Moments after the knock, a deep voice echoed from within,manding, "Come in."


    The assistant, with a respectful demeanor, opened the door with both hands and motioned for Hera to enter. Rafael remained engrossed in the documents scattered across his desk, diligently flipping through the pages. Hera offered a nod of gratitude to the assistant before stepping into the room. Its design was minimalist and modern, with a central sofa for guests upholstered in sleek ck leather adorned with ck and gray cushions.


    The coffee table boasted metal frames and ss covers, adorned with an ashtray and an essential oil reed diffuser. The diffuser resembled an elegant ss bottle with sticks protruding from it, adding a touch of sophistication to the room. The scent of sandalwood permeated the air, enveloping the space in a refreshing and calming ambiance. Its fragrance was neither overpowering nor subtle, striking a perfect bnce that enhanced the atmosphere of the room.


    Hera approached the sofa with measured steps, refraining from sitting until invited to do so by the host, adhering to basic etiquette. She patiently waited for him to conclude his reading of the folder before gently reminding him of her presence.


    As Rafael finished reading the file, he nced up and was met with the sight of a stunning woman standing before him, her gaze prating and unwavering. Momentarily stunned, it felt as if the circuits in his mind had momentarily short-circuited, overwhelmed by her presence.


    However, outwardly, he wore a frown, his brows knitted in seriousness, leading Hera to anticipate a business discussion. Patiently, she awaited his lead, but minutes passed with no dialogue. Growing impatient, she finally addressed him. "Mr. Briley?"


    Her voice snapped Rafael back to reality, leaving him momentarily choked up. Sensing the constriction in his throat, he discreetly adjusted his necktie, granting his Adam’s apple some relief. With a subtle throat-clearing, heposed himself, ready to engage in conversation.


    "I apologize for the dy. Please, take a seat," Rafael said, gesturing toward the sofa. As Hera seated herself, he reached for a ck leather folder from one of the side drawers on his desk. Carrying it over to the sofa, he settled himself opposite Hera, ready to begin their discussion.


    With closer proximity, Rafael could examine Hera’s appearance in greater detail. Despite the distraction, he couldn’t help but notice her modest yet undoubtedly expensive outfit. What caught his attention most was the watch adorning her wrist—a timepiece that stood out even among luxury brands. The Audemars Piguet Sapphire Orbe, a timepiece from 2015, held an estimated value of $904,000, leaving Rafael impressed by Hera’s taste.


    His temple twitched as he nced back at Hera, confirming that she was indeed the vision of peerless beauty he had imagined. However, his mind was clouded by a deep contemtion sparked by his sister’s words from the previous night about Hera having a sugar daddy.


    Despite the diligent efforts of his team to investigate, they unearthed only the same old information about Hera and Athena. Rafael couldn’t shake the feeling that Jackson and Lowry had purposefully concealed Athena’s information to safeguard her while she roamed freely outside. As for Hera, the only usible exnation seemed to align with what his sister had suggested.


    He felt a twinge of irritation <i>’Hera seemed more inclined to be someone’s ything rather than epting my offer to work in mypany.’</i> Although she might not have the means to afford such luxuries outright, she possessed the capability to indulge in branded goods if she so desired if she became a celebrity.


    He felt deeply disappointed, having held Hera in high regard initially, only to be caught off guard. This revtion left him torn, as he typically remained disinterested in matters unrted to him. However, he couldn’t help but recognize his ulterior motive of securing a valuable asset for himself. With this realization, he nodded to himself, acknowledging his underlying intentions. His determination to recruit Hera as his artist intensified even further. <i>’It’s far better for her to be my artist than to be someone’s sugar baby,’</i> he mused internally. <i>’I could provide her with thevish lifestyle she desires; she doesn’t need anyone else.’</i>