Hera wasn’t intentionally ignoring Rafael or trying to be disrespectful; she was genuinely exhausted, causing her brain’s processing to slow down and her reactions to be dyed. Feeling drained and not wanting to exert her brain further, she decided to inquire about their connection instead.


    "So, you two are friends?"


    Sensing Rafael’s rising temper, Zhane stepped in and took control of the conversation. "Yes, we are friends," he confirmed. "Rafael is the one I mentioned I’m meeting for a meal, along with the others who are already inside."


    A sudden spark of recognition ignited within her mind, apanied by the bted realization she had missed. <i>’Ah, that’s it! Zhane Everett’s name rings a bell—he’s the third male lead in the novel. The signs were all there: his position as a senior doctor at Providence Everett Medical Center and his inclusion in Rafael’s inner circle. It’s clear now; the entire squadprises the main male leads.’</i>


    It’s not that she’s beingcent; rather, she didn’t anticipate encountering the male leads one after the other. They aren’t asmon as everyday items you’d find on the roadside. She didn’t expect to encounter them because they typically operate covertly, and they weren’t even the ones targeting her. While she was aware of their physical descriptions, Athena also mentioned that they were seldom seen and elusive unless they deliberately chose to reveal themselves. So she never thought of meeting them.


    She considered Rafael to be the exception due to her actions against his sister, prompting him to step forward. However, she couldn’t understand how she also encountered Zhane without realizing it earlier, especially since the chances of meeting him were incredibly slim – akin to a 1% chance amidst a hundred. If it were a lottery, she might have been thrilled, but in this case, she was far from delighted.


    Now, she couldn’t help but wonder why she kept running into them even in the most mundane of ces! It didn’t seem to fit the pattern of a butterfly effect, especially since she had encountered Zhane even before the interview, long before she had taken any significant action.


    "Argh! I can’t think anymore. My head feels like it’s floating, and I’m too exhausted to process anything," Hera muttered inwardly, maintaining a smile on her face despite the storm of questions raging inside her mind. The struggle was palpable; she even questioned why she hadn’t seen or heard from Athena since earlier. Desperate to escape the situation in front of her, she longed for reprieve.


    She could only attempt to maneuver her way out, drawing on her years of experience in customer service. "I apologize, Mr. Briley if it seemed like I was ignoring you. That wasn’t my intention at all," she began. "You see, my friend and I have been in this mall since before lunch, and we’ve been wondering nonstop. I’m just physically exhausted, and my brain’s a bit slow on the uptake. If I may say, you are quite... big. Really BIG!"


    Then Hera abruptly halted in her words. <i>’Why does that sound suggestive?’</i> She nced at the two men standing before her and blinked a few times.


    Despite her innocent expression, the two men interpreted herst words in a suggestive manner, albeit unintentionally. Hera’s sudden pause caused their thoughts to align with hers.


    Rafael’s earlier rising temper dissipated, reced by a suggestive smirk. <i>’Is this her way of flirting with me?’</i> he pondered, finding Hera’s shocked expression endearing. A blush tinted her face as her plump lips opened and closed, attempting to salvage the situation with words. However, her brain seemed to malfunction, instantly ceasing to function altogether.


    Even the typically cold Doctor Zhane couldn’t help but smile, his eyes forming into crescents as he silently observed Hera’s adorable array of expressions.


    "Gosh! I want to bury myself in a hole!" Hera internallymented.


    "Babe! Sorry for keeping you waiting!" Athena’s voice broke through the tension, and suddenly, Hera felt the stifling air in her throat begin to move once more. Now, Athena’s voice sounded like sweet salvation to her ears. Hera gazed at Athena with a pleading expression, her blush extending all the way to her ears.


    Hera appeared on the verge of tears from embarrassment, but from Athena’s perspective, it seemed as though Hera was being bullied by the two men. With determined steps, Athena hurried towards Hera, pulling her protectively behind her as she red at the two men. It was only then that she recognized them as Rafael and Zhane from earlier. Confused by the situation, Athena nced back at Hera, who was now blushing furiously from ear to ear.


    <i>’She couldn’t just ask Hera directly what’s the matter, could she?’</i> So instead, she inquired, "Are you hungry? Sorry, I took a call just now and forgot to mention it to you," Athena exined.


    Hera managed only a nod and tugged at Athena’s sleeve, silently urging her to enter. Athena understood her friend’s intentions and guided Hera towards the entrance, only to be intercepted by Rafael.


    "Are there only the two of you?" Rafael inquired.


    "Why, are you treating us again to a meal, Mr. Briley?" Athena retorted sarcastically.


    "Of course, it’s only right for a gentleman to invite thedies to a meal, shouldn’t we?" Rafael replied, ncing at Zhane for support, who offered a subtle nod.


    Hera tugged at Athena’s sleeve once more, prompting Athena to respond, "I was just kidding, Mr. Briley. You see, my friend and I are having a girls’ date, so we came to enjoy each other’spany." She exined with a strained smile.


    "Ohhh?" Rafael’s brows raised as he grinned yfully, casting a nce between the two. "But I insist."