<i>’What? Does he expect me to assist him and walk side by side?’</i> Hera felt her lips violently twitching as she forcefully pushed that thought aside.


    But unfortunately for her, he did ask just that. "I apologize for being a burden, but due to the drug, my knees are so weak that I can’t seem to walk on my own," he confessed, his head dropping in shame. "I won’t me you if you decide to leave and they happen toe back and see me so vulnerable like this."


    Hera did not know if she saw him pouting or if she saw it wrongly, but it kind of gave her a shiver seeing a grown-ass man act that way and that didn’t go along with his image. <i>’But then again, he’s probably not in his right mind after the drug and is still a little foggy. Right?’</i>


    Completely forgetting how he acted like a wronged child just earlier after she threatened to cut his manhood. Even going as far as shedding tears and saying what his grandfather had told him years ago when he was just 7 years old about women wanting to get to his pants.


    But despite the contrasting image ovepping, he still somehow looked so fine!


    Talking about guilt-tripping her, but she couldn’t call him out on it because it was indeed true, and his visual impact alone was a formidable weapon that managed to reach her soft side with just that vulnerable look.


    She sighed and reluctantly agreed to his request, realizing she had to see it through. If they found him while he was still in his vulnerable state, her earlier efforts would be for naught, leaving him exposed to further danger and giving their way to continue with their n.


    Hera moved closer, gently guiding his right arm around her shoulder to support his weight as they made their way to the Auction Hall. With most of the guests likely already inside and the auction underway, they could blend in seamlessly, providing cover for their discreet arrival..


    But instead, Leo slid his arms around Hera’s waist, he only leaned lightly on her. Before Hera could voice any concern, he preempted her with a statement. "Others might suspect something is wrong with me if we enter like that. Trust me, it could lead to bigger issues."


    He then resumed his usual demeanor, domineering and sharp. Hera wasn’t surprised, but she kept a close eye on him. She sensed his adeptness at masking his vulnerability, noting his skill in controlling his emotions and facial expressions.


    Unbeknownst to Hera, Leo possessed a unique resilience against toxins and drugs, rendering themrgely ineffective. Even though he had been drugged, the impact was minimal due to his body’s natural antibodies. This immunity extended to most medications as well. Thus, whoever had drugged him likely utilized a potent aphrodisiac to elicit such a reaction, though Leo retained control over his primal instincts despite the influence.


    When Leo initially suspected he might be hallucinating due to the sudden surge in his sexual drive, he was taken aback. However, the revtion that Hera was indeed standing right before him filled him with joy and disbelief. This realization rified why he found it so difficult to control his body’s response when they were in close proximity.


    While his actions might appear as taking advantage of the situation to draw closer to Hera, Leo acknowledged that it was no justification for his behavior. Yet, every moment spent near her felt invaluable to him. He found himself yearning for her presence to the point where he wished he could fuse her to his body, ensuring she wouldn’t stray from his side.


    They maintained a steady pace as they neared the auction hall, fortunate not to encounter anyone along the way. As they approached the massive double doors leading to the auction, the two guards stationed at the entrance visibly flinched, promptly swinging the doors open to allow them entry.


    Hera barely had a moment to register the guards’ fearful reaction, her focus consumed by Leo’s tight grip on her waist. So preupied was she with this, that she scarcely noticed their surroundings until they were right upon their seat.


    Leo escorted her to the front row of the auction, their presence drawing the attention of every attendees in the room. The auctioneer fell silent, his gaze fixed on them as they made their way to their seats. A hushed silence enveloped the hall as all eyes followed their movements with intense curiosity.


    Hera’s attention was pulled away by a persistent tapping on her shoulder. Startled, she realized she was now seated in the front row, with Athena just behind her.


    Athena whispered mischievously as she cast a yful side nce at Leo. "I was wondering where you ran off to, but it seems you found yourself a date. Hmmm... My worries were for naught."


    Athena’s teasing did not go unnoticed by Leo. Despite the Lowry family’s status as organizers of the Charity Auction, it didn’t grant them the privilege of sitting in the front row, reserved solely for the most influential figures in the world, those who could attend any auction without invitation.


    The Auction House strictly enforces regtions preventing uninvited guests from participating, regardless of their financial resources, except the selected few. This policy is in ce to uphold the establishment’s exclusivity and ensure a superior experience for attendees with verified worth. By adhering to these rules, the Auction House eliminates concerns about guests being unable to afford their purchases, even if they had no intention of buying in the first ce.


    The Auction House conductsprehensive background and-worth checks on participants to determine their suitability. They prioritize wealthy individuals, as the establishment specializes in offering exclusive items not avable elsewhere. By ensuring that only the most affluent clientele are admitted, the Auction House maintains its reputation for excellence and secures high-quality offerings for its auctions.


    Hera remained silent in response to Athena’s teasing, conscious of the numerous eyes fixed on them. Scanning the room, she noticed Rafael’s scrutinizing and irritated gaze directed at her. Ufortable under his judgmental stare, she resisted the urge to justify herself; after all, she owed him no exnation. Beside Rafael was Zhane and several other unknown gentlemen, all equally striking. However, Hera’s attention was quickly diverted as she felt Leo tapping her arm rested on the armrest, signaling her attention.


    Acknowledging Rafael and Zhane with a quick nod, Hera attempted a polite greeting. However, Zhane’s response was frosty, his eyes stern, while Rafael merely snorted coldly before turning his attention back to the Auctioneer.


    Hera didn’t dwell on their reactions, turning her focus back to Leo. He offered, "If you find anything you like here, just let me know."