the food.


    Bernard came over with some grilledmb skewers. "Have a try."


    Hera picked up a skewer and took a bite.


    "Is it good?" Bernard asked.


    Hera nodded and handed themb skewer over to Bernard, and Bernard immediately took a bite off of the ce she had eaten.


    Nichs watched them and immediately brought his skewers over. "Try mine too."


    Looking at the heap of burnt skewers, Hera fell silent and did not move.


    "Try it! Are you afraid I''ll poison you?" Nichs urged while picking up a skewer and taking a bite. However, he immediately proceeded to spit the food out.


    Then, he reached for a skewer from Bernard''s te and took a bite. His eyes immediately brightened as he asked, "I followed everything you did, but why is there such a big difference in taste?"


    He took another bite and added, "It''s delicious!"Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard said coldly, "That means that you''re still no match for me no matter how hard you try,"


    Nichs was at a loss for words and immediately felt that the skewer in his hand had lost all of its vor.


    He couldn''t help but question himself after losing to Bernard consecutively.


    Why was Bernard so good at everything?


    Nichs was furious. But his anger escted when he watched Bernard insist on Hera feeding him water under the guise that his hands were dirty when his hands looked very clean.


    How could he be so cunning?


    Couldn''t Hera see that his hands were clean?


    Did she like cunning men?


    In that case, he could pull off a few tricks too!


    Seeing Hera carry a small bucket to theke to collect some water, Nichs immediately went over to help her.


    "Do you know how to swim?" he suddenly asked.


    Hera answered, "My skills are somewhat passable."


    "I don''t know how to swim," Nichs said.


    Hera was confused. Just as she was busy contemting the meaning behind his question, she heard a loud sshing from behind her. Then, she realized that Nichs had fallen into theke and was currently struggling to keep afloat.


    Hera was dumbfounded. She had just put down her bucket when someone came rushing from behind her.


    "You don''t need to move. I''ll help him," Wayne said as he took off his shirt and jumped into theke.


    Nichs had been fake struggling, waiting for Hera to save him. However, Wayne was the one who jumped down instead.


    Putting that fact aside, Hera had even instructed Wayne to give him CPR after rescuing him from theke.


    Nichs immediately sat up when he heard her.


    The night wind blew, causing him to shiver.


    Hence, his cold immediately became severe, and he couldn''t even enjoy the shooting stars properly. He could only wrap himself in a nket, curl up by the fire, and watch as everyone partnered up.


    Well, this was just the consequence of his own actions.


    On the other hand, Hera rested her head on Bernard''s arm as theyy on the mat on the grassy fields, looking up at the bright sky.


    They were colorful lights all around, making their surroundings sparkle.


    After their small attemptst night, Hera feltfortable with their current environment. Not to mention, there was a meteor shower that night, so there were a number of people around them, and it wasn''t too dark.


    The night was cold, but she felt warm as the person she liked was beside her.


    The moment the meteor shower poured across the sky, the entire sky lit up. Their surroundings were apanied by cheers while Hera closed her eyes to make a wish.


    She wished that this moment of happiness wouldst forever.


    When she opened her eyes again, Bernard suddenly hugged her and rolled her to the other side.


    Before she could return to her senses, she saw a bulletnd on the mat they had justid only moments ago.

 Chapter 424

    ?Chapter 424


    Bernard immediately turned to see where the bullet came from-the woods.


    At the same time, three SUVs came out of the woods and drove recklessly across the grassy fields. A man in a ck mask poked his head out through the window and raised a submachine gun at them before firing.


    The sudden attack caused everyone across the grassy fields to shout in terror. They scattered around the field while those who had taken a hit fell to the ground.


    Bernard quickly pulled Hera up before digging out the bullet that had been aimed at their mat. He quickly pulled Hera along to hide behind a tent and was about to call Shaun.


    Suddenly, Shaun appeared in an SUV. "Get in," he said as he drove toward them. At the same time,


    Samantha opened the car door for them.


    Bernard pushed Hera into the car. Hera quickly moved to the side to pull him up, but Bernard closed the car door instead.


    The second the car door closed shut, a bullet immediately hit the car window.


    The loud bang caused Samantha to shout out in fright. But when she realized the car window was undamaged, she came to her senses and remembered that the SUV was bulletproof!


    Just as Bernard got into the passenger seat, the three SUVs had already caught up with them as they ran over the numerous tents.


    "Sit tight!" Shaun stepped on the gas while avoiding the crowd. He sped forward while bullets rained behind him, hitting the back of the car.


    The sound of bullets hitting the car was just like raindrops pelting against the window.


    Samantha hugged Hera''s arm tightly and said, "I''ve never experienced such chaos throughout my time filming."


    Hera noticed that only Samantha was sitting in the backseat with her while Wayne and Nichs were nowhere in sight.


    "Where are they?"


    Shaun answered, "We didn''t have time to pick them up."


    Hera turned around and saw that the three SUVs were chasing closely behind. It was evident that they were their targets, so Wayne and Nichs should be safe.


    At that moment, Wayne called her.


    "Hera, where are you guys? Why did three SUVS suddenlye and attack¡ª"


    Before Wayne could finish his sentence, Nichs snatched the phone. "Hey, are you in that car up ahead? Are you all there? Is Bernard dead? Quickly beg for my help and perhaps I''ll be able to help you all!"


    Hera was speechless.


    "Could you stop joking around at times like these?" Wayne snatched his phone back and said, "We''re alright. They''ve all gone after you. Just try to hold on. I''ve already contacted the police."


    Before help arrived, they could only try their best to survive.


    "I got it. Stay safe." Hera ended the call and turned around to take a look at the situation behind them.


    The attackers behind them seemed to have changed tactics after realizing that their car was bulletproof. All three cars stepped on the gas, trying to block their way and cause them to drive into theke. They wanted them dead.


    "What gave them the audacity to act so rampantly in our country?" Shaun cursed as he turned to Bernard. He asked, "Why haven''t you gotten rid of them yet?"


    The moment Bernard got in the car, he immediately opened the glovepartment and took out a control panel. Then, he turned it on as a machine gun began to rise from the roof.


    The camera linked to the gun was immediately connected to the control panel. But due to the bumpy road and the fact that the gun wasn''t in his hands, it was hard for him to get a proper aim.


    Out of three shots, only one shot managed to hit the front tire of the car in front of them. The tire


    exploded, causing the car to slowlye to a stop.


    Bernard quickly took advantage of their small victory and controlled the gun to take a few more shots, causing the two cars behind to slowlye to a stop.


    However, those attackers weren''t ready to give up just yet as a group of men in ck masks came down. They were all carrying SMG guns as they aimed their guns at Hera''s car.


    Suddenly, their car drifted to the side, shaking harshly beforeing to a stop.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Their tires had exploded!


    "Motherfucker!" Shaun mmed his hands on the steering wheel and proceeded to take out a gun from the overheadpartment of their car. He unbuckled his seat belt and said, "I''ll fight them to the death!" "They have too many people with them. We don''t have enough bullets," Bernard said as he stopped Shaun.

 Chapter 425

    ?Chapter 425


    The car they were driving was a BMW X7, but the car was barely used forbat. There weren''t many spare bullets kept within the car, and they had two women in the car with them.


    There was no need for them to fight their attackers head-on.


    Bernard nced at his phone and said, "Help is almost here. Don''t be scared!"


    Hisst three words were directed at Hera, who was sitting in the backseat. His expression was solemn, his gaze sharp, and the air around him calm and collected - all of which made him seem very different than before.


    Hera nodded.


    It was her first time experiencing such a terrifying attack. Of course, she felt afraid. Not to mention, Samantha was holding her arm tightly while her body trembled involuntarily.


    But with Bernard here, she felt safe.


    At that moment, the attackers caught up with their car and were banging crazily on the car window.


    They were all wearing ck masks, showcasing their blue eyes. They were all men from abroad.


    At the same time, a helicopter flew across the night sky, heading straight for them. The hatch opened as two snipers stood by the hatch and fired at those attackers.


    The sound of sirens grew louder and quickly filled the entire area.


    Seeing that it was safe, Bernard and his friends got out of the car. They saw that all the attackers had been shot to death.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Once the men in the helicopter had dealt with everyone, they turned off their lights and slowly disappeared into the night sky.


    However, Hera still saw a winged dragon logo on the helicopter. That was Astral Nova''s logo.


    She immediately turned to Bernard. Did he go to Astral Nova for help?


    Bernard was currently picking up one of the guns the attackers had been carrying. He dismantled the gun skillfully and took out a bullet from the gun''s magazine.


    Then, he took out the bullet he had taken from the mat just now to make aparison.


    The two bullets were of different sizes. The bullet from the mat was smaller,ing from a sniper rifle.


    That meant that there was a high possibility that there were two separate groups who hade to kill them.


    He could hear the sound of footstepsing toward him and quickly kept the bullets. He turned around and realized that it was Hera. The vignt look in his eyes immediately vanished.


    "Were you scared?" He immediately pulled Hera into his embrace and walked toward the other side, refusing to allow her to turn and look at the corpse-littered ground.


    Hera shook her head as she said, "Bernie"


    "Hera!" Wayne and Nichs had gotten past the security line and were running toward them. They both sighed in relief after seeing that Hera was safe.


    Hera noticed that now was not the time for her to confront Bernard, so she swallowed back her words.


    Bernard''s men had also arrived. Shaun stayed back at the scene to help the police clear the ce. Bernard then sent Hera and the rest of the group to a nearby hotel to stay for the night.


    After ensuring that Hera was asleep, he ordered Dous to arrange for people to watch over Hera''s room door and left in the middle of the night.


    Hera slept until ten the next day. When she woke up, she realized that Bernard had yet to return.


    Everyone gathered at the hotel''s restaurant for lunch, but the atmosphere was very tense. Everyone didn''t sleep well and wasn''t in their best state of mind.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Bernard has asked us to tell you not to worry about him. The attackers fromst night were hired to go after Bernard. We''ve already found the mastermind behind the situation. Once everything is settled, he''lle back to meet you."


    Dous could tell that Hera was worried. So, he repeated the words Bernard had given him.


    Hera was slightly suspicious of his words. But she knew that if it were true, Bernard would be too afraid to meet with her now as he did not want to drag her into his mess.


    Also, she would only distract him if she insisted on meeting up with him. So, she nodded and continued eating quietly.


    After the entire ordeal, no one mentioned anything about continuing their vacation.


    Dous bought four airne tickets for them to fly back to Jedburgh and sent them to the airport.


    On the way to the airport, the atmosphere in the car remained tense and quiet. Nichs couldn''t stand it anymore and eximed, "No one died. Why are you all acting like you''re mourning?"


    Then, he pointed at Hera and continued, "As for you, I''m the one who saved you allst night! Can''t you at least show me some gratitude? Even if Bernard died, you''d still have me!"

 Chapter 426

    ?Chapter 426


    Samantha couldn''t stand it and said, "How can you say something like that? You should just shut up if you have nothing better to say! No one would think you''re mute if you keep quiet!"


    Shaun had note backst night, and there wasn''t any news from him in the morning, so she was


    worried sick. Hera reached out to hold Samantha''s shoulders and gave her a reassuring hug.


    Samantha turned to sneer at Nichs before lying her head on Hera''s shoulders. Nichs was bbergasted.


    Hera asked, "Were they your people?"


    "That''s right. The leader of that SWAT team is one of my good friends. They wouldn''t havee so quickly if I hadn''t called them!" Nichs said proudly.


    "Were the people on the helicopter also yours?" Hera asked.


    "What helicopter?" Nichs asked instead.


    He didn''t see any helicoptersst night. He only saw about ten police cars. Was she suggesting that someone else had gotten help faster than him?C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "It''s nothing. Thank you," Hera answered.


    If the helicopter had nothing to do with the SWAT team, then there was a high chance that the helicopter was the help Bernard had sent. But what on earth was his position within Astral Nova that allowed him to mobilize their people so quickly?


    Suddenly, Hera felt like she had uncovered one of Bernard''s biggest secrets!


    "Just a thank you? How can you be so insincere?" Nichs said with disdain.


    Hera also felt that she wasn''t being sincere enough, so she flipped through her bag to look for her acupuncture kit. Then, she climbed past the middle row to thest row.


    Nichs immediately had a bad feeling when he saw her acupuncture kit. He shrank back into his seat and looked at her vigntly.


    "What do you want to do?"


    "I just want to thank you for your help," Hera said as she opened her acupuncture kit and took out a silver needle.


    Nichs felt his head tingle at the sight of the silver needle and quickly said, "It''s alright."


    She had already taken out her silver needle, and there was no reason for her to retreat now. Hera turned to Wayne and said, "Wayne, hold him."


    Wayne got the orders and immediately held Nichs still. "Don''t touch me! Ah-"


    "You''re a grown man. How can you still be afraid of needles?" Wayne asked with disdain.


    The injection didn''t seem to hurt, causing Nichs to fall into silence. After 15 minutes, Nichs realized his cold and headache was much better.


    It was no wonder that Hera was considered a miracle doctor. She was amazing!


    "There''s no need to thank me. Just remember to tell me about your friend''s investigation of the situationst night," Hera said as she kept her needle.


    Nichs looked at Hera with admiration as she nodded and said, "No problem!"


    Then he realized something was off. Shouldn''t she be thanking him? How did he end up as herpdog?"


    On the other side, Aaron knocked on Bernard''s office door and ced a stack of papers on his table." Bernard, the report is out."


    Then, he nced at Shaun, who was sleeping on the sofa, and subconsciously lowered his voice. "There were indeed two groups of people therest night.


    "One of the group of attackers was hired by the brother of one of the drug rings you''ve destroyed. He wanted to avenge his brother, but he''s already in police custody."


    Bernard flipped through the report and nodded.

 Chapter 427

    ?Chapter 427


    Aaron continued, "The bullet from the sniper rifle matches the bullet we found in Queenie''s body. The size, materials, and gunpowder also proved to be an exact match.


    "We''ve also done a clean sweep of the forest, but we have yet to find any useful clues. Their method of attack is also the same, so there''s a 90% chance that the sniper who killed Queenie wasst night''s attacker."


    It was their second time attacking them! Bernard could not help but suspect that the sniper''s targetst time wasn''t Queenie but Hera instead.


    "Continue the investigation," Bernard said coldly.


    "Alright," Aaron said.


    Hera returned to Jedburgh and got off the ne. When she turned her phone on and saw Leon''s message, she handed Wayne her backpack and took a small handbag with her.


    "All of you can go home first. I still have something to do, so I''ll leave first."


    With that said, she turned to head toward the cab area to call a cab. Then, she headed straight to Reind Hospital.


    Inside the hospital''s VIP ward, Aurora opened her eyes and realized she was in the hospital. She immediately sat up and wrapped her arms around her stomach.


    "Darling, slow down." Aurora''s husband, Xeno Gaskell, who had been waiting by her bedside,


    immediately got up to help her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Why am I here?" Aurora asked. She remembered going out for a walk and feeling sleepy. Then, she lost consciousness.


    "You fainted," Xeno said.


    "Is the baby alright?" Aurora asked immediately. Xeno seemed hesitant as he pressed the button beside Aurora''s bed to call a doctor over.


    Aurora immediately had a bad feeling. Ever since she stopped using the medication Camille had given her, her vomiting had be particrly severe. Not only did her weight not increase, but it went down instead.


    She had found the most famous obstetrician in Jedburgh to take a look at her condition. The obstetrician told her that the fetus was maturing abnormally and suggested she get an abortion. But Aurora refused to do so.


    She had been diagnosed with infertility by countless doctors. Her biggest wish in life was to give birth to her own child. She had finally gotten pregnant, so how could she ever agree to an abortion?


    So, the doctor could only give her some medication to help with her pregnancy. But in less than half a month, Aurora fainted.


    The deputy director of Reind Hospital and the director of the obstetrics and gynecology department, Mark Reece, had personallye to examine her condition.


    "Is my baby fine?" Aurora asked after the examination.


    Mark said, "Ms. Killian, your blood sugar has sky-rocketed recently. Due to the abnormal maturity of the fetus, your child will die if you choose to continue your pregnancy.


    "The continued pregnancy will also be a threat to your health. ording to your situation, we would rmend that you abort the child and seek treatment for your body."


    "No! No matter what happens, you must save my baby!" Aurora rejected their suggestion immediately.


    "I''m sorry. We can''t do that," Mark said with great difficulty.


    Aurora immediately smashed the cup on the bedside table onto the floor. "My baby has been doing well. If it weren''t for Camille''s poisons, my baby would not have ended up like this!


    "Call Marcus over here now! I don''t care what you do, but you must save my baby! Otherwise, don''t me the Killian family for being cruel!"


    "Darling, don''t get mad. Be careful not to affect the baby," Xeno consoled.


    "Ms. Killian, even our director won''t have a way to save your baby. We''re just thinking on behalf of your body," The deputy director said with difficulty.


    Due to Camille''s scandal, the rtionship between the Killians and the Chimes was tense. There were even rumors that the medical equipment project that they were supposed to coborate on had been put on hold. If Aurora''s baby had died before childbirth, the rtionship between the family would probably go down the drain.


    "I don''t want to hear it. Tell Marcus toe and meet me! Fuck off!" Aurora cried out in anger. The two doctors immediately left.


    "Darling, don''t be mad. We''ll go and ask Dr. Shadow for help. She might have a way to help the baby," Xenoforted.


    Aurora''s gaze darkened at the mention of the miracle doctor. But she didn''t say a word as she gently caressed her stomach and nodded. At that moment, her ward was pushed open as a woman walked in. "Are you looking for me?"

 Chapter 428

    ?Chapter 428


    Aurora paused when she saw who had entered her ward. The woman wore a ck shirt, ck jeans, and a pair of ck Martin boots. She had her hair tied up in a high ponytail and looked extremely attractive.


    The ck clothes caused her skin to glow, while her beautiful eyes and thick eyshes began to merge with the memory of the little girl she once knew.


    Cecily Killian! Oh, no. She''s now Hera Youngworth.


    If it weren''t for Catherine, she would not have recognized Hera as her former cousin. But she wasn''t dead! She had even managed to hide in Jedburgh for more than half a year!


    Aurora couldn''t help but tighten her grip on her nkets when she thought about Queenie.


    "Dr. Shadow!" Xeno did not expect her to appear in Aurora''s ward so soon. His expression was filled with delight as he said, "Could you please take a look at my wife''s condition?"


    "Alright," Hera answered, but she wasn''t looking at him. Instead, her gaze was fixed on Aurora.


    "Honey, I''m suddenly craving the crepes from Happylicious. Could you go and buy me a slice?" Aurora said to Xeno after returning to her senses.


    "Sure. But are you sure you''ll be fine on your own?" Xeno asked.


    Aurora urged, "I''ll be fine. Just go."


    "Alright, but you shouldn''t get upset so easily. Dr. Shadow, I''ll leave my wife in your hands," Xeno said before leaving.


    Then, the two women were left alone in the ward.


    Hera walked toward Aurora''s bed and nced at Aurora coldly. Her gaze fell on Aurora''s stomach, and she said, "I can help you save your baby."Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "What do you want?" Aurora asked in confusion. She did not believe in people helping others without wanting anything in return, and she absolutely did not believe Hera was so kind as to voluntarily save her baby.


    Hera smirked. "Ms. Killian, you''re so smart and cautious. How did you get deceived by Camille''s schemes?


    Seeing Hera''s meaningful smile, Aurora suddenly had a chilling thought that made her break out in goosebumps. She suspected that she had fallen into Hera''s trap.


    Hera had refused to expose Camille for her true nature and waited until Aurora was pregnant. Hera had allowed her to feel hopeful and experience the joy of her pregnancy, causing her to consume the drugs Camille had produced.


    Once things reached a point of no return, Hera came out and exposed Camille and ruined all the hope she had felt. That was how Hera had managed to ruin Camille!


    She had allowed Camille to rise to a point of high fame before throwing her harshly back down to the ground! It was not only that, but she nned the Gaskells'' demise as well.


    The woman before her was no longer the innocent and energetic girl from before. She was someone who had wed her way out of hell to exact her revenge.


    With that thought in mind, Aurora gulped subconsciously before asking, "W-What do you want?"


    Hera looked at the fear in her eyes and turned to look at her instinctive action to protect her stomach. A


    cunning glint shed across Hera''s eyes.


    "I heard that the Killians had managed to buy a special medication for one''s nervous system at the Astral Nova Auction. It''s a shame that the special medication would not be suitable for your current situation."


    Her voice was calm and impassive as she took out a small bottle from her bag. "This is what you need: Antina pills."


    Hearing Hera''s words, Aurora fixed her eyes on the small bottle in Hera''s hands, unable to look away. "How much do you want?" Aurora asked immediately. She would buy it no matter how much it cost!


    Hera noticed that Aurora had taken the bait and pulled a chair over to sit. "If money could buy this bottle, I could have just put it up on the Astral Nova Auction. There''ll be plenty of people willing to fight with you for it."


    She had previously given the Grandmaster of Astral Nova seven different kinds of special medication. But the Astral Nova Auction had only put three pills on sale. The other four had been bought by the highest bidder that night at 500 million per pill to add to his private collection.


    "Then what do you want?" Aurora asked.


    She was beginning to suspect that Hera had set up a trap for her a long time ago. Her baby''s abnormalities may also be within Hera''s ns! That was why she had purposely kept the Antina pill!

 Chapter 429

    ?Chapter 429


    "I want you to tell me about Queenie and Robin''s family," Hera said.


    Aurora felt her heart drop. She was certain now that Hera had set her up in order to hear her answer. Had Hera found out that she was the one who had given Queenie those instructions?


    That wasn''t right. If she had known about that, Hera would not havee here to chat with her about it. Instead, she would have just brought the police with her.


    That was dangerous! She nearly fell into Hera''s trap again.


    Hera sure had balls. How dare she use her child against her! But for the sake of the baby in her stomach, Aurora had no choice but toply with Hera''s requests.


    She collected the fright and anger she was feeling and asked calmly, "Why should I believe that your medication would be able to save my child?"


    "Enough with the nonsense. Every second you waste is a missed chance to save your child. You don''t have any other choice unless you don''t want to save him anymore," Hera reminded.


    Aurora''s gaze darkened as she clenched her hands into fists. Hera was right. She did not have any other choice left. All of the other doctors had given up on her child!? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "I want you to swear on your life that you''ll save my child and let my child be born safely!" Aurora begged.


    "You don''t have any right to negotiate with me. I have always stuck to my words. I will save your child if you can give me the clues that I want. Otherwise-"


    Hera did not finish her sentence. In truth, she did not trust Aurora. She even believed that there was a possibility that Aurora was the one who had instigated the car ident that killed Daphne.


    But her rtionship with her grandmother had already been exposed to the public. Although the Killians hadn''t sought out for her, it would not be easy for her to enter the Killian residence to search for evidence.


    So, Hera had set Aurora up to test her, as well as to give her a good excuse to enter the Killian residence. She wouldn''t need to fear that Aurora would harm anyone until her child was born unless Aurora did not want the baby anymore.


    Aurora looked at her stomach and fell into silence. She seemed to be having a battle within her mind.


    Seeing this, Hera suddenly got up and said, "Ms. Killian, you can take your time to consider my offer. Once you''ve made up your mind, you can just contact me."


    With that said, Hera pretended that she was about to leave.


    "Wait a minute!" Aurora called out to her.


    Hera paused and turned around. "Have you made up your mind?"


    "You can start with Uncle Rhett," Aurora said.


    Hera narrowed her eyes and looked at her before chuckling. Things were certainly getting interesting. Aurora did not give her any clues but had decided to give her a name instead. That meant that Aurora knew about what had happened. Were the bastards finally going to fight themselves?


    "Alright," Heran answered and threw the small bottle in hand toward Aurora. "Take one pill each day. I''ll head over to the Killian residence to meet you after one week."


    With that said, she turned to leave.


    Aurora took the bottle in delight. However, due to her bad experiences with Camille, she did not consume the pills immediately. Instead, she took out a pill and sent it over for someone to test the medication.


    Hera left the ward and turned off her phone camera that she had been hiding in her small handbag, saving the footage.


    When she left the hospital''s entrance, she saw Dous driving over and stopping before her. The window by the backseat was scrolled down, showing Bernard''s handsome face.


    Hera smirked, opened the car door, and got into the back seat. "How did you know I''d be here?"

 Chapter 430

    ?Chapter 430


    Bernard held Hera''s hand and moved her so that she would be sitting on top of hisp. Then, he hugged her tightly from behind.


    The sudden intimacy caused Hera to find him strange. She turned her head and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "I miss you," Bernard said as he snuggled his head into the crook of her neck.


    Hera felt slightly ticklish by his actions and raised her hand to stop his moving head. "Have you settledst night''s incident?"


    "Yes. It was the younger brother of one of the drug rings I destroyed. The brother wanted to avenge me, so he hired that group of attackers. He''s already been caught," Bernard exined.


    To avoid causing panic, he did not mention the presence of the sniper. Instead, he had arranged for his people to protect her in secret.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Who did you visit in the hospital?" Bernard asked.


    "Your eldest niece, Aurora. Her baby is developing abnormally, so she asked me to save her baby," Hera said as she lowered her gaze.


    Bernard asked in confusion, "How do you know how to protect a baby?"


    "Well, my grandmother and I used to help the people in our vige care for and deliver the babies of their livestock. After seeing it repeatedly, I got the hang of it."


    Hera exined it easily, but she did put in a lot of effort to study the entire process.


    Bernard''s lips twitched. "I don''t think livestock and humans are the same thing."


    Why did he feel like Aurora wasn''t the one who had asked Hera for help? But instead, Hera had gone there to set up a trap for Aurora.


    "It''s more or less the same. We also helped deliver babies. Sometimes, we would help a cow deliver its cattle before rushing to our neighbor''s house to help our neighbor''s pregnant wife give birth to her child," Hera said.


    Bernard was speechless. Was that how Hera had lived her life in the past?


    Dous was also speechless. He wondered what expression Aurora would make if she knew Hera wasparing her to livestock.


    "Will you be visiting the Killian residence frequently?" Bernard asked suddenly.


    "Yes."


    "Actually, you can always follow me home if you want to return to the Killian residence. There''s no need for you to find such an excuse."


    Hera looked at him in confusion. Was Bernard too smart? Or could he read her mind? How did he manage to see through her ns in the blink of an eye?


    "That''s different," Hera said. She wanted to meet Aurora as she wanted to stir up some trouble.


    "I''ll help you investigate whatever you''re currently investigating. So, could you stop putting yourself in danger?" Bernard said.


    He tightened his arms that were wrapped around her waist as he thought about that bullet from yesterday''s sniper. He had finally found her. He couldn''t lose her again.


    "I won''t hold back if I need your help," Hera declined tactfully.


    At the end of the day, Bernard was still a part of the Killian family. It was better for an outsider like her to investigate and catch the murderer within the Killians.


    "A-Alright." Bernard hesitated momentarily before respecting her decision and stopped persuading her. He knew that the more he tried to talk her out of it, the more stubborn she would be.


    "What do you want to eat for dinner tonight?" He changed the subject.


    "We''ll go home and cook. I don''t think you''ve ever tasted my cooking before," Hera said.


    Bernard was immediately reminded of the skewers she had made during a cookout and immediately said, I''ll do it. I''ll make us some steak."


    Hera immediately thought of the crispy yet soft and savory steak. She immediately nodded and said, '' Alright!"


    When they arrived back at their courtyard house, the sky had already turned dark, and the clinic had closed. Hera opened the side door while Dous helped Bernard ce the fresh ingredients and flowers into the living room of the western wing.


    "Dous, do you want to stay back and try Bernie''s cooking?" Hera asked after seeing that Dous was about to leave.


    "It''s alright. Thank you." Dous declined her offer with a smile.


    Dous couldn''t help but exim in his heart, "Let me go. I''ve already watched you two act lovey-dovey throughout the entire car ride here. There''s no need for me to stay and continue watching.


    "Then could you please help me send these flowers to the entrance of the neighborhood beside ours on your way out? I''ll tell Everly toe down and collect them."


    Then, Hera handed him several bouquets of hydrangeas, roses, and sunflowers.

 Chapter 431

    ?Chapter 431


    Catherine had always loved fresh flowers. Hence, she had bought a few bouquets when she saw them in the supermarket.


    "Alright."


    After Dous left, Hera brought the rest of the fresh flowers and ced them into a vase, whereas Bernard was busy marinating his steak in the kitchen while wearing an apron.


    The atmosphere within their home felt happy and peaceful. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. They didn''t lock the door to the main entrance, so Everly made her way inside.


    Hera had just finished cing her vase on the dining table when she spotted Everly. She asked, "Everly? Why are you here?"


    Everly exined, "Dous told me that you two arrived home, so I came over to visit. I would also like to speak to you about something."


    Then, she secretly looked at Bernard, who was busy cooking their steaks, from the corner of her eyes. Bernard stood tall, and his apron matched his white button-up, only making him look handsome and homely.


    Just a small nce was enough to make Everly''s heart skip a beat. Back in the vige, all the maleExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    vigers didn''t know how to cook. They also refused to do any chores, iming that chores were a job for the women.


    Ever since she came to the city, she realized chores weren''t just for women; men could also do them. A man who could cook and clean was truly a good man who loved you.


    She also wanted to find a good man to spend the rest of her life with.


    "Is something wrong?" Hera took out a carton of milk from the fridge and poured Everly a cup.


    Everly quickly collected her gaze and said, "It''s nothing big. But when you all went out for your vacation, Mrs. Chime Senior stopped by the clinic to meet Mrs. Jones."


    "What happened then?" Hera asked.


    Hera took a sip of her milk and said, "They talked in the consultation room with the doors closed. I also don''t know what they said, but Mrs. Jones seemed unhappy after their talk."


    Hera frowned slightly. She was the one who had exposed Camille, so why did Priscie to meet Catherine instead?


    "I got it."Hera nodded.


    "Oh, right. Hera, I heard from my brother that you and your friends were involved in a terrorist attack. Are you all alright?" Everly held Hera''s hands and asked her about it.


    Hera smiled. "We''re fine."


    "Sweetie, the steaks are done. Just clear the table, and we''ll be able to eat," Bernard reminded her from the kitchen.


    "Alright!" Hera answered and quickly cleared the leaves and stems on the table.


    Everly had also helped Hera clean up as she said enviously, "Hera, Mr. Killian treats you so well. Men from Jadonia are amazing."


    "Do you also want such a good boyfriend?" Hera nced at her with a raised eyebrow.


    "Don''t tease me," Everly said shyly.


    But her eyes couldn''t help but wander toward the open kitchen, where Bernard was focused on ting up the food. She could feel her cheeks turn red at that sight.


    Bernard could feel someone''s gaze on him. He looked up and met Everly''s gaze.


    Everly shocked, she immediately averted Bernard''s gaze while her cheeks turned even redder.


    Seeing this, Bernard frowned and turned to look at Hera.


    Hera didn''t seem to have noticed Everly''s gaze. She had finished clearing the table and went to wash her hands. On her way back to the table, she carried a te of steak with her.


    Bernard was speechless.


    "Oh, my! That smells delicious! It''ll definitely taste good!" Everly gulped as she took a whiff of the cooked steak Hera had carried over.


    "You''re right!" Hera said in agreement. Seeing her hungry expression, Hera was about to offer to share some with her when Bernard''s impassive voice sounded from behind her.


    "Everly, haven''t you eaten yet?"


    Bernard was carrying another te of steak over when he had asked his question. Everly assumed he wanted to give her that te and was immediately at a loss on what to do.


    She nodded her head before shaking it instead. "I-I''ve already eaten."


    With that said, she reached out to take that te of steak over when Bernard avoided her reach and said, " Then, go home and not disturb us during our meal."


    Everly was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 432

    ?Chapter 432


    Surprisingly, Bernard didn''t need to wake Hera up the next day as she had woken up early herself.


    Bernard felt slightly confused when Hera took the initiative to wrap her arms around his neck. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheeks. "Why don''t I send you to work today? I''ll drop by the Everetts on my way home."


    Bernard remained silent. He had nned to head to Astral Nova today, not Shuttle Ventures. They were, in fact, not heading the same way.


    But since he had decided to keep his identity a secret from Hera, he had to keep the gig up.


    "Sure," Bernard answered.


    So, Dous came to fetch them after breakfast as they drove from Jedburgh to Norburgh. They dropped Hera at the Everett residence before turning around to head to Astral Nova.


    When Hera entered the Everett residence, she took two steps forward before turning around to ensure that Bernard had left.


    Then, she turned around and left the Everett residence. Gino came out of the house with a yawn while carrying his backpack. He just so happened to see Hera get in a car by the entrance of their house. His drowsiness disappeared instantly.


    "Hera-" He quickly chased after her. But Hera didn''t hear him and quickly drove off.


    "Gino, where are you going?" Lilith came out and asked.


    Gino said loudly, "I just saw Herae home."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Hearing this, Lilith turned to look at the gates with delight.


    She was about to head out when Gideon and James quickly jogged out of the house. Even Mildred had gotten up in a hurry as she asked Judy to help her outside.


    The entire family turned to look at the gates expectantly. However, there wasn''t anyone standing there. Gino exined, "But she already left."


    "Gino, it''s been a month since April Fools. Why are you ying such tricks on us? Don''t you find it childish?" Gideon asked as he rolled his eyes at Gino.


    "I''m not lying! She just returned moments ago! If you don''t believe me, I''ll call you right now to prove it!"


    With that said, Gino took out his phone and dialed Hera''s number. However, no one answered his calls despite calling her three times in a row.


    Gino was at a loss for words.


    "I''ll deduct your allowance if you continue to lie! Okay, everyone, let''s break this up. Go back to what you were previously doing." Gideon said with a wave of his hands. It was clear he did not believe Gino.


    Gino tried to exin himself. "No, I''m not lying! I''m telling you the truth!"


    But no one believed him. He was filled with frustration as he said, "I''ll definitely prove that I wasn''t lying!


    Hera had asked Nathan to meet her in a cafe. Then, she told him about the clues Aurora had given her yesterday. She also showed him the video she had taken during their exchange.


    Nathan frowned. "Rhett Killian? He''s the current CEO of Killian Corporation. We can''t call him in for questioning without any evidence. We need to continue investigating until we find some evidence." Hera agreed and said, "Aurora cares deeply about the child in her womb now. She probably wouldn''t lie to me. But we can''t fully trust her words. I can only conclude that she knows more than we expected her to." "You''re right. You''ve already alerted them that you''re making your move. You need to be very careful with your next step. You can leave everything to me if you need," Nathan said.


    Hera nodded and asked, "Alright. Have there been any breakthroughs on your side?"


    Nathan shook her head. "No. They''re all very careful. They''ve not made any moves ever since Queenie was silenced.


    "However, the clues you''ve just provided are useful. Since they''re not nning to do anything, we can stir some things up to draw them out.


    Hera had the same n in mind. She looked at him as the two of them smiled knowingly. After leaving the cafe, Hera realized that she had received a number of texts from Gino.


    "Have youe home? I''ve already seen you!"


    "Where are you? Why aren''t you answering my calls?"


    "Answer my calls!"


    "Will answering my calls cause you to die or something?"


    "I won''t be your friend anymore if you don''t answer me."


    "Fine. We''re no longer friends!"


    "Goodbye!"


    All the messages only left Hera feeling bbergasted.

 Chapter 433

    ?Chapter 433


    Iera texted him back, saying, "I was busy just now, so I didn''t hear your calls. You''re right. I am back."Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    At the Cavenridge International Academy, the homeroom teacher of Grade 1 ss A was currently teaching when Gino felt his phone vibrate. He took out his phone and immediately stood up, interrupting his homeroom teacher.


    His teacher''s expression darkened as she asked, "Gino Everett, what on earth are you doing?"


    "Miss, I''m not feeling quite well today and would like to take the rest of the day off."


    Before his teacher had a chance to answer, Gino immediately rushed out of his ssroom with his phone in hand. Then, he quickly ran out of the gates and caught a ride back home while the security guards weren''t paying attention.


    On the way home, he screenshotted his chat with Hera and sent it into their family group chat. Then, he wrote, "See, I told you! I wasn''t lying!"


    Five minutes had passed, yet no one replied to his message. He tagged everyone in the group chat, but no one replied, even by the time he got home.


    Gino was dumbfounded. It was only when he entered his home and saw everyone surrounding Hera that he understood that everyone had just been too busy to reply to his messages.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be in ss? Why are you home?" Hera was the first one to notice Gino standing by the door.


    "I''lle home whenever I want. It''s none of your business! Dad and Gideon have also skipped work toe home!" Gino said unhappily.


    Hera found his stubborn attitude to be a little cute. So, she waved her hand and said, "Come over here." "What am I, a dog?" Gino said unhappily, yet he obediently made his way toward her.


    Hera took out a bag from behind her and said, "I brought you a present."


    Gino''s eyes immediately brightened as he took the gift, which seemed to be quite heavy.


    It was Hera''s first time bringing back a proper gift for him, and his anger immediately deted. "Because of this gift, I''ve decided not to unfriend you just yet."


    Then, he opened the gift expectantly, only to see four books inside. The four books were educational books on Java, C/C++, Perl, and Lisp, all programmingnguages for hacking.


    Gino was dumbfounded. What were all of these books for? He hadn''t even finished reading the previous one!


    Hera had some things to do in the afternoon, so the Everetts decided to have an early lunch together. At around 11 in the afternoon, Hera packed some food in a container and hailed a cab to Shuttle Ventures.


    Harold had just so happened to being out of the president''s personal elevator when he saw Herae in. His eyes immediately widened in shock as he took out his phone to call Bernard.


    "Mr. Killion, Ms. Youngworth has just arrived at thepany!"


    Bernard was dealing with some of Astral Nova''s official business when he received Harold''s call.


    He immediately stood up and said, "Tell her I had to leave thepany due to unexpected circumstances and that you''re not sure when I''d be back. Ask her to give me a call instead."


    "Alright." Harold had turned around after ending the call, only to see that the receptionist was already greeting Hera.


    "Ms. Youngworth, are you here to see Mr. Killian? Mr. Killian is¡ª"


    "Ms. Youngworth, unfortunately, Mr. Killian had to leave thepany to deal with some unexpected circumstances." Harold quickly flew over to interrupt the receptionist, startling her.


    "Mr. Greer."


    Hera turned to look at the neer in confusion. Seeing that she recognized him, she said, "It''s alright. I''ll just wait for him upstairs."


    Then, she turned to the receptionist and said, "Could you please give me ess to the elevator?"


    Harold quickly blocked their path and said politely, "Mr. Killian might not return to the office today. Why don''t you call him instead?"


    Hera frowned and nodded. "Alright. I''ll head up first."


    Harrold was afraid he''d seem suspicious if he tried to stop her again. So, he moved aside for her to pass. After Hera entered the elevator, he immediately sent Bernard a message.


    Hera arrived at Bernard''s office and settledfortably in his chair before deciding to give him a call." Bernie, I''ve brought you lunch, but they told me you''re outside now. When will you be back?"


    Bernard looked at the busy schedule Samson had just handed to him. He had a meeting with the Ten Elders at two and could not leave.


    "I won''t be returning to thepany in the afternoon. Sorry for making youe all this way for nothing. I''ll go and meet youter at night."


    Hearing that Bernard wasn''t nning on returning, Hera reached out to turn on hisputer...

 Chapter 434

    ?Chapter 434


    "Where are you? Do you want me to bring the food over there instead?" Hera asked deliberately.


    It was rare for Hera to act so clingy, so Bernard was actually feeling very happy. But at the same time, he also felt guilty for lying to her.


    "I''m at Dusk City discussing a possible business coboration. It''s a bit far, so there''s no need for you to bother. I''ll go meet you once I''m done."


    Hera''s hands paused after hearing that Bernard was at Dusk City as Astral Nova was located beside it.


    "What time''s your appointment?" She probed.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    Bernard replied, "Two in the afternoon."


    Hera said regretfully, "Oh, then I don''t think I''ll be able to make it in time. Just go and do what you need to do."


    "Good girl. I''ll try to finish up as soon as possible and head to the Everett residence to meet you."


    "Alright," Hera said before ending the call. Then, she opened her WhatsApp and changed to her other ount, Shadow. After that, she sent the Grandmaster of Astral Nova a message before turning Bernard''sputer on.


    She remembered that during the first time she had hacked into the Grandmaster''sputer, his IP address indicated that he was at Shuttle Ventures.


    Furthermore, Bernard had requested backup during the attack at Greecia Lakeside. However, the backup came from a helicopter that held the Astral Nova symbol.


    Was it really all just a coincidence? She remembered how the Grandmaster of Astral Nova had asked for her picture.


    But despite showing up as someonepletely different, even a different gender, the Grandmaster wasn''t the slightest bit surprised. It was almost as if he already knew who she was. She took out a USB drive from her bag and connected it to hisptop.


    At the same time, Bernard was currently at Astral Nova''s skyscraper. He looked at his chat message with Shadow and frowned.


    Shadow had just sent him a message: "All the money for those special medications has been credited into your ount, right? Prepare the money, and I''ll head over to collect it at two in the afternoon."


    What was Hera doing? Why was she acting so out of the blue today? Did she realize something?


    Back at Shuttle Ventures, Hera used her codes to run through all the documents on Bernard''sptop but failed to find anything rted to Astral Nova.


    At the same time, she found something interesting. The timestamps for the modification of theputer files had veryrge gaps in between. There would only be a few timestamps throughout the whole year. Furthermore, all of the applications used formunicating had been deleted thoroughly. It was obvious that theputer before her was barely used toplete work. Was it just for decoration?


    Then, she proceeded to hack into thepany''s internalwork and began searching through the cameras by the building''s entrance. She used times 16 yback speed to watch through today''s recording, but there weren''t any signs of Bernard entering thepany today.


    It was a one-time thing. She continued to look through old footage and realized there weren''t any signs of


    Bernard. So, where exactly did Bernard work if he came to Norburgh every weekday?


    Bernard had not been doing well in the Killian family, yet he did note to work. Hera felt like things weren''t adding up and that Bernard wasn''t who he imed to be.


    At the same time, she had also hid her real identity from him, so she believed they were both equally at fault. But now, not only was Bernard not who he imed to be, but he was also much better at pretending than she was!


    At that moment, her phone lit up as she received a notification. She opened her chat.


    It was a message from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova. The message wrote, "Sure. You can head straight to the skyscraper."


    What? He didn''t reject her?


    Hera immediately quit hispany''swork and removed her traces. She pulled out the USB drive and called a cab to head toward Astral Nova.


    In the conference room within the skyscraper, Bernard was the only person present around the round meeting table, whereas a 3D hologram filled in the seats for the Ten Elders.


    Although the 3D holograms were covered in ck, they had an emerald ring on their index finger. Each ring had a different color, symbolizing the different elders.


    Today''s meeting was an online meeting with Astral Nova''s upper management. An Al processed everyone''s voices and automatically converted them to thenguage set by the receiving end.


    The meeting had just started when Bernard''s phone lit up, indicating a call from Hera.

 Chapter 435

    ?Chapter 435


    But Hera quickly ended the call and sent a message instead.


    Hera wrote, "When will you be done with your meeting? I happened to be dropping by Astral Nova to handle some business. So why don''t we head back together once we''re done?"


    Hera was rarely so clingy toward him. Bernard nced at the time and was sure they would be able to end the meeting before three in the afternoon.


    So, he replied, "Alright. I''ll try to finish up by three and go to meet you."


    In the lobby of Astral Nova''s skyscraper, Hera walked in brazenly without even wearing a mask. Samson immediately invited her to sit and poured her a cup of coffee. He had always been curious about her true identity, especially after seeing how Bernard had dismissed all protocols at the auction for her.


    Now that he was standing before her, he could not help but feel a strong sense of respect toward her, despite seeing on the news that Camille had been pretending to be the miracle doctor while Hera was the true miracle doctor.


    "I never thought that you''d be the real Dr. Shadow, Ms. Youngworth," Samson said as he handed her a cup of coffee.


    "Do you know me?" Hera asked as she looked at him.


    Samson cried out in his heart, "Of course, I know you! You''re dating Bernard!"


    However, he looked impassive and said, "I''ve seen you on the news."


    Hera nodded in understanding as she quietly looked around the lobby, especially behind that big screen. However, she saw no signs of the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    So, she asked, "Is the Grandmaster not here?"


    Samson answered, "The Grandmaster is currently busy."


    "Oh," Hera said as she nced at Bernard''s reply. Three in the afternoon...


    "This is the money our grandmaster has instructed for me to give you. Due to thirty billion being too much to carry in cash, the grandmaster has arranged for us to hand you a check."


    Samson took out a ck envelope that had the Astral Nova''s symbol stamped on it in gold. He handed her the envelope with both hands as a sign of respect.


    "Thank you." Hera took the envelope but did not open it. Instead, she ced it on the coffee table and slowly drank a sip of her coffee. Then, she asked, "Are you busy?"


    "Not at the moment," Samson answered.


    Bernard was in a meeting, so his job was to stand guard outside his office to ensure that no one would disturb him. Hence, he wasn''t particrly busy.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Then, could you allow me to sit here as I wait for someone?" Hera asked.


    Samson thought about how they were in Bernard''s office. She had every right to sit there as long as she wanted to.


    Forty minutester, Bernard''s meeting was about to end, yet Hera remained seated on the wooden chair. She was looking through her phone as she drank cup after cup of coffee.


    She seemed like she had no intentions of leaving!


    Samson was beginning to feel anxious. Bernard''s meeting was about to end. If he came out, everything would be let out of the bag!


    He immediately sent Bernard a message. Bernard was dumbfounded when he saw the message and quickly replied, "Bring her out on a walk."


    Samson received the orders and was nning how to take Hera out on a walk when he heard her ask, "Is the Grandmaster of Astral Nova required toe to work every day?"


    Normally, Samson would not answer such a question as it was clear that the person asking was trying to figure out Bernard''s whereabouts. But the person before him wasn''t just anyone. She was Bernard''s girlfriend.


    Samson answered, "It depends on the Grandmaster''s mood."


    Hera was speechless. That was as good as not giving her an answer!


    At that moment, her phone rang. She thought it was Bernard calling to say that he had arrived but realized it was Leon calling instead.


    "Boss, there''s an emergency. The website that Damian''spany runs is being attacked by a hacker. That website contains a lot of confidential information that should not be leaked to the public.


    "I can''t seem to be able to stop the hacker. Could you help me? It''s a really big emergency! If those documents get leaked, Damian would suffer a huge loss¡ª"


    Hera scoffed and said, "Give me a moment."


    Then, she got up, took her check, and left Astral Nova. Then, she went to look for a cybercafe nearby.


    Hera sat at the corner of the cybercafe. She plugged in her USB sh drive and had just received ess to control Leon''s desktop from afar.


    Suddenly, her phone rang, indicating that Bernard was calling her. "Sweetie, I''ve arrived at the entrance of the skyscraper of Astral Nova. Where are you?"

 Chapter 436

    ?Chapter 436


    Hera was bbergasted by the timing as she had just gotten started. No matter how quick she was, she would need at least ten minutes to do everything.


    "I''ve already left Astral Nova, and I''m currently at a coffee shop by the mall. Why don''t youe over and meet me here?" With that said, she ended the call.


    Her slender fingers flew quickly across the keyboard. The sound of typing had attracted the admiration of a young man beside her. He couldn''t help himself and took out his phone to record her.


    Hera took control of Leon''s desktop and screened through his codes. Then, she immediately sent those hackers a virus, forcing them to stop with their attacks.


    She integrated a simple trap by their firewall to prevent bad people with bad intentions from hacking into their website again.


    Once everything was done, she sent Leon a message.


    It wrote, "Don''t just put all of your focus into dating. You might as well study and improve if you have the time. At this rate, even my little brother will be able to surpass you."C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    Leon replied, "What? Do you mean your biological younger brother? Since when did he start learning hacking?"


    Hera didn''t have the time to reply to him after she looked at the time. Fifteen minutes had passed, and Bernard had probably arrived.


    She revoked her ess to control his desktop and saw the young man filming her through the reflection of her screen. She immediately typed a line of codes on her keyboard.


    The young man had been engrossed in watching her code when his screen suddenly cked out.


    The young man was stunned. But after fiddling with it, he realized his phone had just turned off.


    When he turned his phone back on and scrolled through his videos, he realized that the video he had just taken had disappeared.


    Logically, the video should have been saved automatically. But even if it hadn''t been saved, there should be a record of it in his trash.


    Suddenly, he realized that Hera was probably the one behind it. But Hera had already exited the page, deleted all her records, unplugged her USB sh drive, and left the cybercafe.


    Hera had just left the cybercafe and was about to head to the cafe when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.


    "Sweetie."


    She paused and turned around, only to see Bernard walking toward her.


    Bernard was dressed in a ck suit jacket, a white buttoned up, and a gray tie. He was dressed very formally while he held a document bag in his hand. He looked like a professional who had just finished a meeting.


    There was also an undisguisable sense of elegance in the air around him, making him seem perpetually out of reach.


    Hera suddenly felt a little guilty. "Bernie"


    "Why are you here?" Bernard asked as he purposely nced at the cybercafe behind her.


    Hera was just about toe up with an excuse when the young man from just now came up to her.


    "Hello, you were so good just now. Can I have your number? I''m also currently learning how to hack!" The young man lifted his phone as he looked at Hera expectantly.


    The young man was much taller than Hera, but he looked very young. He didn''t seem to be over 15 or 16 years old.


    Hera did not expect the young man to chase after her. She nced at Bernard guiltily.


    Based on her understanding of Bernard, he would probably assume that the young man was just spewing nonsense in order to hit her up.


    However, Bernard looked amused as he asked, "Oh? How amazing was she?"


    "She-"


    "It was just some basic Python programming. It''s all written in the books." Hera quickly interrupted the young man from speaking.


    The young man froze. Although he was a beginner, he could tell that what Hera did was absolutely amazing.


    "I already have a boyfriend, so I won''t be able to give you my number." With that said, Hera held Bernard''s arm and pulled him away, pretending that the young man was just trying to hit her up.


    Bernard looked down at Hera. He couldn''t help but smile after seeing her acknowledge their rtionship so openly. He took her hand, which was linked with his arm, and held it tightly.


    "No, I just wanted to-"The young man was about to follow them to exin himself.


    However, Bernard looked back and red at him coldly. His cold re caused the young man to tremble as he froze in his tracks.


    Hera noticed that the young man did not chase after her. She was about to sigh in relief when she heard Bernard ask her a question.

 Chapter 437

    ?Chapter 437


    "Have you been in the cyber cafe all this time?"


    "That''s right. I had just finished running an errand and wasn''t sure when you''d be done. I noticed there was a cybercafe here, so I came over to study."


    Hera had lowered her eyes when she spoke. But she suddenly remembered Bernard mentioning to her that she had a habit of not daring to look people in the eye when she lied.


    So, she forced her head back up and looked at him. "We''ve been going out for the past few days, and I didn''t have the time to study. So, it''s about time I catch up with my studies."


    Bernard raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. "Didn''t you tell me that you were in a cafe just now?"


    Hera answered, "O-Oh, the entrance of this cybercafe is a bit hidden. I was afraid you wouldn''t be able to find me, so I decided to name a more eye-catching shop, like that cafe over there."


    "Oh," Benjamin nodded. Then, he asked meaningfully, "So, are you eager to learn how to hack quickly?" Hera was at a loss for words. She felt like there was something wrong with the atmosphere between them. She was the one who hade here to test Bernard. So why did the tables suddenly turn on her instead? "I just wanted to learn a little faster and better than you. That way, I would be able to sleep through in the morning," she said solemnly.


    That wasn''t an excuse! She really did not want to wake up early in the morning. Bernard was dumbfounded. It seemed he had to keep his identity hidden well and made sure Hera would never find out.


    "What project did youe all the way here to discuss? Was the meeting sessful?" Hera took the opportunity to change the subject while he was silent.


    "It was sessful, but it''s apany''s secret, so I can''t tell you about it," Bernard said.


    Hera also didn''t want to know about hispany''s secret, so she rolled her eyes and said, "I''m hungry. Let''s go and eat something. You''re much more familiar with the area, so is there anywhere you''d rmend?"


    Without missing a beat, Bernard said, "I don''te here that often, but my business partner did rmend a restaurant nearby. We can always head over there to give it a try."


    Hera replied, "A-Alright."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The two of them headed to the restaurant hand in hand. Due to the time, there weren''t many customers in the restaurant, so Bernard decided to book a private room.


    The private room had floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a perfect view of Astral Nova, which happened to be across the road. The vintage architecture, coupled with the red walls and green tiles, made the whole building look like it had been stuck in time.


    Hera stood by the window as she suddenly turned around and asked, "What kind of people do you think would work for Astral Nova?"


    Bernard was busy ordering and answered, "I don''t know. Come over here and take a look at what you would like to eat."


    Hera was speechless as she took note of calm demeanor, not giving anything away. If it weren''t for the fact that she had seen the surveince footage of Shuttle Ventures, she would have begun to wonder if she was just overthinking things.


    However, she felt much more eager to expose him after seeing him do such a good job of not slipping up. She was eager to test him, but she could not rush into it.


    The problem at hand was like a difficult math question, a tough medical case, or even an imprable firewall. She had to solve it step by step.


    "You already know what I like." Hera returned to her seat and propped her chin up with her hands. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him, causing Bernard to gulp subconsciously while his gaze darkened.


    "I won''t be able to hold myself back if you continue to look at me like that." He got up and walked around the table to kiss her.


    At that moment, a waiter just so happened to have entered to bring their drinks in. He was immediately greeted by the scene of them kissing, so he quickly left and only returned after some time had passed.


    While the waiter was pouting them their drinks, Bernard took the opportunity to look at his phone and read through his messages.


    He had sent a message into one of his group chats about ten minutes ago. It wrote, "Have there been any reports or signs of Raven being online today?"


    Scorpio and Virgo both replied, "Nope."


    Taurus added, "I didn''t see her either."

 Chapter 438

    ?Chapter 438


    At night, James received the news that Hera would return home from dinner and immediately organized a small family gathering. Ever since he had received an investment from XS Corporation, the Everett Group had resumed operations and gone back on track, with thepany even starting to generate profits.


    He was filled with confidence once again as he stood higher than he ever did in the corporate world. He was also regaining his power and position as the head of the Everett family. So, he was just filled with confidence and energy.


    He knew that Hera was to be thanked for all of his sess and achievements. His daughter was a genius, a miracle doctor, and his lucky charm. It was due to his poor judgment that caused him to mistreat Hera and resulted in his bankruptcy.


    But luckily, his daughter wasn''t overly cruel and had given him a chance to make things up to her. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a car pulling into their driveway. As the head of the family, James walked up ahead to wee them and to show them his respect toward them.


    He had just walked out the door and realized that it had started to rain. He was about to get an umbre when Judy headed out to greet their guests with two umbres in hand.


    Then, Lilith also rushed out with a nket in hand. Gideon held out an umbre as he followed behind Lilith. He identally bumped into James on his way out.


    James stumbled but managed to steady himself. Then, he heard Mildred''s voice sound out from behind them.


    "Why are you standing here blocking the way? Go and bring two cups of warm water over here. It''s easy for them to get sick during such weather. We can''t have Hera and Bernard catching a cold."


    James was speechless. So much for family status. Hera was sitting in the passenger seat and had just unbuckled her belt when Judy opened her car door. Judy used her umbre to shelter her from the rain.


    The second Hera got down from the car, Lilith immediately wrapped a nket around Hera. Hera was bbergasted.


    "Don''t get caught in the rain. It''s easy to catch a cold if you do. You should head inside quickly," Lilith said as she ushered Hera in.


    "Mom, you''re being dramatic," Hera said as she tried to pull the nket off.


    Lilith stopped her and said in a low voice, "You''re on your period. You should be more careful."


    Hera froze momentarily. She had indeed started her period in the afternoon, but she never expected Lilith to be so attentive. Her heart was filled with warmth as she allowed Lilith to usher her into the house.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Bernard followed behind them, but he held his own umbre as he watched the Everetts fawn over Hera. Hera had just sat down when James carried two cups of warm water over.


    Seeing this, Mildred said unhappily, "Did you really just bring in water over here because I asked you to pour them some hot water? Don''t you know how to brew some tea, considering how cold the weather is?"


    James had not done such chores for more than ten years. Back when he was the head of the family, Lilith would be the one to pour their guests water and serve them.


    He felt quite aggrieved since the person he was serving was his daughter. But Bernard was sitting there watching him, so he could only swallow back his grievances and went to brew them some tea.


    It seemed his position within the family had gone down a notch once again.


    "Hey, Mr. Everett. That''s not how you''re supposed to do it. You need to boil some hot water-Oh, just let me do it," Judy said as she pushed James away.


    James was at a loss for words. Well, his position had gone down again.


    Hearing the ruckusing from downstairs, he immediately came down. When he saw Bernard, he immediately understood why Hera had given him those books in the afternoon. She wanted him to study in secret and slowly surpass Bernard.


    He had been studying on his own for quite some time now and did make some progress. It seemed it was time for his family to see how talented he was.


    He quickly ran up to get hisptop before squeezing in between Bernard and Hera. He turned to Bernard and asked, "How much Python do you know?"


    Bernard was slightly annoyed that Gino had decided to squeeze in between him and Hera. But considering that Gino would be his brother-inw in the future, he answered, "I''ve read half of it."


    Hearing this, Gino was secretly delighted. Bernard was only halfway done, yet he had already finished it! It seemed like all his efforts spent on studying Python every chance he got had not gone to waste. He turned to Hera and asked, "Hera, what about you?"

 Chapter 439

    ?Chapter 439


    Hera was busy drinking the chamomile tea Judy had brewed for her and did not pay any attention to the page Gino had flipped to. She replied perfunctorily, "About the same as him."


    "The two of you are too slow! I''ve already finished the book!" Gino said in disdain as he turned hisptop on. "I''ve also learned how to apply it and have made a few games."


    Then, he clicked on an icon on his desktop. His screen immediately disyed arge blue sky background, a grassy field, and a gray road. The bright colors formed a simple highway driving game.


    Although the game wasn''t attractive in terms of disy, at least all the basic codes for the game were urate.


    "What do you think? Am I awesome, or what? I''m basically a genius!" Gino turned to look proudly at Hera and Bernard. It was obvious he was waiting for them to praise him.


    "Wow! Gino, did you write this yourself? You''re amazing!" Lilith came over and encouraged him after taking a look at his screen.


    "It''s not that bad for a kid your age," Gideon said as he nodded in approval.


    "As expected, all of the children in the Everett family are geniuses!" Mildred nodded in satisfaction.


    James was the only one who remained silent. Suddenly, he thought back about his time in school with Lilith. He felt slightly guilty as he remembered all the times Lilith would exin a certain lesson to him. "Pretty impressive," Hera said with approval. He did show potentialpared to his peers.


    Bernard was slightly speechless. Was that it?


    "However, you could tweak this part a little," Hera said as she took theptop and brought up his codes. She was just about to give him some pointers when she felt a hot gaze on her.


    She didn''t even need to look up to know who it was. An idea shed across her mind as she deliberately wrote an error into the string of code. Then, she turned to Bernard and asked, "Would it be better if you tweak it like this? What do you think?"Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "That''s not right." Bernard moved Gino aside and sat beside Hera before pulling theptop toward him.


    Such a basic level of programming was enough to impress Hera. Wouldn''t Hera be mesmerized by him if he showed her his capabilities?


    "You should do this," Bernard said as he typed a row of codes onto the keyboard and changed Hera''s wrongly written code. He also optimized the overlyplicated code and simplified it.


    Gino was bbergasted. Hera watched as he typed confidently and narrowed her eyes. She said, "These aren''t Python functions. They''re from Java and Perl, right?"


    Moreover, he had executed those techniques wlessly. It did not seem like something a beginner would be able to pull off.


    Bernard paused momentarily. He realized he had gotten carried away and had forgotten that he was supposed to be a programming beginner. Based on his progress, he was not supposed to know all these.


    He cleared his throat and exined, "That''s right. I would often browse around some hacker forums while I ck off during work. I learned this from a few tutorials I had watched."


    Then, he turned to Hera and asked, "How did you recognize them?"


    Hera was at a loss for words. Oh no! She had spoken too quickly just now. She should have allowed him to


    show off some more and understand his programming habits.


    Famous hackers tend to have their own style of programming. Experience hackers would be able to recognize people through these different styles. By speaking up, not only did she stop Bernard from showing off his skill and style, but she had also identally exposed herself.


    "Coincidentally, I also went through some website forums and watched a few tutorials," Hera exined, Gino was bbergasted. Didn''t they agree to read the books and learn by themselves? Why were they both doing other things instead?

 Chapter 440

    ?Chapter 440


    "Ilera, will you major in programming at your university?" Gideon asked.


    It had been half a year since Hera received the letters of rmendation for two of the greatest universities in Jedburgh. However, she never mentioned which university she was going to attend or what she was going to major in.


    Since she was learning programming at that moment, he instinctively thought that was what she was choosing. Bernard was curious as well as he looked at Hera.


    "I haven''t made up my mind yet," she said.


    Previously, she kept focusing on getting revenge for Daphne and clearing Lucius'' name. So, she never thought about what she wanted to major in. Instead, she just wanted an opportunity to go to Jedburgh. However, too much had happened. She had a home again and a person she loved. That was when she realized that life wasn''t just about revenge. She had to actually live her life and think about her future.


    Bernard held her hand. "No matter what you choose to major in, I''ll support you. It''s fine if you don''t want to study at all. I can provide for you."


    When she heard that, she smiled and held his hand tight. Hera figured she had to start thinking about their future together.


    "Why should you even study when you''re already Dr. Shadow? Instead of wasting four years in school, you might as well use the time to expand your medical clinic," said Mildred.


    Then, she started breaking it down for Hera. "With your capabilities and Bernard''s investment, you can totally make it great right away.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You can even surpass the Chimes and be at the top of the local medical industry! Then, the Everetts can finally hope to be part of the four influential families!


    "So, do your best, Hera! I''ve already told all of my wealthy friends how great you are, so don''t disappoint me!"


    Hera was speechless, thinking that Mildred was overthinking it.


    "Grandma, you shouldn''t boast like that!" Gino said mockingly.


    "That''s right, Mom. How could you say something so exaggerated? The Chimes have been in the medical field for centuries. You''re putting Hera in a spot by saying that," said Lilith.


    She knew Hera was impressive. However, she didn''t want Hera to have such a great burden because of it. "That''s not it!" Gino disagreed with what Lilith said, and he said confidently, "Hera won the sker Medical Award before, and she might even get a Nobbell prize next year! So, what''s so great about being the best in the country? She should be the best in the world!"


    Lilith and Bernard were both speechless when they heard that. Hera didn''t know what to say, and she smiled awkwardly. She thought Gino was being too ambitious.


    "Hey, you''re right. My imagination is limited by our poverty!"


    Mildred patted herself on her thigh and said, "Hera, do you still have that special medication? Try getting a Nobel prize with it now! Then, you should produce as many of them as possible and make it the Everetts exclusive! Don''t ever let the Chimes take advantage of it."


    "If I remember correctly, the special medication is made from Eclipse Stones. Since they are rare, there''s


    no way to mass produce the pills," Gideon reminded.


    "They might be rare, but that doesn''t mean we can''t find any! We can get someone to search for them!" said Mildred.


    "That''s right!" James agreed with a nod. He was proud enough to be Dr. Shadow''s biological father. If Hera really could be the best in the world, he would be the father of the world''s greatest person! That would be the greatest dream he could have.


    With that thought in mind, he immediately suggested, "Astral Nova found the Eclipse Stonesst time, so we can ask them where they found it. Then, we can pay for something to get more of them! Let''s create our own opportunities!"


    After he said that, Gideon suddenly thought it was feasible and nodded. "That might actually work." "Then, what are we waiting for? Send someone to ask about it now!" Mildred urged.


    Meanwhile, Bernard was still speechless, thinking that they were underestimating the people at Astral Nova. After all, it wouldn''t be that easy to get information out of them. If the Eclipse Stones were that easy to find, the Everetts wouldn''t even get the chance to find any.


    Hera was speechless as well, thinking how her family was so happy with their wild imagination.

 Chapter 441

    ?Chapter 441


    Seeing how James and Gideon really were going to call someone to get some information, Hera stood up and said, "It''s gettingte, so let''s get ready for bed now. You guys can have anything in your dreams."


    James, Gideon, and Catherine were all stunned when they heard that.


    Suddenly, Gino said, "Wait. Am I the only one who''s wondering why Hera had the money to bid for the Eclipse Stones? Rumors had it that they were 880 million dors!"


    Right after he said that everyone looked toward Hera, and they had a realization.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Gideon felt ashamed to find out that Hera became rich before he did. James thought he was a fool of the family the whole time. Lilith was just amazed by Hera. Mildred wondered if it was toote to shower Hera with love.


    Meanwhile, Bernard remembered that he had to check the financial records when he got back. He had to find an opportunity to transfer the money back to Hera after making her waste so much money.


    Linda habitually entered Aurora''s bedroom with a sk in her hand. "Aury, are you feeling better?"


    Aurora was resting on her bed, and Roman was chatting with her while sitting next to the bed. When he saw Linda, he greeted, "Hello, Grandaunt Linda."


    "Oh, you''re here, too!" Linda smiled with a nod. Then, she ced the sk on a table.


    "Here, Aury. My aunt got up early just to make this soup for you. Since the doctor said you''re weak now, you should drink some chicken soup to re-energize your body. It should improve your appetite as well, and it''ll be good for you and your baby."


    As she said that, she poured some of the soup into a bowl and handed it to Aurora.


    When Aurora smelled the chicken in the soup, she felt nauseous and wanted to puke. She tried her best to suppress the feeling and said, "Thank you, Aunt Linda. But I really can''t drink it right now. The smell of chicken makes me nauseous."


    "That''s perfectly normal. I''ll just leave it here for now, so make sure you have itter," Linda reminded as she ced it aside.


    "Ms. Aurora, Dr. Flynn is here." Suddenly, Talia brought in a professional-looking woman.


    Aurora''s eyes lit up as she asked, "How was it?"


    "I''ve checked the pills, Ms. Aurora. They are safe to consume." Jamie passed the test results to Aurora. "Thank you." After Aurora nced through the results and made sure everything was fine, she took off the golden bracelet on her left wrist. Then, she passed it to Jamie.


    "Thank you, Ms. Aurora." Jamie happily epted it. After she left, Aurora hurriedly asked Roman to pour herself a ss of water. Then, she took out the small container she previously received from Hera and grabbed a pill from inside before consuming it.


    Linda watched closely as Aurora took the pill and asked caringly, "Where did you get that medicine, Aury? You have to be careful and not take any pills recklessly."


    "Dr. Shadow gave me this," said Aurora.


    When Linda heard that, her eyes shed in disbelief for an instant. "Did you get examined by Dr. Shadow?" Aurora nodded and was puzzled. "That''s right. Is there a problem?"


    Linda thought it was a huge problem! Before Camille''s real identity was exposed, the Killians liked her a lot and wanted to have Dr. Shadow in their family. That was why they wanted Bernard to marry her and make the Chimes part of the Killians'' family.


    However, Camille was revealed to be a fraud, and the real Dr. Shadow turned out to be Hera.


    Hera was also known as Cecily, who lived with the Killians for six years when they mistakenly took her in at birth 18 years ago!


    Linda thought it wasn''t a good sign for a person to reappear after she was thought to be dead 12 years ago!

 Chapter 442

    ?Chapter 442


    "Aury, do you know who Dr. Shadow was in the past?" Linda asked in suspicion.


    Aurora nodded. "Yeah, I do."


    "Then, why are you still taking the pills she gave you? Aren''t you worried that something might be wrong with them?" said Linda.


    Of course, there was no way Aurora wouldn''t be worried. However, she had no other choices. Other than Hera, no one else could save her child! So, she had to take the risk!


    Since she had something Hera wanted, she figured thetter wouldn''t dare to do anything to her. Aurora cleared the doubt she had in her mind and pretended to be confused.


    "Why would she want to hurt me?"


    Linda saw how innocent Aurora looked and wondered if thetter truly didn''t know what she was implying. After all, Hera wasn''t the same youngdy from back then that could be seen through.


    Instead, she was the amazing Dr. Shadow. If she wanted, any wealthy guy would dly be used by her, and Nichs was a great example.


    If Hera decided to expose what happened 12 years ago, the Killians would have to suffer! Linda wondered if Aurora had other ns by boldly taking Hera''s pills.


    After pondering on it, she said calmly, "You''re right. She has no reason to hurt you. I''m worrying too much."


    Since Hera wasn''t doing anything at the moment, she had no reason to be anxious. Instead, she should just calmly watch out for anything suspicious. Roman quietly watched from the side as Aurora and Linda chatted, and he had a feeling that there was a shameful history between them and Hera.


    "With Dr. Shadow taking care of you herself, I''m sure you and Chad have nothing to worry about. I still have something to attend to, so I shan''t disturb you further."


    After saying that, Linda got up. Before she left, she reminded Aurora, "Remember to drink the chicken soup. Otherwise, it''s going to taste stale when it''s cold."Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Sure. Thanks again, Aunt Linda. Roman, see your grandaunt out," said Aurora.


    Roman nodded and got up as well to apany Linda out. When they got out of the house, he looked around and noticed no one was around.


    He couldn''t stop being curious and asked, "Grandaunt, Dr. Shadow is just Hera, right? Why would she want to hurt Mom?"


    Seeing how innocent he looked, Linda suddenly had a n. She stopped in her tracks and ruffled his hair before asking, "Since you know Hera, do you know what her rtionship is with your Granduncle Bernard?


    "Of course!" he answered, thinking Hera was just Bernard''s partner.


    Ever since Hera exposed Camille, Bernard embraced Hera in public and stunned everyone in Jedburgh with their rtionship. Back then, Roman was shocked as well to find out that Bernard wasn''t actually interested in men!


    If Bernard was actually interested in men, then he wouldn''t be able to get married. As Aurora''s adoptive son, Roman would be a legal heir as well.


    There were six children in the Killian family, and there were only three guys among them.


    Among the three of them, the eldest passed away shortly after birth. Greg''s son was greatly ill after his parents passed away, and his brain was damaged because of it. Frederick was the only one who was still considered fine.


    Roman found out that Frederick was only interested in men. However, since thetter was good at hiding it, no one in the family knew about it. So, the only potential heirs were Bernard, Frederick, and Roman.


    Since Bernard wasn''t interested in men and even found himself a partner, Roman figured he would be getting married soon.

 Chapter 443

    ?Chapter 443


    Once Bernard got married, he would get the shares that Albert left for Roman back then and had the most shares in the family. That meant that Bernard would be the family''s next patriarch, and Roman would lose all of his chance to be the head of the family.


    However, he would still have a chance as long as Bernard wasn''t married.


    But Hera was Bernard''s woman, and Roman figured she would stand by Bernard''s side and not hurt Aurora.


    After all, Aurora was still the daughter of the current patriarch. Otherwise, the head of the family wouldn''t agree to their marriage.


    Suddenly, Roman realized why Linda had visited Aurora. She was purposely trying to start a conflict by making Aurora suspicious. As long as Bernard didn''t get married, Roman would have a shot at being the patriarch.


    "Grandaunt, do you want to stop Granduncle Bernard from getting married as well?" he asked softly.


    Linda saw through him immediately and had to admit that Aurora was right for adopting someone so smart. However, Roman was still young, and she knew what was on his mind right away. After some practice, Linda would not be able to see through him anymore.


    Linda didn''t answer him directly. Instead, she said meaningfully, "Oh, Roman. You''ve been with the Killians for some time now, and you know how your mom doesn''t have any children of her own.


    "That''s why she has been treating you like her own son. In fact, the whole family treats you as one of their


    own.


    "So, you have the right to inherit the family, too. I''m sure you know that, right?"


    Roman nodded.


    "However, your mom is pregnant now. If she gives birth to a boy..."


    Lina stopped there, and Roman immediately knew what she was implying. Since Aurora''s husband was married into the Killian family, her child would take herst name as well. If she had a son, then Roman would have one morepetitor, and he would lose his position in the family!


    There was no way an adoptive son would be prioritized over a biological son!


    "Then, what should I do, Grandaunt Linda?" Roman carefully asked as he tugged Linda''s sleeve.


    She looked around, and when she didn''t see anyone around them, she said, "I know how close you are to Freddy, Roman. That''s why I hope you can have a great life with the Killians, too. However, Aury is my niece. So, I have no choice but to be happy for her when she''s about to give birth."


    Roman understood what she was trying to say. The child Aurora was carrying was the key! As long as the child wasn''t born, he figured Aurora would only love him.


    Since Hera was a doctor, she would be seen as the enemy for not being able to save the child. That way, Chad wouldn''t agree to Bernard and Hera''s marriage!


    Roman would be killing two birds with one stone!? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    When Linda saw the sly look on Roman''s face, she knew the clever child understood what she was trying to imply.


    "That''s all I can do for you. Now, it''s all up to you." She took the opportunity to take out a bottle of pills


    from her pocket and gave it to him.


    Roman recognized the pills immediately. They were the drugs that Camille made and looked simr to the pills that Hera made. If he mixed them up together, it would be difficult to differentiate the two. Linda was hoping he could swap Aurora''s pills with these and let Hera carry the me!


    Roman gulped as he tightened his grip on the bottle. If Aurora took the pills, not only would the child not survive, Aurora might lose her life as well!


    Could he really do it?

 Chapter 444

    ?Chapter 444


    Roman felt ufortable and asked, "Is there no other way?"


    Aurora adopted him from the orphanage, giving him a blissful home and showering him with love that he never had before. He wondered if he really had to repay her kindness with such cruelty.


    When Linda noticed he was hesitating, she felt annoyed.


    However, she still said patiently, "As Dr. Shadow, there''s no way Hera would let her patients die and tarnish her reputation.


    "So, even if Aurora loses the child, Hera will do her best to save Aurora''s life! If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t want to do this to my own niece as well."


    After saying that, Linda pretended to have second thoughts. "Oh, maybe we should just forget it. I can''t do this to my niece for an outsider.


    "Aury is a great person. Even if she has a son, I''m sure she''ll treat her adopted son equally as well. Just forget what I''ve said." Then, she turned around and left.


    Roman still thought it wasn''t wise earlier. However, after hearing Linda call him an outsider, the slightest hesitance in him was taken over by his greed.


    He grasped the bottle of pills tightly. Just as he was about to return inside the house, he suddenly heard a branch snapping nearby.


    "Who is it?" He immediately rushed toward the groves and pried them apart. Then, he saw a man hiding in there, failing to escape in time.


    Roman tensed up, wondering if the man heard his conversation with Linda earlier. If the patriarch found out that he was going to harm Aurora, he would be doomed!


    Suddenly, he had a killing intent. Coincidentally, there was a huge boulder next to him. Right when he picked it up, the man in the groves looked up and showed his dirty face. There were even leaves in his mouth and his messy hair.


    That man was Xavier Killian, the heir of the Killians with brain damage.


    "Oh, it''s you. What''s a fool like you doing here?" Roman let out a breath of relief. Then, he tossed the boulder aside and dusted his hands off.


    "I''m a caterpir, and I like eating leaves." Xavier was crawling on the ground with his back arched. As he chewed a mouthful of leaves, he said, "It''s yummy!"


    Seeing how dumb he looked, Roman sneered, "You''re not a caterpir. You''re clearly an earthworm!"


    "What''s an earthworm?" Xavier asked in confusion.


    "An earthworm spends its time on the ground and eats dirt like you!"


    As Roman said that, he grabbed a handful of dirt and shoved it into Xavier''s mouth. Xavier didn''t fight back at all. Instead, he opened his mouth to take the dirt in. As he chewed, he even said, "I''m an earthworm that loves yummy dirt."


    Roman scoffed when he saw it and said, "You really are dumb."


    After saying that, he dusted his hands off and returned to Aurora''s room.


    What Roman didn''t know was that Xavier spat out the dirt after he left. Xavier didn''t look as dumb as he did earlier anymore.


    "Where are you, Mr. Xavier?" Suddenly, Marriott Yarnell, one of the maids, anxiously said from behind," Oh, Mr. Xavier, why are you in the groves? Get out of there now!"


    Xavier immediately looked dumb again and said, "I''m a dirt-loving earthworm."


    Marriott dragged him out of the groves. When she noticed the dirt in his mouth, she said, "Oh, my! Why are you eating dirt, Mr. Xavier? Spit it out now!"


    Xavier spat out the dirt like a fool and was forcefully dragged away by her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Bernard went out for a morning jog in Norburgh. When he returned to Skyview Heights, he noticed that Hera was suddenly in the living room. She looked like she was about to enter the kitchen to make breakfast.


    "Why are you here so early, sweetie?" he asked in confusion.


    He approached her to give her a hug. However, since he was covered in sweat, she stopped him. "I''m here to prepare breakfast for you."

 Chapter 445

    ?Chapter 445


    Bernard looked at the ingredients in Hera''s hands with aplicated look. When she noticed it, she frowned. "You seem to dislike my cooking."


    "That''s not it." He immediately denied it. "I just thought you should just be a princess at home and let the maid do the cooking and other tasks."


    "You sure know how to talk." Hera chuckled. "Go clean yourself up. Breakfast will be ready when you''re done."


    Upon seeing how he couldn''t stop her from cooking, he had no choice but to remind her, "In that case, remember to go easy on the salt."Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Hera was speechless, wondering when she had ever cooked for him or said she liked heavily seasoned food. Then, she wondered if he was thinking about the barbecue from before.


    After Bernard took a shower, he changed into a ck suit andbed his hair neatly. He buttoned up his shirt and put on a pair of golden cufflinks. He looked noble and aloof in that attire.


    When Hera came out of the kitchen with a te of freshly cooked noodles, she saw him walking out dashingly. She couldn''t help ncing at him a couple more times.


    After all, she loved looking at good-looking men. A dashing man like Bernard being by her side all the time was her greatest temptation. Suddenly, she realized that his looks were a huge reason why she was in love with him.


    "What''s on your mind?" He approached her and took the te of noodles from her.


    Hera returned to her senses and said, "I was just wondering why my boyfriend is so dashing."


    "Oh? How dashing am I?" He lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead.


    She was speechless and thought how his dashing looks didn''tst a few seconds. Noticing how he was getting his hand all over her body, she turned around to return to the kitchen. "Just see for yourself in the mirror."


    Bernard chuckled and ced the te of noodles on the table. The noodles looked great, and there were meat, vegetables, eggs, and tomatoes on the te as well.


    "Have a taste," Hera said as she passed the utensils to him.


    He sat down and took a bite after cleaning his hands. Then, the delicious taste spread in his mouth. The meat was tender, and the noodles tasted perfect.


    It turned out that he had misunderstood her. She was actually great at cooking!


    He figured that she purposely put a lot of salt back at the barbecue back then and decided he shouldn''t anger her again in the future.


    Seeing how he finished the whole te, Hera asked, "How was it?"


    Bernard wiped his mouth and said, "It''s delicious! I want to have it again tomorrow."


    Seeing how he liked it, she felt happy as well. "Sure. I''ll continue cooking for you tomorrow."


    "Thank you, sweetie." He got up and kissed her cheek. Then, he looked at the time and said, "Well, I''m going to head to work now."


    "Wait. Let me go with you," she said and immediately put down her utensils. She didn''t just want to apany him to his office. Instead, she wanted to go inside as well.


    Bernard stopped in his tracks and thought about how she tried to test him previously. "It''s boring there." "It''s alright. I can study in your office while you work. I can see how you work as well. I promise I won''t disturb you, alright?"


    Hera picked up her books andptop bag that she had prepared earlier and looked at him with eager eyes. Thest time Bernard saw her acting coy with him was 12 years ago.


    He couldn''t reject her back then, let alone now. Also, if he rejected her request, she might get suspicious, too.


    Bernard decided to agree to it, thinking that nothing special was going on that day. "Sure."


    Soon after he nodded, he started to regret it.

 Chapter 446

    ?Chapter 446


    Bernard thought Hera just wanted to apany him to work for a day and wouldn''t do the same the next day. However, she insisted on going to Shuttle Ventures with him until he got off work for the next four days.


    At first, the employees there worked in fear. Then, they started getting curious. They wondered what was up with Bernard when he showed up at thepany four days in a row. He even brought Hera with him!


    Bernard was curious as well, wondering what she wanted. As he sat in his office for the past few days, she would just sit on the couch and watch him work.


    Her beautiful eyes were staring at him at all times. At first, he thought it was romantic.


    However, after being stared at for a while, he couldn''t help feeling nervous. He wondered if he had identally revealed something and made her suspect him.


    However, Harold said she didn''t ask anything when she went to thepany the other day. Instead, she just left after staying in the office for half an hour.


    A lot could be done in half an hour. However, nothing was suspicious in Bernard''s office. Even when the Killians sent someone over to watch him, they couldn''t find anything at all.


    However, Hera insisted on joining him for a few days in a row. That meant that she had found out something.


    Bernard wondered what he should do. Should he continue to hide the truth from her? If she had found out about his identity herself, his confession wouldn''t have been the same anymore. However, he didn''t feel like telling her his real identity as well.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust her. Instead, he would have to let Astral Nova know if he told her the truth. Then, he would be indirectly pulling her into the dangerous organization.


    If something were to happen to him, everyone who knew his secret would be captured or brainwashed. They would remove every memory that had to do with Astral Nova so that the secret wouldn''t be revealed.


    As for those who knew about Astral Nova''s secret and weren''t reported to the organization, they would be killed through fake idents.


    Bernard felt really conflicted. He didn''t want to lie to Hera, but he didn''t want to get her involved with a dangerous organization like Astral Nova as well.


    Suddenly, Hera called him from the couch, "Bernard."


    "Yeah?" He returned to his senses and noticed her walking to his desk.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    "Don''t you have to meet clients or business partners when you work?" she asked.


    For apany like Shuttle Ventures, she figured he would have to do that a lot. However, after monitoring him for a few days, she noticed something interesting.


    Not only did Bernard not have to meet clients or partners, but he seemed to only answer calls in the office from time to time. The calls usuallysted for a few seconds only.


    He didn''t have to attend meetings as well. Other than Harold, who appeared three times in thepany, no one else entered the office to give reports or anything. Even the male secretary she saw previously was nowhere to be seen.


    Most importantly, Bernard didn''t use the desktopputer to work at all. Instead, he only used theptop that he carried around with him.


    When she connected the dots, she had a realization. She figured he might have discovered that she knew his secret. However, he was pretending to be oblivious and working somewhere else to go along with her.


    "I''ve let Harold handle everything," he said.


    "Well, you sure have an easy job as the CEO..." she teased.


    "Yeah, everything I''ve learned in the past is useless here. All I can do is be a CEO of a smallpany," he went with the flow and lied.


    Hera was speechless as she listened to his lies.

 Chapter 447

    ?Chapter 447


    "What''s wrong? Are you feeling bored? Do you want to go out for a walk?"


    Bernard pulled Hera closer and let her sit on hisp. It was an intimate move. If someone suddenly entered the room, everyone in thepany would know how he was being intimate in the office.


    Just as Hera was about to get up, her gaze fell on hisptop''s screen, and she suddenly stopped moving. Bernard basically never looked away from hisptop, and she figured there would be a lot of secrets on it.


    "Let me take a look at the tutorials that you''ve watched on Cyber Web previously." As she spoke, she reached out for the mouse on the desk.


    Just as her slender fingers touched the mouse, a huge hand grabbed her hand. "Wait. Not right now." Hera''s eyes lit up as she figured there really were secrets on theptop.


    "Why?" she purposely asked.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "I''m currently monitoring the stock market. You can take a look after it ends at 3:00 pm."


    After he said that, he switched out of the tab on theputer, and there really was a stock market page. Hera was speechless when she saw that.


    Suddenly, Bernard''s phone rang, and he took a nce at the iing call. "I''m going to take this outside.


    When she noticed the opportunity, she hurriedly stood up to let him leave. Right after the door was closed, she immediately grabbed the mouse and reached for the sh drive in her pocket with her left hand. When she was about to take it out, she suddenly stopped what she was doing.


    If Bernard really knew she was testing him, she wondered if he wasying out a trap for her by letting his guard down. She carefully checked the running programs on theputer. As expected, there was aputer monitoring software on it!


    The software could record every action that was taken on theputer and send it to the management dashboard.


    If she hadn''t hesitated earlier, everything she did would have been exposed on the management dashboard! Then, her lies about learning how to hack would be exposed, and her identity as Raven would be revealed as well.


    There was a reason why she knew the software as well. Two years ago, Leon assigned her to create the software! She almost got herself exposed.


    Fortunately, Bernard''s desktopputer didn''t have the same software. Otherwise, everything she had done previously would''ve been exposed by now!


    After he hung up the call outside, he took a look at the monitoring software from his phone and didn''t see anything suspicious. He purposely waited a little while longer to see if Hera would do anything on hisputer.


    Meanwhile, Hera let out a breath of relief in the office. Suddenly, her phone rang, and an unknown number from Jedburgh was calling her. Right after she answered the call, she heard Xeno''s anxious voice. "Hello? Is this Dr. Shadow?"


    Hera remembered his voice and asked, "What''s up?"


    She wondered why he would call her when they agreed to meet the next day.


    "Something terrible has happened, Dr. Shadow. My wife''s stomach is hurting terribly, and she''s bleeding down there! Can youe to the Killian residence now and take a look? Our family doctor said she might lose the child."


    Xeno sounded extremely anxious, and he choked like he was about to cry.


    Hera immediately stood up and frowned. "What happened? Did she take the pills I gave her?"


    "She did! Her stomach started hurting after she took the pills, and she just started bleeding out of the blue.


    "I''m not in Jedburgh right now, so I''ll get my grandma to take a look at her for now. Keep an eye on her, and don''t let anyone else touch her before my grandma arrives! I''ll head over there right now!"


    After saying that, Hera ended the call and immediately called Catherine. After telling thetter what happened, she packed up her stuff and left.

 Chapter 448

    ?Chapter 448


    "Where are you going?" Bernard asked when he saw Hera anxiouslying out with her bag.


    "I''m heading to the Killian residence," she said. Then, she told him about Aurora.


    "I''ll go back with you." After he said that, he entered the office and grabbed hisptop. Then, he drove them back to the Killian residence from Norburgh.


    Hera felt frustrated in the car. Since something happened to Aurora out of the blue, it meant someone was doing something in the dark to make sure she couldn''t keep the child.


    She hoped nothing would happen to Aurora''s child. It wasn''t because she cared about Aurora. Instead, if Aurora had a miscarriage, then Hera would lose a person she could use.


    After two and a half hours, Bernard''s car reached the entrance of the Killian residence. Then, his phone started ringing.


    It was an unregistered number, but Hera could tell from a nce that it was Everly''s number. She didn''t recall ever giving Everly his contact information.


    Bernard nced at the number and didn''t know who it was. After answering the call, he could hear Everly''s anxious voice. "Hello? Is this Mr. Killian?"


    He passed the phone to Hera right away. "Sweetie, please help me take this call while I drive."


    After she grabbed the phone, she put the call on loudspeaker and asked, "What''s up?"


    "Mr... Hera?" When Everly heard Hera''s voice, she immediately exined, "Tiramisu is suddenly puking and having diarrhea, and it looks extremely weak right now. I''ve brought it to the vet, but it''s throwing a fit and not letting anyone touch it.


    "The vet has said that it''s reacting like this due to stress. Since its condition is getting worse, he''s suggesting for the owners to apany it now. I thought you were busy, and I didn''t want to disturb you. That was why I asked my brother for Mr. Killian''s number."


    Hera''s heart skipped a beat when she heard that, and she felt bad. Since she decided to stay in Norburgh at thest minute, she didn''t bring Tiramisu along. She figured it was mad at that moment.


    "Got it. Send us the location now." After she ended the call, she said to Bernard, "Bernard, drop me here first. Please go check on Tiramisu for now."


    Tiramisu''s stressful reaction might kill it, and she was worried. However, she couldn''t head to the vet now, and Dous was still in Norburgh. So, she had to ask Bernard to go first.


    "I''ll check on Aurora with you first." He didn''t stop driving at all. Instead, he kept driving from the gates to the door. He didn''t care about Aurora''s well-being at all. He was just worried that Chad would put Hera in a spot.


    There were a lot of maids and nurses in the yard, and they all looked solemn.


    "Even if you go in, there''s nothing you can do to help. You might as well check on Tiramisu as soon as possible." Hera unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car with her bag. Then, she reminded him, "It''s your pet too. So, get going now."


    Bernard didn''t know what to say. Then, he figured it was fine. After all, the Killians couldn''t hurt her at all with their capabilities. Since she didn''t want him to follow her, he might as well check on Tiramisu.


    The maids standing in the yard knew Hera was Dr. Shadow and didn''t stop her from entering. She walked right into the retro-looking living room, and it felt more solemn inside than the yard outside.


    Karen was sitting in the living room with a long face. Linda was seated next to her, and Jamie and Talia were standing at the side.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

 Chapter 449

    ?Chapter 449


    There were also a few family doctors and gynecologists standing outside the master bedroom.


    Hera didn''t see Catherine and Xeno at all. Then, her gaze fell on Karen and Linda. Other than a few extra wrinkles on their faces, they looked exactly the same as they did years ago.


    While she looked at them from top to bottom, they were scanning her as well. After 12 years, that young girl from back then had grown into a fine woman.


    Karen told someone to look into Hera. After Daphne passed away from the ident back then, Catherine hid Hera at the border of the country. She only brought thetter back when the Everetts found out Hera was their biological daughterst year.


    Logically speaking, spending almost a dozen years in a vige should make Hera an ugly vige bumpkin. However, she looked fair and beautiful. She felt aloof and cold when she stood there, and even the most well-educated member of the Killian family wasn''t as elegant as her.


    Instead of saying that she had escaped the Killians in the past few years, it felt more like she had a great transformation in the vige. Linda''s eyes sh with jealousy immediately.


    "Why are you sote?" Karen asked fiercely.


    "Don''t be angry, Karen. Hera''s still young, and she doesn''t know how to be responsible yet. She probably thought it wasn''t important and took her sweet time," said Linda. Although it sounded like she was helping Hera, she was actually adding fuel to the fire.


    "If this isn''t important, then what is? Do we have to lose Aury and her child for it to be important?" Karen yelled domineeringly as the wife of the patriarch.


    "The doctors at the side were so scared that their legs were trembling. They were worried they might be dragged into the mess and lose their jobs forever.


    "Hah!" Hera scoffed.


    Karen''s face instantly darkened so much that it felt like ink could drip out of it soon. Linda noticed it and scolded, "How could you possiblyugh at a time like this?"


    "You''re still the same and like to start conflicts as ever, Ms. Linda. It''s as if you''re afraid of a peaceful world," Hera said calmly.


    "You! What are you babbling about?" Linda''s face immediately turned red.


    As Mrs. Killian of Killian Corporation, all the wealthydies would respect her. Even Karen had never directly challenged her in public before.


    However, Hera was mocking her in front of so many people! She thought about what happened in the past and figured Hera was back to stir up trouble! There was no way she would let thetter seed.


    Karen nced at Linda, who was clutching her handkerchief in anger at the side, and she couldn''t help being impressed by how direct Hera was.


    After years of being Linda''s sister-inw, she knew what Linda was like. However, as the patriarch''s wife, she had to y by the family''s rules. Before Linda made a great mistake, Karen couldn''t do anything about her. Instead, they had to get along in harmony.


    She was only angry earlier because she was worried about Aurora.


    "You don''t have..."


    "That''s enough!" Karen interrupted Linda and solemnly said to Hera, "Check on Aury now! If you can''t save her child, I''m going to make you pay!"


    Linda tightened her grip on her handkerchief and forcefully calmed herself down. Then, she red at Hera like she was going to kill thetter.


    Hera returned to her cold self and followed Talia into the master bedroom.


    Aurora looked pale as shey on the bed in the bedroom. Xeno was sitting next to the bed, and when he saw Hera entering the room, he happily said, "Dr. Shadow, you''re finally here!"C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    When Hera didn''t see Catherine, she asked, "Where is my grandma?"


    "Dr. Youngworth is in the kitchen making some medicine," he answered.


    She nodded and ced her bag down. Then, she checked Aurora''s pulse and couldn''t help frowning.

 Chapter 450

    ?Chapter 450


    Auroray weakly on the bed. When she saw Hera frowning, she couldn''t help feeling anxious again. "Is my child alright?" she nervously asked.


    Catherine stopped the bleeding for her earlier. Then, she told Aurora not to worry and to wait for Hera before preparing the medicine in the kitchen.


    "Did you really take the pills I gave you in time?" Hera coldly asked.


    When Aurora noticed how Hera wasn''t answering her question, she suddenly had a bad feeling and hurriedly sat up. "Yes! My stomach only started hurting after I took the pills!"


    "Give me the rest of the pills," Hera said while wiping her hands.


    Xeno hurriedly grabbed the small bottle from the bedside table and handed it to Hera. "I''ve been keeping the pills carefully all this while. No one knows about them other than the two of us!"


    Basically, he was saying that no one would''ve swapped out the pills at all.


    "You better have a good reason for this and save my child. Otherwise, I''ll make sure you enter the grave with my child!" Aurora warned with her pale lips.


    Hera calmly put on a pair of gloves as if she didn''t hear anything at all. Then, she epted the bottle and took out a pill.


    She pinched it hard until it became dust and smelled it. After that, she ced it aside on a clean piece of napkin before taking another pill out to smell it as well.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "These aren''t the pills I gave you." She said with full certainty. "They''re made the same way as Camille''s so-called Divine Medicine and have the same ingredients."


    When Xeno heard that, he felt numb and wondered when the pills were swapped. He also saw the test results Jamie brought and was certain that the pills were fine. He couldn''t understand why the pills were suddenly deadly at that moment.


    Aurora''s mind went nk, and she hurriedly yelled, "Impossible! These are the pills you gave me!"


    "Since we had a deal, why would I give you the wrong pills?" Hera asked.


    Aurora thought about Hera''s motives, and her eyes turned red. "You did this on purpose to harm my baby! I''m going to kill you! Ah!"


    Then, she started screaming and got up to strangle Hera. She didn''t care about how weak she was at all. Hera took a step back. Meanwhile, Xeno was worried Aurora might fall, and he hurriedly held her.


    When Karen and Linda heard themotion, they barged into the room immediately. "What''s wrong, Aury?"


    When Karen saw how Aurora was struggling to fight Hera, she yelled, "Someone grab her!"


    The maids outside hurriedly rushed in. Before they could get close to Hera, she coldly said, "Keep this up, and you won''t get to keep the child anymore!"


    When Aurora heard that, she didn''t dare to move immediately. Then, she touched her stomach and said emotionally, "Oh, my baby is still here!"


    Xeno hurriedly helped her get back on the bed, and Karenforted Aurora. When Linda saw what was happening, her gaze shed with an evil look.


    At that moment, she didn''t know if the child in Aurora''s belly was fortunate or if Hera and Catherine were great doctors. Meanwhile, the maids that rushed in didn''t know if they should grab Hera.


    "What in the world is going on?" Karen asked fiercely.


    "Someone swapped the pills Dr. Shadow gave Aury," Xeno answered honestly.


    She saw the pills that turned to dust on the table and looked at Hera again. Fear shed through her eyes for a split second.


    "Are you sure the pills were swapped? Are you certain someone didn''t give her the wrong pills from the beginning to kill her and the Killians'' heir?" After Linda said that, she immediately instructed the maids," What are you waiting for? Grab that culprit right now!"


    Just as the maids were about to move, Hera shot them a cold gaze, and they didn''t dare to move again. If they were told to grab someone else, they would''ve done it already.


    However, that was Dr. Shadow, and she was Bernard''s woman!

 Chapter 451

    ?Chapter 451


    Bernard would be furious if Hera became injured. The maids would be dead before they knew it.


    "Why are you so quick to judge me as guilty?" Hera snorted while staring at Linda.


    She continued, "Do you not want me to help her keep her baby? Or is there something you feel guilty about, and you''re desperately looking for someone to take the me?"


    "You!" Having her true colors exposed, Linda faltered momentarily on the spot. But she quickly brushed aside her guilty conscience and argued with Hera.


    "You''re just trying to deceive us! The Killian residence is heavily guarded, and the maids are definitely well -trained. Who else would have the nerve to mess with Ms. Killian''s medicine? If not you, who else could it be?"


    Hera chuckled. "So what if someone swapped out the medicine? Wasn''t Mr. Greg murdered at the Killian residence?"


    As soon as she said those words, the room fell silent immediately. Karen''s expression darkened while staring at Hera.


    The maids dared not to even breathe. Those who had worked for the Killians for a long time knew that Greg was considered a taboo subject at the Killian residence.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    The Killian family maintained a positive reputation, but that changed after Albert''s death 12 years ago. Albert''s sons fought tooth and nail to be the head of the family. Greg''s murder and Lucius being sent to prison became an ugly scandal for the Killian family.


    After Chad became the family patriarch, he once identally overheard two female cousins gossiping about Greg and expelled them from the Killian residence right away. From that day on, no one dared to bring up Greg.


    Hera had been so blunt about the matter. Clearly, she was provoking the Killians.


    Linda red at Hera with narrowed eyes. So, she was here to cause trouble for what happened that year.


    "The medicine is ready." Catherine walked in with the medicine, breaking the silence. Hera gazed at her, who shook her head gently, indicating for her to not be so rash.


    Whenever they brought up Lucius'' wrongful conviction back then and Daphne''s death while investigating his case, Hera would inevitably be emotional.


    However, she had no proof now, so arguing would be futile. She held back her emotions and returned to her usual calm demeanor.


    Instead, Hera said to Karen, "The medicine on the table can be sent for testing. If you still want me to help her keep her baby, all of you need to leave."


    Karen stared at Hera, seeming somewhat doubtful. She would have trusted Hera if she did not bring up Greg. But the mention of him made her uneasy.


    What was Hera''s motive for returning to the Killian residence?


    "Mom, all of you quickly leave!" Aurora begged while pushing Karen away. She was afraid that she would miscarry if the treatment was dyed any further.


    "Let''s all go to the living room so that we don''t disturb Aury," Karen finally said. She stood up to lead everyone out. Before that, she requested Talia to send the medicine ced on the table for testing.


    After Catherine set the medicine down, Hera asked her to go out as well. Soon, only Hera and Aurora remained in the room.


    Hera smirked upon seeing how Aurora''s face had paled from the pain, seeming almost like she was about to copse. She had intentionally agitated her earlier to lure everyone else in.


    Someone wanted Aurora to miscarry and even wanted Hera to take the fall for the incident, but she wasn''t having any of it.


    Since the culprit wanted to y dirty, Hera might as well do the same and find a way to expose the person behind the incident.


    "Can you actually help me keep my baby?" Aurora noticed the inscrutable smile ying on Hera''s lips and felt a chill run down her back.


    After the ordeal, Aurora''s emotions had been going through many ups and downs like a rollercoaster. She was about to break down, but that was exactly what Hera wanted.

 Chapter 452

    ?Chapter 452


    "Did you send the medicine I gave you thest time for testing?" Hera asked while slowly opening the acupuncture kit on the table.


    Having suffered at Camille''s hands, Aurora had taken some drugs, almost causing her to miscarry.


    Given her past experience, Hera was certain that after Aurora received the medicine from her, she definitely would have it tested. Only when the medicine was certified to be safe would she dare to consumeExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    it.


    Aurora gazed at Hera while covering her pale lips without a word.


    "Based on the current situation, you should know very well that it''s not up to me whether I can help you keep your baby. That depends on whether the culprit who swapped out the medicine wants you to give birth to this baby," Hera exined.


    Hearing that made Aurora lean against the headboard with a pale face. She seemed somewhat dazed and frightened.


    Hera stared at her pitiful state and recalled the time when Bernard was poisoned. She suddenly found it hrious and saddening.


    This was the Killian family. On the surface, they seemed to be a harmonious and happy family that had a mutual affection for one another. In reality, the family was being torn apart from within, engaged in internal conflict and betrayal.


    If Catherine hadn''t forcibly taken her away from the Killian residence, Hera might not have grown up in a safe environment.


    Aurora recalled all the people she had been in contact with during this period, and they were her family members. The thought made her skin crawl.


    "What should I do now?" Aurora asked with reddened eyes. Aside from Hera, who could help her with pregnancy, she had no idea who else she could trust now.


    "I can''t reverse the harm caused by the medicine you tookst time. If you want to give birth to apletely healthy child, I suggest you give up on this one now. Once you''re healthy again, you can have another-"


    "No! Absolutely not!" Aurora immediately interrupted Hera before she could finish speaking. After ten years, her prayers for a child were finally answered. She was afraid that if she gave up on the baby now, she would never have a child again.


    "Aren''t you a miracle doctor? No matter what, you must help me keep my baby!"


    Aurora kneeled on the bed while tugging at Hera''s clothes, tearfully begging, "As long as you can help me keep the baby, I''ll do anything you ask of me!"


    Hera had been waiting for these words, so she asked right away, "Who ordered Queenie''s murder?"


    Aurora looked up, startled. "I don''t know!"


    Hera narrowed her eyes while staring at her. "Then, what do you know?"


    Aurora''s lips quivered. "I..."


    "Think it through before you answer me." Hera rolled a silver needle between her fingertips.


    "Your answer will impact my ability to reduce the remaining poison in your body that will affect your


    baby. You don''t want your baby to be born a cripple, right?"


    The legitimate threat made Aurora gulp. As a daughter of the Killians, she had been pampered from a young age, and everything had to go her way. Anyone who dared to threaten her would be dead by now.


    But she was helpless before Hera. Aurora had to give in for the sake of her baby.


    She changed her position andy t on the bed before slowly saying, "I was the one who asked Queenie to keep Isabe and Madison hidden."


    Hera maintained a nk expression as she used the alcohol pads to sterilize the silver needle between her fingers. She then ced it at the acupuncture point on Aurora''s arm. "Why did you want to hide them away?"

 Chapter 453

    ?Chapter 453


    Aurora cautiously nced at Hera. As she did not see any expression on her face, she continued, "Back then, Queenie told me that Isabe sought her out, saying that someone was investigating Robin''s case. I wanted to help them leave the country. But I never expected that..."


    Hera paused as she was about to extract the needle and looked at Aurora. "So, you ordered Robin to kill my adoptive mother!"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "No, I didn''t!" Aurora immediately denied it. "That year, I did consider asking Robin to scare Aunt


    Daphne because she used the excuse of Lucius being wrongly convicted to keep harassing Aunt Gemma, who just lost her twin brother.


    "She had already been through so much, but Aunt Daphne kept making things worse for her. I couldn''t take it anymore and wanted to stand up for Aunt Gemma.


    "But when Queenie introduced Robin to me and wanted to discuss how to scare Daphne, I changed my mind. I thought about how it couldn''t have been easy for Daphne to raise you.


    "If something happened to her, no one could care for you. So, I decided to let it go. I truly did not ask Robin to hit her. I also don''t know why he ended up killing Daphne in the car ident!"


    After exining everything, Aurora took a deep breath. Sadness, confusion, and regret filled her eyes.


    "After Aunt Daphne''s death, I was very regretful of what happened. If I never had the idea, perhaps she would still be fine now.


    "But once someone is dead, you can''t bring them back to life, so I could only keep this a secret. But I never expected Queenie to inform me that someone was investigating the case. I felt guilty, so I decided to keep Isabe and Madison hidden."


    Hera coldly looked at her. "Where''s the proof?"


    "There''s a record of the conversation." Aurora reached for her phone and looked for the call recording with Queenie before passing it to Hera.


    "Queenie was fully responsible for handling Isabe and Madison. I instructed her to send them overseas for treatment and help them settle down. I don''t know why things went awry."


    Hera took the phone and sent a copy of the recording to herself and Nathan while ying it at the same time.


    While listening, she continued to administer acupuncture to Aurora. By the time she was done, the recording had ended as well.


    The contents of the recording between Aurora and Queenie indeed confirmed what Aurora said earlier. Aurora did ask Queenie to send Isabe and Madison abroad, and she hadpleted the task.


    That would also exin why Isabelle and Madison had gone overseas before being kidnapped and bound in the mountains. Even the hospital records were avable.


    However, Aurora clearly knew nothing about their abduction. She had interrogated Queenie over the phone, but Queenie exined that the two had made their escape back here, only to end up being captured and brought to the mountains.


    Everything that happened after matched Queenie''s exnation. Isabe and Madison escaped once again before dying in an ident. However, the contents of the recording did not mention Isabe hiding the memory card in the oak forest.


    Hera also quickly verified the timing of her call record with Queenie on her phone, which matched perfectly. But that did not mean that Aurora and Queenie had notmunicated secretly.


    "Didn''t Queenie tell you that Isabe showed a video Robin filmed back then during her imprisonment?" Hera deliberately made up a fake clue.


    Doubtful yet curious, Aurora sat up. "What video?"


    Hera did not answer her. Aurora watched Hera silently pack up her acupuncture kit without responding to her.


    Aurora asked again, "What was the video about?"


    Hera was certain that Aurora truly had no knowledge about the recording. In fact, she had been used without realizing it.


    "Why did you ask me to start investigating Rhett?" Hera asked instead of answering Aurora.


    Aurora was slightly disgruntled at not getting an answer. Seeing Hera pick up the medicine prepared by Catherine earlier, she could only answer honestly, "As far as I know, the two of them have several private business dealings."


    Hera nodded and handed the medicine to her. "Drink this. In the future, drop by Youngworth Miracle Clinic after lunch every day for your daily dose of prenatal medication."


    Aurora epted the medicine. Not wanting to give up, she asked, "What kind of video did Robin record?"


    "Let''s find out who''s the one tampering with your medicine first. I''ll tell you then," Hera replied. After that, she took her bag and turned to leave.

 Chapter 454

    ?Chapter 454


    Meanwhile, Bernard arrived at the pet hospital based on the address Everly had provided. From the moment he entered, he heard Tiramisu''s shrill screams.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Everly, along with Luther Porter, the vet, and the nurses were huddled around the table, trying to find a way to lure Tiramisu out from underneath.


    Tiramisu had a bad temper and was squealing fiercely. No matter what, it was unwilling toe out and had even bitten Luther''s hand when he reached for Tiramisu.


    "Bernie!" Everly noticed Bernard''s arrival and happily greeted him as if she had just seen her lifesaver.


    Noticing how she had called him by his nickname, Bernard casually nced at her.


    Everlyn''s heart skipped a beat upon meeting his gaze. Upon not seeing any sign of Hera behind him, she became secretly gleeful.


    But she put on a frown and dered anxiously, "Tiramisu is hiding under the table and refuses toe out for a check-up. It has already kicked and bitten me and the vet."


    While exining, she showed the back of her hand that had turned red from Tiramisu''s kicking to Bernard, who did not even look. Instead, he circled around her and walked toward the table where Tiramisu was hiding underneath.


    While hidden under the table, Tiramisu seemed to have smelled Bernard''s familiar scent. Thus, its distressed squealing finally came to a stop.


    Luther was a man in his 30s. For the past ten years of being a vet, he had never met such a tricky pet to handle. Upon noticing Bernard, he politely said, "Please be gentle when you coax it out for its check-up."


    Bernard nodded as Luther and the nurses immediately stepped aside.


    Noticing Bernard''s distinguished temperament, Luther believed that anyone who kept a pig for a pet probably had a warm heart underneath the stoic exterior. He would be extremely patient and gentle.


    After all, a pig was nothing like a cat or dog that was easily affectionate with its owner. A pig could be quite temperamental and did not like to be held by others. It would scream, bite, and even kick the person who picked it up.


    Luther believed that he should learn from Bernard how to coax a pig to avoid such an awkward situation in the future. Everly looked at Bernard with admiration, also wanting to learn how to calm Tiramisu.


    Instead, they watched Bernard stand before the table and say, "Tiramisu,e out."


    Those three words soundedmanding as if he had just given an order. He did not even kneel down to coax Tiramisu, making everyone speechless.


    Luther couldn''t help but remind Bernard, "Sir, doing that will only scare the pig, and it''ll be more unwilling toe out. A pet is like a child, so you need to be more gentle..."


    Before he could finish, Tiramisu, whom they had spent one hour trying to coax out, ran out snorting when it heard Bernard''s order.


    It rubbed against Bernard''s legs while looking up at him pitifully as if asking why Hera wasn''t here. Noticing how miserable Tiramisu looked, Bernard couldn''t help but feel slightly sorry for it.


    "Be good while you receive treatment. I''ll take you to see her soon." He leaned down and picked Tiramisu up with one hand, speaking more gently than earlier.


    Tiramisu seemed to have understood Bernard. It snorted twice before obediently letting him carry it to the consultation table.


    Luther and the nurses stared in bewilderment. Was this the same bad-tempered pig earlier that refused to be carried?


    "What are you staring for?" Bernard red at Luther, who came to his senses and hurriedly did a check- up for Tiramisu.


    "Bernie, luckily, you came just in time. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have known what to do. I was worried that Tiramisu may have overexerted itself.


    "I looked it up on Google and found that excessive stress in pigs might lead to myocarditis and possible sudden death."


    Everly walked toward Bernard. Seeing how he did not mind her calling him Bernie, she decided that she would call him that way.

 Chapter 455

    ?Chapter 455


    Bernard said nothing, his eyes glued to Tiramisu.


    Everly noticed this and began to me herself. "It''s all my fault for not taking care of it well. If Hera finds out, she''ll definitely be very upset."


    For the sake of Hera, Bernard was tolerating Everly standing this close to him. If she were any other woman, he would have told her off for standing within three feet of him.


    He could no longer stand her coy behavior and coldly said, "If there''s nothing else, you can leave now."


    Everly timidly looked at his perfect side profile in silence, wondering how such a handsome man like Bernard would be so aloof.


    Since it was rare for Hera to not be around, Everly could be alone with Bernard for a while. Thus, she did not wish to leave so soon.


    Instead, she said, "I didn''t take care of Tiramisu well, causing it to fall sick. Let me stay here for its treatment. Otherwise, I won''t feel at ease even if I return home."


    Bernard ignored her as Luther was ready with Tiramisu''s test results. As it had diarrhea and was excessively stressed, it would require an infusion.


    Tiramisu was unwilling to stay in its cage for an infusion, so Bernard gently held it while seated on the bench. He patted the back of its neck to calm it down before allowing Luther to start the infusion.


    After starting the infusion, Bernard used WhatsApp and started recording a video of Tiramisu lying on his leg while receiving an infusion. He then forwarded the video to Hera, hoping to gain some recognition for his hard work.


    But Hera was busy and did not respond. Meanwhile, Everly stood aside and noticed how Bernard treated Tiramisu better than he did toward her. She couldn''t help but feel envious.


    "Tiramisu, do you feel better now?" She squatted down and gently asked Tiramisu in concern, who was lying on Bernard''s leg.


    Tiramisuzily cast her a nce before looking away. It shifted its position so it didn''t have to look at her. Everly became slightly embarrassed and intentionally changed the topic. "I never expected Hera to have Tiramisu as her pet since she used to despise pigs."


    While lifting Tiramisu, Bernard fixed his eyes on Everly. "What do you mean?"


    Seeing how he was finally paying attention to her, she felt slightly excited. "We used to live in a rural vige. Once, we were looking for herbs in the mountains when Hera became startled by a wild boar and started crying.


    "Ever since then, she disliked pigs. She even used to discuss how to kill that wild boar as revenge with me and Wayne."


    As Everly spoke, she stood up and pretended to casually sit beside Bernard, who ignored her. He began imagining how adorable Hera must have been while in tears, which would make others want to protect


    her.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    But as he realized how he wasn''t by her side and had to put up with the foolish Everly instead, he began to feel somewhat distressed.


    "And then?" Bernard asked.


    He had been dating Hera for some time, but she rarely told him about her past. Thus, he wished to know more about her history.


    Seeing how Bernard did not object to her presence, Everly was secretly joyful and continued, "Later, she came up with an idea. She set up a trap in the mountains with some bait to lure the wild boar out. Afterward, Wayne and I chased the wild boar into the trap.


    "The wild boar really for the trick. After it fell into the trap, Hera personally butchered it andpleted her revenge sessfully.


    "In the end, Wayne and I dragged the wild boar back to the vige and gave portions of it to the vigers. I remember it was Christmas back then, so it was quite a delicacy.


    "Hera is truly very courageous and talented. I wouldn''t even dare to do what she did since I''d get terrified upon seeing a wild boar.


    "But she actually butchered it herself. Later, there was a period when we were going through some hard times. Whenever we couldn''t afford meat, Hera and Wayne would go to the mountains to hunt wild boars for our meals."

 Chapter 456

    ?Chapter 456


    While listening to the story, Bernard could not help but feel sorry for Hera. He never knew that she led such a difficult life.


    She could not even afford meat and had to risk her life to go hunting for wild boars in the mountains. That must have been why she was so thin and had such a slender waist.


    Yet, she could even be an academic prodigy and a miracle doctor under such difficult circumstances. She must have been through a lot.


    Bernard felt distressed and secretly vowed to treat Hera like a princess and never let her suffer again. Once she finished speaking, Everly noticed Bernard furrowing his brows slightly and assumed that he was put off by her story. After all, Hera''s otherworldly beauty and unfriendly demeanor made it hard for anyone to imagine that she came from a rural vige and had done such rough and reckless chores.


    "Not only is Hera very brave, but she''s also very beautiful. She''s the prettiest in the vige, so many boys had a crush on her.


    "They often asked me to pass their love letters to her. But Hera didn''t even look at them and gave them to Wayne right away to dispose of them.


    "He would just burn those love letters with the firewood for preparing meals, saving the effort of chopping more firewood." Everly smiled, growing more enthusiastic as she spoke.


    "When these guys who had a crush on Hera knew about it, they ganged up on Wayne to beat him up. In the end, Hera protected Wayne, making those guys give up on her.


    "Back then, it was a rather big fuss. The vigers joked that Hera was protective of Wayne and even liked him. They said once she married him, I would be her sister-inw."


    With that, Everly keptughing while intentionally looking at Bernard.


    "I''m sure Hera never shared all these with you, right? Don''t ever tell her that I told you all these stories." Bernard''s expression turned cold. Everly had unexpectedly mentioned Hera and Wayne as if she was reminding him that they grew up together as childhood sweethearts.


    If it weren''t for what happened that year, Bernard would have grown up with Hera.


    In fact, he had watched her grow from being a baby in swaddling clothes into a young girl. He was the one who held Hera to sleep, and she even once said she wanted to marry him when she grew up.


    Bernard was Hera''s true childhood sweetheart. Did that boorish Wayne, who was merely a driver and Everly''s brother, also wish to marry Hera? Only in his dreams!


    Everly suddenly felt a chill in the air. Bernard, seated beside her, seemed rather imposing.


    Even the sickly Tiramisu could sense the danger in the air. It lifted its head and tried to escape but was held down by him.


    Everly immediately exined, "Bernie, don''t get me wrong. They were just kidding..."


    Realizing that he had unintentionally scared Tiramisu, Bernard began to calm down. But Everly thought her exnation had worked and secretly sighed in relief.


    "Are you usually busy at night?" Bernard suddenly asked.


    The query made Everly''s face turn red. She wondered what he meant by asking her such a question. Did he want to ask her out?


    Everly was startled by her sudden thought. Bernard was Hera''s boyfriend, so he would never do such a thing. But deep down, she remained hopeful that he would ask her out.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "After I get off work at the clinic, I either go home to apany Mrs. Jones to watch TV, read, or go for a walk. Afterward, I shower before going to bed. I''m not usually busy."


    With that, she slyly looked at Bernard with hope in her eyes. However, she heard him say, "Since you''re not busy, I have a task for you. Write down everything you know about Hera''s past and send it to me."


    Everly was speechless. Wasn''t he about to ask her out?

 Chapter 457

    ?Chapter 457


    "You can''t do it?" Bernard cast a nce at Everly, who immediately shook her head.


    "No, no. I can do it. I''ll type it out for you tonight."


    Bernard hummed in response. Seeing how the infusion was almostplete, he asked Luther to remove the needle from Tiramisu.


    Once done, Luther prescribed some medicine. Later, Bernard took out his phone to pay the fee.


    Everly saw the chance and walked over while holding her phone, saying, "Let''s exchange contacts so I can WhatsApp you once I''m done."


    She wanted to get his contact information earlier but dared not to directly ask him about it and had no good reason to ask Hera. Now, she finally found an opportunity to openly ask him for his contact information.


    "Send it to Hera and ask her to forward it to me," Bernard answered before leaving with Tiramisu in his


    arms.


    Everly was speechless. That meant that she could not make up any stories about Hera. She chased after Bernard, hoping to catch a ride with him.


    But as she arrived outside, she saw Bernard ce Tiramisu in the back seat before getting into the driver''s seat and driving off. He had no intention of dropping her off at home, making her speechless.


    Meanwhile, the swapping of Aurora''s prenatal medication at the Killian residence almost caused her to miscarry. Infuriated, Karen had restricted anyone from leaving the house so that she could catch the culprit.


    Hera had Xeno and the doctor''s approval and was immediately no longer suspected of being the culprit. She had even be Aurora''s lifesaver for helping her keep the baby. Thus, she even received an apology from Karen for her poor attitude earlier.


    "Mrs. Jones, Ceci... Ms. Youngworth." Karen almost addressed Hera like how she used to but quickly caught herself. After all, Hera wasn''t Lucius and Daphne''s biological daughter.


    "Due to my concern for Aurora earlier, I may have offended you earlier. Please forgive me. Dinner is ready, so please follow me to the banquet hall.


    "The head of the family is present as well and would like to thank you in person for saving our grandchild, " she said politely. There was no trace of her irritation earlier.


    "Of course!" Hera answered happily. Since she was already back, she might as well see what they had to say.


    Catherine seemed resistant to the idea. "Hera has to hurry back to the clinic to see her patients. If there''s anything, I can go with you."


    After replying to Karen, she pulled Hera aside and whispered, "Don''t go! Let me go."


    The Killian residence was a dangerous ce. If Hera had not asked Catherine to save Aurora, she really would not have wanted to enter this hateful ce. After all, her precious Daphne had married into the family and ended up being murdered.


    Now that Chad would be personally entertaining them, he would definitely ask why Catherine had faked her death and escaped with Hera.


    Hera was not her biological granddaughter, but she did not want her to be enemies with the Killians because of Daphne. After all, Hera was dating Bernard.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Don''t worry, they can''t do anything to me. You don''t want me to be involved with them, but you should at least give me a chance to make it clear, right?"


    Hera understood what Catherine was worried about and patted her back infort. Karen was worried that Hera would not join them when she heard her say, "Let''s go."


    They headed toward the banquet hall, which was specifically used to entertain distinguished guests. At that moment, Chad was already there with Rhett.

 Chapter 458

    ?Chapter 458


    Rhett and Frederick had just returned home after work. They heard that Aurora''s medicine had been swapped in the afternoon, almost causing her to miscarry. However, Catherine and the miracle doctor helped stabilize Aurora''s pregnancy.


    Thus, Chad had prepared dinner at the banquet hall to thank them. Rhett and Frederick went to the dining room right away to see what was going on.


    Chad had business to discuss with Rhett and Frederick. Since Hera and Catherine weren''t here, he asked them to stay so that he could ask Rhett about the progress of Killian Corporation''s most crucial project at the moment.


    "Have you found a candidate for the development of the new system yet?"


    Last month, XS Corporationunched its Shirka OS, and phones installed with the new system surpassed the sales of those using Cube OS for the month.


    However, Cube OS had always been the top seller. Thus, XS Corporation scored another win against Killian Corporation, which was another blow to them.


    Based on insider information, XS Corporation nned to make its operating system more popr. Thus, it already started investing in teams to develop its own chips and was ready to take over the market. The news had created a lot of pressure for the Killian Corporation.


    Besides, XS Corporation became listed sessfully after one year of establishment. It was the fastestpany in the world to achieve an IPO and was worth 50 billion dors at market value.


    While its value paled inparison with the Killian Corporation, which was worth 1.3 trillion dors, XS Corporation was not to be underestimated. XS Corporation would turn three years old next month, while Killian Corporation had umted its market value for almost a century.


    Faced with the up-anding XS Corporation, it was hard for Chad, as the president, and Rhett, as the CEO of the Killian Corporation, to not feel any pressure. After proper consideration, both decided to develop a new operating system for thepany as well.


    "The confirmed candidates are Vulcan and S, and I''ve already contacted them via Cyber Web. Vulcan has remained resolute and coldly rejected my request.


    "Meanwhile, S said he''s not free but has rmended his apprentice, Raven." While speaking, Rhett asked Frederick to hand over thepiled information to Chad.


    "These are everything I couldpile about Raven''s software and firewall systems. Several popr websites in the country are using the firewalls designed by him.


    "Rumor has it that Raven can even breach Miridian''s satellites. His abilities are just as good as his mentor''s, S," Frederick said with admiration.


    Although his major was in ounting, he also dabbled in some programming and was very interested in the mysterious world of hackers. Thus, he took the task very seriously when Rhett instructed him to gather information.


    While on the Cyber Web, Frederick discovered that the Raven had once hacked into Miridian''s satellites, making him more envious of his abilities than ever.


    He could not help but wonder what kind of man Raven, who had such impressive capabilities, was. Although Raven''s true identity remained a mystery until today, he was firmly convinced that Raven was a


    man.


    Only a man would be meticulous enough to manage thoseplicated data codes. If Frederick had such a powerful man by his side, his chance of bing the next patriarch of the Killian family would be even better.


    "Raven''s skills do seem impressive," Chad remarked after looking through the information. "But I heard that he''s wanted by the International Police.


    "It''s too risky to work with someone who has a criminal record and is involved in the military issues of two countries. Coborating with him would harm Killian Corporation''s reputation."


    "Don''t worry about that, Chad. I''ve already confirmed with my contacts at Miridian. On the surface, they wish to capture Raven for his crimes, but they''re actually interested in his skills."


    Rhett continued, "When Raven hacked into their UTA-224, he even helped them fix an issue that had been bugging them for a long time. Hence, they wish to recruit a talent like him.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Raven''s identity has always remained a mystery, so they''ve been unable to contact him. Thus, they issued an order for everyone to help look for Raven.


    "They''re calling Raven a criminal to deter anyone from recruiting the Raven and make them give up on the idea.


    Anyone would want to have a talent like Raven on their side. Thus, Miridian went to such extreme lengths just to recruit Raven.


    "Yes. If we can coborate with him, not only would it be very helpful with developing our new operating system, but we can even develop our own chips," Frederick added.


    Chad nodded. "Sounds good. Go ahead and contact Raven."


    "Alright," Rhett answered before turning to speak to Frederick, "Freddy, we''ll leave this to you."

 Chapter 459

    ?Chapter 459


    Frederick knew very well that Rhett was giving him a chance to prove himself to Chad. He answered confidently, "Alright, I''ll contact Raven and work out the details. I won''t let the family down."


    Chad nodded in satisfaction. If only Bernard were just as obedient. How good would that be?


    "Mr. Chad, Mr. Rhett, Mrs. Killian has brought Mrs. Jones and Dr. Shadow along with her," Neil announced at that moment.


    As he finished speaking, Karen led Hera and Catherine into the hall. Hera was familiar with this ce as she came here often as a child.


    The Killian residence was extensive, and every family had its own quarters. Usually, each family would dine at their own home. They would only gather at the banquet hall to receive distinguished guests or for family gatherings.


    Hera and Catherine felt like they were walking into a trap since Chad and Karen were hosting them for dinner.


    While seated at the head of the table, Chad spotted Hera from afar. From that moment, he finally understood why Bernard had been so adamant about not ending the rtionship with her.


    The young Hera had grown into a slender and graceful youngdy with a wless face and aloof demeanor.


    Based on looks alone, Camille could neverpare to her. In addition, Hera was the true miracle doctor. Whether it was appearance or capability, there was no doubt that Hera was definitely the daughter-in-w that every wealthy family desired.


    But Hera was once Lucius'' daughter. Although she ended up with the Killians by ident and was not biologically rted, Bernard was once her uncle. How could he even fall for her, let alone marry her?


    Chad could not get over that and was unable to ept Hera and Bernard''s rtionship.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You used to live here once, so I''m sure you remember all of them, right? They''re Mr. Chad, Mr. Rhett, and Frederick," Karen introduced each of them. "This is Mrs. Jones and Hera."


    Hera clenched her jaw while coldly assessing each of them before finallynding her gaze on Frederick. Disgust shed through her eyes as she recalled how he used to tease her as a child and snitch on Bernard.


    Frederick also scrutinized Hera, feeling somewhat repulsed and jealous. He never expected that Hera, who used to follow Bernard everywhere, would turn out to be the miracle doctor.


    He didn''t care that she used to shadow Bernard everywhere when she was a child, but how could she get together with him after growing up? Frederick found her truly repulsive.


    They looked at each other with disgust before looking away with revulsion.


    "Take a seat. Dinner is ready, so let''s eat first," Chad announced politely. Thus, Karen ordered Neil to


    serve the dishes before courteously inviting Catherine and Hera to take a seat.


    Hera recalled how Bernard was once poisoned and Aurora''s miserable condition. Thus, she wasn''t interested in having food served by the Killians.


    Without moving, she calmly said, "Whatever it is, you can get to the point."

 Chapter 460

    Chad disliked Hera''s attitude. His expression darkened, but he said nothing.


    Frederick noticed this and immediately stood up to tell her off. "How could you be so rude? Have you forgotten all the rules you''ve learned from us?" His tone did not conceal his disgust.


    The Killians had many rules, including speaking to elders with respect, not calling the elders by their names, referring to the elders by their titles, and much more. All these rules made it hard for most people to follow through.


    While they could be more rxed in their own quarters, everyone had to speak and act cautiously around Chad. If they identally offended him, they would receive a verbal reprimand at best or a harsher punishment based on the family''s rules.


    Back then, the young Bernard always acted impulsively because Frederick would tease Hera. Thus, he would often be punished by kneeling in the living hall.


    "I''m not a Killian. Why should I follow your family''s rules?" Hera asked with a smile, leaving Frederick speechless.


    Hera continued, "Mr. Chad has not even said a word, so why are you speaking up first? Perhaps you intend to overstep his authority and seize his position as the family patriarch?"


    Frederick paled immediately. He couldn''t bear such a serious usation.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Freddy still thinks of you as his cousin and merely wanted to give you a friendly reminder," Rhett immediately exined to Hera in a friendly manner.


    Then, he pretended to lecture Frederick by saying, "Ms. Youngworth is Aury''s lifesaver. How could you be so rude? Apologize now and reflect on yourselfter."


    Frederick red at Hera as he had been trying to find fault with her earlier. Not only did he fail, but it backfiredpletely. One might have even thought that he wanted to be the family patriarch.


    Although extremely displeased, he could only obediently apologize in front of Chad and Karen. "Sorry, I was out of line earlier."


    Hera smirked coldly. She was about to tell him off when Catherine tugged at her hand, indicating that she should back down and not press the issue further.


    "Don''t make the same mistake again. Leave us for now," Chad said to Frederick sternly.


    Frederick had just proven himself to Chad and left a good impression on him. But a few words from Hera had destroyed all his hard work. His disdain for her grew even more as he left in a huff.


    "Come, don''t just stand there. Take a seat. Even if you don''t want to have dinner, you should at least have some coffee." Karen waved for Neil to pour some coffee.


    "Dr. Youngworth, Hera, thank you for helping Aury stabilize her pregnancy. Let us toast to you," Chad lifted his coffee mug while speaking.


    "No need. Just remember to transfer the treatment fee to the clinic," Hera replied.


    After finishing the coffee, Chad noticed how reluctant she was and decided to turn to Catherine instead." Dr. Youngworth, have you been well all these years?"


    His words cause Catherine to turn solemn, wondering if they truly were about to ask about what happened that year.


    Seeing how she pursed her lips silently, Chad continued, "That year, Daphne unfortunately died in an ident. I felt very guilty and sent many people to look for all of you.


    "But we ended up receiving the bad news that the house had burned down along with both of you. Seeing how the two of you are doing well now, I''m very surprised yet happy."? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Hera sneered at Chad''s carefully chosen words. "Are you sure you sent people to look for us and not to wipe us out?"


    With that, Chad frowned slightly and looked at Rhett solemnly as if he wanted to ask what was going on. After all, Rhett was responsible for finding Catherine and Hera back then.


    Rhett hurriedly exined, "Could you be mistaken, Ms. Youngworth? Back then, our people searched the ruins of Dr. Youngworth''s burned house for a long time but couldn''t find your bodies.


    "We thought the fire must have been too intense, leaving no sign of your ashes. We were heartbroken for a long time because of that."

 Chapter 461

    ?Chapter 461


    Rhett continued, "Chad even built an empty house where the original house had burned down to preserve your ashes and honor your memory."


    The Killians did purchase thend where Catherine''s house had burned down. Although they built a new house, no one lived there.


    But whatever they said could merely be a trap to lure them back here. After all, the Killians couldn''t be trustedpletely.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    If they were truly that kind, why was Lucius used of killing Greg and imprisoned for it? Why did Daphne die in a car ident?


    Moreover, how did Bernard end up being poisoned so severely? What about Aurora''s medicine being swapped, almost causing her to miscarry?


    Hera said nothing, causing the atmosphere in the banquet hall to turn tense. Afraid she would bring up Greg again and spoil Chad''s mood, Karen quickly tried to smooth things over.


    "Oh, these are all in the past, so we shouldn''t bring them up. Since Mrs. Jones and Hera are doing fine now, let''s not talk about such gloomy things like ashes."


    She then winked at Chad, asking, "Chad, didn''t you have something to discuss with Hera?"


    Chad cleared his throat. "Hera, I''ve heard about your true identity. Congrattions on reuniting with your birth parents.


    "But you''re still family to us after all these years, and you''re Aury''s benefactor as well. To show our gratitude, I''d like to adopt you and restore your status as a member of the Killian family again. What do you think?


    Hearing that made Rhett''s heart skip a beat. Meanwhile, Catherine was clearly ufortable and tugged at Hera''s hand, hoping that she would not agree.


    Meanwhile, Giselle, who had hurried to the banquet hall entrance, was in shock upon hearing these words. After returning to the Killians, they hired many private tutors for her to focus on picking up many skills. Whether it was etiquette, academics, instruments, or arts, Giselle was making much better progress than she ever could with the Everetts. Even the other youngdies of Norburgh could notpare to her.


    If Giselle hadn''t been switched at birth and had grown up in the Killian residence instead, with such rapid progress, she would have been the academic prodigy at Cavenridge International Academy and the most outstanding youngdy in Jedburgh.


    Giselle had been enduring in silence, spending so much time developing herself just so she could appear before Hera one day and humiliate herpletely as revenge. She also wanted Hera to know that she was a true member of the Killian family.


    After finishing her piano lesson half an hour ago, the maid informed her that Chad had invited Hera for a meal. Thus, Giselle immediately hurried over to show off to her.


    As she arrived at the entrance, she never expected to hear Chad talking about reinstating Hera''s status in the family. If that happened, who would Giselle even be?


    At that moment, Hera''s voice drifted from the banquet hall. "What do I get in return if I agree?"


    "No!"


    "No!"


    Two voices echoed at the entrance to the banquet hall. Everyone looked over and saw Bernard striding in. Behind him was Giselle, dressed in a Chanel haute couture dress and wearing as much jewelry as she could.

 Chapter 462

    ?Chapter 462


    Hera was somewhat surprised to see Bernard return so quickly. She wanted to ask how Tiramisu was doing, but he merely red coldly at Chad and the rest of them. He did not look at her.


    She then looked at Giselle, who had followed Bernard into the hall. Hera wasn''t surprised to see her at the Killian residence as it would be odd if she weren''t here.


    Although she had returned to the Killians, Hera was still angry at her for treating Catherine so harshly.


    "Giselle, you... Unlike Hera, Catherine was shocked to see Giselle, who also seemed to dress morevishly than she did with the Everetts.


    Catherine finally understood that she was unable to locate Giselle because she had already returned to the Killian family for some time, and they had also acknowledged her as family.


    Although she had guessed earlier that Giselle might show up at the Killian residence, she was still astonished to see it with her own eyes. She felt even more distressed upon recalling how Giselle had treated her before leaving.


    Giselle also noticed Catherine''s presence and suddenly felt guilty. On second thought, as long as she did not admit to her past actions, they could not do anything to her.


    Besides, Giselle also knew that Catherine couldn''t bear to do anything to her. After all, she was her biological granddaughter and her only kin left in this world.


    But she had to stop Hera from staying at the Killian residence. Giselle assumed that after working hard, she would definitely be more talented than Hera the next time she saw her.


    As it turned out, not only was Hera an academic prodigy, but she was also the famous miracle doctor sought by many wealthy families. Even Chad wanted her to remain with the Killians.


    Chad suddenly felt a headacheing on as he watched them enter, especially when he spotted Bernard.


    Chad then sternly said, ''Since everyone is here, let''s hear Hera''s decision."


    Since he couldn''t convince Bernard, he wanted to try his luck by attempting to adopt Hera. Not only would Bernard be her uncle again, but Chad could even recruit her, the miracle doctor, into the family. It would be killing two birds with one stone.


    "Once you''re a Killian again, you''ll enjoy all the privileges thate with being family," Chad answered Hera. How could she not understand what Chad had in mind? He just wanted to have her within the family as she had received numerous requests from various wealthy families.


    But she noticed Giselle''s anxious expression and intentionally asked, "If I be a Killian again, what about her?"


    Hearing that made Giselle very nervous. She was worried that she would be overlooked in the family if Hera agreed to Chad''s request. She unconsciously clenched her fists, holding back her jealousy and fury while waiting for Chad''s answer.


    Bernard gazed at Hera in confusion as if he had never expected her to ask such a question. Did she truly want to be part of the Killian family again?


    "Gianna is one of us, so she will be part of the family as well," Chad exined. It seemed that she had a different name after being acknowledged by the Killians.


    Upon hearing that, Giselle did not hesitate and pinched her thigh hard, bringing tears to her eyes.


    She then eximed, ''Hera, I won''t me you for not telling me my true identity back then. But I''ve finally found my home. How could you be so harsh to take this away from me? I clearly..."


    "You clearly didn''t want to give up your identity as Ms. Everett and return to the vige. Thus, you used your status as Zyler''s future wife to remain the daughter of the Everett family.


    "You even forced them to announce that Hera was adopted while you continued to live a luxurious life. Why


    are you singing a different tune now?" Bernard coldly nced at Giselle, his voice sounding as icy as ever while interrupting her.


    Giselle was startled. She never could have imagined that although Hera said nothing, Bernard had ruthlessly exposed her. After all, she was his biological niece.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

 Chapter 463

    ?Chapter 463


    Giselle stared at Bernard innocently as if she had been wronged. "Uncle Bernard, I-"


    Bernard did not even give her a chance to speak. ''Shut up. Hera has plenty of time to deal with you for all those nasty things you''ve done. Are you in a hurry to get punished? Are you dying tomorrow? If not, get lost!" Giselle trembled before freezing in shock. She was left utterly devastated.


    Hera looked at Bernard in astonishment, realizing for the first time that he could be so ruthless with his words.


    Bernard turned to Chad and said coldly, "As for you, if you want a daughter, you should work hard with your wife and give birth to another. Don''t you dare consider Hera! If it''s so easy to get such a talented daughter, why do orphanages even exist?''


    With that, he did not even wait for their response and grabbed Hera''s hand to forcefully lead her away. As for her, she waspletely taken aback by his anger.


    Although she always knew that Bernard could be rather two-faced, he always had been gentle and considerate toward her, aside from his illness in the past.


    In fact, he had never gotten this angry with her before, let alone speak so harshly to her.


    Seeing how infuriated Bernard was today, Hera wondered if he had woken up on the wrong side of the bed. The pressure on her wrist caused her to frown. She tried to free herself from his grip, but he merely held on tighter.


    "Bernard, you''re hurting me,'' she remarked.


    He sullenly shoved her into the passenger seat. He held back his anger after noticing Catherine following behind and allowed her to get into the back seat.


    During the journey, the atmosphere in the car was very tense and quiet. Even Tiramisu, who usually liked to cuddle with Hera, was exceptionally silent while lying in the back seat. Its small, ck eyes would flicker cautiously toward Bernard from time to time.


    Hera massaged her reddened wrist as she looked at the furious Bernard in the driver''s seat. It was her first time seeing him so angry, but she still had no idea what made him so mad. Since Catherine was around, she held back from asking.


    Bernard dropped off Catherine at the entrance to her residential area. Once the door to the back seat was closed, he turned the car around and headed toward the courtyard house.


    "Bernard, what''s up with you?" Hera asked cautiously.


    Bernard took out the car keys and unfastened his seatbelt before getting out of the car. Hera, too, wanted to step out of the car.


    Just as she unfastened the seatbelt, Bernard opened the door and wrapped his arms around her waist before forcefully carrying her out of the passenger seat.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    He took her straight to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed. He even closed the door, causing Tiramisu, who had been following behind, to run into the door frame.


    Hera cried in pain before scoffing. Just as she was to sit up, Bernard pinned her arms to the bed and asked coldly. ''Do you want to be a Killian so bad?"


    Hera was perplexed. "When did I ever say that?"


    "Well, you asked what you''d get in return!'' Bernard red at her.


    Hera was speechless. "Are you angry at me because I asked what benefits I''d get from being a Killian? Was that


    worth it?"


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 464

    ?Chapter 464


    Tiramisu snorted at being locked outside the room. It seemed fearful that Bernard would do something terrible to Hera and indignantly used its hooves to scratch the door.


    "If you make noise again, I''ll barbecue you!" Bernard yelled sternly.


    The scratching noises stopped immediately. They vaguely heard Tiramisu snorting before walking away.


    Hera was bing ufortable being held down by Bernard and wanted to get up and check on Tiramisu. She tried but found her hands firmly pinned to the bed, and she could not budge an inch at all.


    She could only give in. ''Bernard, please let go of me first."


    Bernard did not loosen his grip and asked in a low voice, "Do you know what it means if you''re a Killian again?


    He looked down at her, seemingly very cold and unfriendly. Not expecting that he would be this upset, Hera exined, "I asked that on purpose because I wanted Grandma to see how upset Giselle would be and expose her true colors.


    "Last time, she deceived Grandma so badly. If I don''t expose her true colors for Grandma to see, she''ll be fooled by Giselle again."


    Of course, she also wanted to take the opportunity to mock Chad''s schemes. She was certain that if she agreed to his request, the headline in the newspaper tomorrow would be "The Killian Family Wees Dr. Shadow Into the Family".


    She did return to the Killian residence to investigate who was behind Daphne''s murder. Once rified, she could clear the crimes that Lucius was wrongly used of.


    But there were many ways to get to the Killian residence. It wasn''t worth it for Hera to sacrifice her freedom and be a member of the Killian family.


    "So, don''t be so angry, okay?"


    Bernard noticed that Hera had not realized what was bothering him. He suddenly bent his head and kissed her.


    It was nothing like his usual gentle kisses. This kiss seemed punishing as he pressed his lips against hers, kissing until she could hardly struggle or breathe.


    Just as she was about to run out of breath, Bernard graciously let her go. They pressed their foreheads against each other as Bernard looked into Hera''s eyes. "Do you understand now?"


    "What?" Hera was momentarily confused aftercking oxygen. What should she have understood? What did he want her to say?


    Bernard let out a chuckle and released her hands. Finally free, Hera immediately got up, intending to get out of bed. But she noticed the sinister smile on Bernard''s handsome face.


    "Seems like you still don''t know who you are!" He undid the buttons of his shirt one by one. His piercing gaze was fixed on Hera like a hawk eyeing its prey.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    The sight made Hera gulp in terror. It was her first time seeing this side of Bernard. It was scarier than whenever he fell sick, and she had no idea what to do.


    At least she could stick a few needles into him whenever he started acting up. But he did not seem sick at all now. Instead, he looked like he was about to interrogate her.


    She had once heard of Bernard''s cruel tactics during interrogation, which made her skin crawl. She watched him slowly strip off his shirt and begin to remove his belt.


    Hera instinctively touched her waist and realized that her bag was in the car. Her acupuncture kit wasn''t with her, and she had no idea what to do.

 Chapter 465

    ?Chapter 465


    Hera immediately picked up the shirt Bernard had cast on the floor and draped it on him. But the shirt fell off his body as he undid the belt around his waist.


    Hera could only wrap her arms around Bernard to stop him from stripping any further.


    "Bernard, let''s talk about this. Don''t be so fierce, okay?" She softened her voice, trying to negotiate.


    Her gentle voice seemed to calm him down, but he remained stern. ''Have you figured out who you are?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Hera''s heart skipped a beat. She wondered if Bernard had discovered her identity as Raven and felt that she was mocking him whenever she talked about her learning programming.


    But she had been using her alternate ount during this period instead of Raven. There was no way he could have found out


    "I''m Dr. Shadow, right?" she asked tentatively.


    But that wasn''t the answer Bernard was looking for. His eyes darkened, and the atmosphere in the bedroom seemed to turn tense as well.


    Hera noticed this and wrapped her arms around Bernard''s neck. She was about to bend her fingers to touch the acupuncture points that would make him faint when he suddenly grabbed hold of her hands.


    "Sweetie, you''re not thinking properly. But what are your sneaky hands up to?" Bernard narrowed his eyes while asking. His voice was soft and gentle, yet rather threatening.


    Seeing that her sneak attack failed, Hera forced herself to exin, "I just noticed how tired you were and wanted to give you a massage. Don''t you believe me?"


    "Yes, I''ll believe anything you say," Bernard answered gently. Hera could not help but shiver upon hearing his


    response.


    With a powerful swing, he carried her before falling on the bed again. "Since you want to give me a massage, let''s do it on the bed."


    Tiramisu, who remained by the door, heard some vague sounds inside the room. It began to scratch the hell out of the door frame.


    It didn''t care about Bernard''s threats to turn it into barbecued pork! Bernard was not allowed to bully Hera. Although it was only the end of May, Jedburgh was suddenly hit by a hailstorm. The ice rained on everything, destroying the budding flowers in the garden. The scattered petals and leaves on the ground fell among the ice shards, creating a mess.


    It wasn''t until dawn that the intense hailstorm came to a stop.


    In the room, Bernard kissed Hera, whoy weakly in his arms, and whispered in her ear, ''Do you know who you are now?"


    Hera''s voice had turned hoarse, and she had no energy to move. She was so tired that she could not even open her eyes.


    Her eyes were still damp with tears, and her lips were red, making her seem very alluring. There was no sight of her usual aloofness that made anyone feel distant from her.


    Bernard watched her with satisfaction. Aside from her, no other man could see this alluring side of hers. Since he was in a good mood, he decided to let her off and whispered, "Sweetie, you''re my girlfriend and future wife


    "If you were to be a Killian, you wouldn''t be able to marry me anymore. So, I''ll never let you agree to Chad''s wishes, got it?''


    Hera''s eyes twitched. That was it? Truthfully, she did not want to be a Killian. Even if she was reinstated, she would be just their adopted daughter, and they weren''t rted by blood anyway.


    Bernard did whatever he shouldn''t have done instead of what should be done. Didn''t he say that he didn''t care about others'' opinions? She seriously suspected that Bernard was looking for an excuse to sleep with her.


    If Hera had the strength, she would have kicked him off the bed. He watched her remain still in his arms, fast asleep. He wasn''t sure if she heard him at all.


    Bernard stood up and carried her into the bathroom for a shower before setting her on the bed again. After covering her with the nkets, he kissed her forehead. "I love you, sweetie."

 Chapter 466

    ?Chapter 466Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    It was 8:00 am when Catherine, Everly, and Wayne arrived at the clinic on time to start work. Everly noticed that Bernard''s car was parked in the courtyard and the door to the western wing was wide open.


    Her eyes lit up, and she immediately ordered the cleaners to clean up the scattered petals and leaves caused byst night''s hailstorm in the courtyard. She also had them check the extent of the damage done to the herbs that Hera had been growing in the flowerpots.


    While giving orders, Everly looked toward the door to the western wing several times, wishing she could go inside and have a look.


    At that moment, Bernard, dressed in a ck silk pajamas, walked out. Having just woken up, his usual well-bed short hair was slightly messy, making him seem more attractive than usual.


    The sight of him distracted Everly, and she also became slightly envious of Hera. She held back the jealousy in her heart as she walked over. "Good morning, Bernie."


    "Not so loud. Don''t disturb Hera while she''s sleeping," he ordered coldly.


    The two cleaners exchanged nces with each other before gazing at Everly. They hadn''t been very noisy. But if they had been, that was also because Everly had ordered them to clean up this area.


    Everly felt her face burn as she lowered her voice and exined, "Sorry, I didn''t mean to do it on purpose. I was just too worried about whether the hailstorm destroyed Mrs. Jones and Hera''s herbs."


    Bernard acted as if he heard nothing. Instead, he went to the car to retrieve the medicine provided by the pet hospital yesterday before returning to the house.


    Having noticed the medicine, Everly asked in a low voice, "What happened to Tiramisu.."


    Before she finished speaking, she heard Bernard make a call and say sternly, "Kick anyone out who makes noise above 30 decibels!" He then shut the door.


    Initially, Everly did not feel embarrassed as Bernard had always been aloof and heartless. She was merely envious of how considerate he was of Hera


    But when Everly turned around and saw the cleaners watching her, she suddenly felt rather embarrassed and immediately said in a low voice, "What are you two looking at? Quickly clean up, and don''t disturb Hera from her sleep''


    Meanwhile, Tiramisu saw the door to the bedroom open and scampered out from the study to the bedroom. Just as it was about to leap onto the bed, Bernard picked it up and carried it out from the room.


    Tiramisu snorted as it struggled in his arms. It wanted to see Hera and be with her.


    Bernard immediately covered its mouth and checked whether Hera had awakened. After shutting the door, he removed his hand from Tiramisu''s mouth and said, "Be good. Don''t disturb your mother sleeping."


    Tiramisu snorted, feeling very unhappy. But it did not scratch the room door after being ced on the floor. After feeding Tiramisu some medicine, Bernard called Dous to inform him that he would be working from home today.


    He wanted to wait for Hera to wake up. Last night, he was too angry and did not control himself. He seemed to have gone too far.


    Dous had dropped by to report on his work. When he entered the clinic, he noticed the eerie silence at the clinic.


    Everyone seemed to be extremely cautious and walked very softly. They even spoke so gently that he could only hear what they said if he leaned in.


    "Is Mr. Killian this temperamental whenever he wakes up?" Wayne whispered in Dous'' ear.


    Dous was startled. He had no idea that Bernard would wake up with a bad temper. How did he not know this?


    Due to severe chronic headaches in the past, Bernard found it hard to have a good night''s sleep. Even the slightest noise would immediately wake him up.


    Additionally, Bernard used to be in the military, where he had to get used to the different environments and frequent emergencies. There was no room for him to be careless, let alone wake up with a bad temper. "Perhaps it was Ms. Youngworth who woke up with a bad temper instead?" Dous denied it.

 Chapter 467

    ?Chapter 467


    "It''s impossible." The moment Wayne said that, he suddenly remembered Michael Thornton''s face pierced with silver needles everywhere. The sheer number of them made him feel terribly ufortable.


    Wayne vaguely recalled that Michael had a nosebleed as a result of the extremely hot weather and went to Catherine''s house early in the morning. Hera pierced many needles on his face for disturbing her sleep. Wayne couldn''t help but shudder and reminded Dous, "Be careful when you go inter. Mr. Killian has given orders that any noise made cannot be above 30 decibels. Otherwise, you''ll be kicked out.''Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Dous was shocked. Bernard was asking for too much, and it was only early in the morning.


    By noon, Bernard finished all the work required for the morning and entered the kitchen to prepare lunch. Seeing how Hera was still asleep, he took off his apron and entered the bedroom.


    As he watched her deep in slumber, he was slightly reluctant to wake her up, but she couldn''t not eat. He sat by the bedside and lightly kissed her eyelids first. Once he saw her stir from her sleep, he whispered in her ear, "Sweetie, it''s time to wake up."


    Hera was fast asleep. When she was rudely awakened, she irritably grabbed the nearby pillow and threw it at him.


    "Get lost!" Her voice was extremely hoarse.


    Bernard caught the pillow and set it aside. ''Be good. Get up and have something before you go back to sleep. You''ve already skipped breakfast, so you can''t skip lunch. Otherwise, it won''t be good for your stomach.''


    He kissed her forehead while saying, "Let me help you up, okay?"


    "Stop bothering me!" Hera wanted to push his face away. But throwing the pillow earlier seemed to have drained all her energy. She found it difficult to even raise her arm now, and her hand fell limply against Bernard''s face.


    He kissed her palm. "See, if you don''t eat, you won''t have any energy. With that, he instantly carried her out from underneath the nkets.


    Hera wanted to scream that he was clearly responsible for her current state. Usually, she could go without sleep for two days.


    But her throat was terribly dry now, and her voice sounded hoarse. Even speaking felt like a chore. In addition, her body felt weak. Since she had no energy at all, she could only allow Bernard to do as he wished.


    He headed to the bathroom to fetch the toiletries before helping Hera brush her teeth and wash her face. Seeing her messy hair, grogginess, and irritated expression, yet still allowing him to help her wash up, made her seem extremely adorable.


    "Sweetie, you look really nice this way." He couldn''t help but kiss her again.


    Hera heard this and suddenly became wide awake. Afraid that he would have his way with her again, she hoarsely said, ''Water."


    Bernard immediately gave her a ss of warm water. Hera felt her throat feel much better after drinking the water and said, "Food."


    Bernard immediately went out to bring her some risotto topped with bacon bits and personally fed her. The consideration he showed toward her was nowhere close to the man he wasst night.


    Yet the soreness throughout her body and the shredded clothes on the floor reminded Hera of what happenedst night. Once full, she felt as if she hade back to life again.


    She looked at Bernard for a moment. "I want my acupuncture kit."


    Bernard put away the dishes and suddenly felt uneasy. "Sweetie, what do you need the acupuncture kit for?" Hera smiled. "You fell sickst night, so I have to treat you."

 Chapter 468

    ?Chapter 468


    Hera''s sinister smile made Bernard feel slightly guilty. He did go overboardst night, causing her to be angry.


    But he was upsetst night too. Although she was his girlfriend, she didn''t seem to understand that. They agreed to live together for the rest of their lives, yet she had been about to go behind his back and be his niece by epting Chad''s offer.


    Chad clearly wanted to split them up. Hera was usually a clever woman, so Bernard couldn''t understand why she did not see through Chad''s scheme.


    Although Hera also exinedst night that she had done so to irritate Giselle on purpose and help Catherine see her true colors, Bernard just couldn''t ept how Hera dismissed their rtionship so easily.


    That was why he was so angry. But he did his best to control his strength and not hurt HeraN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "Sweetie, I was too angryst night and couldn''t control my emotions well. I''ve upset you. Bernard wiped his hands with a wet cloth before helping her lie down.


    "Besides, I''ve already recovered, so you don''t need the acupuncture kit. I''ll apany you for a nap, okay?" Hera pushed his face away. ''No, you have not recovered, so I must treat you! Immediately! Quickly bring me my acupuncture kit!"


    That idiotic Bernard dared to have his way with herst night. If she didn''t teach him a lesson, he would just do the same thing in the future.


    Seeing how Bernard remained motionless without a word, Hera asked coldly, "Do you not love me anymore?" "How could you say that? There''s no one else I love aside from you,'' Bernard immediately answered. "Then, why aren''t you listening to me?" Hera asked icily.


    Bernard had no choice, so he reluctantly went out to fetch her acupuncture kit. When he returned, he would let her do whatever she wanted to his face, using actions to prove how much he loved and adored her.


    Soon, their voices drifted out of the room.


    "Does it hurt?"


    "Yes!"


    "Do you know where you went wrong?"


    "Yes!"


    "Will you do it again?"


    "Yes!"


    Hera was speechless.


    "You look alluring whenever you cry."


    "Shut up! Stop talking!"


    Dous dropped by in the afternoon for Bernard to sign a contract. The moment he walked through the door to the western wing, he saw Bernard. His back was facing him as he stood at the bedroom entrance, mopping the floor.


    His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscr arms. From the way he mopped the floor until it was spotless, anyone would have assumed that he was a full-time househusband.


    The sight surprised Douspletely. Hera was the only one who could order Bernard, the powerful grandmaster of Astral Nova, around.


    He didn''t know why, but he had a gut feeling that if Hera learned of Bernard''s true identity one day and asked him to stop working, he would actually retire and quit the job


    He remembered Bernard had joined Astral Nova so that he could use the organization to locate someone. But from the moment Hera appeared, he never followed up with the matter.


    Dous couldn''t help but snap a photo and send it to the group.


    Theo: "Is mopping the reason why Bernard has set aside the 500-million-dor project?"


    Samson: "Did all the cleaners go extinct in Jedburgh? Shall I send two cleaners over right now?"


    Aaron: ''Could he have done something wrong, so Hera is punishing him?"


    "What is it?" Bernard saw Dous from the corner of his eye and turned back to ask.


    Unable to hold back, Dous let out a chuckle.

 Chapter 469

    ?Chapter 469


    Dous saw that Bernard''s face had been pricked with two rows of sharp needles. Gold needles protruded from M-HN-3 and GV-26, making him look extremelyical.


    "Bernard, do you feel unwell?" Dous held back hisughter while asking.


    "No," Bernard replied.


    "Then...." Dous pointed at the gold needles on his face.


    "Hera did this to me."


    Of course, Dous knew that Hera was responsible for that. Aside from her, no one else would dare to stick needles on Bernard''s face. He wondered whether he had looked into the mirror and seen howical he looked.


    Although Dous did not learn medicine, he still had some knowledge of acupuncture points on the human body. Hera wasn''t even doing acupuncture at all. She was clearly punishing Bernard.


    It was hard to believe that the typically aloof Hera would do such childish things in private. Yet, Bernard just let her do as she pleased.


    "Don''t they hurt?" Dous couldn''t help but ask. It hurt him just seeing those needles.


    Bernard answered, "They do."


    "Then, why don''t you take them out?" Dous asked.


    "Hera will be angry if I do that."


    Dous was speechless at how Bernard just let Hera have her way. He didn''t even let anyone disturb her sleep, yet he allowed her to do whatever she wanted. Hera would be uncontroble one day, thanks to how Bernard spoiled her.


    Bernard checked the contract Dous had brought along. Once certain everything was correct, he signed it. Then, he picked up the mop from the side and continued mopping the floor.


    Meanwhile, Hera leaned against the headboard while cuddling with Tiramisu. Having overheard the conversation, she couldn''t help but smile.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    As Everly stood at the living room entrance, she became rather upset upon overhearing their conversation. To her, Hera had gone overboard.


    Bernard was such a distinguished man. How could he be left to do all these heavy chores and even have his face pierced with needles? Hera was clearly abusing him on ount of his adoration of her.


    If it were Everly...


    "Oh my, Bernie! How could Hera do this to you?" Everly went up to Bernard. "It must hurt since these gold needles weren''t positioned in the right acupuncture points. Let me take them out for you."


    "Get lost!" Bernard avoided her with disgust. He entered the bedroom and continued to mop.


    Everly was slightly indignant, but a voice deep inside her seemed to whisper that as long as she showed Bernard that she was more considerate than Hera, he would eventually fall for her one day.


    "Bernie, it''s a woman''s job to tidy up a room. You can set the mop aside and let me handle it." Everly hurried into the room.


    Although she saw Hera leaning against the headboard whilefortably snuggling with Tiramisu, she did not feel awkward. After all, Hera was the one who asked her toe over to prepare medicine for Aurora.


    Hera frowned slightly upon hearing Everly call Bernard "Bernie". Her gaze flickered between Bernard and Everly, and she asked, ''When did the two of you be so close?"


    "Hera, don''t get it wrong. While we were at the pet hospital yesterday for Tiramisu''s infusion, Bernie asked me about your past. He didn''t mean anything by it," Everly immediately exined.


    But her exnation seemed to make things worse.


    "If it''s about me, can''t you ask me? Do you have to ask her?" Hera asked Bernard.


    Everly instantly answered first, "Hera, don''t me Bernie. He just wants to know more about your past."


    "Shut up! Was anyone talking to you?'' Bernard cast an icy nce at Everly. Couldn''t Hera tell what a sneaky bitch Everly was?


    "I''m sorry." Everly furrowed her brows. She looked rather innocent as she blinked at Hera. Her particrly innocent appearance made it hard for anyone to me her.


    She had also acted this way in the past. Whenever she did something wrong, she would apologize while looking quite innocent. Thus, Hera and Catherine would not pursue the matter or scold her for it.

 Chapter 470

    ?Chapter 470


    "I never expected Hera to have Tiramisu as her pet since she used to despise pigs..."


    Bernard yed a recording on his phone, which was everything Everly had said at the pet hospitalst night. Everly turned red instantly. She never expected that Bernard would record their conversation.


    Hera stared at Bernard in shock. She didn''t know whether he was being overly defensive or if he had a strong intuition.


    Bernard nced at her, seeming to exin that he was innocent and Everly was framing him.


    Hera silently looked at Everly with a nk expression.


    She brought Wayne and Everly out of the vige since she had cared for them for more than ten years. But she never expected Everly to develop feelings for Bernard.


    But that was understandable. Not only was Bernard handsome, but he had a good body and family background. Even Hera found him attractive, so it wasn''t a surprise that Everly liked him. However.. "Hera, I-''Everly tried to exin.


    "You don''t have to say anything." Hera coldly interrupted.


    She reminded Everly, saying, ''If you want money, property, and fame, I can give you all that as long as you''re loyal to me. If you can''t do it, just leave!


    "But if you stay with me, intending to take advantage of my trust toward you to take what doesn''t belong to you, don''t me me for being ruthless! I can always take back whatever I''ve given you!"? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Seeing her intentions exposed before everyone else, Everly lowered her head in embarrassment as her face burned.


    If Hera had not brought her and Wayne along, Everly might still be working at the farm, rearing chickens and pigs in the vige. She would be preparing medicine for the vigers to earn a living.


    There was no way she could earn her current monthly sry even after working several years in the vige. Besides, she even lived in a high-end neighborhood while being served by maids and cooks.


    The pleasures of life hade too easily, making her wish she could have more.


    "I''m sorry," Everly choked out.


    Hera icily took the medicine instructions from the table and handed it to Everly. "Go and prepare the medicine.


    Everly bent her head and sniffled as she took the instructions before leaving.


    "Sweetie, you were too soft," Bernard remarked. If it were up to him, he would have gotten rid of Everly. He never liked disloyal people.


    "She''s more useful to us if she stays." Hera took the gold needles off Bernard''s face one by one and continued exining.


    "After all, it''s very tricky to find such a good herbalist like her in Jedburgh. If I send her away, she''ll work for someone else to make a living. Instead of having her as mypetitor, I might as well give her another chance."


    Bernard was unwilling to give Everly a chance, but he would respect Hera''s decision since she had already made up her mind.


    "If she doesn''t appreciate the second chance, I''ll get rid of her for you."


    Hera smirked. "Sure."


    Bernard watched her slowly use alcohol to sterilize the gold needles. Then, she easily found Tiramisu''s acupuncture points and positioned the gold needles there.


    The sight shocked Bernard. ''Hera!"


    "What?" Hera noticed him staring at the needles on Tiramisu''s body. "Is there a problem?"


    Yes, there was a huge problem. ''Are you using the same needles I used earlier on Tiramisu? Am I not human to you? Have you forgotten that it''s an animal?"


    "Tiramisu is like my son."


    Bernard wordlessly watched Tiramisufortably settle in Hera''sp during the acupuncture process. It wasn''t his first time thinking of barbecuing Tiramisu.


    (+)

 Chapter 471

    ?Chapter 471? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Wayne was helping out in the northern wing of Youngworth Miracle when he saw Everly returning with puffy eyes, an obvious sign that she had cried.


    Worried, he asked, ''Everly, what happened?''


    Her lips pouted as soon as she met her brother. The tears she barely fought back began trickling down her cheeks again. "Wayne...''


    The moment his dear sister cried, he panicked. ''What happened? Tell me."


    Everly had gone to look for Hera at the western wing of the clinic, but why did Everly return crying?


    "Nothing. Hera didn''t bully me." She quickly wiped her tears away before exining, "She said something to me, and I believe she said it out of goodwill and nothing else."


    Wayne instantly wore a solemn expression. "Of course, she said it out of goodwill. Even if she tells you off, you should repent and think if you''ve done anything wrong. Dr. Youngworth and Hera treat us so well. We must be grateful. Do you hear me?"


    She bit her lip, wondering who was his sister. Hera or her?


    Rhett returned to the Killian residence after work. In the living room, he asked Frederick, "Have you contacted Raven?"


    "Nope, but we''ve found out a way to contact his assistant, Piglet. We''re asking him to connect us to Raven," answered Frederick.


    Rhett''s brows furrowed, showing disapproval. ''How inefficient."


    "We need time. It''s difficult to reach Raven,'' Frederick exined.


    "Don''t give me excuses!" Rhett chided.


    Linda raised her voice. "Why are youshing it out at your son? Freddy is doing his best. He wasted one day for punishment, remember?"


    The sheer mention of the punishment triggered Rhett. Anger and jealousy churned in him.


    That day, all Frederick did was tease Hera, and that was all it took for him to be punished! What about Bernard, who didn''t show respect to his elders and said vulgar words?


    Chad turned a blind eye to Bernard''s rudeness and let him go instead of holding him responsible! He was ying too much favoritism!


    Rhett saw through everything. Chad might be strict on Bernard, but that was simply an act to cover up the favoritism behind it


    Chad and Albert were the same; they favored Bernard more. If it were another member who had done those evil deeds Bernard did, they would''ve been exiled from the family a long time ago.


    Bernard, the illegitimate child, didn''t only remain in the family, but Albert even gave all of his shares to him! If this continued, Bernard would ultimately be the next head of the family. Rhett''s family wouldn''t gain anything good from this!


    "Be quick! Before Bernard gets married, you have to perform better and earn your great-grandfather''s recognition!" Rhett reminded Frederick.


    "Got it." He got up and left the house.


    "Alright, alright. What''s the use of getting angry? We''ll be the next head of the family for sure,'' Linda cooed.


    Rhett took a sip of tea in an attempt to calm himself down. "Any updates from Aury''s case?''


    "Don''t worry. They won''t find out about me," she assured.


    Chad and Karen would always put a lip over this kind of family conflict to protect the family''s name. Therefore, Aurora''s case was investigated discreetly, hence the inefficiency


    Rhett nodded. ''Im d."


    At that moment, Giselle knocked on the door and entered the house ''Uncle Rhett, Ms. Linda''


    As soon as she came, she began whining, "Uncle Rhett, Aunt Linda, you have to help me out. Uncle Chad won''t help me, and he''s going to restore Ms. Hera''s status. My parents are gone. I don''t have anyone else to rely on. You guys are the only ones I can count on...."


    The calcting couple exchanged looks. How would they not know the purpose behind Giselle''s visit?


    Giselle wanted to secure her position in the Killian family.


    They wouldn''t miss such a chance when a chess piece offered itself to them.

 Chapter 472

    ?Chapter 472


    Aurora felt better after taking the medicine from Youngworth Miracle Clinic for three days. She reached three months of pregnancy, and her baby was healthy.


    After taking her medicine, Aurora went to the western wing of the clinic to look for Hera. Aurora asked, "What video did you watch that day?"


    Hera was still connecting the clues based on what Aurora told her. Noticing Aurora''s arrival, she closed her notebook.


    "Have they found the culprit who switched your medicine?'' Hera questioned back instead of answering Aurora''s question.


    "Not yet. The investigation is still ongoing," informed Aurora.


    She wanted to know the culprit as soon as possible, but Karen wouldn''t allow a high-profile investigation. All they could do was to look into it secretively.


    "You can ask me about the video after finding out who the culprit is." Hera was driving Aurora out.


    Despite her displeasure, there was nothing that Aurora could do and so she left.


    As soon as Aurora left, Hera quickly synced her findings with Leon over the phone. In conclusion, she couldn''t afford to just wait for the Killians'' investigation. She had to start looking into the case starting from the voice recording.


    However, even after her numerous attempts, she couldn''t restore the voice recording. She couldn''t help but think of S. If he were her, would he have been able to restore it?


    She shrugged off the question within seconds when she recalled that he prohibited her from investigating the Killians. He even banned her ount for six months! She should be able to use it in the middle of the next month.


    As an afterthought, she shifted her attention to Vulcan.


    Hera had confronted him a few times before. Considering that he was Grandmaster of Astral Nova, he might be able to do it. There was only one question holding her back-was he a foe or arade?


    At that moment, her phone rang, interrupting her train of thought.


    It was Leon.


    "Boss, Frederick contacted me not long ago. He said that Killian Corporation has ns to develop a chip and would like you to join them. He even requested a face-to-face appointment for discussion at 3:30 pm. Do you want to ept it?"


    "What if it''s a trap?" she asked.


    Her wanted warrant was still all over the Cyber Web. To think that Frederick wished to meet her now, she couldn''t help the suspicions.


    "I don''t think so. He contacted me through Damian''s acquaintance. Damian told me that Shirka OS developed by XS Corporation has affected Killian Corporation''s sales.


    "Plus, XS Corporation are developing their own chip. They''re nning to invite the top 100 hackers on the Global Hacker List as guests to their third-year anniversary party. This is a never-before-seen event.


    "With a few top hackers joining them, they would be able to develop a chip smoothly. That''s why Killian Corporation is getting anxious. They''re trying to recruit as many as they can.


    "Oh right, you''re one of the guests on their invitation list. I was going to ask if you''re going or not. I''ve just received the invitation letter. Everyone in the group is saying that Mr. S and Vulcan will be going. But you''re in aplicated situation right now-"


    "I''ll go!" Her eyes brightened at the news.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera understood where Leon wasing from. She was still on the wanted list.


    However, she could make further decisions after attending the anniversary party. She didn''t have to reveal her identity to be there.


    "What about Frederick Killian? He wants to meet me at 3:30 pm. I haven''t replied to him," asked Leon.


    Recalling that repulsive face, she had an idea. "Tell him that you''re up for it. Share the location. I want to enjoy the show."


    Leon''s radar caught on something when he heard that. It was the same old feeling he felt when Queenie met her consequences back then.


    After receiving the address, Hera dressed up and told Catherine that she would be heading out.


    Not long after she left the ce, a car from the Killian family showed up at the clinic.


    Giselle got out of the car in branded clothes. There were two maids in the Killian family''s designated uniform behind her. One was holding her bag while the other was holding an umbre over her.


    What a grand arrival.


    "Giselle Everett, how dare you show up here! What brings you here? If I remember correctly, you''re not on the appointment list." Wayne, who was guarding the entrance, stopped Giselle.


    "Move! I''m here to see that old bat!" She knocked him out of her way without a second thought and barged into the clinic.


    He was going to stop her, but the maids blocked his way.

 Chapter 473

    ?Chapter 473


    When Giselle found the consulting room, something urred to her. Holding her chin high, she turned


    around and warned, "And I''m Gianna Killian, not Giselle Everett. Get my name right or I''ll tear your mouth off!"N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "I don''t care what G you are, but you''d better scram! You didn''t make an appointment!" Wayne pushed the maids away and grabbed Giselle.


    Right when he was going to drag her out of the clinic, the door to the consulting room opened. Catherine came out of the room, and her expression turned grim the moment she saw Giselle.


    "Let her in," Catherine instructed.


    She had always wanted to talk to Giselle after meeting her in the Killian residence. Unfortunately, Giselle had blocked Catherine''s contact number.


    Obediently, Wayne let go of Giselle.


    Catherine sent the patient away and told the nurse to ask the next patient to wait for a moment. Then, she returned to the consulting room.


    Giselle studied the room, and jealousy bubbled in her. All of the furniture was made of expensive red sandalwood, especially the bed for acupuncture. She deemed it a waste of such valuable resources. Catherine closed the door. "You took the things in the hiddenpartment under my bed, didn''t you?" "Yup.'' Giselle didn''t hide the truth.


    The picture in it led her to Rhett. She was able to return to the Killian family after a DNA test.


    Catherine''s eyes reddened. "Where is it? Return me the documents and photos."


    She didn''t demand the valuable essories because she could guess that Giselle had sold them for money. However, Giselle should still have the documents and photos as they were invaluable.


    "I can return them to you, but on one condition." Giselle admired her nails, which were recently manicured with diamonds.


    Catherine frowned. ''What is it?"


    "Come with me," Giselle ordered.


    "Where to?" Catherine couldn''t see through her.


    "Leave Hera. I''ll open a new clinic in Jedburgh for you. You can be the family doctor of the Killian family


    too."


    Giselle was trying to force Youngworth Miracle Clinic to shut down. Her n was to win Catherine over and weaken Hera''s influence in Jedburgh.


    Rhett informed her that Hera''s influence was the reason why Chad was going to restore Hera''s status. The idea was to win Dr. Shadow over the Killians'' side.


    As long as Giselle could ruin Hera''s reputation, Chad would relinquish the idea to restore Hera''s status!


    At the same time, with Catherine on her side, Giselle would be able to consolidate her position in the Killian family.


    "No, I won''t do that." Catherine shook her head.


    She couldn''t betray Hera.


    "Why not? Your biological granddaughter is me! I''m your only family alive. Why are you helping an outsider but not me? Don''t you feel guilty about my mother?" Giselle barked.


    She continued, ''I''m your granddaughter, but you don''t want to teach me medicine. Instead, you cultivate an outsider into a miraculous doctor! And now, you''re helping her out. If Mom were still here, she wouldn''t have just sit still and do nothing!"


    Giselle knew that Catherine was an alternative medicinal practitioner before this but not the fact that she was the renowned Dr. Miracle! Catherine even cultivated Hera into a miracle doctor


    If only Giselle hadn''t been swapped back then, the titles of miracle doctor and Dr. Shadow would''ve belonged to her by now!


    The more she thought about it, the more she was obsessed with the notion that Hera had stolen her life away

 Chapter 474

    ?Chapter 474


    The mention of her daughter made Catherine teary.


    She exined, "Herie came this far solely because of her talent and effort. I taught her only the basics of alternative medicine, and she could figure out the rest herself. She''s able to achieve sess because of herself.


    "When I brought you back to the mountains, I wanted to teach you medicine so that you could take over my career. But you didn''t want to learn and left without a word-


    "I don''t care!" Giselle interrupted. ''If I hadn''t been switched when I was young, I wouldn''t have ended up like this. Hera stole all of my luck. Whatever honor she has right now is rightfully mine!


    "She has stolen so many things away from me and now, she''s trying to steal the status of Mrs. Killian from me! You''re my biological grandmother. You shouldn''t be helping her but me! If you don''t, Mom won''t be able to rest in peace up there."


    Catherine gaped at her absurdity. If the two babies hadn''t switched back then, Hera wouldn''t have needed to suffer so much with Catherine either.


    Catherine wiped her tears away. ''Do you know why your mother passed away? Have you visited your father?" "Why should I?" Giselle questioned back.


    Giselle didn''t see Catherine as someone important. In fact, she wouldn''t havee to visit Catherine if it weren''t for her medical skills. How could she be interested in meeting her father whom she hadn''t met even once?


    Her sole wish was to indulge in the Killians'' wealth. She couldn''t care less about her father, who was a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment.


    Besides, her mother passed away due to a car crash. Giselle figured that that worked well for her. Who knew? Her mother might take Hera''s side like Catherine would if she were still alive.


    Catherine''s heart sunk at that. She coldly ordered, ''Get out. I''ll never go with you."


    Giselle thought she heard it wrongly. Previously, Catherine would always listen to her requests whenever she brought up her mother because she was Catherine''s only family.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    But today, Catherine told her off!


    Giselle concluded in her head, "Hera must''ve brainwashed her."


    "Do you still want my mom''s documents and photos?" questioned Giselle icily.


    Catherine''s lips parted. Those were the only things she had about her daughter.


    Noticing Catherine''s hesitance, Giselle added, "I''ll give you three days to think about it, Grandma. Leave Hera ande with me. Otherwise, I''ll burn those things in front of her grave and tell her how you''re treating her daughter. I bet you wish her to rest in peace, don''t you?


    "Plus, even if you don''t help me, I can take Hera down myself because I''m one of the Killians now. When that happens, don''t me me for not giving you a chance. You''d better think it through." Giselle then left with confident strides.


    "You..." Catherine flopped onto the chair, crying.


    Hera met up with Leon at Imperial Hotel. They entered the ce together. A staff escorted them to a private room on the top floor.


    Imperial Hotelprised ten floors. The higher the floor, the more important the guests. Not anyone could go to the tenth floor; it was only amodated to the Killian family.


    The fact that Frederick invited them to a private room on the tenth floor proved his sincerity in the


    coboration.


    The waiter brewed a teapot of Earl Grey for them before pouring them a cup each. He informed politely, Please wait for a moment. Mr. Frederick will be here soon."


    Then, he left the room.


    "How should I address youter?" Leon drank the tea.


    "Just introduce me as your assistant." Hera casually took out a book and a pen from her bag.


    He almost spilled the tea. "Do you think he''ll believe that?"


    Dr. Shadow as his assistant?


    Just who would believe such a feeble lie?

 Chapter 475

    ?Chapter 475


    "Who knows?" Hera began writing something in the book.


    The content surprised Leon. ''Boss, is this D Language? Why is a top hacker reading such basic programmingnguage?"? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Bernie is learning how to hack these days. I''m highlighting the important points for him. My notes can save him time," she exined.


    "Have you told him your identity?" He became curious.


    "No, I''m going to learn with him as a revision," she denied it.


    "Revision? I expect nothing less from you, Boss. After learning these boring forms, I''ll never look back at them a second time." He gave her a thumbs up.


    At that moment, someone opened the door from outside. Frederick entered with a bright smile.


    But he lost his smile as soon as he saw Hera. "What are you doing here?"


    ncing at him indifferently, she wrote thest note before closing her notebook.


    Leon alternated his gaze between them. "Do you know each other?"


    He felt that he had asked a stupid question. Frederick was Bernard''s nephew. It wouldn''t be weird for them to have met each other before.


    "She''s my assistant," Leon introduced after Hera told him.


    Leon was trying toe up with a reasonable exnation when Frederick suddenly let out a disdainful smile. "I expect nothing less from Raven. Even Dr. Shadow can only be his assistant''s assistant."


    Hera and Leon became speechless at his weird logic.


    Frederick shifted his attention back to Leon, who was totally his type. When they shook hands, Frederick couldn''t help but brush his fingertips against Leon''s palm.


    Frowning, Leon quickly withdrew his hand.


    Hera noticed the nuance in his expression and gave him a questioning look.


    He took out his phone and texted, This motherfucker sexually harassed me!''


    She looked at Frederick in surprise, not expecting that from him.


    ording to her knowledge, Frederick was currently dating a woman, though?


    Ignoring their little interactions, Frederickmented about Hera''s book implicitly, "Are you only studying D Language now? Mr. Kirnd, do you have such low standards for recruiting assistants?


    "To think that Raven''s assistant''s assistant is a beginner in programming. It''ll be the joke of the universe if word gets out. Shouldn''t you at least find someone who knows programming?"


    Leon shouted inwardly, ''She is the Raven you''re talking about!"


    He said, "I think she''s fit for the job."


    "Don''t let her looks deceive you. One should learn programming from a young age. Look at her. She''s a girl, and she''s picking it up only now. Even if she reads the whole book, she won''t understand how to code. I think she''s approaching you to fish for Raven''s information."


    Frederick continued, "My advice is to fire her immediately. Find someone more professional like me. I might not be a professional programmer, but I know the basics. If Raven is going to work with ourpany, I can be your assistant for free."


    Not only Leon, but Hera also found this kind of appeal repulsive.


    She coldly retorted, ''Are you applying for a job here?"


    He coughed wryly. "I''m just reminding you to stay away from Raven as soon as possible. Even I am more capable than a beginner like you. Don''t be a disgrace to Raven."

 Chapter 476

    ?Chapter 476


    "Oh, really?" Hera took her phone meaningfully. "I should buy you a wee gift then. Raven''s so unfortunate to have such a repulsive fan."


    Frederick couldn''t follow her words, and Leon was silently praying for this poor man.


    "You-''


    "Let''s get down to business,'' interrupted Leon, worried that Hera might storm away if Frederick put his foot in his mouth again.


    Frederick red at Hera, ming her for distracting him from business.


    Suppressing his hatred, he ignored her and instead smiled at Leon. "Killian Corporation is willing to offer 30 million dors plus 2% of profit to recruit Raven to develop the chip."


    "Raven has conflicts with Miridian. Are you not afraid of that?" Leon asked implicitly.


    "Are you talking about the warrant? It''s not a big deal. We can help him settle it," replied Fredericknguidly.


    Hera, who was scrolling her phone, exchanged nces with Leon after hearing that.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Since Fredrick wanted to coborate with Raven, he would have done his research. The Killian family prioritized their reputation a lot, so why would he look for Raven while knowing he was involved in the conflict?


    What was Frederick hiding?


    "How should we deal with this?" Leon asked further.


    In order to express his sincerity, Frederick repeated Rhett''s words to convince Chad. "Miridian is trying to win Raven over with force."


    Hera became speechless at that.


    "What in the world? Are you serious?" Leon eximed.


    Was his boss so powerful that Miridian became obsessed with her?


    "If God Raven works with us, we will use our power in Miridian to revoke the warrant," Frederick promised confidently.


    Leon wished the warrant would be revoked as soon as possible. Even he didn''t dare to go online whenever he liked because of this. He was worried people would kidnap him just for Raven''s location.


    He shifted his gaze onto Hera, silently asking for her opinion.


    "Only 30 million?" She sounded unimpressed as she kept looking at her phone.


    Leon became helpless.


    Frederick gritted his teeth, repeating, "And 2% of profit!"


    The base offer of 30 million dors was a considerable offer! In addition to that, there would be a long-termmission of 2% of the generated profit.


    On top of that, Killian Corporation couldn''t solely rely on Raven to develop the chip. They would invest billions for the initial development.


    Meanwhile, Raven could make use of his expertise and ability at Killian Corporation with a long-term handsome ie in return.


    "Well, sounds like an unattractive offer to me. Your attitude is disgusting too. We won''t ept the offer." She kept her phone and took her book, standing up. "Let''s go to XS Corporation. Let''s see how much they''ll offer."


    Frederick became all jumpy. "Who are you to decide for God Raven?" He faced Leon. "Mr. Kirnd, please convey our offer to God Raven."


    "Her wish is mymand." Leon rose from his seat and followed behind Hera.


    Hera''s wish was hismand? Why would a superior listen to a mere assistant?


    Frederick couldn''t believe how passive Leon was


    Frustrated, Frederick regretted not asking for Raven''s contact number earlier to speak to Raven directly. He shouldn''t have wasted so much time on Raven''s two assistants.


    As she walked out of the door, Hera stopped to remind him, "Oh, don''t forget to ept the wee gift."


    He rolled his eyes at her and stormed out of the room.


    Along his way, many staff members threw a strange look at him. When he arrived on the first floor, other people continued looking at him. Some of them even began gushing while holding their phones.


    His expression changed as he asked his assistant, ''What''s going on?"


    Henry went to ask the employees around them. It wasn''t long before he came back with hesitation.

 Chapter 477

    ?Chapter 477


    "Spill it," urged the impatient Frederick.


    "Mr. Frederick, did you identally share your pictures?" Henry asked gingerly.


    Frederick frowned. "What pictures?"? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Henry stammered, "Your intimate pictures. They were shared to nearby group chats through Bluetooth." "What?" Frederick had no idea when he did so.


    He was in the private room the entire time, and he didn''t even touch his phone!


    Henry showed Frederick the shared intimate pictures on his own phone, causing Frederick to look grim.


    Those pictures had been encrypted with a password. They were his valuable collection. Why were those pictures shared through Bluetooth?


    Who did it?


    Recalling the wee gift Hera talked about before she left, Frederick gritted his teeth.


    Was it Hera?


    She had only just started learning the Dnguage andcked the skills to do such a thing.


    Leon! It had to be him!


    When Frederick shook Leon''s proffered hand, he had brushed against Leon''s palm. It was known as a suggestive invitation within their circle.


    Frederick never expected Leon to be this petty. It was a mere invitation, but Frederick did not expect that it would snowball into such a big deal.


    "Oh my goodness! Mr. Frederick swings the other way!"


    "I thought he was dating Ms. Caddel. How could he do this to her?"


    "I bet she doesn''t know about this yet. I heard that they''re going to get engaged soon."


    "This is a scam!"


    The discussions jarred into Frederick''s ears, and he wished he could dig a hole out for himself at this moment. He quickly left the hotel. Then, after entering the car, he ordered Henry, "Suppress this now. If someone edits and shares my pictures to ruin my reputation, send them to prison!"


    If his parents and Chad found out about this, he would be dead meat!


    Having worked with Frederick for years, Henry was clever enough to know that those weren''t edited pictures. Frederick was just trying to cover up the truth.


    Still, he suppressed his displeasure as he had to keep his job.


    Over at XS Corporation, Theo informed his staff to use thepany''s name to invite the top 99 hackers from the Global Hacker List.


    However, only 11 of them agreed to attend, which was too little.


    Then, he asked someone to spread the word that Vulcan woulde. The number of attendees proliferated to 68 on the same afternoon!


    At night, he released the news that Raven woulde. Such news resulted in all 99 confirmed attendees the next morning!


    Finally content, Theo forwarded the name list to Bernard. "Bernie, here''s the list of hackers who will be attending on the 1st of the month.''


    Bernard, who was in the skyscraper of Astral Nova, opened and scanned through it. Raven''s name was right under S''s.


    He looked at the two names that of the mentor and mentee for a moment before essing Astral Nova''s financial system on hisputer. Soon, he found the auction history of Hera purchasing the Eclipse Stone.


    The trade record was deleted through the internal system. Even the history of the deletion process was wiped out.


    Everything was clean.


    His fingers flew over the keyboard as he attempted to restore the system''s record. Although he failed to restore the name of the operator, he managed to restore the time of the deletion.


    It was on the same day that Hera and he arrived in Astral Nova together.


    He recalled Hera and Tyler fought that very night.


    At this recollection, Bernard''s eyes darkened, showing gleams of excitement.

 Chapter 478

    ?Chapter 478


    Leon and Hera were on their way back to Youngworth Miracle.


    "It''s 30 million dors plus 2 percent of profit. XS Corporation might not be able to provide such an enticing offer. Are you trying to leave the Killians hanging?" Leon was driving while asking Hera, who was in the passenger seat.


    "It takes more than one or two years to develop a chip,'' she stated while texting Samantha


    A self-developed one would at least take up to ten years, and slow progress might stretch the duration further.


    "I know. It''s just that, although XS Corporation has a bright prospect, their funds are not as much as the Kiins. They might offer a lower price for recruitment. If you''re trying to rip the Killians off more than that, XS Corporation might not help. Leon pointed out.


    Hera became speechless. Her main purpose for visiting XS Corporation wasn''t to inquire about their offer but to find someone.


    "Oh, what are you going to do with your warrant? Should I ask Damian to find someone to verify it?" he asked. No one knew that an international arrest warrant could be a mere game. It was absurd to think that it wasn''t issued to arrest someone but to find someone.


    However, both of them couldn''t trust Frederick, so it was better to verify the information.


    "It''s fine. I''ve asked Samantha to verify it," she said.


    When they arrived at the entrance of the clinic, she unbuckled her seatbelt. "I''ll contact you on the 1st. We''ll attend XS Corporation''s third-anniversary banquet together.''


    "Fine by me."


    She got out of the car, and Wayne ran up to her from the entrance. "Hera, after you left, Giselle came to look for Dr. Youngworth."


    Hera frowned. Why did Gisellee here when she should be afraid of Hera''s territory?


    Then, Hera passed the coffee she bought on the way back to Wayne, asking him to distribute it to the others. cing her bag aside, she washed her hands and knocked on the door to enter the consulting room. Catherine had just finished performing acupuncture on a patient. Hera told her to get some rest so she could take over the final patient.


    The final patient happened to know her and was excited.


    After Hera exposed Camille''s true color, Youngworth Miracle Clinic became the talk of the town. Everyone visited the ce just to see her.


    However, ording to Hera''s rule, the clinic would only be open for five days a week and take in only ten patients daily. Appointment requests were epted a week prior.


    Patients would book an appointment online and upload their medical history records beforehand, with those havingplicated diseases taking precedence. The clinic didn''t ept walk-ins and patients with urgent cases or ailments.


    As for the medical bills, the figure changed ording to their mood. It could be free of charge sometimes. Yes, this was how capricious the clinic was.


    Like opening a mystery box, patients would feel lucky to meet Dr. Shadow. Of course, Catherine was a skillful doctor too. The only difficulty was to book an appointment.


    Hera wrote a prescription for the patient and informed I to hand it to Everly. Then, Hera headed to the western wing


    Catherine was ying with Tiramisu in the hall. When Tiramisu noticed Hera, she ran like a bolt toward Hera


    and nuzzled her foot.


    Squatting down, Hera caressed the little fellow. "Why did Gisellee to see you?"


    "She told me to go with her, and she''ll open a clinic for me in Jedburgh," Catherine answered truthfully.


    Giselle was being greedy.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t go." Catherine gave Hera a definite answer before thetter asked.


    Hera was worried that Catherine might be deceived by Giselle, but it seemed like it was an unnecessary


    concern.


    She scurried over and hugged Catherine. "Whether you''re leaving or not, I respect your decision. I won''t stop you from contacting her either. But if she hurts you again, I won''t let her get away from it!"


    Hera hadn''t settled the score with Giselle about the loan sharkExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Catherine wrapped her arms around Hera, the tip of her nose and her eyes red

 Chapter 479

    ?Chapter 479


    How could she betray her granddaughter when she was so caring? Catherine couldn''t bring herself to do that.


    Three dayster, it was Children''s Day.


    Hera received a box of chocte from Bernard early in the morning.


    Puzzled, she emphasized, "I''m a grown-up."


    He nted a kiss on her forehead. "This ispensation for the past 11 years of celebration."


    She unwrapped the packaging of a chocte piece and tossed it into her mouth. "If so, I should be getting 11 gifts. This is only one.


    "Once per year. I''ll make up for it in the future," he said gently.


    "Okay." She smiled. It was quite sweet. She unwrapped and had another chocte again.


    After they had breakfast together, Bernard was preparing to go out. ''I''m going to attend an event tonight. It might endte, so I won''t being home tonight. I''ll stay at Skyview Heights for the night. If you''re bored, you can call Samantha over to keep youpany."


    Her eyes lit up at that. What a coincidence! She wouldn''t be returning home tonight because she was going to attend XS Corporation''s third-anniversary party.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Okay. Don''t drink too much," she hurriedly responded.


    Bernard was slightly surprised that Hera wasn''t going to apany him to work today. She would do that every day in the past. Work could be cumbersome sometimes, but at least her presence gave himfort. Now that she wasn''t going to apany him for the day, he couldn''t get used to it.


    Still, it was XS Corporation''s third-anniversary party today. His eyes darkened at the thought of Raven''s name on the guest list.


    "Alright. I won''t. Bye."


    "Hurry up or you''re going to bete. I''m going to sleep in." Hera waved her handzily while yawning as though she was going to return to the room.


    Ignoring the urgency in her tone, he lifted her chin and kissed her lips before leaving the house.


    Hera returned to the bedroom. After the sound of the car engine died down, she quickly got changed and called Leon. ''You can pick me up now."


    After picking her up, Leon drove to a hair studio for styling. Damian was there as well, in a different room. As the ambassador of XS Corporation''s Shirka OS, he had to attend the anniversary party.


    The stylist curled Hera''s hair and gave her sexy makeup with striking red lipstick. Next, she changed into a strapless slit gown. The ck colorplemented her fair skin very well.


    ck was the color of a raven, mysterious, silent yet smart. In addition to her sexy makeup, she looked stunning.


    Leon knocked on the door before entering the room. His eyes widened at her makeover, which waspletely different from her usual minimalist look. "You do look like a viin now."


    Even Damian, who had seen countless beautiful and handsome men in the entertainment, couldn''t help but nce in her direction. He quickly blocked Leon''s view with his body. "Don''t lose yourself over this."


    Hera was rendered speechless.


    Leon slid out from behind Damian to pass her a ck golden invitation letter. ''Here''s Raven''s invitation letter. Later, I''ll be going in with Damian from the backstage.


    "Better be careful when you enter through the front entrance. I heard that the top hackers of the Global Hacker List will be there. When Mr. Smith first sent out the invitation, only a few epted the invitation. But when


    news of you attending the event got out, everyone wanted to attend."


    Hera blinked her eyes


    It seemed like everyone was aiming for the bounty of 100 thousand dors.

 Chapter 480

    ?Chapter 480


    Rhett and Frederick were in the CEO''s office situated in the headquarters of Killian Corporation.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    After listening to Frederick''s report, Rhett asked, ''Did you manage to contact Raven?''


    "Not yet." Frederick dipped his head low.


    Frowning in disapproval, Rhett chided sternly, "What have you been up to the past few days?"


    Frederick had been busy keeping his controversy under control, but he didn''t dare to mention a word about the private pictures.


    Thus, he reported what happened that day, "I contacted Raven''s assistant, Leon Kirnd. The discussion went on smoothly, but it was disrupted by Hera. She was there that day. She said that our offer was too low and wanted topare it with XS Corportion''s offer. She''s trying to bait us into increasing the offer."


    "Why was she there?'' Rhett asked.


    "Leon said that she''s his assistant, but I doubt it. I think she''s helping Uncle Bernard. She''s approaching Leon to fish for Raven''s information," Frederick guessed.


    After all, whoever could clinch a contract with Raven would be the winner.


    Chad only looked at the results, not the process. It had been more than two years since Bernard was dispatched to a subsidiary in Norburgh. Frederick believed that Bernard was trying to im credit so that he could return to the headquarters.


    "When are you going to take action then? Are you going to sit still until the day they signed Raven?" Rhett urged.


    Bernard''s presence was already pressuring the whole family. Now with Hera in the game, they felt more threatened.


    They couldn''t afford to spare Bernard and Hera, but especially Hera. If she brought up the incident that happened that year, Rhett''s family would be done for.


    Frederick responded, ''I''m heading to Norburgh soon. ording to our reliable sources, Raven will be attending XS Corporation''s third-anniversary party tonight. I''ll meet up with Raven for a face-to-face discussion."


    "I''ming with you. We must sign the contract with Raven tonight," said Rhett


    Rhett asked his secretary to look for the invitation letter from XS Corporation. Before this, he wasn''t nning on going, but since Raven was going to show up, he changed his mind.


    They had to sign the contract with Raven before XS Corporation would beat them to it!


    If XS Corporation found out that Killian Corporation intended to coborate with Raven, XS Corporation would surely try to preempt them! Based on how they had been going against Killian Corporation, it was something XS Corporation might do.


    That was why Rhett wished to go in person. He had to get the job done tonight!


    Besides, taking advantage of the opportunity, he could scout a few famous hackers. He believed that there was no way XS Corporation was going to sign with all of the 100 hackers.


    In the evening, at Norburgh, James, Gideon, and Gino were dressed in suits, heading to XS Corporation to attend their third-anniversary party.


    Their car moved like a snail throughout the way. Traffic police and police officers could be seen everywhere. In addition to that, many SWAT police were on duty, as the entire city was on alert.


    "What''s going on? Is someone famousing to Norburgh for inspection?" James got curious.


    Gideon, who was scrolling through the news article, exined, "The security at railway stations, the airport, and ports is tighter than it is here. I heard that people wereing just to see the 100 hackers invited to XS


    Corporation''s third-anniversary party.


    "Hackers don''t usually expose themselves in real life, but XS Corporation is making it happen. They managed to gather them. Many travelers and senior executives from technologypanies came after hearing the news. The number of foreign tourists visiting Norburgh Airport hit its highest record these two days." "More precisely, they''re here to see Raven,'' Gino corrected. He showed them thetest articles on the Cyber Web.


    "It''s not only tourists, hackers, and the representative team of Miridian National Space Administration. International police officers are here too. I heard that Miridian dispatched a team of special forces disguised as travelers into the country, but they were caught and stopped at the port. They tried their luck to enter the country, but they were driven away by the army. But they''re still staying near Miridian port, waiting to catch Raven. They''re determined toplete the mission this time.


    "Unfortunately for them, our strong national defense is dispatched. Armies are securing the ports. They even dispatched a team to XS Corporation for security. The country is protecting Raven in case he''s taken away to another country.

 Chapter 481

    ?Chapter 481


    James was stunned. ''Unbelievable. Who is this Raven you keep talking about?" He was unfamiliar with the world of hackers and their hierarchy, but he reckoned Raven must be quite a formidable force if his presence could set the city abuzz.


    "He''s supposedly an elite hacker wanted by the International Police after he breached Miridian''s satellite system," Gideon exined. He worked in intelligence and had gathered some basic information on Raven.


    He continued, "Raven was also S''s prot¨¦g¨¦. S was the hacker who rose to fame after he single-handedly stopped Miridian from breaching our national defense system and left theirs crippled for a week.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "After their embarrassing defeat, Miridian tried to capture S and convince him to work with them. Needless to say, they failed to persuade him.''


    Gino piped up somberly, "Even though Miridian used Raven of breaching their satellite system, rumor has it that he actually patched up the weak link in their system. I bet they''re pulling the same old trick.


    "They''ll arrest Raven as a criminal on paper and acquire him for their own operations. I doubt the Department of Defense would let them get away with it, though.''


    His excitement was palpable. He was only invested in the matter because of Raven. He wanted to meet the legendary hacker and persuade thetter to take him under his wing if the opportunity presented itself.


    With his adorable face, he might just seed in winning Raven over! If ying up his endearing childish charms was what it took to be Raven''s prot¨¦g¨¦, he would do it. After that, he would brag about it to Hera and Bernard!


    "Huh. You seem to know a lot,'' Gideon praised as he gave Gino a surprised look.


    Gino said righteously, "Of course! I''m going to be the world''s best hacker one day."


    The sky had darkened by the time the car slowly pulled up outside XS Corporation. Several military squads had been mobilized for crowd control outside the building. A few influencers and media personnel had gathered among the crowd to get thetest scoop.


    The inte and major streaming tforms were abuzz with news of XS Corporation awaiting Raven''s arrival at their third-anniversary party. A couple of tforms even experienced a server crash due to overwhelming traffic


    Because of this, the general public grew curious about Raven too, only to be startled when they clicked into the live streaming.


    Several influencers were broadcasting live from XS Corporation, updating their viewers on what was happening among the guests.


    "Hello, everyone, apparently Miridian''s bounty for Raven has increased from 100 thousand dors to a million dors on the Cyber Web! Oh my gosh, that''s right, folks! A million whopping dors!


    "Can you believe it? All you have to do to be a millionaire is to find Raven! Miridian must be desperate!"


    "Just moments ago, the National Space Administration of Elpswich put out a ten-million-dor bounty on Raven to encourage the world to help them track down Raven. From the looks of it, Elpswich is intent on stealing Raven from Miridian!"


    "Folks, it looks like the deputymissioner of the National Space Administration is here as well! That exins why the traffic has been so terrible in Norburgh today."


    "I''m seeing a familiar license te pulling up here... Goodness, isn''t that Astral Nova''s car? Has the organization sent someone here to hijack Raven, too? Even Rhett Killian, the CEO of Killian Corporation, is here! And so are the CEOs of several domestic microchippanies!"


    Those watching the live streamsmented, "Stop yapping and show us what''s happening at the entrance! Am I entitled to the reward if I find Raven while watching the livestream?"


    "I''m dying to know who Raven is!"


    "So am I! I can''t wait to be a millionaire!"


    "What a time to be alive. Who would''ve thought we''d be united through our search for Raven?"

 Chapter 482

    ?Chapter 482


    Over at the CEO''s office at XS Corporation, Bernard stood straight and tall before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his long fingers wrapped around a ss of wine as he swirled the ruby-colored liquid around.


    He imperiously surveyed the crowd below the building as if they were no better than pests.


    "Bernard, Samson just called and said he''s handled the matter with the International Police,'' Aaron said, knocking on the door as he entered.


    Bernard hummed in response and fished out his phone. He sent a text and elegantly took a sip of wine, a smile curling his lips.


    Aaron joined him by the floor-to-ceiling windows and stared at the crowd below. He sighed. "I wonder what Chad will make of this spectacle you''ve put on.''Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "Don''t bring him up on a day like this. You''ll just spoil my celebratory mood,'' Bernard drawled.


    Aaron pursed his lips. There was a celebratory mood indeed. Today marked the third anniversary since Bernard had gone against his family. He changed the topic and asked, "So who''s this Raven guy?"


    "Curious, huh?" Bernard cut him a sidelong nce.


    Aaron nodded. He hadn''t been interested before but grew curious about Raven''s identity after seeing themotion and hearing about Elpswich''s ten-million-dor reward for anyone who found the famous hacker. Bernard said curtly, ''Go look for her yourself."


    Aaron shot Bernard a withering look. He jested, ''Do you not know who Raven is, too?"


    "I''m waiting for confirmation, ''Bernard answered. He looked at his phone and found no reply to the message he had sent earlier.


    Shock colored Aaron''s face. "What? If you aren''t sure, why would you have Samson go-"He was cut off when the door opened and Theo walked in. Pursing his lips, he dropped the matter entirely.


    "Rhett and his son are here, Bernard. Word has it that they want Raven to develop microchips for Killian Corporation," Theo reported.


    Bernard snorted but made no reply


    Theo continued, "Also, Dous said Ms. Youngworth is arriving soon."


    Bernard''s smirk instantly disappeared and was reced by a wry smile when he heard this. He had been right when he guessed Hera would show up.


    "I''m going down to the fray. I leave the rest to you," he said, handing Theo his wine ss.


    "Yes, Mr. Killian," Theo replied.


    Meanwhile, Hera was scrolling the news in Damian''s minivan. Leon, who was also following thetest news update, eximed in surprise, "Damn, Boss! You''re famous! Everyone''s looking for you.


    "With the frenzy you''ve caused, you don''t suppose they''ll shred you into pieces if they discover your identity, do you?"


    Hera had finished scrolling through the trending topics and thetest updates on the Cyber Web. She never thought she would be capable of stirring up such discourse. She wondered if S would give her an earful at the anniversary party.


    She texted Samantha and asked about the investigation. Thetter called her a secondter. "Hera! I have the results. The case has been verified, and you are on the wanted list! Also, the bounty has been increased from 100 thousand dors to a million dors!


    "They all received word that you''d be attending XS Corporation''s third-anniversary party, so they''ll be moving out tonight. As far as I know, Noburgh is in utter chaos. You can''t go to XS Corporation tonight, or you''ll be


    arrested!"

 Chapter 483

    ?Chapter 483


    "I''m on my way to XS Corporation." Hera nced out the window. When she spotted XS Corporation''s office building, she added, "Actually, I''m already here."


    Samantha wailed sharply, "No, Hera! Don''t do it! If you''re captured, I''ll have to visit you in prison if I miss you! How will I cope?"


    "Shut up before you jinx me. I came to see someone and meet my mentor. I''ll leave after that," Hera promised. Samantha sobbed. "Do you think my royal guards would arrive in time to protect you if I mobilize them now?"


    "Don''t bother," Hera declined the offer. She was better off navigating through this predicament alone. She would risk exposing her identity if she had an entourage tailing her.


    When the minivan rolled to a stop outside the office building, she said to Samantha, ''I''m outside the building. I''ll talk to youter.''


    Hera had only just hung up when she spotted the message notification for Dr. Shadow. She clicked into her ount and saw a message from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova. "I have a present for you."


    A picture followed the message. Her eyes widened when she clicked on it, and the first thought that crossed her mind was how he knew she was Raven.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She and the Grandmaster of Astral Nova had gone head-to-head a few times on the inte, but she didn''t recall leaving any traces behind. The only thing that might have given her away was the record of the transaction she made with Astral Nova, but the record had already been deleted.


    She grew uneasy and suspicious. However, she knew she had to keep a level head during these confrontations. She shouldn''t expect anything less from someone who had managed to be Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    A small smile tugged on Hera''s lips as she replied, "Thanks. Let''s meet upter, Vulcan."


    Now that her cover was blown, she had nothing to hide anymore. Vulcan was the entire reason she even wanted to attend the anniversary party in the first ce.


    "Boss, maybe you should go through the back entrance with us. Your identity will be exposed the moment you present your invite, and you might get dragged away before you can even enter the hall," Leon suggested worriedly as he assessed the cops outside.


    When the Grandmaster of Astral Nova did not respond, Hera pocketed her phone and unbuckled her seatbelt." I''ll be fine. Besides, Damian will shove me into a cer if I don''t stop third-wheeling you guys."


    She shot Damian, who was scowling in the backseat, a wry look as she said this.


    Leon cleared his throat. "And what will you doter?"


    "Don''t worry, they won''t catch me." Hera opened the door and got out of the car after that.


    Leon wanted to go with her and fulfill his obligations as an assistant, but Damian stopped him. ''Leave her be, babe. She has her own way of solving things."


    When Rhett and Frederick arrived outside XS Corporation, Frederick was stunned to see the nationwide hunt for Raven. They thought XS Corporation was their only rival and had nned to beat Theo into recruiting Raven, but they never expected to go against the entire country.


    Their initial confidence waned as they decided to y by ear instead.


    The father-and-son duo were getting their invites verified at the entrance when Frederick inadvertently noticed Hera stepping out of the minivan. His eyes lit up at once.


    Even though the car door had closed behind her a secondter, he spotted Leon in the vehicle with someone else.


    If Leon was Raven''s assistant, then the mysterious figure in the car had to be the infamous hacker himself! "Dad, I found Raven. He''s in that car!" Frederick said in hushed tones. ''Leon is in the car with him."


    Rhett followed his son''s gaze and spotted Hera first. Spite shed in his eyes before he diverted his attention to the minivan heading toward the basement parking lot. "Go after them!" he ordered.

 Chapter 484

    ?Chapter 484


    Hera made her way to the entrance and brushed past Rhett and Frederick, who were heading in the opposite direction. A smirk yed on her lips when she turned and caught them running after Damian''s minivan.


    She faced forward again and went through the main entrance, her stilettos cking against the floor as the reporters did a double take. They couldn''t believe even Dr. Shadow herself had shown up for Raven.


    The reporters surged forward, vying for Hera''sments. However, the security was tight, and the crowd control held them back


    "Invitation, please," said the security guard who stopped Hera at the entrance.


    Hera was about to fish her invitation from her purse when a kid in a suit ran out of the hall. Gino announced," She''s my sister!"


    He had been waiting at the receptionist''s desk and watching every guest that arrived, hoping to find Raven among them. He didn''t expect to see Hera, and he bet she was here to ask Raven to take her under his wing, too!


    Gino praised his own quick thinking. If he hadn''te, Hera would have one-upped him again.


    Not many children were in attendance, and Gino had been loitering around the front desk while the guests filed into the building. The security guard recognized him and let Hera through before she could produce her invitation.


    Neither of them knew dozens of people in different corners of the building were watching the quests through the security camera over the entrance.


    They were hackers who ranked within the top 100 in the world, and hacking into a security system was child''s y to them.


    Besides, they hadn''t done anything abhorrent. They had simply adjusted the security camera angle so that they could read each invite that the arriving guests presented to the guards. They could only assume XS Corporation was tolerating their behavior in the absence of outright reprimand.


    The nationwide search for Raven came down to one''s skill set. Naturally, plenty of hackers were hoping to uncover the identities of S and Vulcan. Uncovering Raven''s was just a bonus.


    Inside the hall, Hera asked Gino, "What are you doing here?"


    Gino gave her a look as if to tell her to drop her act because he had seen through her intentions. He answered," Same reason as you."


    Hera cast him a sidelong nce. "And you know what I''m doing here?"


    "You''re here to seek mentorship so you can level up!" Gino dered.


    She fell speechless at this. One of these days, she ought to look into the child''s head and examine the cause of his wild imagination.


    "You can join Dad and Gideon upstairs. I''ll hang around here for a bit," Gino said when he saw more guests stopping at the entrance and dismissed Hera with a wave of his hand.


    "Who are you waiting for?" Hera asked almost instinctively.


    shing her a cryptic look, Gino said, ''My mentor.


    "Since when do you have a mentor? Did you even finish the books I gave you?" Hera asked, unable to hide her surprise.


    Cino did not take his eyes off the entrance. "I''m still reading them, but bing a prot¨¦g¨¦ won''t get in the way of my reading. Once I find the person I''m looking for, I''ll ask him to take me under his wing."


    Hera rolled her eyes. "Have fun waiting, then." She had business to attend to.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    As she walked toward the elevator, Gino stopped her. "Wait, what day is today?"


    She looked at his dark, round eyes as he stared at her expectantly. She took two choctes from her purse which were leftover from this morning and handed them to him. "It''s Children''s Day, meant to celebrate petnt little punks like you."


    Gino cringed but took the choctes. He unwrapped one and popped it into his mouth, savoring the milky sweetness.


    When the receptionist saw this, she nearly gasped at the kid''s double standards. When she gave him candy earlier, he refused her and said Children''s Day was for babies, not eight-year-olds.


    The third-anniversary party was held at the rooftop banquet hall, which teemed with people as the titans and elites from various industries rubbed shoulders.


    Hera had only just stepped out of the elevator when she spied a familiar figure standing by the banquet hall entrance.


    He wore a white suit, and his short curls had grown out since shest saw him. He had styled his hair in a half- up-do, and his ivory skin was now sunkissed. He did not look as effeminate as before, his delicately chiseled features appearing more rough-hewn and masculine.

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    Tyler had spotted Hera, too. He set his wine ss on a tray carried by a passing waiter and walked over to her. "Hey, baby. Long time no see." Thest time Hera had seen him was after they exchanged numbers. Summer had yet toe, yet Tyler sported sunkissed skin that seemed at odds with the current weather. "Did you go to Astenia?"


    Tyler blinked. "How did you know?"


    Hera made no reply. So, she was right.


    "Can we talk somewhere a little more private?" Tyler asked, pointing at the corridor.


    All Hera wanted to do was to find Vulcan as soon as possible. She did not want to waste time on an idle conversation with Tyler. "What do you want to talk about? Out with it."


    He clicked his tongue impatiently. "Have you always been this cold?"


    "Look, if it isn''t something important, can we talk about it some other day? I''m kind of busy here," she pointed out, glowering at him.


    Tyler grumbled something that sounded a lot like "so cold-hearted" and asked more coherently, "What are you doing here anyway?"


    "That''s none of your concern," Hera said curtly, making to push him aside and continue on her merry way.


    However, Tyler stopped her.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "I thought you wanted to meet me."


    She stopped and turned to eye him with surprise. "You mean, you''re..." She trailed off. Was he Vulcan? But he couldn''t be. The Grandmaster of Astral Nova was Vulcan, and she had already eliminated the possibility of Tyler being the grandmaster after testing him thest time.


    Tyler shed her a cryptic smile and headed toward the end of the corridor. Hera, still suspicious, followed him silently.


    Using his phone, he unlocked one of the office doors and gave her a meaningful look, indicating for her to enter.


    Hera had seen him use a decoding program to gain entry into the office. She did not hesitate and entered.


    The office was notrge, but it was empty. She nced at her phone and saw no reply from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova. She quickly sent him a question mark before meeting Tyler''s gaze.


    He showed no emotion or reaction as he entered after her and closed the door. "You''ve been very bad, Raven." Gone was the yful facade as he looked at her, his tone terse and his expression somber


    Hera''s brows furrowed as she leveled an inquisitive stare at him. "How so?"


    Tyler raised a brow. "You really think it''s a good idea to stir up such a buzz before your ount gets unblocked?"


    Hera blinked. She could not hide her shock as she demanded, "Mr. S?"


    He nodded once, his face


    inscrutable as he said tersely, "I had your ount blocked for half a year so you couldy low for a while, but you just had to push the boundaries. Why did youe if you knew everyone was looking for Raven?" Content belongs to


    He really was S!


    She tolerated the admonishment but did not acknowledge her mistake. She stared at Tyler''s youthful face so handsome and delicately chiseled that he bordered on


    el.n


    effeminate, and his thick curts. She


    was confused. Content belongs to


    All this while, she had thought S was a balding old man with wrinkles and a myriad of ailments.


    Tyler had deliberately put on a stern and unsmiling facade customary of a mentor, but to his surprise, Hera did not look sorry at all. She even gave him an odd look.


    He couldn''t keep up the no-nonsense act any longer. Resuming his yful andid-back demeanor, he drawled teasingly, "So, what do you think? I''m hotter than you expected, right?"


    Hera nodded. "Yes. You''re healthy. Your limbs look strong, you still have a full head of hair, and your skin is as wless as a newborn''s."


    The corner of Tyler''s lips twitched in disbelief as he processed her words. "So, you''re telling me that before this, you thought I was some balding old man with worn-out limbs?"

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    Hera coughed and confessed, "You keptining about getting sick before you went online. Three years ago, you told me you couldn''t mentor me anymore because of your health. You even wanted me to hone my skills alone.


    "You hardly went online after that. I thought you were close to kicking the bucket."


    Tyler did not look amused. "I told you I was sick because I was swamped and needed an excuse to stay offline! As for what I said three years ago, I reckoned you were good enough that you didn''t need my guidance anymore..."


    At the time, he had just joined Astral Nova and had been swamped with work. It didn''t help that the grandmaster often sent him on missions to some rural ce with no reception, which prevented him from going online.


    However, Tyler had to keep these a secret from Hera. With a p of his hand, he said dismissively, "Oh, forget it. I thought you were a cloistered bumpkin, and I was annoyed when you kept pestering me to take you under my wing back then.


    "I only agreed because you proved to be talented and a fast learner. I guess we''re even."


    Hera shot him a withering look.


    Tyler added, "Had I known you were such a babe, I would never have made up the final two rules of our arrangement." The rules were that they would not look into each other''s background and that they would never meet in person.


    He continued shamelessly, "If fantasy tropes have taught me anything, it''s that we''d make a good couple-a mentor and his prot¨¦g¨¦, one falling in love with the other and all that jazz. I can overlook your previous bad rtionship choices as long as youe back to me."


    She speechlessly listened to his nonsensical rambling. She would never have believed that the yful man who had a tendency to run his mouth was the legendary S if he hadn''t told her things only the both of them knew.


    He had seemed so cool and aloof online, save for the countless times he yfully warned her not to fall in love with him just because he was kind.


    "I thought of you as a father figure after you took me under your wing," Hera said, declining his offer. "I''d probably take care of you in your old age, but I''ve no interest in dating you."


    "Tsk. Ingrate," Tyler grumbled, though he dropped the topic after that and changed the subject. "Anyway, why did you show up here? You''re risking discovery."


    "I came to see someone," Hera exined.


    "Who?"


    "Vulcan."


    Tyler frowned at the name. "Why do you want to see him?"


    "I need him to recover lost data," she answered frankly. If even the


    infamous Raven could not retrial nee


    the lost data, there was little hope for anyone else.


    Still, Tyler pressed, "Why didn''t youe to me?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "You said we couldn''t meet in person. It''s one of your rules," Hera reminded icily.


    "The rule''s been abolished!" he dered.


    "Oh," was all she said, letting him have his way simply because he was her mentor.


    "Show me." As he said this, he sat down before the officeputer desk.


    Hera hesitated for a moment and did not move. After all, he had forbidden her from looking into the Killians before.


    When she did not budge, Tyler did not press further and said, "Well, if it''s nothing urgent, how about youe with me to meet the Deputy Commissioner of the National Space Administration? He''d like to meet you."


    Hera would be granted diplomatic immunity if the National Space Administration recruited her.


    happened, Miridian would gi


    up on


    their hunt for her.


    Nodding, Hera agreed and left the office with him.

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    Chapter 487


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    Hera had only just left the office with Tyler when she saw Bernarding toward them. Her heart leaped to her throat. When he said he was attending a banquet this evening, she hadn''t expected it to be this one!


    Bernard''s eyes lit up when he spotted Hera. A smile curled his lips, and he looked nothing like his usual aloof self as he appraised her. She looked like a temptress in her ck, fitted dress that entuated her curves.


    However, his smile faded when he noticed she had left the office with Tyler. A dark look passed over his face as he assessed the duo.


    Bernard approached Hera and shrugged off his jacket. He draped it over her shoulders and wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her toward him and away from Tyler. "Cover up the next time you''re attending an event."


    She felt a little embarrassed to have been caught with Tyler, so she did not put up a fight as Bernard pulled the jacket around her and buttoned it up. At this point, he might as well swaddle her.


    "Don''t be such a killjoy, Mr. Killian. The dress was designed that way. Have you no appreciation for art?" Tyler asked, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval.


    Bernard cut him an icy look. "Only single scumbags like you would want women to dress in mere scraps of fabric." With that, he led Hera away as if Tyler were the gue.


    Tyler gaped after him. If anyone was a scumbag, he reckoned it was Bernard.


    Bernard did not stop until they entered the banquet hall and staked out a quiet corner. He turned and assessed Hera coldly. "Don''t get too close to him, and don''t ever go into a room alone with him again! Especially when you''re dressed like that!"


    Sensing his anger, she cated, "Yes, yes, whatever you say. Don''t be jealous, all right? You''re the only man I like."


    Only then was Bernard appeased. He pointed at his lips. "And?"


    Hera fell silent. She nced around the hall at the busy crowd. Some were rubbing shoulders and clinking sses, while others were on the lookout for Raven. Everyone was huddled in groups and talking among themselves.


    When she made sure no one was looking their way, she rose on her tiptoes and pecked him on the lips.


    Satisfied, Bernard asked despite already knowing the answer, "What are you doing here?"


    Hera spotted Gideon hovering nearby, nursing a ss of wine as he chatted with a few other guests. She gestured in his direction and said, "I came with Gideon. Would you like to greet him?"


    A bemused look shed in Bernard''s eyes. He was admittedly impressed with her seamless acting.


    "All right." He yed along, intending to see how long she intended to keep up the act.


    The event kicked off at 7:00 pm when the emcee announced Damian as the opening act of the anniversary party.


    After Damian had performed a song


    on stage, Theo, the CEO of XS


    Corporation, took to the stage to deliver his speech. The lights above the audience dimmed, and the crowd was abuzz with activity.


    QUMS


    Those who were on the lookout for Raven, Vulcan, and S were probing each other''s intentions, hoping to find allies in their hunt.


    A few hackers were exchanging and cross-checking information, confirming that they had not seen any guests whose invitations were addressed to Vulcan, S, or Raven.


    Hera observed the crowd silently and spotted Rhett and his son nearby. Neither looked too happy, and she could only assume their minivan chase went awry.


    Theo wrapped up his speech,


    n


    following which the audience was left to mingle among themselves. Just then, a loud bang sounded from the far corner of the hall. The quests turned toward the sound.


    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    QUMS


    Two children were arguing at the moment. The taller child had shoved Gino against the w machine, hence the loud bang. "I saw the w machine first, so why''d you cut me in line?"


    Gino''s back had hit the sharp edge of the w machine. The pain made him see ck spots in his vision, but he stubbornly rose to his feet and retorted, "The video game console is inside the w machine. The rules say we get three tries each to pick up the console, and whoever picks it up gets to keep it. Content belongs


    to


    "You guys cheated! You''re hogging the machine even though you didn''t pick up the console after three tries. Do you think you''re all that just because your cousin is a hacker on the guest list?"


    The taller child noticed the crowd''s questioning stares and snapped, "I do think I''m all that! Why don''t you have your brother help you if he''s good at programming too?"

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    Gideon and James shoved through the crowd to get to Gino. "Are you all right?"


    Gino was moved to see theme over to check on him. He reached behind him and rubbed his throbbing back. Gideon immediately lifted the child''s shirt, only to see arge bruise on Gino''s back. Clearly, the kid had been shoved against the w machine with quite some force.


    "Apologize to him now!" Gideon snapped at the boy who had pushed Gino. He and Gino might not get along most days, but he was still protective of thetter when it counted.


    However, the boy who had pushed Gino merely lifted his chin and eyed Gideon defiantly. The teenager standing behind the boy smirked as if Gideon had just cracked a joke.


    At that moment, a heavyset woman stormed through the crowd and came to a stop next to the smarmy-looking pair who had assaulted Gino. "Which imbecile dares to use my son of cheating? How dare you demand an apology after insulting the Atkinses'' good name?"


    James recognized her right away. Mabel Hutchinson was married into the Atkinses, which happened to be one of the top ten prestigious families of Jedburg. The youngest boy must be Rnd Atkins, her son.


    Linda hailed from the Atkinses before she married into the Killian family. It was thanks to the Killians that the Atkinses had grown from a small-time factory to thergest original equipment manufacturer in Agrecia a decade ago. They became one of the top ten prestigious families because of it, too.


    The Everetts were in no position to cross the Atkinses. Nothing good coulde from it, especially because Mabel was a famous shrew in Jedburg. Rnd straightened up at the sight of his mother and pointed at Gino. He said boldly, "He was the one who used me and Ss of cheating!" "Nonsense! Ss is the 99th-best hacker on the Global Hacker List! He wouldn''t need to cheat on some childish game. You''re just insulting our family on purpose!" Mabel snapped, determined to use the Everetts of libel.


    After that, she summoned an attendant. "Who are these insubordinate fools? What are they even doing at XS Corporation''s anniversary party? Throw them out right now!"


    "Mrs. Atkins, perhaps there''s been a mistake. Children argue all the time during games. There''s no need to cause such a scene," James pointed out. He didn''t want to get on the Atkinses'' bad side.


    It seemed Mabel had not noticed


    James and Gideon''s presence until


    that moment. She drawled mockingly, "Well, if it isn''t the


    Everetts champions of the nouveau riche. Dheard you were bankruptst year and only turned things around with XS Corporation''s help. In other words, you''re nothing more than a bunch ofp dogs!"


    James truly did not want to cross the Atkinses, but his pride did not allow him to take a public degradation. Furious as he was, he did not want to cause a scene in front of so many people, so he let the insult slide. Content belongs to


    Gideon, however, stepped forward to shield his family and snapped, "We might or might not be XS Corporation''spdogs, but at least we aren''t going around barking like a bunch of mad mutts like you and your son!"


    "Why you! How dare you call me a dog!" Mabel shrieked. "You Everetts owe me an apology for disrespecting my family! Better get to it before I tear your pitiful fortune out from under you!"


    "What kind of apology are you looking for?" Gideon asked.


    Mabel thought he was intimidated by her threat. She sneered, "I want the three of you to apologize to us. Also, have the kid beg my son for forgiveness. After that, we''ll let this incident pass."


    Rnd and his cousin, Ss Atkins, crossed their arms as they assessed the Everett trio cockily, smirking as they waited for thetter to kneel. Male pride kept the Everett trio from kneeling.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Gino was fuming. He hadn''t been in the wrong. He had been shoved against the w machine, and his back was still hurting from it. He refused to beg for forgiveness.


    He whined, "They cheated! I saw it! So what if he''s the 99th-best hacker on the Global Hacker List? He''s ¨¨ ranked secondst here among the other pros. He couldn''t even pick up the console from the w machine even after he cheated!


    "And you''re using me of insulting you? If you''re so great, why don''t you pick up the console in the w machine? I''ll prove to everyone that my usation against you isn''t baseless!"

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    Rnd grew defensive and protested loudly, "We''re not your dogs, you know! Why should we have to prove to everyone that we didn''t cheat?"


    "Mrs. Atkins, don''t expect us to apologize if you can''t prove my brother''s usations are false. If anything, your son should apologize to my brother for pushing him and bruising his back," Gideon said with lethal calm as he stared at Mabel.


    Mabel bristled. She couldn''t believe a family of nobodies had the nerve to go against the Atkinses.


    Determined to put them in their ce, she turned to Ss and said, "Ss, show them how you work the w machine and shut these yappingpdogs up! I want everyone here to see the Everetts for the unreasonable bottom-feeders that they are!"


    A smug look flickered across Ss'' face. It was true that he hadn''t managed to pick up the console earlier. The w machine looked like themon variant found in malls and arcades, but it had actually been modified by XS Corporation for hackers to challenge each other''s programming skills.


    It looked ordinary enough, but its programming was extremelyplicated. The machine''s motherboard, in particr, had been coded with an algorithm that affected the w''s grip. By decoding and reprogramming it, a hacker could adjust the grip of the w and increase their chances of picking up a prize from the machine.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Ss had figured this out after several tries earlier. If he proceeded with the theory and decoded the initial algorithm, picking up the console would be child''s y.


    "Sure," he said. "But where''s the fun in a one-sided demonstration? Let''s have a friendly match. The person who picks up the most prizes in two out of three matches wins, and the loser will have to beg the winner for forgiveness."


    Ss stared at Gideon, his gaze full of malicious glee. He was determined to make thetter pay for humiliating him in front of the other guests. He ranked 99 on the Global Hacker List, and he would be damned if he did not save his reputation.


    Upon hearing this, Rnd knew Ss was confident about this win. He piped up arrogantly, "Well, how about it? Are you scared? If you are, just apologize already!"


    To prove his innocence, Gino snapped, "I''m not scared of somemepetition!"


    Pleased to see the boy rise to the bait, Ss feigned generosity and suggested, "You could have your brother help you. I wouldn''t want these people to think I was picking on a kid."


    "I don''t need his help! I know how programming works," Gino argued stubbornly. Gideon was clueless about programming and would only further embarrass him.


    Many guests began to swarm around the w machine when they caught word that a match was going on. Some of them even started betting on who would win.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Tyler had only just introduced Hera to Jim Hawkins, the Deputy Commissioner of the National


    heard themotion on the opposing end of the hall.


    Space Administration, when the


    Bernard gave Dous a look.


    Dous left and returned a few momentster. He whispered to Hera, "Ms Youngworth, it seems your family has gotten into a dispute with Mrs. Atkins and her family They''re getting into a match and the crowd''s betting on who would win." Content belongs to


    "Pardon me, Deputy Commissioner Hawkins," Hera said politely. "I''ll return shortly."


    Jim''s secretary looked scandalized


    by this. Countless people had tried


    1


    and failed to meet Jim, yet the youngdy who had just been introduced to him would excuse herself and leave him hanging.


    Swn


    Fortunately, Jim was an understanding person. When he heard themotion across the hall and figured Hera was needed there, he nodded and let her leave to sort out the matter.

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    James whispered worriedly, "Are you sure you can handle him?" It was preposterous for the Atkinses to expect or even force an apology out of the Everetts.


    "Yes," Gino confirmed. He would look like a wimp if he backtracked now, so he had no choice but to see the challenge through. Besides, there was no embarrassment in losing to a pro hacker.


    On the contrary, it wouldn''t be an honorable win for Ss, who ranked 99th on the Global Hacker List, if he beat a programming rookie in a match. Presently, the crowd had ced their bets in Ss'' favor, though it was out of sycophancy for the Atkinses more than anything. Those who dared not cross the Atkinses had not bothered cing bets at all.


    No one bet on the Everetts, and Mabel was pleased to see how the Everetts lost favor with the audience. She wanted them to be punished for going against the Atkinses.


    "Ready?" Rnd asked Gino smugly. He couldn''t wait to see Gino apologize. He would make Gino grovel to the point of tears.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Gino squared his shoulders. "Cut the crap. Which of us goes first?"


    Ss was still pretending to be the bigger person. "Are you sure you don''t want your big brother to help you?"


    Gideon clenched his fists. Had he known this day woulde, he would have picked up coding and programming alongside his younger siblings. At least then he wouldn''t have to stand here and let Ss run his mouth.


    Just then, an icy voice rang out from the crowd. "Where''s your confidence? Drop the goody-two-shoes act. You''re outright picking on a child!" Gino whirled in the direction of the familiar voice, his eyes sparkling as he cried, "Hera!"


    As if on cue, Hera emerged from the crowd, who parted to let her through. An oversized men''s jacket was draped over her shoulders, its loose silhouette shifting as she moved. Even then, she looked aloof and stunning.


    Falling in step behind her was none other than Bernard, whose domineering presence stifled the restless crowd.


    "Mr. Killian," James greeted immediately, his tone full of respect.


    Only then did the crowd remember the Everetts were Dr. Shadow''s family, and Dr. Shadow was Bernard''s lover.


    They cursed inwardly and wondered if it was toote for them to bet on the Everetts instead. They did not care about the match or who won. They only wanted to rub shoulders with the right folks.


    However, Mabel was unfazed by Hera and Bernard''s arrival. Her sister-inw was married to Rhett, the CEO of Killian Corporation. Bernard had nothing on them!


    More importantly, Rhett was also in attendance this evening. Mabel was confident he would take the Atkinses side if Bernard decided to cause a scene. Emboldened by the thought, she snorted and said, "Don''t get all high and mighty unless you want to take Ss on, toot


    Hera had gathered the gist of the incident from the crowd''s exchange earlier. She nced at Gideon and James, whose displeasure shed in his eyes. Atst, her gaze fell on Gino, who clenched his jaw and looked endearingly defensive of his pride.


    Hera would not let anyone pick on her family. "Very well, then. Let''s have some fun, shall we?" She flexed her fingers to make a point.


    Ss snorted at her audacity. "Aren''t you arrogant? You must run in our circle. What''s your codename?"


    Hera drawled coldly, "You''re not good enough to know."


    He scoffed. He would make her pay for her arrogance and humiliate her so badly that she would give up hacking forever.


    Mabel pointed out snidely, "If you''re


    taking part in the match, you''ll have


    to apologize to the others if you lose." It would be quite the sight


    behold if Dr. Shadow, who was


    Bernard''s lover, were to apologize.


    QUMS


    "Tsk. You sure love hearing yourself talk. Start the match already," Hera snapped impatiently.


    Gino was excited to join forces with Hera for the match, but he couldn''t help worrying, either. Standing next to her, he squeezed her hand and said solemnly, "If you lose, I''ll apologize on your behalf too."


    Hera gave him a withering look, wondering at his sudden pessimism.


    Bernard jerked his chin at Dous, who immediately had an attendant bring out aptop and a table and chairs.

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    Chapter 491


    ?


    It was a bigmotion. What started with just a few people watching the spectacle soon attracted the attention of more guests. A crowd soon formed around them.


    Hera and Ss were seated at their respective tables with theirptops. The waiter had already projected their screens onto therge disy.


    "Don''t say I didn''t warn you. I''ll give you a head start." Ss sneered.


    "No need. Let''s just start." Hera shrugged.


    He didn''t like her arrogant tone. He wouldn''t hold back since she didn''t appreciate the courtesy, so he gave Rnd a look. "Let''s start."


    Rnd frowned and inserted a coin into the w machine, starting the 120-second countdown.


    Ss began typing away at his keyboard, lines of code filled the screen as he hacked into the w machine''s system, altering its original programming.


    Hera instinctively reached into her pocket and pulled out a USB sh drive before plugging it into herputer.


    Bernard realized toote what Hera plugged into herptop.


    A golden me emblem appeared on Hera''s screen.


    He felt speechless. He had forgotten about the USB sh drive in his pocket!


    Chatter filled the crowd.


    "It''s Vulcan!


    "It''s the legendary Vulcan!"


    "Wow! She''s Vulcan! No wonder she was so arrogant!"


    "This is going to be good!"


    "This is such a satisfying twist!"


    "The winner is set! The Atkinses are doomed!"


    "How dare the 99th-ranked hacker challenge Vulcan!"


    "Am I the only one shocked that she''s not just a big shot in medicine but also a top-tier hacker? How are the rest of us supposed topete now?" Content belongs to


    Ss froze, his hands hovering over the keyboard. He thought he had found an easy target, but he had only made a fool of himself!


    He was only ranked 99th on the Global Hacker List, yet he openly challenged an expert!


    Hera was also dumbfounded. Her eyes locked on the USB sh drive she pulled out of her pocket.


    This was Bernard''s coat! Was he the Vulcan she had been searching for? How dare he!


    Images of their online interactions over the past few months shed through her mind. Her heart raced and she was finding it harder to breathe.


    She couldn''t believe Bernard lied to her!


    Both Gino and Gideon''s jaws


    dropped. They couldn''t believe HeraBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    was a top-tier hacker! James, ont the


    other hand, was proud to have a daughter like Hera. Content belongs


    to


    Dous swallowed and thought, "What do we do? Boss'' cover has been blown!"


    Bernard sighed, thinking, "Fuck! This is bad! I''d better do the house chores when I get hometer."


    Hera regained herposure and yanked out the USB sh drive. Then, she retrieved her own from her purse and plugged it in.


    However, it was already toote. The


    §Ö


    audience had seen the emblem on the big screen and were in awe, but


    this wasn''t even the most shocking part.


    UMS


    The me emblem suddenly vanished, reced by a crow symbol, and the crowd went wild again!

 Chapter 492

    ?Chapter 492


    "It''s Raven!"


    "Raven is here!"


    "What the fuck? Vulcan and Raven are the same person!"


    "What is this? Every USB sh drive they pull out belongs to a famous figure!*


    "It''s Raven! There''s a million-dor bounty on them! Get her!"


    "Elpswich issued a ten-million-dor bounty on her!"


    "Stop talking and catch her already!"


    The crowd erupted and they all struggled to get close to her, especially the Miridian representatives. They had been searching for Raven when they saw the screen, thereafter pushing through the crowd to get closer.


    However, before they could even approach Hera, Bernard signaled Dous. Momentster, a group of bodyguards flooded the hall to quickly surround the stage, creating a human wall that separated the guests from Hera.


    One bold individual tried to force their way through, only to be taken down by a bodyguard. The sight of it intimidated the rest, stopping them in their tracks.


    Rhett and his son had been mingling with the crowd. However, when they saw Raven''s emblem and themotion that followed, they began making their way through the crowd, eager to see who Raven was. However, the stage was surrounded by dozens of guests, and they couldn''t squeeze through.


    Gino was stunned when he saw Raven''s emblem on the screen. He spun around excitedly, looking at Hera with admiring eyes. The mentor he was looking for was Hera! No wonder he couldn''t find Raven despite waiting until the banquet started.


    He moved to Hera''s side and said sincerely, "Please take me as your student...N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "Sorry, I grabbed the wrong one again." Hera calmly removed the USB sh drive from herptop.


    Using her main ount against such weak opponents was an overkill. She decided to switch to a less-known


    ount.


    Gino was dumbfounded. The rest of the crowd was also shocked to hear there were more cards up Hera''s sleeves.


    Bernard also couldn''t believe Hera had other secret identities.


    She pulled another USB sh drive from her bag and plugged it in. The Raven emblem on the screen disappeared, only to be reced by a ck "S" on a white background.


    Hera froze when she saw the new symbol, her eyes darting to the USB sh drive.


    She was sure she hadn''t grabbed the wrong one this time! But this emblem wasn''t hers!


    Realization struck her. This must be Tyler''s doing!


    She scanned the room silently, but the bodyguards had surrounded the area, making it impossible to spot Tyler. Instead, she locked eyes with Bernard, who stared at her intensely.


    Although she looked calm, her heart was racing. When their eyes locked on each other, her heart skipped a beat, sending a jolt through her. She quickly averted her gaze.


    Just then, she noticed Gino was still staring at her. She took the opportunity and shook him slightly, using the motion to cover up her nervousness.


    Hera feigned a scoff. ''Are you scared stiff? Don''t panic!"


    Gino felt speechless.


    Bernard observed Hera''s unease and his gaze darkened.


    "How many identities do you actually have?"


    "Every USB sh drive you pull out is from a famous figure!"


    "You''re not going to say you grabbed the wrong one again, are you?"


    "Vulcan, S, and Raven are all the same person?"


    "Isn''t S Raven''s mentor? But they''ve both appeared under the same identity. Does that mean the mentorship is just different ounts of the same person?"

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    Chapter 493


    ?


    "Doesn''t S and Vulcan have a rivalry going on? How can one person y multiple roles?"


    "Is that purse of yours some kind of Pandora''s box? Are there more? Did you grab the wrong one again?"


    "Why don''t you dump them all out at once? Surprise us even more!"


    The crowd buzzed with excitement.


    Ss was stunned, and the 120 seconds had long since passed. The w machine hadn''t grabbed a single thing.


    Rnd stood beside the w machine, shocked.


    Ss couldn''t possibly hold a candle to the first and second-ranked on the Global Hacker List!


    While they were still in shock, Ss''puter was already hacked. The S emblem appeared in the top right corner of the screen, and the code on his USB sh drive, along with hisputer''s firewall, was ruined!


    Next, theputer blue-screened, rendering it useless.


    The entire process took only a minute! He hadn''t even seen Hera move, and the battle was over! Was her speed even humanly possible?


    Ss began to question his life. He couldn''t believe he offended such a prominent figure!


    Mabel had been through a lot and wasn''t fazed by the situation. She had no idea who Vulcan or S was, though she did know Raven since everyone was searching for her tonight. What did any of that have to do with her, though? All she cared about was the Atkinses'' reputation!


    She urged, "Ss, what are you still standing around? Hurry up and do something..."


    Before she could finish, Ss suddenly fell out of his chair and crawled toward Hera.


    "I''m sorry! I didn''t know who I was dealing with! Please let me off the hook!" he begged.


    "Why are you apologizing? The match isn''t over yet!" Mabel scolded him and rushed forward to pull him up.


    "Exactly! There''s still more toe. I won''t ept your apology yet!" Hera smiled mockingly.


    "That''s right! You have to apologize all over again once the match is over!" Gino straightened up, forgetting all about his back pain.


    James felt vindicated for his daughter and took two more coins from a waiter. He handed them to Gino. "Go!"


    The crowd fell silent. Was there even a point in continuing the match when the oue was so obvious?


    Mabel swallowed hard while Rnd blocked the coin slot, refusing to det Gino close as if stopping him from using the machine was their dast hope of not losing. Content belongsExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    to


    Gideon huffed. "If you don''t want to continue the match, you can always admit defeat and apologize."


    Mabel''s anger red. "Who said we''ve lost? The match isn''t over yet, so we haven''t lost!"


    "The oue is clear! There''s no point in continuing. Just admit defeat and apologize. Don''t waste everyone''s time!"


    "Exactly! Nobody wants to watch the match. Stop hogging the machine and get lost! Don''t keep us from catching Raven!" "Admit defeat and apologize!"


    The crowd roared, demanding an apology from Mabel.


    love


    Mabel was known for her steadfast attitude and wasn''t easily intimated. She stood her ground even with so many people demanding an apology.


    Just then, the event organizer''s representative, Theo, finally arrived.


    Mabel felt a glimmer of hope when she saw him. The Atkinses was thergest electronics manufacturer and manufactured XS Corporation''s products. Surely, Theo would take their side...

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    ?


    Mabel was always quick to point fingers. "Mr. Smith, you arrived just in time. The Everetts are trying to stir up trouble..."


    Before she could finish, Theo nodded at Hera. "My apologies, Ms. Youngworth."


    It was Hera''s first time meeting Theo, and she didn''t know his intentions.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Mabel felt a surge of joy at this. It was expected of Theo who managed tounch XS Corporation within a year. Not only was he good at handling matters, but he was very efficient!


    It doesn''t matter if Hera was Raven, Vulcan, or S. Theo was the one in charge at the XS Corporation''s event! As long as he had them kicked out, the match would be over, and they didn''t have to apologize.


    With a wave of his hand, Theo''s bodyguards stepped forward, seizing Mabel and the other two, preparing to escort them out.


    Mabel was shocked and protested, "Mr. Smith, there must be some mistake. It''s her who..."


    "Mrs. Atkins, your behavior has led me to doubt the capabilities of the Atkins Corporation. I believe we need to reconsider our outsourcing n," Theo interrupted. "I''m sorry, but we have important guests here and you aren''t allowed to stay any longer."


    He was so refined despite kicking someone out.


    Mabel was stunned beyond words at this.


    Just then, Noah, the president of Atkins Corporation, finally pushed his way through the crowd and pped Mabel. "You stupid woman!"


    He then turned with an apologetic smile. "Mr. Smith, Mr. Everett, Mr. Gideon, I apologize for my wife''s offensive words. I promise I''ll keep a close eye on her from now on. Please forgive us. I''ll have them leave so they won''t disturb you further."


    They had attended XS Corporation''s third-anniversary event hoping to continue their partnerships with XS Corporation and to negotiate for their new chips. However, Mabel had ruined everything, costing them not only their ns but also a business opportunity!


    Noah turned and scolded Mabel, "Hurry up and leave!"


    She was still reeling from the p as the bodyguards dragged her away.


    "Wait." Bernard reminded coldly, "She hasn''t apologized yet."


    The bodyguards forced Mabel on the ground. "Apologize!"


    Mabel had never been more humiliated, especially in front of the other influential people. Her face was practically pressed against the floor! She was basically asking to be publicly scorned.


    Since Noah demanded an apology, she had no choice but toply. "I''m sorry..."


    Her voice was barely a whisper.


    "What did you say?" Gino asked loudly.


    Mabel was furious and regretted not pping the obnoxious boy harder earlier. She forced out, "I''m sorry!"


    He nodded and asked, "And what exactly did you do wrong?"


    Mabel gritted her teeth. "Ss did cheat and failed to win anything, so you didn''t nder us!"


    Gino looked smug after having his innocence proven. But remembering people were still watching, he adopted a dignified air.


    So, he nodded. "I''m d you


    admitted your mistake. Do write an apology letter when you get back and


    reake a photo to share it with the


    rest of us."


    Mabel was red with anger. Who did this kid think he was? But she still had toply despite her anger. After she apologized, the


    bodyguards finally dragged her out. Content belongs to


    swr

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    Chapter 495


    ?


    The host quickly stepped in to calm the crowd, and the guests began to disperse. However, a portion of the crowd was reluctant to leave, their eyes fixed on Hera. They wanted to approach her but were too intimidated by the bodyguards to make a move.


    "Hera, how was my performance just now?" Gino felt smug after his triumph and sought approval from Hera.


    Gideon scoffed to himself, "I can practically see you wagging your tail like a dog."


    Hera ruffled Gino''s hair. "Not bad."


    Gino hated it when people messed with his hair. But he didn''t dodge this time. Instead, he asked, "Does it feel nice?"


    His hair was surprisingly soft.


    Hera nodded. "Not bad."Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Gino''s eyes lit up. "Be my mentor, and I''ll let you ruffle my hair every day!"


    Hera felt speechless.


    "Ms. Raven, now that your family matters are settled, isn''t it time for us to discuss our business?" A woman approached. She was Laura, a representative from Miridian''s National Space Administration.


    The trantor apanying her was about to trante her words when Hera stood up. She unplugged the USB sh drive and asked, "What do you want?"


    She spoke in fluent Terranish.


    The trantor stopped. Seeing this, Laura addressed her directly, "You illegally hacked into our satellite, USA-224. We need you toe with us." Bernard stood beside Hera protectively. And challenged her in Terranish, "Why should we listen to you?"


    His pronunciation was identical to Hera''s, though his voice was more low and captivating.


    "We have an international arrest warrant." Laura took out the document as proof.


    Bernard nced at it indifferently. "Are you sure that arrest warrant is still valid?"


    "Of course!" Laura was confident.


    "Then how do you exin this?" Hera held up her phone with a picture on the screen.


    The image disyed thetest notice revoking Raven''s arrest warrant, stating that the case was dismissed!


    This photo was the gift she had


    received from the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.before she arrived. It was also the reason she was certain that the Grandmaster of Astral Nova knew her identity. How could he not, after sending her the notice?


    S


    But when exactly did Bernard discover she was Raven?


    Hera nced at Bernard.


    Feeling her gaze, Bernard


    maintained his calm facade though he was panicking inside. Hera knew! It seemed doing house chores wouldn''t be enough to make up for it.


    UMS


    "How could this be!" Laura examined the notice in disbelief. She quickly ordered her assistant to verify it.


    The assistant made a phone call before returning and whispering something to Laura. Her expression changed but she quickly regained herposure.


    Laura kept the arrest warrant. "We still need you toe with us. We need to discuss satellite USA-224."


    Her superiors had demanded she bring Raven back to Miridian no matter what!

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496


    ?


    "She is one of Jadonia''s talents. You can''t take her away!" Jim strode over, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Hera was surprised to see Jim speaking up on her behalf, but she began to piece together the situation when she saw Tyler. It seemed her mentor was still looking out for her.


    Tyler noticed her gaze and winked.


    Hera was speechless.


    Bernard red at Tyler when he noticed, wanting him dead!


    Tyler returned Bernard''s stare with a smirk. Everyone had their own strengths in life.


    Bernard''s gaze darkened and he texted Aaron.


    Laura observed Jim and Tyler. Remembering their achievements thatunched their fame, she frowned. "Are you serious, Deputy Commissioner Hawkins?


    "How could I joke about this?" Jim furrowed his brows.


    She was at a loss for words, and the onlookers were also shocked. Even Jim was protecting Raven! And he was doing so on behalf of Jadonia!


    This meant that if Laura insisted on taking Raven away, it wouldn''t just be a conflict between a country and an individual, but exalted to a conflict between two nations!


    "The actions of Miridian''s National Space Administration have threatened the safety of our people. Please leave immediately!" The special forces Tyler brought with him surrounded the area. Their imposing presence was intimidating.


    Seeing that the special forces were here and that the arrest warrant had been revoked, Laura didn''t dare escte the situation and left with her tail between her legs.


    The crowd watching erupted into apuse.


    Meanwhile, Raven had be the talk of the town overnight. When someone finally revealed that Raven was the renowned healer, Dr. Shadow, the overwhelming responses caused the servers and


    several live-streaming tel?


    crash. Only the Cyber Web


    to


    continued to hold out, so the curious flooded there.


    Topics discussing Vulcan, S, and Raven being the same person circted the tform. They even brought up how Jadonia protected Raven from Miridian, and the fact that Raven''s arrest warrant was revoked.


    As the discussions grew more heated, Cyber Web''s servers experienced an unprecedented crash!


    ...


    Back at the anniversary event, with the Miridian having withdrawn, the crowd gradually dispersed and returned to socializing.


    Rhett and his son managed to get closer to the stage. They were eager to finally see Raven in person. But they saw were familiar faces like Hera, Bernard, Tyler, and a few others chatting with Jim. And Raven''s assistant, Leon, wasn''t even present.


    Before entering the venue, Rhett had already been misled by Frederick''s overconfidence, which led them to. chase after a van to the


    underground parking lot and caused a misunderstanding. Fortunately, there weren''t many people in the parking lot. Otherwise, their reputation would have been


    damaged. Content belongs to


    This time, Rhett was much more cautious, instructing Frederick to first confirm the target.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Learning from his mistake, Frederick stopped a passing waiter and asked, "Did you see who Raven was?"


    "It''s the miracle doctor over there." The waiter pointed to Hera.


    "What! She''s Raven?" Frederick''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    The Raven they had been searching for was Hera? The one whom he had always looked down on? Was this a joke?

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    ?


    Wasn''t Hera just a measly assistant? And wasn''t she still studying D Language?


    "Are you sure?" Rhett questioned.


    The waiter nodded. "Yes, I''m sure. Everyone saw it. She took out Vulcan, S, and Raven''s USB sh drives."


    The father and son were stunned as their minds spun.


    Hera''s identity as the miracle doctor was already giving Rhett a headache. Now she had another identity as a hacker as well? How did Hera be so capable after leaving the Killians?


    No! He had toe up with a n and ask Chad to cancel the partnership with Raven! He couldn''t allow Hera to return to the Killians!


    While she conversed with Jim, Hera''s mind was upied by Bernard''s identity.


    Jim had to leave early due to other matters.


    After sending him off, Hera immediately grabbed Bernard''s hand. "I have something to ask you."


    Theo noticed this and dispersed everyone. Only he, being shameless, refused to leave.


    "I also have something to ask you!" Tyler stood between them, looking at Hera.


    "Your question can wait!" Bernard pushed Tyler aside and led Hera down the hall. "Sweetie, let''s find somewhere private."


    Tyler stumbled. "Bernard, are you a dog?"


    "I''ll talk to youter." Hera nced back. She really couldn''t bring herself to be so formal with Tyler.


    "Fine!" He huffed.


    Bernard picked Hera up and quickened his pace. "You can''t meet him again!"


    Hera wrapped her arms around his neck and argued, "You can''t control me!"


    Bernard carried her to arge office


    He kicked open the door andExclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    entered. There was a hidden


    behind the bookshelf that por


    to


    another office. Content belongs to


    Before Hera could take in her surroundings, Bernard ced her on the desk. He leaned in. "Then, I''ll punish you!"


    Hera recalled the feeling and fearfully ced her hands against his chest to prevent him froming closer. "Don''t do it!"


    "Then, you have to promise me that you won''t meet him privately again!" He gritted his teeth.


    "No way!" Hera refused without hesitation. She still had many questions for Tyler.


    Bernard frowned. "What''s your rtionship with him? When did you meet?"


    Hera pulled out a USB sh drive from her pocket and pped it against Bernard''s chest. "Before I answer that, shouldn''t you exin this first, Mr. Killian?"


    Bernard didn''t like her tone. "Don''t call me that, sweetie."


    "Then, what should I call you? Vulcan? Or the Grandmaster of Astral Nova?" Hera stared at him.


    He was at a loss for words. He took the USB sh drive that he left in his suit pocket.


    How careless of him. Now his cover was blown.


    Bernard mumbled, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to deceive you."


    Although Hera had a suspicion about his identity, hearing him admit it brought a mix of emotions-anger,


    sadness, and undersve

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    Chapter 498


    ?


    Hera''s mind was a mess. She never expected that the person she was trying to find while keeping her whereabouts hidden from her boyfriend, would turn out to be her boyfriend himself!


    "Did you recognize me at the auction for the Eclipse Stonest year?" Hera asked.


    She recalled Bernard saying he recognized her as the miracle doctor from the bracelet she was wearing. Thinking back, it made sense that he was the Grandmaster of Astral Nova. The only people she interacted with when she won the Eclipse Stone were Samantha and the Grandmaster of Astral Nova.


    "Yes," Bernard admitted. Although he was usually quick-witted, he found himself at a loss, feeling uneasy by the look Hera was giving him.


    "Bernard, you''re something else!" Hera pushed him away and got off the desk.


    Not only did he find out about her secret identity, but he also made her spend 880 million dors to get the Eclipse Stone for him! He scored big time! Moreover, he had made her agree to add him on WhatsApp, tricking her into taking photos and making deals with him.


    And she ended up falling for Bernard during this...


    Hera recalled everything that had happened with the Grandmaster of Astral Nova and felt like a fool.


    Bernard stumbled back from the push. He anticipated that Hera would be angry if she found out he had deceived her. He also considered telling her his true identity but had refrained due to Astral Nova''s rules.


    He had nned to first change Astral Nova''s rules before telling Hera, but he didn''t expect his disguise to be exposed due to his carelessness.


    "Sweetie, I''m sorry. Please let me


    exin. Khad my reasons for note revealing my identity. And I onlyN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    knew you


    were the miracle doetor


    then not that you were Raven,"


    Bernard started. Content belongs to


    He added, "I only recently discovered that you were Raven from the deleted transfer records in Astral Nova''s financial system."


    Hera was mad. But considering she had also hidden her identity from him, she suddenly felt guilty. Her mind swirled as she looked at him and they both stared at each other silently.


    They were both hiding their identities from each other, so it was quite a coincidence.


    Hera noticed there was aputer


    and aptop on the desk, just enough for the two of them. The hidden door of the office had closed, leaving only them in the office. It seemed unlikely anyone would find


    them here. Content b


    to


    She didn''t know why Bernard knew about the hidden door. Hera snorted to herself. As the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, of course, Bernard knew about it.


    "Let''s have a match." She picked up theptop. She wanted to see him work.


    Bernard was just as eager. Although they hadpeted before, it was always initiated by Hera and ended abruptly. So, they never got their fill.


    "Alright, you can use theputer," he said, taking theptop from her. Theputer was easier to use than theptop.


    Hera sat at the desk while Bernard sat on the couch, facing each other. They turned on their devices and inserted their USB sh drives.


    Bernard looked up. From his angle, he could only see Hera''s profile. Her lips were pursed, and she didn''t look very happy.


    Hera thought about the Dnguage book she had annotated and was preparing to give him to help him learn. Now she knew how foolish she looked. He was the world''s top hacker, someone on par with her mentor! She was a small frypared to the real deal,

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    Chapter 499


    ?


    Hera took a deep breath. "Let''s start."


    Bernard was excited. Did this mean that Hera was epting his identity? He recalled she had always been the one to initiate the attacks before. "After you."


    Hera didn''t hesitate and began to type. The ttering of the keyboard flooded the office.


    Her eyes darted back and forth between the rapidly changing windows and lines of code on the screen in a daze. She remembered how they had once studied basicputer programmingnguages together, and now they werepeting against each other.


    What surprised her the most was that Bernard, who had pretended to be pitiful, iming he was struggling at the Killians and needed to fend for himself, was actually the Grandmaster of Astral Nova, a figure feared even by the four influential families!


    Hera''s moment of distraction led to a code error, but Bernard ignored it and skillfully avoided it.


    She frowned and reminded him, "Pay attention, and don''t go easy on me!"


    Bernard smiled. Hera was better than he had expected. She even sensed he was going easy on her.


    "If you don''t take it seriously, I won''t feel any satisfaction if I win." He smirked.


    Hera''s temple throbbed. She hadn''t expected Bernard to be such a jerk. He had been pretending all along! She even wondered if she truly knew him. "Really? Well, don''te cryingter." With that, Hera forced herself to clear her mind and focus on the task.


    Aside from S, Bernard hadn''t faced such a formidable opponent in a long time. He couldn''t help but marvel at her learning ability. The ws she had shown in theirst match were gone, and she had even learned some of his techniques and updated her methods to handle the viruses he created.


    Hera never ceased to surprise him. He was falling for her even more.


    Hera was locked in and immersed herself in the match.


    Two hourster, she breathed a sigh of relief at the lines of codes on the screen. She felt much better and slumped against the office chair, ncing at the couch with her heart racing. Content belongs to


    Bernard stopped as well. He rubbed his sore neck and looked at Hera.


    Their eyes locked and he smiled. "You won."


    set


    Hera, however, felt no joy in her victory. Instead, she was filled with anger, She suddenly got up and moved toward the couch, reaching for theptop.


    Bernard avoided her. "I lost. Please let me off the hook, sweetie."


    "Hmph, drop the act. Don''t think I don''t know you were going easy on me!" Hera pounced, grabbing theptop from him.


    Bernard didn''t expect her to catch


    on. Afraid she might fall, he


    trying to wrestle theptop awe peet


    and pulled her into hisp.


    W


    Bernard''s code was still on the screen. Hera searched for the areas where he had intentionally made mistakes.


    She was annoyed as she looked through the code. "Bernard, do you take me for a fool?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

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    Chapter 500


    ?


    "No," Bernard immediately denied. "Look, you were able to spot these small issues, which shows how skilled you are. Even your mentor might not have noticed them."


    When hackerspeted, they wouldn''t notice if their opponent was going easy on them. Everyone was just focused on finding loopholes and invading.


    "Stop with your sweet talk. You''re just looking down on me and going easy on me." Hera read his code.


    But Bernard''s code was better than hers. It was undeniable that she wouldn''t have won if he hadn''t gone easy on her.


    The more he acted this way, the more her anger burned. She even suspected...


    "Did you intentionally lose for the Eclipse Stone?" Hera stood up and shoved theptop back to Bernard, ring at him.


    Bernard''s heart sank. He had hoped that letting Hera win would be enough to quell her frustration. He didn''t expect her to connect this with the Eclipse Stone.


    "Yes, we entered the same price back then," he admitted.


    Just as she had suspected! Anger red within Hera. Bernard had been toying with her from the beginning.


    Seeing this, Bernard exined, "I''m sorry, sweetie. I did recognize you back, and I took advantage of my identity to deceive you into doing things for me... But it''s because you said our rtionship would be over once I cured your illness. I didn''t want you to leave, so I used a bit of trickery."


    A bit of trickery? He was basically deceiving her for money and sex!


    Hera tried to control her anger and nodded. "Is there anything else you''re hiding from me? Confess now." Bernard felt guilty and ufortable seeing her like this. He didn''t want to deceit her further.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Noticing his silence, she thought he was unwilling to speak and said, "If you don''t want to tell me, then..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Bernard confessed abruptly, "XS Corporation actually belongs to me."


    She was shocked. Didn''t the XS Corporation have a strong rivalryz with Killian Corporation? She knew Bernard didn''t like the Killians, but she didn''t expect he was secretly working against them.


    If Chad found out, Bernard would be chased out by the Killians! Bernard was going too far...


    No wonder they flew to Lumiville with XS Corporation''s ne. How had she not thought of this...


    "Remember when you went to work


    with me at Shuttle Ventures? I don''t usually work there. Instead, I would


    either be at Astral Nova or here,"


    Bernard continued. "Also, the Everetts'' investment was a trap I set.


    Hera''s heart sank. "What else?"


    swn y


    "I was trying to make you jealous when I had dinner with Camille. And I had them send me back when I injured my leg because I wanted to see you. And I didn''t lose the flower identally. My hand wasn''t really injured. I just wanted you to feed me," Bernard listed off.


    Hera felt they were straying off-topic.


    "Oh, and that photo wasn''t a mistake. I pretended to send it by ident because I noticed you seemed to like my body, so I..." he added.


    Hera''s face heated up when she recalled the photo. "Don''t bring that up!"


    "Isn''t this relevant?" Bernard asked.


    Hera was afraid he might go off track further and said, "It''s not."

 Chapter 501

    ?Chapter 501


    "If that doesn''t count, then there''s nothing..." Bernard trailed off before his gaze identallynded on the conch bracelet on Hera''s wrist.


    He added, ''No, there''s another one.''


    Hera raised an eyebrow, indicating that he should continue.


    Bernard knew that she might struggle to ept the truth he was about to reveal, but he decided to say it anyway.


    "The bracelet on your hand wasn''t given by Ms. Daphne. I asked her to give it to you on my behalf." Hera raised her right hand and nced at the bracelet on her wrist, slightly perplexed. She had always carefully stored this bracelet, even considering it to be her lucky charm.


    Wasn''t this Daphne''s keepsake? Hera suddenly found it somewhat hard to ept. After all, the bracelet carried too much sentimental value for her.


    Bernard hesitated before saying, ''You can''t consider this me lying to you, right? You got it all wrong..." Hera looked up at him without a word. Yes, he did say that he had feelings for her from a young age. She suddenly felt like she was the prey that was captured by the hunter''s and was forced to stay with Bernard. Although he did not actually hurt her, she truly did not like the feeling of being controlled.


    "Let''s break up."


    Bernard was already prepared for the worst after telling Hera about the bracelet, but he never expected how ruthless she would be.


    He took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, I''ll respect your wishes.


    Hera was speechless. He was never considerate of her whenever they were in bed, yet he agreed to break up without hesitation.


    She felt like she was about to explode with anger because of him. That kind of emotion terrified her as she had always believed that she had a good grasp over her emotions.


    But after meeting Bernard, she seemed to constantly lose control of her emotions. Since she had already asked to break up, her pride would not allow her to take back her words.


    She nodded and stubbornly said, "Okay! Go back to Jedburgh tonight and move your things out of the courtyard house!"


    Bernard frowned. "That fast?"


    "What are you waiting for? A red carpet?" Hera asked icily.


    "It''s just that it''ll take a few more days toplete the procedures of transferring the courtyard house to your name."


    Hera didn''t know what to say. She felt she was about to lose her mind. *Alright, I''ll move, then!"


    "No need. I gave you that house as your birthday present. Besides, you cured me, so you deserve it. Don''t be angry. I''ll go back and pack up my things soon."


    Bernard rose to his feet and walked over to Hera. He held her shoulders and said earnestly, ''Sweetie, I''m sorry about what happened before, but I don''t regret lying to you. If I could do it all over again, I''d do the same." Hera was speechless. What kind of man was he?


    "I searched for 11 years before you finally appeared. I can''t pretend not to care about you, nor do I want to lose you," Bernard continued.


    Startled and confused by his words, Hera subconsciously asked, "How could you have lost what you never had?"


    "You once said that you wanted to marry me after growing up. That makes you mine!" Bernard gazed at her seriously.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Hera wanted to ask when she said that. She then suddenly recalled she was rather na?ve and idealistic as a child. She might have uttered those words, but she could not remember.


    Besides, Bernard shouldn''t have taken her words as a child seriously. But that wasn''t the point now. Even if he did take her seriously, how could he have agreed to break up so quickly?


    Hera shoved his hands away. "Typical men! I don''t trust you anymore!"


    Without even getting angry, Bernard continued, ''That''s okay. It was my fault, so if you want to break up, I''ll respect your decision."

 Chapter 502

    ?Chapter 502


    "After breaking up, I''ll win you over again," Bernard said.


    Hera thought she misheard him. "What?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    "I''ll win you over again," Bernard repeated. "This time, I won''t hide who I am from you, nor will I trick you again.


    "I want to start a rtionship with you again with no lies and secrets. After that, we''ll get married and have children together to fulfill our previous vows. We''ll continue to collect the elements of the periodic table and grow old together."


    Hera almostughed out of exasperation. "You really are confident. With so many men in this world, why would I hang on to you?"


    Bernard replied, ''It''s true that there are many men in this world, but not many could make you trust them. Go ahead, then. Once you''ve found a trustworthy man, I''ll cripple him and see who else will dare to be with you." "You..." Hera suddenly felt like she had been hit where it hurt the most.


    "Sweetie, you know I always keep my word. If you want to be in a rtionship, be with me for the rest of your


    life


    "You can be angry at me, beat me up, scold me, and use your needles on me. You can even ask me to kneel on a bed of nails or anything sharp. I''m at your disposal for your torture.


    "But don''t fall for anyone else even if you no longer love me. Otherwise, I truly can''t guarantee that I won''t murder the man."


    Hera was startled by his words. Her heart picked up its pace for a few minutes before quickly calming down. "You only know how to sweet talk! Besides, you were the one who tricked me before! I won''t pursue the fact that you hid your identity as Vulcan since I never told you I was Raven. We''re even on this. But you lied to me by not telling me that you''re Grandmaster of Astral Nova!"


    Hera recalled how she had foolishly searched for medicine to treat Bernard, only to find out that he had been messing with her all along. The fury in her heart couldn''t seem to go away.


    Bernard lowered his head, feeling guilty. "Yes, I''ll turn over a new leaf and be a better person. I won''t do it again."


    "Sure, go ahead and work on yourself, then. Since you have so many assistants, I''m sure I don''t have to tell you where''s the best ce for self-improvement."


    Hera went to the office desk and unplugged the USB sh drive. Her words had left Bernard speechless.


    "Right, I have something to ask you.'' Hera suddenly thought of something.


    "Yes?" Bernard walked over. While pursing his lips, he stood in front of the office desk obediently.


    "Be honest. How many exes have you had?" Hera asked suspiciously.


    Bernard answered solemnly, "I promise I''m not lying to you about this. You''re the only girlfriend I''ve ever had. I won''t look for anyone else as I only want to spend my days with you for the rest of my life."


    "Don''t be disgusting. You don''t have a girlfriend now!'' she interrupted him. "Where do you even learn all this ttery from?"


    "I''m naturally good at it." His words rendered Hera speechless. Bernard was truly one of a kind.


    Hera checked the time and noticed that it was already gettingte. "I suppose you don''t have anything else to say, right? Then, you should hurry back and pack your belongings."


    "Do I really have to pack?" Bernard truly had no idea what to say. How could Hera be so heartless?


    "Didn''t you say that you''d respect my decision?"


    Bernard said nothing, knowing that he had truly crossed the line. It wouldn''t be easy to earn her forgiveness, so he could only take it slow and go along with her.


    By the time the two came out of the office, most people had dispersed from the banquet hall. Bernard led Hera to the executive elevator and went down to the parking lot on the basement level.


    Hera took her phone out to call for a cab, but Bernard had already opened the passenger door and said, "I''ll send you back."


    Before she could even reject him, he continued, "Since I wish to win you over again, you should give me a chance to prove myself."


    Heraughed wearily. "What if I don''t?"


    "Then I won''t go back to pack my things, and I won''t break up with you either. Bernard had turned stubborn.


    "You.." Hera waspletely speechless. She wondered what she should do to get rid of him. Did he really think that she couldn''t do anything to him?


    "Fine!" She got into the car and gave her address. "Let''s go to Jedburgh right away."

 Chapter 503

    Chapter 503


    ?


    Hera scoffed. She would see to it that Bernard moved out tonight.


    Bernard smirked. After shutting the car door, he circled toward the driver''s seat and started the car.


    Hera sat in the passenger seat and texted Samantha toin about what happened. However, it seemed like she had fallen asleep as she did not reply for some time.


    Perhaps the intense emotional strain tonight had drained too much of her energy. While waiting for a reply, exhaustion overtook Hera as she began to rx.


    Bernard peered at her and noticed that she was fast asleep with her head tilted. That made him sigh in relief. If Hera could fall asleep, that indicated her emotions weren''t in a terrible state.


    He reached to turn up the temperature before slowing down the car, driving as steadily as he could. By the time they arrived at the courtyard house, it was already 1:00 am.


    Seeing how Hera still had not awakened, Bernard got out of the car and opened the door to the western wing. He then headed toward the passenger seat and unfastened the seatbelt for her before gently lifting her in his arms.


    Having heard sounds, Tiramisu ran out of the study. While carrying Hera, Bernard gently nudged it aside with his foot and said in a low voice, "Don''t get in the way."


    Hera''s closed eyes began to twitch slightly. As she stirred, she groggily saw Bernard holding her in his arms.


    Without realizing it, she leaned against his firm chest and was ready to continue sleeping when the phone in her hand began to ring. It was a call from Samantha.


    "Hera, I''ve arrived at the clinic entrance. Did you two really break up?" The moment she answered the phone, Samantha''s gentle voice reminded her that she had broken up with Bernard.


    Hera''s sleepiness faded away immediately. "Please wait a moment for me."


    With that, she ended the call and hurriedly got out of bed before saying to Bernard, "You must pack all your belongings and move out before I return here tomorrow."


    Bernard furrowed his brows together. "It''s sote. Where are you going?"


    "We''ve already broken up, so you can''t control me!" Hera shot back before leaving through the side door.


    Bernard followed her toward the door and saw her getting into Samantha''s car. He went to knock on the car window before speaking to Samantha, who was in the driver''s seat.


    "Don''t let her drinkter. If you can''t stop her from getting drunk, give me a call." While speaking, he handed his name card through the car window.


    "Okay." Samantha''s heartbeat picked up its pace while listening to Bernard''s instructions. Had they broken up for good?


    "Alright, let''s go," Hera urged impatiently.


    "Okay, okay." Samantha quickly rolled up the car window and drove away, leaving Bernard behind. "Where shall we go? Nightless Haven?"


    Hera was about to agree when she suddenly recalled the scandalous incident after getting drunk the fast time. Thus, she changed her mind.


    "Whatever. Let''s go to your ce." All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    UMS


    Samantha had a condominium at Aspen Avenue in Jedburgh. As there was no traffic at this time, they arrived at her ce within half an hour.


    After taking off her shoes, Heray on the couch and said, "Why don''t we enjoy some of the wine you''ve been saving for a while?"


    "Mr. Killian reminded me earlier to not let you drink any alcohol," Samantha urged.


    Hera impatiently scoffed. "It''s none of his business!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, her phone rang. Speaking of the devil, the screen showed it was Bernard calling. Hera impatiently answered the phone and asked, "What is it?"


    "Have you arrived?" Bernard asked.


    Hera scowled. She suddenly suspected that Bernard, whom she couldn''t seem to get rid of, had sent someone to shadow her.


    "Are you done packing your things?" Hera responded with a question of her own.


    "I''m still packing."


    "Continue packing, then. If there''s nothing else, I''m going to end the call."


    "Wait." Bernard continued, "Is it possible for me to take one of the clothes you''ve worn?"

 Chapter 504

    Chapter 504


    ?


    "What do you need it for?" Hera asked while frowning slightly.


    Bernad''s low voice sounded hoarse through the phone. "It''s so I can use it when I miss you."


    Hera became startled as an image of Bernard hugging her clothes crossed her mind, causing her face to turn slightly warm.


    "You... No! You can''t take anything of mine!" After speaking, Hera ended the call.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Bernard stared at the phone after she disconnected the call. He chuckled before turning to put Hera''s most worn ck silk nightgown into his suitcase.


    Samantha took a bottle of Roman¨¦e-Conti and two wine sses from the wine rack. After setting them on the coffee table, she poured the wine into the sses.


    "What''s going on with the two of you? Besides, the headlines are all about you. Your alias is like an atomic bomb that took everyone by surprise after it exploded. Seems like even Mr. Killian couldn''t ept it, huh?"


    Hera raised her wine ss and took a sip before briefly exining everything that happened earlier. As soon as she finished speaking, she did not forget to warn Samantha, "Keep what you know about his identity to yourself. Don''t tell anyone else."


    After hearing that, Samantha hurriedly drank three sses of wine to suppress her shock. She nearly screamed, "Mr. Killian is actually Grandmaster of Astral Nova? He..."


    Hera quickly covered Samantha''s mouth."Don''t talk about this anymore. Remember to keep it a secret."


    Samantha mumbled while nodding vigorously. Once she raised her fingers as if she were taking a vow, Hera finally released her.


    Samantha took a deep breath.


    "Bernard has gone too far! Never


    mind about him asking you to spend 880 million dors to buy the Eclipse Stone, but he used the Eclipse Stone and even received payment for it. Isn''t it the equivalent of cheating you of 1.76 billion dors?


    "You can buy ten Cartier red diamonds for 1.76 billion dors Back then, you only bought one for me. It''s as if he asked you to buy ten of those for him. He''s truly heartless! Content belongs to


    UMS


    "No wonder he handed over the Eclipse Stone to you so easily! He had already nned it in advance! He was trying to take my ce in your heart!"


    Hera was rendered speechless, wondering if that was the point. Shouldn''t they focus on how Bernard had fooled her?


    "You don''t have to be jealous. I already asked him to move out by tonight!" Hera took another sip of wine.


    "But think about it, are you two truly breaking up? You sure it''s not a little drama between you lovebirds?" Samantha questioned skeptically.


    "It''s for real!" Hera said confidently before clinking her wine ss against Samantha''s. "Let''s celebrate that I''m single again."


    "Isn''t the courtyard house under his name? He could just find an excuse anytime and move back, right?"Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Seeing how Hera gulped down half a ss of wine as if it were water, Samantha hurriedly set her wine ss down to stop her.


    "Don''t drink so fast since you can''t handle alcohol well. You''ll get drunk even faster this way."


    By then, Hera was already slightly tipsy. She replied while slurring slightly, "If he were to move back, I''d just move out. I''ll even pay him rent for the clinic."


    "No way! You''re going too easy on him! After all, you did cure his illness. The money spent to buy the Eclipse Stone alone should cover the courtyard!" Samantha immediately answered.


    Hera said nothing as she poured another ss for herself. Samantha tried to stop her but was pushed away.

 Chapter 505

    Chapter 505


    ?


    "Let me drink more. I''ll feel better."


    Seeing this, Samantha hugged Hera in distress. One shouldn''t be fooled by Hera''s usual aloof demeanor and how she seemed indifferent to anything. She was merely suppressing all her emotions, which was why she did not express them easily.


    To Hera, as long as she did not care, others could not affect her feelings. Thus, she wasn''t someone who trusted others easily. Even with Samantha, they took a long time to build up the rapport they had today.


    But it did not even take one year for Bernard to be the reason for Hera''s current state. That indicated that she truly took their rtionship very seriously.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Alright, there, there. Don''t be sad anymore. He''s just a man. I''ll find you another one. I still have several cousins who are single and even look rather handsome. I''ll introduce them to youter," Samanthaforted.


    Hera downed anotherrge ss of wine as her mind started to wander. After letting out a drunken hup, she asked, "Are any of them more handsome than Bernard?"


    "Oh..." Samantha pondered over it. Hera was stillparing looks even though she was drunk. Perhaps no other man in this world couldpare to Bernard''s unparalleled attractiveness.


    At that moment, the phone that had been cast aside rang again. Hera drunkenly felt around for the phone before answering it.


    Bernard''s voice came through the phone. "Sweetie, how do you want to split our time for Tiramisu?"


    Hera was stunned for a moment upon hearing his familiar voice before angrily eximing, "We''ll never split! It''s mine since you gave it to me as a gift. How could you want to take back a present you gave away?"


    Bernard could tell that something about her voice was off. "Are you drunk?"


    Already drunk, Hera did not hear a single word he said as she continued speaking, "You also gave me the courtyard house, so you can''t ask for it back!


    "You also can''t take back those gold needles since you gifted them to me. All these are already mine, so you''re not allowed to take them back..." Bernard patiently listened to her ramble on while imagining her drunken state with a dazed look in her eyes. Suddenly, he found that rather adorable. "What about me? I''m yours as well," he asked.


    At the same time, Bernard tilted his


    e


    head and held the phone between his shoulder and ear while quickly opening hisptop. His fingers flew across the keyboard as he typed some codes to ess the location system and determine Hera''s location. Content belongs to


    Hera was drunk as she muttered incoherently, "You... You''re not mine since you''ve already agreed to break up with me. You''re not mine... You don''t love me anymore...


    "You agreed to break up, so that means you don''t love me anymore... I don''t want to love you anymore either..."


    Bernard paused as he was about to reach for his car keys. He suddenly felt a pang in his heart. Hera seemed so indifferent about the breakup earlier, so he never realized how deeply hurt she was.


    "I''m sorry. I love you, so let''s not


    break up anymore, alright? I''ll go pick you up now." Bernard immediately stood up and went


    outside. After getting into the


    car


    and starting the engine, there was no sound on the other end of the line.


    Thinking that the call had disconnected, he checked his phone and saw that the call was still ongoing. A momentter, Samantha''s voice came through on the phone.


    "Hello? Mr. Killian, Hera has fallen asleep. She''s at my home, so you don''t have to worry. Let me take care of her while she sleeps."


    "I''ll go pick her up now," Bernard replied.


    "Oh? That''s not necessary. Hera feels awful, so I don''t think she wants to see you now."


    Bernard immediately ended the call


    and drove out. Halfway through the journey, his phone rang again, showing an unrecognized number. But Bernard took a quick look at it and knew right away that it was a caff from Samson.


    "Bernard, the Elders have learned about the situation with the Vulcan alias at the anniversary party. You need to handle this urgently." Bernard frowned slightly before saying, "Got it."


    After ending the call, he turned the car in another direction. At the same time, he called Samantha, saying, "Take care of Hera."

 Chapter 506

    Chapter 506


    ?


    Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    By the time Hera woke up, it was 2:00 pm the next day. Her entire head was throbbing due to the hangover.


    She got up and noticed that she was in an unfamiliar environment, and even her clothes had been changed. After some thinking, she finally recalled visiting Samantha''s cest night.


    She reached for her phone that was charging by the bedside and checked through her WhatsApp messages. After answering all her unread texts, she finally listened to Bernard''s voice message sent at 3:00 am.


    "Sweetie, something suddenly came up, so I''m not sure when I''ll be back. It may take two or three days or even a week.


    "Take care of yourself during this period. Call me if you need anything, or you can contact Dous. Wait for my return. I love you." She could vaguely make out the sounds of him driving while he spoke.


    Hera scoffed before nonchntly tossing her phone aside. She certainly wasn''t going to wait for him.


    "You''re awake, Hera. The food delivery has just arrived. Quickly wash up before having some food." At that moment, Samantha pushed the door open and entered the room.


    "Sure." Hera got out of bed. After washing up, she headed to the living room, where Samantha had alreadyid out the food on the dining table. She even prepared a hangover pill for her.


    "I didn''t do anything oddst night, right?" Hera asked while pulling out a chair to sit.


    Samantha, sitting opposite her, seemed unsure what to reply. Hera suddenly had a gut feeling that something had gone wrong. She usually cked out after drinking and had no memory of whatever she did.


    "Nothing much." After considering it,


    Samantha continued, "Mr. Killian called youst night. You med him for not loving you anymore and agreeing to break up. You wouldn''t even let him take back his presents..."


    Hera sharply inhaled in disbelief. "Did I really say all that?"


    Samantha nodded. "You almost cried. I think Mr. Killian feels very guilty and doesn''t want to break up anymore.


    "You little hypocrite. Last night, I thought you guys were roleying some kind of scenario, but you even lost control of your emotions."


    The thought of what happened made Hera put her hand against her forehead in embarrassment. No wonder Bernard sent her such a voice message.


    That damn alcohol. She vowed not to drink so recklessly again. If she wanted to drink, she would have to block Bernard first.


    "Hera, you don''t have to break up if you feel so miserable about it. M Killian is actually quite decent. If you still love him, you can give him a chance to prove himself," Samantha advised.


    Whether Hera wanted to break up or not, Samantha, as her best friend would always support her decision. But she also felt distressed when she saw how upset Hera was.


    She could tell that Hera truly liked Bernard, who had gone overboard. He had taken advantage of Hera''s trust in him and tricked her.


    Hera took her hangover pill without a word. Did she still love Bernard? She couldn''t say that she didn''t.


    But as she recalled everything that happened after they reunited, she suddenly recalled Tyler once asking her, "How do you know that Bernard would never lie to you?"

 Chapter 507

    ?Chapter 507


    Hera suddenly had no idea whether she could fully trust Bernard. She even suspected whether he nned their reunion.


    He knew all about her motives and resentment for returning, yet he slowly lured her into a trap he had painstakingly set up. He made her fall deeper and be numb while letting her guard down against him. Her emotions were like codes, all carefully calcted by him.


    With those thoughts in mind, Hera suddenly found Bernard to be rather terrifying. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she seemed to have been tricked by his gentleness. In fact, she seemed to know nothing about him.


    Seeing that Hera wasn''t saying a word, Samantha said, ''Whatever, let''s not talk about him anymore. Let''s go shopping after lunch. Buy whatever you like since it''s all on me!"


    After lunch, Hera selected a somewhat normal set of white casual clothes from Samantha''s feminine wardrobe and put it on. As they had simr figures, the size was just right.


    Before leaving the house, she was about to call Wayne to help her feed Tiramisu when he called first.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Something bad has happened, Hera. Your maternal grandmother is making a fuss at the clinic," Wayne said anxiously.


    Hera frowned slightly. "My maternal grandmother?"


    "Yes. These people are calling themselves your biological maternal grandmother and uncle. They''re here at the clinic to cause trouble for Mrs. Jones and refuse to leave," Wayne exined


    "Take care of Grandma. I''ll go back now.'' After ending the call, Hera exined to Samantha that she wasn''t going shopping as she had to return to the clinic.


    "Everyone,e and judge for yourselves. I''m Dr. Shadow''s biological maternal grandmother, and he''s her biological uncle.


    "Dr. Shadow is the owner of this clinic, but the old witch inside is impersonating my biological grandchild''s grandmother, taking my ce. She has ordered someone to block our entry, not allowing us to go in and visit my granddaughter!"


    Amanda Bet was an olddy with partly white hair, dressed in simple country clothes. She pulled Louis Cresswell, a man in his 40s, to her side as they gestured for the passersby to gather around.


    Louis was dressed more neatly than Amanda did. He had a rtively handsome face that bore a resemnce to Lilith''s features.


    Aside from having a slicked back hairstyle, he wore a suit and arge LV belt with an LV bag tucked under his arm. But anyone familiar with the brand knew that those products were fake.


    Amanda and Louis were Lilith''s mother and younger brother.


    I noticed the increasing number of passersby gathering around, and the media was even here as well. To preserve the reputation of Youngworth Miracle Clinic and Hera, she politely invited Amanda and Louis inside for a chat.


    But Amanda and Louis remained stubborn, seeming determined to cause a scene. Thus, they remained by the entrance and did not enter the clinic.


    "Don''t think we''re dumb enough to trust you! What if you spring a trap on us the moment we walk into that ce? Tell that old witch toe out here!" Louis said while lighting a cigarette.


    "Exactly!" Amanda agreed. "If there''s anything, ask that old witch toe out and talk to us. Let everyone decide whether she''s taken my ce and is cheating money off my granddaughter!


    "Also, don''t go to her for treatment anymore! She''s just a fraud and a quack who once caused someone''s death


    during treatment in the past."


    Louis said, "It was Mrs. Sanderson of Jedburgh who died under her treatment. I''m sure many people know about this."


    Amanda added, "Yes, yes. There were also several newborns back in our vige who died under her treatment


    Outside, Amanda and Louis shared more stories, making everything worse. The reporters realized that they had stumbled upon a major story and frantically took photos, with some even starting live broadcasts.


    Catherine could no longer bear to listen or sit still while listening from the clinic. She ignored Wayne''s attempts to stop her and came out


    "You two keep saying that you''re Herie''s real maternal grandmother and uncle. Do you have any proof?" Amanda, seeing that Catherine finally came out, ced her hands on her hips. "We''re Dr. Shadow''s rtives by blood and aren''t afraid of your questioning.


    "Tell me, did you purposely take my granddaughter away all those years ago? Was it part of your n to take advantage of her by asking her to return to the Killians and exact revenge for your daughter?"


    These words left Catherine frozen in ce.

 Chapter 508

    ?Chapter 508Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    How did Amanda and Louis know about the Killians? To Catherine, Giselle was the only one who could be in contact with them and knew everything about the Killian family.


    Besides, Giselle even dropped by yesterday to ask whether she had considered leaving the clinic. After Catherine rejected her, Giselle told her that she would regret it before leaving.


    Today, Amanda and Louis were here.


    Catherine''s heartbeat began to pick up its pace. She was still unwilling to believe that Giselle would go that far.


    Seeing how she was keeping silent, Amanda thought Catherine was afraid and decided to take it a step further. She ced her hands on her hips and scolded her, "I got it right, didn''t I? You old witch, quickly get out of my granddaughter''s clinic-


    "Who the hell is barking here?" Hera''s clear voice interrupted Amanda. She walked through the crowd toward Catherine and held her hand, asking in concern, "Are you alright?"


    Seeing her made Catherine smile in relief. She nodded. "I''m fine."


    Having not recognized Hera, Amanda told her off, "Who are you? Don''t meddle in others'' business..."


    But Louis knew who Hera was and immediately tugged at Amanda''s clothes. ''Mom, she''s Hera, also known as Dr. Shadow."


    "Oh, so you''re my granddaughter." Amanda changed her tune. "I''m your real maternal grandmother!"


    Hera calmly nced at Amanda and Louis with a nk expression. ''I don''t know who you two are. If you know what''s good for you, get out. Otherwise, don''t me me for kicking you two out of here.''


    As soon as she finished speaking, Wayne came out holding a baseball bat. "Who dares to cause trouble here? Do you not know who I am?"


    At that moment, a red Ferrari halted in front of the entrance. Nichs, sporting auburn curls, got out of the car.


    A few young men dressed in ck clothes with bright-colored hair followed behind him before standing by the entrance. Although their appearance seemed ridiculous, their imposing presence remained unaffected "What are you doing here?" Hera asked Nichs in confusion.


    Nichs exuded a dominating presence as he answered, ''My girlfriend is in trouble. How could I not be here?"


    Hera frowned before asking in disgust, "Who''s your girlfriend?"


    "You!" Nichs answered.


    Before Hera could say anything, he shamelessly added, "You''re my future girlfriend! After all, it''ll eventually happen. But let''s not talk about that now. Tell me, how do you want me to get rid of them?"


    While speaking, he rolled up his sleeves, looking rather eager to get started.


    "However you like. Just get rid of them."


    Amanda and Louis gulped nervously upon hearing their conversation. They never expected that Hera would be so ruthless.


    But Amanda thought about it. Giselle, one of the Killians, had put them up to the task. No matter how arrogant these people were, they were nothingpared to the Killian family.


    Thus, she straightened her posture and scolded, "You stupid bitch! I''m your biological maternal grandmother, yet you want to drive me away! How much more heartless can you be?"


    Louis chimed in from the side, "If she had any conscience, she would''ve visited us after acknowledging the Everetts but it has been almost a year. Since she wasn''t raised with us, she naturally isn''t well-behaved. She''s nothing like our Giselle, who always has been obedient."


    Hera raised an eyebrow upon hearing that. "Oh, so Giselle asked you two toe here?"


    Amanda and Louis fell silent as they were exposed. Giselle had instructed them to never reveal that she asked them to be here

 Chapter 509

    ?Chapter 509


    "Mom, Louis, what are you two doing here?'' At that moment, Lilith made her way through the crowd toward them.


    Having noticed Lilith, Amanda immediately began to vent her anger on her, "You foolish idiot! You''re finally here. Look at what kind of daughter you''ve given birth to. Look at the way she''s treating us. Aren''t you going to teach her a lesson?"


    While scolding Lilith, she instinctively raised her hand to p her. But Hera suddenly grabbed Amanda''s wrist and tightened her grip, making Amanda scream in pain.


    "What did you do to my mother?" Louis wanted to push Hera away but was kicked aside by Nichs. He grabbed the baseball bat in Wayne''s hand and hit Louis on the head.


    "Touch her again and I''ll cripple you!"


    Wayne dared not to make a move after hearing the threat.


    "Get lost! Don''t make me say it for the third time!" Hera pushed Amanda away hard, causing her to lose her bnce and fall to the ground.


    But she did not get up immediately and stayed on the ground whileining. "Oh, did you see that? She''s the Dr. Shadow you all idolize so much.


    "She''s a sinister woman who doesn''t even understand the basic principle of respecting her elders. What kind of bullshit miracle doctor is she?"


    The reporters and livestreamers were having a field day. Hera was a hot topic due to the news of everyone looking for Raven yesterday. Thus, many tuned in to the livestream.


    Lilith saw this and helplessly said, "Mom, how could you do this? Quickly get up."


    "I won''t get up until you ask her to chase that old witch out of the clinic and show me more respect!"


    After saying that, Amanda continued, "Don''t forget to ask her to arrange a job for your younger brother. It doesn''t have to be an excellent job. Louis should receive a sry of at least 30 grand per month and be free to work whenever he pleases. A managerial position is good enough."


    Nichs pointed the baseball bat toward Amanda. ''Who the fuck gave you the audacity...


    Hera pulled him back and let out a chuckle. ''Isn''t 30 grand per month too little? He should at least earn a million dors per year and own a luxury car and house, am I right?"


    Amanda''s eyes brightened at the thought of Louis receiving a million dors worth of sry per year.


    Louis would typically spend his days doing nothing at the vige and even liked to gamble. That was how the wedding gifts given by the Everetts had gone down the drain. Even the house had to be sold, so the three of them had to live in a dpidated house.


    If they had a million dors per year, they could even move to Jedburgh and enjoy life.


    Amanda immediately nodded. ''Exactly! A million dors per year sounds excellent, and you have to provide us with a luxury car and house. It would be even better if you could find him a wife in Jedburgh and bring me over too!"


    Louis also became very excited upon hearing that he would receive an annual sry of a million dors. He never even dared to dream this would happen.


    If this came true, he could go back to the vige and show off to his friends for life.


    Louis happily said, ''Since you''re Dr. Shadow, I''m sure you can make all this happen. I''m not in a hurry anyway as long as I cane to work tomorrow."


    Hera snorted. "You don''t have to wait until tomorrow. You can experience it by going to sleep now. Close your eyes, and all these will be in your dreams."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "You! Fuck, how dare you trick me!" Louis angrily rolled up his sleeves, but Wayne pinned him to the ground immediately.


    "I''ll leave this to you. Get rid of them," Hera ordered icily before helping Catherine into the clinic.


    Seeing this made Amanda throw a tantrum on the ground. "Oh, lord! This is so unfair. Look at how disrespectful she is!


    "This is the Dr. Shadow that you all admire so much! This is how she treats her biological maternal grandmother and uncle to protect her imposter grandmother...


    "Herie, perhaps this isn''t the best move." Catherine was unwilling to enter the clinic.


    She watched Lilith, who seemed to be at a loss, and remarked guiltily, "After all, she''s your mother''s mother. It wouldn''t end well for the Everetts if this goes on, am I right?"


    Already troubled by her matters with Bernard, Hera felt more irritated after running into someone like Amanda. "The more you pay attention to someone like her, the worse she bes. Let''s ignore her.''


    "Amanda Bet, how dare youe here and make a scene?" At that moment, Mildred, who had beente, hurried over while being assisted by Gideon.

 Chapter 510

    ?Chapter 510


    At the same time, thements were flooding the livestream.


    "Are they her biological maternal grandmother and uncle?"


    "Dr. Shadow is too heartless."


    "Oh... Despite having excellent medical skills, she has really poor character!"


    "She''s always been aloof, so it''s not a surprise she did all of that."N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "No wonder it''s so hard to make an appointment at Youngworth Miracle Clinic. They don''t seem to treat the poor. Let''s not go there anymore."


    "If all of us don''t go, we''ll see how long they canst."


    "I''ve canceled the appointment I made half a month ago."


    Giselle read through thements on the livestream that were all bashing Hera. She finally felt slightly better after being frustrated for the whole day.


    She thought Hera was just an academic prodigy and miracle doctor. She never expected that she was also an expert hacker.


    No matter how hard Giselle worked, Hera would always be more talented and dazzling than she was. Jealousy was written all over her face.


    If she couldn''t be better than Hera, she would destroy her. After all, this was just the beginning.


    "The paid media can start setting the narrative. Also, all the inte trolls can get to work," Giselle said smilingly to Vanessa Popkins, who stood beside her.


    Vanessa was an experienced maid assigned to her by Linda. She handed a tablet to Giselle and said, "It''s already in progress.''


    The tablet disyed trending topics and tweets on Twitter as well as screenshots of articles posted by various public ounts.


    "Dr. Shadow is cold-hearted for not acknowledging her biological maternal grandmother."


    "Dr. Youngworth''s treatment resulted in someone''s death.''


    "Dr. Shadow, whom everyone admires, has such poor character."


    "No matter how good their medical skills are, we shouldn''t go to this clinic. We might even lose our lives."


    Many were still tweeting about Hera being the same person as Vulcan, S, Raven, and Dr. Shadow. Soon, everyone was checking out the new content trending on Twitter. The content included videos of Hera chasing Amanda away and even shoving at her.


    A youngdy pushing an old woman was enough to stir theizens. After all, Hera was a renowned miracle doctor. Within ten minutes, everyone was bashing her on Twitter.


    Giselle immediatelyughed upon seeing the content. "Quickly check whether all the appointments at Youngworth Miracle Clinic were canceled."


    She was very confident that such a scandal would definitely result in Hera''s newly opened clinic closing immediately.


    "Miss, there have been no changes. In fact, more people have booked their appointments." Vanessa repeatedly refreshed Youngworth Miracle Clinic''s appointment booking app.


    "The level of intensity isn''t good enough. Everyone is just scolding them, but the queue for the clinic is not affected at all. We should focus on the angle of them causing the deaths of their patients during treatment." Giselle gritted her teeth in fury and continued, "Go fix this!"


    At the same time, Amanda noticed Mildred''s arrival at the clinic and abruptly stopped her tantrum. Without even needing help from anyone, Amanda quickly got up on her own.


    "My beloved granddaughter, don''t you get yourself involved in this. Let me handle this!" Mildred waved her hand at her.


    Hera was somewhat astonished. Not only did she see Mildred and Gideon in the crowd, but even James and Gino were present. All six of them were here.


    "Hera." Gino stood beside Hera, his eyes full of admiration. Then, he obediently looked at Catherine and called out, "Grandma Catherine."


    Catherine was slightly surprised before warmly smiling at him with a nod.


    "Why are all of you here?" Hera asked

 Chapter 511

    ?Chapter 511


    "Initially, we were going to drop by as a surprise but didn''t anticipate that this would happen. Don''t bother yourself with this. Let Grandma handle it,'' Gideon said.


    "Exactly. Only Grandma''s sharp tongue can lecture these idiots," Gino added, rendering Hera speechless.


    Mildred pointed at Lilith, who was about to give Amanda a hand, and ordered, "You,e here!"


    Lilith stopped and was about to obediently walk toward Mildred when Amanda immediately held her back." You''re not allowed to go there!"


    "Exactly, you can''t go there. Otherwise, we''ll disown you!" Although Louis was being pinned to the ground, he did not forget to speak up.


    He knew that Lilith cared about that the most. As long as he said those words to her whenever he asked her for money, she would obediently give it to him.


    Indeed, Lilith did not walk over upon hearing his threat.


    Seeing that made Mildred angrily hobble toward Amanda with the support of her cane. Amanda was so terrified that she immediately withdrew her hand.


    Mildred took the opportunity to drag Lilith over and scolded her, "You''re so useless! You''re no longer a Cresswell since you belong to the Everett family!"


    Lilith stumbled upon being pulled over and bumped into Hera, who supported her and asked, ''Are you alright?


    "Hera, I''ve troubled you. I didn''t handle these matters well. Mrs. Jones, I''m sorry." Lilith furrowed her brows as her eyes reddened from guilt.


    Hera felt uneasy and said gently. "This has nothing to do with you. All of you should go in first." With that, she instructed I and Sarah Robinson to help Catherine and Lilith into the house.


    Seeing that made Amanda reprimand Lilith loudly, ''You stupid bitch,e back here! I worked so hard to raise you, but this is how you treat me."


    "Oh, Amanda Bet! How dare you try to guilt trip her!" Mildred held onto her cane with her other hand on her waist


    "Back then, you shamelessly asked us for a million dors in cash and to build a mansion for you in the vige. After receiving all that, you promised to break ties with your daughter and never contact her again! Yet here you are, causing trouble for my granddaughter!"


    Amanda wanted to push the me on Mildred and deny everything. Unexpectedly, Mildred took a copy of the contract from her pocket and pped it on Amanda''s face.


    The agreement back then was clearly documented in ck and white. All details were explicitly stated in the contract, including signatures and fingerprints. This left Amanda and Louispletely speechless.


    A million dors was truly considered a significant sum 20 years ago. But Amanda never expected Lilith to give birth to such intelligent sons and a talented daughter for the Everett family.


    Amanda heard that Hera had created some kind of special medication. Although it was merely the size of a fingernail, it was sold for 500 million dors.


    Inparison to that 500 million dors, the one million dors from 20 years ago was nothing. Besides, Amanda did not even get to spend a penny of that one million as Louis had gambled it all away. Thus, she regretted her decision back then.


    The surrounding crowd began to criticize them as Amanda tried to exin, ''This...I...


    Mildred fiercely interrupted her, continuing to chide her, ''All these years, you should know very well how much money Lilith has secretly given to you.


    "Seeing that we''re inws, I''ve looked the other way, just considering that she was donating to the needy. NotBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    only are you two ungrateful, but you''re even here to cause trouble now.


    "You even want my granddaughter to respect and take care of all of you. Such rubbish. Go to hell!'' Mildred''s words sounded nastier as she continued reprimanding them. She didn''t care about her reputation anymore.


    But James still cared about his pride and reminded Mildred, "Mom, let''s not waste time talking to them. They intentionally tried to ruin Hera''s reputation. We''ll send them to the police station right away regardless of our familial ties.


    "Whatever they did earlier is considered defamation. ording to thew, they could be jailed for up to three years..."


    The thought of going to jail terrified Amanda, who hurriedly helped Louis up. "They''re so hateful. Let''s quickly leave."


    Hera said, "Hold on. After talking all that crap, are you nning to just walk away like that?"


    Upon hearing that, Nichs immediately grabbed Amanda. Unafraid of escting the matter, he licked his lips and asked Hera, "What shall we do with them? Should we throw dog shit at them?"


    Hera said nothing. She wondered if nasty things were all he could think of. She looked at the reporters in the middle of their livestreaming.


    "The audience has been following this story for a while, so they deserve to know everything. All of you must tell the truth in front of the cameras. Tell us who sent you here. Otherwise...

 Chapter 512

    ?Chapter 512


    Giselle had sent the reporters and livestreamers here. Seeing how things weren''t going well, they


    immediately said to the cameras, ''Alright, today''s livestream will end for now."


    After that, they ignored the protests in thements and quickly tried to turn off the cameras. However, they realized their phone screens seemed to have frozen.


    Thus, the livestreams could not be shut down, and the screens were unresponsive.


    The three people who participated in livestreaming encountered the same issue on their phones. Suddenly, their phones'' function was only for livestreaming.


    "I''ll be lenient toward those who are honest. Anyone who resists will be in trouble. Come and tell everyone who sent all of you here!" Nichs pushed Amanda and Louis before the cameras.


    The livestreamers tried to shift their phones away, but Nichs henchmen had anticipated this move and grabbed their phones.


    One of the reporters even covered his camera lens before trying to escape amidst the chaos. In the end, his escape was blocked by the passersby, who forcefully snatched his phone away to continue the livestream.


    At that moment, the highest number of viewers among the three livestreams exceeded ten million. One could almost feel theizens'' excitement through the screens.


    "Well done!"


    "Speak up! You got yourself into this sticky situation by messing with my goddess!"


    "Were they trying to turn off the livestream at a crucial moment? Have you forgotten that Dr. Shadow is a renowned hacker?"


    "Excellent work!"


    "I''m an inte troll."


    "I''m curious to know who has the guts to ruin Dr. Shadow."


    "I''m an inte troll."


    "What''s happening? We know you''re inte trolls, so you don''t have to keep repeating yourself." "I''m an inte troll."


    "So many inte trolls are here. Who sent them here?"


    "The expert hackers are working hard!"


    At first, the inte trolls sent to set the narrative were quickly drowned out by the otherizens''


    Seeing how things weren''t going as nned, the trolls tried to continue their work. But they were shocked to realize that no matter what they typed, only the phrase "I am an inte troll" was being sent.


    Meanwhile, Amanda and Louis were stunned to see this scene unfold.


    They had taken Giselle''s money and were also relying on the Everett family''s good reputation. Thus, they had acted shamelessly and caused trouble at the clinic. But they never expected Hera to be so ruthless and for Mildred to be so resolute.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    In addition, the threat of being imprisoned terrified Louis. Not only was he in his 40s, but he was still a bachelor. If he really went to jail, wouldn''t he be a bachelor for life?


    "It''s Giselle Everett. No, I mean Gianna Killian. She gave us money to cause trouble here."


    Amanda quickly pinched Louis when she heard that. ''Fool! Why reveal that? Once you''ve said that, we won''t even be able to get the remaining one million dors, let alone buy that house."


    "If I had said nothing, we''d have to go to jail."


    "We didn''t kill anyone or set a fire, so why would we go to jail? They''re just scaring us. Just shut up. With the Killians backing us up, why should we be so scared of them?"


    Amanda and Louis began to argue in front of the cameras, making Hera chuckle at the sight. She invited her family into the clinic, leaving the two arguing on livestream.


    As she turned, she unintentionally saw a bright blue Bugatti Veyron parked near the entrance. Tyler was sitting in the driver''s seat, working on hisptop.

 Chapter 513

    ?Chapter 513


    Hera smirked and sent a message to Tyler via WhatsApp. "Thank you."


    Meanwhile, Giselle felt irritated while watching the livestream at the Killian residence and screamed, "Such fools! Vanessa, quickly ask them to end the livestreams!"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "I can''t contact them. You should quickly contact the paid media instead and ask them to delete their previous articles." Vanessa was so anxious that she began to sweat profusely.


    She never realized that vigers like Amanda and Louis were that useless. Not only did they fail to achieve their task, but they even started arguing with each other in front of the crowd.


    If Linda knew about this, Vanessa''s bonus for the month would go up in smoke. She wouldn''t have agreed to serve Giselle if she knew how stupid she was from the start.


    Before the tweets and linked articles on Twitter were deleted in time, theizens received thetest developments on the story.


    "Oh, so it was Ms. Gianna of the Killian family who paid others to cause trouble earlier."


    Later, many discovered that she was the fake daughter of the Everetts in Norburgh, where the news had spread like wildfire throughout the city. It seemed like it was true that Hera, the Everett family''s actual daughter, was mistaken as the baby of the Killian family.


    Back then, the Killians fought hard for the position of head of the family. Lucius murdered Greg and was sentenced to prison, and Daphne died of an ident not too longter.


    Twelve years had passed. Hera, who was believed to be dead, actually returned. Although she wasn''t their biological daughter, she became a renowned miracle doctor and hacker. She was even dating Bernard, which was quite the buzz.


    The reporters from various media outlets also caught wind of the gossip and hurried toward Killian Corporation and the Killian residence.


    Chad learned of this news very quickly. He had just finished a meeting with Rhett and Frederick and learned about what happened at XS Corporation''s annual banquet, especially how Hera could be both Vulcan and Raven at the same time.


    After pondering in silence, he finally decided that they would continue seeking her out for a coboration for the sake of thepany''s expansion.


    In the end, he heard about all the ugly things Giselle had done. Thus, he gave Karen a call, and she immediately summoned Giselle to her living quarters.


    "What do you know about thosements online and the reporters at the door?" Karen interrogated.


    "I... I don''t know." Giselle lowered her head quiltily


    "You have no idea? But why are they saying that you ordered them to do so?" Karen threw the tablet at Giselle as it yed a video of Amanda and Louis arguing.


    Startled, Giselle burst into tears. ''Aunt Karen, I truly didn''t do it. I don''t know why they would use me like that-''


    "Would they do it just for fun?" Karen interrupted.


    "I''


    "Vanessa has already informed me of what you''ve been up to for the past few days. Don''t think you can use the same tricks on me as you did on the Everetts! Here in the Killian family, we take responsibility for our own mistakes!" Karen said sternly.


    Giselle turned to look at Vanessa in shock. She could not believe that Vanessa, who said they were on the same boat ten minutes ago, had betrayed her.


    "Ms. Killian, don''t push the me on me. As maids, this is what we should do," Vanessa exined righteously.


    Giselle was in a tough spot, unable to voice out her misery. She couldn''t interrogate Vanessa in front of Karen. Thus, she could only ept fate and admit her mistakes.


    "I''m sorry."


    Karen eximed, "What''s the point of telling me you''re sorry? Ms. Youngworth is Aury''s benefactor and the talent who Killian Corporation ns to coborate with! Are you trying to destroy our new project by ruining her?"


    Giselle lowered her head as she clenched her fists, biting her lower lip hard in frustration.


    Why wouldn''t Hera die? She was the one who had stolen her spot as a member of the Killian family, but Giselle seemed to always be in the wrong


    "I see that all your months of learning our family''s rules of conduct and etiquette were for nothing. You''ll be confined to the study hall for the next three months and won''t be allowed to leave! Once this matter is resolved, you''ll await your punishment!" Karen said.


    She continued, "Remember to copy the family''s rules of conduct ten times every day. If you make the same mistake again, you won''t be just grounded to study! Take her away!"


    Giselle limped toward the study hall while being helped by a maid. The study hall was located at the most deserted part of the Killian residence. It was a cold and deste ce.


    She was very disgruntled and resentful of the decision. She returned to the Killians so that she could enjoy the wealth and luxury.


    Before she could even do so, she was restrained in every manner. Everything about this household was about the family''s rules of conduct. If not that, she found herself in someone else''s traps.


    All this was far from what Giselle had imagined when she first returned to the Killian family.

 Chapter 514

    ?Chapter 514


    Hera asked Catherine and the others to rest in the living room in the western wing. Afterward, she headed to the consulting room to finish treating the remaining two patients for the day.


    After the nurse escorted thest patient out, Hera shut the door to the consulting room before typing out the patient''s medical records on theputer. At that moment, someone knocked on the door before entering.


    "I''ve seen all the patients for the day. I''m not epting any walk-ins..." Before she could finish speaking, she looked up and saw Tyler leaning against the door, grinning at her.


    Tyler said while ncing at his watch, ''I don''t just want your thanks. Since it''s almost time for dinner, you should treat me. Besides, I helped youst night as well, so you owe me twice. Let''s eat before we go for a drink.


    Hera was about to respond when Tyler added, "You get drunk easily, so you don''t have to drink. Watching me drink is good enough.''


    With that, Hera did not reject him. After all, she had something to discuss with him. "Alright, but not tonight. My family is here, so we''ll do this some other day.''


    "Alright then." Tyler was slightly annoyed.


    Suddenly, he recalled something. ''Oh right, you should turn off the ''Do Not Disturb function for my personal number so that I can contact you anytime."


    Hera peered at him suspiciously. "In the past, you never answered my messages. Did you set up a ''Do Not Disturb function for my number?"


    How would he have known if he wasn''t familiar with the function? He was actually aware that she had set his number under the ''Do Not Disturb'' mode.


    Tyler ufortably cleared his throat and refused to admit anything. ''What are you talking about? I''m very busy. How could I have the time to answer your silly questions every day?"


    Hera stared at him suspiciously, clearly not believing a word. In the end, under Tyler''s gaze, Hera disabled the " Do Not Disturb function on his personal phone number. Only then did he turn to leave with satisfaction.


    Hera checked her list of messages and saw Bernard''s conversation. Hisst message was still the voice note from 3:00 am


    How could he even win her over? He was so bad at it.


    Meanwhile, the Everetts were chatting in the living room of the western wing. By then, Catherine and Lilith felt much better.


    As for Nichs, he hadpleted his duty to supervise and entered as well. Unlike his unruly behavior earlier, he obediently sat on the couch and greeted everyone.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Sanderson, thank you for what you did earlier."


    Mildred recognized him as the same person who ordered dog feces and urine to be poured all over Camille. That act alone solidified his reputation as a spoiled young man across Jedburgh and even the country.


    To her, it didn''t matter whether he had a terrible personality. Most importantly, he was a scion of the Sandersons, and his family was one of the top ten prestigious families in Jedburgh. Although the family was rankedst, they were still rather well off.


    What did the upper ss value the most? It was all about connections.


    Hera was able to get to know a wealthy man like Nichs within such a short time upon arriving at Jedburgh. Her future was promising.


    "No need for all the courtesies, Mrs. Everett. This is what I''m supposed to do. After all, I''m Hera''s boy... guy friend."


    Nichs cheekily wanted to introduce himself as Hera''s boyfriend. But with Wayne clearing his throat as a reminder, he forced himself to reply differently


    Mildred nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You should join us for dinnerter!"


    Nichs'' eyes lit up. If he could get the approval of Hera''s family, he would be one step closer to having her as his wife one day.


    He immediately nodded. Before he could agree, Wayne ced a hand on his shoulder and asked, ''Mr. Sanderson, didn''t you agree to y basketball tonight with the others?"


    Nichs looked back with an icy gaze and eximed through gritted teeth, "We''ve agreed to meet another time!"


    "When did this happen? Why do I have no idea?'' Wayne asked.


    Wayne had put in a lot of effort to do a better job ofpleting the task entrusted by Bernard and learned that Nichs enjoyed ying basketball. Thus, Wayne would invite him for a game at the nearby court whenever he dropped by the clinic to visit Hera.


    As a result, they discovered that they yed well together. They even formed a team with a few of Nichs'' friends and would asionally schedulepetitions with other teams on the court.


    Nichs replied, "Just now!"


    "Oh, I see," Wayne answered. He then scratched his head and grinned. "In that case, I won''t go as well. I could hang out with you guys for dinner, right?"


    Nichs could barely hold himself back from hitting Wayne in front of the Everetts. He answered through gritted teeth, "Get lost!"


    "You two get along quite well," Gideon said meaningfully.


    "Like brothers," Ginomented with a nod

 Chapter 515

    ?Chapter 515All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Nichs and Wayne were stunned as they both recalled the awkwardness from the other night at the same time. The two immediately stood six feet apart and said simultaneously, "We''re not close!"


    To Nichs, Wayne was clearly trying to irritate him. On the other hand, Wayne would have no intention of hanging out with Nichs if it weren''t for Bernard''s instructions.


    At that moment, Hera entered the room. James said first, ''Hera, are you done with work? I''ve booked a private room at the Imperial Hotel for dinner tonight."


    Hera scowled slightly at the name of the hotel. She wondered if he intentionally selected the Imperial Hotel.


    But after thinking about it, she recalled that James valued his pride very much. Naturally, he would select the most famous hotel in Jedburgh for dinner.


    "Sure. Let''s go," she answered with a nod. After all, the chefs at the hotel were the best of the best. She shouldn''t have to miss out on good food.


    Besides, Bernard was outstation for work, so it would be impossible to run into him.


    Before leaving, Mildred''s question confirmed her thoughts. "When will Mr. Killian be back? Why don''t we wait for him?" she asked.


    "He''s not free, so we don''t have to invite him," Hera casually answered.


    "What about tomorrow or the day after? No matter how busy he is, he has to eat." Mildred refused to give up.


    Hera became slightly irritated. "Don''t invite him. We''ve already broken up."


    "What?" Everyone was shocked.


    Catherine asked, "Are you sure you''ve really broken up?"


    Mildred eximed, ''How could you break up with Mr. Killian?"


    James asked, "Did he just agree to it?"


    Lilith inquired, "Hera, are you sad?"


    Gino said, "Lilith is so talented. Even Bernard is not good enough for her!"


    Gideon remarked, "You''ve finally gotten rid of that old man."


    Nichs said, "You guys broke up? Does that mean I have a chance?"


    Wayne eximed, "What?"


    "Thank goodness I didn''t ept Shuttle Ventures'' investment and chose XS Corporation instead. Otherwise, it''d be awkward whenever I run into Mr. Killian," Gideon remarked in relief.


    Hera thought to herself that XS Corporation actually belonged to Bernard


    "It''s hard to find someone like Mr. Killian, who''s rich, powerful, and handsome. Why did you break up with him?"


    Mildred sat back in her chair and continued, "Absolutely not. I disagree with you two breaking up. Quickly invite him here and reconcile right here! Otherwise, I''m not going to dinner!"


    Hera said nothing


    "Mom, don''t make it hard for Hera," Lilith advised in a low voice. "This is her business, after all..."


    Mildred looked away stubbornly and said, ''I don''t care. If they don''t get back together tonight, I''m not going to dinner. I''ll just starve to death.


    "Fine, then don''t go. We''ll leave," Hera said before turning to walk out.


    Gino immediately followed her as well as Gideon and Catherine. Lilith hesitated for a moment before tugging James along.


    Mildred heard the footsteps fade away and looked back to realize that only she remained in the living room. There was even Tiramisu, who came out of the study. It looked around before trotting out after Hera


    Mildred was shocked. Wasn''t there anyone on her side?


    She was doing this for the future of the Everett family by making sure Hera and Bernard remained together. Yet, none of the family members were taking her side.

 Chapter 516

    ?Chapter 516


    Meanwhile, Rhett and Frederick were at the CEO''s office at Killian Corporation.


    "Mr. Rhett, the Everetts have booked a private room at the Imperial Hotel for 7:00 pm. Hera will be there." The secretary, Rachel Davis, reported thetest developments to Rhett.


    Rhett checked the time before suddenly getting up. "Get the car ready. We''re going to the Imperial Hotel."


    "Dad, are we really going to coborate with her?" Frederick asked, feeling disgruntled. The meeting had just ended, and Chad''s final decision was to continue seeking Raven to work together.


    The thought of Hera being Raven and possibly the Vulcan as well caused his face to burn.


    "Do you have a better candidate in mind?" Rhett peered at him, asking a question of his own instead of answering him.


    Frederick immediately turned silent. He never expected that XS Corporation would be willing to spend so much money. In fact, they had secured a coboration with 90% of the top 100 hackers in the world whom they had invited earlier.


    Meanwhile, the remaining 10% of top hackers were rather prizing choices. There were renowned hackers like the Vulcan, S, and Raven, who were out of their reach, or hackers like Ss, who was looked down on for his poor character.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rhett put away his things before heading toward the Imperial Hotel. He wasn''t willing to cooperate with Hera either and had voiced out his opinion at the meeting.


    But Chad had insisted on cooperation. Besides, he was still angry about the foolish things Giselle had done. As the CEO of Killian Corporation, Rhett had no choice but to go along and follow through with the n for now.


    It was 7:00 pm when Wayne parked the car at the Imperial Hotel. Hera helped Catherine out after getting out of the car. As James'' car had arrived first, he and the others were waiting for them at the entrance.


    Hera looked around and realized that she had not seen any sign of Everly for the whole afternoon. Thus, she asked Catherine about her whereabouts.


    "Everly asked to take leave today. She said that she''s meeting with a friend," Catherine exined.


    Hera nodded, clearly not bothered. But the matter sounded strange to Catherine.


    When did Everly have new friends? Ever sinceing to Jedburgh, Catherine was always with Wayne and Everly, rarely leaving each other''s side.


    They would either spend their days together at the clinic or at home. Whenever they wanted to take a break, they would go for a walk in the park. She never heard Everly bring up a new friend.


    Seeing how Hera wasn''t bothered, Catherine did not bring up her concerns.


    After entering the hotel, James informed the waiter of the reserved room number, and the waiter led them to the third floor. The moment they exited the elevator, Hera spotted Rhett walking toward them.


    James'' eyes lit up upon seeing Rhett. He knew that there was a very high chance of running into the Killians if the family dined at the Imperial Hotel. But he never expected that he could run into Rhett, the CEO of Killian Corporation.


    After all, it wasn''t easy for anyone to meet with Rhett. Yet he was walking in their direction.


    James was thrilled and immediately adjusted his clothes. He then stepped forward and extended his hand with a smile. "Mr. Killian, it''s nice to meet you."


    However, Rhett did not even look at him. Rachel, who had been following behind him, looked rather disdainful and rudely said to James, "Excuse me. Please step aside.


    Theplete dismissal of James made him awkwardly withdraw his hand. The Everetts now were nothing


    "Ms. Youngworth, a word please?" Rhett asked politely while standing before Hera


    Hera casually nced at them. "I''m not free."


    James'' heart began to tremble. He knew that Hera had always been unruly, but he never expected that she would be this rude toward Rhett.


    Gino''s eyes were filled with admiration for Hera. Compared to her, James really seemed inferior earlier.


    "I wish to discuss further regarding the coboration Frederick mentioned the other day," Rhett added, not giving way.


    Hera asked her family to head toward the private room first. Thinking that he had seeded, Rhett said, "This way, please.''

 Chapter 517

    ?Chapter 517


    Instead, Hera calmly replied, "Book an appointment with my assistant if you wish to discuss anything.''


    Her words shocked Rachel as it was her first time hearing anyone speak to Rhett that way. All this while, it would be Rachel who spoke that way to others.


    Rhett scowled in displeasure but he quickly put a smile back on. He replied without hesitation, "Alright, let''s meet at 2:00 pm on Sunday at the Killian residence. I''m sure there''s a lot you still wish to know about Daphne."


    Hera red at him coldly before walking away. Rhett was very satisfied to see her reaction and smiled slyly." I''ll be waiting. Right, the Imperial Hotel will cover the cost of dinner for those in Room 312." Those words were for Rachel to hear.


    "No need. I''ve done nothing." Hera rejected icily before walking past him. After adjusting her demeanor, she walked into the private room.


    "Did he do anything to you?" Gideon asked in a low voice when he saw her enter.


    Hera shook her head. Her matters with the Killians were her personal matters. She did not want the Everetts to be involved.


    "Is everyone here? Let''s ask the waiters to serve the food. Everyone, go ahead and eat however much you like. Today''s dinner is on me," Nichs said, who was thest one to enter.


    He had intentionally gone home to change into a proper suit beforeing over. He even removed his earrings and lip studs, transforming himself into a well-mannered man ready to meet his girlfriend''s parents. After sitting next to Hera, he asked her in a low voice, "What do you think of me right now?"


    Hera recalled what Rhett was trying to imply and answered Nichs distractedly, "Whatever."


    Nichs became unhappy. "Can''t you look at me first before you give your opinion?"


    Hera peered at him. "You look fine." Her words rendered Nichs speechless.


    Everyone happily feasted on dinner. Afterward, Gideon asked his assistant to book a hotel near the clinic.


    Once Hera had dropped them off at the hotel and sent Catherine back to her residence, Nichs insisted on dropping her off at the clinic.


    After arriving at the clinic, Hera reached to open the car door but realized that it would not open. She nced at Nichs, who suddenly solemnly dered, "The best way to move on is to start a new rtionship."


    Hera was confused.


    Even after he finished speaking in a deliberately serious voice, he did not garner a response from her for a long time. He finally turned to see Hera staring at him, looking puzzled.


    Did she not understand a word?


    "I noticed how unhappy you were tonight. Since you''ve broken up with Bernard, you should be with me. I can help you quickly get over him," Nichs continued.


    "You''re not my type." After rejecting him, Hera continued without giving him a chance to talk, ''If you still want to be my friend, give up on that idea. Unlock the door!"


    Nichs still wanted to talk about it, but seeing Hera''s icy re made him nervous. He immediately and obediently unlocked the doors.


    After watching her leave, he finally came to his senses and realized how useless he had been earlier. Hera returned to the western wing to replenish Tiramisu''s food and change its water. Afterward, she finally pushed open the door to her room. A whole day had passed before she was able to enter her room.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    The room did not seem any different from before. But Hera suddenly felt rather empty inside when she opened the wardrobe and saw only her clothes remained.


    She entered the bathroom to take a shower. Later, she wrapped a towel around herself and came out to change into her pajamas. That was how she discovered that her favorite ck silk nightgown was missing


    Instead, she found a pair of men''s silk pajamas underneath her pillow. The faint smell of Bernard''s tobo still lingered on it. The pajamas came in a couple''s set with her nightgown that Bernard had purchased.


    "So that I can use it when I miss you.'' Bernard''s words suddenly popped up in her mind. Hera began to feel hot all over when she imagined him holding her nightgown while...


    Hera immediately reached for her phone and texted Bernard.

 Chapter 518

    ?Chapter 518


    Bernard was at Skyscraper, handling Astral Nova''s matters. He wore a ghost mask while seated at the office.


    He mmed the documents on the table. "How could you make mistakes for such trivial matters? Did Astral Nova hire you for fun?"


    More than ten managers from various departments stood before the office desk with lowered heads upon being reprimanded. Due to Vulcan''s identity being exposed, the Second Elder made a few moves.


    Thus, they were summoned to work overtimest night and had not slept at all. After working the whole day today, they had not slept for almost two days.


    As they were terribly exhausted, it was inevitable that a few minor mistakes had urred. These mistakes were considered rather minor, which could be rectified once discovered.


    But the managers never expected that Bernard, who had pulled an all-nighter with them, would still be alert and notice these mistakes.


    The atmosphere was eerily silent as no one dared to say a word. They might even be fired if they said anything wrong.


    At that moment, Bernard''s phone on the table emitted a WhatsApp notification. He peered at his phone. It was his personal number which he had intentionally set for it to notify him with a ringtone. Thus, he immediately reached for it.


    Hera said, "Quickly return my nightgown to me!"


    Seeing that text remarkably eased Bernard''s exhaustion from having worked hard for the past two days. He smiled faintly under the ghost mask while typing out a response.


    Bernard, "Shall I personally deliver it to you now?"


    Hera, "Express delivery would do!"


    Bernard, "Absolutely not. I won''t allow anyone to touch your clothes. If you want your nightgown, I''ll send it back to you.''N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    The chat disyed "Hera is typing". After a moment, it stopped. In the end, Bernard received a "Goodbye" sticker. He let out a chuckle, breaking the eerie atmosphere earlier.


    But the other managers did not let their guard down and became more terrified than ever. Bernard wasn''t a man who liked to joke around. He had a stern demeanor and was known for his ruthless methods.


    Once, a waitress identally spilled some water on his shirt. The next day, the waitress and her family were never seen again in the country.


    Those who made major errors in their work had their memories forcibly erased, and they ended up in vegetative states.


    As the department managers, they probably had harsher punishments awaiting them for making such minor mistakes.


    "Redo your work. That''s all for today," Bernard remarked.


    Those words made the managers exchange nces with one another, thinking they must have heard wrong. Were they only required to redo their work?


    Samson, standing beside the office desk, saw that no one was leaving and reminded them, ''Are you looking for a punishment?"


    The managers finally came to their senses and began to leave. Thinking back, they were rather grateful to Hera for texting Bernard, sparing them from punishment.


    Hera tossed and turned for the whole night on the bed, unable to fall asleep. She realized that she had gotten


    used to Bernard holding her in his arms while they slept. She suddenly found the bed to be quite empty. The moment dawn broke, Hera still hadn''t slept well but did not force herself to continue sleeping. She got out of bed to wash up before heading toward the northern wing to prepare some medication.


    As she walked out of the courtyard, she heard the sound of the back door being unlocked and stopped in her tracks.


    The back door was pushed open from outside, and Bernard walked in. He was startled to see Hera standing in the courtyard.


    She wore a white dress and had let her hair loose, making her seem rather otherworldly. However, a slight scowl on her face suggested that she had not slept well or was still somewhat groggy.


    Hera would usually never wake up this early unless something was up.


    "Sweetie, you''re up so early," Bernard said first, sounding hoarse and tired.

 Chapter 519

    ?Chapter 519


    Bernard''s eyes were bloodshot due to hisck of sleep, and he had noticeable dark circles. There was some stubble on his chin as well.


    Compared to his usual groomed self, he looked rather sloppy now. However, his handsome features made him seem rather rugged.


    Hera was taken aback for a few seconds beforeing to her senses. "Why are you back here?"


    "You have terrible love interests surrounding you, and I was afraid you''d be taken away. So, I pulled an all- nighter to finish my work and came back early," Bernard exined while shutting the back door.


    Hera watched him put the key into his briefcase and scowled. ''Who cares about your work? I''m asking who allowed you to return? Give me back the keys!'' While speaking, she extended her hand for the keys.


    Bernard naturally would not give the keys to her and pointed to the eastern wing. "Myb is still here." Hera would usually prepare her medication in the northern wing and rarely went to theb in the eastern wing. Therefore, theboratory door typically remained shut.


    asionally, Bernard would go there to run some minor experiments. Theb had many bottles, jars, and chemical instruments. Thus, there were far too many things to move out in one night.


    "When will you find a ce and move all of these out?'' Hera questioned.


    "I''m not moving," Bernard replied while opening the door to the eastern wing.


    Hera realized that Bernard''s suitcase and things from the western wing had been brought over to the eastern wing.


    Sheughed in exasperation. ''So, was it a lie when you told me that night that the courtyard house belongs to me and you''d move out?


    "The courtyard is yours. Here''s the property deed," Bernard said earnestly before taking a document from his briefcase.


    Hera checked it and discovered that her name and identification number were in order. She suddenly felt rather conflicted.


    Bernard took out two rental agreements as well. ''Ms. Youngworth, could you rent this wing of the house to me?All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Many chemical instruments here are not convenient to move. Most importantly, I made a vow with my beloved here. I wish to fulfill our promise after I win her back...


    "Got it, so stop spouting nonsense. The rent will be charged three times the market rate," Hera interrupted, not giving him a chance to continue.


    She knew very well that it truly wasn''t easy to relocate some of these chemical instruments. Besides, this used to be his ce, and she had taken advantage of the situation.


    She also remembered the voice recording of them getting back together. She wanted to see how Bernard would try his best to win her over, and she had a good reason now.


    Hera did not fully trust him, but she knew that he was rather capable.


    Seeing how quickly she agreed, Bernard couldn''t help but tease her despite benefiting more than she did from the situation.


    "The rent amount is up to you. After all, my money is your money from now on."


    "Shut up. If you spout nonsense again, I won''t rent the ce to you anymore," Hera warned, making Bernard immediately shut his mouth.


    "I need you to do something for me.'' Hera requested.


    "I''m always at your service 24 hours a day." Bernard looked at her seriously, looking as obedient as a wolf that


    was wagging its tail.


    Hera noticed how tired he was and waved her hand for him to quickly leave. "Whatever. Go sleep first. We can talkter."


    Bernard straightened his posture. "As you say, Ms. Youngworth. But I''ll be sleeping here."


    Hera frowned slightly. ''There''s no bed here. Where will you even sleep?''


    "I can sleep on the floor,'' Bernard answered.


    Hera folded her arms across her chest and nodded as if she was about to see something interesting. "Alright, go ahead."


    Thisb had a changing room and bathroom facilities, which were used while changing for the experiments. But no beds were avable here.


    Hera wanted to see what tricks Bernard had up his sleeve. She watched him open his luggage and take a few tailor-made clothes before cing them on the floor one by one, leaving her speechless.

 Chapter 520

    ?Chapter 520


    "We had it worse whenever we had missions. Everyone had to sleep on the ground in the wild, so it''s not bad here,'' reminisced Bernard.


    Hera wordlessly watched him spread his formal coat on the ground like a mat. In fact, it was handmade by a famous Lumorian designer. The designer might faint if he saw this.


    After spreading it only big enough for himself toy down, Bernard looked at her earnestly. "Would you like to share it with me?"


    "Goodbye."


    When Hera was about to leave, she noticed something under the suitcase. It was the ck silky nightgown she couldn''t findst night!


    rmed, she quickly reached for it, but Bernard noticed her intention and grabbed it first. He hid it behind him.


    "Give it back to me!" She red at him.


    "I bought it, so I guess it belongs to me, right?" Bernard pointed it out on purpose.


    She pounced at him to snatch the garment back. Then, she took her phone out to transfer ten grand to him. "I bet this nightgown and the courtyard house are worth only this much. I don''t owe you anything anymore!" "That''s cruel of you, sweetie. Can''t you at least give me something for remembrance?'' He put on a pitiful face. She scoffed. "Is this the day you finally realize that I''m cruel?" She got up and patted the dust away before leaving with the nightgown and the property deed.


    After taking two steps, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Don''t spend the night here''


    His face brightened. He knew that she wouldn''t be this cruel to him! "Will you provide a bed? I can warm your bed for free."


    "In your dreams! Get out and turn left. Choose any hotel to your liking." She then returned to the western wing. Bernard became speechless.


    How cruel of her


    But he deserved it. Although she didn''t show him mercy, he had to think of a way to please her.


    He was exhausted. Before this, he could spend several sleepless nights without a problem even if he was sick. However, after spending thest six months with quality sleep, spending a white night might affect his health.


    Instead of sleeping on his formal coat, he left the ce.


    Hera returned to her study to delete the onlinements that were targeting Catherine.


    When she was certain that Bernard had left, she headed to the northern wing to make some medication. While she was focusing on the medication, someone called her from behind.


    "Herie."


    She looked back, but her hands didn''t stop. ''Grandma, what are you doing here?''All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "What are you doing? Need help?" Catherine changed her shoes and walked into the room.


    "I want to develop a refined special medication. The Eclipse Stone is hard toe by, so I want to find if there are other alternative ingredients to rece it,'' exined Hera before dly epting the offer. ''Would you like to join me? Let''s see if these ingredients work or not."


    "Sure." Catherine washed her hands and wore gloves before helping her out.


    After a while, Catherine suddenly apologized, "Herie, I''m sorry for the troublest night. I didn''t expect Giselle to go to that length just to make me leave Youngworth Miracle Clinic."


    She wanted to say it yesterday, but it was untimely to do so because the Everett family was around. "That''s nothing. She even used your name to borrow money from loan sharks. Don''t be such a stranger. You raised me. The trouble I gave you when I was little was way more cumbersome than this." Hera''s hand didn''t stop fumbling around the herbal medicines.


    Catherine sighed. "Why don''t I just return to the mountains? If she could do such a thing, no one knows what she might do next."

 Chapter 521

    ?


    "There won''t be next time. Aurora told me that Giselle is grounded for three months."


    Hera put off her work to give Catherine a hug.


    "Alright, don''t overthink it again. You''re not troubling me at all. It''s me who''s repaying you. Look at me, I''m just azy bum. If it weren''t for you, this clinic might not have survived until this day."


    Catherine sighed, knowing that Hera would be worried sick if she returned to the mountains. Feeling relieved, she hugged Hera back without uttering a word.


    In case Catherine still had a lot of things weighing on her mind, Hera put off her work and got changed. She brought Catherine to a nearby park for a stroll with Tiramisu


    James and Gideon left the hotel early in the morning for an appointment. Meanwhile, Lilith took Mildred and Gino to the park to meet up with Hera.


    The weather in Jedburgh was just right in June. They wandered around the park while walking Tiramisu.


    Hera sat on the bench, closing her eyes while basking in the sun. It felt nice to spend her days this way, but only if she could ignore Gino, who was bombarding her with questions.


    "Hera, is Vulcan your main ount and Raven your side ount? What about S?


    "Hera, do you own these three ounts?


    "What about Bernard? He''s a beginner like me, isn''t he?


    "§¯§Ö§Ô§Ñ-"


    "Quiet!" Hera interrupted him.


    Gino wouldn''t zip his mouth when he could finally spend time alone with her. "On one condition, be my mentor."


    She gave him a sideways nce. ''Have you read the books I gave you?"


    "I''m still on it, but some of the content is difficult to understand. I have to read the same thing again and again, hence the slow progress," he said honestly.


    She took out a USB sh drive and proffered it to him. "Look at it when you''re home."


    It contained some tutorials personally tailored by her and the D Language, which was full of notes. The USB sh drive was supposed to be given to Bernard, but before she could give it to him, she found out his true identity by chance.


    It was fortunate that she didn''t give it to him or it would have been a huge embarrassment.


    "Thank you, Hera-I mean-Ms. Hera!" Gino epted it with excitement and quickly took hisptop out of his bag. He was going to study right now!


    Watching him reminded her of her past self. Whenever she received tutorials from S, she would get all excited and bury herself in her studies.


    Right then, she noticed that there was a man in ck sportswear wearing a hat and a mask standing by a tree. He was scrolling through his phone.


    When they entered the park, she already noticed that he had been following behind them.


    Gideon came to pick them up for lunch at noon.


    "Gideon, I won''t be joining you guys. I have some business to take care of,'' Hera said.


    "Alright, call me if anythinges up," he said.


    Hera sent them off. Now, there was only her and Tiramisu.


    After watching them leave, she walked Tiramisu another round at the entrance. As she had expected, she saw


    that man again at the corner of the entrance.


    Hera called someone. Twenty minutester, a blue Bugatti Veyron stopped in front of her.


    The window was wound down to reveal Tyler''s handsome face. "I thought I''d have to wait for at least two weeks until you''d remember me. Hop on.''


    She walked to the back seat and opened the door, but it was locked.


    "To the passenger seat," he reminded her.


    She carried Tiramisu. ''Are you sure pets can sit in the front passenger seat?"N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    It was only then that he noticed the little pig. Annoyed, he unlocked the car doors. "Is that your assistant? I can''t believe that you''re keeping a pig with you. Do you like pigs that much?"


    She carried Tiramisu into the back seat. It oinked at Tyler in protest as if it could understand what he said.


    "Where would you like to go?" he questioned.


    Hera nced at the man outside the window. "Anywhere you want. My treat.''


    Hearing that, Tyler let out a meaningful smile and hit the road. ''Great. No taking back your word, got it?"

 Chapter 522

    ?Chapter 522


    An hourter, a blue Bugatti Veyron arrived at a neighborhood in the suburbs.


    It was a familiar ce to Hera as she owned a house here. While she was guessing in her head, Tyler drove into one of the mansions, which happened to be right next to her house.


    "I thought we were going to have lunch, no?" she asked.


    "We are going to have lunch, but having your homecooked dishes is more meaningful than eating in a restaurant." He got out of the car and opened the car door for her.


    Words failed her. She had let her guard down. She shouldn''t have let him make the choice.


    Nevertheless, she didn''t refuse. With Tiramisu in her arms, she alighted from the car and scanned the area. There were no suspicious people or cars for now.


    She began to wonder if she was overthinking about the man she saw in the garden.


    Tyler noticed that something was wrong with her, but he didn''t say a word about it. He opened the door and led her to the kitchen.


    Hera, who was hungry, put Tiramisu down. "What would you like to have?"


    Tyler enumerated a menu without hesitation, "Chicken fried steak, Bashville hot chicken, apple pie, meatloaf, andmb stew...''


    She opened the refrigerator only to find it empty. There were a few bottles of beer, two eggs, and a half packet of noodles. No one knew how long it had been there.


    When she took it out and checked it, it had already expired.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera and Tyler fell into silence. An idea urred to him. Hended his gaze on Tiramisu, who had been sniffing around the ce curiously.


    In a sh, he grabbed Tiramisu and put it on the cutting board. "The ingredient you brought along will work. We can ughter it right now and have fresh ingredients."


    It grunted madly while struggling free from Tyler''s grasp. It kicked his hand away and jumped off the counter before hiding behind Hera. It oinked a few times in protest.


    She squatted down and caressed its back to calm it down. "Rx, I''m here."


    It hugged her leg and snuggled into her arms before looking back, staring at Tyler warily.


    "You scared it. It''s not going to let me cook for you." She carried Tiramisu up.


    "Oh? We might as well scare the daylight out of it, then. Come, put it in the pot," Tyler teased.


    "Shut up, you!" Hera barked.


    He held his chest, pouting his lips. "I can''t believe I''m nothingpared to a pig. I''m your mentor, Hera. How could you do to me? I spent so much time and effort teaching you how to code and yet, you wouldn''t even make a meal for me..."


    "Respect your teacher. Respect your teacher. Respect your teacher," Hera repeated in her head to calm herself from storming out of the ce.


    She carried Tiramisu with one hand and took her phone out. "What would you like to have?"


    He sneaked a peak at her phone and quickly said, "I''m sick of delivery food. I want you to cook something for me. Anything will do. Hurry up, I''m hungry."


    She lowered her gaze and tapped on her phone screen a few times.


    Half an hourter, the deliveryman delivered the ingredients she ordered.


    Instant noodles, sausages, and eggs.


    Hera heated a pot of water before putting the ingredients into the pot. After that, she served it in a bowl for Tyler. "Enjoy."


    He was texting on the dining table until he noticed that it was a bowl of instant noodles. He frowned. "This is what you cooked for me?"


    "I cooked it myself. It''s the fastest food I can make," she retorted.


    He became speechless.


    She took a seat opposite him and unwrapped the seafood pae she ordered. She shared some of it with Tiramisu and enjoyed her lunch.

 Chapter 523

    It was already 2:00 pm. Although Tyler wasn''t impressed, he was starving. He began to eat the noodles.


    After finishing them, he realized that he couldn''t get enough of them. "Do you have more?"


    Hera fell into a momentary silence. "No."


    "This time doesn''t count. Make me dinner tonight." He started to look through the ingredients online.


    Ignoring him, Hera finished her meal and cleaned up the mess. She threw the packaging into the trash bin so that Tiramisu wouldn''t eat it.


    After cing an order, Tyler put down his phone and suddenly asked, "What''s with Vulcan?''


    "Do you now know who Vulcan is?" Hera questioned back dubiously.


    Everyone on the Cyber Web talked about how Vulcan and 5 were rivals. Both of them had gone against each other online countless times and ended up in a tie.


    Did they not know each other''s true identity?


    Tyler narrowed his eyes at Hera. Many people affiliated with Astral Nova were aware that Vulcan was the grandmaster, but his identity remained a mystery.


    Ever since Hera attended the XS Corporation anniversary party, a lot of people-including Tyler- misunderstood that she was Vulcan as well as the grandmaster. It was because the USB sh drive she brought along that day had Vulcan''s logo.


    But Tyler dismissed that assumption right away. Hera was his mentee. Although they had never met each other before, he knew her skills very well. Her M.O. was different from Vulcan''s.


    Considering how she had Vulcan''s USB sh drive with her, Tyler suspected the man by her side-Bernard "Vulcan is Bernard," Tyler pointed out confidently.


    People around him keptparing him with Bernard. His pride wouldn''t allow him to lose against Bernard. The reason Tyler joined Astral Nova was because Bernard joined the organization. To prove he was better than Bernard, he joined Astral Nova with his skills, but Bernard turned out to be the grandmaster.


    Hera gave him a look in response, neither denying nor admitting it.


    Hera decided to y dumb. She might not know the rules in Astral Nova, but the identity of the grandmaster had always been a mystery.


    "Why did you prohibit me from investigating the Killian family?'' she averted the topic.


    Tyler stood up and brought his bowl and cutlery to the kitchen. He walked out of the kitchen and repliednguidly, "They''replicated. Why does an outsider like you want to join the fray?''


    "That''s it?" She arched a brow.


    "Curiosity can kill a cat, kid," he reminded her.


    She scoffed coldly. She actually thought that he knew more than she did, but she got it wrong.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    She rose from her seat, preparing to leave the ce.


    "Someone''s following you and wants you dead. Do you know that?" Tyler suddenly mentioned.


    She stopped as she recalled the man in the park.


    He abruptly pushed her onto the dining table. She groaned as the weight of a grown man weighed on top of her


    "What are you doing?" She tried to push him away, but she was no match for his strength.


    Pinching her chin, he turned her face to the side and lowered her voice. ''Look at the wall''


    Baffled, she finally noticed a red dot on the wall.


    A sniper! It was aiming at where she was sitting a moment ago!


    The red dot vanished, and she quickly looked back, only to see a familiar face showing up in the living room out of nowhere.


    The man''s face was grim, and the temperature plummeted to an icy degree.


    Hera''s heart surged to her throat.


    What was Bernard doing here?


    Bernard made huge strides to drag Tyler away from her and punch him in the face.

 Chapter 524

    ?Chapter 524


    It wasn''t that easy tond a hit on Tyler, who had been to the army before. He and Bernard were closely matched back then.


    Bernard sessfully parried Bernard''s fists and smiled. ''Woah, woah, calm down, man.''


    "How can I calm down after what you''ve done to her?" growled Bernard as he swung another punch.


    From the angle when he entered the ce, he witnessed Tyler push Hera onto the table and kiss her! Most importantly, she didn''t push Tyler away!All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Hera got up from the table and watched the duel take ce from the dining hall to the living room. Theirbat skills were exceptional. Every attack made was aimed at the other part''s lethal spot.


    The things in the living room were scattered. Even Tiramisu was shrinking itself at a corner.


    They were adults and yet, they became all physical all of a sudden, acting like immature teens fighting each other.


    Hera couldn''t get in between them. When she thought about the sniper, she couldn''t care less about the men anymore. "You guys proceed. I shall get going first."


    She carried Tiramisu and turned around.


    Bernard, who was in the middle of the fight, was enraged. Still, he cared about her.


    He had an idea as he withdrew his arms.


    Tyler noticed that something was off, but he couldn''t withdraw the outstretched punch anymore! Bernard could''ve dodged that hit readily, but he didn''t!


    Itnded on the corner of his lips.


    The inertia pushed him onto a rack, causing the vases to fall and shatter on the ground.


    Hera stopped in her tracks. She turned around only to see Bernard on the ground. Her heart wrenched. She quickly put Tiramisu down and ran to him. "Are you alright?"


    Her concerned tone watered down Bernard''s anger a little. Taking that hit from Tyler was worth it.


    "I''m alright." He wiped the blood away. "Be careful. Don''t step on the shattered pieces."


    She noticed that the corner of his lips was swollen. Frowning, she turned and red at Tyler. "What are you doing?"


    Tyler finally managed to make a hit on Bernard''s annoying face, but it didn''t feel good. Instead, he felt wronged


    That punch was actually a light one.


    When Hera was all worried about Bernard, Tyler realized that Bernard had taken the hit on purpose.


    "Ouch!" Tyler suddenly hugged his stomach, crouching. "I think he broke my bones. Bernard Killian, how could you be this mean? Hera,e check on me. Am I going to die?"


    Hera became speechless.


    Bernard could tell that Tyler was imitating him, but he wasn''t going to expose the man. He held Hera''s hand for support and stood up.


    "I''m fine. He''s going to die. You should check on him first," he urged.


    No one expected to hear thating from him.


    Hera nced at him, puzzled. Wasn''t he the one who didn''t want her to keep in touch with Tyler?


    Bernard lowered his gaze, putting on a vulnerable and helpless act. It was as if he wasn''t the person who showed up with a strong murderous aura and started the fight.


    Hearing that weak and pitiful tone, Hera felt helpless. He knew that she couldn''t do anything to him.


    Meanwhile, Tyler was surprised to see this side of Bernard.


    To Tyler, Bernard had always been the cold-blooded, disciplined, aloof, and strong opponent free from weakness. Who would''ve known that he could be such a bitch?


    Tyler shifted his gaze onto Hera as he grew more interested in her. He wondered, ''If I steal her away, would that hurt Bernard the most?" 1


    As an afterthought, he cried, "Ouch! It hurts so much! Hera, save me..."

 Chapter 525

    ?Chapter 525


    Hera didn''t move a muscle, and Bernard smiled at that.


    "You''re not going to him. Does that mean I''m more important than his life or death?'' Bernard smiled proudly like a winner announcing his win.


    Hera indifferently nced at his hand, which was holding her wrist tightly.


    Tyler couldn''t take it anymore. "Stop your bullshit and let go of her hand. How can shee to me when you''re holding her hand?"


    "See? He''s shouting fine, which means he''s doing just fine,'' Bernard hurriedly said.


    Hera and Tyler were equally speechless.


    "Let''s go." Bernard forcefully dragged Hera out. They rounded the scattered ss shards on the floor, and he called on Tiramisu.


    From the strength of his grip, she could tell that he was angry. He was just putting on an act.


    "This man has serious mood swings," she made a mental note.


    He stuffed her into the front passenger seat before crashing her lips with his as though trying to leave his mark on her. It was so sudden that she had to crane her neck to ept his advances.


    Moaning, she tried to push him away, but he punished her more severely instead.


    A furious Hera bit his lips, causing him to groan in pain. He finally released her as he licked the corner of his lips.


    "I''ll cage you at home the next time another man touches you." Bernard''s voice was hoarse.


    Then, he flung the car door closed. Tiramisu caught up to them, and he opened the other car door to put it in the back seat.


    Unable toprehend the situation, Hera wanted to get out of the car. However, before she could do that, he got into the car and locked the door. He drove away.


    Right then, her phone rang upon receiving a message from Tyler, ''The man following you works for Bernard." The message came with a photo. It was the man she saw back at the park! The background of the photo was a mansion.


    rmed, she looked up at Bernard.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Since he had shaved, it showed his defined and perfect jawline. The man looked neat and dashing once again. His lips were pursed into a thin line. The corner of his lips was still swollen, showing how upset he was at the


    moment.


    Bernard suddenly felt like a stranger to Hera.


    "How did you know that I was here?" she questioned.


    He didn''t answer. Holding on the steering wheel with one hand, he took his phone out and scrolled through something before tossing it to her.


    It was his chat history with Tyler. An hour ago, Tyler sent a photo of Hera cooking in the kitchen.


    Hera couldn''t understand what Tyler was up to.


    Was he trying to drive a wedge between them or remind her of something?


    Bernard could feel her gaze on him, but he didn''t utter a word. He was waiting for an exnation, but she didn''t give him one.


    She withdrew her gaze and ced his phone into thepartment in the middle of the seats. Then, she looked out of the window.


    She rewound the details of the terrorist attack, as well as Queenie, who was shot dead. This was the third time already


    Bernard saved Hera the first two times. This time, if it weren''t for Tyler, she would''ve died.


    It was only now that she realized that she was being watched the entire time.


    A chill ran down her spine.

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    The atmosphere in the car died down due to the silence. Even Tiramisu could sense that something was not right. Laying in the back seat, its eyes kept alternating between the two people.


    After a while, Bernard broke the silence. "Mind exining?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Exin what?" Hera questioned back.


    "Why did you go to his ce and make him food? You didn''t even push him away when he pushed you onto the table!" he coldly mentioned.


    She scoffed. "Why should I exin? Mr. Killian, have you forgotten that we broke up? What right do you have to demand an exnation from me?''


    That question left Bernard speechless. He regretted his decision to agree to break up. He shouldn''t have done that.


    "But that''s not what you said when you were drunk that night." He softened his tone, slightly dragging the end of the sentence to earn some pity.


    Sometimes, Hera wished he would not let his talent go to waste. He should go be an actor someday. How could he change his attitude that quickly? One second was all he needed to immerse himself in any character. Not even the best actor could beat him out!


    However, she became embarrassed when she recalled that night. Samantha had told her what she did during her drunkard state. "I was drunk!"


    "People always say the truth when they''re drunk," Bernard rebutted.


    Pouting her lips, she turned her head to the window instead of continuing the argument.


    Right then, his other phone rang. It was used for work purposes. He slowed down the speed and put on his wireless earphones to answer the call


    "Mr. Killian, we found the sniper. It''s someone from a mercenary group called Grim Reapers. Unfortunately, he took the poison andmitted suicide when we caught him."


    Bernard slightly frowned at the familiar name. Astral Nova had coborated with them a lot of times before. The Grim Reapers always kept their clients'' information confidential. Their M.O. was way crueler than Astral Nova.


    "Also, Ms. Youngworth found out about me," said the man from the other end of the line. ncing at Hera, Bernard finally understood why she was giving him the cold shoulder.


    It seemed like Tyler, that crazy man, had told her something, affecting her judgment.


    "Got it." Bernard terminated the call and drove the car to the highway road.


    Hera''s heart raced as she noticed that this wasn''t the way back to Jedburgh. "Where are we going?"


    "I''m taking you somewhere," he responded.


    An hourter, the car drove into Celestial Gardens. Bernard drove into the basement parking lot of Ursa Major


    Hera got out of the car with Tiramisu in her arms. Her eyes scanned the area, which was full of limited-edition luxury cars.


    She recalled the ck Audi, which he frequently used, and Skyview Heights, which he provided her. She realized that she actually didn''t know much about him. All she knew about him was the side he wanted to show her


    Noticing that she was looking at the cars, he misunderstood that she liked them. "Get a driving license. You can drive any of the ones that you like."


    She withdrew her gaze, saying indifferently, "Did you bring me here to count how many luxury cars you have?


    "There''s more."


    Bernard led her to the living room and took the tablet from the table. He showed her a document.


    It was detailed background information about Tyler. It also included a list of his dates and the records of which hotel they had been to.

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    Hera gave it a quick skim. "Why are you showing me this?"


    "To show you what kind of person your mentor is," Bernard answered.


    She pursed her lips. Based on that statement, Hera knew that Bernard was already aware that Tyler was S.


    "My family is working with the Presgrave family. Tyler rmended you to Rhett. That''s why Rhett invited you to join the team to develop a chip," he added.


    She gave him a dubious look because she never told him that Rhett looked for her before.


    Bernard, who understood her questioning look, exined, "I only found out about it after I asked someone to look into Tyler. Besides, it''s a huge project of Killian Corporation. I''ve read the documents."


    She remained silent, and he continued seriously, "Sweetie, I know that you still don''t fully trust me, but you have to. I''ll never hurt you."


    She stared at him, her head shing the image of the man she saw at the park, the red dot, and Tyler''s message.


    She couldn''t figure it out. Could she trust Bernard?


    In the end, she couldn''t help but ask, "Did you ask someone you follow me?"


    He saw thating and corrected her, "I did that to protect you."


    Then, he made a call. "Come to Astral Nova."


    Twenty minutester, a man in ck sportswear showed up. He was wearing a cap and a mask. It was the man Hera saw back at the park!This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Killian, Ms. Youngworth." The man removed his mask and cap. It was a bald man with a scar on his face.


    "This is Sable. After the terrorist attack at Greesia Lakeside, I suspected that someone was after your life, so I hired him to protect you," Bernard exined further.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Hera couldn''t understand.


    "I don''t want to worry or scare you."


    Unlike her quiet and calm appearance, her heart skipped a beat at his remarks.


    "Ms. Youngworth, this is thetest information about the sniper. He''s dead, unfortunately." Sable passed her a document


    Inside was the investigation report,


    photos of the sniper''s ambush,


    bullet analysis, and other details starting from the day Queenie died. The details validated that the sniper behind the three attacks was the same person from the Grim Reapers.


    However, there was no information pertaining to the client.


    Expressionlessly, Hera pored over the report, Ever since she initiated an investigation to find out Daphne''s murderer, someone had been getting in her way from behind the scenes.


    When she discovered that Bernard had been hiding his true identity from her, she even suspected it to be him, hence the anger.


    Now that she thought about it with a clear head, Tyler had been messing with her.


    Bernard motioned for Sable to leave


    before saying, "I don''t know whatz Tyler told you, but you mustn''t only trust him and him only. Even if I''vemitted a sin, it''s not a grave sin, isn''t it?"


    Hera took a deep breath and slowly breathed out. She teased, "You seem anxious to clear your name. Why? Are you feeling guilty?"


    "It''s because you don''t trust me that much. I''m afraid you won''t trust me anymore in the future." He held her hand. "Come with me. I have something else to show you."


    She felt the warmth from his palm. His palms no longer felt cold after he recovered from his illness. His hands even felt warmer than hers during the winter.


    He couldn''t hide his smile as she didn''t fling his hand off. Holding her hand, he opened a door.

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    The room was an office.


    Three monitors sat on the desk, which was facing a big whiteboard hanging on the wall. There was a rtionship map drawn on the whiteboard.


    There were two photos in the middle. One was a monochrome photo of a woman while the other was a colored photo of a man.


    They were Bernard''s adoptive parents.


    The woman wasn''t a beauty at first sight, but she gave off a sophisticated air. Bernard resembled the man a little.


    Hera freed her hand from his grasp to peruse the information.


    The rtionship map covered the connections of his adoptive parents. Most of them were the Killians. The individuals involved were basically the same as the information she had as of now.


    However, Bernard had slightly more information than she did. It was about the biggest beneficiary after Greg died and Lucius'' imprisonment.


    That year, before Albert died of disease, his will named Greg as the next head of the family. However, Greg passed on, and Lucius was sent to prison. Rhett didn''t stand a chance against Chad, and Bernard was too young back then. In the end, Chad ultimately became the head of the Killian family. "This is how far Nathan and I have gotten for now." Bernard came to Hera''s side. "You started your investigation by looking into Ms. Daphne''s murder case, but Samantha reached a dead end.


    "I thought that we could trace back the whole story by investigating the beneficiaries, so I listed out whatever I knew about Lucius'' case."


    Bernard was right.


    Hera looked into Daphne''s murder case to find out the truth behind her father''s usation. Back then, the murderer was rmed and opted to burn Daphne and incinerate the evidence because she managed to gather strong evidence.


    "But I wasn''t at the scene that year. All I knew was what my family announced to the public. The higher-ups covered up Lucius'' case, and I can''t assess the records. But I asked someone for a favor so that you can visit him in prison," Bernard continued.


    "Can I?" She looked at him earnestly. She couldn''t help the anticipation.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    From the day she left the mountains, she had been hoping to meet Lucius one day.


    Unfortunately, the Killian family restricted all visiting rights. No one was allowed to visit him. Even members of the Killian family had to appeal for it. "I''ll do my best," Bernard assured her.


    Both of them weren''t at the scene when the incident happened that night. Besides, the young Hera was running a temperature when Lucius was arrested.


    Daphne was so preupied that


    she tried to seek help from others She wasn''t in the state of mind to look after Hera. Bernard and the nanny were in charge of taking care of her. Content belongs to


    That was why she didn''t have memories of the incident.


    If she could meet Lucius, she might be able to obtain better clues. After all, he was the person involved in the case.


    "Shouldn''t the grandmaster of Astral Nova be more certain of his answer?" She arched a brow.


    "No matter how powerful I am, I have to abide by thew." He leaned in toward her and poked her cheek. "But if you cheer me on, I''m sure I''ll make it happen."


    She lifted her fingers, kissing her index and middle fingers before nting them on his cheek.


    The glint in his eyes darkened, and


    his Adam''s apple rolled. When he drew closer to her, she quickly stopped him. "Don''t cross the fine. You said you wanted to clear your name."


    He wasn''t livid. His eyes zeroed in on her. "Enjoy while you can. When we get back together again, you''ll have to pay me twice the price." Hera gulped, knowing that he was a man of his word. Despite being scared, she sneered, "Is this how you''re going to win my heart back?"


    ?


    "Be patient. Come, here''s an app I developed. It''s my first present in attempt to win your heart back He walked to the front of the desk and turned on theputer.


    "You''re dreaming big, young man." Still, she dragged a chair to the desk to check out what he had prepared to win her back.

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    Bernard clicked an icon on the desktop. "It''s an audio restoration app. Did you bring along the recording of the SD card? We can give it a try."


    If it were essories, Hera might not be interested, but this was exactly what she was going to ask his favor for. She couldn''t turn down the offer. Holding the mouse, she tried out the app once. "When did you start developing it?"


    "Since the beginning of the year. I developed an investigation system for Nathan''s teamst year. Ites with an audio restoration function, but it''s just a basic one. So, I developed it based on the original. I finished it just this morning."


    He continued, "I didn''t want to tell you. I wanted Nathan to tell you after the data was incorporated into their system, but I changed my mind. I''ve been thinking about how to win your heart back the past two days. I decided to give it to you as a gift instead to them."


    Her eyes blinked, and her heart started palpitating because of his words.


    "Thanks. I''ll give it a try after returning to Jedburgh. You should give this app to Nate. Be the good civilian you''ve always been."


    He offered her his hand like a gentleman. "Ms. Youngworth, since you''ve epted my gift, would you like to have dinner and watch a movie together?"


    "I''ll deduct that from the rent." She logged out from her Whatsapp and stood up to look for Tiramisu.


    She couldn''t wait to go home and try restoring the recording on the SD card.


    "You promised to give me a chance to appeal to you." He followed behind her.


    She carried Tiramisu out of the house. "Fine. We can have dinner together, but you''ll have to cook."


    "Your wish is mymand." Bernard smiled. Would that mean he was allowed to go to the western wing of Youngworth Miracle Clinic too?All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    By the time they returned to Jedburgh, it was already 8:00 pm.


    Ignoring her growling stomach, Hera headed straight to the study and turned on herputer. She installed the app into herputer and then inserted the SD card. She started restoring the voice recording. Content belongs to


    The process would take time, so she dived into a software repair code to analyze Bernard''s coding style.


    Bernard entered the kitchen. He took out pre-marinated meat from the refrigerator to make two servings of steaks with some pasta. When he served the food, she hadn''te out of the study.


    He marched to the study, only to find her glued to herputer. "Sweetie, let''s eat dinner first. Don''t starve yourself."


    "Leave it. I''ll have itter," she prompted.


    His brows slightly creased. Hera could sometimes be more of a workaholic than him.


    Whenever something worrying came


    up, she would mess up her


    mealtimes again. When she got


    set


    mach pal acupuncture for


    due to starvation, she


    would


    herself. However, this would take toll on her health in the long run. Content belongs to


    Bernard insisted, "You promised to have dinner with me. If you won''t keep your promise, I might as well change my request-I''ll crash here for the night."


    ncing at him, Hera quickly got up from her seat to have dinner with him.


    After dinner, she returned to the study. The recording restoration was done.

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    Hera took a deep breath in front of theputer before clicking y on the recording.


    The recording started with statics, and Hera furrowed her brows. Just then, Bernard walked in, and she teased, "Vulcan, your software isn''t very reliable."


    "It''s not working?" Bernard walked over.


    Hera turned up the volume, but it was still just static.


    "Let me take a look." Bernard leaned over to make some adjustments before reying the recording.


    The static stopped a minuteter, and Queenie''s voice was heard. "Robin, stick to the n. She goes to the countryside every month and always passes through Jedburgh Highway. There''s a winding section there that''s known for idents. That''s where you''ll strike.


    "Make it look like an ident. The police won''t be able to tell it was staged."


    Hera''s expression darkened as she dug her nails into her palm, though she didn''t notice the pain.


    Seeing this, Bernard gently pried her fingers open. As his fingers were about to intece with hers, Hera nced at him and withdrew her hand. The recording continued.


    "Didn''t Ms. Killian say she wasn''t going to do it anymore?" Robin asked.


    "Ms. Killian? As in Ms. Aurora Killian?" A third voice joined in. It was a woman''s voice, and she sounded like she was having a cold.


    Hera immediately grabbed the mouse and rewound the recording to listen again. The voice sounded familiar, but Hera couldn''t recall where she had heard it before.


    The recording continued.


    Queenie said, "Yes, she''s the one I mentioned before. Aury discussed how to scare Daphne with her."


    The woman hummed. "Alright, proceed with her n. But be swift."


    Queenie said, "Let''s use a truck instead."


    Robin gasped. "It could be fatal if this goes wrong!"


    Queenie sighed. "Don''t worry. I''ll arrange everything, including the vehicle you just need to drive. You won''t be held responsible even if someone dies. The Killians will protect you."


    Robin seemed hesitant and didn''t speak. Just then, the woman coughed again. Judging by the cough, Hera deduced that it was a cold coupled with some throat inmmation.


    The rest of the recording was simr to what was heard earlier.


    Queenie sighed again. "I''ll give you 500 grand. Follow my instructions, and I''ll ensure your wife and daughter are taken care of no matter the oue. The Killians will


    arrange for a doctor to treat veel neN?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    wife and enroll your daughter in Cavenridge International Academy. Does that put your mind at ease?"


    Robin eximed, "Alright! Just make sure you keep your end of the deal."


    The recording ended there. The woman barely spoke, so Hera kept reying her parts. But since the woman barely spoke and had a cold, Hera couldn''t identify who it was.


    She turned to ask Bernard if he recognized the voice, only to find him merely inches away from her. They were so close that her lips brushed against his cheek. Hera froze.


    Bernard froze too, his face turning bright red. He locked eyes with Hera, and their breaths mixed.


    Hera''s eyes darted away, and she turned back. "Do you recognize who it is?"


    Bernard smiled at her flustered state before saying with uncertainty, "Was it Linda?"


    Linda Atkins was Rhett''s wife.


    "Linda?" Hera murmured. She knew who Linda was, but she sounded different from the recording. Bernard said, "She doesn''t usually sound like that. Though it''s possible she trained her vocals."


    He wasn''t a stranger to changing his voice and would often do it at Astral Nova to hide his identity.


    Hera knew where he was getting at.


    She had tried it before too. But Linda sounded nothing like the recording. Hera suddenly thought of


    something. "Has Linda ever had surgery on her vocal cords?" Content


    belongs to

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    Normal surgery wouldn''t affect one''s voice, but if the surgery was more invasive, it might.


    Bernard thought for a moment and shook his head. "I don''t remember, and there''s no record in the files. But I do remember she had a serious illness once."


    After the incident with Daphne, Bernard was busy looking for Hera and wasn''t concerned with the Killian family.


    Hera narrowed her eyes. Identifying someone solely by their voice would be difficult and require effort.


    "Maybe we could look for past interviews with Linda and see if we can match the voice," Bernard suggested.


    Hera didn''t dismiss the idea. She opened her browser and started searching, only to find that the interviews with Linda that she thought existed were nowhere to be found.


    "Let me help. It''ll go faster." Bernard pulled over a chair.


    Hera didn''t refuse and moved aside. She let him use theputer while she opened herptop.


    The two of them sat at the same desk, each focused on their own screen.


    During this time, Hera stepped out to use the restroom. When she returned, she noticed a bottle of red wine and two sses on the desk.


    Bernard took a sip of wine. "I''m feeling a bit tired. A little wine might wake me up. Would you like some?"


    Hera knew she was bad with alcohol and suspected Bernard was doing this on purpose. She declined, "No, thanks. You should go home if you''re tired."


    She had never heard of drinking wine to stay awake.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    "It''s fine. I can hold out a bit longer." Bernard hummed.


    Hera watched as he deliberately dragged out the time. Before she knew it, it was half past midnight.


    "Oh, it''ste." Bernard feigned


    surprise and sighed. "Dous is probably asleep, and I''ve had some


    wine, so I can''t drive. Do you mind if


    I stay for the night?" Content


    belongs to


    He stared at Hera expectantly.


    Hera snorted to herself. It was all a ploy! She knew there was no such thing as drinking wine to stay awake.


    Hera smirked. "Sure, just go down the hall."


    That was the guest room.


    Bernard sighed to himself. Did this trick not work on women anymore?


    Meanwhile, Wayne got off the bus with a basketball and headed toward his neighborhood. He was surprised when he saw Everly stepping out of a Lamborghini with the Chime family''s license te.


    Why was Everly getting out of a car owned by the Chime family?


    He quickened his pace. As the Lamborghini drove away, Wayne caught a glimpse of the driver. It was none other than the Chime family''s eldest son, Marcus!


    After Everly got out, she headed straight into the neighborhood when she heard Wayne calling her from behind. "Everly."


    She turned to see Wayne running


    over with a basketball in his arms and suddenly felt guilty. She quickly nced over at the road, but Marcus was already gone. Wayne probably hadn''t seen anything, right?


    She tried to mask her guilt with a smile. "Did you y basketball with Mr. Sanderson again?"


    Wayne hummed, walking into the neighborhood with her. He asked, "Where did you go?"


    Everly shrugged. "I went out with a friend."


    "And your friend is the Chime family''s eldest son?" Wayne questioned.

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    Everly''s heart skipped a beat as she stopped in her tracks. "What did you see?"


    "I saw you getting out of Marcus'' car," Wayne confessed. "Why were you with him?"


    The fact that Camille had posed as Hera and treated people under a false name put Wayne at odds with the Chime family. And ever since Hera exposed Camille''s identity, the Chime family had been openly against Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    Fortunately, the clinic''s reputation remained due to Hera''s and Catherine''s exceptional medical skills.


    However, Prisci had gone to the clinic to make sarcastic remarks to Catherine, which deepened Wayne''s dislike for the Chime family. Despite being one of the four influential families, their behavior was despicable.


    Wayne couldn''t ept seeing Everly with Marcus, and his tone grew harsher.


    "I..." Everly bit her lip as she avoided Wayne''s gaze guiltily. "He just wanted some advice on herbs."


    "You''re still consulting them after everything the Chime family has done to Hera and Mrs. Jones? How could you betray Hera and Mrs. Jones like that?" Wayne reprimanded her.


    Everly immediately grabbed his arm. "Wayne, please don''t tell Hera about this, okay? She''ll fire me if she finds out. I don''t want to be separated from you and Mrs. Jones."


    Seeing her on the verge of tears, Wayne couldn''t bear to scold her further. But he still couldn''t ept her betraying Hera. "Have you forgotten how Mom and Dad raised us? They taught us to be loyal and honest, especially to those who have shown us kindness."


    Everly lowered her head in shame. "I''m sorry, I was wrong."


    Seeing her so quick to admit her mistake, Wayne''s gaze softened. "Promise me you won''t contact them and you''ll stay focused on working for Hera. If you do that, I won''t tell her about tonight."


    Everly felt a surge of frustration at this. She was Wayne''s sister, yet he favored Hera over her.


    But the Chime family''s offer


    intrigued her, and she knew that everything would be ruined if Hera found out. To keep Wayne from telling Hera, Everly quickly promised, "I promise." Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Wayne sighed in relief. "Alright, let''s go home. Mrs. Jones is probably asleep by now."


    Over the next few days, Hera spent her days assisting Catherine with patients and her nights analyzing the voice from the recording. However, she made little progress. Identifying a voice wasn''t as easy as


    Swing


    DNA.


    Before she knew it, Sunday had arrived.


    After finishing her morning consultations at the clinic and having lunch, Hera informed Catherine that she needed to go out in the afternoon.


    She didn''t ask Wayne to drive her but instead called for a cab, arriving at the Killian residence at 1:50 pm.


    This was her second visit since she became an adult. The first time was because of Aurora, and she came and left just as quickly. This time, Rhett invited her over. Content


    belongs to


    The walls and the grand gate ovepped with her childhood memories. The ce felt so familiar yet different.


    "Who are you? And who are you looking for?" asked the guard.


    Hera replied, "I''m Hera Youngworth. And I''m here to see Rhett."


    Rhett had informed the guard in advance, so upon hearing her name, the guard immediately opened the gate and let her in.


    "Please wait a moment, Ms. Youngworth. I''ll bring the car around," the guard said.

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    The Killian residence was huge and took about 40 minutes to walk from the entrance to Rhett''s ce. People would usually drive in. But since Hera only took a cab to the gate, the security wanted to drive her in using a guest car.


    However, it seemed all the guest cars were in use today. Despite waiting for a while, the guard had yet to return.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    The midday sun in June was scorching, so Hera decided to move farther into the estate, recalling that there was a pavilion in the garden.


    "Mr. Xavier, why are you ying with mud again? Come with me. It''s too hot, and you might get heatstroke."


    A woman''s voice caught Hera''s attention. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a thin man squatting by a rock formation near the pavilion, ying with mud and dirtying his white shirt and face.


    The elderly maid, Marriott, anxiously stopped him from putting mud in his mouth. She carefully wiped the mud off his face and hands. "Mr. Xavier, this is mud. You can''t eat it."


    The man grinned. "I''m an earthworm. I love eating mud."


    Marriott said gently, "You''re not an earthworm. You''re Mr. Xavier. You don''t eat mud, you eat food."


    "No, no, Roman said I''m an earthworm, so I want to eat mud," the man insisted as he grabbed more mud.


    Hera was stunned as she recognized the two people. They were Greg''s only son, Xavier, and his caretaker, Marriott.


    Marriott had been with the Killian family for many years, serving Xavier''s father, Greg. After Greg passed away, Devito also died shortly after, leaving Xavier devastated. He fell ill, and a high fever left him mentally impaired, turning him from a lively and cheerful boy into a mentally disabled patient. When Hera was still living with the Killian family, Xavier was the one, aside from Bernard, who spent the most time with her.


    Eventer, when everyone said Hera''s adoptive father had killed Greg and the maids working for him avoided contact with her maids, Xavier would stille to visit her when she was sick.


    Hera was saddened to see the cheerful Xavier reduced to this state.


    Xavier sensed Hera''s gaze and turned to her. Their eyes met, and Hera suddenly felt something was off in his calm expression.


    Marriott also noticed Hera. Since


    Giselle''s retum to the Killian family and the media sting the news to the public, many in the Killian


    residence knew that the renow


    miracle doctor didn''t belong to the Killian family. Nevertheless, Marriott instinctively called out, "Ms. Cecily?"


    Hera snapped out of her thoughts. "Marriott, is Xavier..."


    "Wow, your bag looks nice! Give it to me!" Xavier rushed over and snatched the bag from Hera''s shoulder.


    Hera was caught off guard but quickly realized what happened. Even so, Xavier had already run away. The bag contained the acupuncture needles Bernard had given her, so she couldn''t afford to lose it. She immediately chased after him.


    "Mr. Xavier, please return the bag!" Marriott also gave chase, but she was old and couldn''t keep up. In the blink of an eye, both Xavier and Hera had disappeared from sight.


    Hera chased after Xavier. Despite


    his mental state, he was quick on his feet, had good stamina, and knew the Killian residence like the back of his hand. He led Hera to a secluded area where no one could stop him. Content belongs to


    UMS


    As Hera continued the chase, she realized that Xavier was leading her somewhere. When she identally tripped over a tree root and slowed down, he also slowed his pace, as if waiting for her.


    Noticing this, Hera stopped in her tracks.


    Sure enough, Xavier also halted and stood at a distance, looking back at her.

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    Chapter 534


    ?


    Hera was panting heavily as she stood still to catch her breath. She looked at Xavier, who was waiting for her ahead. For a moment, she wondered if he was truly mentally disabled. She nced around and waved at him after seeing they were alone. "Xavier, if you have something to say, just say it.'' Xavier''s eyes flickered, but he quickly reverted to his foolish demeanor and made a face at Hera. "You can''t catch me! So, the stuff is mine now."


    He began rummaging through her bag. Hera frowned, unsure whether he was just pretending. Seeing him dump everything onto the ground, Hera took a deep breath and sprinted toward him.


    Seeing this, Xavier immediately gathered the items off the ground and ran again.


    At this point, Hera''s patience was wearing thin. She felt foolish chasing him all over the Killian residence. But her phone and other valuables were in that bag, and she couldn''t afford to lose them.


    Suddenly, she noticed some pebbles lining a flowerbed. She stopped and picked up a few. She weighed them in her hand and was about to resume the chase when she realized Xavier had vanished from sight.


    However, Hera spotted her phone lying on the grass near a bend ahead. When she walked over to pick it up, noticing a packet of tissues lying around another corner.


    Following the trail of items Xavier had left behind, Hera eventually reached the back of a secluded courtyard, but there was still no sign of Xavier. However, she did find her bag lying under a locust tree.


    She approached and picked it up, checking inside. The gold needle kit Bernard gave her was still there, along with everything else she picked up along the way.


    Just as she was about to leave, she noticed that the soil where her bag had been ced looked disturbed, as if something had been buried there. Hera''s curiosity was piqued. She crouched down and found a ck pill lying on the surface. She picked up a dry twig and gently stirred the soil, uncovering more pills.


    She picked one up, rubbed it between her fingers, and then sniffed it. She immediately frowned. Wasn''t this the same toxic drug that Camille produced while impersonating her?


    Most of these pills had been disposed of by the police, but who knew if Camille had secretly distributed them? The news had widely reported the dangers of Camille''s drug, warning people not to consume it, so there shouldn''t be anyone using it.


    If the drug wasn''t being used, it would simply be destroyed. Burying it under a tree seemed odd.


    Hera stood up and surveyed the


    area, realizing that this was once et


    Aurora''s courtyard, though Hera wasn''t sure if it still belonged to her.


    swr


    Did Xavier go to such great lengths to bring her here for this?


    Just as she was taking photos with her phone, she heard movement behind her. Marriott and the security guard had arrived.


    "Mr. Cecily... Ms. Youngworth, weBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    finally found you," Marriott


    instinctively called Hera by her old name but quickly corrected herself. Then, noticing that Xavier was nowhere to be seen, she asked, "Where''s Mr. Xavier?"


    Hera turned. "I''m not sure where he ran off to."


    "Oh dear, he''s run off again. I''ll look for him. I''m sorry for the trouble," Marriott apologized.


    "It''s fine," Hera shook her head and then nced in the direction of the courtyard. "Who lives here now?"


    "Roman lives here now," Marriott exined.


    Hera narrowed her eyes. Why did Xavier bring her here? Was he just messing with her?


    "Ms. Youngworth, Mr. Rhett is waiting for you," the security guard reminded her.


    Hera swallowed her suspicion and


    boarded the guest car to head to Rhett''s ce. On the way, she sent the photos she had just taken to Aurora.


    Finally, they arrived at Rhett''s ce.

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    Rachel had been waiting under the scorching sun for half an hour when Hera finally arrived and was understandably annoyed.


    Ever since she had been promoted to Rhett''s secretary, her status had risen. Even Frederick showed her some respect. Yet, Hera dared to keep her waiting under the sun for half an hour!


    "Did you get lost on your way here, Ms. Youngworth? You''re quitete," she said sarcastically.


    The security guard exined, "Ms. Davis, Ms. Youngworth arrived at 1:50 pm. But there was a dy_"


    "And who asked you to speak?" Rachel cut him off.


    The security guard immediately shut his mouth.


    Hera gave Rachel an indifferent look but said nothing, heading straight toward the courtyard.


    Rachel felt even more frustrated when she saw Hera ignoring her and stepped forward to block her path.


    Hera stared at Rachel coldly. "What?"


    Rachel forced a smile. "You''re half an hourte. Mr. Rhett is in another meeting with someone, so you''ll have to wait here."


    Hera snorted. Rhett had arranged to meet her at his ce instead of thepany. Clearly, this meeting was for a private matter.


    How amusing. They needed her help, yet they were giving her a hard time.


    "Fine, then tell Mr. Rhett I won''t be taking on this job," Hera replied coolly and turned to leave.


    Rachel was stunned, taken aback by Hera''s attitude.


    Even if Hera was a renowned healer and a top-notch hacker, her skills would go to waste without someone to coborate with. Rhett was offering her a high-paying job. Many people would do anything to work for Killian Corporation, yet Hera was turning the offer down!


    "Are you serious, Ms, Youngworth?" Rachel called out from behind.


    But Hera didn''t respond and continued to head toward the main gate.


    Rachel started to panic.


    She had nned to give Hera a hard time, letting her bake under the sun for half an hour before allowing her inside. After all, Rhett had no appointments this afternoon, making Hera wait wouldn''t have


    been an issue.


    She could even pin the me on Hera since Rhett didn''t like her. He might even reward her for her actions.


    But who could have predicted that Hera wouldn''t y along? Her job would be on the line if her little power y ended up causing Rhett to lose out on something important.


    "Ms. Youngworth, Mr. Rhett has just finished up his business. You can go in now," Rachel said hastily.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Hera acted as if she hadn''t heard her.


    Rachel only got to where she was today because of her people skills. She quickly realized that Hera was doing this on purpose! Hera knew full well that Rachel wouldn''t dare disallow her from going in.


    But even though Rachel knew that Hera was toying with her, there was nothing she could do. She had to swallow her pride and chase after


    el


    her. "Ms. Youngworth, please stop. Mr. Rhett is ready to see you now." Content belongs to


    QUMS


    Hera quicked a brow. "Isn''t he in a meeting?"


    Rachel cleared her throat. "Mr. Rhett may have finished up already. Pleasee with me."


    "And if I don''t?" Hera mocked.


    Rachel''s face fell. "You..."


    "What''s going on here? Why are you just standing around?" Just then, Rhett appeared.

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    When Rachel saw Rhette out, her worry that Hera might leave immediately vanished. Her job was to wait for Hera and bring her to Rhett. If Hera had left, it would have been on her. But now that Rhett hade out and seen Hera, her job was done. Whether Hera stayed or left was no longer her concern.


    In fact, Rachel secretly hoped that Hera would leave. She didn''t think Hera deserved the high sry the Killian Corporation was offering.


    With that thought, Rachel quickly said, "Mr. Rhett, sorry to keep you waiting. Ms. Youngworth just arrived."


    She emphasized Hera''ste arrival.


    Irritation crossed Rhett''s eyes. He had been waiting and hade out to see what was going on. If it had been anyone else, he wouldn''t have bothered to meet them. But Hera was rmended by Chad.


    "Come inside. Let''s talk," he said with a stern expression.


    "Your secretary has declined our coboration on your behalf, Mr. Rhett. I don''t think there''s anything left to discuss," Hera replied calmly.


    Rhett nced at Rachel. He had promoted her not just for herpetence but also because she knew how to read the room and handle situations.


    He had to maintain a certain image as the CEO of Killian Corporation, so there were things he couldn''t personally do and had to delegate to his secretary. Rachel usually understood his intentions and carried out tasks to his liking.


    So even though he was aware she had been making things difficult for Hera, he turned a blind eye to it.


    But Hera made it clear that she wasn''t going to let the matter slide.


    "Ms. Youngworth, please don''t joke around. I''m just a secretary. How could I possibly make decisions for the CEO? Don''t nder me!" Rachel quickly defended herself.


    "nder?" Hera snorted. "Killian


    Corporation''s employeesck professionalism and speak without thinking, doubt the rest of the.


    company is any better. I don''t ne


    such a work environment and don''t want to coborate." Content


    belongs to


    Rhett frowned while Rachel felt a burst of joy. She hoped the deal was off as she didn''t want to see Hera around.


    "Don''t you want to know more about her?" Rhett asked. He was referring to Daphne.


    Hera paused. This was the reason why she was here, but she couldn''t appear too eager. In the past, every time she discovered new leads, her impatience led her into traps.


    And since she was dealing with the Killians, she needed to be even more cautious. If she appeared too eager, she would end up in a bad position. She needed to y hard to get. Content belongs to


    BUMS


    "If you want me to stay, fine! Fire her!" Hera nced at Rachel.


    Rachel didn''t get angry at this. She actually found it amusing. How arrogant must someone be to say such a thing?


    Rachel had been working for Rhett for ten years and was his trusted assistant. Hera was full of herself if she thought Killian Corporation cared that much about her.


    Did Hera really think she was some


    rare talent that thepany couldn''t do without? Did she think she could just waltz in and demand that the CEO fire one of his most valuable employees?


    Dream on!Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But Rhett dered coldly, "Rachel, hand in your resignation today. You don''t need toe tomorrow."


    Rachel''s jaw dropped.


    "Are you satisfied now?" Rhett looked at Hera with an unusually calm expression. He was willing to go to any lengths toplete the task Chad had assigned him.

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    But Rhett wasn''t afraid of Hera. Once someone was in his hands, they wouldn''t escape his control.


    Rachel was in disbelief. "Mr. Rhett..."


    "Scram!" Rhett snapped.


    Rachel realized Rhett was serious and red at Hera sinisterly.


    Hera, however, was indifferent. She turned to enter the courtyard and followed Rhett into the study.


    "This is the contract. You can take a look first," Rhett said bluntly, pulling three contracts from a drawer and handing them to Hera.


    Hera set them aside. "Tell me what you know first."


    Rhett looked at her arrogant attitude, and for a split second, felt an overwhelming urge to kill her. But he knew better than to let his emotions take control of him.


    He took a sip of tea and forced down his thoughts before saying calmly, "Chad forbade us from talking about Lucius. But since you''re Daphne''s daughter, and considering our rtionship, I''ll make an exception and tell you. But you must never speak of it to anyone else."


    Hera watched his feigned sincerity coldly. "Continue."


    Rhett''s brows twitched, but he continued, "Daphne''s death wasn''t an ident. She was murdered, but it was made to look like an ident." Hera hadn''t expected him to be so blunt. Before this, the Killians and the police had both insisted that Daphne died in an ident.


    Her eyes narrowed. "Who ordered it?"


    Rhett announced, "Astral Nova."


    Hera fell silent.


    "I''m not sure how much you know about them. From what I''ve heard, they''re extremely strict, and their methods are brutal. Any member who defies the organization is swiftly dealt with, and their deaths are made to look like an ident."


    Rhett lit a cigar and took a slow drag before continuing, "As far as I know, Daphne once worked for Astral Nova. But don''t know what exactly she did. If it hadn''t been for her ident, we wouldn''t have even known that she worked for them.


    S


    Met


    "After her car ident, people from Astral Nova searched the ce you used to live in, iming they were looking for something. It wasn''t a pleasant situation. But in the end, they didn''t find what they were searching for. So, I suspect they orchestrated Daphne''s ident."


    He feigned sadness and sighed. "Lucius and I share the same mother, and we were very close. After his ident and thenAll content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Daphne''s, I tried to get Chad to hold Astra Nova ountable. But they''re powerful and ruthless. Even the Killians are wary of them. So, Chad ordered us never to mention this again." Content belongs to


    He spoke with such sincerity that if Hera hadn''t heard the recording of him hiring a hitman, she might have believed him.


    Albert married twice. After his first wife died, he quickly married a famous actress, who became his current wife. Their sons had clearly inherited their mother''s talent for acting as Rhett was so deeply into his role.


    Hera sneered, "Is that all?"


    Rhett shrugged. "That''s all I know. Just make sure you don''t tell anyone I told you."


    Hera pushed the contracts back toward him. "What you just told me isn''t enough to make me want to cooperate with you."


    Rhett seemed to anticipate her reaction. He pulled out two more items from the drawer and ced them in front of Hera. "Don''t be so quick to refuse. Take a look at these two things first."

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    ?


    The first item was an old photograph. The background showed the front of the vi where Hera had lived with her adoptive parents. In the yard were a row of men in ck uniforms while several others were seen entering the house.


    The symbol of Astral Nova, the winged dragon emblem, was visible on the sleeves of their uniforms.


    "This was a photo I took with my phone back when Astral Nova sent people to search your house." Rhett tapped the photo to reinforce his statement. Hera looked at the photo suspiciously, but her face didn''t betray her emotions.


    The second item was a drafted contract to buy Adorbs Corp. At the top of the contract was a photo showing James and the CEO of Adorbs Corp shaking hands in a restaurant in Jedburgh.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rhett didn''t say anything about this photo, but Hera understood his implication.


    Everett Group''s main business was in emerce. During a recent online event, the pre-sales of a skincare product exceeded their inventory. James came to Jedburgh to negotiate with the CEO of Adorbs Corp for production and delivery issues.


    By presenting the photo and contract, Rhett hinted that Everett Group''s coboration with Adorbs Corp depended on Hera''s decision.


    "You can take the contract home and think it over. You''re wee to visit Killian Corporation anytime." Rhett pushed the contract toward her, reminding her, "Killian Corporation is willing to wait for your decision, but I''m not sure how long Everett Group''s customers can wait."


    If those hundreds of thousands of customers simultaneously demanded refunds, Everett Group would face another public rtions crisis. Hera lowered her head and hid her expression. From Rhett''s angle, it seemed as if she was afraid, and a sinister look crossed his eyes. In reality, Hera was trying to suppress her excitement.


    The Killians had ordered the case of Lucius to be sealed, so she could only extract information from the family. She had been nning her moves ever since Frederick approached her.


    The Killians were all shrewd and cautious. And given her background, agreeing too quickly would have aroused their suspicion. So, she needed to refuse and make them anxious before pretending to reluctantly ept, allowing them to feel that they had the upper hand.


    Only then would they lower their guard.


    "Impressive, Mr. Rhett," Hera remarked.


    She picked up the contract and skimmed through it quickly. She saw that it outlined her role as Killian Corporation''s new director for chip development.


    She was to develop an exclusive


    chip for thepany within five


    years, with her sry increased by a hundred millionpared to Frederick''s initial offer, totaling 3.1


    billion with a 2% profit sow


    sw novel.


    The contract also included standard industry terms on intellectual property and confidentiality, specifying her limits.


    Hera found the terms amusing.


    Even XS Corporation nned to spend over eight years developing their new chip, yet Rhett demanded that Killian Corporation surpass XS Corporation andunch theicown chip within five years.


    But Hera still took a pen from the table and signed her name. After all, the contract didn''t mention any consequences if she failed to meet the targets. Rhett smiled slyly. "You''re decisive, Ms. Youngworth."


    "If it weren''t for your proactiveness, I wouldn''t have epted so quickly. After all, was still considering XS,


    Corporation''s offer, though they


    aren''t as generous as Killian Corporation." Hera yed along.


    swne


    Rhett felt a sudden surge of satisfaction from having poached someone from the XS Corporation, arousing a sense of pride in his abilities.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll treat you well as long as you do your job," he promised.


    After some superficial pleasantries, Rhett signed and stamped the contract. Hera took a copy of the contract, along with the two photos on the table, and left.

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    Chapter 539


    ?


    Just as Hera left, Frederick walked in. He noticed Hera leaving with a contract and knew Rhett had already signed her. This humiliated him. Every time Frederick saw Hera, he was reminded of how foolish he was. He once insulted her, calling her worthless, all while praising Raven. Frederick was certain that Hera had to beughing at him. The more he thought about it, the more ashamed he felt. He couldn''t ept his humiliation, especially since he had always been the one to bully her.


    "Contact Adorbs Corp and tell them to continue their coboration with Everett Group," Rhett instructed when he saw Frederick.


    Frederick frowned. "Dad, are we really going to work with her? What if she takes the opportunity to steal information from thepany?"


    "How many times do I have to tell you? Be patient. No pain, no gain." Rhett nced at him.


    "But " Frederick argued.


    Rhett cut him off, "No buts. In fact, I''m hoping she does try to sabotage the Killian Corporation. It''ll make it easier to pin a crime on her and crush herpletely."


    Frederick immediately understood Rhett''s motives. Indeed, signing Hera meant she was like a pig to the ughter. With this realization, Frederick''s anger quickly dissipated.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ...


    It was evening when Hera left Rhett''s ce.


    A maid called the security guards, asking them to drive Hera out. But Hera stopped them, saying it wasn''t necessary. She had noticed Xavier hiding behind a rock not far away, sneaking nces in her direction. Content belongs to


    QUMS


    "I know the way. I''ll leave on my own," Hera said before heading toward the main gate.


    As she walked along the path, she noticed the carvings on the walls and was reminded of Daphne. This ce held many memories of her childhood.


    She stopped and sat on a bench. At this hour, the maids were busy serving dinner, so there weren''t many people around.


    Even so, Hera heard a rustle in the bushes behind her. She nced back and caught sight of a figure dressed in white hiding behind the trees.


    A small smile tugged at her lips as she stood up and continued walking. The sound behind her also picked up, matching her pace. Hera gradually quickened her steps, and the movement behind her grew faster to keep up.


    There was an artificialke at the end of the path. Hera exited the path and walked onto a side path.


    Xavier, who was following her from


    the bushes, stopped in his tracks. If he continued, he would be in the


    open with no trees to hide behindet


    He waited until he couldn''t see Hera''s figure before running to another set of bushes. But when he arrived, Hera was nowhere to be seen.


    He waited a bit longer, but she still didn''t appear. Xavier thought she left and stepped out from the bushes to look for her.


    "Xavier, were you looking for me?" A melodious voice suddenly sounded behind him.

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    ?


    After hearing that, Xavier paused and turned around. He saw Hera standing behind him, and she seemed to know the truth.


    Then, he smiled dumbly and pped, walking happily around her. "We''re ying hide-and-seek! That''s so fun! I''ve caught you, so you''ll have to catch me now!"


    When Hera looked around, she couldn''t see any surveince cameras. She didn''t know if Xavier was truly mentally disabled or putting on an act.


    Just then, Marriott breathlessly ran toward them. "Mr. Xavier! Oh, I''ve finally found you. Ms. Gemma wants to eat dinner with you." When she saw Hera, she said happily, "Hello, Ms. Hera!"


    "I don''t want to eat my meals. I want to y hide-and-seek. It''s fun! y hide-and-seek with me." Xavier held Hera''s hand and whined.


    Marriott answered, "Ms. Hera is eating her dinner soon. I''ll y hide-and-seek with you after dinner, okay? Ms. Gemma made your favorite roasted chicken for dinner."


    "I don''t want that! I want to y hide-and-seek instead!" Then, Xaviery down and started throwing a tantrum.


    "Mr. Xavier, the ground is dirty. Please get up!" Marriott hurriedly rushed over and tried to pull him up.


    However, Xavier didn''t want to move. Though he was a grown adult, he behaved like a small child¡ªnot only did he throw tantrums, but he also wanted to y hide-and-seek. As such, Marriott panicked.


    Meanwhile, Hera stood in a corner and watched as Xavier threw a tantrum, behaving like a lunatic.


    "Is he always like this?" she asked Marriott.


    "Ever since Mr. Xavier had a serious fever back then, he became like a three-year-old child. Whenever he dislikes something, he''ll throw tantrums," Marriott replied. After that, she seemed to remember something and looked at Hera hopefully.


    "Ms. Hera, since you''re a miracle doctor, can you cure his sickness? Ms. Gemma tried to get many famous neurologists to treat Mr. Xavier, but nothing helped."


    Hera shook her head and said, "Neurology isn''t my strongest suit."


    Besides, she still doubted that Xavier was truly a fool. If he was putting on an act, no doctor would be able to treat him no matter how impressive theyThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    were.


    "Oh." Marriott sighed and continued, "Mr. Xavier has had a tough life. After Mr. Greg passed away, Madam Devito fell sick and diedter on, causing Mr. Xavier to be an orphan.


    "Since he became a fool after contracting a fever, he behaves crazily every day and can''t take care of himself. This makes me feel bad for him."


    "Thankfully, Ms. Gemma was very


    kind and felt bad for Mr. Xavier. After


    Madam Devito passed away, she


    allowed Mr. Xavier to live in her mansion. She raises him like her own son. Ms. Xandia sometimes gets jealous of the way Ms. Gemma treats him."


    Marriott was referring to Albert''s children from his first wife. They were a pair of twins called Greg and Gemma.


    This was why Aurora said


    previously, "Aunt Gemma must be feeling terrible because her brother passed away. But Aunt Daphne keeps harassing her because she wants to seek justice for Uncle Lucius. She''s rubbing salt on Aunt Gemma''s wounds!" Content belongs


    to


    Hera looked at Xavier, and her expression turned serious. She crouched down and tried tofort him.


    "Fool, how long are you going to keep us waiting for? The dishes have turned cold!" A delicate and arrogant voice was heard behind them.


    The person speaking was a woman in her 20s. Her narrow eyes were a unique feature on her face.


    Marriott said, "Hello, Ms. Xandia."


    Xandia Killian was the person Marriott was addressing.


    Back then, Gemma''s husband married into the Killian family, so Xandia took her surname. Her name was recorded in the Killian Genealogy Book.


    The moment Xavier heard Xandia''s voice, he stopped throwing a tantrum and stood up abruptly. He hid behind Hera and grabbed her clothes fearfully.


    When Xandia saw Hera, she frowned. "Don''t block my way. This fool needs toe back with me and eat his dinner!"


    Hera stood up and turned to look at Xavier. "I don''t think he wants to go back with you."


    "I don''t care what he wants. My


    mother won''t start eating without him. So, even if he doesn''t want to eat his dinner, he has toe back and sit at the dining table with everyone."

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    ?


    While Xandia spoke, she grabbed Xavier, who was hiding behind Hera. Xandia dragged him away like he was a sack of potatoes despite his struggles.


    Hera fell silent.


    "Ms. Hera, I''m so sorry to rm you like this. We''ll head back now." Marriott quickly ran after Xandia.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Catherine and the others had already gone home by the time Hera reached the clinic. After she got out of the cab, a ck Maybach slowly stopped behind her.


    "Where did you go to, sweetie?" Bernard rolled down the car windows and asked.


    Hera looked at him and used her keys to open the back door of her house. "Are you trying to monitor yourndy''s whereabouts?


    Bernardughed. "Please open the gates and allow me to go inside your house, Ms. Landy."


    After making a sound of annoyance, Hera opened the other side of the gate for him.


    Then, she returned to the western wing while Bernard drove his car into the courtyard and closed the gates.


    When he entered the ce, he saw Hera in the kitchen. Her long hair was clipped to the back, and she was cooking something while wearing an apron.


    "That smells delicious. Ms. Landy, you haven''t eaten yet. Do you need my help to cook?" Bernard asked her.


    "Who gave you the permission to enter the kitchen?" The moment she turned around, she noticed a bouquet of roses in front of her. She frowned slightly. "What are you doing?"


    "This is a courting gift, Ms. Hera," Bernard replied.


    Hera looked at him in disgust and went back to her cooking. "Do you think that I''ll be easily cated, Bernard? You may use these tricks to woo young women, but they''ll never work on me."


    "Why don''t you check the flowers first?" he asked.


    "Why are you acting all mysterious?" Hera switched off the fire and wiped her hands. She then reached into the bouquet of roses, where she felt a small box inside.


    Looking at Bernard, she warned, "If you bought me an adult toy, I won''t let you inside my house again."


    Bernard washed his hands and took the spat from her. He continued cooking the food in the pot. "Open the gift."


    When Hera opened the ck box, she saw a card inside. There was a serial number and a QR code on it, as well as Astral Nova''s logo.


    She recognized the serial number. Simr serial numbers appeared in the Astral Nova Auction and could be used to obtain bidded items. Once she scanned the QR code with her phone, details about the product popped up immediately. Bernard had given her high-quality ambergris.


    This caught her interest. No one in the medical field would be able to resist a valuable medicinal ingredient!


    "Why did you give me such an expensive present? Aren''t you afraid that your efforts might go to waste?" she teased.


    Bernard answered, "I''m not afraid of that. I''m just scared that you won''t ept my gift."


    Sheet


    Clicking her tongue, Hera opened her PayPal. Bernard knew that was going to transfer money to him, so he reached over and keyed in the number, "143."


    "This is the price of my present," he said.


    Hera didn''t know what to reply. She clearly knew what 143 meant "I love you". It corresponded to the number of letters in each word.

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    Chapter 542


    ?


    Bernard scooped out the cooked food and told Hera, "Sweetie, the food is cooked. You can eat it now."


    She washed her hands and sat at the dining table. When she saw the heart-shaped egg, she smirked. "Thank you. You may leave now."


    "Are you going to chase me away after making use of me?" Bernard ced both hands on the table, looking at her.


    Hera raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to wash the dishes before you leave?"


    After a brief pause, Bernard replied, "Alright."


    Then, he turned and washed the pot. Once Hera had finished eating her food, he slowly took her te and washed it too.


    Suddenly, he asked, "Did you promise Rhett that you''d develop a new chip for the Killian family?"


    Hera bent down and picked up Tiramisu. She fell silent for a while before answering, "It seems that you''re well-informed, Bernard!" Though she had just returned from the Killian residence, Bernard had already gotten the news about her contract with Rhett.


    "The entire world probably knows about it now." Bernard finished washing the dishes and wiped his hands before showing her his phone. Fifteen minutes ago, Killian Corporation Official had posted something on Twitter.


    It read, "We warmly wee ''Ms. Raven'' into ourpany. She''ll be the new Head of Technology, aiding us in creating a new batch of chips." After reading that, Hera kept quiet.


    Rhett behaved hastily without checking his sources! She hadn''t even confirmed her first day of work yet, but he had already informed his employees to announce the news. Was he afraid that she would go back on her word?


    "Are you seriously going to do this?" Bernard sat down and faced her.


    Hera held Tiramisu and replied, "I''ve already signed the contract."


    This made Bernard a little unhappy, and he stared at her in silence for a while.


    A whileter, he asked, "Are you doing this to investigate Lucius'' death?"


    Hera looked at him in response. He seemed to be able to read her mind and knew exactly what she thought.


    But she didn''t reply. Instead, she checked the time and said, "You should go home."


    She didn''t want history to repeat itself likest time. Previously, Bernard intentionally stayed behind and found an excuse to spend the night at her house. Content belongs


    to


    "Before I leave, will you consider working for XS Corporation instead, Ms. Hera? We''ll double your sry," Bernard dered.


    "No," Hera rejected him instantly.


    After that, Bernard fell silent.


    "Wait a minute." Once Hera recalledThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    the photo that she received from Rhett, she went back to her room and took it from her bag. Just then, a note fell out andnded on the floor.


    Hera picked up the note and read it, "Meet me at the fish pond in Stoneworth Park on the 30th."


    The note was written using a Yanerr fountain pen. She couldn''t think of anyone who had the same handwriting as the words on the note.


    Who gave her the note? Also, who shoved it into her bag?


    When she recalled the events of that day, Hera suddenly remembered Xavier, who had followed her at one point.


    Did he do it?


    "What are you looking at?" Bernard asked lowly.


    Startled by his voice, she hurriedly stuffed the note in her pocket. "It doesn''t concern you."


    Bernard was taller than her, so he


    had seen the location written on the note. However, he couldn''t see the date of the meeting because his vision was blocked. Content belongs


    to


    Seeing that Hera looked very nervous, he instantly recalled something. Then, he looked very upset.


    He asked, "Did a strange man ask you out on a date? You can''t agree to his pursuits!"


    Hera moved away as he was standing very close to her. "Don''t meddle in my affairs." Bernard took a step forward, questioning unhappily, "Is it Tyler?"

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    Chapter 543


    ?


    "No, it''s not him."


    Hera wanted to move away from him, but Bernard reached out and trapped her against the wall.


    "Is it Nichs?" he asked.


    Hera eximed, "No!"


    As Bernard looked at her, his gaze turned more intense. He thought, "I didn''t see her for just a few days. Which bastard did she meet behind my back?"All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Then who is it?" He tried moving closer, but Hera pushed him away. She coldly interrupted him, "If you continue asking, I''ll break up with you!"


    All at once, Bernard looked very upset. "Sweetie, how could you get mad at me because of another man? I''m so sad. Nothing you do will be able tofort me now."


    Hera didn''t know what to say.


    He changed expressions in a blink of an eye. It would be a waste of his talent if he didn''t be an actor.


    "You should kiss me," Bernard continued.


    "Be serious. Look at this." Hera passed him a photo.


    Once he saw it, he knew that the background was the Killian residence, where Hera had stayed when she was young. He had gone there many times in the past and even lived there for a long period of time.


    However, after looking at the people wearing uniforms with the Astral Nova logo on them, he looked very conflicted.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    "Since you''re the grandmaster, are you able to find out what they did back then?" Hera asked.


    Bernard took the photo from her. "The uniforms look old. I''ll look into this when I get home."


    Hera wasn''t used to Bernard leaving her house of his own ord.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Aurora received the two photos that Hera sent her. Since she was a little confused, she replied with a question mark, but Hera didn''t reply. As such, she looked at the photos carefully.


    In the end, she noticed the familiar background in them. Wasn''t this ce Roman''s courtyard?


    After erging the photo, she noticed that the soil beneath the big tree looked like it had been dug. There seemed to be something in the soil.


    Where was Hera?


    Aurora immediately went over with her maids but couldn''t find Hera. However, she noticed some pills that were mixed with soil under the locust tree!


    This made her remember the


    incident of someone switching her pills. She couldn''t find the culprit back then. So, Aurora told her maids, "Pick up all the pills inside the soil!"


    The maids replied, "Alright."


    "Who do you think the culprit is, Talia?" Aurora asked one of her maids.


    "Don''t panic, Ms. Killian. Take care of your baby. The culprit will be found soon," Talia replied.


    At this moment, Roman came back from school. Once he entered his living quarters, he saw Aurora and a few maids searching around in his courtyard.


    He became a little worried. Roman approached Aurora and asked, "What''s going on, Mom?"


    "Hello, Roman." Aurora turned around and looked at him.


    When he realized that she looked a


    little unwell, Roman felt rather


    unsettled. Aurora had been


    searching for the culprit who


    I


    switched her sleeping pills. It wasn''t a good sign that she came to his courtyard.


    Yet, when he saw two maids digging the soil underneath the locust tree, he calmed down.


    "All the pills have been found, Ms. Killian." Just then, a maid passed a transparent bag filled with medicine to Aurora.


    Aurora''s expression was very serious. She took out a pill and handed it to Talia. "Give this to Dr. Flynn and get her to run some tests on it."


    "Alright," Talia answered, cing the pill into a small and transparent bag.


    On the other hand, Roman was extremely shocked to see the small pills. He wondered why they were there.

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    ?


    Aurora looked back and happened to notice that Roman did not seem well. But this was his residence.


    "Roman, what''s up? You don''t look well," she asked deliberately.


    Roman came to his senses and gulped. He pretended to act confused. "Mom, what are these things? Why do they resemble the prenatal medication that you used to take?"


    "You know about that?" Aurora stared at him for a moment, her sharp eyes filled with resentment.


    Roman held back the terror in his heart and obediently held onto her arm, saying, "I pay attention to anything rted to you, Mom. I want to quickly help you catch the culprit who swapped out your medicine."


    Aurora felt slightly better after hearing his exnation. She had noticed how obedient and thoughtful Roman was when she went to the orphanage back then. That was why she adopted and raised him.


    She had watched him grow up all these years and understood what kind of person he was. He would not do anything that would harm her.


    The next day, Jamie''s report was ready. The pills were the poisonous drug that Camille had given her before, not Hera''s prenatal medication.


    Aurora sighed in relief. If they were the prenatal medication given by Hera, Roman would be the biggest suspect since the pills were discovered in his backyard. She wouldn''t have been able to ept that he would do such a thing.


    Aurora had no idea what Hera was trying to imply. She immediately took the test report and headed toward Youngworth Miracle Clinic to meet with Hera.


    At that moment, Hera was treating patients in the consulting room. After finishing up with her current patient, it was Catherine''s turn to treat patients. Before returning to the western wing, Hera calmly called James, who was having a meeting with the managers of various departments.


    He was taken aback when he noticed it was Hera calling. He had saved her phone number a long time ago, but it was her first time taking the initiative to call him.


    He immediately put the meeting on hold and cautiously answered the call, "Hello, Hera?"


    "Did Adorbs Corp sign the contract?" Hera questioned.


    Her question took James by surprise as he wondered how she knew about it. He remembered that he never told her about it.


    It had been going quite well at first when he came to Jedburgh to discuss the contract with Adorbs Corps. But he had no idea why Adorbs suddenly wasn''t willing to work together anymore.


    Because of it, he even went on a


    business trip for a few days to Jedburgh. After asking his


    connection''s, he finally learned that he might have offended someone powerful. The other party nned to acquire Adorbs Corp, resulting in a pause in cooperation with Everett Group.


    As the contract did not go through, Everett Group would have a public rtions crisis if they could not deliver the pre-ordered items during June sales. That had James worrying for the past two days. He had been racking his brain for a solution.


    Butst night, the CEO of Adorbs Corp suddenly contacted him, saying that the coboration would continue. He even offered an additional 2% profit margin.


    Hence, James went to Jedburgh this morning to sign the contract. He then immediately returned in the afternoon for a meeting with the department managers. That was when Hera phoned to ask about the matter with Adorbs Corp.


    Did Hera help him out? Otherwise, why would she happen to call and discuss this? James felt that must have been what happened and suddenly felt rather touched.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "We''ve already signed the contract, and the other party even offered an additional 2% profit margin. I n to allocate the extra 2% profit toward the project fund in searching for the Eclipse Stone."


    Hera assumed that she heard wrong. "Are you really looking for the Eclipse Stone? You even set up a project fund?"


    "Yes. Don''t worry, we''ll help you find the Eclipse Stone," James promised.


    Hera said nothing. What mattered was that they were happy.


    Aurora had been waiting for Hera in the western wing''s living room for some time. She immediately stood up when she finally saw Hera return after making the phone call and handed her the report.


    "The test report is out. Those pills aren''t the medicine you gave me."

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    "I know. It''s the drug provided by Camille." Hera sat on the wooden engraved bench as she checked her WhatsApp messages.


    Ever since Bernard took the photos awayst night, there had been no news from him.


    "How did you know?" After asking, Aurora suddenly felt rather foolish.


    Hera was a miracle doctor, and Aurora had seen her use her sense of smell to identify a medication''s ingredients and their dosage. She was practically a walking detector for medicine identification.


    "So, what''s the matter?" Aurora continued asking.


    "Have you found out who buried the medicine there?" Hera asked a question of her own instead.


    "Not yet. That ce happens to be a blind spot for the surveince cameras. Since no one usually goes there, there are no witnesses.


    "Many people have gone there as well, so any footprints would''ve been destroyed. That was my oversight for not securing the scene right away," Aurora exined truthfully.


    She suddenly recalled that Roman was the biggest suspect at the moment. She wondered where he got these pills. What was his purpose? Hera scoffed in dissatisfaction at the inefficiency. She was about to say something when she heard amotion outside the door.


    "Sir, you can''t enter without permission."


    "Get out of the way. You''re so annoying! I''m her mentor."


    Then, Hera saw Tyler forcing his way through the door, followed by Wayne, who was unable to stop him. Wayne said, "Hera, he..."


    "It''s okay. You can leave for now," Hera told him. He hummed in response and cast a nce at Tyler before leaving.


    But Tyler remained unbothered as he casually chose a bottle of wine from the wine rack before pouring a ss for himself. He then sat before Aurora. "Ms. Killian, you''re here as well."


    Aurora scowled upon noticing how Tyler made himself at home. She could feel that he had a special rtionship with Hera, but wasn''t she dating Bernard? Why was her friendship with Tyler so ambiguous?


    "You should go back first and take care of yourself and the baby. You don''t have to investigate that matter for now, Hera said to Aurora in a low voice. She would meet Xavier at the end of the month and see what he had to say.


    Although Aurora found Hera''s methods to be slightly unorthodox, she still got up. Before leaving, she couldn''t help but ask, "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    "That has nothing to do with you, Ms. Killian," Hera replied calmly.


    Aurora lowered her voice and said, "I just want to remind you that Uncle Bernard does not like Tyler. He would be angry if he knew you two were together."


    Hera did not answer her.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Are you nning to manufacture chips for the Killians?" Tyler got straight to the point once Hera had returned to the living room. Although he had seen the news earlier he still wanted to confirm it.


    "So?" Hera asked.


    Since she did not deny it, Tyler knew her answer. He asked with a sly smile, "Bernard isn''t helping you, right?"


    Hera still said nothing.


    Tyler confidently continued, "Since he hates the Killians so much, he would never manufacture chips for them. If he wanted to manufacture chips, he would definitely go to XS


    Corporation. Thus, I''m going to help you!"


    UMS


    Hera found it funny that Tyler thought he understood Bernard very well. After all, Bernard wouldn''t be joining XS Corporation, seeing that he owned thatpany.

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    "You should speak about this with Rhett. It''s no use telling me since I''m not their HR, nor am I responsible for recruiting talent," Hera calmly answered.


    "I know. That''s why I''m here to tell you that I''ve already signed a contract with them," Tyler replied while raising a ss to Hera. "Let us work together and defeat Bernard."


    Hera was speechless, having never heard him to be so determined before. She recalled Bernard telling her about Tyler working with Rhett and asked, "When did you sign the contract?"


    Tyler gazed at her mysteriously. "Are you trying to find out my secrets?"Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera was speechless. It wasn''t even considered a secret if Tyler came over in a hurry to tell her about it.


    Tyler drank the wine in one gulp before getting up and continued, "It''s not like I can''t tell you. Come and apany me to a banquet, and I''ll tell you all about it."


    "What banquet?" Hera asked.


    "My father''s birthday party."


    "I''m not going," Hera rejected.


    "No, you must apany me. Since Bernard has found a girlfriend, I''ve got to bring someone else with me. Otherwise, my father will arrange for me to go for a matchmaking." Tyler stepped forward and grabbed Hera''s wrist, not allowing her to leave.


    Hera wanted to free herself from his grip, but he was too strong, and she couldn''t break free. She was rather speechless. "What does that have to do with me? Find someone else."


    Bernard had a girlfriend, but Tyler wanted to bring Hera, Bernard''s girlfriend, to the banquet. No, she was Bernard''s ex-girlfriend. What kind of logic was this?


    "I want him to see who I''m interested in. That way, he''ll stop arranging matchmaking services for me," Tyler answered.


    Hera smirked. "Are you sure you won''t be beaten to death?"


    "He won''t dare to. I''m his only sessor now unless he intends to pass on the position as head of the family to someone else," Tyler


    afraid of the consequences. "So, you must help me since I''m your


    exined confidently without by new


    mentor!"


    He ignored Hera''s struggles and objections as he forcefully dragged her out through the back door and shoved her into the passenger seat.


    Initially, Hera nned to get out of the car while Tyler was circling around to the driver''s seat. But she heard him speak while opening the door to the driver''s seat.


    "You''ll get something in return if you go with me. Once we''re back, I''ll show you my exclusive cheat codes that you can use on Vulcan. I even summarized his weaknesses."


    The word "exclusive" made Hera settle down in her seat again as she peered at him. "You''re not lying to me, right?"


    "When have I ever deceived you?" Tyler started the car.


    Hera wanted to retort, saying that he always lied to her, especially with what happened thest time. But she thought about it and recalled that Sable, who shadowed her thest time, was indeed Bernard''s henchman.


    Thus, she could not say that Tyler had lied to her. Hera just could not fully trust Bernard, making it easy for her to be provoked.


    With Bernard in mind, Hera checked her phone for any new WhatsApp messages, but there were none. So, she typed, asking, "What happened?" Ten minutester, Bernard asked, "Where are you?"


    Hera thought he had an update on the photos and immediately answered, "I''m outside." She had no idea what Bernard was busy with since he did not reply for some time.


    "When the Killians decided that they would manufacture their own chips, they sought me out. At that moment, I wasn''t interested in taking on the job. "But I saw the newsst night that you epted the job, so I changed my mind as well. I signed the contract with them this morning," Tyler exined while driving.


    Hera looked at him. "Did you rmend me to Rhett?"


    "Yes." Tyler did not deny it and even


    tentatively suggested, "I knew Bernard would never take part in this. Since you''re doing this, I''m definitely joining you as well.


    Peel


    Together, we can infiltrate


    family''s systems, destroy Bernard, and take Killian Corporation for ourselves."

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    Hera looked at Tyler as if he were a fool. "Since when have you known that I''m Raven?"


    "When you wanted to delete the trade record at Astral Nova," he answered.


    "So, you were the one who deleted it!" she eximed in realization.


    He hummed in response.


    "Why?" she asked reflexively.


    He bbered on excitedly without a care, "I just wanted to know what you were up to. I was considering joining the game if it was fun." She was rendered speechless as she couldn''t get his way of thinking. However, there was something she found odd and contradictory. Hera questioned, "You didn''t know what Bernard''s codename was at that time, did you? How did you know that he wasn''t going to join Killian Corporation''s chip development project?


    "You didn''t allow me to investigate the Killian family, so why did you rmend me to them for the project? Just what are you thinking?"


    "I didn''t know what his codename was, but I''ve known that he was a hacker since I was serving in the army. As for why, as I said, I want to take him down with you."


    Tyler kept mentioning Bernard whenever he could. If it hadn''t been for his lunatic deeds, Hera would''ve misunderstood that he was Bernard''s hardcore fan.


    "He trusts you so much, doesn''t he? Come with me. Betraying him after breaking up with him will be the best revenge to get to him," Tyler proposed. "How did you know that we broke up?" asked a baffled Hera.


    "Nichs told me," he blurted.


    She didn''t know Nichs to be such a bbermouth.


    "What do you say? Shall we take Bernard down together?" Tyler raised his brow at her.


    Instead of answering that, she reminded him, "Focus on the road."


    at


    He smiled because she didn''t refuse right away. "Think about it. Once you get your answer, you can call any time. We''re working at the samepany anyway."


    Hera looked at her phone wordlessly.


    Tyler drove her to a salon and asked the owner to assign a top stylist for her.


    Before he headed to the next


    for his makeover, he asked "Say, what should I do to


    what should I do tot


    at the party?" Content belonut


    "Dye your hair green."


    He agreed, "Alright."


    She couldn''t believe her ears.


    to


    Two hourster, she walked out of her room and saw Tyler, who happened toe out of his room too.


    It was as if greenery was sitting on his head.


    Thanks to his fair skin and white suit, his green head didn''t look so bad. He appeared... younger.


    She was wearing a white slitted


    gown. The green bow on her


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    shoulder caught his eye. It was the same color as his hair, and he was satisfied.


    "A couple look. I like it," hemented.


    Hera suddenly didn''t feel like going to the banquet with him anymore, so she walked away.


    Stretching his arm, he hugged her shoulders and pushed her into his arms.


    "We''re a couple right now. We should act like one-ouch!" Before he could finish, she gave him an elbow. But he didn''t let her go.

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    Chapter 548


    ?


    Hera couldn''t free herself from Tyler''s grasp.


    Since she left in a hurry, she didn''t bring anything else other than her phone. If she had her stuff with her, he would''ve been stabbed a lot of times.


    With him forcefully holding her shoulders, they walked out of the salon and headed to his car. It was only then did he release her.


    There happened to be a herbal store nearby. She entered the ce as he followed behind her, fearing that she might run away.


    "Please give me an ounce of soapberry seed powder, two ounces of taro powder, a bottle of distilled water, and a bag of one-inch long silver needles," said Hera to the employee.


    "Sure." The employee gave an odd look at Tyler''s green hair before fetching the things Hera requested.


    "What are they for?" Tyler didn''t have a clue why she was buying those things.


    "You''ll find out soon." She then asked for the price, wanting to pay for them.


    Tyler quickly took his wallet out. "I''ll pay for them. Are these presents for meeting my parents?"


    "You''re overreading it." Hera paid for the items herself, ignoring him.


    While Tyler was still taking out the notes from his wallet, she had already walked away. He quickly kept his wallet and followed her.


    She hopped into the passenger seat, pouring the powders into the bottle of distilled water. After she shook it, it thickened into an invisible liquid.


    Tyler was driving when she started to apply it over her body.


    He asked curiously. "What is that?"


    "Something that''ll cause you to feel itchy."


    He frowned slightly. "So, why are you applying that on your body?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, she applied some onto her shoulders. It reminded him that he had hugged her shoulders before.


    He coughed wryly. "Won''t you feel itchy?"


    Next, she took out a few needles and inserted them into her skin.


    "Is it useful?" He doubted it.


    Hera smeared some liquid across


    the back of his hand, which was


    holding the steering wheel Content


    belongs to en.kikistories.co


    Almost immediately, that part of his skin felt itchy.


    He hurriedly wiped it off with tissue paper.


    It did not hurt, but it felt itchy! He clenched his teeth, trying to put up with it.


    Aside from her face, she applied it on every part of her exposed skin.


    "I''m impressed," Tyler eximed.


    He expected nothing less from Hera.


    Half an hourter, the car stopped at the Imperial Hotel. Tyler behaved after getting out of the car, noteying a finger on her anymore.


    UMS


    His green hair drew attention from the reporters who were waiting at the entrance.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Mr. Tyler, why did you dye your hair green to Mr. Connor''s birthday


    pelongs to party? Does it mean something ner


    swno.ne


    "Ms. Youngworth, why did youe with Mr. Tyler? Does Mr. Bernard know about this?"


    "What''s your rtionship with her?"


    Questions flooded them, but they ignored all of them.


    Under the questioning gazes, Tyler led Hera to No. 1 Banquet Hall on the ninth floor.

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    ?


    Everyone in the ballroom looked at Tyler and began gushing.


    Completely unbothered, he brought Hera to the tables.


    Sitting and chit-chatting at the main table was Connor Presgrave. His face fell when he noticed the change in his son''s hair color, but he broke into a smile when he saw who was standing next to Tyler.


    Dr. Shadow!


    Connor had been searching for every famous doctor in the world to treat his son, who was in aa. Now, the only ones on the list were Catherine and Hera.


    In Jedburgh, the Presgrave family was one of the top ten most influential families. However, they were just normal people at Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    They had to make appointments to be treated by Catherine or Hera. Hera didn''t give them any privileges! Connor didn''t expect Tyler to invite Dr. Shadow over. This was surely the best present he received tonight.


    Meanwhile, his wife''s expression darkened as she was perturbed by Tyler''s appearance.


    Had Fiona''s son not been in aa due to an ident, Connor wouldn''t have brought Tyler home back then. Tyler was an illegitimate child! Before Fiona could say something, Lorna Presgrave hit it out at Tyler, "What''s with that hair? Are you trying to steal the spotlight from Dad? It''s his birthday!"


    As the mother, Fiona had predisposed Lorna to hate Bernard.


    "Behave, Lorna." Connor rose from his seat and stretched out his hand at Hera with a smile. "Wee, Dr. Shadow."


    Hera nodded. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Connor. Let''s forgo the handshake."


    Her refusal didn''t bother him as he led her to the main table. "It''s alright. Come, have a seat."


    Lorna felt wronged and angry at the same time. She didn''t expect that Tyler could invite Hera over when she failed to do so.


    Turning around and hugging Fiona''s arm, she grumbled, "Mom, Dad scolded me..."


    Fiona forced a smile at Hera as a greeting sign. The moment Fiona turned around to face Connor, her expression turned grim.


    "Why are you always siding Tyler? Did Lorna say something wrong? Look at his hair! Is he trying to steal the spotlight to announce that he''s an illegitimate child? We''ll be the joke of the year!"


    Connor didn''t like it either as he ordered, "You''d better dye your hair color back soon."


    "Nope! My girlfriend picked this hair color for me. Tyler''s hand reflexively reached out for Hera, but the itchy sensation reminded him to stop. In the end, he gestured to introduce her, Here''s my girlfriend, He Content belongs to


    QUMS


    Before Tyler could finish, someone pulled Hera away.


    She was caught off-guard as she bumped into a solid chest. The man''s familiar faint scent of tobo enveloped her. She looked up, and the man''s perfect features came into view. Her heart skipped Content belongs to


    swnbeat.


    "Tyler Presgrave, do you have a death wish? How dare you steal my woman!" Bernard growled.


    "It''s over between the two of you, Bernard Killian. Get out of her life. She''s my girlfriend now." Tyler didn''t back off.


    Now that Bernard had caged Hera with his arms, Tyler didn''t care about the itchy powder anymore. He grabbed her hand to pull her over.


    However, Bernard tightened his arm around her, his gaze ring dangerously. "Who said we broke up?"


    "Face up to reality, man! Hera admitted it too!" Tyler sneered.


    The glint in Bernard''s eyes darkened. "Do we have to report our couple games to you?"


    Tyler didn''t know how to rebut that and looked at Hera, signaling her to say something.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Tyler, let go of her!" Connor instructed as more and more guests were looking in their direction.


    The majority was aware that


    Bernard and Hera were a couple. In


    addition to Tyler''s green hair, the


    fact that he became the third person


    in their rtionship would be disgrace to the family''s name.


    QUMS


    However, the fearless Tyler didn''t release her hand.


    Stuck in between, Hera was speechless. She nudged at Bernard. "Let me go."


    His expression darkened. "Tell him to let go of your hand first."


    He was enraged that she told him to release her first instead of Tyler.

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    "Did you hear her? She told you to let her go! Stop clinging to her like a simp!" Tyler barked.


    He was happy that Hera told Bernard to let go of her first instead of him. It gave him more reason to believe that they had broken up.


    On top of that, it seemed like Hera was the one who dumped Bernard. This consolidated Tyler''s resolution to win her over to go against Bernard together.


    "You too. Let me go!" Hera turned to face Tyler.


    Tyler was baffled at that.


    "Let her go. Don''t you dare steal her away from me," Bernard growled.


    "I dyed my hair her favorite color. Could you do the same?"


    Bernard scoffed. "White is her favorite color."


    His hand felt itchy, but he didn''t mind it. He removed Tyler''s hand from Hera''s arm forcefully before hugging her.


    It was as if Bernard was trying to drag her away from the gue.


    Tyler felt his palm getting itchy. The sight of Bernard hugging Hera so tightly made him give up on the idea of snatching her back. He stood by to watch the show unfold.


    One of the men finally let go of Hera. Connor motioned at Fiona to entertain the guests together.


    Meanwhile, Lorna was filled with jealousy. Her eyes didn''t leave Bernard, who was hiding Hera like she was a treasure.


    Lorna liked Bernard. Ever since she discovered that Bernard was Tyler''s enemy, she fell head over heels for this handsome man.


    She thought that they were of the same kind because they shared the same enemy.


    Meanwhile, Bernard pulled Hera to a corner.


    "Let me go first. I applied something on me." She couldn''t free herself from Bernard at all. Her strength was nothing against his.


    He didn''t listen to her reason as he was very upset by her demand.


    "I''m not letting you go!" he said sternly, acting like a child.


    Hera grew helpless. "Don''t you feel itchy?"


    Now that she brought it up, he felt his whole body getting itchy. Even the back of his hands were covered with red patches like an allergic reaction. She massaged her forehead. It was actually a tactic to keep Tyler off. She didn''t expect Bernard to be a victim too.


    "Stop scratching." She stopped


    Bernard''s hand from scratching, but she released him right away. She


    recalled that she had applime


    on her palms too.


    There was a guest lounge at the ballroom, so she suggested, "Let''s go to the guest lounge first."


    But Bernard didn''t budge and fixed his eyes on her. "I think I''m suffering from an allergic reaction. I feel sick. I can''t move. Hold me."


    Hera rolled up his sleeve to reveal his arm, which was covered with rashes.


    He was telling the truth.


    "Are you allergic to soapberry seed powder?" she asked.


    The ingredients she used were only soapberry seed powder, taro powder, and distilled water. He had taro before and had used distilled powder as an ingredient. This was the first time she used soapberry seed powder.


    "Yeah," he responded.


    S


    A serious allergic reaction could lead to a shock. There was no time to waste.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She helped him to the guest lounge and settled him on the couch. "Hold on. Don''t scratch. I''ll go take my needle kit. I''ll be right back."


    She headed outside to look for Tyler. She left the newly bought needle kit in his car.


    Laying on the couch, Bernard did his


    best to tolerate the pain and


    itchiness. Rashes had crawled up to his neck, and his forehead was covered with sweat. He began to struggle to breathe.


    Soon, the door opened.

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    Chapter 551


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    Thinking Hera had returned, Bernard said hoarsely, "I feel terrible, sweetie."


    His gentle voice held a hint of yfulness, making him sound nothing like his usual cold self. Hearing that made Lorna''s heart race involuntarily. She never knew he had such a gentle side to him.


    "Mr. Killian." Lorna held a ss of water as she cautiously approached him.


    Realizing that it wasn''t Hera, Bernard red at Lorna before coldly uttering, "Get lost!"


    Lorna flinched slightly at his sudden change of attitude, but she did not back down. "Mr. Killian, I noticed how ufortable you were, so I poured a ss of warm water for you. Drink it, and you''ll feel better."


    While speaking, she sat on the couch next to Bernard and deliberately leaned closer to him, trying to offer him water.


    "Get lost! Don''t make me say it for a third time." Bernard pulled out a gun from behind him and coldly pointed it at her forehead.


    Lorna stared at the dark muzzle of the gun, her heart thumping madly. She gulped in fear and dared not to move anymore. She knew that he would really pull the trigger if she continued getting closer to him.


    Bernard was more terrifying than a cold-blooded animal. If Lorna had known he carried a gun, she wouldn''t have riskeding here.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Killian. I only wanted to help take care of you because you looked like you were in a lot of pain. Please don''t get the wrong idea. If it really bothers you, I''ll go out now."


    Lorna looked pitiful as she backed away in terror. She was genuinely scared that he would really shoot her if she identally provoked him. "Hold on." As she reached the door, she suddenly heard Bernard''s somewhat hoarse voice behind her.


    Lorna stopped and immediately turned around to see that Bernard had already put the gun down. That made her panic turn into glee. Had he changed his mind?


    "Did you add some kind of drug to the water?" Bernard nced at the ss in her hand


    Lorna paled at his question and quickly looked away in terror. She wondered how he knew about that.


    She had used a colorless and


    tasteless aphrodisiac that was


    highly effective. She even


    intentionally waited for Hera to leave so that she could enter the room and convince Bernard to drink it. Content belongs to


    swne


    Once they had sex, it would turn into a huge scandal when Hera returned. Everyone would know that Lorna and Bernard had slept together. With so many people around, he would have no choice but to take


    Ov


    responsibility and marry her Content belongs to


    After all, that was the same tactic Fiona had used to marry Connor. Thus, Lorna believed that using the same method would work for her as well. However, she was terrified upon seeing the ck gun in Bernard''s hand. She wasn''t sure about the others, but she knew that Bernard was capable of killing.


    It was rumored that he had even injured and crippled several maids at the Killian residence. They eventually died in their suffering.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    If Bernard learned of Lorna''s motives and the aphrodisiac she had added to the water, she wondered if she would even be able to walk out of this room.


    "No... No... What drug?"


    Before she could finish speaking, Bernard interrupted her. He could tell from her expression that something was wrong with the ss of water.


    Lorna bit her lip hard, not daring to say a word. She timidly stared at Bernard. Although he was extremely handsome, he currently seemed as terrifying as a demon.


    Bernard impatiently raised his gun and ordered solemnly, "Tell me!"


    She trembled all over as she stuttered, "I-It''s an aphrodisiac." Usually, a woman would give an aphrodisiac to a man to sleep with him.


    Bernard''s gaze turned colder as he gestured to the ss on the coffee table with his gun. "Pour out half and drink it."

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    ?


    "I know I''ve made a mistake, Mr. Killian. Can I not drink it?" Lorna gulped while asking nervously.


    Fiona had prepared the aphrodisiac for Lorna. Moreover, Fiona even added extra so that she and Lorna could achieve their goal.


    As the aphrodisiac was quite potent, most people would lose their senses after having half a ss. In the end, they would only be left with their primal urges.


    Bernard did not say anything else as he pointed the gun at Lorna.


    With the muzzle of the gun pointed in her direction again, she became so terrified that she had no other choice but to do as he said.


    "I''ll drink it! I''ll drink it!" Lorna slowly walked toward the coffee table. After taking an empty ss and filling it up halfway, she tilted her head backward and forced herself to finish its contents.


    Bernard cast a nce at her before checking the time. Having estimated that it was almost time for Hera''s return, he resisted the itch on his body and tipped his head back to finish the remaining ss of spiked water.


    Lorna was shocked to see Bernard drink it. At the same time, the aphrodisiac was starting to take effect. She began to feverishly tear off her clothes while moving closer to him.


    Meanwhile, Fiona was in the banquet hall. She checked the time before looking at the closed door to the lounge.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Lorna had note out after being inside for such a long time. Fiona thought it was very likely that Lorna had seeded in the task.


    Fiona was determined to give Lorna a hand. If Lorna could marry Bernard, the Killian family would be a huge support to Lorna and Fiona.


    After all, the Killians would be a powerful backer. Moreover, Bernard was Tyler''s nemesis. Thus, Lorna could hold her own against Tyler and be the head of the Presgrave family.


    By doing so, the right to manage the Presgrave family in the future would not end up in the hands of Tyler, the illegitimate child. With that in mind, Fiona intentionally led Connor, and a group of guests toward the lounge. Content belongs to


    QUMS


    As the group drew closer to the lounge, they heard moaning through the closed lounge door. Having heard the sounds, everyone looked embarrassed as they whispered to each other.


    "Are Mr. Killian and Ms. Presgrave inside?"


    "Doesn''t Mr. Killian already have a girlfriend? How could he cheat on Dr. Shadow?"


    "It can''t be Mr. Killian. Wasn''t he with Dr. Shadow earlier?"


    "They did enter the lounge earlier. But not long after, Dr. Shadow went out with Mr. Presgrave."


    "That means Mr. Killian is still inside the lounge with Ms. Presgrave."


    "The moans definitely sound like Ms. Presgrave. I never knew that she was such a slut."


    Fiona silently listened to everyone''s


    spection. The gossip sounded


    et


    horrible and wasn''t any good for Lorna''s reputation. But that would mean n that Fiona and Lorna had achieved their goal since everyone knew that Bernard had slept with Lorna. Content belongs to


    The next step would be to figure out how to force Bernard into promising to marry Lorna in front of everyone else.


    Connor''s expression darkened. He


    was already humiliated enough by


    Tyler, who had shown up to Connor''s birthday party with green


    hair and even interfered with Hera and Bernard''s rtionship. Content


    belongs to


    Yet, Connor never expected that Lorna would take it a step further and have sex in the lounge where everyone could hear her.


    To him, Tyler and Lorna hadpletely ruined the Presgrave family''s reputation. Thus, Connor angrily strode forward and kicked open the door to the lounge.

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    ?


    Suddenly, everyone could see the intimate scene taking ce in the lounge. A bald man with a pot belly and a sleazy appearance was entangled with Lorna.


    The sound of the door being kicked open had startled the bald man. He turned to see an enraged Connor and Fiona, followed by many guests. The sight terrified the bald man instantly.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mr. Presgrave, it... it was Ms. Presgrave who seduced me first."


    The bald man immediately released Lorna, who had already lost her senses due to the aphrodisiac. Shepletely disregarded everyone else in the room as she leaned forward to hug him.


    "Don''t go..."


    Seeing this made Fiona feel as if she had been struck by lightning. She froze on the spot, wondering where the hell Bernard had disappeared to. "Ms. Presgrave is still young. She usually looks rather innocent and adorable. I never expected her to be so improper."


    "She''s so wild. There''s no difference between her and a waitress at the nightclub."


    "The Presgraves have truly ruined the reputation of the prestigious families in Jedburgh."


    "The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree. Ms. Presgrave''s father had an illegitimate son with his mistress. Moreover, her mother also slept her way to the top. If Mr. Presgrave Senior had not left behind enough assets back then, the Presgraves would''ve gone bankrupt a long time ago."


    The guests gossiped while a swarm of reporters came out of the elevator, frantically taking photos. That night, photos of Lorna being publicly entangled with another man made headlines in the tabloids.


    Tyler smirked while watching the news in the underground parking lot. The delight in his eyes was unmistakable as he grinned rather sinisterly.


    Meanwhile, Dous parked the car in the courtyard of Youngworth Miracle Clinic. He got out of the car and opened the back seat door.


    He said, "Bernard, Ms. Youngworth, we''ve arrived."


    Bernard held Hera in his arms as they sat in the back seat. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, nuzzling restlessly.


    His face had turned unusually red, and his eyes seemed rather dazed. His shirt cor was slightly open, revealing his long neck and prominent corbone.


    Bernard''s skin was also covered with red dots from the allergies that had not faded away, looking somewhat flushed.


    Hera nudged at Bernard for him to get up. "We''re here, so get up. Dous, help him inside."


    Dous stooped into the car. He


    then supported Bernard by the arm,


    getting him out of the car with


    difficulty. As Dous was about to lead him to the eastern wing Bernard suddenly stopped


    He gazed at the eastern wing in a daze for a while before saying, "No, this is not my home. My home isn''t here."


    With that, he turned around and happened to see Hera get out of the car. Bernard pushed Dous aside as he stumbled toward her. "Sweetie, this is not my home. Let''s go home."


    Initially, Hera wanted to leave after getting out of the car, but she noticed Bernard seemed unsteady on his feet. Fearing that he might fall, she quickly reached out to support him.


    Bernard leaned on Hera heavily, causing her to take two steps back before she could bnce herself.


    Although Bernard seemed rather


    skinny, he clearly had a lot of muscle once his clothes were off. Besides,


    he was quite heavy as well. He leaned limply against Hera, who had a hard time holding him up. Content


    belongs to


    Dous hurried over to help but was shoved away the moment he touched Bernard.


    "Don''t touch me. Sweetie, let''s go home," Bernard said while leading Hera toward the western wing.


    Feeling helpless, Hera asked


    Dous to return for now. After all,


    Bernard''s current condition was


    rather tricky. Not only did he have an allergic reaction, but he was also feeling the effects of the


    ¦¯


    aphrodisiac.


    During the journey, Hera had already administered acupuncture for Bernard to tackle his allergic reaction. However, the after-effects of the aphrodisiac were somewhat troublesome.


    Hera painstakingly held Bernard up as she opened the door to the western wing. Having held himself back for so long, Bernard could no longer contain himself and lowered his head to kiss Hera.


    The kiss instantly aroused Hera, who had been teased by Bernard throughout the drive. The two of them stumbled into the room while kissing before falling on the bed.

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    Chapter 554


    ?


    As Hera and Bernard fell on the bed, he took the fall for her. Thus, she remained on top while hey beneath her. She had picked up on his gesture, making her heart skip a beat.


    Perhaps she could trust him on one thing-he once said he would never hurt her.


    Bernard realized that Hera did not push him away. She even wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kisses, making him feel thrilled. Did that mean she was willing to be with him again?


    Ever since he moved out from the western wing, he could only pray every night to calm himself down.


    While on top of Bernard, Hera was left in a daze from his kisses. She had taken off his suit jacket and was beginning to unbuckle his belt.


    Without a doubt, it was an invitation from her. Bernard felt hot all over as he held Hera in his arms. He flipped her over and pinned her beneath him before deepening the kiss, lighting her up everywhere.


    By then, Hera had already removed his belt. As she was about to undo his buttons, Bernard nibbled her ear with a light chuckle. "So, we aren''t breaking up anymore?"


    Hera paused as she stared at Bernard in a daze. How could he stop at such a crucial moment? She reached to undo the buttons on his shirt. "We''ve not had breakup sex before. We''ll make up for that by sleeping together now. Then, we''ll have broken up for good."


    Her words "broken up for good" seemed to douse all of him like cold water.


    At that moment, Bernard, who had been affected by the aphrodisiac, suddenly came to his senses. His wandering hands all over her body also came to a stop.


    He held back the difort throughout his body while pushing her hands away with a solemn expression. "We won''t sleep together, then! I''m not breaking up with you."


    Hera watched Bernard quickly get off the bed. To avoid running into Tiramisu, who had barged into the room, he stumbled out unsteadily as if he were drunk.


    For a moment, she wondered if he


    was truly influenced by the


    aphrodisiac or whether he was pretending to be pitiful in an attempt to trick her. After all, he was such an ass for arousing her before leaving her just like that.


    "Are we really not having sex?" Hera asked while sitting up on the bed.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "We won''t sleep together! I won''t agree to us breaking up!" Bernard insisted as he resisted the difort throughout his body.


    Hera scoffed impatiently. "Then, what do you n on doing to solve your problem?"


    The aphrodisiac was very potent, so a cold shower could not solve his issue.


    "I''ll take a gold shower and handle it myself. If that doesn''t work, I''ll find a way to bleed it out. I simply will not have breakup sex with you," Bernard answered


    Hera said nothing for a moment. "Then, what should I do? You''ve already turned me on."


    Bernard did not say a word as he went out with a darkened expression. He was afraid that he could not control himself if he remained in the room a moment longer.


    Hera heard Bernard walk toward the kitchen. Worried that he would actually harm himself, she followed him.


    Sure enough, she saw him roll up his sleeve, revealing his long arm. Then, he picked up the fruit knife, ready to hurt himself.


    Hera never realized that he was that serious. "Are you sure?"


    "What else can I do?" Bernard looked back at Hera and noticed her red lips and dazed eyes. Just one nce made him recall all their beautiful memories. He felt as if he had reached his limits. Content belongs


    to


    He immediately averted his gaze, not looking at her anymore. He was afraid that he would no longer be able to control himself.

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    Chapter 555


    ?


    "Mr. Killian, you have such prominent status. A snap of your fingers could bring countless women flocking toward you. You don''t actually have to hurt yourself, do you?" Hera remarked.


    "That sounds disgusting. I''ll only sleep with my girlfriend." Bernard held the knife as he walked outside.


    Hera scoffed. He attempted to avoid her while looking for a spot to cut himself. She suddenly felt somewhat reluctant while looking at him.


    "Are we really not having break-up sex?"


    Bernard replied stubbornly, "Truly!"


    "Why don''t we have sex to get back together, then?" Hera asked.


    Bernard stopped in his tracks, his emotions going up and down like a rollercoaster. He turned and lunged toward Hera.


    She wrapped her arms around him as he leaned down to kiss her. It was hard for her to trust a person, but it was easy for her to fall for him.


    The night stretched on as they lost themselves in each other''s arms.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Rhett, Karen, and Frederick brought along two signed contracts while heading toward Chad''s residence to hand in their work.


    "S and Raven have already signed the contracts, Chad." While handing the contracts to Chad, Rhett intentionally added, "Thanks to Freddy''s efforts, the two of them were willing to sign the contracts."


    "Uncle Chad, Dad, this is what I should be doing anyway so that Killian Corporation can continue expanding," Frederick said with a smile.


    "Yes, you''ve done well." Chad took the contracts and nced through their contents. "Not bad. The remaining employees should be assigned as soon as possible so that we can move the project forward.


    "Killian Corporation''s new chips must be ready before XS Corporation''s chips hit the market! Freddy, you''ll be helping your father in the development and nning of the new chips."


    Frederick was delighted to hear that. At that moment, the development of the new chips was Killian Corporation''srgest and most crucial project.


    Chad had permitted Frederick to


    participate in the development and nning stages of the project. That meant that Chad acknowledged Frederick''s capabilities and was giving him some authority. Content


    belongs to


    That also meant that Frederick would have a more important role at Killian Corporation than Bernard. As for Bernard, he would be stuck in the smallpany, Shuttle Ventures.


    Frederick was more likely to be


    the next head of the family than Bernard. Rhett was also very pleased with the decision. He had mentioned Frederick''s contribution to Chad to make him trust Frederick.


    swne


    "Alright," Rhett and Frederick answered at the same time.


    "Also, we should be wary of Hera," Chad remarked as he ced the contracts aside.


    To ensure the growth of Killian Corporation, he was willing to set aside his grievances by working with Hera. But that didn''t mean that he could ept Hera and Bernard''s rtionship.


    "Rest assured, we signed Tyler on so that we could control Hera." Rhett already knew what was on Chad''s mind.


    "Tyler secretly considers Bernard as his nemesis. Tyler likes Hera, so he intends to steal her away from Bernard. If Tyler seeds, it''ll be just as you wanted."


    Chad recalled the scandal that took ce at the Presgrave residence. The news mentioned Tyler''s unruly behavior of dyeing his hair green before attending Connor''s birthday banquet.


    That made Chad frown slightly. "Can that punk be trusted?" He had heard of the many crazy antics Tyler had gone up to in the past.


    "I''ve known him for ten years and worked with him often. Don''t be fooled by his carefree demeanor. He''s actually quite reliable," Rhett exined. Chad nodded thoughtfully without a word.


    "Bernard and Hera''s rtionship is definitely not right. Once word of their rtionship gets out, it won''t be good for our family''s reputation. It''s best if we can separate them," Linda said. Content belongs to


    She continued, "But it''s not right to force them to break up. We should introduce a few more women of simr status to Bernard so that he''ll have more choices aside from Hera."


    "Discuss this matter with Karen. Introduce suitable young women to Bernard, but please prevent any drama like thest time," Chad ordered. Linda knew he was referring to what had happened with Camille and answered, "Noted."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After leaving Chad''s residence, Linda called Prisci immediately. "Mrs. Chime Senior, we can carry out the n as you suggested before."

 Chapter 556

    ?Chapter 556


    The next day, Hera woke up to find herself lying on Bernard''s right arm. She had no idea when he had awakened since he was texting Dous with his left hand.


    Realizing that Hera had stirred in his arms, Bernard kissed her on the forehead. "Sweetie, you''re awake."


    "Why are you still here?'' Hera was slightly astonished to see him around.


    Bernard seemed to have endless energy. No matter howte he went to bed, he would always wake up at the same time every morning.


    But Hera couldn''t achieve that since she liked to sleep in. If Bernard had not woken her up, she would''ve woken up whenever she liked. By then, the spot next to her would''ve gone cold long ago.


    "Are you chasing me away after sleeping together? Have you forgotten what you saidst night?" Bernard raised an eyebrow


    Hera looked extremely adorable, having just woken up and still appearing rather groggy. He couldn''t help but hold her tightly in his arms, kissing her cheeks and neck.


    His kisses seem to arouse Hera. She couldn''t remember what time they finished since she was extremely exhausted toward the end.


    Afraid that Bernard wanted to continue what they didst night, she hurriedly pushed him away and sat up. Realizing that she was naked, she used one hand to cover her chest with the nket. She then used her other hand to reach for the pajamas next to her bed before putting them on.


    "Did I say that you didn''t have to work today?"


    "I took leave, so I don''t have to go to work." Bernard stretched his numb arm where Hera had been lying earlier. Seeing how she was about to get out of bed, he instantly wrapped his arms around her slender waist. ''Do you want to continue sleeping for a while?"


    Hera scoffed as she peered at the phone he set aside. The screen disyed the messages sent by Dous, but Bernard had only replied to half of them.


    However, Dous was still typing. Bernard was clearly very busy.


    Bernard noticed her gaze and exined, "I''m afraid you won''t let mee back if I leave." He had spent a lot of effort to sleep here for the night.


    Hera paused for a moment before asking, "So, are you going to neglect your duties as a CEO?"


    "I''ve partitioned an area as my office at the eastern wing. I already asked Dous to drop byter to avoid disturbing your sleep,'' Bernard exined.


    Hera gazed at him, perplexed. So, that was why he kept returning to the eastern wing even though it was veryte. She hadn''t had a clue what he was busy with in the eastern wing.


    Bernard released her and got out of bed before putting on some clothes. ''Do you want to go have a look?"


    Hera wanted to get out of bed, but her legs felt weak. She sat by the bedside as Bernard knelt down so that he could piggyback her out of the room.


    Since she did not refuse him and even wrapped her arms around his neck, Bernard took the chance to ask, " Sweetie, can I move back here?"


    "What if I say no?" Hera intentionally asked as she tilted her head to see his expression. Bernard turned to kiss her on the cheek, but Hera tilted her head slightly more so that their lips met.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The two of them kissed at the entrance to the western wing for a while. Then, Hera suddenly spotted a figure in the courtyard from the corner of her eye.


    She pushed Bernard away and struggled to get off before looking at Everly. "Yes, Everly?"


    Bernard''s expression darkened upon seeing Everly, feeling unhappy at the interruption.


    "Didn''t you two break up? Why..." Everly was envious upon seeing how happy Bernard and Everly looked.


    She became even more jealous when she noticed the love bites on Hera''s neck. Although Everly had never had sex before, she knew how those came about and felt very bitter about it.


    Everly hadn''t seen Bernard at the house for a while. Last week, she heard about Hera breaking up with him, which made Everly secretly joyful about it for a few days.


    Once, when she came looking for Hera at the western wing, she even noticed that Bernard''s belongings appeared to have been moved out.


    Although Everly was disappointed at that time, she was also quite happy about it.


    She was dismayed that she would have a harder time seeing Bernard since he would not drop by anymore. But she was also delighted that Hera and Bernard had broken up because that meant she would have a chance with him.


    Yes, she still couldn''t let go of Bernard. She even went against her conscience by cooperating with the Chimes so that she could be with him.


    "Who said so?" Bernard red at her icily.


    "I" Everly couldn''t help but shudder. Her jealousy toward Hera seemed to grow stronger. Why could Bernard dote on Hera so much while being so cold to Everly?

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    Chapter 557


    ?


    If Hera wasn''t around anymore, would Bernard treat Everly slightly better?


    Hera had picked up on Everly''s odd expression. As she recalled Everly''s previous intentions toward Bernard, her gaze darkened. "Go and finish your work."


    Everly came to her senses and answered, "Alright."


    Bernard ignored Everly as he held Hera''s hand and walked toward the eastern wing.


    The wall featuring the periodic table had been partitioned into a small office that was approximately 161 square feet. The office had a desk and a small couch with a nket that had not been put away.


    Hera scowled slightly while looking at the couch, which did not seemrge enough for Bernard. "Have you slept here before?"


    "Sometimes, I work until it''s veryte, so I''d sleep here," Bernard exined.


    Hera suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. "Did you really have to do that?"


    "I wanted to be closer to you. Otherwise, you might run off with some other man, and I wouldn''t be able to catch up."


    Bernard hugged Hera from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. He inhaled her faint scent, thinking that he was happy whenever he was around her.


    "You''re such a smooth talker." Hera gently patted Bernard''s cheeks.


    "Only for you." Bernard took her hand andced their fingers together.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Oh right, have you investigated what I told you about?" Hera recalled the photos.


    Hesitation shed through Bernard''s eyes. "Not yet."


    Hera frowned. "Is it thatplicated?"


    "Yes," Bernard answered before changing the subject. "Sweetie, I''ll invest in your development of new chips, okay?"


    "How will you do that?"


    "You can stop working for Rhett and join me at XS Corporation. Or you could start your ownpany. As long as you want to develop your own chips, I''lle up with the money," Bernard exined.


    "No! I don''t want to spend your money," Hera objected. She joined Killian Corporation to infiltrate their internalwork, not because she actually wanted to develop chips for them.


    Bernard scowled slightly. "Whose money are you going to use if not mine?"


    "Mine."


    "But I want to start apany with you as a married couple."


    l


    Bernard knew Hera had more than a billion dors in her ount, which was enough for her to spend for lifetime. But if she nned on developing new chips, a few billion dors were definitely insufficient.


    UMS


    Hera raised an eyebrow. "When did I ever say that I''d marry you?"


    "Who else would you marry if not me?" Bernard stood in front of Hera and held her shoulders, saying solemnly "Let me make this clear to you. I will not y these kinds of


    torturing games by breaking up with to


    you ever again. If you ask break


    up again, I''ll lock you up and tie you to the bed."


    Breaking up one time was enough for a lifetime.


    Hera was slightly stunned, and her heart began to race. "Oh, are you threatening yourndy?"


    Bernard did not flinch. "As long as we don''t break up, you can be myndy and boss. I''ll listen to anything you say."


    Hera smiled, feeling delighted. "Such a smooth talker. Quickly prepare some steak for me. I''m starving."


    "Yes, boss."


    Everly returned to the northern wing and began to gather the ingredients based on the form given by I


    41380


    while feeling distracted.exed


    through, her phone emitted a WhatsApp notification. She checked her phone and saw that it was a text from Marcus, "We can fulfill your demands."

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    Chapter 558


    ?


    Everly''s heartbeat began to pick up its pace as she read the message.


    She immediately looked up to check her surroundings. Seeing that there was no one around, she exhaled a sigh of relief. However, her heart was still racing, while her hand that held the phone was trembling uncontrobly.


    "You can''t betray Hera and Mrs. Jones!"


    "I can always take back whatever I''ve given you!"


    Wayne''s reminder and Hera''s words from before kepting to mind. The voices argued endlessly, but there was no clear winner.


    Everly tried her best to recall everything Hera had done for her, but she could not forget Bernard''s handsome face.


    At the same time, Everly heard soundsing from the yard. She took a few steps forward and happened to see Bernard holding Hera''s hand. They were happily chatting while walking out from the eastern wing, heading in the direction of the western wing.


    The sight made her extremely jealous. Bernard only seemed to smile whenever he was with Hera. But Everly also wanted him to smile at her as well. "Oh, Everly! Why are you standing behind the door? You frightened me." At that moment, I, who had just returned, walked through the door and jumped in fright upon seeing Everly.


    Everly also came to her senses in shock. She put her phone away and casually replied, "I... I was about to go to the washroom."


    I was slightly perplexed as she peered inside, "Is the washroom here not working?"


    "Ah, yeah. Seems like it," Everly carelessly answered before noticing the form in I''s hands. "Is that a new form?"


    The mention of the form distracted I right away, and she replied, "No. Are you done collecting the medicinal ingredients for the form for the fourth patient, Emily Garcia?"


    "Not yet. What''s the matter?"


    I hurriedly answered, "That''s


    great! The patient is allergic to dandelion root, so Mrs. Jones substituted it with milk thistle. Here''s the new form, so don''t mix it up. The patient will be here tomorrow afternoon to take the medicine."


    Everly reached for the form. "Alright, I''ll handle it."


    After I left, Everly cast the form on the table carelessly before taking out her phone again. She took a deep breath as she made her decision and texted Marcus, "When will it begin?"


    After sending the message, Marcus did not reply immediately. So, Everly picked up the form on the table and continued to gather the ingredients. Five minutester, she finally received a WhatsApp notification. She immediately ced the medicinal ingredients aside to check her phone.


    Marcus: "Make sure you''re free around 2:00 pm tomorrow. I''lle pick you up. We''ll speak more by then."


    Everly''s heart started racing as she replied, "Sure thing, Marcus." She also added a cute emoji behind the message.


    After some time, she finally put


    away her phone since Marcus did not say anything else. She continued gathering the ingredients based on the form,pletely unaware that she had picked up the old form for Emily''s medicine. All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The next day, after finishing lunch around noon, Everly asked Catherine, who was about to take a nap, if she could take leave. "Mrs. Jones, I need to take leave for the afternoon and go out for a while. I''ve already handed the medicine to Sarah," Everly said.


    I and Sarah were the two nurses


    working at the clinic. Usually, after they finished tending to the patients, I would learn acupuncture from Catherine while Hera would guide Sarah in preparing the medicine.


    swn


    The two were eager to learn and also picked up things very quickly. Catherine was fine with Everly handing the task to Sarah, but she found it strange that Everly kept asking to take leave recently.


    "Is something going on?" Catherine couldn''t help but ask.

 Chapter 559

    Chapter 559


    ?


    "Yeah, my friend isn''t feeling well, and it''s rather inconvenient for him to leave the house. So, I have to keep making visits," Everly made up an excuse with a nod.


    "Everly, are you dating someone?" Catherine asked. Everly usually had the same excuses every time she asked to take leave.


    Everly avoided Catherine''s gaze. To prevent her from realizing that something was off, Everly purposely eximed childishly, "Mrs. Jones, stop teasing me! No, I''m not dating anyone. He''s just a normal friend."


    Catherine smiled, thinking that Everly really had a boyfriend. "Go ahead. Once the time is right, you can bring him back here and introduce him to everyone."


    Everly felt slightly guilty. "Sure."


    After leaving the clinic, Everly went home and changed into a light yellow dress. She even put on some light makeup before leaving through the back entrance of the residential area.


    After walking about 500 yards, Everly spotted a ck BMW parked by the roadside and looked around. Once certain no one she knew was around, she entered the back seat of the car.


    Marcus sat in the back seat, dressed in a ck suit. His legs were casually crossed as he leaned against the seat, looking at the tablet.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He merely nced at Everly as she got in the car before saying to the driver, "Let''s go."


    "Marcus, where are we going?" Everly inquired.


    "We''re going to Reind Hospital to take a blood sample before running a paternity test," Marcus exined before taking a contract from the seat pocket in front of him and handing it to Everly.


    "This is the contract. If there''s no issue, go ahead and sign it."


    Everly gulped. "Alright, let me have a look first."


    Half an hourter, they arrived at Reind Hospital''s parking lot, where a nurse was already waiting for them.


    After Everly handed the signed contract to Marcus, the nurse came over to the car and guided her through the staff passage to get her blood drawn. After that, the nurse led Everly to the director''s office before walking away.


    Aside from Augustus and Camille, who was in jail, everyone else from the Chime family was present in the office. Everyone seemed to have different opinions about the situation, and the atmosphere was rather tense.


    The sight of Everly entering the office made Jessica ask Philip with reddened eyes.


    "Do we really have to do this?


    Camille is already in prison. As long as she''s a Chime, the guards there won''t make things too tough for her. If we announce to the public that she''s not a Chime, won''t she struggle for the rest of her days?"


    Philip said nothing, but Prisci eximed aggressively, "If she hadn''t been so vain back then, would we have ended up where we are today?" Although they had cut ties with Camille back then and allowed her to go to prison for the consequences of her actions, the incident still left a stain on the Chime family''s reputation.


    The stain had caused the shares of Chime Pharmaceutical to continue plummeting. Theirpetitors used the scandal to destroy the Chimes'' reputation even further.


    Philip had racked his brain toe up with a solution for the problem. He even engaged in various PR strategies, but the results were not to his liking.


    Besides, many evenpared them to Youngworth Miracle Clinic, which seemed capable of healing all kinds of illnesses, in Jedburgh. For the first time in a century, the Chime family''s reputation had hit rock


    bottom.


    S


    In the end, Prisci was the one who came up with this crazy n by referring to the Hera-and-Giselle fiasco at the Killian family, which became sensationalized news some time ago.


    The Chimes wanted to make a public announcement that Camille was actually adopted, and Everly was the true daughter of the Chime family.


    "Since we''ve already cut ties with her, we should go all the way. This will be herst contribution to the Chime family!" Philip slowly answered. Jessica shook her head, unable to ept that reason. "No! Aren''t there any other ways?"


    "This is the best way. Not only can we salvage our ruined reputation, but we can also take revenge for Camille as well!" Philipforted her. Everly was one of the best herbalists in Jedburgh, and she was also Youngworth Miracle Clinic''s right-hand woman.


    Youngworth Miracle Clinic usually administered acupuncture and helped prepare medicinal meals as part of their treatment for their patients. These two usually went hand in hand.


    If Everly stood on the Chimes'' side, that would be a big blow to Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    Moreover, Everly had requested their help before, wanting them to set her up with Bernard. It just so happened that the Chime family did not want to give up on their marriage alliance with the Killians. Thus, Prisci contacted Linda.

 Chapter 560

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    Not too long after Everly left Youngworth Miracle Clinic, Samantha showed up. She entered the western wing and happened to see Bernard walking out of a room.


    He wore a white suit that made him look slim. His broad shoulders and slender waist would put an international model to shame.


    He held a gray tie while walking toward the living room. He stopped before Hera, who was ying games on her phone, wanting her to help him put it


    on.


    She did not object since she put her phone down and took the tie from him. She then tiptoed to help him put on the tie.


    "I''ll try to be back earlier tonight. If you''re hungry, there''s tiramisu cake in the fridge to tide you over."


    Bernard lowered his head to kiss Hera on her forehead. He then used his fingers to tilt her head up, intending to lean in for another kiss.


    Hera shoved him away, having spotted Samantha standing by the doorway. "You should quickly leave."


    Bernard unhappily turned toward Samantha with a chilly gaze. She immediately understood and turned to walk out of the room. "You two go ahead. I''lle inter."


    Hera was speechless.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Samantha stood by the doorway, ying with her phone for a while until she heard footsteps and Bernard''s deep voice behind her. "You can go in." "Thank you, Mr. Killian." Samantha cheerfully turned to enter the living room and saw Hera seated on the couch. She continued ying games on her phone while Tiramisu settled in herp.


    Samantha sat beside Hera before leaning in to closely inspect her face. Heartbroken women usually looked haggard.


    However, Hera had a rosyplexion and red lips. She looked rather delicate and charming. She appeared so captivating, nothing like a woman who had just experienced heartbreak.


    Clearly, she was still passionately in love. After all, it took her so long to bid goodbye to Bernard before he could even leave the house. They were far clingier than the couples in those romance shows Samantha had filmed.


    Samantha had intentionally decided toe over and apany Hera, who had supposedly broken up. It seemed like her visit was all for nothing.


    Hera was engrossed in ying level 1,725 of Candy Crush. Seeing how Samantha''s face was about to block her view, Hera raised her hand to push her away.


    "Don''t block me. Ask whatever you like."


    "A certain someone has turned rather heartless ever since she got a man. Look at me. Am I not the cutest of them all?"


    Samantha reached to grab Hera''s face and forced her to look at her. That terrified Tiramisu, who scooted toward the other side of the couch.


    Hera switched off her screen in resignation and looked at Samantha. "Yes, you''re the cutest of them all."


    Although she had spoken insincerely and even sounded rather perfunctory, Samantha still happily released her. "So, you two are back together?" Hera hummed in response.


    Samantha shot her a knowing look. "Was your little breakup fun? I should try it out when I go back."


    Hera exined, "I wanted to know if I could live without him after breaking up."


    "So, you couldn''t?" Samantha was shocked. This wasn''t the Hera she knew.


    "It''s not that I couldn''t. I could live my life after our breakup, but I was always feeling uneasy," Hera said.


    After the past six months together, she had gotten used to Bernard''s cuddles, the food he prepared, and all her good memories with him.


    Samantha smiled knowingly as she


    quickly nodded. "I get it. I get it. This is called love! My Hera has fallen in love and can never go back to the single life again."


    Hera grinned. She and Samantha continued chatting. But not long after, Samantha''s manager called her.


    Hera led her out through the back


    door and watched her get into the MPV. Upon returning to the southern wing, she heard amotioning from the hall, apanied by some screams.


    "Nurse! Someone''s been poisoned and has fainted!"

 Chapter 561

    Chapter 561


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    Hera immediately hurried over and saw Emily, who was in her 50s, foaming at the mouth. Shey on the ground while continuously convulsing. Her daughter, Patricia Drew, kneeled beside her while desperately shaking her.


    "Mom! Mom, are you alright? Don''t scare me! Mom!"


    The other patients who had been taking their medicine ran to the two sides of the room in terror.


    Catherine, who had been treating patients in the consulting room, came out as well. However, Hera asked her to resume treating the patients before asking I to help handle the situation.


    "Don''t shake her." Hera went forward and stopped Patricia from continuing to shake Emily.


    Hera remembered that the patient lying on the ground was Emily, who was here with her daughter, Patricia.


    Patricia saw Hera and agitatedly tugged at her clothes. "Quickly check on my mother!"


    "Move aside," Hera said calmly.


    Patricia dared not be rude to Hera, so she obediently stepped aside. Instead, she unleashed her anger on I.


    "Did you add dandelion root to the medicine? Didn''t I tell you yesterday that she''s allergic to it? This is what happens to my mother when she consumes dandelion root!"


    I also remembered them andforted Patricia, "Please calm down, miss. We''re aware that your mother is allergic to dandelion root, so we''ve substituted it with milk thistle. Please calm down so that we don''t disturb Dr. Shadow''s treatment of your mom."


    Patricia''s eyes had turned red. She did not say a word while watching Hera conduct a check-up for Emily.


    While examining Emily''s condition, Hera noticed some residual medicine in a broken cup on the floor. She reached to pick up half of the broken cup and brought it to her nostrils to smell the remaining medicine.


    She frowned slightly before passing it to I. "Keep this properly, and save some of the residue as well. Then, bring me my acupuncture bag."


    I cautiously took the broken cup from her. "Alright."


    "What happened to my mom?" Patricia asked anxiously.


    Hera wiped away the foam from Emily''s mouth while pressing on her GV-26. "Her allergies caused her to go into shock."


    Patricia''s expression instantly darkened. Just as she was about to hold the clinic ountable, Hera interrupted her.


    "I''ll give you an exnation once I''ve determined the cause of her allergies. For now, saving her is more important. Please move aside."


    While speaking, Hera took the


    acupuncture bag from I, who had just returned. She then instructed I to calm down the other patients who were here for their medication before administering acupuncture to Emily.


    UMS


    Throughout the whole time, Hera maintained a calm andposed demeanor. The other patients, who had been terrified earlier, all sighed in relief. Someone even secretly recorded the incident on their phone before uploading it to the inte. Severalizens immediatelymented on the video.


    "My goddess always remains calm no matter what. I love her."


    "Wow! This is Youngworth Miracle Clinic, right? So, it is possible for Dr. Shadow to make a mistake."


    "What happened to Dr. Shadow? Is anyone dying?"


    "Are there any proper clinics or hospitals that haven''t had a mishap this year?"


    Although there were mixed reactions online, Hera remained unaware of the spection.


    After inserting three to five needles, Emily, who had been unconscious and convulsing earlier, stopped twitching. She suddenly woke up and vomited all the medicine she had earlier.


    "Mom! Are you alright?" Patricia hurried forward, asking nervously.


    After throwing up, Emily finally felt much better. Hera inserted a few more needles for her, and Emily''splexion returned to normal.


    Hera wrote a new prescription


    before calling Sarah over to prepare


    the medicine again. After taking the medication, Emily''s symptoms werepletely gone. Hera even provided treatment to alleviate


    Emily''s allergies. Content belongs to


    "Ms. Garcia, Ms. Drew, my apologies. It was indeed our fault for preparing the old prescription.


    "To make up for our mistake, Ms.


    Garcia can drop by our clinic anytime whenever she feels unwell. She doesn''t have to book an


    appointment, and the clinic ne


    willThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    provide her free consultations for a lifetime," Hera said.

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    Chapter 562


    ?


    Patricia could tell how sincere Hera was. Besides, Emily would receive lifetime free treatment from Youngworth Miracle Clinic without having to make any appointments.


    Patricia felt like she had struck gold and had no intention of causing a scene. After thanking Hera, Patricia and Emily went home.


    On the way home, Patricia finally saw thements on the video uploaded in the afternoon. When she realized that half of thements were criticizing Hera, she immediately reposted the video and added her statement.


    "The woman who convulsed due to her allergies in the video is my mother. Dr. Youngworth prescribed two forms as my mother is allergic to dandelion root. The second form was to substitute the dandelion root in the first form.


    "But the nurse responsible for preparing the medicine mixed up the forms and identally prepared the first prescription. Luckily, Dr. Shadow handled it in time, so my mother is fine now.


    "Besides, Dr. Shadow even said that my mother would have lifetime free treatment at the clinic without needing to book an appointment. As long as she feels unwell, she can drop by the clinic anytime. The clinic is simply amazing. Thank you, Dr. Shadow."


    Since Patricia had given her statement, theizens who had been trolling Hera immediately changed their tunes.


    "I''m so jealous. I want that kind of special treatment too."


    "I''m not envious at all."


    "I should stage a fake ident to discredit Dr. Shadow!"


    "What a blessing in disguise. I''m not jealous at all (I''m kidding)."


    "She''s just doing it for show. Regardless, it doesn''t change the fact that she made a mistake!"


    "Thementer above is such a troll. Dr. Shadow is human as well. Who wouldn''t make a mistake from time to time? Most importantly, she was able to make up for her mistake and saved the patient in time. No one died.


    "Unlike a certain someone who pretended to be Dr. Shadow. The person knew something was wrong with the medicine but continued to produce and sell it."N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "Exactly."


    "To anyone who''s nning to stage a fake ident to discredit Dr. Shadow, count me in!"


    ...


    While on the way back, Everly had been swiping through her phone beforeing across the video andments online. She suddenly realized that she had used the wrong form yesterday.


    But seeing how Hera had calmly handled the matter in the video, Everly couldn''t help but hold out hope that Hera would not me her.


    It was very serious for a herbalist to


    use the wrong medicinal ingredients.


    At best, the patient would


    novel


    experience diarrhea or vomiting. At


    worst, the patient would die. Content


    belongs to


    If the worst-case scenario happened, the herbalist would have to bear that stain for the rest of their life.


    By now, the Chimes had finished


    making preparations for the


    paternity test, and things were at a


    crucial stage. If Everly''s mistake was exposed now, she would be at a


    complete disadvantage. Content


    belongs to


    The Chimes liked Everly for her ability as a herbalist. So, there was no way she could admit to the mistake.


    While Everly was nning how to handle Hera at the clinic tomorrow, her phone suddenly rang, startling her. It was a call from Wayne.


    Everly sighed in relief, realizing that it wasn''t Hera. She answered the call, "Wayne..."


    "Everly, where are you? Come back to the clinic immediately." Wayne''s stern voice came over the phone.


    Everly suddenly had a gut feeling that things were about to go wrong. "I''m on the bus and am on the way home."


    "Hurry up. Everyone is waiting for you at the clinic," Wayne urged.


    Everly did not expect that Hera couldn''t even wait until tomorrow and wanted to settle the matter by tonight. She felt very uneasy. "Sure." Half an hourter, Everly arrived at the clinic entrance and spotted a recruitment notice for a herbalist stuck to the door.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Was Hera about to rece her?


    ?


    Feeling uneasy, Everly entered the clinic and saw Wayne waiting for her in the living room. Herte arrival made him ask with a frown, "What took you so long? Let''s go.


    Everly was about to exin, but seeing that Wayne already turned to leave, she could only keep quiet and follow him to the northern wing. Hera was sitting in front of the desk, ying games on her phone. There was a medicinal furnace, some medicine residue in a bowl, and half of a broken cup.


    She looked rather distant, and it was hard to read her expression. I and Sarah stood beside her.


    Since Catherine wasn''t around, Everly knew that Hera had made up her mind to punish her. If Catherine were around, she could still speak up for Everly.

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    Chapter 563


    ?


    Everly suppressed her uneasiness and pretended like nothing was wrong. She asked with a smile, "Hera, are we having a meeting?"


    Hera cast her a nk look before looking down to continue ying Candy Crush. She asked right away, "What happened with the form for Emily''s medicine?"


    "I prepared it ording to the form given by I. Then, I handed the ingredients to Sarah so that she could prepare the medicine at noon. Is something wrong?" Everly pretended to be surprised.


    "Emily almost went into shock due to her allergies to dandelion root," I exined.


    Everly let out a yelp. "How could that have happened?"


    Hera nced at her. "How many forms do you have on hand?"


    Everly gulped before calmly answering, "I only saw one form since I didn''t tell me anything. Is the patient''s condition critical? If I had known that she was allergic to dandelion root, I never would have included it!"


    She remembered that there were no surveince cameras here. So, she was betting on the fact that Hera would believe her more than she did I. After all, Everly and Hera had known each other for more than ten years. Based on Everly''s understanding of Hera, her chances were better than I''s.


    I widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at Hera. She found it hard to believe that the gentle Everly had lied so tantly about the matter and even cast the me on her.


    "How could you lie about that, Everly? I clearly gave you the new form!" I eximed while hurriedly walking toward the door.


    "I handed it to you right here. At that time, you even said that you were about to head to the washroom."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "The washroom here is working fine. Why would I go out to use the washroom?" Everly asked innocently.


    She then advised I, "I''ve been learning how to prepare medicinal ingredients from Mrs. Jones for the past seven to eight years and never made any mistakes. Hera and Wayne can bear witness to this.


    "Did you get busy and forgot all about it? Are you not admitting to it because you''re afraid Hera will punish you?


    "Don''t be scared. As long as you''re willing to learn from your mistakes, Hera will forgive you. Besides, isn''t the patient fine now? Just avoid making simr mistakes in the future."


    Hera paused her game upon hearing Everly''s exnation toward the end.


    Wayne didn''t understand much about medicine, but he often heard Catherine and Hera praise Everly for her brilliance. Thus, Everly''s words made sense to him.


    Besides, she had also promised him that she would always be loyal to Hera. Hence, he nodded in agreement.


    I shook her head anxiously upon


    hearing that. "No! Hera, I really gave


    el


    her the form. I immediately passed it to her after Mrs. Jones amended the form."


    I really liked working here. The environment was good, and she was treated well. Since she could learn a lot here, she did not wish to leave this ce.


    If she were to take the me, getting fired would be the least of her worries. The real problem would be if I was able to find another job in the future.


    Who would want to hire a herbalist whom Hera had fired?


    "Yes, I did see Ie here with the form." Sarah stepped forward to give her statement.


    Everly asked, "Then, why didn''t I see the second form-"


    "How did you know that the patient is fine?" Hera interrupted Everly''s attempts to defend herself.


    Everly paused, having realized that


    she had given herself away by contradicting herself. Her gaze became slightly panicked. "I didn''t see the patient here. So, I guessed that she must be fine."


    "Does the patient not being here mean that she''s fine?" Hera coldly gazed at Everly.


    Everly began to feel guilty as Hera stared at her. If this continued, she would definitely crack under pressure.


    Everly''s mouth twitched as her eyes turned red. She put on an aggrieved expression.


    "Don''t you trust me, Hera? We''ve


    known each other for more than ten years. I consider you my sister, but you''d rather trust an outsider instead


    of me! Fine! I''ll take the me for her! Are all of you satisfied now?" Content belongs to


    QUMS


    After she finished speaking, she covered her mouth and ran outside, sobbing.

 Chapter 564

    Chapter 564


    ?


    Hera watched Everly run outside. Although Hera seemed calm and collected on the surface, she was actually terribly disappointed.


    In the afternoon, she had already seen the two forms for Emily''s medicine in the drawers. Besides, the western wing also had a surveince camera pointing toward the northern wing. The camera captured the scene of I handing the form to Everly.


    Hera interrogated Everly in front of everyone so that she could give her a chance. If Everly had admitted to her mistake in front of everyone and promised to be careful in the future without making the same mistake again, the matter would have been over. But Everly chose to lie.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    That made Hera somewhat disappointed and distressed. After all, she had known Everly for more than ten years.


    To her, Everly might be rather cunning sometimes, but at least she was a reliable person. Now, it seemed like Hera had been wrong about her. "Everly..." Wayne wanted to hold her back but was unable to do so. Worried, he said to Hera, "Hera, I''ll go and check on her." With that, he ran after Everly.


    I was furious upon seeing that. After all, she was the one who was being used, but Everly made it sound as if I had bullied her. "Hera, I really passed her the form. You have to believe me," she exined anxiously.


    "I know," Hera answered.


    Hearing that made I burst into happy tears. "Thank you for believing in me. I''ll definitely work hard and repay you for what you''ve done."


    I had assumed that Hera would not believe her. She even prepared herself for the worst, thinking she would be fired. She never expected this turn of events.


    "As I said before hiring all of you-work hard, and I''ll give you whatever you deserve, whether it''s treating you well or teaching you well. If you can''t do it, please leave," Hera remarked.


    I nodded obediently. "Yes, I understand. I''ll definitely work hard."


    "It was our honor that you took us in. We''ll definitely do our best and follow you wherever you go. Even if you try to chase me away, I won''t leave I be relying on you for life," Sarah added, making everyoneugh.


    Hera nodded in relief and got up. "It''s gettingte. Everyone should go back and get some rest."


    "Alright. You should rest early as well."


    Not long after I and Sarah had left, Bernard returned to see Hera busy herself in the northern wing. Upon reaching there, he saw her tidying up the medicinal ingredients in the cupboard.


    Bernard stepped forward and hugged Hera from behind. "Are you tired? Why don''t you rest first and finish tidying up tomorrow?"


    Hera turned around and wrapped


    her arms around his waist while burying her face against his chest "I''m not tired. Once I''m done, Sarah cane over tomorrow and prepare medicine for the patients right away."


    Bernard found Hera to be acting slightly strange today. In the past, he would have gotten a stern warning for interrupting her work. But now, she seemed rather clingy.


    "What''s up?" he asked while holding her in his arms.


    Hera briefly gave him a run down of what happened today. Upon hearing that Everly eventually ran away, Bernard happily said, "That sounds good, sweetie. You''ve finally gotten rid of that bitch."


    Hera was speechless.


    The next day, it wasn''t a surprise to Hera that Everly did note to work.


    Catherine exined that Everly did not return home the whole night. Although Wayne had chased after herst night, he wasn''t able to find her.


    Moreover, Everly was not answering


    his calls. Finally, Wayne received a text from Everly at midnight, which said that she wanted to be on her own and did not want him toe looking for her. After that, she switched off her phone.


    Wayne was slightly angry. He wondered how Everly could behave this way. She did not admit that it was her fault and went into hiding. He couldn''t even find her.


    Thus, he did not go looking for her anymore. Wayne would wait for Everly to return and admit to her mistake once she was done throwing a tantrum.

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    Chapter 565


    ?


    One day had passed. The next day, Everly still had not returned, nor did she go to work at the clinic. That worried Catherine since she had watched Everly grow up, and they were very close.


    She asked Hera, "Herie, Everly hasn''t returned for two days. Could something have happened to her? She doesn''t have many friends in Jedburgh." The mention of friends suddenly reminded Catherine that Everly often mentioned that she was going to meet with a friend. That made Catherine turn to Wayne and ask, "Wayne, do you know the friend Everly has spoken about before?"


    "Everly never told me who it was," Wayne replied with a shake of his head.


    Instantly, an image of Everly getting out of Marcus'' car crossed his mind. He wondered if Everly had gone looking for Marcus.


    "She''s still not answering my calls or messages. Could something have happened to her? Why don''t we call the police?" Catherine disconnected the call while looking at Hera.


    "She''s already a grown-up and can make her own decisions. If she doesn''t want toe back, she''ll still leave even if you forcefully bring her back here." After answering Catherine, Hera left to interview the applicants for the herbalist position.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Seeing that made Catherine realize that Everly must have truly disappointed Hera and did not bring up the matter again.


    Meanwhile, Wayne considered that Everly may have gone looking for Marcus, which made him angrier. But since he wasn''t sure if he had guessed correctly, he did not mention it to Hera.


    At that moment, it was as if Everly had gone missing.


    Everly thought her disappearance would definitely be arge blow to Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    After all, she was usually responsible for managing the medicinal meals in the clinic. Without her, the patients wouldn''t be able to take their medicine on time.


    Before three days had even passed, Hera would personally invite her back. By then, the matter of Everly preparing the wrong medicinal ingredients would be forgotten.


    the


    But Everly realized that she had underestimated how ruthless Hera could be. Not only did Hera and the rest not seek her out, but the clinic wasn''t affected at all. Instead, the clinic was busier than ever, with a long line of people waiting to apply for the herbalist position


    Even Oscar, the director of Pineview Hospital, and Johnson, as well as many talented doctors, had gone for the interview. Anyone could easily take her ce.


    Everly stood at the hotel window, watching the busy clinic from afar. She felt angry yet relieved.


    Indeed, Marcus was right. Everly wasn''t someone irreceable to Hera. Luckily, Everly had already chosen to side with the Chime family.


    In Everly''s mind, Hera probably wanted to rece her long ago. Everly had once been loyal to Hera, but Hera had betrayed her first. Thus, Hera couldn''t me Everly for double-crossing her.


    With that in mind, Everly''s gaze darkened.


    Within a blink of an eye, it was already the end of the month. Since it was rare for Hera to wake up early, she checked that there was no problem with the medicine prepared by the two newly hired herbalists. Then, she informed Catherine that she was going out.


    After booking a cab, Hera was about to leave when Bernard stopped her at the door. "Where are you going?"


    Hera usually never woke up early if she didn''t have something going on. Today was rather unlike her, so she definitely had something nned.


    Bernard did not forget the note that Hera had brought back with her thest time. She even asked someone to hang around the fish pond at Stoneworth Park every day, but she never went there herself. It seemed like today was the day.


    Hera did not want him to follow her and simply found an excuse. "Samantha invited me to go shopping."


    Xavier''s note only had the word "30th" and did not include the time. Perhaps he would be there all day, and the timing was up to Hera.


    "I''ll go with you. I can pay for everything and carry the bags," Bernard remarked. He then opened the door to the back seat and got in the cab. Hera was rendered speechless. She wondered what made Bernard be so clingy all of a sudden.

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    Chapter 566


    ?


    Hera helplessly informed the driver to change the destination from Stoneworth Park to a shopping mall nearby. After arriving, she and Bernard walked around the mall.


    "Is Samantha noting?" Bernard asked.


    "She didn''t want to be the third wheel, knowing you''d be here. So, she won''t be joining us," Hera casually answered.


    She randomly pointed at a white suit on a male mannequin at the shop window, attempting to change the topic. "I think this suit looks nice. Do you want to try it?"


    "Sweetie, are you certain?" Bernard gazed at her meaningfully.


    Hera was wondering how she could distract him so that she could sneak off to the park next door. Thus, she did not catch on to what he meant. "How certain do you have to be to try on clothes?" Hera asked while walking toward the entrance of the shop.


    When she turned the corner, she realized that it was a bridal shop. The male mannequin at the shop window matched the wedding dress of the female mannequin by the shop''s entrance.


    Hera said nothing, finally realizing what Bernard meant. Given his way of thinking, it was as if she had just proposed to him.


    Hera suddenly felt like leaving, but Bernard grabbed her wrist.


    "Let''s go inside and try those clothes disyed at the window." She would look drop-dead gorgeous in a wedding dress.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Alright."


    "Wee to Pronovias Bridal Shop. May I know what wedding dress styles you''re looking for?" the salesperson warmly greeted them.


    Having recognized the couple, she joyfully said, "Mr. Killian and Ms. Youngworth, are you two getting married? Congrattions!"


    Bernard used to not enjoy shopping. His clothes were usually tailor-made by designers based on his measurements. Upon hearing the salesperson congratte them, he suddenly realized that shopping wasn''t so bad, after all.


    He pointed to the suit and wedding dress at the window that Hera had mentioned earlier. "Those two."


    "Alright." The salesperson immediately instructed someone to take the dress off the mannequin.


    Hera took the wedding dress with her and entered the fitting room. Not long after, she opened the door and came out.


    The salesperson stepped forward and asked, "Ms. Youngworth, is there anything I can help you with?"


    Seeing that Bernard had already entered the fitting room, she asked, "May I know where''s the washroom? I need to head to the washroom."


    After the salesperson had given her


    the directions, Hera headed there The moment she arrived at the


    washroom, she turned to enter the fire escape and hurried downstairs. Content belongs to


    UMS


    Once she was out of the mall, she ran toward the park. By the time she reached the pond, her phone rang. It was Bernard calling.


    Hera steadied her breath before answering the call, "Hey, Bernard."


    "Did anything happen to you in the washroom?" Bernard asked.


    Hera checked the time and saw that she had been gone for about 20


    §Ö§ä


    minutes. She was afraid that he would notice something was amiss. "I''m having a minor case of diarrhea, and my period is here too. Go help me buy some pads."


    Bernard stayed silent for a moment before asking, "Isn''t your period due next week?"


    Now, it was Hera''s turn to be quiet. How could he have known that?


    "My period came early. Quickly buy pads for me. While you''re at it, get me some new underwear," Hera said.


    "Sure."


    After disconnecting the call, Hera walked around the fish pond and saw many tourists enjoying the scenery. For a moment, she had no idea where to look for Xavier.


    "Mom, there''s balloons. Lots of them."


    At that moment, many colorful


    balloons suddenly floated out from behind the rock garden at the fish pond. Many children began squeaking in joy upon seeing the balloons.

 Chapter 567

    Chapter 567


    ?


    Every balloon had an alphabet. They slowly floated up the sky before the string tying the balloons together snapped halfway. That caused the balloons to separate mid-air and float in different directions.


    Hera looked up to watch the balloons and counted 15 of them. There were 13 alphabets and two numbers.


    She had an excellent memory. Within a few seconds, she had already memorized each alphabet and quickly began to put together various words. She finally came up with the word "Varastokaappi", which meant locker in Paltorian. The two numbers were zero and nine.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    She immediately ran behind the rock garden. She wasn''t surprised that there was not a sign of Xavier.


    She remembered Xavier once said that he liked Santa us, who came from Paltoria. Thus, he learned Paltorian so that he could travel to Paltoria. If possible, Xavier even wanted to settle down there.


    Hera remembered that so clearly because she used to be na?ve and full of imagination. She had also once believed that Santa us existed in this world.


    When she heard that Xavier wanted to visit Santa us at Paltoria, she wanted to go along as well. Thus, she picked up a little Paltorian so that she could go to Santa us'' home and pick out any presents she liked.


    "Hi, may I know where the lockers are located in the park?" Hera asked a volunteer.


    "They''re by the southern gate." The volunteer pointed in the direction.


    Hera immediately headed to the southern gate and found the lockers. She looked up at the cameras directed at the locker area.


    She took out her phone and keyed in some codes before cing her phone at the locker''s scanner. Locker 9 opened with a click, and a letter was waiting inside for her.


    Hera wasn''t in a hurry to check the letter. Instead, she turned to find a corner away from the cameras before opening the envelope. Inside was a small slip of paper with a URL scribbled on top.


    Hera typed in the URL on her phone browser. A website popped up, asking for a password. The password hint was an advanced math question. Seeing that Xavier coulde up with such aplicated and meticulous question, Hera would fight anyone who told her he was a fool.


    Hera silently came up with the answer and keyed in the password.


    The website loaded, revealing a static page with two document links. Hera tapped into the first one, which seemed to be photos of a crime scene. She was about to erge one photo when someone suddenly walked toward her. Content belongs


    to


    Hera immediately switched off her screen and looked up to see Bernard leaning over.


    "So, you were having diarrhea in the washroom? You even got your period?" He leaned against the tree trunk behind her while holding two bags. One of them was from a convenience store that contained sanitary pads.


    "Well, I just wanted to see whether you''d be too embarrassed to buy pads. Give me those." Hera reached out to take the bag from him. It was strange for a grown man like him to be carrying pads.


    "What''s embarrassing about buying pads for my girlfriend?" Bernard asked. He then wrapped his arm around Hera''s waist and pressed himself against her. "Let me check whether you truly got your period."


    Hera was wearing a casual pair of high-waisted jeans and a white T-shirt. Her legs looked long and slender.


    At that moment, Bernard''s fingers by Hera''s waist were slowly lifting up the hem of Hera''s T-shirt. Although it was a rather deserted area, there were several asional passersby. Besides, Hera wasn''t into that kind of behavior.


    Her cheeks turned slightly warm as she immediately stopped Bernard''s wandering hands. "So what if I didn''t get my period? It was okay for you to trick me previously, but I can''t do the same to you?"


    Bernard had already guessed earlier that Hera was lying. Her period was usually quite regr, so having it one week earlier was slightly odd As he wasn''t a woman, he didn''t understand much about periods. Hence, he still went to buy pads. Content belongs to


    As soon as he arrived at the convenience store, he received a message from Sable that Hera was at Stoneworth Park. Thus, Bernard hurried over after purchasing pads and disposable underwear.


    Hera was too brilliant. She might run off with some other man if Bernard did not keep an eye on her.


    "I''m okay with not checking. But tell me, who asked you toe here?" He nibbled on her ear.


    Hera furrowed her brows slightly. If Xavier had used this method to contact her, he clearly did not want anyone else to know his real situation.

 Chapter 568

    Chapter 568


    ?


    Bernard chuckled, realizing that Hera was not saying a word. "Not telling me? That''s okay. Even if you don''t tell me anything, I can still find out." He was an attractive man who looked extremely charming whenever he smiled. But for some reason, Hera felt chilly.


    Then, she heard him continue coldly, "If it''s some bastard, I''ll break his legs. We''ll see whether he dares to kidnap you again."


    Hera was speechless. He was threatening her.


    "Go ahead. Remember to let me know once you''ve found out who he is." Hera patted Bernard on the chest before turning to leave. Surliness shed through Bernard''s eyes. He nced back, seemingly to check on something before catching up with Hera.


    After returning to the study in the courtyard house, Hera used herptop to load the website mentioned in the letter once more. She could not deny that Xavier was a very cautious man. The password hint had been changed to another advanced math question.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Hera solved the question again before keying in the password. She clicked open the first folder, only to discover that only three photos remained. She remembered that there were more than ten photos when she was at the park. Yet there were only three left.


    Hera wondered if a different password meant seeing different photos or...


    While Hera was still in shock, she watched a photo disappear before her eyes. She finally understood that Xavier was deleting the photos.


    Hera immediately downloaded the other two photos to herptop before quickly opening a code program. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed.


    ...


    On the other hand, Xavier was in a


    a


    deserted men''s washroom at Stoneworth Park. He wore a baseball cap and a ck mask. While seated on the toilet lid with:ptop on hisp, he counted- down the time, slowly deleting the photos from the website one by one.


    Suddenly, the firewall on hisptop alerted him to an intrusion.


    His heart skipped a beat. Aside from his mobile hotspot, hisptop had never connected to any otherwork. He had not even used


    Bluetooth before. Most of the time,


    theptop was usually off, sono one should have discovered him. Content belongs to


    Xavier immediately switched off his mobile hotspot to cut off thework, causing the firewall alert to cease right away.


    He shut hisptop and put it away into his backpack. After putting on his sunsses and pulling his cap lower, he left the washroom.


    Meanwhile, Hera looked at the


    notification of her failed intrusion attempt with narrowed eyes. If Xavier was being so cautious, why did he intentionally share the photos with her? The only reason she could think of was that he wanted her to investigate as well.


    After all, the two of them were the victims of the incident years ago, although Hera wasn''t rted to the Killian family now.


    Hera returned to the website and clicked on the remaining two photos. They were marked photos of where Greg was found dead 12 years ago. The photos were taken from printed pictures instead of the original files.


    Although the photo quality wasn''t clear, Hera recognized the background as Daisy Courtyard''s hall, where she used to y hide and seek with Lucius, Daphne, and Bernard all the time as a child.


    After the murder that year, Daisy Courtyard was sealed off. The courtyard remained closed even after Hera left the Killians. She had no idea what the ce looked like now.


    These photos were very important to Hera. Lucius'' case files couldn''t be retrieved, and the evidence Daphne had collected disappeared after her death as well.


    Xavier must have known something and even had other evidence on hand. Perhaps acting dumb was the only way for him to remain at the Killian residence and continue his investigation.


    Hera had to find a way to meet with Xavier again. She returned to the page and realized that the second folder was still there. She clicked it open and saw a photo there as well.

 Chapter 569

    Chapter 569


    ?


    It was a photo of a maid from the back. She was wearing the current maid''s uniform at the Killian residence, with the background showing her standing under the locust tree in Roman''s backyard.


    But the photo was somewhat blurry. It must have been taken in a hurry as the shakiness seemed rather severe. Was this why Xavier intentionally tipped Hera off to go to Roman''s courtyard? What did he see?


    Hera''s eyes lit up as she suddenly thought of a connection. She picked up her phone and texted Aurora.


    She then opened the clinic''s appointment system. After checking through the list of patients in the queue, she found the information that Connor had provided for Harvey Presgrave and retrieved the medical records he uploaded.


    Harvey had been paralyzed for more than ten years due to a car ident, leaving him with brain damage and his central nervous system affected. Hera adjusted Connor''s appointment, bringing his waiting number from more than 1,000 to the following Sunday.


    In the past, Marriott once brought up at the Killian residence that Gemma was unable to find a doctor who could cure Xavier''s illness. Back then, Hera had suspected that Xavier was faking it and intentionally said that she knew nothing about brain disorders.


    It would be too suspicious if Hera took the initiative to offer to cure Xavier''s illness. After all, it wasn''t her way of doing things. She usually preferred others seeking her out.


    Hera needed to create a buzz. Healing Harvey, who had been paralyzed for more than ten years, was the perfect solution.


    Once Gemma knew that Hera could awaken a patient who had been in a vegetative state for more than ten years, she would definitely seek Hera out to treat Xavier.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Connor was at the Presgrave residence. He had been reading the papers in the living room when he suddenly received a text. He leisurely put down his papers and raised his cup to his lips while checking the text.


    "You''ve sessfully made an appointment with Youngworth Miracle Clinic. Please be present at the clinic for treatment at 9:00 am on 7 July." Connor''s hands trembled. The hot coffee burned his tongue, making him realize that it wasn''t a dream. He immediately set aside the cup and ran upstairs to the second floor. "Darling, darling..."


    Due to his excitement, he identally missed his step and fell on the staircase, creating a loud crash.


    Fiona, who had been busy wiping down Harvey''s body in the room, heard themotion. She came out and saw that Connor had fallen, so she hurried over to help him up.


    "What got you so excited? You''re not getting any younger, so you should be more careful."


    Connor ignored the pain as he passed the phone to Fiona. "I got it! I got us an appointment with Dr. Youngworth!"


    "What?" Fiona thought she heard


    wrong and reached for the phone.


    After reading the text repeatedly, she


    was so happy that tears began


    rolling down her cheeks. "That''s


    amazing! Harvey has hope Content


    belongs to


    Ever since Connor''s birthday banquet, where Lorna''s scandal had taken ce, Fiona seemed to have bad luck wherever she went.


    She had a son and a daughter. Harvey was paralyzed, so Fiona could only depend on Lorna. After the scandal took ce, Lorna''s reputation waspletely ruined.


    With how things were going, it


    almost seemed like Tyler would be managing the Presgrave family one day. Thus, Fiona never expected that she would have such a delightful surprise. God was still good to her.


    swn


    "Yes, it''s amazing!" Connor eximed. Tyler suddenly came to his mind. "I wonder if Tyler asked Dr. Shadow to help out."


    Connor remembered that there were


    still more than 1,000 people in the queue before it was his turn. For him to be suddenly given an


    appointment, either a problem had urred with the system, or he had received special treatment. Content


    belongs to


    Besides, Hera was also Raven and an expert hacker. There should be no problem with the system.


    Fiona''s happy expression turned tense. "What does this have to do with him?"


    It just so happened that Tyler had returned. Connor ignored Fiona as he hurried downstairs to ask Tyler, "Did you have to do something with Harvey''s appointment?"


    "What are you talking about?" Tyler was confused.


    "I have an appointment with Youngworth Miracle Clinic!" Connor eximed.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Hearing that made Tyler recall something. His expression immediately darkened as he turned to leave.

 Chapter 570

    ?Chapter 570


    Bernard sat at his desk in the eastern wing, sifting through the emails he had received.


    Sitting opposite him, Dous stared intently at hisptop screen, watching the surveince footage closely as it yed.


    The footage was taken from the entrance south of Stoneworth Park facing the lockers. It was rewound so that he could see what happened before Hera went there.


    Dous wanted to find out who ced the item in Locker 9.


    "Bernard, I found it,'' said Dous, pausing the footage. He showed Bernard the screen and said, "But the guy disguised himself too well.''


    Even so, they could still make out that it was the figure of a man and not a woman.


    "It was a man!" Bernard thought to himself. He set the video to its original speed and saw that the man in ck in the video ced a letter into the locker and took a photo of it before leaving. The entire processsted no more than a minute.


    Bernard reyed the scene several times. Dous thought that Bernard was trying to figure out the man''s identity by analyzing his build and movements.


    A momentter, Bernard asked, ''Do you think it''s a love letter?"


    Dous, who was drinking some water, choked on the drink. What kind of man would disguise himself like that and go to a park to send out a love letter?


    Bernard had always been an intelligent person, but the gears in his mind seemed to have rusted a little ever since he got into a rtionship. His thoughts became especially illogical when it came to Hera.


    Dous had lost count of how many men''s backgrounds he had looked into just because they interacted with Hera. Bernard would always tell him, "I want to know everything about him."


    Just a simple order from Bernard was all it took, and Dous would end up working his arse off investigating some random guy.


    At that moment, Dous didn''t feel like carrying on with the investigation anymore. Stoneworth Park was huge, so there were more than a hundred surveince cameras there.


    If he had to check all the surveince footage to find out who that man in ck was, he''d be blind from staring at the screen all day.


    He had lots of other important and serious work to do!


    An idea popped into his head, and he said, ''No. Love letters are usually kept in pink or red envelopes. The one in the video is white. It definitely isn''t a love letter. What he wrote doesn''t matter because he has no chance of even getting close to Ms. Youngworth. You two are already together."


    The trick seemed to work because Bernard nodded, looking pleased. "That''s reasonable."


    Dous sighed in relief upon hearing that. But his happiness was short-lived because Bernard added, "I want every piece of information you can get about him in 42 hours. Who does he think he is? How dare he try to get close to my woman?''


    Dous was bbergasted. Gosh! Why was Bernard so possessive of Hera?


    Just then, Hera knocked on the door and walked into the room.


    Bernard shot Dous a look, and Dous left quickly.


    "Bernard, is Johnson freetely?" Hera asked once Dous left.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She remembered that before she returned, it was Johnson who was in charge of Bernard''s condition. He seldom showed up after she took over.


    While recruiting for the position of herbalistst week, Hera received his resume. He probably submitted it for


    fun, but Bernard took it away from her.


    "Why are you asking about him so suddenly?'' Bernard asked, suspicious.


    He had sent Johnson to hone his skills overseas. His focus of the study was on nyctophobia.


    When Hera''s nyctophobia was activated, her body''s response to darkness was too abnormal. It wasn''t how an ordinary person with nyctophobia would react. Even Hera herself wasn''t aware of this.


    If someone with ill intentions took advantage of this, the consequences would be dire. Therefore, the fewer people who knew about it, the better it was for Hera


    Johnson was the only person Bernard could trust to find a cure for Hera''s condition.


    "Can I perhaps borrow him for a day or two if he isn''t too busy?" asked Hera.

 Chapter 571

    Chapter 571


    ?


    Hera remembered that Johnson majored in neurology and had made some extraordinary achievements in that field. Since Johnson worked for Bernard, it was only appropriate that she asked Bernard to give Johnson leave first.


    "Why don''t you spend time with me instead?" Bernard asked with a frown.


    Hera froze as she digested his words. "You dummy!" Sheughed.


    Bernard smiled at her and pulled her into his arms so that she was sitting on hisp. "What kind of dummy would let you sit on hisp like this?"


    "I''m serious!" Hera grabbed his hands to stop him from taking things further. "One of my patients is in aa. Johnson majors in neurology. I was thinking of letting him take a look at the patient."


    She''d be able to find a cure more quickly if she and Johnson worked together on this case. Besides, they had once performed surgery together. She thought they made a good team.


    Bernard''s heart broke for her. "Is the case soplicated? Let someone else handle it, then. You''re only 18. Don''t wear yourself out. I can support you even if you don''t work. Don''t make yourself tired all the time. Why don''t we go out for a date the day after tomorrow?"


    Speaking of which, Bernard and Hera had never really gone on a date.


    "The day after tomorrow?" Hera lifted an elegant eyebrow.


    "Yes," Bernard chirped.


    Hera turned to look him in the eyes and asked, "Why not tomorrow?"Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Um, because... " Bernard''s voice faltered. He wondered how he should answer the question so that it sounded reasonable and also didn''t count as a lie.


    Hera didn''t give him the chance to answer, though.


    "Did you peek at my schedule?" she asked. She and Rhett were going to Killian Corporation for a meeting the day after tomorrow.


    Bernard cleared his throat awkwardly, and Hera was sure that her guess was correct.


    She wasn''t very pleased to know that he had peeked at her schedule. "Why are you always trying to stop me from going to Killian Corporation?"


    Bernard had been trying to make her terminate the contract ever since she signed the contract.


    "This project won''t seed. I don''t


    want you to get dragged into it. I just don''t want you to waste your


    and effort." Bernard was frante


    his


    worry for her.


    The resolve in Bernard''s voice, the reason she entered Killian Corporation in the first ce, the progress XS Corporation had made, and the fact that Tyler was a variable in this situation confirmed that the project''s sess rate


    wasn''t that high.


    Even so, Hera didn''t care about that. She just wanted to achieve her goal.


    "Don''t worry about that. I need


    Johnson to help me for a few days, then you and I will go on a date the day after tomorrow. Is that okay?"


    Hera said as she hooked her arms around Bernard''s neck. Content


    belongs to


    Bernard knitted his eyebrows together, knowing she didn''t want to give up. He didn''t agree to her request nor reject it right away.


    The silence in the air was broken by the timely ringing of his phone, which he had ced on the desk.


    He nced at the screen, let go of Hera, and stood to grab the phone. At the same time, Hera received a message from Tyler. He sent her an address.


    Tyler had promised her that he''d send Hera an exclusive code that could beat even Vulcan himself. With this in mind, she stood to leave the room. As she did so, she identally pressed the mouse on the desk, which opened the browser on Bernard''sputer.


    In the search history, she saw-"An unforgettable date for girls", "date schedule", and "things to watch out for on a date".


    Hera was a little stunned to see that. Bernard actually did some research for their date! She had always thought that he was naturally good at these things.

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572


    ?


    After he was done talking on the phone in the yard, Bernard headed back into the house just in time to see Hera grabbing her bag and leaving the western wing.


    He nced at the clock on the wall. It was already 9:00 pm. Where was she going to at this hour?


    "Where are you going?" he asked.


    Hera stopped. Based on her understanding of Bernard, he would stop her from leaving if she told him frankly that she wanted to go and meet Tyler. "Samantha''s feeling unwell. I''m heading over to her ce to check on her," Hera lied.


    "I''m heading out too. I''ll send you there," said Bernard. He entered the house and grabbed his car keys.


    If she let him drive her there, she''d be exposed. Hastily, she said, "You don''t need to. Just go and do what you need to."


    Bernard lifted an eyebrow at how calm she was to know that he was leaving at this hour. He asked, "Won''t you ask me where I''m going? Aren''t you worried?"


    How could she be worried? Despite getting drugged, Bernard remained rational and kept his cool even after a woman tried to seduce him. Anyway, since he brought it up, Hera might as well go along with the flow. She approached him and tugged at his tie.


    "Are you sure you want to make me worry about that?" she said, her tone a tad menacing.


    "Of course not!" Bernard answered without hesitation. "I would never do anything to make you worry! You''re the only one for me!"


    Hera smiled and smoothened out his tie, saying "Well then, I shouldn''t be worried, right? Go and make yourself busy."


    Bernard looked down and nted a kiss on her forehead. "Are you sure you don''t want me to drive you there?"


    "Nope. I''ve already called a cab," said Hera.


    "That won''t do. I''ll worry if you take a stranger''s car. You have two options. Either you take Wayne''s car, and he''ll drive you back home, or I''ll have him pick Samantha up and bring her here to you."


    How was that even an option?


    The clinic was closed at this hour, and Wayne and the others were back home already. Catherine was probably going to bed soon since she slept early due to her age.


    Before Hera could even refuse, Bernard had already dialed Wayne''s number.


    A bbergasted Hera suspected Bernard of having Wayne tail her at all times.


    "Not having a driver''s license is so inconvenient!" Hera thought. She would register for driving lessons first thing tomorrow!


    Wayne arrived soon enough.


    "Text me when you arrive," Bernard reminded her after seeing her plop into the back seat and hearing her give Wayne Samantha''s address.


    Only after that did Bernard shut the


    door and stand by the entrance to watch the car drive off into the distanee. Then, he went back to the house for his car and drove into the night. Content belongs to


    After Wayne had driven for some distance and Hera had made sure that the clinic wasn''t in sight, she told him, "Wayne, to Nightless Haven we go." "Aren''t we going to Ms. Steele''s ce?" Wayne sounded puzzled at her request.


    "Nope."


    As much aloof as Wayne was, he instantly knew that Hera had lied to Bernard about seeing Samantha.


    If Bernard asked him about where Hera went after this, should he tell the truth? Or should he keep it a secret?


    Wayne worked for Bernard, so Bernard was his boss. But then, Wayne was indebted to Hera, so he couldn''t betray her.


    Wayne''s mind was in a state of conflict throughout the drive to Nightless Haven. In the end, it was Hera who gave him an answer. "Park somewhere and wait for me for a while. Don''t tell Bernard about this," she told him before getting out of the car.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Okay." Wayne nodded and obeyed her orders.


    After entering Nightless Haven, Hera told the bartender who approached her the number of the private room Tyler had reserved beforehand.


    The bartender put on a weing smile the moment he realized that the private room she mentioned was for the bar''s VIPs. He eagerly led her up the stairs to the third floor.


    "We''re here," said the bartender as he knocked on the door.


    Hera had thought that she and Tyler would be the only ones discussing


    things tonight. To her surprise et


    door opened to reveal a private room with disco lights. Cigarette smoke filled the air, and the


    atmosphere was rowdy and ufortable.


    The men and women in the room danced and sang along to the raucous music. Some yed dice while others yed all sorts of other games. It was so morous that no one paid attention to anyone who entered the room.

 Chapter 573

    Chapter 573


    ?


    Hera''s eyebrows furrowed ufortably at the sight and the noise. She disliked ces like this.


    She cast her gaze around the room and soon found the eye-catching green shock of hair that was her target. The person she was looking for-Tyler -was currently sitting on the couch, ying dice. He was drinking with some other men in the room.


    If he hadn''t messaged her and asked her toe here to get what she wanted, she would never have stepped into this kind of ce.


    Tyler noticed Hera when she made her way through the throngs of people. He moved aside for her to have a seat on the couch with him.


    "Here," he said, passing her the dice. "Give it a try."


    Hera''s frown deepened. "Where''s the stuff I want?"


    Tyler pretended not to hear her. He purposely leaned in so that his face was just a few inches away from her.


    "What did you say?" he asked.


    Hera had the urge to give him a few good pricks with a few needles.


    Just then, one of the men sitting near them asked, "Tyler, who''s this?"


    Tyler gestured for them to quieten down and said, "Lower your voices. This is Hera. Call her Mrs. Pres¡ª"


    "Shut up!" Hera interrupted with a scowl. He knew what he was going to say.


    The others were astonished to see her interrupt Tyler so abruptly.


    Not only did she cut him short, but she grabbed him by the cor and dragged him out of the room. "Come with me for a while."


    "Let go of me. Can you not embarrass me in front of my friends?" Tyler mumbled, slightly annoyed.


    He wanted to pry her hand away from his cor, but she wouldn''t let go. She continued dragging him out of the room.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Tyler was half a head taller than Hera, so when she grabbed him by the cor and led him outside, he had to bend over as he walked.


    The people in the private room didn''t dare to stop Hera from dragging Tyler away because of the air of dominance she gave off.


    When the two of them finally left the room, Hera let go of Tyler and demanded, "Where is it?"


    Tyler clucked his tongue and straightened his shirt but didn''t give her what she wanted. Instead, he asked, "Bernard asked you to treat Harvey, didn''t he?"


    Confused as to what this had got to do with Bernard, Hera asked, "What does this have to do with him?"


    Tyler let out a bark ofughter. "He wants you to treat Harvey to stop me from bing the sessor Harvey will cause trouble for me, and I won''t have the time to


    strengthen mywork.


    bright?"


    swney


    Hera was speechless. What kind of logic was that?


    She suppressed her annoyance and calmly told him, "This has nothing to do with Bernard."


    But Tyler was a stubborn one. "I don''t care. Refuse to treat Harvey. Only then will I give you what you want."


    He kind of made it sound like he was ordering her toply. Hera didn''t like it when people spoke to her like that, and she especially disliked it


    when someone ruined her ns. Content belongs to


    UMS


    She curtly responded, "Well then, I don''t need it anymore."


    Tyler didn''t expect her to say that. Since when would a nerd like her give up the chance to obtain a special code like that?


    In the past, Hera was thirsty for knowledge. She''dplete all her assignments perfectly, and her ability to learn something was extraordinary.


    Tyler even told her to find a bnce


    between studying and enjoying life so that she wouldn''t wear herself out. And she''d always tell him that she couldn''t resist the temptation of coding. Content belongs to


    Strangely though, his trick of using the code to tempt her this time had failed. Who would believe her when she said that it wasn''t because of Bernard?


    Tyler clucked his tongue. "Can you not be so unpredictable?"


    Hera turned, about to leave. Seeing this, Tyler quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her.


    He relented, saying, "Fine. I''ll give you the code."


    Hera wanted to wring her hand free from him, but she froze when he said that. She eyed him dubiously, wondering just what he had in mind.


    "You want my code simply because you want to beat Bernard, don''t you?" said Tyler. "In that case, we''re consideredrades now. We''ll beat him together. So, take it."


    As he spoke, he fished out a sh drive from his pocket and handed it to her.


    Hera took it and pulled her hand out of his grasp. She then turned to leave. However, she stopped when she saw Bernard standing in the corridor. God knew when he had arrived.


    His piercing eyes stared unblinkingly at her, making her skin crawl.


    Did he misunderstand her?

 Chapter 574

    Chapter 574


    ?


    Bernard''s expression was cold. A storm seemed to brew in his eyes.


    How dare Hera lie to him! How dare shee here in secret to meet Tyler, that lunatic of a man!


    Bernard''s gaze made Hera freeze, and she felt her legs turn to lead.


    She never thought he''de to Nightless Haven! And now, she was caught in the act.


    Hera had no clue when Bernard arrived or how much of her conversation with Tyler he had listened to. But she could already feel the cold, suffocating air he gave off although they were a few feet apart. She would be blind not to know that he was mad at her.


    If Tyler and Bernard got into a fight in a ce like this, they''d be the talk of the town very soon. As she tried to think of how to exin herself to prevent Tyler and Bernard from throwing fists like before, she heard Bernard say, "Come here!"


    The sentence was curt, and his voice was cold.


    Tyler chose to be adamant and conceited at such a crucial moment by draping an arm over Hera''s shoulders.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    In a sly voice, he said, "Since you''ve seen us together, we don''t have to hide anything from you anymore. Hera and I are a team now."


    "Said who!" Hera immediately cleared the air as she got away from him.


    Tyler didn''t seem annoyed at what she said. With a smile as sly as his voice, he said, "You took the sh drive I gave you."


    Hera could feel Bernard''s cold gaze on the sh drive in her hand. She felt as though she was holding molten lead right now.


    She had been tricked! She fell right into Tyler''s trap!


    People had enemies who made things tough for them. She, on the other hand, had a mentor who enjoyed making her life miserable.


    Tyler wasn''t going to stop at that. In a tone that could cause misunderstandings, he continued to say, "Since you don''t know how to exin yourself, I''ll exin it all to him in your stead."


    "Shut up!" Hera hissed.


    She had the urge to sew Tyler''s mouth shut. She was already reaching up to cover his mouth with her hand so that he would stop spewing nonsense.


    Unfortunately for her, he was taller


    than her and lifted his chin upward so that her attempt failed. To make matters worse, he hooked an arm


    around her waist and said, "You" can''t shut me up with your hand like this Use your mouth instead." Content belongs to


    .ne


    Bernard had his eyes glued to Tyler''s hand on Hera''s waist. His gaze turned ominously dark to the point of making the temperature around him drop.


    Bernard was about to walk over to them when Hera''s gaze sharpened. When Tyler wasn''t paying attention, she grabbed him hard by the shoulders, pushed him down so that he was bent over, and kicked him in the lower abdomen with her knee. Content belongs to


    "Ow!" Tyler didn''t anticipate that. He bent over and covered his crotch in pain as he broke out in a cold sweat.


    "You''re so fricking cruel!" he yelped.


    Hera dusted her hands and turned around, her expression cold and nonchnt as she walked over to Bernard. She said, "He''s such a bully."


    Bernard doubted that Tyler was the bully here. Hera seemed much more like one.


    At this moment, Bernard stood unmovingly as he stared at poor Tyler writhing in pain.


    Even so, the gloom on Bernard''s face dissipated a little after seeing how ruthlessly Hera treated Tyler.


    "Does your knee hurt?" he asked, a trace of froze lingering in his voice.


    "Yes!" Hera nodded.


    Tyler was at a loss for words.


    At a time like this, Bernard would usually massage Hera where it hurt and carry her back home. But this time, he didn''t.


    Instead, he told her, "Serves you right! That''s what you get for meeting him in secret."


    Now, it was Hera''s turn to be speechless.


    Bernard was really mad at her this time. She became even more anxious when she remembered how things would turn out whenever he got furious. Pretending to be calm, she exined, "That''s not true. I came here to see Samantha. I just bumped into him here."


    The moment she finished talking, the door of the private room behind Bernard opened, and the familiar figure of a woman came into sight.

 Chapter 575

    Chapter 575


    ?


    Speak of the devil!


    Hera couldn''t help but be amazed at how Samantha managed to pop up in her moment of distress.


    She blinked at Samantha for help, but Samantha was already walking over to them with a smile.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She said, "Hera, you''re here! Why didn''t you tell me beforehand? Did something get into your eye? Why are you blinking non-stop? Do you need me to help you blow it out?"


    Hera was speechless. A fool of a friend was worse than a foe.


    "Didn''t you say Samantha was sick?" said Bernard. The cold look he gave Hera told her that she was doomed.


    "Sick? I''m not sick." Samantha was puzzled.


    Hera''s lie was exposed right then and there. It was so embarrassing!


    Sensing Hera''s silence, Samantha finally realized that something was off between Hera and Bernard.


    She noticed that Bernard''s expression looked especially cold and dark today.


    "Mr. Killian, are you and Hera heading back to the private room?" Samantha asked gingerly.


    Bernard didn''t answer. He simply grabbed Hera by the wrist and pulled her toward the elevator.


    Samantha got her answer. She watched as Bernard and Hera left, then turned to see Tyler bending over and leaning against the wall behind her.


    It then urred to Samantha why Hera was so cooperative when Bernard dragged her away. Hera knew something awful would happen to her if she didn''t leave with him.


    At the entrance of Nightless Haven half an hour ago, Wayne found a spot and parked the car. He went to a public restroom for a while, and when he returned to the car, he saw a Lamborghini parked near the entrance of the bar.


    The doors opened, and Everly and Marcus got out of the car. She wore a bright pink designer dress and a pair of high heels that sparkled like crystal. Her long, lustrous hair fell against her back, and the makeup she wore was striking.


    Overall, she looked quite elegant and sophisticated, which was rather different than how she usually presented herself since she normally dressed simply and inly.


    Everly smiled as she hooked an arm around Marcus''. The two of them entered Nightless Haven together.


    Ever since Everly left the clinic crying, Wayne couldn''t find her no matter how hard he tried. He thought she''d go back home after a few days, but it was as if she had vanished into thin air.


    His calls didn''t go through, and she didn''t answer or reply to any messages at all.


    After some time, Wayne started to worry about her. He wondered if something had happened to her. It never crossed his mind that she''d actually go and meet Marcus.


    "Everly!" Wayne called out to her. He went after her, but an employee of the bar drove Marcus'' car and parked it right in front of the entrance, blocking him from entering.


    Upon hearing his voice, Everly turned around and saw Wayne standing near the entrance. She knitted her brows together when she saw him. "What''s wrong?" Marcus asked after she turned around.


    "It''s nothing," she said, grabbing his arm and walking deeper into the bar before he could turn around to see why she stopped. "I was just wondering where the staff would park your car. Let''s head inside. We shouldn''t keep them waiting."


    Marcus simply thought Everly was eager to enter the bar since she wasn''t from around here, so he let her lead the way.


    Wayne walked around so that he could enter the bar. But when he finally stepped into the ce, Everly and Marcus were already nowhere to be seen, so he quickened his pace.


    However, the blinding disco lights, booming music, and the crowd made it extremely hard to look for Everly.


    "What would you like for a drink?" asked one of the waiters, handing a menu to Wayne.


    Wayne had nevere to a bar


    before. Scanning through the menu,


    he saw a long list of drinks, the names of which he couldn''t understand. What he noticed was that even the cheapest of the drinks cost at least a hundred dors.


    S


    He was shocked when he saw the prices. Was this daylight robbery?


    Wayne replied, "I''m not drinking. Where did the man and the woman who just entered this ce go? The woman''s my sister. I''m here for her."


    Noticing the surprise in Wayne''s eyes when ncing at the menujust now, the waiter snorted derisively and said, "Just leave if you can''t pay.


    The rule here is that you must buy a drink if you want to stay."

 Chapter 576

    Chapter 576


    ?


    Wayne was aware that the waiter looked down on him, but he was in a hurry to look for Everly. He couldn''t care less about the waiter''s behavior at the moment.


    "Do you have in water? I''ll have a bottle of water, then," said Wayne.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    He had to drive a bitter, so he couldn''t drink.


    The waiterughed at Wayne''s words. People who ordered that were either so rich they had nothing to spend their money on or had never been to a bar before.


    He printed the receipt and said, "Okay, that''s fifty dors. Cash or card?"


    "What? Fifty dors for a bottle of water?" Wayne eximed. He''d always been a frugal person. Although his current monthly pay was equivalent to his yearly ie back then, he remained frugal and wouldn''t spend unnecessarily.


    Fifty dors for a bottle of water was ridiculous! Did the water in this bar contain gold or what?


    "We''re at Nightless Haven!" said the waiter, implying that even the inest of drinks would cost a lot.


    Anyone who wanted to enter the bar had to spend quite a fortune.


    Wayne gritted his teeth as he took out his wallet. He asked, "Did you see a woman in a white dress just now? She came here with a man in a blue suit."


    The waiter had seen Everly and Marcus when they entered the bar just now. Marcus was super generous when it came to spending money. Another waiter was quick enough to approach Marcus and lead him and Everly to a private room before the waiter who talked to Wayne did. Themission for a bottle of water was rather high, so the waiter was quite pleased.


    He answered, "They went to the second floor. Only members can ess it, and only customers who spend a thousand dors per day for three months can be members. You can''t go upstairs after ordering just a bottle of water."


    Wayne furrowed his brows. Was this even a bar? This was a money extortion center!


    He failed to understand why the rich woulde here for amusement. The thought that Everly came here with Marcus made Wayne pissed. How could shee to a ce like this?


    Since Wayne couldn''t go upstairs, he pocketed his wallet. He wasn''t going to pay.


    "I''m here to look for someone. I''m not here to indulge myself in whatever you people think is amusing. I''ll be quick. I''ll leave right after I find the person I''m looking for," he said.


    "You can''t!" The waiter frowned. He wasn''t going to get anymission from Wayne like this. Displeased, he called for security and said, "Kick him out of here!"


    Just then, the doors were kicked open, and a man''s light and indifferent voice filled the air.


    "What''s with the ruckus?" he said.


    The waiter turned to see Nichs and hurriedly said, "Wee, Mr. Sanderson!"


    He lowered his head a little when he greeted Nichs. Even the frown on his face when he faced Wayne just now had vanished without a trace. Wayne, too, turned to see Nichs walking into the bar with an arm around a woman''s waist. A group of men-Nichs''ckeys-with dyed hair followed him.


    Nichs was shocked to see Wayne there.


    "What a surprise! I thought you''d nevere to a ce like this," said Nichs.


    When they yed basketball together back then, Wayne always refused when Nichs invited him for a drink here.


    "I dropped Hera off," said Wayne.


    Nichs'' eyes lit up at the mention of her name.


    "Where is she?" he asked, ncing around the bar.


    Wayne didn''t know which floor Hera had gone up to, but he wanted to go to the second floor, so he said, "The second floor."


    Without another word, Nichs pushed away the woman beside him and ced an arm across Wayne''s shoulders, saying, "Let''s go, then." To the waiter, he said, "Wayne''s with me."


    The woman beside Nichs was at a loss for words. He tossed her away like a rag doll just like that!


    With Nichs around, the waiter


    didn''t


    anywhere Stop Wayne from going


    Then, Nichs, Wayne, and the group of men behind them headed to the second floor.


    After exiting the elevator, Nichs asked, "Which room is Hera in?"


    "I don''t know. She didn''t tell me. She came straight into this bar after parked the car," said Wayne. His expression seemed rather off because he wasn''t used to lying. Content belongs to


    swr


    Nichs, on the other hand, simply thought that Wayne didn''t want to spit out the truth. He said, "That''s okay. We''ll take a look at every room on this floor."


    That said, he gestured for a waiter and ordered, "Send a bottle of wine to every room on this floor."


    Wayne''s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. He remembered the numbers he saw on the menu just now.


    "Why are you doing this?" he eximed in disbelief.


    Did all the rich people spend money so extravagantly?


    Meanwhile, Nichs didn''t seem perturbed in the least. Nonchntly, he said it''s not like I can''t pay for


    the drinks. I''ll pay for everyone''s drinks if I can find Hera here


    QUMS

 Chapter 577

    Chapter 577


    ?


    Wayne''s eyebrows shot higher on his forehead. Was money nothing in the eyes of the rich?


    Before he could utter a word, a group of waiters walked up the stairs to the second floor, each with a bottle of cognac in their hands. They lined up, walked into each private room, and ced the bottles on the tables.


    Wayne walked behind the waiters and finally saw Everly in one of the rooms.


    There were more than ten people in the room. About five of the men in the room wore suits. The remaining people were women dressed in revealing clothes who were there to entertain the men.


    Everly was between two men. Wayne''s expression darkened when he saw her there.


    Everly saw Wayne too. She didn''t expect him to be able to get to the second floor. To prevent him from making a fuss right then and there, she got up, made up the excuse of using the restroom, and left the room.


    The moment she stepped out of the room, she grabbed Wayne''s hand and pulled him all the way to the stairwell.


    "Why are you with Marcus? You promised you wouldn''t see him again!" Wayne hissed.


    The dress Everly wore was revealing too. It tantly exposed her cleavage and thighs, which angered Wayne even more.


    "Look at you! What are you even wearing? How could youe to a ce like this? Marcus brought you here, didn''t he?" Wayne snapped.


    Everly was very much displeased at Wayne. He started yapping the moment they met.


    She said, "Why aren''t you asking me about the kind of life I''ve been leading these days?"


    "Why did youe here? Why didn''t you answer my calls?" Wayne spat.


    The words were caught in Everly''s throat. Furious, she started thinking that all this happened because Wayne took Hera''s side.


    "All you do is me me for everything! If it weren''t for Hera ndering me, I wouldn''t have left!" she spat.


    "Are you done? Hera simply wanted to know the truth. You didn''t want to be honest with us and even refused to talk to me¡ª


    "That''s enough!" Everly cut him short. "Why should I talk to you? In your eyes, I''m always the one who''s at fault! And Hera''s the one who''s always right! I''m your biological sister, but you take her side all the time!


    "If you like her that much, you should stop looking for me and just go and be her brother instead. I''m not wee at the clinic anyway. So, I''ll find a way to earn money on my own."Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    That said, she turned to leave. Wayne grabbed her hand to stop her.


    "What did you say? You''re still


    thinking of going back there to see Marcus? I won''t let you do that Come with me and apologize to Hera," he roared.


    The mes in Everly''s heart burned stronger when she heard that hez wanted her to apologize to Hera. All


    Everly wanted was to have a brighter


    future! She had done nothing wrong!


    UMS


    As the two of them struggled, Wayne tried to control his strength so that he wouldn''t hurt Everly. But in her haste, Everly shoved him.


    Wayne slipped and fell down the stairs. His head hit the handrail hard.


    "Wayne?" Everly hollered, standing at the top of the stairs. She stared, wide-eyed, at Wayne''s still body. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart started racing. Content


    belongs to


    After a moment of hesitation, she decided to check on Wayne, but she froze when she heard some noise from the corridor.


    Swallowing hard, she muttered, "Sorry." Then, she turned and ran back to Marcus'' private room.


    Bernard dragged Hera out of the bar. His grip on her wrist told her that he was still extremely pissed at her.


    He was a green-eyed monster! What should she do with him?


    Hera tried to coax him into letting her go.


    "Don''t be mad, Bernard. Let me exin, will you?"


    Bernard didn''t speak. His expression remained as cold as ice as he led her to the car park.


    Since coaxing him wasn''t working, Hera decided she needed a change of ns.


    "Slow down. My knee hurts, and I can''t keep up," she said.


    Only then did Bernard stop. He stopped so abruptly that she bumped into him from behind. Suddenly, he turned around and picked her up bridal style.


    With his looks and her beauty, the two of them caught the attention of many.


    Hera felt ufortable with all the eyes staring at them. She yelped, "Put me down!"


    But Bernard couldn''t care less about what others thought of them. He carried her to the car, opened the door, and set her down in the back seat.


    Before she could process what was going on, a familiar scent invaded her senses, and he was already on top of her.

 Chapter 578

    Chapter 578


    ?


    It was dark inside the car. Bernard propped himself up in the back seat with his arms while Heray underneath him. He had a wild, frenzy look in his eyes as if he were a predator staring down at its prey.


    Hera could sense the anger radiating off Bernard. The feeling he gave off was different than before.


    This time, he was truly furious. Back then, Hera needed only to coax him, and he wouldn''t be angry at her anymore.


    This time, he was still mad at her even after she tried coaxing him.


    Based on how things were, she wouldn''t make it until they went back home. He''d vent out his anger on her right then and there.


    Of course, Hera didn''t want to take things that far here in front of the bar where passersby were everywhere. She quickly pulled him into a hug.


    In a gentle voice, she said, "Don''t be mad at me, please. I don''t like it when you do this. You''ll hurt me. Besides, it''s really dark in here. I don''t like it here."


    The light fragranceing off of her and her soft voice made Bernard waver. He hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her up so that the two of them were sitting in the back seat.


    "You have one minute to exin yourself," he told her.


    Hera was relieved!


    "I told you I bumped into Tyler here. You don''t believe me, do you?" she said.


    "You two were going to make an alliance, yet you''re telling me that you just happened to see him there?" Bernard said, his voice cold.


    He purposely turned to look at her bag on the ground. In Nightless Haven just now, he''d seen Hera stuffing the sh drive into the bag. Hera was helpless now. So, Bernard actually heard her conversation with Tyler. This meant she couldn''t lie to Bernard anymore.


    Still, why didn''t he listen to the entire conversation instead of only overhearing certain parts of it?


    She never told Tyler anything about being aplices. He was the one who started that nonsense!


    Still, she knew she was at fault for lying to Bernard and causing this misunderstanding.


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t have lied to you. But if I had told you the truth, that I wanted to meet Tyler, would you have let me out of the house?" Bernard''s gaze darkened. He didn''t reply, so she took it as a silent yes.


    She continued, "Tyler''s my mentor. There are stil plenty of things I have to learn about hacking. I met him tonight to get the code he owed me. As for working together with him, that''s just nonsense. You''re so smart, Bernard. You won''t be fooled by him, right?"


    "Didn''t you two contact each other online before this?" Bernard asked, still suspicious.


    To put it simply, why did Hera and Tyler meet up all of a sudden when they could''ve texted each other online?


    Bernard would be an idiot if he couldn''t see through it and realize that Tyler simply wanted to meet Hera in person. How could she not realize this?


    Bernard added, "Besides, am I not better than him? Why do you have to learn from him? Why not me?"


    Hera couldn''t just tell him that she had lost to him so many times and was upset about it, so she wanted to be better just to beat him.


    As much as she wanted to snap at him, she pretended to listen and agree with him.


    "From now on, I''ll ask you if I have any questions," she promised. "Don''t be angry at me anymore, okay?"


    That said, she cupped the sides of his face and kissed him on the lips.


    Her apology and exnation quenched the anger in Bernard''s


    heart. She rarely took the initiative to kiss him like that, and he couldn''t


    find it in him to be cruel to her. Content belongs to


    QUMS


    He ced a hand against the back of her head to deepen the kiss. After some time, Hera''s limbs turned


    weak from the kiss. She sensed that


    he wasn''t that mad at her anymore. Content belongs to


    IMS


    She sighed inwardly, relieved that she managed to stop him from making "a show" here in public.


    Calming Bernard down was tougher than doing surgery.


    Hera thought it was settled, but to her dismay, he told her, "Throw away the sh drive he gave you."


    All of a sudden, she felt as if all that he said and did was for her to give the sh drive up.


    Sensing her silence, Bernard said a tad threateningly, "Or you won''t get to see him ever again."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She, of course, wouldn''t throw the sh drive away. And she needed to see Tyler too.


    Although his personality online waspletely different than how he behaved in real life, he was still her mentor. She was indebted to him. Besides, the two of them were taking part in the research and development project for the new chip. They had to meet up somehow.


    Hera came to a conclusion. Bernard was trying to make her life miserable by making her choose between meeting Tyler in the future and keeping the sh drive.

 Chapter 579

    Chapter 579


    ?


    "Bernard, you''re getting a little too jealous. At this rate, you should just get rid of all the men in the world," said Hera while poking his shoulder. Bernard grabbed her hand as he stared deeply into her eyes. He seemed to be thinking about something.


    Hera continued, "I promise I won''t meet Tyler without telling you beforehand. I won''t lie to you anymore, and I don''t want you to lie to me either. Can you promise me that?"


    Lovers shouldn''t lie to each other.


    "Okay," Bernard readily agreed.


    "What are you thinking about?" Hera asked with a frown, noticing that he seemed to be absent-minded.


    "What you said is reasonable," he simply stated.


    Hera was bbergasted. Did he really mean what he said?


    Bernard rified, "It''s highly reasonable and effective if I can get rid of all the men in the world."


    There was no describing how speechless Hera was.


    When they got ready to head back home, Hera remembered that Wayne was still waiting for her. She was about to call him and tell him to head back with her and Bernard when the high-pitched siren of an ambnce filled the air.


    The ambnce stopped in front of Nightless Haven, and some medical personnel got out of the vehicle.


    They wasted no time pushing a wheeled stretcher into the bar. At that time, Hera was already calling Wayne, but he wasn''t answering his phone. After calling him twice, someone finally answered the call. However, the voice on the phone wasn''t Wayne''s. It was Nichs who spoke instead. He sounded a little frantic. "Hello? Hera? Where the heck are you?"


    "What''s wrong?" Hera asked, puzzled as to why it was Nichs who answered the call. He sounded off, and she could hear themotion through the phone.


    She opened the car door and got out of the car, her gaze falling on the ambnce parked at the entrance of the bar.


    "Wayne was found unconscious on the ground in the stairway. God knows if he''s alive. The medical team just took him away."


    So, it was Nichs who called the ambnce.


    Hera hung up and rushed over to the


    ambnce. Coincidentally, the medical staff that had entered the


    bar earlier came out with Wayne on the stretcher and Nichs following closely behind them. Content


    belongs to


    When Nichs saw Hera, he ran over to her and asked, "Where the heck were you? I''ve been looking for you!"


    "You could''ve just called." Hera scowled.


    "And you could''ve unblocked me!" Nichs spat.


    Hera was puzzled now. When did she block him?


    She unlocked her phone and saw that his number had indeed been blocked. Realization dawned on her, and she turned around just in time to see Bernard driving toward her. Content belongs to


    She had never blocked Nichs. The only possible exnation was that someone had taken her phone and blocked him, and the only person who came to mind was Bernard.


    Bernard was so childish!


    However, now wasn''t the time for her to make a fuss out of it. A friend or rtive of Wayne was required to head to the hospital too.


    Hera rushed over to Bernard''s car, yanked the door open to get her bag in the back seat, and got into the ambnce.


    Meanwhile, Bernard followed the ambnce from behind. Wayne was taken to the hospital in the city center.


    After having done a check-up, it was discovered that Wayne fell unconscious because he knocked his head too hard and suffered from a mild concussion.


    After Hera performed acupuncture on him, he slowly regained consciousness. However, the aftereffects of the concussion remained, so he still wasn''t in a good state.


    Hera told him to get some rest. He could talk about what happened tomorrow when he felt better. Then, she left the ward.


    Bernard and Nichs were waiting in the corridor. Bernard was sitting on a bench with aptop on hisp, seemingly busy with something.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "What happened?" Hera asked Nichs.


    He said, "I have no idea. Wayne said you were on the second floor, sod had the staff send a bottle of liquor to each room. I couldn''t find you,


    UMS


    and he went missing after that."


    "It must be Everly," said Bernard out of the blue.

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580


    ?


    Hera walked over to Bernard, whoseptop was ying a crucial part in the surveince footage at the time it all happened.


    In the footage, Everly left the stairway in a hurry.


    When the footage ended, Bernard closed the window and opened Dous'' chatbox. He proceeded to y the other footage Dous sent him.


    All the footage was taken from Nightless Haven. There was one where Everly entered the bar with Marcus, and another where Wayne followed a group of staff to give out the wine. Then, Everly walked out of one of the rooms and pulled Wayne along with her.


    What happened next was shown in the first video Hera saw, where Everly left the stairway.


    There were no cameras in the stairway, so no one knew what happened there. Even so, it was highly likely that Everly yed a part in causing Wayne''s concussion.


    Hera watched the footage where Everly entered the bar with Marcus again. Everly was wearing a branded dress and essories. Apparently, she had been leading quite a good life after leaving the clinic.


    Hera didn''t stop Everly from leaving back then. However, if Everly really hurt Hera''s friends or family, Hera would not let things slide.


    Nichs also came over to watch the footage. He sighed in relief because the part where he had a woman in his arms wasn''t included in the footage. It never crossed his mind that Bernard would investigate this entire incident so thoroughly in such a short time. Meanwhile, Nichs had been doing nothing but standing and waiting here in the corridor.


    This wouldn''t do. How could he let Bernard take the spotlight?


    Nichs had to do something to prove that he could be of help at such times.


    "What do we do now? Do you need me to bring Everly over?" he asked, rolling up his sleeves eagerly.


    Hera simply yawned while Bernard checked the time, neither of them answering the question.


    It was already midnight. Bernard turned off hisptop and said, "It''ste. We should head back and get some sleep. We can discuss this tomorrow." Nichs nced at his watch. What a party pooper Bernard was!


    "It''s only 12:30 am! The night''s still young. What are you doing to do heading back this early?" Nichs mumbled.


    "Only someone as single and avable as you need toe out at this hour," Bernard stated inly.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nichs snorted, annoyed. "As if you aren''t single "


    He had barely finished speaking when Bernard hooked an arm around Hera''s waist. To Nichs'' surprise, Hera didn''t seem to resist at all.


    If it were Nichs'' arm, she''d poke him with all the needles she had until he resembled a porcupine!


    Then, it dawned on him. He yelped, "Didn''t you say you two broke up?"


    A frown formed on Bernard''s face at those words. Just how many people did Hera tell?


    Bernard made a mental note to quickly register their marriage. That way, there''d be fewer scumbags eyeing Hera.


    "Shush! The patients here need rest. You''re too loud," Hera warned. "Bernard and I got back together."


    On second thought, she added, "Since you''re so free, Nichs, you can stay and keep watch tonight."


    Nichs and Wayne seemed to be good friends. Hera knew they often yed basketball together. Having Nichs look after Wayne would be much better than having a stranger stay and take care of him.


    Nichs wasn''t pleased with that. He cursed, "Who do you think I am? How dare you ask me to take care of your bodyguard!"


    "You don''t need to," said Bernard. He unlocked his phone and made a call. "Dous, send someone over-"


    "Fine! I''ll stay!" Nichs blurted, still


    fuming, If Bernard hired someone to


    el


    take care of Wayne, it''d make Nichs seem like a useless fool who couldn''t be of help. Content


    belongs to


    Nichs continued blurting expletives as he entered the ward while Hera watched him speechlessly.


    On their journey back home, Hera was so exhausted that she fell asleep after she sank into the passenger seat.


    When she was in a light sleep, she


    felt a strong pair of hands around her, lifting her up from the seat


    Then came the gentle voice of a man saying, "We''re here, sweetie."


    UMS


    A groggy Hera simply wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned against his shoulder and continued to sleep.


    Soon, she felt Bernard putting her down and heard the gushing of water. He then came back to help her remove her clothes. Slightly annoyed, Hera mumbled, "No... "


    "Be good," said Bernard, trying to coax her. "You should shower first."


    "No... I''ll shower tomorrow," muttered Hera as she pushed him away. Exhausted, she didn''t have much energy. She felt limp in his arms.


    "No way. You were at the hospital just now. There''s lots of bacteria there. You need to shower before you sleep."


    Hera clucked her tongue. Bernard was such a clean freak.


    He was so persistent that she couldn''t object anymore, so she stopped struggling and simply let him help her with showering.


    But as time passed, the atmosphere started to change.

 Chapter 581

    Chapter 581


    ?


    After a fervent night, Hera finally went to sleep at around 3:00 am. She didn''t get much sleep, though, because her rm rang at 7:00 am. She was irritable, having woken up this early in the morning. But then, she remembered that Wayne was still hospitalized.


    With much difficulty, she crawled out of bed, only to find that Bernard had left for his morning jog.


    She clucked her tongue in disdain. How could he still be so energetic after making love just a couple of hours ago?


    When Bernard returned, he brought her breakfast. Seeing Hera busying herself in the kitchen, he approached her and asked, "Why are you up already? What are you making? I brought you some waffles and grilled chicken wraps."


    "I''m making oatmeal for Wayne," answered Hera with a yawn.


    She didn''t want Catherine to worry about Wayne, so she didn''t have the cook prepare it.


    After putting the breakfast he bought on the counter and washing his hands, Bernard asked, "We''re going on a date today, yet you woke up so early just to make another man oatmeal."


    Their original n was to go on a date today, but after what happened to Wayne, their n was postponed.


    "Stop making a fuss. Wayne is hurt," Hera told him.


    Bernard pouted, "But you didn''t make oatmeal for me when I was sick back then."


    His statement rendered her speechless. He was a green-eyed monster, indeed.


    "It''ll be ready soon. I''ll let you have some of it first. I''ll bring Wayne the rest after that. Are you happy now?"


    How fortunate it was that Hera cooked arger portion of oatmeal today.


    "That will have to do," muttered Bernard. He pecked her on the lips and added, "I''ll take it over from here. Go and get some sleep. I''ll wake you up when the oatmeal is ready."


    Hera didn''t refuse. She went straight back to bed for another half an hour before waking up to have breakfast and heading off to the hospital. Wayney on the bed in the ward, his mind reying the scenes at the stairway of the barst night.


    His ward was for VIPs. There was a huge couch in the ward, and Nichsy there trying to get some sleep. Unfortunately for him, it was noisy out there in the corridor, so he couldn''t fall asleep.


    Just then, the door opened. Nichs thought it was a nurse who came. Annoyed, he said, "Can''t you lower your voices?"


    Hera''s voice filled the ward. "Wayne, are you alright? I made you some oatmeal. You should try some."


    She held a thermos bottle as she entered the ward. Wayne pushed himself up from the bed and gave her an embarrassed smile.


    "You''re here, Hera. Thank you so much," he said, thankful and happy to see her there.


    Meanwhile, Nichs shot up from


    the couch when he heard Hera''s voice. Seeing her open the thermos,


    BUMS


    he sprang to his feet and rushed over.


    "You made this? I want some too!" He couldn''t wait to try Hera''s cooking.


    Wayne watched as Hera walked over to him with a bowl of oatmeal.


    Hastily he ranted, "Hey, are you!!


    really going to fight for food with a patient?"


    "I spent the whole night here!" Nichs was exasperated. "Do you know just how tired I am?"


    Wayne wasn''t going to back down. "Of course, you are! You yed games all night long! You were so noisy that I couldn''t sleep!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The two of them bickered until Hera could stand it no more. She quickly cut them short by telling them,?Stop it, you two. Why don''t you just eat together?" Content belongs t


    She brought quite a lot of oatmeal, anyway.


    to


    "No way!" Wayne and Nichs eximed in unison.


    But in the next instant, they each cupped a bowl of oatmeal in their hands and started digging into the food.


    It was... salty beyond words!


    "Why is it so salty!" Nichs spat it out. "It''s like I''m drinking seawater! This is murder!"


    The oatmeal was indeed so salty that even Wayne scowled. He had tried Hera''s cooking before, and this clearly wasn''t her work. "Salty?" Hera frowned, confused.


    It shouldn''t be. Bernard, too, finished a bowl of oatmeal before she came here. He didn''t say anything about the food being salty.


    "It''s true." Setting the bowl down on the bedside table, Wayne took a ss of water and downed it in one go.


    Hera might not have believed it when Nichs said it was salty, but when it was Wayne who spoke, she just had to believe it.


    It then urred to her that Bernard asked her to take a nap this morning and said he''d help her with the cooking.


    So, this was why Bernard imed he had something to attend to and couldn''te to visit Wayne with her.


    He was so immature!

 Chapter 582

    Chapter 582


    ?


    Hera sighed and ordered takeout for them again. After Nichs finished eating, he went back to catch up on sleep.


    Wayne rested for a while before Hera gave him another acupuncture treatment. Wayne felt much better after. "Thank you, Hera."


    "You''re wee." Hera disinfected the used needles. "What happened between you and Everlyst night?"


    Wayne was a bit surprised that Hera knew he had met Everly. But after thinking about it, he realized that with Hera''s and Bernard''s capabilities, they had probably figured out most of what had happened by now.


    Wayne recalled the way Everly had pushed him the previous night and believed that she hadn''t meant any harm. They lost their parents when they were young, and Wayne had raised Everly. He knew her well.


    She wouldn''t even kill a bug, let alone hurt someone. She was probably consumed by a moment of rage.


    Hera was busy, and Wayne didn''t want to trouble her with the issues between him and his sister. Hera had been more than kind to them. He felt that it was his responsibility to sort Everly out.


    Wayne exined, "I fell by myself. She probably doesn''t know."


    Otherwise, why wouldn''t she have visited him?


    Hera was skeptical. "Are you sure?"


    Wayne was worried that Hera might look for Everly and added, "It has nothing to do with Everly. I just never expected her to be with Marcus. I''m sorry. It''s my fault for not teaching her well. I''ll go find her after I''m discharged and bring her back to apologize to you."


    He prepared to get out of bed.


    Hera stopped him. "No need. I won''t hold her back if she has found better opportunities. I just hope she doesn''t hurt anyone."


    She had already given Everly a choice, and now, she knew the answer. All she could do now was wait and see what Everly wanted to do with the Chime family.


    Wayne was touched. Hera had been so good to Everly, yet Everly was foolish enough to get involved with the Chime family. He was determined to bring her back and apologize to Hera.


    Hera initially wanted Wayne to stay in the hospital for a few more days, but Wayne insisted on leaving. "I''m fine now. This ce is expensive to stay at. I can just rest at home." Content belongs to


    swn


    Since he was insistent, Hera didn''t press further. They returned home together afterpleting the discharge procedures at noon.


    Hera had more important matters to


    attend to and didn''t pay much


    el


    attention to Everly. Over the next week, she attended meetings at Killian Corporation, where she epted Rhett''s new chip development project. She and Tyler needed toe up with a development n within three months.


    While working on the n, Hera also found time to coborate with Johnson to research ways to wake up Harvey.


    Bernard felt bad about how hard she was working and hugged her. "Is there anything I can help you with?"


    Hera pushed him away. "Stop bothering me."


    Bernard sighed to himself. What could he do when his girlfriend was a workaholic?


    While Hera was swamped with work, news about Everly broke out "Shocking! Camille is not the Chime family''s daughter. She''s the real daughter!"


    An article tookTwitter by storm.


    There was also a video taken by paparazzi underneath it. The video showed Everly holding Jessica''s arm as they exited the hospital''s DNA testing department. They looked simr in the video. Content belongs


    to


    At the end of the video, a reporter asked a nurse, "What kind of test did they take?"


    The nurse replied, "A paternity test."


    As soon as the news broke, it quickly went viral, especially because it involved Camille, who had recently been criticized by the public.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 583

    Chapter 583


    ?


    The reporters swarmed the Chime residence to dig up more gossip. Everly seized the opportunity and apanied Philip and Jessica on a shopping trip, knowing the reporters would be around.


    Seeing that Everly had moved into the Chime residence confirmed the rumors in the reporters'' minds.


    "Mr. Chime, there''s a rumor that Camille is not your biological daughter and that Everly is. Is this true?"


    "Now that you''ve found your real daughter, do you n to make it public?"


    "Given that Camille''s actions have caused Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock to plummet, don''t you n to rify her identity?"


    Microphones were thrust toward them, and Everly quickly moved to shield Jessica. "My mother isn''t feeling well. Please step back so that she doesn''t get hurt."


    Her referring to Jessica as her mother confirmed that she had been epted as part of the Chime family. It fueled the reporters'' curiosity even more, and they continued to block them.


    "I''ll answer any questions you have. Just don''t hurt my wife," Philip reluctantly said to the reporters.


    Hearing this, the reporters quickly turned their attention toward Philip.


    Philip began to answer their questions, "I didn''t want to address this publicly. But since everyone wants to know, I''ll briefly exin it. Indeed, Camille is not my and my wife''s biological daughter.


    "After the birth of our eldest son, my wife''s health deteriorated. She had always wanted a daughter, but I didn''t want her to go through that much pain again, so we adopted Camille.


    "Later, my wife gave birth to Everly. Unfortunately, not long after Everly was born, she was kidnapped due to a maid''s negligence. It wasn''t until recently when my wife needed a blood transfusion that we discovered that Everly and my wife are rted."


    Philip looked affectionately at Jessica and Everly, who smiled back at him.


    The camera captured this heartwarming moment between the three.


    "And what do you n to do with Camille?" one reporter asked.


    "Although Camille made a mistake, we''ve always viewed her as our own. Even after Everly''s return, Camille is still the eldest daughter of our family, and Everly is our second daughter."


    Philip continued, "Camille''s mistakes were due to our failures as parents. It''s our responsibility, and we apologize for the trouble it caused everyone."


    His words were heartfelt, and many viewers watching the livestream were touched by them.


    This was the first time the Chime


    family had addressed Camille''s matter since she was sent to prison. Their attitude led manyizens who had boycotted Chime


    1.ne


    Pharmaceutical because of Came?


    to change their stance, redirecting their anger toward Camille and


    criticizing her for bringing down the family.


    The next day, Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock finally went up again.


    At Youngworth Miracle Clinic, Nichs saw the news and immediately sought out Hera. "Hera, you''re a fortune teller!"


    Hera looked puzzled. "What?"


    "Remember when you pped


    Camille with the truth and told Marcus that Camille wasn''t Mr Chime''s daughter? You were right!" Nichs handed his phone to Hera. Content belongs toThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Swn


    He then nudged Wayne. "Everly is the Chime family''s daughter? Doesn''t that make you their son?"


    Wayne had also seen the news report and was shocked. How could this be? Everly was his sister. How could she be rted to the Chime family?

 Chapter 584

    ?Chapter 584


    "Everly has gone from an ugly duckling to a swan. She probably won''t evere back."


    "I saw on her TikTok that the Chime family ns to open a clinic for her that will be affiliated with Reind Hospital. She''s going to be a boss now. Why would shee back to work here?"


    "No wonder she was so excited about Jessica''s visit..."


    I and Sarah''s discussion reached Wayne''s ears, and his face fell


    "Are you shocked too, Mr. Chime?" Nichs teased.


    Wayne shook off Nichs'' hand. ''Don''t call me that! I have nothing to do with the Chime family!"


    Seeing him angry, Nichs sheepishly turned to Hera. "Oh, so you knew they weren''t siblings? Is it a trend to have biological and adopted daughters?"


    Hera was speechless. She had merely been trying to mess with the Chime family in front of Marcus. She never expected them to y along, turning her words into reality. Everly''s actions were particrly beyond Hera''s expectations. She didn''t just switch jobs, she changed her entire identity.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Hera didn''t know whether Everly and Wayne were biological siblings. But judging by Wayne''s sour expression, it seemed the news had caught him off guard.


    "Wayne, have you and Everly ever done a DNA test?'' Hera asked.


    "No." Wayne shook his head.


    Back in his hometown, such things had never crossed their minds. However, he firmly believed Everly was his sister because he had seen their father bring the midwife to their home to help their mother deliver Everly.


    There was no way Everly could be part of the Chime family!


    Wayne stood up and grabbed his car keys before storming out.


    Nichs was startled. ''Hey, where are you going?"


    Wayne growled, ''I''m going to bring Everly back!"


    "Wayne, don''t be reckless!" Hera was about to stop him, but Nichs beat her to it. He quickly grabbed Wayne. "Let me go!" Wayne struggled.


    Nichs held on tighter. "I only listen to Hera."


    "Do you think rushing over there will allow you to see her?'' Hera questioned.


    This stopped Wayne in his tracks.


    Indeed, Wayne had tried to visit the Chime residence to find Everly after being discharged, but he wasn''t able to meet her. Everly had changed all her contact information and even blocked him on TikTok, leaving him with no way to reach her.


    He hadn''t expected that the next time he heard about her would be through the news!


    Was Everly crazy? She wasn''t just betraying Hera by bing part of the Chime family, she was directly opposing Hera!


    "What should I do, then?" Wayne felt defeated.


    "Calm down and see what she''s nning first," Heraforted him.


    Although Hera didn''t seem concerned, Wayne couldn''t let it go. He was determined to see Everly. After work, he spent several days staking out the Chime residence, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Finally, his efforts paid off.


    Everly was getting out of a Porsche, dressed in a Chanel suit and carrying an LV bag. She looked just like a


    nobledy.

 Chapter 585

    ?Chapter 585


    The Chime family even provided Everly with a car and driver, so she no longer had to use public transport. Now, she finally understood why Giselle became apletely different person after returning to the Killian family. Who could resist the luxuries that money could buy?


    "Everly, it''ste. I hope I''m not disturbing you," a young girl in a pink dress said as she got out of the car from the other side. It was Natalie Figueroa, daughter of the Figueroas, one of the top ten prestigious families in Jedburgh.


    "Not at all. My parents are very kind. They won''t mind. Once my clinic is up and running, you cane over for your treatments directly." Everly smiled.


    She knew she was merely a pawn in the Chime family and wasn''t truly their daughter. Eventually, the truth woulde out. So, after the Chime family acknowledged her identity, she used her identity and her skills in beauty treatment to connect with the rest of the circles.


    Her goal was to establish more connections and solidify her position.


    "Thank you so much." Natalie smiled.


    As Everly headed toward the house with Natalie, a familiar voice suddenly called from behind her, ''Everly!" Everly turned around and saw Wayne storming into the courtyard, only to be stopped by two security guards at the entrance. Everly''s expression darkened. How dare hee here?


    Seeing that Wayne was about to get into a fight with the guards and with Natalie still watching, Everly quickly spoke up. "Security, it''s okay. He''s my friend."


    "Ms. Everly, this man has been lurking around for several days," one of the guards informed her.


    "It''s fine. I''ll go out and talk to him," Everly said. She asked the guards to escort Natalie inside while she led Wayne to a secluded area outside.


    "I told you not toe looking for me anymore!" Everly huffed.


    She had worked so hard to reach this point. If things continued as nned, it wouldn''t be long before she could find her standing and rival Hera. She would even have the means topete for Bernard!


    "Are you out of your mind?" Wayne growled, grabbing her wrist. "Come back with me right now. We need to do a DNA test and clear this up."


    The mention of a DNA test made Everly''s heart skip a beat. She frantically tried to pry his hand off. "I''m not going! Let me go!"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Wayne refused to release her, so she bit down on his hand in desperation. Even as blood began to flow, Wayne didn''t let go and dragged her along with him.


    Everly was now screaming, "Wayne, let go of me! I''m an adult. I know what I''m doing!"


    Wayne flung her hand away and shouted, "Do you even realize what you''re doing?"


    "I want to establish myself here, open my own clinic, and gain fame, status, and power. Hera can''t give me any of those things, but the Chime family can!" Everly stated. "So, I choose the Chime family. Is it wrong for me to pursue a better future?"


    Wayne was speechless and stared at her as if she were a stranger. When had his once innocent sister be so ambitious, willing to stop at nothing to achieve her goals?


    Everly sniffled and continued, "Wayne, I appreciate all you''ve done for me over the years. But if you care about me, let me go! Please don''te looking for me again. Let''s cut all ties so that I can pursue what I want!"


    After wiping away her tears, she walked back to the Chime residence. Wayne watched her retreating figure for a long time, unable to react.


    The rain finally fell, drenching him.


    "Let''s go. She''s made up her mind, and you can''t force her back," Nichs came over with a ck umbre to shield Wayne from the rain.


    Wayne snapped out of his daze and looked at Nichs. "I don''t need your help."


    "Hmph, like I care!'' Nichs retorted. "I wouldn''t have bothered with you if Hera hadn''t asked me toe! Now, hurry up. She told me to take you back!"

 Chapter 586

    Chapter 586


    ?


    In the clinic, Hera and Johnson were focused on a human modelid out on the bed, marked with various acupuncture points. Nearby, there was a medical simtor with a disy showing a model of the human body that corresponded to Harvey''s condition.


    After more than a week of research, Hera finally finalized the treatment n for Harvey. This was a simtion exercise before the actual treatment.


    Hera carefully inserted thest needle into the acupuncture point. After a moment, the red dots representing key acupuncture points on the disy turned green.


    "It worked!" Johnson eximed.


    Hera checked the data on the monitor and smiled. "This works. We can proceed with the treatment."


    She turned to Johnson and gave him a high-five.


    Catherine, who had been observing from the side, also smiled. "Hera, you''re getting better."


    As the three were rejoicing, amotion outside signaled Nichs'' return with Wayne. When Hera came out, she saw Wayne drenched, with a bite mark on his arm.


    She turned to Johnson. "Johnson, it''s gettingte. You should head home. Thanks for your hard work."


    Noticing the situation, Johnson said his goodbyes and left.


    "See? When ites down to it, you still need me to get the job done! I told you I''d bring him back on time," Nichs boasted.


    "Not bad." Hera tossed him a small item she pulled from a cab. "Here''s your reward."


    Nichs was thrilled that Hera had given him something. But when he took a closer look, he saw it was a bottle of cold medicine.


    He was outraged. "What the hell! Are you pulling my leg?"


    "You got wet. Don''t catch a cold. And if you''ve got nothing better to do, stay out of bars and get some sleep," Hera said.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nichs then noticed his left shoulder was damp. "I''m fine. There''s no way I''d catch a cold from a little rain..."


    He sneezed before he could finish his sentence.


    Hera quirked a brow. "If you don''t want an injection, go home and take a hot bath."


    Nichs had nned to linger when


    immediately


    elvas


    y out the door at thes


    n of an injection. Content


    belongs to


    "Wayne, did you get into a fight?" Catherine didn''t know what


    happened and brought over


    1


    disinfectant and cotton swabs to


    treat the wound on Wayne''s arm. Content belongs to


    Wayne looked dejected and didn''t respond.


    UMS


    "Did you see Everly?" Hera asked as she prepared a bowl of mushroom soup. She handed him a towel. "Dry yourself."


    Wayne nodded sadly, holding the towel over his head and the soup in his hands.


    Hera wasn''t great atforting people, so she simply gave him a pat on the shoulder.


    "So, Everly really doesn''t n on returning?" Catherine realized that Everly must have caused the injury on Wayne''s arm.


    After finishing the soup, Wayne briefly recounted what had happened with Everly.


    Having already endured Giselle''s betrayal, Catherine was more prepared this time, but it still hurt. She sighed helplessly.


    Hera snorted. "The Chime family is digging their own grave."


    How could they use such a foolish method to save their stocks?


    Catherine and Wayne remained silent.


    "If this is Everly''s choice, then she must be ready to face the consequences." Hera nced at the time. "Don''t dwell on it. Go home and get some rest. We have an early meeting tomorrow." Content


    belongs to

 Chapter 587

    Chapter 587


    ?


    The next day was the monthly meeting.


    After finishing her report, Sarah reminded, "Hera, Ryder and Walter haven''t delivered any herbs this month. We''re out of most herbs. But there are several patients awaiting them for their treatments."


    "What''s going on?" Hera asked, stifling a yawn.


    "I called them, and they said that the yield was poor this month. Plus, the recent rains have affected supply. I also reached out to other suppliers, but none of them have these herbs either," Sarah exined.


    Most of the clinic''s herbs were supplied regrly by reliable suppliers. Ryder and Walter had always provided good herbs, so the clinic mainly coborated with them. However, to prevent situations like this, they had other suppliers too.


    If one supplier didn''t have the needed herbs, another would. But this situation seemed unusual. While these herbs were rare, they shouldn''t be impossible to find.


    "I just asked my old employer, and they don''t have these four herbs either," Nina Swan added.


    She and Sue Jingles were hired after Everly left.


    "I checked online, and there''s gossip that all suppliers have sold all their stock of these four herbs to the Chime family at three times the market price," Sue said.


    The meeting room fell silent. Everyone instantly understood what was happening. It was Everly''s doing!


    Everly was in charge of the medicinal meals, was familiar with the clinic''s inventory, and knew which herbs were frequently used. She was well aware


    of the herbs used to treat coughs and colds, as well as those that helped with pain, paralysis, and other more severe illnesses.


    Most of the clinic''s patients suffered


    from severe conditions, so the herbs


    were in high demand. Not having


    them in stock would affect the patients'' recovery and might even


    harm the clinic''s reputation. Content


    belongs to


    Wayne, sitting at the far end of the table, clenched his fists under the table to control his anger.


    Catherine''s expression darkened.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Ever since Everly left, she had often


    worried about how she was doing. Hearing that she had joined the Chime family was hurtful enough: But Everly was now actively working against them. Catherine was so overwhelmed that she suddenly felt faint and copsed.


    "Grandma!"


    "Mrs. Jones!"


    Hera immediately caught her, with Sarah and others rushing over to help. Hera checked Catherine''s pulse and frowned. They carefully moved Catherine to another@oom to lie-down.


    "Is Mrs. Jones going to be okay?" Wayne asked anxiously.


    "Her blood pressure spiked," Hera exined. "I, bring me my acupuncture kit."


    Wayne pursed his lips and stepped aside.


    "Got it." I quickly returned with the acupuncture kit.


    Hera pricked a few needles, and Catherine soon regained consciousness. Hera advised her to rest before returning to finish the meeting.


    "Maybe I should check the nearby clinic to see if they have any of the herbs. We could buy some for emergency use since I know two patients need them today," Sarah suggested.

 Chapter 588

    Chapter 588


    ?


    "No need for that. Bring me the list of herbs we need, along with the patient records," Hera said.


    Sarah''s suggestion was a good short-term solution but wasn''t a long-term fix. Everly and the Chime family were obviously trying to suppress Hera! Did they think this would leave her powerless? They had seriously underestimated her.


    Sarah fetched the list of herbs, and I gathered the patient records. After reviewing the patient records, Hera reced the rare herbs with something easier to obtain.


    Everyone who watched the process couldn''t help but be awed at Hera''s adjustments.


    Nina praised, "The new herbs may not be as efficient, but they''ll still treat the patient''s chronic urticaria."


    Sue gasped. "I didn''t think of that! As expected of my idol!"


    Sarah cheered, "Great! We have plenty of those herbs, though they are a bit more expensive."


    I chuckled. "Looks like someone underestimated us."


    Wayne watched how busy everyone became due to Everly and felt frustrated that he couldn''t help. He was angry with Everly and at himself for being so useless. He felt he only brought Hera more problems than help by being around her. Maybe he should leave and not cause any more trouble...


    Hera gave the new list of herbs to the others and noticed Wayne sitting in the corner. He looked exhausted, having spent the whole night troubled by Everly''s actions.


    Hera knew how he felt. Being


    betrayed by someone close hurt While she could divert her emotions by focusing on other tasks and


    sever her ties with the person, it was different for Wayne. Content


    belongs to


    As Everly''s brother, she was his only family, and he couldn''t be as detached as she could be. He could only learn toe to terms with it. Though Hera wasn''t good atforting people, seeing Wayne''s dejectedness was ufortable


    "Wayne." She approached him.


    Wayne, seeing Hera had finished her tasks, quickly stood up. "Hera, I''m sorry. I didn''t teach Everly well, which caused so many problems for the clinic. I''m sorry."


    "You don''t need to apologize. Staff turnover and market fluctuations are normal," Heraforted him.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Seeing him still downcast, she


    added, "Also, I''ve said this before


    This was Everly''s choice. Even if she hadn''t left, other issues would have arisen. So, don''t shoulder all the me. You''re not responsible for her." Content belongs to


    "Thank you." Wayne was moved by Hera. "Since I can''t help here, maybe I should resign."


    "Who said that?" Hera picked out


    some herbs from the cab and packed them. "Take these to the


    Sanderson family. Also, Nichmet


    invited me to a banquet, but I''m busy Please attend in my ce."


    swn


    Wayne paused, touched by her gesture. He epted the items. "Alright."

 Chapter 589

    Chapter 589


    ?


    "Drive carefully," Hera reminded Wayne.


    "I will," Wayne replied.


    After sending Wayne off, Hera logged into the Divine Forum. During her search for suppliers earlier, she joined several groups.


    As soon as she logged on, she saw someone in one of the supplier groups discussing Everly''s high-price acquisition of certain herbs. The most recent message was from Ryder, "Everly is really impressive. She paid me enough for one herb to cover my profit for the next six months."


    Shadow wrote, "So, are we still short on herbs?"


    After Hera sent her message, the active group chat immediately went silent. Ryder was still typing when he saw Shadow''s message. He realized that this person was the infamous Dr. Shadow!


    He deleted his message and even considered retracting his previous statements. Though he had only worked with Dr. Shadow for six months, her reputation had brought him a lot of business. She was like his lucky star.


    However, Everly, who was Youngworth Miracle Clinic''s spokesperson, left and started her own clinic. She asked him to supply herbs. Although Ryder was happy to have a new client, Everly demanded that he provide all the stock he supplied to Youngworth Miracle Clinic to her instead.


    While he would not normally give all his stock to one single client, Everly offered three times the market rate to buy the herbs. As a businessman, he could not ignore such an opportunity.


    The agreement with Youngworth Miracle Clinic did not im that he had to provide specific herbs every month, so as long as other herbs were provided, he was in the clear.


    Hence, he supplied the herbs to Everly and bragged about it in the group. Unexpectedly, the rarely active Dr. Shadow showed up and caught him red- handed!


    Ryder was now in a dilemma. If Dr. Shadow got mad at him, he might lose his status as Dr. Shadow''s supplier. He remembered that he had also sold herbs to Everly alongside Walter and immediately called him.


    Soon, Walter exined to Hera, "I''m sorry, Dr. Shadow. Someone bought all the herbs, so we can''t supply¨¨ them to you. I''ve gone around trying to find these herbs, but they were all bought at high prices. I''m also quite helpless."


    S


    Ryder also exined, "Same here. The herbs I sold to Everly were from the previous stock. I had nned to supply you with fresh stock, but can''t find the herbs. I wouldn''t have sold that batch to Everly if I had known you wanted it."


    Hera read their excuses coldly. These people usually revered Dr. Shadow. But they ultimately sided with money. She was curious to see how much the Chime family could offer Everly to monopolize the market for these herbs.


    Hera posted in the group and even tagged Ryder and Walter, "Since you can''t guarantee supply, there''s no need for further cooperation."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Ryder and Watter were shocked to


    read this. They frantically tried to exin, but Hera had already left the group. Furthermore, several clients who had worked with them due to their connection with Dr. Shadow also cut ties with them.

 Chapter 590

    Chapter 590


    ?


    This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera exited the group and picked up her phone to make a call.


    An excited male voice came through the line. "You finally called!"


    Hera moved the phone away from her ear. "How''s the collection of the herbs going on your end?"


    "I''ve managed to buy up all the oyster shells, sea cucumbers, turmeric, and reishi mushrooms


    avable in the market." Thiago grinned.


    Hera received news that Everly had started buying herbs at high prices a week ago. At the time, she was busy with the development of new chips and research on Harvey''s condition, so she didn''t pay much attention.


    However, she had messaged Thiago, whom she knew from her days selling herbs, and informed him of the situation. She then asked him to collect herbs at his ce.


    "Good, hold on to them. These four herbs will fetch a good price in a couple of days," Hera muttered.


    Thiago beamed. "Aren''t the prices high enough? The market here hadn''t yet caught on to the price fluctuations when I bought them. I heard the market in your area has inted the prices of these four herbs to three times the normal rate.


    "The sellers here regret selling them to me, but it''s toote. The herbs are already in my warehouse."


    "You''ll see soon enough." Hera hung up the call and clicked on the Divine Forum.


    She wrote in her post that she would offer six times the market price for oyster shells, sea cucumbers, turmeric, and reishi mushrooms, with no limit on quantity. The more, the merrier.


    As soon as the post went up, it went viral.


    "Why does Dr. Shadow want to buy these herbs?"


    "Six times the price! Is there still time to collect and sell them?"


    "Is there an outbreak of some disease?"


    "I''ve heard that the Chime family is also buying these four herbs at high prices."


    "Who knows? But with both Dr. Shadow and the Chime family buying, should we also stock up?"


    "We''ll just buy whatever Dr. Shadow buys."


    "Wow, I just asked my clinic, and they''re already sold out.


    "My local clinic is sold out too!"


    "No! I cleared out my sea cucumber stock too early and lost out on a huge profit! Six times! I missed out on a fortune."


    Youngworth Miracle Clinic was bustling. Many businessmen received the news and came to seek cooperation.


    "Is it true that you''re offering six times the price? Are there any quality requirements? I can get reishi mushroom."


    "I have a few bags of oyster shells and sea cucumbers in the making. Can you buy them if they''re ready by the end of the month?"


    "I can get 500 bags of turmeric by next month. Do you want to pay the deposit? I can supply them next month."


    Faced with the businessmen''s


    Pet


    questions, Hera said, "We''ll buy oyster shelfs, sea cucumbers, turmeric and reishi mushrooms at six times the market price, provided the quality is up to standard. But we''ll provide no deposit. It''ll be payment on delivery. Those who are interested can stay.


    "Sarah, please take down the names of those who are staying."


    Sarah was happy to see the herbsing in, But paying six times the market price made her feel it was a loss. If it weren''t for Everly''s price increase, Hera wouldn''t have been forced to raise her offer.


    She didn''t understand why Hera was still buying in bulk when she had already reced these herbs with others. She was puzzled but followed Hera''s instructions. "Come, line up here for registration."


    Hera watched as the line stretched on and went to her office to prepare for her patients. Before starting, she messaged Samantha to contact reporters and issue a press release.


    After finishing, she began seeing patients. After seeing one patient, she nced at her phone and saw 15 missed calls in just half an hour. One was from Gideon, one was from Gino and the other 13 were from Bernard.


    He had gone on a business trip to Miridian the day before. It should be midnight in Miridian at this time.

 Chapter 591

    Chapter 591


    ?


    Why wasn''t Bernard asleep?


    Hera returned a call to Bernard, who answered immediately, "Sweetie, what are you busy with? Why didn''t you check your phone?"


    "I was treating a patient. Why are you still awake?" Hera tucked the phone between her shoulder and ear and printed out the prescription she had prepared before handing it to I to sort it out.


    "Let''s get on a video call. I can''t sleep without seeing you," Bernard whined.


    Hera clicked her tongue. "I''m busy!"


    Even so, she still started a video call.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    In the video, Bernard was propped up against the headboard. The light highlighted his features, and the white robe he wore hung loosely, revealing a glimpse of his toned chest. Bernard smirked. "I saw you were looking for herbs. Do you need my help?"


    Hera guessed he must have seen her post on the Divine Forum. "No need. How''s it going over there? Are the negotiations going well? When will you be back?"


    Bernard smiled. "Not bad. Miss me?"


    Hera didn''t deny it. "Yes. If youe back earlier, I can even put on a show for you."


    Bernard chuckled. "Then, I''ll finish up quickly. You must be working around the clock again since I''m not home, right?"


    "I still take enough rest and meals," Hera mumbled vaguely.


    From her response, Bernard knew Hera was probably skipping meals and staying upte. Hera was a workaholic. Once she was absorbed in her work, she would ignore everything else. He needed to finish his work and get back to keep watch of her.


    While they were talking, Gino called.


    "Go to sleep. I need to take a call. Goodnight." Hera then answered Gino''s call.


    He whispered on the other end of the line, "Hello, can you hear me?"


    Noticing something was off in his tone, Hera frowned. "What''s wrong? Is it inconvenient to talk?"


    Gino whispered, "Yes..."


    Hera furrowed her brows at this. She thought something bad happened when Gino continued, "I''m in ss!


    But need to tell you some ss!


    UMS


    Hera sighed. "Pay attention in ss. We can talk about itter."


    Gino stopped her. "Don''t hang up! This is really important."


    Hera groaned. "Speak."


    Gino mumbled, "I saw the news. Before you take action against the Chime family, let me know in


    advance so that I can buy their.


    stocks I''ll make some pocket


    money and share some with youter." Content belongs to,


    swn


    Hera''s jaw dropped. Gino had even learned about stock trading?


    At the same time, several topics had gone viral.


    "Dr. Shadow is willing to pay for these four herbs!"


    "Citizens are snatching up oyster shells, sea cucumbers, turmeric, and reishi mushrooms!"


    "News from the government reminds people to not blindly follow price hikes!"


    Everly watched as several topics about Hera buying herbs at six times the market price went viral and was pleased with how things turned out. Hera had grown anxious under her intentional price hikes and the herbs going out of stock!

 Chapter 592

    Chapter 592


    ?


    Everly had known Catherine long enough to know Catherine''s habit when writing prescriptions. It was only possible to make the medicines in Youngworth Miracle Clinic with these four kinds of herbs.


    Considering how Hera was willing to offer six times higher than the market price, it seemed like it was a matter of urgency. She had to make medicines for patients with those herbs.


    However, it was useless even if the bid was ten times higher because Everly had secured all the avable stocks in the northern region market. She even asked someone to monopolize those herbs in the southern region market. Soon, the avable stocks in the whole country would belong to her.


    If Hera failed to restock those herbs, patients would grow suspicious of Youngworth Miracle Clinic. Consequently, Dr. Shadow''s reputation would be tarnished, and Everly''s clinic would rise.


    Just imagining it made Everly chuffed. She made a call. "Jethro, how are things going in the southern region market? Did you manage to monopolize the herbs?"


    "No. Apany named Jadonia Herbs hogged everything. I''m thinking of negotiating with the owner to buy those herbs," Jethro recounted. Jadonia Herbs?


    Wasn''t that Thiago Mayall''s herbalpany?


    Everly knew Thiago, whose father produced medicines. The business hit it big, so they opened apany in the southern region.


    She had thought of coborating with Thiago to ask him to monopolize the stocks avable in the southern region, but he was on good terms with Hera in the past.


    Despite being three years older than Hera and Everly, he followed behind Hera like apdog.


    Everly was afraid that he would snitch on her after she reached out for him. That would surely ruin her n. That was why she looked for someone else.


    "How much are they asking for?" asked Everly.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I offered three times higher. He was interested, and we were ready to clinch the contract until he found out that Dr. Shadow was looking for the herbs with a higher bid. The bid is two times higher than ours! So, he no longer wants to sell them to us," Jethro reported.


    She frowned. If Thiago sold the herbs to Hera, the herbs Everly bought would be a waste. Her n would turn into a fiasco!


    That couldn''t happen!


    Everly wouldn''t let him sell those herbs to Hera.


    Everly gritted her teeth and stomped on her foot. "I can offer a price 12 times higher than the market price. Make sure to buy reishi mushrooms, turmeric, sea cucumbers, and oyster shells from him!"


    Jethro was surprised by the figure. "Twelve times higher? It''ll take at least a hundred million dors to buy all of them from him. Do you have this much money in hand?"


    She gulped, wondering, "A hundred million dors... How many zeros is that?"


    Although she could enjoy the


    et


    privilege of Ms. Chime after bing part of the family, they didn''t give her cash. They only gave her a credit card with a limit of a hundred thousand dors per month.


    "Pay him a deposit and sign the contract first. I''ll pay him the remaining amount within a month," she instructed confidently.


    Hera was in dire need of the herbs. If Hera could offer six times higher than the market price, Everly would offer 12 times higher to buy the stocks. That way, Hera woulde to her, and she would be able to get her money back!


    Jethro responded, "Okay."


    Soon, Hera would offer her a lot of cash to buy those herbs! Everly was giddy with excitement at the sheer thought of it.


    Right then, her rm rang. The medicine was ready.


    Everly pulled her senses back. She poured the medicinal brew into a cup and brought it to the living room to serve to Prisci.


    Prisci was suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.


    Everly could tell that Prisci was a highly respected person in the Chime family. Although Philip was the head of the family, he was a family man who listened to Prisci.


    That was why Everly was determined to win Prisci''s heart.


    Everly said softly, "Grandma, here''s your medicine. Take it while it''s warm."


    "Thank you." Prisci took the bowl contentedly.


    After days of taking the medicinal


    ne


    brew made by Everly, Prisci felt more energized than before. It was difficult to keep her high blood pressure and diabetes at bay with modern medicine, but Everly''s prescription worked wonders. There


    weren''t even any side effects! Content belongs to

 Chapter 593

    Chapter 593


    ?


    In addition to that, Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock price hadn''t been in the red since Everly became one of the Chime family.


    Especially today when Hera announced an acquisition of herbs, all of which Everly had purchased under the Chime family''s name. At the end of the trading day, Chime Pharmaceutical''s stock hit the daily upper limit.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was said that Catherine fainted due to anger because of this. The news of it put Prisci on cloud nine. She finally made a strike against Catherine! Thus, Prisci was slowly growing fond of Everly. It was a wise decision to rece Camille with Everly.


    "Grandma, tomorrow will be the soft opening of my clinic. I hope you cane," Everly reminded her.


    Prisci chuckled. "Of course, I''ll go. I''ll bring along my friends to support your clinic. I want to tell them how capable my granddaughter is."


    "Thank you, Grandma. I''ll do my best," Everly promised in excitement.


    Prisci''s friends were undoubtedly rich people, who were prone to chronic diseases due to their high-quality lifestyle. In other words, they would be valuable customers who would help Everly''s clinic gain a footing in Jedburgh in no time!


    Meanwhile, Thiago was crouching on his chair barefooted in his office at Jadonia Herbs, looking unlike a president. He was talking over the phone with Hera, looking oh-so excited.


    "You''re the best, Hera! I love you so much! Someone just called in a while ago and offered a price 12 times higher than the market price to buy the stocks from me! Twelve times higher, man!"


    Despite his excitement, he received a monotonous response. "I see. So?"


    He thought, "She sure is different from others. Not even money can waver her!"


    He smiled sheepishly. "I''m just excited by the offer. They offered such a high price! Can I sell them off already? Or are you going to raise the price again?"


    "You can sell them off now. Just leave some for me. And make the public know the price you sell them off at," she reminded.


    "Yes, ma''am! I''ll sell them off and personally deliver the stocks you want to you."


    She refused, "Save the hassle. Just pass the task to the courierpany."


    He giggled, "Don''t be such a


    et


    stranger. ll personally deliver the herbs to you to express my sincerity. It''s been a while since Ist met you too. I''m-"


    Before he could tell her that he missed her, she terminated the call. But that didn''t bother him. He simply grinned while admiring how cool Hera was.


    The next day, Everly woke up early to get prepared for the soft opening of her clinic. She was expecting Hera to drop by to buy herbs. Everly was confident that Hera woulde today because she managed to buy the stocks from the southern region marketst night.


    Hera was left with no choice. Her only option was to beg Everly!


    Thanks to Dr. Shadow, her clinic would hit the jackpot just on the first day of business!


    The clinic had a space of 2,000 square feet and was strategically located near Reind Hospital. It was decorated in a simple and pleasant style.


    Everly promoted it on her personal


    TikTok ount and in the socialite group she recently joined in advance. On top of that, Prisci came with her friends. Content


    belongs to


    As soon as the clinic opened its doors, it was bustling with merriment. Reporters flooded over for interviews.


    Everly could hardly contain her excitement.


    While entertaining the guests, she eagerly anticipated Hera''s arrival.

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    Chapter 594


    ?


    "Come,e, my friends. This is my precious granddaughter''s clinic, Forever Clinic. Her medicine works like magic. I only had it for three days, and my high blood pressure and cholesterol level have gone down with no side effects," Prisci introduced to her friends proudly.


    When they passed by the herb disy cab, one of them stopped. "Wait, aren''t these the four herbs Dr. Shadow is looking for?"


    Prisci could tell that Everly was disying those four herbs in such a conspicuous ce on purpose to showcase her capabilities.


    She was a bit cunning, but Prisci liked it.


    "Yes, do you know herbs as well?"


    The wealthydy answered, "Everyone''s been talking about Dr. Shadow looking for herbs. I saw the photos online too. I heard that their prices have skyrocketed too. You''re really something, Everly. Not even Dr. Shadow managed to buy these herbs, but you managed to do it!"


    Everly linked arms with Prisci, smiling sweetly. It''s all thanks to Grandma''s support. Thank you, Grandma."


    As soon as she said that, Prisci''s friends understood the situation instantly.


    They had been friends for decades, so they were aware that Catherine was Augustus'' first love and Prisci''s rival!


    Prisci fell for Augustus when she was in university, but he liked Catherine at that time.


    Unfortunately, the Chime family broke the poor couple apart because of Catherine''s humble family background. Then, the Chimes paired him up with Prisci.


    Even though Prisci''s dream came true, Augustus could never forget about Catherine. Prisci''s friends knew of that.


    The couple had many fights because of Catherine, so it was natural for Prisci to resent Catherine.


    After Catherine opened Youngworth Miracle Clinic in Jedburgh with Hera, they becamepetitors. Younworth Miracle Clinic even caused Chime Pharmaciteucal''s stock price to fall for a period.


    Therefore, it was no surprise that Catherine held grudges.


    Prisci silently approved of Everly''s decision to disy the four herbs in the obvious corner. This was a way to overpower Youngworth Miracle Clinic.


    "Everly is impressive. Youngworth


    Miracle Clinic was able to rise


    because of her medicine. Now, she


    has decided to run her ownContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    business, and Youngworth Miracle


    Clinics temporarily closed for


    business because they''ve run out of


    herbs." Content belongs to


    "I know, right? So what if it''s Dr. Youngworth and Dr. Shadow running Youngworth Miracle Clinic? All they know is to tend to patients. They still need Everly to make medicine."


    "Oh,e on! Don''tpare that little clinic to Chime Pharmaceutical. The Chime family has been in the medical field for over a century. bet Dr. Shadow will visit here just to beg Everly to sell her these herbs. She can''t survive without the Chime family!"


    Prisci''s friends said exactly what she wanted to hear, belittling Catherine and Hera and then praising Everly.


    Hearing that pricked Everly''s guilty conscience.


    Others might not know, but she


    knew her skills very well. Hera knew


    how to make the medicine Everly


    made. Hera was just azy bum who didn''t want to spend time making medicine.


    Everly simply took advantage of Hera''s character.


    Meanwhile, Prisci was wreathed in smiles upon hearing the shower of praises. She loved it.


    Right then, a nurse came over. "Ms. Chime, an old woman is looking for you."


    Everly''s eyes lit up at that.


    She leaned in and whispered into Prisci''s ear, "Grandma, let''s go to the hall. I have something interesting to show you."


    Prisci had a guess on what it would be, and she called her friends toe along.


    The old woman, who was looking for Everly, was indeed Catherine!


    Prisci felt a pang of jealousy when she saw Catherine in a snug dress, looking spirited and elegant.

 Chapter 595

    Chapter 595


    ?


    Catherine and Prisci were of a simr age, but Catherine looked better in terms ofplexion and figure. "Speak of the devil."


    "I''m sure she''s here to buy the herbs."


    "This should be interesting to watch."


    People began gushing, waiting for the show to unfold.


    Disappointment seeped in Everly when she noticed that only Catherine hade. There was no sign of Hera.


    Everly weed, "Mrs, Jones, you''re here. Where''s Hera? Is she angry at me?"


    Not answering Everly''s question, Catherine grabbed her hand. "Everly, did you buy out all the four herbs? Stop this. You''re disrupting the market." Catherine had always wanted to meet Everly, but she couldn''t contact her.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Last night, however, Catherine suddenly received a call from Everly. Everly told her about her new clinic and invited Catherine and Hera over. Catherine didn''t inform Hera about it because she had to prepare for Harvey''s surgery. She didn''t want to distract Hera.


    Youngworth Miracle Clinic was closed today, so she decided toe over for a visit. She also wanted to talk to Everly and persuade her to stop disrupting the market as it wouldn''t do anyone good.


    Everly withdrew her hand. "You''re right. I bought them all. Why isn''t Hera here? Did she ask you toe alone?" She wondered if Hera had sent Catherine over to dissuade her.


    "Herie "


    Prisci interrupted proudly, "Oh please, Catherine Youngworth. If you''re here to ask for herbs, act like it. My family owns all of the reishi mushrooms, turmeric, sea cucumbers, and oyster shells in the whole country. Do you want them?"


    Catherine pursed her lips, not expecting to see Prisci here.


    "Well, it''s not like we can''t give you some." Prisc sneered as she pointed at the door. "Go to Reind Hospital. Walk from there to here, and kneel every three steps you take. Only then will I considepselling them to you."


    Catherine''s expression turned grim. "You''re crossing the line."


    "I am, but what can you do about it?" Prisci barked.


    It was true, there was nothing Catherine could do about it. She nced at Everly, who was beside Prisci, and the familiar faces behind them. They were standing by and watching the drama.


    Finally, Catherine realized that Everly invited her over just to embarrass her.


    To think that she hade to persuade Everly. How hrious.


    Catherine sighed in disappointment. "I hope you won''t waste that batch of herbs."


    Before Everly could ask what she meant by that, a swarm of people surrounded her.


    "You''re going too far, Ms. Pierce! You paid suppliers in the northern market triple the market price but offered those in the southern market 12 times the price! Are you looking down on us?"


    "Exactly! I can''t give you that batch of sea cucumber. Here''s your money. I''m going to retrieve my stock back."


    "The same goes for my oyster shells. You haven''t paid in full anyway. Just consider that it''s a breach of contract on my side."


    Everly knew them very well. They were the ones she had been buying herbs from recently. The people leading the group were Ryder Obel and Walter Moore.


    She tried to stay calm. "Mr. Obel, Mr. Moore, what''s the meaning of this?"


    et


    "This is unfair, Everly Pierce. We took the risk of offending Dr. Shadow by selling you the herbs, but you only offered us triple the market price. You offered the southern region market 12 times the market price!


    swne


    "We''re now in Dr. Shadow''s bad books because of you. We demand an exnation!" Ryder shouted furiously.

 Chapter 596

    Chapter 596


    ?


    "Exactly! It''s either you return our goods or raise the price! Make your choice!" Walter joined. Hera''s one word caused Ryder and Walter to lose half of their customers within two days.


    On top of that, Dr. Shadow offered six times the price to purchase the herbs. Yet, they only received three times the price from Everly.


    To make things uglier, Everly spent 12 times the price to buy out the herbs from the southern market!


    What a huge loss for them!


    The more they thought about it, the angrier they became. Thus, they ganged up with other suppliers of simr fate to demand an exnation from Everly.


    All color drained from Everly''s face. How did they find out that she bought Thiago''s stock at 12 times the price?


    She thought, "Thiago must''ve let the news out!"


    Worse still, she couldn''t increase the price because she didn''t have that much money.


    She said solemnly, "I can''t increase the price. We signed a contract before. The price and amount of herbs are clearly stated in the contracts." "If you don''t want to return us the herbs, fine. Pay us 12 times the price."


    "If you can''t do that, pay at least the same price Dr. Shadow offered."


    "That''s right! The price has been driven up so high now that even our suppliers have raised their prices. You can''t get any supplies at the price you offered before."


    "If you don''t raise your offer, I won''t ship the goods to you. I''ll sell them to Dr. Shadow. I can supply to you once the price falls."


    The suppliers chimed in, leaving Everly cornered and at a loss for words.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Themotion scared many of the customers. Only Prisci and her friends were still there.


    Prisci had already lost the smile on her face. She piped up seriously, "What do you take us for? Do you think you can change the terms however you want?"


    "But the price you offered us is unfair! This is bullying!" someone barked back.


    Prisci gulped because she knew that Everly was indeed wrong in this matter.


    "Dr. Shadow has made another announcement! She''s offering 20 times the market price to buy reishi mushrooms, turmeric, sea cucumbers, and oyster shells! Twenty times!"


    The suppliers'' eyes brightened, and they made a fuss about it.


    "I''m not selling you the herbs! Return them to me! I want to sell them to Dr. Shadow!"


    "Me too! You haven''t paid the full amount anyway. I''m turning to Dr. Shadow!"


    "Me too! Me too!"


    Everly was panicking and thrilled at


    the same time. She thought, "It seems like Hera is bing anxious because she can''t buy the


    herbs at six times the pricvel


    belongs to


    Content


    Now that Hera was offering 20 times the price, it was the perfect time for Everly to sell off her herbs!


    She could rake in huge profits from this!


    "Alright, I''ll pay every one of you 20 times the price. This is final," she announced aloud.


    Ryder and Walter exchanged looks before discussing with other suppliers.


    Their objective was to raise their selling price, not retrieve the goods. Since they had offended Dr. Shadow, she might choose to not buy from them.


    Besides, Everly was willing to raise


    her offer! Therefore, they decided to put an end to this by agreeing with the final offer. They gave her the price adjustment contracts they had prepared beforehand for her to sign.


    In order to stop them from causing any more trouble and ruining


    quickly skimmed through the contracts and signed them.


    Forever Clinic''s reputation,


    The suppliers left with a contented smile, and Prisci finally rxed.


    Everly said, "Grandma, you and your friends should stay and watch how Heraes asking for herbster."


    However, there was no sign of Hera the whole afternoon. Even Catherine had left without them realizing.


    "When is she going toe?" one of them grumbled impatiently.


    Even Prisci was running out of patience. Everly was afraid that Prisci might storm out of the clinic, so she called Hera.


    "Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavable. Please try againter..."


    Hera had turned off her phone!


    Refusing to give up, Everly called again but it was in vain.


    She tried calling Wayne with a different number so that he could pass the phone to Hera.

 Chapter 597

    Chapter 597


    ?


    But Wayne''s phone was turned off as well.


    Everly called I and Sarah, but the line couldn''t get through.


    Even Catherine''s phone was turned off!


    Why was this happening?


    Why did everyone have their phones turned off?


    Left with no choice, Everly texted them, but she didn''t receive a single reply the whole day.


    It wouldn''t be strange for others not to reply to her, but she found it odd that Wayne wasn''t responding to her message. He would never ignore her messages!


    She had a bad feeling about this. Did they block her number?


    Right then, one of Prisci''s friends couldn''t wait any longer. "Mrs. Chime Senior, I must go now. I have a spa appointment in the afternoon."


    Then, the others started making excuses to leave.


    Enraged, Prisci questioned Everly, "Where''s the show you talked about? Did you make us wait for nothing on purpose?"


    Prisci brought her friends along, expecting that there would be a show to enjoy. Yet, not only did they fail to humiliate Catherine, but the suppliers also managed to raise their selling price and they wasted their time for nothing.


    Everly attempted to exin, "I don''t know why Hera-"


    "If you can''t sell off those herbs, you''ll have to bear the losses yourself." Prisci then stormed out of the clinic.


    The pale-faced Everly kept convincing herself that Hera was in crisis while trying to keep her cool.


    She believed that Hera woulde asking for the herbs as long as she waited longer.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    However, Hera didn''te that night. She didn''t even show up the following days.


    Unable to wait any longer, Everly personally visited Hera at Youngworth Miracle Clinic. "Hera Youngworth, didn''t you offer to buy reishi mushrooms, turmeric, sea cucumbers, and oyster shells at 20 times higher than market price? I''m the only one with the stocks in the whole country."


    Hera, who was sitting on the couch, didn''t even lift her gaze from the medical book in her hands. "So?" she replied indifferently.


    Rage bubbled in Everly. Hera had


    always been this indifferent to everything. Nothing seemed to bother her¡ªeven now, when she had run out of herbs to make medicine for her patients.


    "You can only buy those from me," Everly emphasized.


    "I don''t need them anymore," Hera revealed.


    "What?" Everly''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Hera put the book down and looked at her, repeating her words, "I said, I don''t need them anymore."


    Thunder suddenly rumbled, and rain started to pour.


    The shocking revtion riveted Everly on the spot. Herplexion didn''t look good. "T-That''s impossible!"


    If Hera didn''t need those herbs, what should Everly do with them?


    She didn''t need those stocks that were worth hundreds of millions of dors!


    Did she have to bear the loss all by herself?


    Hera smiled. "I''ve reced those herbs with other things, so I don''t need them anymore."


    Everly''s mind went nk.


    If Hera had figured out an alternative, why did she announce that she was looking for those herbs?


    Finally realizing the scheme, Everly


    pointed at Hera. Her hand was


    trembling. "Y-You did it on purpose You raised the price on purpose so that I would buy them off at a high


    price You despicable


    swnov


    "Despicable witch? Me? I thought it was you who tried to buy them off at a higher price, no?" Hera sneered.


    Everly was so angry that her body was shaking, but she couldn''t find something to rebut that.


    "As I said, I can take back whatever


    I''ve given you. Don''t me others for the choice you made," Hera said coldly before holding her book again. "Get out. I''m not in the mood to entertain you."

 Chapter 598

    Chapter 598


    ?


    Everly left Youngworth Miracle and walked back to Forever Clinic in the rain. Suddenly, someone covered her mouth from behind.


    It happened so swiftly that before she could react, a sack was worn over her head. A sharp pain stung from her nape, and she fainted.


    Half an hourter, someone poured cold water on her to wake her up. She found herself in a run-down house. Standing before was a group of fierce- looking men.


    Her face lost its color as she shrunk in a corner, her eyes looking at them fearfully.


    "Everly Pierce, do you know why we kidnapped you here?" The leading man, Samuel Palmer, grazed his thumb over a knife. One of his eyes was covered.


    She gulped at the sight of the big knife before pleading, "Could you give me a few more days? I''ll return you the money after selling off those herbs." Actually, she borrowed from loan sharks to pay for the deposits.


    "It''s been three days past the agreed date! You know what happens when you can''t pay us back, don''t you?" Samuel threw the knife onto the cutting board on the table.


    At the same time, a man grabbed her to pull over her right arm.


    She screamed in fear. Her hand balled into a fist because she was afraid that they would chop her hand off.


    Annoyed, the man pped her face. "Shut up or pay us back, bitch!"


    She fell onto the floor. Her cheek swelled, and the corner of her lips bled.


    She covered her cheek and knelt while begging for her life, "Please! Please give me three more days! I''ll pay you back after three days!" "What if you can''t?" Samuel threatened.


    She quickly said, "I''m sure I can pay you back! I have the herbs Dr. Shadow is looking for. She''s willing to pay 20 times higher than the market price. Once she receives the goods, I''ll have the money to pay you back!"


    He spat out the words, "If you still can''t pay us back, you''re dead meat!" He did hear of the announcement from Dr. Shadow in passing but not the details.


    The group of men left after that.


    When Everly stood up, she realized that her pants were stained. It turned out that she was so terrified she wet herself.


    However, she wasn''t in the state of mind to care about her image. She ran back to Forever Clinic without hesitation.


    Right when she was going to open the door, a group of people suddenly flocked to her. The lingering fear prompted her to run away.


    "Everly Pierce, where are you going? You haven''t cleared your payment! When are you going to make the final payment?"


    "Don''t think of running away from this! We signed a contract!"


    "If you don''t pay us, we''ll sue you!"


    She shrieked like a lunatic, causing the suppliers to exchange looks. However, none of them showed a tinge of pity.


    One of them yelled at her, "What are you shouting for? It''s useless to act crazy. You have to pay as agreed!"


    It was only then that she realized


    that they were the suppliers wh


    came in the morning, not the loanContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Still, that didn''t spare her from a mental breakdown.


    Everly wasn''t fit for business, but


    she knew that no one would buy et


    NOUN


    those Kerbs from her after Hera had raised the market price so


    If she couldn''t sell them off, she would lose hundreds of millions of dors. She wouldn''t have the


    et


    money to pay the suppliers! Before the suppliers could sue her, the loan sharks might be after her life first!


    swno


    She shuddered at the thought of how the loan sharks had treated Catherine in the past.


    Everly thought that she had the upper hand in the situation and yet, she was fooled by Hera. Everly had dug her own grave. Now that she was penniless, she didn''t give a fig about the world anymore. "I don''t want your herbs anymore! Take them back!" If the suppliers retrieved the herbs, they could sell them off again. At least, she wouldn''t suffer from that big of a loss. Unfortunately for her, they weren''t buying it. "You don''t want them anymore? Even if you don''t want them, you should pay us!"

 Chapter 599

    Chapter 599


    ?


    "Right! We offended Dr. Shadow because of you back then. There''s no taking back your word!"


    "Tell us, when are you going to pay us? If you don''t, we''ll tear this clinic down!"


    "Y-You!" Everly almost fainted due to anger.


    A supplier with credibility shouldn''t act this way. They were acting no less different from loan sharks!Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    At first, they caused a racket to demand their stock back. Now that they couldn''t sell them off, they returned to her to demand payment!


    Despite the fury, she did her best to talk some sense into them. "Listen, I''ve paid the deposit, and you don''t have to return the money. Think of it as borrowing the herbs with interest. You can take the herbs back, and I don''t have to make the final payment."


    The suppliers began discussing among themselves. As businessmen, they figured that it wasn''t that bad to earn the deposit without supplying anything. If they could retrieve the herbs, they could sell them to Dr. Shadow too!


    Perfect!


    Just when Everly thought that she managed to convince the suppliers, a nurse hurriedly ran out of the clinic. "Ms. Chime, this is bad! The storage is leaking, and the herbs are wet due to the rainstorm!"


    Everly was crestfallen. "What?"


    "The water in the storage wasn''t disposed of in time, so many of the herbs have rotten. We''re counting the stocks right now to see how many are intact," the nurse continued.


    Everly flopped onto the ground, her eyes losing their focus and her head buzzing.


    "Ms. Chime, are you alright?" The nurse quickly held her and noticed something was off about her face. "What happened to your face, Ms. Chime?" The suppliers, who were about to agree to the final offer, instantly changed their minds. "We''re not taking the herbs back. They''re yours, and you must pay us ordingly."


    "We''ll give you another week. If you don''t pay us by then, we''ll see you in court!"


    Then, the suppliers left.


    Everly stayed on the ground as she had yet to register the situation. Passersby gave her strange looks. Some even took and uploaded photos of her online.


    Forever Clinic had yet to open officially, but it was in a crisis of shutting down.


    At that moment, the nurse received a call. After the call, she told Everly, "Ms. Chime, Mr. Chime asked you to return home immediately."


    A sparkle of hope brightened her eyes.


    She could seek help from Philip! Now that she was part of the Chime family, they wouldn''t abandon her!


    She quickly got up and returned to the Chime residence.


    The moment she entered the house,


    she saw Philip sitting on the couch with a solemn expression. He was holding a tablet, which was ying a video of the suppliers demanding their money from her.


    People online were talking about how the Chimes dug their own


    graves After disrupting the how


    market, theirpany was on the brink of going bankrupt!


    Philip requested Everly''s audience because he wanted to stop thepany''s stock price from falling. It hadn''t been long since their stock price started performing welDagain, yet Everly ruined everything.


    "Did I ept you as one of the family to cause more trouble for us?" He mmed the tablet onto the table.


    Frightened, she hung her head low. She felt wronged. If they hadn''t agreed to her n, she wouldn''t have bought off the herbs so boldly.


    Still, she didn''t say her thoughts aloud. Instead, she begged for mercy, "Dad, I''m sorry. I was wrong. Could you¡ª"


    "Don''t call me Dad!" he interrupted before she could finish. "Don''t think of stepping into this house until you settle this matter!"


    He headed to the study and mmed the door shut angrily.


    Obviously, he wouldn''t help her.


    And that wasn''t it. He was even going to kick her out of the Chime family if she couldn''t resolve this!


    She sat on the floor in despair, tears of regret trickling down her cheeks.


    Right then, her phone rang. It was an unknown number. She answered the call.


    "Everly? I heard that you''re in trouble. Do you need money?" It was a man.

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600


    ?


    "Who are you?" Everly asked lifelessly.


    "It''s Wade. We met at Nightless Haven, remember?" The man''s tone sounded a little menacing.


    His words reminded her of the time she and Marcus went to Nightless Haven. Wade was a bald fat man. He looked like a pervert. His daughter was older than Everly, yet heid a hand on her!


    "Anything I can help you with, Mr. Lowman?" she responded indifferently.


    "I heard that you''re in trouble and you need money. Be my lover, and I''ll help you," he suggested.


    If this had happened in the past, she would''ve yelled at him and hung up the call right away.


    She wished to give her first time to the man she loved.


    However, she was in a hopeless situation right now. "Could you help me pay off all my debts?"


    He quickly said, "As long as you be my lover, of course, I can do that. It''s not that much anyway. I can also buy you a house and a car."


    His offer was enticing. Now that the herbs were ruined and Philip wouldn''t help her, the loan sharks would being after her!


    She didn''t want to die!


    She''d rather sell off her body than get killed by the loan sharks. As long as she kept it a secret, no one would know!


    She made up her mind. "Okay. You''d better do as you promised."


    The sneaky Wade quickly said, "I will. I''ll share an address. See youter."


    The call terminated. After ncing at the address, she got changed and left the house.


    At this point, she thought that this matter would settle down after sleeping with Wade a few times. Little did she know that this was the start of the impending hell.


    On the other hand, an upset Johnson walked out of Reind Hospital. His eyes lit up when he saw the woman at the gates.


    The white snug dress warped her body perfectly, and her tress was braided and tied up. The golden sheen of sunshine cast on her, making her look nothing short of a goddess. Her beauty was surreal.


    He pinched his cheek toe back to his senses before approaching her. "What brings you here, Ms. Youngworth?"


    She looked back at him. "That''s too formal of you. Just call my name."


    He brushed his nose awkwardly. "Hera."


    Even though they had known each other for two weeks, he couldn''t help getting excited over meeting her. was as if he was meeting his


    +4


    celebrity crush. It took everything in him to stop himself from acting like a fanboy.


    "Something wrong?" Hera asked.


    Johnson recalled what the deputy director said in the office.


    "Dr. Shadow is a skillful doctor, but she hasn''t had a sessful case of waking up a patient from aa. Spencer McQueen is a prominent psychiatrist in Miridian and has woken


    en up ten patients from aa


    before. But not even he has a


    solution. This means Mr. Presgrave


    is unlikely to wake up. Content


    belongs to


    "Stop wasting your time on this. This surgery is bound to fail. I can''t borrow you the operating room and medical equipment. I hope you can understand my situation, Mr. Chime."


    Hera needed an operating room and


    huge medical equipment for


    Harvey''s surgery. Youngworth


    et


    Miracle Clinic didn''t have those facilities. Besides, the GE 3.0T MR¨¬ machine was essential for the surgery. It would take at least three


    months for the made-to-order machine to be delivered fromContent held by N?velDrama.Org.


    abroad. Content belongs to


    However, it would be toote for the surgery. That was why Johnson volunteered to look for it for Hera.


    He originally thought he could secure an operating room at the Chime family''s hospital. In the end, he realized that he had overestimated his position in the family.


    The main family was strictly prohibiting those from the side families from getting involved in the affairs of the family business to the point where they weren''t even allowed to book an operating room.


    His silence gave the game away. Hera could tell the oue right away. "Let''s head back."

 Chapter 601

    Chapter 601


    ?


    After speaking, Hera headed toward the car parked by the side, where Wayne awaited her and Johnson.


    Johnson followed her, feeling somewhat discouraged. "I''m really sorry. I thought I could..."


    "No need to apologize. I''ve already found an operating room." After getting into the car, Hera took out her phone and started texting.


    From the start, she never expected Reind Hospital to provide her with an operating room. But since Johnson was determined to try booking the ce, she did not stop him.


    Johnson was slightly astonished. "You''ve found a ce? Where?"


    "You''ll know soon enough. Wayne, let''s go," Hera spoke to Wayne, who was seated in the driver''s seat, but he did not respond to her.


    "Wayne?" Hera called again. This time, Wayne answered, "Oh, yes. Are we leaving now?"


    Hera followed his gaze and noticed that Everly''s Forever Clinic was not far ahead. Although the clinic was open, there weren''t many patients inside.


    As they drove past Forever Clinic, Everly was nowhere to be seen. She was likely afraid to show up at her clinic for fear of running into the loan sharks.


    Marcus stood by the window of the deputy director''s office. He looked down at the hospital entrance, where Johnson had followed Hera into the car before leaving. Marcus'' inscrutable gaze did not reveal any emotion.


    "Mr. Chime Senior would be furious if he knew about this, Mr. Chime," the deputy director beside Marcus reminded him.


    In fact, it wouldn''t affect the hospital much if they merely provided an operating room and some medical equipment. On the contrary, it would generate headlines that Hera was coborating with Reind Hospital. That might even boost the stock prices.


    But Marcus refused to do so. The Chime family and Hera had been at odds with each other ever since Hera sent Camille to prison.


    Marcus was even more furious


    when he learned that the medicinal ingredients Everly bought had gone to waste. In fact, Everly''s n did not even negatively impact Youngworth Miracle Clinic Content


    belongs to


    It wasn''t as if Marcus cared a lot for Camille and Everly. He was just infuriated that Hera had ruined the Chime family''s reputation.


    After all, Marcus would take over the Chime family in the future. Thus, he did not want anyone else to be better than him, especially hispetitors. "Don''t let him know about it, then," Marcus snapped.


    Augustus had gone to Syldoria to attend a medical seminar. If he were here, he never would have permitted them to do something as absurd as weing Everly into the family.


    "Even if we don''t provide them with


    an operating room and medical equipment, someone else will," the assistant director couldn''t help but remind Marcus. After all, Hera''s reputation was still quite beneficial to the hospital. Content belongs to


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Marcus narrowed his eyes sinisterly. "Inform everyone that no one is allowed to provide an operating room and equipment to Hera and Johnson!"


    The assistant director''s lips parted


    as if he were about to say something. In the end, he did not speak his mind and merely said, "Noted." Then, he turned to make some phone calls. Content belongs


    to


    He returned a momentter and cautiously said, "Mr. Chime, Ms. Youngworth has already found an operating room and equipment. They were provided by Silverleaf Hospital."


    "Does Silverleaf Hospital not want to work with us Chimes anymore?" Marcus eximed while banging the table.


    Although Silverleaf Hospital was a public hospital in Jedburgh, they would reach out to the Chime family whenever they needed medical equipment. "The head of the Alternative Medicine Association, Oscar Bloom, made the arrangements and secured the operating room," the assistant director exined.


    Hearing Oscar''s name made Marcus clench his fists tightly. Although the Chime family specialized in modern medicine, they often considered expanding into alternative medicine.


    Marcus had sought out Oscar a few times. However, Oscar was a busy man who was often unavable. Now, he seemed free enough to interfere in this matter.


    "Let''s go to Silverleaf Hospital. She''s so young, so how capable can she be?" Marcus unexpectedly stood up and left.

 Chapter 602

    Chapter 602


    ?


    Oscar, Randy Nickerson, the three Presgraves, and several medical staff waited at Silverleaf Hospital entrance, creating a grand spectacle. Even the media hurried over after receiving the news. Many onlookers curiously wondered which VIP they were about to wee. Meanwhile, Wayne steadily parked the car at Silverleaf Hospital. Johnson saw themotion through the car window. He couldn''t help but recall that thest time he saw such a grand spectacle was to wee Bernard.


    However, Hera did not say anything about the crowd. Instead, she said to Wayne, "You can go back first, Wayne. You don''t have to wait for me." With that, she took the canvas bag and got out of the car.


    Oscar and Randy stepped forward to wee her.


    "Randy, this is Dr. Shadow, also known as Hera Youngworth." Oscar stood between them as he introduced them to each other. "Hera, this is the head of Alternative-Western Medicine Integrated Association and director of Silverleaf Hospital, Randy Nickerson."


    Randy extended his right hand. "Silverleaf Hospital wees you, Dr. Shadow."


    "Mr. Nickerson, you can call me Hera." Hera extended her right hand and shook hands with him.


    Randy admired someone like Hera, who was neither humble nor arrogant. He answered with a chuckle, "Sure. I''ll do the same as Oscar and call you Hera."


    After that, Randy looked at Johnson, who had followed Hera out of the car. "Is Mr. Chime with you?"


    "Yes. Johnson is my partner," Hera introduced.


    While taken aback by the word "partner", Johnson also felt very touched. Did that mean Hera acknowledged his capability?


    "Mr. Nickerson, Mr. Bloom." He reached out to shake hands with them. After shaking hands, the four went toward the hospitalplex.


    "Hera, the operating room and equipment are ready. Even the patient has been transferred over here. However, I do have a request, which I''m wondering if you could agree to," Randy spoke up.


    "What''s your request?" Hera asked.


    "The Alternative-Western Medicine Integrated Association has set up a research group with the Alternative Medicine Association to studyatose patients. The groupprises doctors with significant achievements in psychiatry.


    "But everyone needs more in-depth research onatose patients. Hence, Oscar and I are asking on their behalf whether they could enter the operating room and observe the surgery. It''ll be an opportunity for them to learn," Randy exined gently.


    "Once inside the operating room, everyone will definitely remain silent and won''t disturb you," Oscar added.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    It was quitemon for doctors to observe surgery in operating rooms. Hera herself had often been observed at operations whenever she attended medical seminars overseas in the past.


    Whenever she went overseas to attend medical seminars, many also watched her operate.


    Besides, the Alternative-Western Medicine Integrated Association and the Alternative Medicine Association were a rather big deal in the medical field in Jedburgh.


    Since Oscar and Randy had personally made the request, Hera decided not to reject them. After all, she was using Silverleaf Hospital''s facilities. Thus, she nodded in agreement. "Sure."


    Oscar, Randy, and the other medical staff behind them were thrilled to hear her answer. "Thank you."


    By the time Marcus arrived at


    l


    Silverleaf Hospital, he happened to spot Hera entering the hospitalplex while surrounded by a crowd Next to her was Oscar and Randy, who came out to personally wee her.


    et


    Although Marcus was the scion of the Chime family, which was a prominent family in the medical field, he very rarely had the chance to meet Oscar and Randy at the same time. Why was Hera worthy of such an opportunity? Content


    belongs to


    "Dr. Shadow is currently at Silverleaf Hospital. She''ll be operating on Harvey Presgrave, who''s been in aa for more than a decade.


    "She has even permitted a group of psychiatrists to observe the surgery in real-time. If this operation is sessful, Dr. Shadow will achieve another milestone in her medical expertise.


    "It''ll also be a breakthrough foratose patients. This is a very exciting moment. How I wish I could enter the operating room to livestream the operation for everyone!"


    Marcus happened to overhear a nearby reporter speaking into the camera during a live broadcast. His gaze darkened, and he stepped forward to enter the hospital.


    Before the operation, Hera reviewed thetest medical data on Harvey''s condition. She held a meeting with Johnson and the nurses, while the doctors from the research group onatose patients listened in from the side. Content belongs to


    Once the meeting was over, Hera and the others had to get ready for the operation. Connor and his family had been waiting by the conference room door.


    When Hera came out of the room, Connor immediately asked, "Dr. Shadow, what are the chances of the operation seeding?"


    Fearful that Tyler had hired Hera to harm Harvey, Fiona couldn''t help but say, "You must wake up my son. Otherwise..." Before she could finish her threat, Connor stopped her.


    Hera nced at them indifferently before saying, "Get the press release ready." Then, she headed to the changing room to prepare for the operation. Her words left Connor and Fiona confused immediately. What press release was she talking about? Would the operation be a sess or failure? While in the changing room, Hera checked her phone before changing into her surgical gown. Bernard had sent more than a hundred WhatsApp messages while Hera held her meeting.


    All the videos were live updates about him preparing to return to Jedburgh, from leaving the hotel to heading to the airport at Miridian.

 Chapter 603

    Chapter 603


    ?


    Thetest message from Bernard said, "Sweetie, 45 minutes and 37 seconds have passed. Is your meeting not over yet? I miss you." "...The meeting is over. I''m about to enter the operating room for the operation."


    The moment she sent the message, Bernard replied almost immediately, "How long will the operation take?"


    Hera said, "If all goes well, it''ll take seven to eight hours."


    "Poor thing. Here''s a virtual hug.


    "Don''t feel too pressured. After all, Harvey is not the only son of the Presgrave family. Just rest if you''re tired." Hera didn''t know whether she should cry orugh upon seeing his texts. He probably said that on purpose. Bernard sent another text, "The ne is about to take off. I''lle pick you up once I arrive at Jedburgh."


    They had not seen each other for more than a week. The thought of seeing Bernard after the operation made Hera smile instinctively. She replied, "Sure."


    Hera thought Bernard had already gone offline, but he texted within the next second, "I miss you."


    Hera smiled. She put down her phone and began to change her clothes. After wearing her white coat, she was about to put on the surgical gown when she noticed multiple WhatsApp notifications on her phone''s lock screen.


    She checked her phone again. It didn''t take long for Bernard to send more than 20 messages, saying "I miss you".


    Hera was rendered speechless. She then texted, "Isn''t your ne about to take off?"


    Bernard replied, "I''m waiting for you to say you miss me too."


    Hera didn''t know what to say. They were about to meet up very soon.


    Was it necessary for him to be so clingy? He wouldn''t actually make everyone on the whole ne wait for her to reply "I miss you" before they took off, right?


    She had no choice but to text him, "I miss you."


    Bernard said, "I love you."


    Afraid that he would spam her again, Hera copied and pasted his words and sent them to him, "I love you."


    This time, Bernard finally did not reply anymore. After putting on the surgical gown, Hera picked up her acupuncture bag and entered the operating


    room.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "Everything is ready," Johnson informed Hera, who nodded.


    "Let''s begin, then."


    The observers in the operating room also wore surgical gowns, surgical caps, and masks. They were covered from head to toe, only revealing their eyes.


    No one noticed that Marcus had slipped into the crowd at all. The atmosphere was so silent that they could only hear the sounds of the medical equipment.


    et


    The doctors watched Hera use acupuncture techniques before switching to the scalpel. She seemed extremely skillful with the modern and alternative medicine approaches. The onlookers couldn''t help but be in awe of her skills.


    They had always known of Hera''s expertise in alternative medicine. No one ever guessed that she was just as adept with modern medicine. They were really lucky to be


    AQUMS


    observing the operation today. Content belongs to


    Marcus watched Hera work skillfully under the surgical light, which made her seem like she was being illuminated by an angelic glow. While impressed with her skills, he also felt rather pressured.


    Just as the operation was at its critical moment, amotion suddenly broke out among the doctors watching from the sidelines.


    One of the doctors suddenly stumbled upon being pushed forward. He knocked into the medical equipment on the side, causing a loud noise.


    Johnson, who had been intensely focused on the surgery, was startled. His hand trembled, causing the scalpel to slip slightly.

 Chapter 604

    Chapter 604


    ?


    Hera reacted quickly by using the needle between her fingertips to speedily block Johnson''s scalpel. That prevented the scalpel from cutting the nerve on the side.


    "Thank you." Johnson''s heart was racing madly, for he had almost caused a disaster. At the same time, he couldn''t help but admire Hera for her concentration.


    Johnson had always considered himself to have excellent focus. However, the sound was so sudden that he couldn''t help but be startled. Yet, Hera remained as steady as a rock.


    "Why did you push me?" The female doctor, who was suddenly shoved out of the crowd, interrogated the person who was initially behind her.


    The male doctor was very aggrieved. "I didn''t push you!"


    Someone reminded softly, "Stop arguing. Don''t disturb Dr. Shadow."


    "Leave!" Hera ordered coldly.


    The few doctors shuddered, feeling intimidated by her icy demeanor. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to. Could I..."


    "Whoever was involved earlier has to leave within the next minute. Otherwise, I expect all of you to get out!"


    Although the female doctor wanted to exin herself, Hera did not give her a chance. Hera hated people interrupting her work, especially when she was administering acupuncture and performing surgery.


    Whether it was strangers or even Bernard, Hera would not go easy on any of them.


    The doctors who were observing from the side exchanged anxious looks. Afraid that everyone would be kicked out, they quickly gestured for the five people involved earlier to leave.


    Although the five onlookers were rather reluctant and felt wronged, they still left the room. In fact, Marcus was one of them. Seeing how themotion did not affect Hera at all, he became more impressed yet slightly more disgruntled toward her.


    The remaining doctors dared not to move or even breathe too loud, fearing that all of them would be kicked out. As time slowly passed, the doctors observing on the side began to feel weary from standing.


    However, Hera remained extremely focused on the surgery. Despite her young age, it was really impressive that she could maintain such high concentration for so long.


    Finally, the operation came to an end. Johnson watched Hera extract thest needle. Harvey''s finger moved, and his eyelids twitched immediately as well.


    Johnson was very shocked. "We did it!"


    The other doctors observing from the side were intrigued and wanted to step forward for a closer look. But none of them dared to move since Hera said nothing.


    Harvey''s tightly shut eyelids twitched a few times before slowly opening. He saw a few figures against the bright white light, but he couldn''t see them clearly.


    The only person he could see


    unusually clearly was Hera, who was looking at him. Her intense, dark


    eyes seemed rather aloof. She also had thick and long eyshes,


    §ç§Ú§Þ


    making her eyes look very pretty.


    One nce at Hera was enough for Harvey to remember her for a lifetime.


    ...


    Bernard headed to Silverleaf Hospital after arriving at the airport. Aside from Connor and his family, Nichs was outside the operating room as well.


    While Connor and Fiona paced


    restlessly in front of the operating room door, Tyler leisurely sat on the bench with his legs crossed. There was arge bouquet of blue roses next to him.


    Meanwhile, Nichs sat opposite him with arge bouquet of red roses beside him as well. The red and blue roses seemed to contrast against each other.


    From time to time, Nichs would nce at his watch and the operating room door. He nned to be the first one to greet Hera with flowers when she came outter.


    "I advise you not to waste your time. Hera doesn''t like a weakling like you," Tyler uttered coldly, having understood what was on Nichs'' mind. Nichs did not give in. "I''m not weak! I have four-pack abs!"


    Tyler scoffed. "Who doesn''t have abs?"


    "You both suck," Bernard remarked icily. His gaze darkened when hez noticed the two bouquets beside Nichs and Tyler. These idiots always tried to get close to Hera whenever he wasn''t around ContentContent held by N?velDrama.Org.


    belongs to


    "Mr. Killian!" Connor immediately hurried forward to greet Bernard upon noticing his arrival.


    Connor''s greeting suddenly made Tyler and Nichs stop fighting and nce at Bernard at the same time. He was their biggest enemy.


    "How long has it been?" Bernard asked while ncing at his watch.


    Connor picked up on the dissatisfaction in his tone and cautiously replied, "It''s been almost nine hours."

 Chapter 605

    Chapter 605


    ?


    Bernard knitted his brows together unhappily.


    Meanwhile, Connor dared not to say a word, fearing that he might upset Bernard and cause him to call for a stop to the operation. Thus, Connor backed away to the side quietly.


    "Sorry to interrupt. Is this the ce where Hera is performing the operation?" Thiago asked while carrying arge bouquet of white roses and pulling his ck suitcase. He had well-defined features, but his permed hair made him look somewhat feminine.


    Bernard turned to scrutinize Thiago. The sight of the white roses in Thiago''s arms made Bernard frown even more. When did Hera attract such a lousy man?


    Nichs immediately felt wary upon realizing that Thiago''srge bouquet of white roses was just as impressive as his. Where did this guye from?


    Nichs was about to ask who Thiago was when he heard Bernard coldly reply, "No."


    Thiago looked at his phone in confusion before looking around. He said to himself, "That''s strange. Shouldn''t she be here? Didn''t the nurse say she''d be here?"


    Seeing how no one responded to him, Thiago turned and walked away, tugging his suitcase behind him.


    Nichs just stared at him, mortified that Thiago believed Bernard so easily.


    Tyler scoffed. If only Hera were here to see Bernard''s true colors as a liar.


    "Is the operating room really not here? But I watched the news, and even the nurses said she''ll be here!" Thiago, who had not even taken two steps, turned back to ask tentatively.


    Tyler replied, "She''s really not here."


    Since Bernard did not say a word, Thiago finally walked away angrily.


    The moment he left, the light above the operating room door turned off. The operating room door opened.


    Fiona hurried forward but was pushed aside by Nichs, who shoved the flowers forward. "You''ve worked hard."


    But the first one who came out was


    Johnson. Although he was slightly perplexed, he still epted the


    flowers. "Thanks. Actually, you didn''t have to-" Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    Before he could finish speaking, Nichs took the flowers back immediately, realizing that it was the wrong person. "They''re not for you."


    Hera slowly came out. Having


    focused for more than nine hours,


    she was beyond exhausted and hungry. If it weren''t for the


    interruption earlier, the operation


    swnovelContent rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    wouldn''t have taken so long ve


    Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    As soon as she stepped out of the room, she was greeted with arge bouquet of red roses by Nichs.


    She didn''t take it, but anotherrge bouquet of blue roses was forcefully shoved into her arms, pushing the red roses aside.


    "You''ve done well, Hera," Tyler said.


    Hera was very exhausted and only wanted to replenish some energy. She took off her mask and asked, "Isn''t there anything to eat?"


    Her reply rendered Tyler and Nichs speechless. They had not anticipated this.


    Bernard icily pushed them aside. He then carried Hera bridal style before turning to leave. "I brought you some tiramisu cake. It''s in the car."


    Hera couldn''t be bothered to struggle as she was extremely worn out, so she let Bernard carry her.


    "How did the operation go?" Fiona asked anxiously, having finally found an opportunity to speak.


    "It was sessful! The patient is


    awake. As he had been in aa for


    too long, he needs time to gradually


    recover


    his


    consciousness. He''ll


    n


    need to remain in the hospital for observation," Johnson exined. Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    Swn


    Hearing that made Connor and Fiona cry tears of joy. "That sounds amazing. Thank you! Thank you, Dr. Shadow!"


    "That''s not right. The nurse said she''d be here!" At that moment, Thiago returned with his luggage in tow.

 Chapter 606

    Chapter 606


    ?


    Thiago''s eyes lit up at the sight of Hera in Bernard''s arms. "Hera! You''re actually here!" He grinned, revealing his teeth in a goofy way.


    But his joy onlysted three seconds when he finally realized that Bernard was holding Hera in his arms. Thiago hurried forward and eximed, "Who are you! Quickly let go of my Hera!"


    Hera noticed Thiago approaching her. She really did not expect that he woulde looking for her. Not only did she feel tired and hungry, but she suddenly also felt a headacheing on.


    Bernard was slightly taller than Thiago. He looked down at him with sarcasm shing in his eyes. "Your Hera?"


    "Exactly!" Thiago looked rather solemn while rambling on, "She''s my Hera! We''ve known each other for a long time!


    "When we were kids, my father and her grandmother nned for us to get married in the future. That makes her my fianc¨¦e!"


    As the words "nned for us to get married" and "fianc¨¦e" left Thiago''s mouth, Hera could clearly feel Bernard bing more unfriendly than ever. He was definitely overthinking this.


    That happened when Hera was just a child. She used to often apany Catherine when she went to sell herbs to Thiago''s father, Justin Mayall.


    After bing close with one another, Justin jokingly suggested to Catherine that they could be inws by arranging a marriage for Hera and Thiago.


    Hearing that exnation made Nichs stare in horror. A fianc¨¦? It was bad enough that Hera had a boyfriend. Where did this fianc¨¦e from?


    "So, whoever you are, quickly let go of my fiance¨¦!" Thiago continued with a frown, looking rather anxious. He wanted to push Bernard away, but he was also afraid of hurting Hera.


    Bernard smirked coldly when he noticed Thiago was getting antsy. "I''m her boyfriend," he emphasized each word as if he were showing off.


    When Thiago heard that, he remained rooted to the spot in shock. Even the white roses in his arms fell to the ground.


    "Hera, you already have a boyfriend! Why didn''t you wait for me? You already have a boyfriend! Do you not want me anymore? How could you not want me? You can''t not want me! I don''t allow it..."


    Hera was getting a headache from Thiago''s non-stop chattering. She struggled out of Bernard''s arms and snapped, "Shut up! Go back to the South if you''re going to be so annoying."


    Thiago immediately shut his mouth and towed the suitcase behind him. He looked at Hera innocently. "But I brought the medicinal ingredients for you."


    Hera rubbed her temples. She had asked him to deliver them via express delivery, but he insisted on personally bringing them over.


    Since he was being so sincere, she decided not to upset him. "Thanks. You can deliver them to my clinic tomorrow. I''m tired, so let''s talk more after I''ve rested."


    "I''ll sleep at your ce. I can sleep


    on the couch or floor. I''m not familiar with Jedburgh, nor do know anyone from here. What if I get lost?" Thiago hurriedly said. Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    swn


    Bernard forced himself between Hera and Thiago. "It''s not convenient! My son sleeps on the couch."


    The word "son" made Thiago''s jaw drop in shock. "You even have a son! How dare you seduce my future wife?"


    He walked past Bernard and tugged at Hera, saying, "Hera, he already has a son! Why are you still with him?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Let me make it clear to you that he''s an evil man. He lied to me earlier, saying that you weren''t here. But I came here because the nurse told me you''d be here.


    "How could you not be here? He clearly tricked me! If he could lie to me, he would definitely lie to you. You shouldn''t be with him. I don''t want you to be with him..."


    Bernard was rendered speechless by Thiago, who was so noisy.


    "Stop talking." Hera raised her hand to interrupt Thiago. He was really more talkative than Leon.


    She took Bernard''s phone and booked a hotel room for Thiago. "I''ve booked a room for you at the hotel. Go ahead, then."


    Although Thiago was slightly


    disappointed that he couldn''t go back with Hera, he noticed the irritation on her face. He guessed that Hera would ignore him if he kept this up. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Thus, he stopped and chuckled. "I always knew you were the best, Hera."


    Bernard was speechless. Hera had taken his phone away to book a hotel room for another man.


    Nichs silently wondered how this could be happening. He immediately hurried forward and eximed, "I need a hotel room as well. I have no ce to go!"


    Hera red at Nichs, who added immediately, "My dad was very strict with me today. He said I can only return home once I have a wife." Hera wondered what that had to do with her.


    "I''m the one who''s truly homeless. Since you''ve awakened Harvey, I


    have nothing to do with the


    et


    Presgrave family. So, you must take responsibility for me!" Tyler came


    over, unafraid of stirring up trouble. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    swn

 Chapter 607

    Chapter 607


    ?


    Hera was speechless. Meanwhile, the vein on Bernard''s forehead seemed to throb as he snatched the phone from her hands.


    "All of you don''t have a ce to stay? What kind of room do you want? I''ll book for all of you."


    At that moment, Harvey had already been transferred from the operating room to the ward. Hera couldn''t be bothered with the rest of them. Instead, she turned to head for the changing room, leaving Bernard behind to handle them.


    "I want a presidential suite," Nichs requested shamelessly.


    Bernard found one as requested. "I need your ID and phone number."


    Nichs informed Bernard. Soon, Bernard was done making the reservation. "You can go now."


    Soon, Nichs received a notification that his hotel room was sessfully booked. He never expected that Bernard would actually make a reservation for him. He excitedly checked the message to see which hotel it was.


    The message started in Terranish, which Nichs did not understand. After scrolling, he finally came to the part in Jadonish.


    "The presidential suite at Edolia''s seven-star Iris Hotel!" The first thing that came to Nichs'' mind was that Bernard had really gone all out. But he very quickly realized that something was amiss.


    "Even if I fly to Edonia now, I won''t even have time to stay there!" Besides, Bernard only made the reservation and did not even pay a single cent. Thus, Nichs would have to pay for it.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Although Tyler did not share his ID number, he also received a notification and nced at it. "Astenia''s Stoneheart Hotel?"


    Seeing that Bernard had booked hotels for Nichs and Tyler on the other side of the world, Thiago hurriedly checked his phone for the booking details. Luckily, the hotel was in Jedburgh.


    Hera was in the changing room. After taking off her surgical cap, she reached behind to untie the straps of her surgical gown.


    She couldn''t undo the straps as she had identally tied the straps too tightly. At that moment, the changing room door was pushed open.


    Seeing that it was Bernard, Hera turned her back toward him. "Help me undo the straps."


    Bernard went over and happened


    notice Hera''s wless neck. He couldn''t help but gulp. She


    white dressed in a surgical gown. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    looked very mesmerizingle ne


    "You can''t untie them?" Hera waited for a while but did not feel Bernard undoing, the straps for her. She turned back and met with his intense, unreadable gaze, which carried a hint of desire. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    At the same time, Bernard, who was about to undo the straps, suddenly tightened his grip.


    "Give me a kiss. Then, I''ll undo them for you," Bernard said in a low, maic voice.


    Hera was speechless. Did he think that she didn''t know what was on his mind? If she did as he said, she wouldn''t even leave the changing room tonight. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "Stop fooling around! I''m really tired..." But Bernard lowered his head to kiss her passionately.


    His kiss almost made her lose her mind. He unwillingly released her only when she was about to run out of breath.


    "I''ll let you off tonight. Once you''ve rested enough, I''ll settle the score with you."


    Hera, who was still out of breath, was slightly perplexed. "What score?"


    Bernard scoffed coldly. "What do you think? You''re my fianc¨¦e."


    Hera said nothing. She wondered when he''d be done.

 Chapter 608

    Chapter 608


    ?


    After getting into the car, Hera finally felt better after having the tiramisu cake Bernard had brought for her.


    Hera took a shower once they arrived at the house. She was so tired that she couldn''t be bothered to blow dry her hair and went to bed immediately.


    Meanwhile, Bernard fed Tiramisu before getting rid of its poo. By the time he returned, he noticed Hera had fallen asleep with the towel wrapped around her hair.


    He went over and reminded her gently, "Sweetie, you should dry your hair before going to bed. Otherwise, you''ll get a headache."


    Since Hera did not move, Bernard had no choice but to bring the hairdryer over and help dry her hair.


    Although the hair dryer was rather noisy, it did not interrupt Hera''s sleep at all. The operation seemed to have taken up a lot of her energy, making Bernard feel sorry for her.


    After drying her hair and covering her with the nkets, Bernard kissed Hera on the forehead before getting up to leave.


    After sleeping for the entire day, Hera woke up and happened to see Bernard dressed in his pajamas. Hey beside her. His intense gaze was fixed on her while he was propped up on one arm.


    Seeing that she was awake, Bernard''s deep gaze shifted slightly before remarking, "You''re finally awake."


    The word "finally" made Hera wonder whether he had been watching her sleeping for a long time. That made him sound like a pervert.


    "Why aren''t you asleep?" She reached for her phone by the bedside and checked the time. It was 12:00 am.


    Bernard bent his head to kiss her forehead. "I''m jetgged, so I can''t sleep."


    Hera reached out to prevent him froming closer. "Are you not tired at all?"


    Bernard hummed in response.


    "Then, let''s do something meaningful, shall we?" Hera hooked her fingers at the edge of his bathrobe.


    Her eyes held a hint of humor, making her look beautiful and seductive. She was like an irresistible enchantress.


    Bernard''s Adam''s apple bobbed. Just as he was about to pin himself on top of Hera, she suddenly got out of bed from the other side.


    Bernard was rendered speechless. He felt as if he had been tricked.


    Before walking out through the bedroom door, Hera turned back to cast him a devilish smirk. "Come with me."


    "What are you up to now?" Bernard raised an eyebrow before getting up to follow Hera.


    He suddenly had a bad gut feeling when he watched her enter the study. Soon, his guess proved to be right.


    Hera pulled out a stack of design drafts from the drawer and spread them on the table. "What do you think of my design? I''m nning to develop a multifunctional Almedical robot." Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Recently, Hera had be very inspired while working on the chip development and discussing with Johnson ways to awaken Harvey. Although many technologypanies had proposed the concept of creating Al medical robots, none of them had developed one sessfully. In the past, Hera also wasn''t certain what she would major in college. Now, she had an idea of what major she wanted to go for.


    Bernard was speechless. Indeed, Hera had tricked him.


    "Is this what you mean by something meaningful?" He wrapped his arms around her from behind and nibbled on her soft earlobe as a punishment. "What else would it be?" Hera raised an eyebrow before continuing her exnation, "I n to input all the medical techniques I know into the robot.


    "It''ll suggest a treatment for the


    et


    patients based on their medical data. That would reduce a significant burden on medical staff, and Grandma wouldn''t have to be so tired What are you doing? Put me down!" Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Hera had not finished speaking, but Bernard carried her bridal style and walked out of the study, refusing to let her go.


    "It''s not a bad idea, but let''s not talkContent held by N?velDrama.Org.


    about work since it''s time to rx. Let''s do something that I consider to be more meaningful. For example, we can make a baby. I''m sure it''ll be faster than assembling a robot." Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    swn


    Hera''s face turned warm. "Stop fooling around! I never said I''d have children with you! Quickly put me down!"


    Bernard retorted, "If not with me, who else would it be? That childhood sweetheart of yours, who ims to be your fianc¨¦?"

 Chapter 609

    Chapter 609


    ?


    How could Bernard be so jealous? He even held onto his grudges.


    "Can you not get jealous so easily? It was just a joke his father told Grandma before," Hera exined.


    "Jokes are not allowed either!" Bernard answered earnestly.


    Hera was speechless. "Why are you so narrow-minded?"


    "You''re always on my mind, so there''s no room for anyone else. That''s why I don''t like such ridiculous jokes."


    Seeing how serious he was being, Hera was afraid that Bernard would keep going on about it. She hurriedly appeased him by saying, "Yes, yes. Whatever you say goes."


    Her words to appease him did not upset him. Instead, that gave him a chance. "Does that mean you''ve agreed that we can try for a baby?" Before Hera could even object, he already kissed her.


    The next morning, Hera was awakened by a pang of hunger. The moment she moved, she felt sore everywhere, as if a bus had run over her. Bernard must have used all the energy he did not exert during his tripst night.


    She recalled how she kept saying no toward the end of the night, but Bernard did not let her go at all. That made her feel slightly angry. Bernard was truly going overboard these days. He never would have done this in the past.


    Hera''s stomach rumbled again. She was about to push away Bernard''s arms around her so that she could get out of bed. But he already heard her stomach grumbling. "Do you want steak or pasta? I''ll go and cook for you."


    "I want hummingbird cake," Hera said.


    "What''s that?" Bernard checked it online and found that it was a Southern delicacy. He had no idea how to make it.


    He asked the restaurants nearby, but they did not serve it. Thus, he could only arrange for it to be shipped by ne.


    "There''s no hummingbird cake here. I''ll prepare some pasta for you to tide things over."Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hera turned over to give him silent treatment so that he would get the message. That left Bernard silent.


    Half an hourter, Bernard brought the pasta he had prepared to the room. By then, Hera had already gotten out of bed to put on some clothes. Not long after, the doorbell rang. Hera opened the door to see Thiago with his luggage in tow.


    "Good morning, Hera. I''ve brought


    the herbs with me, as well as my mom''s homemade hummingbird cake. +remember you enjoyed it thest time," Thiago said while taking a container from his bag. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    He opened it, revealing slices of hummingbird cake that looked absolutely delicious. Just as Hera had been craving for hummingbird cake, Thiago brought it to her.


    "Thank you." Hera epted the cake without hesitation and turned to head toward the kitchen.


    Thiago was thrilled that Hera had epted the cake. "You''re wee. My mom knows how much you and Grandma Catherine enjoyed it, so she prepared some for your grandma as well."


    "Nice."


    Bernard noticed how Hera did not even consider the pasta he made for her. Instead, she chose the hummingbird cake given by Thiago. He became slightly displeased. "Is this cake even that good?" Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "You''ll know in a moment," Hera said. She put the slices of cake on some tes before serving them on the table. She nudged a te toward Bernard. "You want to try some?"


    "No!" Bernard looked disdainful. He had no intention of eating anything given by Thiago.


    "I won''t let you have it even if you


    wanted to. My mother prepared this


    for Hera, who will be her


    daughter-inw in the future! You''re not allowed to have any!" Thiago deliberately said. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Hera was about to take a bite of the hummingbird cake when Bernard suddenly took the cake from her and put the entire slice in his mouth.

 Chapter 610

    Chapter 610


    ?


    "I thought you didn''t want to try it." Hera was slightly perplexed.


    "I''ve changed my mind," Bernard answered. With that, he looked at Thiago with a challenging glint in his eyes before swallowing the slice of hummingbird cake.


    Then, he snatched another slice from Hera, who had just taken one bite and put it on his te. That left Thiago shocked.


    Hera had no choice but to silently reach for thest slice on the te. However, Bernard took the entire te away from her.


    Hera eximed, "Bernard! Could you stop fooling around?"


    "You should eat your pasta." Bernard pushed the te of pasta toward her. "His mother made this for his future wife, but you won''t be marrying him. "You shouldn''t steal other people''s food. I''ve already asked someone to ship some hummingbird cake via ne from the South. You''ll be able to have some by noontime."


    Hera said nothing. Bernard was such a jealous man, and there seemed like no end to his antics.


    "Then, why did you eat those slices earlier?" Hera retorted. "Are you going to be his wife? Or are you stealing food?"


    Bernard was rendered speechless by her words.


    Thiago eximed in shock, "I don''t want to marry him!" He then furiously continued his rant toward Bernard.


    "Don''t assume that this makes you a member of the Mayall family. Besides, I don''t like men, so I''ll never marry you! Don''t overthink things! Quickly give me back the hummingbird cake! My mom made that for Hera!"


    While speaking, Thiago attempted to snatch the te from Bernard, who refused to give it to him. Instead, he turned to hand the remaining hummingbird cake to Tiramisu.


    "Tiramisu, this is for you."


    Tiramisu trotted over curiously. After smelling the cake, it turned away and left in disgust.


    "Look, even the pig is not interested in this crap. That means your cake sucks," Bernard remarked icily.


    Hera was speechless. Bernard was truly being childish. She would have him sleep on the couch tonight. Although it didn''t hurt him much, it was rather embarrassing for Thiago.


    After finishing her pasta, Hera finally ate some hummingbird cake when Bernard went out to take a call.


    "Hera, is it tasty? Do you like it? If you do, I''ll ask my mom to make some and send it here via express delivery," Thiago asked with a hopeful look.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Hera took her time to finish the cake and nodded. "It''s tasty, but I don''t want to trouble your mother. This is enough."


    "It won''t be any trouble. Since my mother has nothing to do, she likes baking all sorts of desserts to pass the time. Don''t worry, I¡ª"


    "Let me see the medicinal herbs you brought," Hera interrupted his rambling by changing the topic.


    "Sure." Thiago happily went to open his luggage.


    The 32-inch suitcase was filled to


    the brim with medicinal herbs. They were reishi mushrooms, turmeric, sea cucumbers, and oyster shells-which Hera needed-and were of high quality. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Hera took all of them without hesitation. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have made an extra 100 million dors. By the way, I''m nning to enter the market on the northern side of the country. In the future, I''ll supply all the medicinal herbs that your clinic needs," Thiago said. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    "No problem. Have you collected the payment for the goods?" Hera asked.


    Thiago knew she was referring to the payment Everly had to make for the herbs. "No. She only paid a deposit of ten million dors. She still has not paid the remaining.


    "The contract states that she has to pay everything in three installments within a month. Today is the due date for the first installment," he exined. Without waiting for Hera to speak, he cheekily continued, "Don''t worry. Everly will pay up."


    Hera looked at Thiago. One


    shouldn''t be fooled by his cheekiness and cheerful


    et


    appearance. Although he seemed na?ve and clueless, it was all a


    facade. He was part of the mafia in the southern side of the country. Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org

 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611


    ?


    Meanwhile, Everly endured the swelling and pain between her legs as she got off the bed to take a shower in the bathroom. The love bites all over her body made her cry while feeling aggrieved.


    At that moment, she heard her phone emit a notification. It was a message from an unknown number. "Today is the deadline."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Everly immediately wiped her tears away before putting on her clothes. She cautiously exited the bathroom and saw Wade fast asleep on the bed. After picking up all the hundred-dor bills scattered on the floor, she also took a bag of cash by the bedside before leaving.


    One hourter, she arrived at the ce where she had borrowed from the loan sharks. She set a handbag on the table. "Here''s the money." "That''s not even ten million dors." Samuel sat on the chair while smoking a cigar.


    Everly nervously gulped since she also had no idea how much was inside the bag. "You''ll know once you''ve asked someone to count the bills."


    Samuel turned to cast a meaningful nce at one of his henchmen standing behind him. The man got the message and took the money to put it through the counterfeit money detector.


    Everly kept a close eye, watching them put the money through the counterfeit money detector. She feared that they might pull a trick or two. "Beware. This is a counterfeit bill." After going through 200,000 dors, the counterfeit money detector suddenly emitted a warning.


    The man poured all the money out of the bag and ran the bills through the counterfeit money detector. Aside from the 200,000 dors earlier, the remaining were all counterfeit bills.


    "How could that be?" Everly was shocked.


    "Fucker! You tried to trick us!" The man threw the counterfeit bills in her face.


    Everly ignored the sting on her face as she picked up the money scattered on the floor. She could feel the poor quality of the bills even without using the counterfeit money detector. All of these were definitely counterfeit bills.


    That made her mind go nk. She had sold her body in exchange for counterfeit bills. How dare Wade do that to her!


    "You must be very brave since you dare to even trick us! Bring me a knife! If we don''t teach her a lesson today, she''ll think we''re a bunch of pushovers!" Samuel grabbed Everly by the hair and pped her.


    Everly trembled all over upon hearing the word "knife". She knelt on the ground and held Samuel''s leg, begging desperately.


    "I''m sorry! didn''t know these were counterfeit bills! Someone tricked me! I beg you. Please give me. another week. Consider the 200,000 dors as interest. I''ll definitely pay you back in one week!" Content


    belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    Samuel kicked her aside. "Chop off one of her toes! Everly, I''ll give you another month. It won''t be that simple if you don''t pay up by then!"


    "No! No!" Everly screamed. No


    matter how much she struggled, she


    was no match for the strength of several men. Her left little toe was chopped off, resulting in her fainting right away from the pain. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org


    When she came to, she found herself thrown into the alley outside the loan sharks'' headquarters. Her left foot had been hastily bandaged to stop the bleeding.


    Everly cried for a long time while ming Hera and the Chimes. Once done, she wiped her tears away and called Wade. "Wade, all the money you gave me were counterfeit bills!"


    "I gave you 200,000 dors, which were all real bills. But how would I know about the money that I didn''t give you?" Wade replied.


    Everly choked. Was he implying that it served her right to take more than she should have?


    "You once said that you would help me pay off my debts!" she answered through gritted teeth.


    "Yes, I did promise you. But you''ve only slept with me for three nights. I paid you what I would a hostess at a nightclub, which is 50 grand a night.


    "I gave you an extra 50 grand for


    giving me your virginity. Others don''t even get that amount. Be good, and don''t be angry. As long as you''re loyal to me, I''ll help you pay back your debts." Content belongs to


    NovelDrama.Org


    Everly almost choked out of anger. Did he just call her a hostess at a nightclub? Was she really only worth 50 grand a night?


    Out of anger, she ended the call. But she regretted doing so since there was nowhere else she could go.


    She couldn''t return to the Chimes, nor could she stay at a hotel since she had no money. Besides, her foot still hurt.


    In the end, she decided to return to Forever Clinic to tend to her wound. But as she arrived at the clinic, she was stopped by a few men dressed in ck.


    "Ms. Pierce, I''m the debt collector from Jadonia Herbs. It''s time you paid the first installment," the leader said.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!