Fortunately, Zhane, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, noticed Hera’s difort and intervened to decline Rafael’s invitation directly, without hesitation. Zhane understood that Rafael’s intentions weren’t meant to be forceful, but his own preupation with his feelings led him to overlook Hera’s difort.


    While Rafael is ustomed to mingling with individuals of simr social status, Zhane has interacted with people from diverse backgrounds so he could see what Rafael failed to see. Rafael may be used to others ttering him to gain favor, but Hera isn’t motivated by personal gain. She has a range of options and doesn’t feelpelled to engage in behavior she finds insincere or maniptive just to appease others.


    Zhane finds Hera’s strength of character admirable. It’s not easy for anyone to stand their ground when someone of considerable influence extends an invitation, let alone express their determination to maintain their boundaries. Resisting such temptations is a rare quality.


    Previously, Zhane had a positive impression of Hera, but now it had only grown stronger. He feltpelled to assist her by removing Rafael from the situation and ensuring she could enjoy her meal in peace. Despite these thoughts racing through his mind, Zhane’s expression remained as cold and stoic as ever.


    "I also agree that you girls might not enjoy listening to us talk about politics, work, and extreme sports while you’re out for some fun," Zhane remarked, offering Hera a graceful exit. Without waiting for Rafael to respond, he swiftly draped an arm around Rafael’s shoulder and guided him away, effectively cutting off any potential objections.


    Hera could only gaze gratefully at Zhane’s retreating back, exhaling a sigh of relief as the tension dissipated.


    Rafael bristled, his temper ring, but Zhane beat him to the punch. "If you’re aiming to be hated, then feel free to return and pester them."


    "What do you mean ’pester’? I’m merely asking politely!" Rafael shot back defensively.


    "Perhaps you failed to notice how ufortable she appeared while trying to decline your invitation because you were preupied with your own desires to win your ego back," Zhane remarked, his pace steady as he continued walking.


    Rafael felt the urge to argue back, but Zhane’s words struck a chord of reason within him. Truth be told, his ego had taken a hit, but he recognized the importance of respecting someone’s boundaries. It went against his nature to pressure others into ufortable situations if it meant for personal reasons and not for business. It was inherent for people like them to ce significant emphasis on their image and pride; but for him, he put more emphasis on his pride rather than his image, he wouldn’t be known for being merciless if he valued his image. Rafael couldn’t fathompromising his principles, even in the face of adversity.


    After Rafael took a moment topose himself and reflect on the situation, he too acknowledged the validity of Zhane’s observation. He proceeded to follow along in a moreposed manner.


    "You seemed preupied earlier. Did your sister cause another trouble?" Zhane inquired, keeping his gaze forward.


    "She did. She even tried to stir up trouble for CEO Jackson’s niece this morning," Rafael sighed, his frustration evident in his tone as he recounted the incident.


    "No wonder you seemed uncharacteristically agitated earlier. The frustration must have been building up, leading you to vent it in a different manner. It’s amon response to stress," Zhane remarked.


    Rafael chuckled in response. "Having a doctor in the circle certainlyes in handy."


    Zhane maintained his serious demeanor. "I’m just stating observations from the sidelines." With that, he proceeded towards their private room.


    Rafael took a deep breath, trying to reorganize his thoughts. This wasn’t the first time his sister had caused trouble, leaving him frustrated. <i>’But she was family; he couldn’t simply abandon her, could he?’</i>


    He decided to put aside his concerns and simply rx for the rest of the day, focusing on destressing.


    Once Hera and Athena had settled into their private room and ced their orders, Athena wasted no time in asking Hera about what had transpired before she returned. Hera blushed, feeling embarrassed at the memory of her suggestivement made in front of two men she didn’t know personally.


    As Hera recounted the events to Athena, her friend burst intoughter before Hera could even finish her sentence, leaving Hera feeling a bit embarrassed. Despite trying topose herself, Hera’s face remained as red as a tomato.


    Afterughing heartily, Athena patted Hera’s shoulder. But instead of consoling her, Athena remarked, "It’s okay. Even I think it’s really big based on the description in the book," before bursting intoughter again. Feeling the cringe, Hera’s eyebrows twitched, and she could no longer bear it. She pped Athena’s arm to make her stop.


    When Athena settled down, Hera inquired, "What were you doing earlier that you suddenly disappeared?"


    "Oh, right!" Athena regted her breathing before continuing. "I received a call from our senior ss monitor. She’s inviting us for a ss reunion," Athena said solemnly.


    "Why the serious face then? It’s just a ss reunion," Hera asked in confusion.


    Athena’s expression turned incredulous as she answered, "Have you forgotten that Alexi will be there? Not just Alexi, but he would definitely bring Minerva and I think ire will being too. What if they band together to go against you?"


    Hera chuckled. "What’s there to worry about? You’ll be there. No matter how many ires and Minervas show up, I have the transmigrator on my side, and besides, your mouth is like a Gatling gunpared to theirs."