Having witnessed repeated disappointments in individuals who failed to change despite being given chances, Hera had grown weary of offering opportunities to those undeserving. She preferred to reserve such chances for those who truly merited them. Thus, she voiced her support for Rafael’s decision. "We stand behind your decision, Mr. Briley," Hera affirmed. "ire’s actions have crossed a line this time. She not only offended Miss Avery previously but now you as well. If we let this slide, who knows who’ll be her next target?"


    Hera deliberately highlighted ire’s offense against the Avery heiress to underscore the severity of ire’s actions. While some might perceive Hera’s action as vindictive, her decision stemmed from years of witnessing ire’s repeated transgressions. Hera understood that ire wouldn’t grasp the gravity of her behavior until faced with a significant consequence.


    Sure, Hera experienced a twinge of guilt, but she couldn’t ignore the implications of what she had uncovered about their world and the influence of the storyline. Did this mean she needed to elevate her efforts to avoid sumbing to the fate outlined for her in the novel?


    Gerald, grasping her sentiment, chimed in. "You have my full support, Mr. Briley. I’ve been lenient in the past, but sometimes good intentions reach their limit."


    ire crumbled where she stood, muttering incoherently, unable to plead her case as she was escorted out of the venue. The rest of the attendees remained frozen in ce, rooted to the spot, unsure of how to react.


    With a gracious smile, Hera addressed the group. "Thank you for the invitation today, but it seems such asions aren’t my cup of tea. Nheless, rest assured that the expenses for the food and venue have been taken care of. Please, feel free to stay and enjoy the remainder of the day." With that, she confidently strode out of the private room, Athena trailing behind her. With that, Hera confidently strode out of the private room, Athena following closely behind.


    Unbeknownst to Hera, Zhane remained at her side, providing subtle support by gently holding her waist. His presence was so natural and his touch so seamless that Hera didn’t even notice until Athena brought it to her attention.


    "Babe, how long do you n on clinging to Mr. Everett?" she quipped yfully, bringing a moment of humor to the tense atmosphere.


    Initially puzzled, Hera’s confusion dissolved as she felt Zhane’s gentle support around her waist. A faint blush tinted her cheeks as she turned to Zhane with gratitude. "Thank you for your assistance, Zhane," she said, her voice slightly hesitant. "I believe I can manage to walk on my own now. But I appreciate your kindness."


    "It was certainly a dangerous situation," Gerald remarked as he guided them to the penthouse to attend to Hera’s now reddened wrist.


    "Thank you for this, Mr. Troy," Zhane expressed his gratitude to Gerald for allowing them ess to the penthouse, despite it being reserved for the private use of the Avery Heiress, he thought that Gerald took them into consideration since themotion happened in his territory and made an exemption.


    He guided Hera to the couch while Athena retrieved the first aid kit from the bathroom cab. Upon her return, Athena inquired, "What happened while I was away?"


    As Zhane tended to Hera’s wrist, she recounted the events that unfolded after Athena had left to seek assistance.


    As Hera recounted the events, Athena couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension. Hera tactfully dropped hints to convey her concerns to Athena without revealing too much in front of Zhane. Though Athena didn’t fully grasp the details, she understood the underlying message Hera was trying to convey. They both acknowledged the need to discuss the matter further in private, away from Zhane’s presence.


    However, it was enough for Athena to sense the tension Hera had endured firsthand. She offeredfort to her best friend and gently checked for any additional bruises, thankfully finding only the one on her wrist. After tending to Hera’s injury, Zhane tidied up the items he had used and returned them to the box.


    Hera, seizing the opportunity, posed a question to Zhane. "By the way, Zhane, what brought you here with Gerald earlier?"


    Once Zhane finished tidying up, he met Hera’s gaze and responded, "I was returning to the private room for my meeting..." He paused, the realization dawning on him that he had abandoned his business meeting upon noticing Athena’s frantic dash. Curiosity piqued by Athena’s urgent demeanor, he inadvertently overheard her informing Gerald about Hera’s predicament, prompting him to offer assistance.


    Before he realized it, Zhane found himself sprinting faster than Gerald toward the private room. Reflecting on it now, he believed it was the best decision he could’ve made, as he dreaded to think what might have urred if he hadn’t arrived in time, especially for Hera.


    Yet, dwelling on such thoughts was unsettling. Zhane pushed them aside, focusing instead on the meeting he still had to return to. Hoping his colleagues were still waiting, he excused himself after ensuring Hera was in good condition.


    As Hera bid Zhane farewell at the elevator door, her sweet smile and sincere gratitude warmed his heart. Seeing her smile caused an unconscious smile to spread across his face, leaving Hera momentarily stunned before sheposed herself.


    "The male lead halo is truly dangerous," Hera mused silently as the elevator doors closed. Zhane’s simple smile had sent her heart racing, leaving her feeling as if she were floating to the moon and back. She even felt literally seeing a halo shining brightly behind his head.


    She decided to set the matter aside and returned to Athena, who was waiting inside the penthouse. Gerald departed to attend to the aftermath of the incident. Left alone together, Hera began sharing her assumptions and spections with Athena, although they remained somewhat unclear and fragmented. Nevertheless, it was enough to spark a conversation between them. Athena patiently listened as Hera articted her thoughts before offering her own insights and exploring various possibilities together.


    She didn’t overlook the wealth of knowledge gleaned from novels in her previous world. Even though Athena’s life wasn’t directly impacted by Hera’s experiences, they embarked on a brainstorming session that extended into the night. Eventually, Gerald brought them food to make sure they wouldn’t get hungry while they continuing their discussion.