It didn’t take Hera long to reach Alexi. Zhane’s grip on Alexi was weakening, his palms slippery with sweat. With determination, Hera took one final step and knelt beside them. Zhane’s reaction was a mixture of shock and anger at Hera’s risky move, but his surprise only deepened as Hera gently wrapped her arms around Alexi’s shoulders and whispered, "It’s okay, everything is fine now. I’m still here."


    Hera repeated her soothing words several times until she felt the tension drain from Alexi’s muscles, his body going limp in her arms. She caught him just before he copsed to the floor. The onlookers could only gasp in shock as they witnessed the unfolding events before them.


    Despite his surprise, Gerald didn’t hesitate to assist Hera with Alexi, swiftly taking him from her arms. Hera then instructed, "Gerald, please take Alexi to an avable room and contact his assistant to arrange for his pickup. Make sure to inform them of the situation so they can handle it appropriately, ensuring there are no further conflicts with the hotel and on their end."


    As Hera attempted to rise, the tension leaving her body caused her knees to weaken, and she struggled to maintain her bnce. Fortunately, Zhane swiftly moved to catch her, steadying her before she could stumble.


    Meanwhile, the onlookers were stunned by Hera’s authoritative tone in instructing Gerald, almost as if he were her subordinate, and by Gerald’s immediatepliance. Hera remained oblivious to this reaction, her mind preupied with other matters, while Gerald saw no issue with following her directives, as he indeed served as her subordinate.


    As Alexi was being escorted out by security while still unconscious, Athena arrived, gracefully tip-toeing with her high heels in hand. Observing the distraught atmosphere, she couldn’t help but feel confused. She had assumed that the issue with ire’s nder had been resolved, yet upon entering, she found ire standing unharmed amidst the crowd.


    Turning her gaze to Hera, Athena discovered her best friend lost in thought, with Zhane providing support by holding onto her waist. Confusion etched across Athena’s face as she watched the scene unfold, her head tilted to the side in bewilderment.


    Although Hera still needed time to sort out her thoughts, she feltpelled to address the immediate issue at hand. "Now that the other matter has been resolved," she began, "I hope we can move forward with addressing the nder. It not only tarnishes my reputation but also unfairly implicates two innocent gentlemen in this ordeal."


    Gerald stood at attention, nodding at Zhane as a signal to continue contacting Rafael regarding the matter. Meanwhile, ire remained silent, hoping themotion would divert attention away from her and the issue she had raised. However, her fear escted when Hera returned to the matter at hand, casting a re that seemed to pierce through her, leaving ire trembling with apprehension.


    This time, Hera’s anger was palpable. The fact that Zhane almost got hurt in her own domain due to a baseless nder hurled by ire infuriated her. It appeared that Hera would need to take a firm stance against ire to ensure she learned her lesson. If Zhane had been harmed, it could have sparked a feud between the Everetts and the Averys, as Zhane was the sole heir of their esteemed n. Justice would be demanded, and Hera couldn’t allow such a scenario to unfold and affect her Grandfather.


    Hera took a moment to collect herself, steadying her wild breathing as she reorganized her thoughts. Once she regained herposure, she turned her attention to Zhane, who remained as poised and dashing as ever, though his disheveled suit betrayed the ordeal he had just endured.


    With genuine concern, Hera inquired, "Are you alright?"


    Zhane’s stern expression softened into a slight smile as he reassured Hera. Then, without hesitation, he retrieved his phone and dialed Rafael’s number, which was promptly answered. As he activated the speakerphone, a hoarse and irritated voice emanated from the other end of the line.


    "What’s the matter, Zhane?"


    Hera could envision Rafael furrowing his brow in his office, engrossed in his tasks. Despite the tension, a small chuckle escaped Hera’s lips, offering a momentary relief from the whirlwind of thoughts consuming her mind.


    Rafael detected her softughter and inquired, "Zhane, is Miss Ainsley with you?"


    Hera took the lead and addressed Rafael directly. "Mr. Briley, there’s been an incident at my ss reunion. Someone has been spreading rumors about us being involved romantically, even suggesting I’m involved with both you and Gerald Troy." A hint of mischief sparked in her eyes as she continued, her inner determination to confront ire evident. "It’s unclear if she’s attempting to tarnish my reputation or yours, but either way, it’s a troublesome situation."


    "Who is responsible?!" Rafael’s furious voice reverberated, its malice sending shivers down everyone’s spine except Zhane, ustomed to such intensity, and Hera, who knew what she wanted to do.


    Hera pressed on. "Gerald will be following your decisions, Mr. Briley." The silence in the room was deafening.


    "Understood. I trust this will set a clear example for those considering following such a person’s leads. Now, tell me who it was," Rafaelmanded, his tone firm and unwavering.


    However, Hera didn’t take it to heart; instead, she felt a sense of relief knowing that Rafael would willingly handle the situation for her. "It was ire White, daughter of the Whites," she disclosed. "I was concerned about any impact on your reputation, so I aimed to resolve the matter swiftly. Thankfully, Gerald and Zhane provided their support."


    Hera wasn’t one to shy away from retaliation against those who sought to harm her, especially if they persisted in their efforts. She was not a saint to keep forgiving those who wanted her harm. She remembered the "White Flower" tactic Athena had taught her years ago. While Hera initially believed she wouldn’t resort to such deceitful methods, she realized that being straightforward had its limitations. As she informed Rafael of ire’s involvement, a wicked smile crept across Hera’s face, hinting at the brewing storm of consequences.