After confirming Cindy’s presence alongside Hera, and witnessing her respectful treatment of Hera, Gerald’s belief that Hera was indeed the Avery heiress was reinforced. With humility, he offered a deep bow to Hera, expressing his sincere apology for the unfortunate events involving ire and her friends in the lobby.


    "Young miss," Gerald straightened his posture, addressing Hera with the formality akin to addressing amander. "My name is Gerald Troy. I am the one responsible for the Golden Dragon Pavilion and The Dragon Pce. Please allow me the honor of serving you." Though he felt his words were somewhat awkward and cringy, but Gerald had long desired to express these words.


    Cindy’s lips twitched violently with a cringe, prompting her to take a step back, gently pulling Hera along and ignored Gerald. "Young miss, everything has been arranged. Let’s return," she said, her smile appearing somewhat forced. "The Old Master has been eagerly awaiting your return home."


    Gerald’s smile broadened as he look at their heiress standing before him. In that moment, he felt a profound sense of fulfillment, as if all the hard work and dedication he had poured into his role over the years had finally borne fruit. This, he realized, was the purpose that had been guiding their lives all along. <i>’Maybe this is how uncle Alfonse felt while serving the Old Master all these years? Only now did I understand that there really is joy in serving a deserving master.’</i>


    To serve this very person, to ascend to greater heights, and to achieve excellence. Upon recognizing her true identity, he reyed the events in the lobby and found even greater joy in realizing that their heiress remainedposed and dignified throughout. Her demeanor was befitting of her position and earned their utmost respect. She neither flinched in the face of adversity nor unted her status arrogantly, unlike the woman earlier. <i>’She embodies the traits of her predecessor: humble and kind, yet possessing unwavering determination in the face of challenges.’</i>


    Just contemting it fueled his admiration for her, spurring him to excel further in his duties. Hera, oblivious to his thoughts, simply wished not to be ire’s meatshield for no apparent reason.


    Facing Gerald, who wore a somewhat foolish smile, she inquired, "Is there something you wish to discuss with me?"


    Gerald was jolted from his reverie and alertly answered Hera. "No ma’am! I was just here to show my respect to the sole heiress of the Avery and nothing more!"


    Hera’s eyebrows lifted as she chuckled, finding Gerald’s demeanor amusing. Unlike Cindy, who was reserved and tended to keep to herself, Gerald was outgoing and straightforward. While he usually went with the flow, he was serious when it came to work, always mindful of avoiding any trouble for the Avery family or causing them any disadvantages.


    "Alright then, I am d to meet you, General Manager Troy," Hera said warmly as she extended her hand for a handshake.


    Gerald’s demeanor was akin to meeting his idol in real life for the first time. He eagerly shook Hera’s hand without reservation. "Young miss, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for a long time. Your other aides share the same excitement as me. It was a pleasant surprise to find you here; we didn’t even know you had returned. I’m looking forward to seeing the smug face of your stand-in wash over with surprise," Gerald chirped enthusiastically, resembling an excited squirrel discovering a nut after a long drought.


    Cindy couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped in between them. "Gerald, please mind your actions and words. Young miss has just returned and is still adjusting to everything, so please try to be more considerate," she said gently, casting a protective nce at Hera.


    "Oh! Right! I’m sorry young miss for my inappropriate actions." His demeanor changed like to a wilting nt.


    Hera chuckled once more, pleasantly surprised by their eagerness to meet her and their perception of her. She felt a sense of belonging and warmth in his reception. Her demeanor softened further, and she smiled as she replied, "Thank you, Gerald. I’m grateful for your warm wee. We’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future to get to know each other better and work effectively."


    Hearing her response, Gerald nodded eagerly, his smile widening like a child receiving a treat.


    "Would it be alright, young miss, if I add you to our group chat? It’ll give others a chance to know you’re back," Gerald asked eagerly.


    Hera nodded with a smile before Cindy guided her towards the waiting van.


    <i>’Wait, did she just... use my first name?’</i> Gerald realized with a surge of happiness and excitement, feeling as if he’d won a prize.


    Once Hera and the others were seated inside the van, Athena began to piece things together. "So, Golden Dragon Pavilion is also one of your properties?" she asked incredulously, looking at Hera, who just smiled in response without confirming or denying.


    "You knew, didn’t you?!" Athena eximed, realizing Hera’s knowledge of the situation.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, Athena continued, "If I had known, I wouldn’t have held back. I would’ve made sure to put ire in her ce."


    "You’ll have plenty of chances in the future," Hera reassured Athena, sensing her frustration over the earlier events. "How about we go shopping tomorrow?"


    "Ooooh! Is the heiress learning how to indulge in luxury now? Shopping extravagantly?" Athena teased Hera.


    Hera chuckled. "Why not? After all, don’t I owe you for turning down almost all your invitations to hang out together?"


    Athena sneered yfully. "Hmp! I’m d you’re not feigning innocence and forgetting that you owe me a date or two." Then she remembered something and added, "Why don’t youe with me to pick up my new baby tomorrow?" She grinned mischievously.


    "Alright then." Like typical girls their age, they engaged in conversations about almost everything, not stopping until they reached the Avery mansion. Cindy sat in the passenger seat, silently listening and chuckling when they said something funny. Athena decided to stay and sleep in the mansion, making it easier for them to go shopping the next day.