[PasserbyGod: What are you talking about @HeraismySister? The tables have turned! Have you not seen thetest betting odds for Hera? ?≧?≦′? Haha]


    When they checked the betting corner, it was clear that Hera’s side was winning by andslide in terms of the amount bet on her name.


    [NorthernDuke: Bet $5 million on Hera]


    [GoldenLight: Bet $5 million on Hera]


    [EntertainmentKing: Bet $5 million on Hera]


    [FatherOfCaduceus: Bet $5 million on Hera]


    [Dave_Carson: Bet $1,000 on Xavier]


    ...


    The Director found himself speechless. While he initiated the betting corner and set a random maximum bet amount, he never anticipated that these wealthy individuals would wager millions on this unofficial event. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he worried about potential repercussions, fearing being called out or investigated for facilitating illegal gambling. To his dismay, even the country’s minister joined in the fun, cing a bet on Xavier.


    What began as a lighthearted diversion had quickly escted into something beyond his control. Despite his best intentions, the situation had spiraled out of hand, exacerbated by his own actions in sending a social media post. Now, with everything seemingly spinning out of control, he felt powerless to rectify the chaos that had ensued.


    He found himself uncertain whether the minister’s involvement was a deliberate psychological game or simply fooling around like the others.


    [EntertainmentKing: @Dave_Carson Oh, I didn’t realize you were struggling financially... (￢_￢)]


    [Dave_Carson: @EntertainmentKing


    (? 3?)╭∩╮]


    [Dave_Carson: @EntertainmentKing @GoldenLight @FatherOfCaduceus are you not going to support your friend? (???)]


    [EntertainmentKing: ...]


    [FatherOfCaduceus: ...]


    [GoldenLight: ...]


    Fortunately, the Director had connections in the government. He exined the situation and assured them he was willing toply with any necessary requirements for immediate one-time clearance. Despite receiving an earful and a few curse words, his friend eventuallyposed himself and beganmunicating with the relevant department to expedite the clearance process. They realized they couldn’t ignore the situation, especially since the country’s minister had participated in the betting. If they didn’t grant at least a one-time clearance, it would create even moreplications.


    Their minister faced the threat of being embroiled in a scandal, which could be exploited by his political opponents. Meanwhile, in the chatroom, the said minister found himself in a heated exchange with Rafael and others who were criticizing him for his seemingly insignificant wager.


    He joined in solely to back his friend, fully aware of the risks to his position. Yet, he believed he could justify his involvement since his bet fell within reasonable bounds, unlike his more audacious friends who seemed unconcerned and did not give a shit with the potential consequences.


    Unaware of the online buzz, Hera, Xavier, and Zen lined up at the starting point, exchanging sidelong nces. Zen sported a smug smirk, brazenly unting it, adding an air of challenge to the atmosphere.


    Hera leaned forward, drawing closer to Diamond’s body to ensure she wouldn’t be dislodged as they surged onto the racetrack. Xavier and Zen mirrored her posture, granted only a brief window to establish a connection with their horses. In this respect, Hera held the advantage; having spent the previous day bonding with Diamond, she was more attuned to her horse’s movements.


    Zen and Xavier remainedposed, not making a fuss about the situation. Instead, they dedicated themselves to understanding their respective horses before the racemenced. Despite the presence of onlookers, none of the threepetitors felt overwhelmed; they remained focused as if entering a zone of their own.


    When they heard the fire signal, they all dashed forward and were only looking forward, as Diamond who has a good track record came into the forefront of the other two, followed by Xavier and then Zen but there was not that much of a distance between the three. It was almost a neck-to-neck race.


    The vigers who are closely watching were all silently sucking a mouthful of breath as they clutch the piece of paper containing their bets.


    "Giddyup!" Hera urged Diamond to pick up the pace. She sensed that Diamond had more speed to give, urging it to push further. Diamond obediently followed hermands, their movements synchronizing seamlessly as if they were one on the racetrack. Before long, they had opened up a considerable distance between themselves and Xavier.


    Xavier, however, revealed a few tricks of his own, swiftly increasing his speed to match Hera’s pace, effectively keeping up with her and leaving Zen trailing a few feet behind.


    Rather than feeling nervous, Hera was exhrated by the challenge presented by Xavier. She sensed Diamond’s eagerness to push the pace further and she didn’t hesitate to oblige, urging the horse to elerate once more.


    As soon as she picked up the pace, Xavier would mirror her movements, maintaining close proximity. Hera couldn’t shake the feeling that Xavier was intentionally taunting her, perhaps hoping to goad her into impatience and pushing her horse beyond its limits, risking exhaustion.


    But Hera’s attention was solely fixed on Xavier; they didn’t notice that Zen had caught up to them and was now leading the race. As theypleted the firstp, with only twops left, the remaining rounds would be the deciding factor.


    Hera had overlooked the fact that Zen’s Andalusian horse was traditionally used as a warhorse, making it naturally strong and resilient. Gritting her teeth, she realized her mistake, having solely focused on Xavier.


    Now, she and Xavier trailed a few feet behind Zen. Looking at it from a different perspective, Hera realized she was at a disadvantage. Xavier’s Akhal-Teke horse boasted both speed and endurance, likely waiting for Diamond to exhaust itself before making a move. Meanwhile, Zen’s horse was more than capable of keeping up with Xavier.


    <i>’SHIT! I became careless!’</i>


    Hera leaned in closer to Diamond once more, feeling its breathing and muscles with her hand, trying to determine Diamond’s condition so she’d know what to do next.